Self-love is an invaluable skill for kids to learn. In light of this, Nickelodeon, in association with Orchids The International School, hosted an engaging forum with industry honchos on the topic. The discussion emphasised that being comfortable in one’s own skin can encourage young minds to celebrate their individuality, and challenge societal norms and conventions in the long run.
The panel titled ‘I am #OneOfAKind: Nurturing Self-Love in Children’ was graced by actor and mother Neha Dhupia, Dr. Swati Popat Vats (president of Podar Education Network and Early Childhood Association of India), Dr. Bharti Rakheja (self-love coach & founder of ‘I am Enough’ society), and Archana Rushal Padhye (HOD of special needs and counselling department, Orchids The International School). The speakers defined the roles of family, schools and communities in helping kids embrace their unique qualities.
Opening the discussion, Dhupia said, “In today’s society, children are exposed to an increasing amount of pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. From a young age, they are bombarded with messages about how they should look, act and behave. As parents, we have the power to help our kids to overcome these societal pressures by leading by example. By embracing our own individuality and practicing self-love, we can show our children that it’s okay to be different and encourage them to do the same.”
Dr. Vats said, “Every child is unique and deserves to be celebrated for who they are. It is the role of schools and teachers to foster a culture of individuality and self-love, empowering children to embrace their strengths and differences, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. By working together as educators, we can create a supportive environment where students feel valued, respected and empowered to pursue their dreams.”
Dr. Rakheja felt that every child deserves to know their worth and celebrate their uniqueness. “Being a self-love coach, I have witnessed first-hand the transformative power of self-love in people’s lives. By teaching kids to love them unconditionally, we can inspire a generation of confident, resilient individuals who are equipped to navigate life’s challenges with grace and authenticity. It’s wonderful to see a brand that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of its young viewers,” she concluded.
On the collaboration with Nickelodeon, Malad West’s Orchids school principal Jayashri Bhake said, “At our schools, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and respected. It is great to see Nickelodeon taking a proactive approach in engaging with kids and establishing a warm connection with them beyond entertainment and setting an example for other organisations to follow. We believe that this collaboration will bring positive change in our school community and beyond.”
The panel discussion was a part of Nickelodeon’s ongoing pro-socio initiative Together for Good that aims to inspire self-acceptance and self-love amongst kids and will help them in developing a strong sense of a positive self-image. The discussion, held at the Orchids’ Malad West branch, attracted a diverse audience of over 200 participants, including parents, educators, social media influencers and children.