Parents have been advised to adopt simple, creative activities to keep toddlers engaged during the summer holidays, as experts warn that boredom and inactivity can affect children’s development and behavior.

The advice follows concerns that many parents struggle to manage toddlers’ high energy and curiosity when schools are closed and outdoor play becomes limited due to harsh weather conditions.

Child development specialists noted that engaging toddlers in playful, home-based activities not only keeps them occupied but also supports their mental, physical and emotional growth during the holiday period.

Among the recommended activities is water play, which involves allowing children to interact with water
using cups, spoons and toys, a method said to improve motor skills and coordination while keeping them cool and entertained.

Experts also noted coloring, storytelling and building blocks as effective ways to boost creativity, focus and imagination, stressing that such activities encourage children to express themselves and gradually improve their attention span.

Other suggested activities include indoor obstacle courses, pretend play, music and dance sessions, as well as simple sorting games, all of which help toddlers develop physical strength, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

They emphasized that play remains a critical tool for early childhood development, stressing that toddlers learn more effectively through interactive and enjoyable experiences than through formal teaching methods, as it enhances brain development, language acquisition, social skills and creativity.

Artificial intelligence is steadily moving beyond software applications into the physical side of business operations, as companies in food production and logistics increasingly deploy data-driven systems to support real-time decision-making. The shift is evident in the latest strategy unveiled by The Hershey
Company during its Investor Day, where the firm outlined plans to embed AI across its operations, from sourcing analytics to plant automation and product fulfilment.

According to the company, the initiative will focus on improving how the business runs behind
the scenes, with AI guiding decisions on procurement and distribution to build “a faster, smarter
and more resilient supply chain powered by automation and AI-enabled decision making.”
Hershey noted that supply chains in the food and snack sector remain under constant pressure due to fluctuating costs, seasonal demand, and retailer expectations for timely and accurate deliveries.

To address these challenges, the company said its digital planning tools would integrate various aspects of the business, helping to reduce waste, optimize inventory levels, and improve service delivery through better data connectivity across the supply chain. Central to the strategy is what Hershey described as “AI-enabled decision-making,” which seeks to link sourcing and delivery systems more closely while deploying automated fulfilment technologies to improve speed to market and handle customized product assortments.

The company also disclosed plans to expand automation within its manufacturing plants, using AI to enhance efficiency and embed intelligence directly into production systems rather than treating it as a separate analytical tool. Industry analysts say the approach reflects a broader trend in which firms are moving from limited AI pilot projects to full-scale integration across core business functions, particularly in sectors reliant on physical goods.

Food manufacturers, including Hershey, continue to grapple with volatile input costs for commodities such as cocoa and sugar, which are influenced by weather conditions, trade dynamics, and supply disruptions, making responsive and data-driven systems increasingly critical. Chief Executive Officer Kirk Tanner said the company’s direction is anchored on growth and execution, noting that the strategy positions Hershey to respond faster to market changes while strengthening operational performance.

Health and lifestyle experts have urged women to prioritize healthy living and challenge misconceptions surrounding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, assuring patients that the condition does not prevent them from living fulfilled and productive lives.

The call was made at the Complete 360 Woman Conference themed “Rebirth,” held in Lagos, where stakeholders emphasized the need for greater awareness and intentional self-care among women. At the conference, professionals across health, wellness and personal development sectors converged to address issues affecting women’s well-being and encourage self-rediscovery despite prevailing social and economic pressures.

Delivering the keynote address, Publisher of Exquisite Magazine, Tewa Onasanya, stressed the importance of mental transformation and self-belief, noting that many women unconsciously limit their own growth due to negative internal narratives. Onasanya said many individuals are constrained not by lack of competence or opportunity, but by beliefs that shape their decisions, adding that embracing a mindset of growth is essential to unlocking potential and achieving purpose.

She described “rebirth” as a continuous process, urging women to make daily decisions that prioritize purpose over fear, growth over comfort, and confidence over doubt in their personal and professional
journeys. Convener of the conference and global emotional intelligence coach, Omotola Ade-Onojobi, explained that the initiative was designed to help women reconnect with their purpose and unlock
hidden potential despite financial, emotional and marital challenges.

During a panel session titled “Revitalize Your Health,” nutritionist and Chief Executive Officer of Zeelicious Foods, Winifred Nwania, highlighted the role of balanced diets and healthy routines in managing hormonal conditions, noting that lifestyle choices significantly influence overall well-being.

Also speaking, actress and medical doctor, Annetta Adebusuyi, said women diagnosed with PCOS could still lead complete lives and achieve motherhood, stressing that proper management, accurate information and a positive mindset remain key to overcoming the condition.

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