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.

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.

#lifestyle #health #pcos #healthy living

Duckie Thot has become one of the most recognisable faces in global fashion, admired for her striking beauty and strong presence on international runways. Born Nyadak Thot on October 23, 1995, in Melbourne, she is of South Sudanese heritage and grew up in Australia after her family fled conflict in South Sudan before her birth.

Thot first gained public attention in 2013 when she competed in Australia’s Next Top Model, finishing as one of the top contestants. Al-though the exposure helped launch her career, she initially struggled to secure opportunities in Australia, which she attributed to limit-ed representation for models of colour in the local fashion industry.

Determined to pursue her dream, she later relocated to New York, where her career quickly gained momentum. A breakthrough moment came when she was invited to work with Kanye West, leading to her runway debut at the Yeezy Spring/Summer 2017 show. Since then, she has walked for major fashion houses and featured in campaigns for brands including Fenty Beauty, Balmain and Moschino.

Her profile rose further when she starred as Alice in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar in-spired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The project, which featured an all-Black cast, celebrated diversity in fashion and helped cement Thot’s reputation as one of the industry’s most influen-tial models.Beyond modelling, Thot has also been vocal about di-versity and inclusion in the beauty and fashion world. Having once struggled to find makeup suited to her skin tone on photo shoots, she now advocates for broader repre-sentation behind the scenes and on the runway, inspiring a new generation of models to see themselves reflected