Children’s Day is round the corner. It is celebrated on November 14th every year and is celebrated on the occasion of our first Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru’s birth anniversary. It is a very special day for children and is usually celebrated in schools with a lot of enthusiasm and fervour.
So, I was talking to my nephew and my daughter about how they would like to like to celebrate Children’s Day and this is what they told me, “ They would like it to be celebrated as a day when children have full freedom and there are no restrictions on that day. They would like to play as long as they want, eat whatever they want without any restrictions and decide on how to celebrate it with their friends”.
We had a good laugh about it but it got me thinking. Children’s Day is usually celebrated in schools and there are various programs, dances, plays, quiz competitions etc. But there is not much that parents do at homes on the occasion of Children’s Day. It is generally considered an occasion to be celebrated in schools only.
This year we are planning to celebrate Children’s Day in our apartment complex also. There are lots of young children in our apartment complex and we have planned to make this day special for them. Since 14th is a weekday and they have to go to their schools, we are celebrating the same on the Sunday before 14th, i.e. on 11th of November.
This is what we have planned for them as well as all the residents.
The events that are planned are a foreword about Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru where we briefly tell them about his contributions to our great nation.
Next is going to be a surprise performance for children. A drama performance by parents for the children. Now I am not going to disclose any further about the topic but we have worked quite hard for this and hopefully the kids are going to enjoy it. There will also be a few songs by residents.
Post this, we are going to have some games for the children, few races and quiz. We have arranged some small prizes for the winners.
After this, we have arranged for brunch for all the residents, where there are many items on the menu which will certainly please the children.
We are also going to give a Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate with a special handmade tag which says ‘Happy Children’s Day’. I am sure they are going to love this party favour as I am yet to meet a child who does not like Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate.
We have put a lot of efforts in planning and arranging this event and hopefully the kids will enjoy the day and will remember it for many years to come. How do you celebrate Children’s Day at home? If you have nothing planned then maybe take them out for a fun outing or at least gift them their favourite chocolate, which could Cadbury Dairy Milk.
Packing checklist for a trip with your toddler/ preschooler – With our busy lives, the number of long vacations has considerably reduced and instead most people plan trips over the weekends or when they have a few days off. If both the parents are working and once your child starts school, it takes even more coordination to plan a trip. Gone are the days when you could just take a backpack and go off to a place on the shortest notice. Now a trip requires careful planning, especially with toddlers.
When my daughter was a toddler and even now, her stuff takes a lot of space in our luggage. We have initially made plenty of mistakes and have been caught unawares, but I have now developed a habit of keeping a checklist, which keeps us prepared for most eventualities during a trip. So, I thought of sharing it with all the parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
Packing checklist for a trip with your toddler or preschooler
Diaper supplies
Diaper supplies top any packing checklist. Pack enough diapers, wipes, sanitizers and wet wipes to last you during the transit and few extra ones before you are able to purchase more. Carrying extra may also avoid chances of rashes.
Bathing supplies
Next come the bathing supplies. Carry your child’s soap, bathing gel, shampoo, oil, lotions, etc. Always take smaller packs for trips instead of carrying big packs. Also, keep a set of small bottles in which you can pour the required amount and carry rather than lugging around the large packs which will not end up getting used.
Mosquito repellents
This is the most important supply to carry. I have a mosquito repellent in my hand bag as well as in my luggage to ensure that I am not caught unawares if I happen to lose one.
I have been carrying the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On personal mosquito repellent with me wherever I go. Toddlers may get fidgety when one tries to apply lotions and creams. But, with the Fabric Roll-On, all you have to do is apply 4 dots on your child’s clothes. It is 100% natural & you can also apply it while they are sleeping, without disturbing their sleep. If you are worried about it spoiling clothes or leaving stains, trust me it doesn’t. I have used it enough number of times to know.
For children below the age of 2, Goodknight Patches can do wonders! Both these products are paediatrician certified & hence safe for your child.
First aid kit
Prescription medicines for the child, if any
General medicines like cough, cold, fever medicines
Thermometer
Calamine lotion for any allergies, etc.
Nasal aspirator
Nasal saline drops
Bandages, band-aids, cotton etc.
Clothing
It is important to carry appropriate clothing depending on the expected weather. Take swimming costumes if you are going to a beach or going to swim, warm clothes if the weather might be on the cooler side. I always carry a few extra pairs. If you are planning to attend something formal, it is best to carry an extra good set. Even for your child, always carry extra pairs of clothes.
