Srinagar, Nov. 20 -- A few days ago in Srinagar, I watched a short video on Facebook while talking with colleagues. It showed a teacher explaining how we wake our children in the morning. He said many of us begin their day with pressure. His message felt true the moment I heard it.

When we connect waking up with something pleasant, children step into the day with ease instead of stress.

Childhood carries learning, surprise, fear, courage and a constant search for new experiences. Science backs this.

Between one and twelve years, the brain grows at its fastest pace. UNICEF says more than 80 percent of brain development happens before age five.

Every word, tone and action shapes a child's emotional world. Even small stress in early y...