Network for Information on Parenting

The Network for Information on Parenting (NIP), initiated by BMRRC in 1999, is a collective of NGOs and ECCD professionals across various states in India. Its primary focus is to empower parents and caregivers through knowledge of child development and the psycho-social well-being of the child.

Our Philosophy

Individual Appreciation
Every child is unique. We celebrate each child’s actions and achievements on their own merits, never through comparison with others.
Respectful Guidance
We do not tolerate physical or emotional punishment, insults, humiliation, or any form of abuse. Instead, we use gentle, constructive measures to encourage self-responsibility.
Positive Language
Negative remarks about a child’s appearance, abilities, gender, or background are never acceptable. We value and nurture each child’s natural strengths, free from societal bias.
Open Communication
Building self-esteem starts with positive, two-way communication. We listen as much as we speak, creating an environment where every child feels heard and valued.
Meaningful Recognition
Simple gestures—a smile, a hug, words of encouragement—are more meaningful than material rewards. We recognize and celebrate every effort, no matter how small.
Equality and Inclusion
We provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of gender, and support them in developing their unique identities.
Belonging
Every child deserves to feel included—never isolated, rejected, or neglected—within their family, school, and community.
Inclusive Environment
We are committed to creating an environment where every child feels welcome and supported at all times.
Child-Centred Approach
The happiness and well-being of each child are at the heart of everything we do.

We believe children reach their fullest potential when all aspects of their development are nurtured. Drawing from the framework in Good Beginnings by Judith Evans and Ellen Ilfeld, we focus on six key elements:

  • Sense of Self
  • Physical Abilities
  • Relationships
  • Understanding the World
  • Communication
  • Environment (added by BMRRC and NIP)

These elements work together to shape each child’s growth. By supporting all six, we foster well-rounded development and help children thrive within their unique environments.

Parenting is a continuous, evolving journey that spans every stage of a child’s development. Our life-cycle approach provides support and guidance at each phase, building on positive foundations and addressing challenges as they arise.

Parenting goes beyond mothers and fathers. Anyone who nurtures, guides, or supports a child—grandparents, relatives, teachers, caregivers, doctors, neighbours, and members of the community—plays a vital parenting role.
To reflect this inclusive approach, we use PARENTS as an acronym:

P – Pappa
A – Amma
R – Relatives
E – Elders
N – Neighbours
T – Teachers
S – Society

Our Activities - A Snapshot

The Network for Information on Parenting (NIP) began by establishing core parenting messages, with members in fields like ECCD, health, nutrition, and special needs sharing these messages through their organisations. NIP gradually expanded its reach by forging partnerships in ECCD and training caregivers, teachers, and parents in adoption agencies and kindergartens.

From 2008 to 2010, NIP conducted Master Training Programs to empower partner organisations to implement ECCD projects and parenting initiatives in their own communities and languages. NIP also collaborated extensively with the Government of Tamil Nadu to advance its mission, working across various departments, including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Looking ahead, NIP remains committed to empowering its members through training and capacity building while developing and sharing parenting tools and resources to promote positive parenting and ECCD messages throughout India.

Membership

The Network for Information on Parenting is a loosely federated democratic body featuring a diverse coalition of individuals and organisations united by a shared vision of parenting’s potential, including child development experts, teachers, special educators, and health professionals.

The Network is managed by a central Secretariat, supported by local and regional Chapters.

Membership is open, free, and inclusive.

For more information, please Contact Us as the NIP Secretariat in Chennai.