Toys, Books & Art supplies
When we go for longer trips, it is important to keep kids engaged during the commute whether it is car, train or flight. I always carry simple toys like puzzles and art supplies so that she can draw whatever she feels like. I also carry plenty of her favourite books which she can read during the trip. Books are the best because they are easy to carry and can be used to entertain anywhere.
Other General items
Plastic/ disposable bags
To dispose of anything or to store soiled clothing without spoiling clean clothes.
Old newspapers
You can use them as a cover to protect your car seat while eating or use them to clean messes or to dispose of soiled diapers, etc.
So this is my check list for when I travel with my kid. Do you think I have missed out on anything here that you would like to add?
Malaria used to be and is still a dreaded word. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease, which can even be life-threatening sometimes. Malaria is caused by a parasite, which is carried by the female Anopheles mosquito.
The World Health Organization estimates that 438,000 people died of malaria in 2015. Though the number of deaths caused by malaria has come down significantly in recent years, it is still a serious health threat.
Symptoms of Malaria
Symptoms of malaria resemble a lot like those of flu. Many a times, malaria may remain undiagnosed if flu is suspected and if the blood test is not done on time.
If malaria is detected on time, it is usually uncomplicated and can be easily cured. However, if undetected, malaria can get complicated and severe.
Symptoms of uncomplicated malaria
Fever and chills – the patient often feels cold with shivering known as chills, followed by high fever
Headache
Nausea & Vomiting
Body aches and fatigue
Severe malaria can be fatal and can lead to:
Anemia
Seizures
Kidney failure
Causes of Malaria
Malaria is caused by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito, when she is carrying the parasite plasmodium.
There are 5 species of plasmodium which can cause malaria. When an infected mosquito bites a human host, the parasite enters the bloodstream and lays dormant eggs within the liver. This means the symptoms start showing around 10 days after someone is infected.
Is Malaria contagious?
Malaria is not contagious, which means it does not spread by touch. It can however pass from a pregnant mother to her unborn child which is known as congenital malaria.
How can we Prevent Malaria?
Preventing malaria can be done by protecting oneself from mosquito bites. I ensure my daughter and I are well-protected when we are outside especially during evening time.
You can use mosquito repellents by Goodknight. The Goodknight Fabric Roll-On or even Goodknight Patches are good for kids as they do not like applying lotions, etc. Apply 4 dots of the Fabric Roll-On on your child’s clothes or stick the Patches on their clothes when they step out to play. Don’t you worry, these products are paediatrician certified and 100% natural and hence, safe for your child.
Other than these, you may also use repellents at home, mosquito nets and wear covered clothing.
We must also ensure that mosquitoes do not breed near our homes. This means not allowing water to get accumulated and stagnate in coolers, drains, etc. Stagnant water is the breeding ground of mosquitoes and should be avoided at all costs.
How is Malaria treated?
If you have symptoms similar to those listed above, it is best to consult a doctor. The doctor will then advise a blood test, wherein the presence of the malaria parasite can be detected.
If malaria is found, the doctor will prescribe appropriate medication to cure the infection.
In recent years, the incidences of malaria have come down quite a bit. One of the main reasons is the knowledge amongst people on prevention and the easiest way to do it by protecting oneself against mosquitoes.
We have been talking about how we should try to be a #YesMom, but every mother will admit that it is easier said than done. While we all want our kids to explore different things and enjoy life to the fullest, we are always concerned what effect it will have on their health.
One recent example that comes to my mind. Last month, there was slight rain in Bangalore. My daughter loves playing in the rain and she would get off the school bus, give me her school bag and refuse to come into the umbrella or even in shelter. It’s a joy watching her enjoying the rain, but I couldn’t always allow her in case she fell sick. I had to ask her to come inside and it was heart-breaking to see her disappointment. But there was no way, I could have taken that risk.
Another instance that I can remember was when my daughter wanted to try a chaat at a road side stall. Now I don’t mind having food at that stall and it also reminded me of my own childhood when we used to enjoy chaats at such joints. But I was concerned about my daughter falling sick because it was an open road-side stall. I had to make an excuse and dissuade her from having chaat there. Once again, I want her to enjoy these little things but fear of falling sick pulls me back.
I also know that these experiences can help in building a child’s character as long as he/she has a strong immune system. One thing that every mother wants is some definite solution which will improve the immunity of her child. So, when I chanced upon this new product by Cipla called ActivKids Immune Boosters, I was intrigued.
Now, one thing is buying a product which claims to improve immunity in kids and getting kids to eat it is a completely different ball game altogether. I had tried out so many products earlier, multivitamin syrups, powders to mix in milk and the list goes on. But that unfinished bottle of the syrup and that half-finished glass of milk kept reminding me that her nutrition wasn’t complete and the money got wasted.
But this product looks and tastes just like chocolate, so kids are more than happy to have it. When my daughter tried it for the first time, it was with a bit of apprehension. But she loved the chocolate taste along with butterscotch crispies and now it is her favourite treat along with milk in the evening.
ActivKids Immuno Boosters has been developed by Cipla scientists based on ICMR and WHO guidelines for kid’s nutrition. It provides upto 100% RDA of key immunity nutrients.
It claims to have following benefits for kids:
Immune Strength building – Helps build immune system to protect from germs
Blood Formation – Helps in blood formation that has positive effect on immunity.
Immune Cell formation – Helps in immune cell formation and their activity.
Antioxidant protection – Helps protect body cells against damage caused by free radicals.
Skin Barrier Strengthening – Helps build first line of defence against germ attack.
Recommended Usage: 1 choco-bite to be taken along with regular diet daily.
I am happy that they do not claim it as a replacement of regular food, but only as a supplement to ensure kids do not lose out on required nutrition due to their picky habits or even due to non-availability of certain things.
Here is the latest TV ad from the brand and you will be able to relate to what I mentioned in the beginning.
By making Immuno Boosters as part of my daughter’s daily diet, I think I will be able to say ‘Yes’ to playing in the rain and enjoying street foods more often and let her enjoy her childhood the way I did, uninhibited. For all those mums reading my blog and aspiring to be a #YesMom too, you can purchase the product here
And do share your own stories and experiences so that other mums can get inspired.
So, my 6 years old daughter and I were discussing a question paper which she had attempted and I saw that she had made some silly mistakes in straightforward questions. I do not bother too much about these performances but I wanted her to know so that she is careful next time.
Me: Baby,if you had just checked it once, you would have caught your mistake.
A: But, Mumma! Making mistakes is good. That’s how we learn.
Me: Who says that?
A : You!
As expected there was not much I could say after that except that making mistakes is good, but we should also try not to repeat those mistakes.
This interaction made me very happy and also got me thinking. I am happy that she is not afraid of making mistakes, that she is not under pressure to do it all right every single time. I always tell her that it is good to try things and fail than never to try anything for fear of failure. I am glad that she has understood that well, even though it sometimes mean she has to remind me of the same.
The credit also goes to her school, which hasn’t taught her to compete with her friends. They encourage children to try and be better, learn from their fellow students, but they are not made to feel like failures if others are better than them.
This reminds me of another incident when she was 4 years old. She was in kindergarten then and we had gone to attend her sports day. We enjoyed the races thoroughly and I told her after the races that she performed very well. Pat comes the reply, “Mumma, all my friends did very well”. I was amazed and of course very proud. There were certificates for all children and there were no winners or losers. Each child was encouraged by their teachers and fellow students to finish the race, however long it took. What a great way to teach little kids that it doesn’t matter whether you finish first or last, as long as you finish it and not give up mid way.
Unfortunately, in our society a child’s success is measured by her achievements and children do not have the luxury of failing and learning. They are expected to excel at everything, from academics to sports to dance and music, as well as arts. We, as parents want to create the best possible specimen of human race. In school, children have to compete for every single mark. Now, the kids do not just have to compete with the 20-25 kids in their class, but everyone their age across the world. There are global competition for even nursery kids, where they can display and prove their genius.
And, the result of all this is often times that kids are not able to handle even the smallest of failures. Only a few month ago, I heard of a girl who committed suicide because she did not score as well as she had expected in her 12th exams. She was a school topper and an achiever by every stretch of imagination. It makes you think if we as parents, as teachers and society are failing our kids.
Why can’t we tell them that it is OK to fail? Have we not made numerous mistakes and still managed to make a decent life for ourselves.
Why can’t we tell them that it is OK to make mistakes and every time you fall, you can get up and try again. So many examples come to mind. Mahatma Gandhi, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Chef Vikas Khanna and many more. They have all failed many times before going on to do stuff which nobody could even think of. Rovio Entertainment of the famous Angry Birds, had 51 unsuccessful games before the runaway success, which has been downloaded billions of times.
No failure is FINAL, till the time you give up. Every time you fail, it is an opportunity to do something BIGGER, something BETTER the next time.
Loved this video about the Falling Test, where it is so visible that kids are naturally inclined to not give up and keep trying, but it is the societal conditioning which changes them over the years.
This article is in collaboration with Surf Excel #HaarKoHaraocampaign, which encourages parents and society to look beyond temporary failures. They believe children are fearless and do not fear failure till we tell them to. Of course, I agree to this completely. What’s your take on this?
So you know that we have been using Pediasure for last few months and we shared our experience with your guys. In this article, I want to share how we fare after about 3 months of using Pediasure.
To recap, my almost 6 years old daughter had an issue with catching frequent cold and cough. She was also turning into a slightly picky eater with long school hours now that she was in elementary school. She has always been on the leaner side. It was not really a concern for me but I was certainly worried about her catching cold frequently. It also meant her having to miss school as once she would catch a cold & cough, it would take many days to subside. Especially staying in Bangalore, where the amount of pollen is very high causing lots of respiratory issues like allergies. A friend once jokingly said that instead of being called “Pensioner’s Paradise”, Bangalore should be called “Pediatrician’s Paradise”.
I wanted her immunity to improve as well as her overall growth. And that’s when someone suggested Pediasure and I thought of giving it a try.
We are happy to share with you guys that we have seen many positive changes since we started using Pediasure almost 4 months ago.
Changes that I notice in my daughter since we started Pediasure:
She has grown a couple of inches in last 4 months.
She has gained about 1 kg in weight.
She seems to have better immunity and hasn’t caught any cold in the last 4 years. I am of course keeping my fingers crossed for the coming winter season.
She is also not missing school as she is not falling sick very often.
One more positive change is that she loves the taste of Pediasure chocolate flavour, so she does not bother me while drinking milk like before.
How much Pediasure do I give?
I give 2-3 scoops in a glass of milk to her. You can also try mixing it in warm water.
Important points to note while using PediaSure for kids
PediaSure powder is for kids who are 2 years and above, so refrain from giving it to babies and toddlers below that age.
It is not for kids who are lactose intolerant as it contains milk solids. It should not be given to kids who have galactosemia either.
It is a supplement to help with growth along with a good diet and it should not be taken as a substitute for healthy, homemade food.
Pediasure should be added only to lukewarm water or milk and should not be heated under any circumstance as heating it above 35 degrees centigrade kills its probiotic nutrients.
Pediasure is especially great for kids in the morning before school when they are not very keen on having full breakfast early morning. A glass of milk with Pediasure will ensure they go to school on a full stomach and have the energy till they get the next break, when they can have the breakfast that you pack for them.
Soup for babies – Soups are one of the most favourite things to have during the cooler months of the year. Soups are not just comforting but also healthy and nutritious. They are also easy to eat and you can add as many ingredients as you like.
Soups are also a great way to feed vegetables to kids if they do not like those. Nothing comforts like a warm bowl of soup when you have a cold or are sick otherwise. Soups also provide hydration if child does not like drinking a lot of water. Soups are also good if child has constipation or upset stomach.
In this post, we are sharing 15 simple soups which can be made for babies, toddlers, kids & adults.
Below are a few points to keep in ind when preparing soups:
Wash and clean all vegetables well before cutting them.
You can blend the soups for young kids and keep them chunky for older children.
You can add soups to mashed rice to make a full meal for babies and young kids.
Do not add salt to baby’s soups till 1 year of age.
Whenever adding any untried ingredient in soups, keep an eye open for adverse reactions.
Give regular everyday food along with soups for babies.
You can add ghee or butter to add calories to soup.
You may add simple spices like black pepper, cumin seed powder and turmeric powder as early as 8 months.
Benefits of including soups in kid’s diet:
Soups are very nutritious and healthy.
Soups are a great way to sneak in vegetables which child does not like.
Soups are a great way to add more water and keep child hydrated.
Soups are very comforting to eat during sickness and easy to eat.
Soups are easy to digest and are good for children.
Points to Remember
Baby will most probably not have more 2-3 teaspoons when you introduce any new soup. This is normal and expected.
Soups can be given at any time of the day.
Soups are great when baby or kid has cold or ay other illness.
#1. Dal ka pani / Dal soup for babies
Dal soup or lentil soup is one of the first foods and soups that your can make for babies. For babies, it is best to use peeled moong dal as it is very light on stomach and easy to digest.
#2. Rice water/ Rice gruel or Rice soup for babies
This is also a common soup which can be given to babies as a first food and to kids when they have diarrhoea or loose motions.
Method
Wash 1 tbsp rice well in water.
Boil 1 tbsp rice with 1 cup water.
Cook till rice is very well cooked.
Strain the starch water and give this as rice soup.
If you want to add more substance, you may mash/ blend the rice completely and give that.
#3. Vegetable clear soup (6 months+)
This simple vegetable clear soup is perfect for 6 months baby and above. It can be given to kids when they are suffering from some ailment too. It is light and easy to digest.
Method
Cut assorted vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, potatoes into similar sized pieces.
Add 1 cup of cut vegetables to pressure cooker.
Add 1 cup water to pressure cooker
Cook the vegetables till 2-3 whistles.
Let the cooker cool down on its own.
Strain the soup to get clear stock.
Serve this clear soup with a drop of ghee or butter.
#4. Vegetable and lentil soup for babies (6 months and above)
#5. Vegetable soup for babies (6 months+)
You can give this simple vegetable soup to babies who are above 6 months. It is a great way to add assorted vegetables in your baby’s diet.
#6. Tomato soup for babies ( 8 months+)
Tomatoes are acidic so they should be introduced around 8 months. This pain tomato soup is perfect way to introduce tomato in baby’s diet. Try to use tomatoes which are naturally sweet in taste. Baby may not have more than 2-3 teaspoons and that is normal.
#7. Carrot and Tomato Soup for babies (8 months+)
Carrots are a good vegetable to add with tomatoes because it provides a nice sweetness to tangy tomatoes.
#8. Apple and bottle gourd soup for babies ( 6 months+)
Bottle gourd or lauki is a vegetable which is not very popular among kids. Introduce it early with this apple and lauki soup.
Ingredients
Half apple
1 piece lauki – roughly the same amount as apple
Water as needed
Recipe of apple & lauki mash
Peel the apple and cut the apple into small pieces.
Peel lauki and cut into similar sized pieces.
Put both apple and lauki pieces into a pressure cooker.
Add a little water, just enough to cook the apple and lauki. Do not add too much water as both apple and lauki have lots of water content.
Cook the apple and lauki for 2-3 whistles and let the cooker cool on its own.
Open the cooker and check if both apple and lauki have cooked well.
Blend the cooked pieces to a fine soup and serve warm.
#9. Spinach soup for toddlers and kids (1 year+)
Ingredients
Spinach cleaned, washed and chopped – 2 cups
Garlic – 2 cloves minced
Onion – 2 teaspoons minced
1/2 teaspoon besan
Oil – 1 teaspoon
Cumin powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste
Cream – 1 teaspoon
Recipe
In a pan, heat oil and saute onion and garlic.
Add spinach and saute.
Now add besan and cook for a couple of minutes.
Add 1 and half cups of water and mix well to a smooth paste.
Add cumin powder, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil while stirring continuously and then simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Blend the soup to a smooth consistency.
Garnish with cream on top.
#10. Apple and carrot soup for babies (6 months+)
Ingredients
Half apple
1 carrot – roughly the same amount as apple
Water as needed
Recipe of apple & carrot soup
Peel the apple and cut the apple into small pieces.
Peel carrotand cut into similar sized pieces.
Put both apple and carrot pieces into a pressure cooker.
Add a little water, just enough to cook the apple and carrot.
Cook for 2-3 whistles and let the cooker cool on its own.
Open the cooker and check if both apple and carrot have cooked well.
Blend the cooked pieces to a fine soup and serve warm.
#11. Chicken clear soup for babies ( 9 months+)
This chicken clear soup/ chicken stock is very good for babies and kids when they sick in some way.
Ingredients
Chicken – 2-3 pieces
Beans, Carrots, chives – 1/2 cup
Garlic – 1 chopped
Ginger – 1/2 tsp chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Method
Put all the ingredients in a pot.
Add 2-3 cups of water
Simmer for half an hour.
Shred chicken into pieces and serve to child warm.
#12. Chicken and Vegetable Soup for babies ( 9 months+)
Chicken can be introduced in baby’s diet around 9 months old. You can make this simple chicken and vegetable soup with boneless chicken. It is a wholesome soup which is also filling.
#13. Fish and vegetable soup for babies ( 9 months+)
You may introduce fish in baby’s diet once baby is around 9 months old. This soup can be used to add fish in baby’s diet easily.
#14. Vegetable & Rice Soup for babies and kids
This wholesome soup is perfect as a complete meal for babies. When you want to make it for toddlers, you may add salt and spices as per taste.
#15. Broccoli Soup for kids
Broccoli is a very healthy vegetable, but I have heard from many mothers that their kid does not like broccoli because of its strong taste. You can make this soup for toddlers and kids when you want to add broccoli to their diet.
Do you love crafting with your kids? Well, Valentine’s day is approaching and that gives you one more excuse to craft. So today we have a round up of some simple Valentine’s Day crafts that you can do with your kids. These crafts are so simple that you can do them to bond with your child even if you do not like crafting as such.
If you have a toddler or pre-schooler at home like me, you must have an endless supply of broken crayons. Repurpose them into these cute heart-shaped crayons. It is simple, fun and your children will have loads of fun gifting them to their friends.
This one is again very simple to make. Cut up thick construction paper in valentine’s colors like red and pink into 1 inch thick strips. Shape them into hearts using glue or stapler to join the ends.
You can use this chain to decorate at a party or even across your child’s bedroom wall.
This project has been bookmarked for me. I am in the lookout for those simple tote bags, so that I can try this out. I believe this will work on plain jute bags too. Bling up those plain shopping bags with easy technique.
I have been suffering from ASTHMA for over 20 years. I come across loads of people, who have no idea of the condition or are scared of this. So, when I got this opportunity to interact with Dr. Balaraju Tadikonda (M.D. Pulmonary Medicine), I was excited to ask all the questions I have had in my mind forever. I was specially interested in knowing how it can affect children.
ShishuWorld: How serious is lung ailment? What are the different type of lung ailments.
Dr. Bala :Looking at the current scenario the lung ailments have become major concern. Pollution, lack of exercise, smoking, our lifestyle, etc. all contribute to the poor lung health. Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic Cough, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Sleep Apnea, Tuberculosis, etc. are some of the lung ailments that effect people depending on age, sex, family history, occupation and as mentioned earlier, lifestyle followed.
According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deaths due to lung diseases in India are on the rise accounting for 11 per cent of the total deaths. As many as 142.09 in every one lakh, died of one form of lung disease or the other giving India the dubious distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths in the world.
SW: Throw light on the deteriorating lung health in the region?
Dr. : Public health in the region has been greatly affected due to pollution and choices made for modern lifestyle. We have seen increase in the number of patients. The increase in the patient may not be alarming but is definitely a worrisome state.
SW: Are asthma and Bronchitis same?
Dr. : Asthma and bronchitis are both obstructive lung diseases. In both the disease patients find it difficult to breath. The air has a hard time getting out of your lungs. However, they are different diseases with different treatment. Asthma is a long-term, chronic condition, whereas bronchitis is an isolated incident occurring in response to acute infection and will most likely resolve on its own.
SW: How serious can asthma be in children?
Dr. : Asthma in children is a serious concern. The symptoms of pediatric asthma can range from a nagging cough that lingers for days or weeks to sudden and scary breathing emergencies. Most children with asthma have symptoms before they turn 5.In Kids, if asthma is not properly managed, it often leads to anxiety, social isolation, and constant fear of flare-ups. Rather than risk another episode, children restrain themselves from all activity, exercises, and social events requiring exertion, which further adds to the physical and emotional stress. Support of family, and peers, coupled with counselling by professionals can help children handle the psychological distress. Additionally, eliminating the risk factors triggering asthma attacks and providing prompt medical attention goes a long way in ensuring the physical and psychological health of children suffering from asthma.
Rising levels of pollution are one of the major causes for fatal lungs disorders and severe respiratory problems
Asthma is not only caused due to environmental factors such as infection, microbial exposure which may act as risk factors depending on the point at which the exposure occurred in childhood or infancy but also because of the hieratic predisposition is the main reason to increase the asthma rates
Maternal smoking, diet, stress, antibiotics and mode of delivery which is a prenatal risk factor contributing to the development of asthma in the child
Indoor pollution such as exposure to allergens, dust, animal danger, pollens poses a severe threat to trigger asthma in your child
Odors, fragrances, volatile organic compounds in sprays and cleaning products are other components that lead to frequent asthma attacks in children
The daily lifestyle may also have an adverse effect on asthma differently at a different point in life and relevant triggers may change according to the period.
SW: Can Asthma be treated completely?
Dr. : It is very important to note here that asthma can be controlled through inhalation therapy. Asthma is a long-term disease that has no cure. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease. Inhaled medicines are not just meant for severe asthmatics. Asthma is a condition of inflammation (swelling) of the lungs.
The best treatment for inflammation of the lungs is steroids, and the most effective way of taking it is through inhalation therapy. When you take inhalation therapy, the steroid medicine goes directly through the lungs and has minimum side effects. Inhalers are not only meant for those with severe asthma. It is recommended even for those with moderate asthma. The steroid in your Controller will usually contain a corticosteroid, which is safe.
SW: How can a person with Asthma live normal life?
Dr. : You can lead an active and healthy life despite your asthma. If you have asthma, you can rest assured that you will be able to lead a normal and active life. If you/your child follow your physician’s advice, educate yourselves about asthma, use your inhaled medication correctly as prescribed by the doctor, and avoid your triggers, there is no reason why asthma should get in the way of your dreams, your life. There are many successful men and women – film stars, politicians, business people, doctors, cricketers, even Olympic gold medalists who have asthma and still continue leading normal, active lives.
SW: What precautions should one take when one is suffering from asthma?
Dr. : Asthma patients needs to manage their asthma by following correct medication, don’t opt for home remedies – consult the doctor, opt for inhalation therapy and identify what triggers asthma attack. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight will make it easier to manage the condition.
SW: What is inhalation therapy and why is it so important?
Dr. : Inhalation therapy with corticosteroids has emerged as the mainstay of asthma management. Moreover, as compared to oral medications, inhaled corticosteroids are required to be given in small amounts to the patient as they reach the lungs directly. Inhaled corticosteroids work by reducing mucus production and swelling in the airways, which make the airways less sensitive and thus decrease the chances of an asthma attack. Corticosteroids can be termed as lifesavers because they help in preventing or reversing inflammation in the airways while making them less sensitive to the triggers. These drugs, that can be referred to as “long term control” medicines, help in keeping both inflammation and asthma flare-ups under control.
SW: Majority of people are taking oral tablet for asthma. Do think it is a correct way to treat asthma?
Dr. : Oral medication is not better than inhalation therapy and there is enough research to prove it. In most countries, inhalation therapy has succeeded in replacing oral therapy. Oral therapy, i.e. tablets and syrups which have to be swallowed, takes time to act as they have to pass from the stomach to the bloodstream and finally to the lungs. Whereas, inhalation therapy is quicker because the drug is delivered directly to the place where it is required, i.e., the lungs. In oral therapy, you need a larger dose (almost 40 times more than in inhalation therapy) which means greater side effects. In inhalation therapy, the drug is in micrograms and since very little medicine is allowed to reach any other part of the body, you have lesser side effects.
SW: Steroids are not good for health, inhalers too have steroids. What make them good when taken as inhalers?
Dr. : Asthma is a condition of inflammation (swelling) of the lungs. The best treatment for inflammation of the lungs is steroids, and the most effective way of taking it is through inhalation therapy. When you take inhalation therapy, the steroid medicine goes directly to the lungs and has minimum side effects. Inhalers are not only meant for those with severe asthma. It is recommended even for those with moderate asthma. The steroid in your Controller which contain a corticosteroid, which is safe.
SW: Can steroids when taken for long term in inhalers cause any health hazard?
Dr. : Corticosteroids are a copy of the steroids that are produced naturally in our bodies. Thus it is a very safe and effective treatment for asthma. It is important that these are not the same steroids that are misused by some athletes and body builders. However, not all inhalers contain steroid, some contain a quick relief drug.
SW: What are your thoughts about the recent awareness campaign running in Hyderabad #BerokZindagi?
Dr. : The campaign has positioned the inhaler as not a sign of weakness, but echoes the patients’ undeniable resolve and spirit. Impact of asthma on quality of life is far greater than as perceived by the patients and the perception of the disease management is far more controlled in the minds of patients. Public awareness is the need of an hour. Increased awareness about inhalation treatment (including non-sufferers) to overcome social stigma; the assurance that inhalation is safe and reliable and to know that asthma can be controlled and thus is not a hindrance in living a full life are major concern areas.
I hope the campaign break the stigma associated with asthma and use of inhalers.
I hope these answers will clarify plenty of doubts and stigma that people have around the condition of asthma and other pulmonary diseases. I have been able to lead a very normal life with the use of inhalers as well as with exercise and basic precautions. If you have any questions, do leave them in comments.
So you know that we have been using Pediasure for last few months and we shared our experience with your guys. In this article, I want to share how we fare after about 3 months of using Pediasure.
To recap, my almost 6 years old daughter had an issue with catching frequent cold and cough. She was also turning into a slightly picky eater with long school hours now that she was in elementary school. She has always been on the leaner side. It was not really a concern for me but I was certainly worried about her catching cold frequently. It also meant her having to miss school as once she would catch a cold & cough, it would take many days to subside. Especially staying in Bangalore, where the amount of pollen is very high causing lots of respiratory issues like allergies. A friend once jokingly said that instead of being called “Pensioner’s Paradise”, Bangalore should be called “Pediatrician’s Paradise”.
I wanted her immunity to improve as well as her overall growth. And that’s when someone suggested Pediasure and I thought of giving it a try.
We are happy to share with you guys that we have seen many positive changes since we started using Pediasure almost 4 months ago.
Changes that I notice in my daughter since we started Pediasure:
She has grown a couple of inches in last 4 months.
She has gained about 1 kg in weight.
She seems to have better immunity and hasn’t caught any cold in the last 4 years. I am of course keeping my fingers crossed for the coming winter season.
She is also not missing school as she is not falling sick very often.
One more positive change is that she loves the taste of Pediasure chocolate flavour, so she does not bother me while drinking milk like before.
How much Pediasure do I give?
I give 2-3 scoops in a glass of milk to her. You can also try mixing it in warm water.
Important points to note while using PediaSure for kids
PediaSure powder is for kids who are 2 years and above, so refrain from giving it to babies and toddlers below that age.
It is not for kids who are lactose intolerant as it contains milk solids. It should not be given to kids who have galactosemia either.
It is a supplement to help with growth along with a good diet and it should not be taken as a substitute for healthy, homemade food.
Pediasure should be added only to lukewarm water or milk and should not be heated under any circumstance as heating it above 35 degrees centigrade kills its probiotic nutrients.
Pediasure is especially great for kids in the morning before school when they are not very keen on having full breakfast early morning. A glass of milk with Pediasure will ensure they go to school on a full stomach and have the energy till they get the next break, when they can have the breakfast that you pack for them.
The most common query that we get from our readers is that their baby is not gaining enough weight and how to make them gain more weight. The important thing is to remember that thin is not necessarily unhealthy and fat is not necessarily healthy. On the contrary, being over-weight in childhood can lead to obesity in adulthood. But, if your child is healthy and her doctor has not asked you to avoid fatty foods, it is good to include fat-rich foods in limited quantities in your child’s diet. There is no need to be fat-phobic when it comes to children. Fat is an important nutrient and toddlers need fat for development of brain and hormones.
Here are top 15 healthy food items which can help your child to gain weight:
BreastMilk
Breastmilk is the best food for baby till the age of 6 months and even till 1 year. Below 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended and is the best for weight gain in baby.
In my own experience, my daughter was underweight at birth. She was in 10-12 percentile at birth. After a couple weeks, she lost a little more weight and we and the doctor were quite worried about it. My doctor recommended me to express and breastfeed after she has stopped feeding too. He also recommended increasing the frequency of breastfeeding. By following these advices, my daughter actually gained weight and was in 50th percentile around 6 month mark. She, of course did not gain weight at the same rate, once solids were introduced. So, breastmilk is the best thing if you want your baby to gain weight. Ensure that you baby empties the breast completely before you move him/her to the other breast, so that s/he gets the fat-rich hind milk.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are not only delicious, but also a healthy source of extra calories for those wanting to gain weight. Raisins, dried apricots, figs, dates are great for snacking. Include these in your child’s halwa, milkshakes etc.
Give only full fat milk and cream to your under-weight child. Add full cream milk to your child’sporridges, halwa for extra calories in addition to giving as a drink.
Stay away from toned milk or skimmed milk when it comes to serving milk for your child, unless has been specifically directed.
Curd can be added to baby’s diet around 7 months of age. Set curd at home using full fat milk and give the baby same. Curd is very easy to digest and can be given to babies even though milk is to be given after 12 months.
Always choose full fat dairy products for your child, if you want him/her to gain weight. You can make delicious smoothies using full fat yogurt. Add fruits like banana, mangoes, cheeku to make yummy flavoured yogurt, which will be loved by babies as well as older children.
Full fat paneer or cheese is a great addition to your baby’s/ toddler’s diet. It is rich in protein and usually liked by most children. Avoid using processed cheese. Instead, use homemade paneer or unprocessed cheese.
There is no need to be scared of ghee and butter when it comes to children as long as their doctor has not advised against them. Add ghee or butter to halwa, porridge, khichdi, pulao etc. Smear butter to their sandwiches.
You can start adding few drops of ghee to your baby’s food after 7 months. Ghee has now been acknowledged as a superfood by nutritionists world over and there is no need to avoid it in the diet of our kids.
Avocado
Avocado is one of the richest source of vegetarian fat. It is also called butter fruit as its pulp is buttery in texture. Avocados can be used to make mashes, dips and salads.
Avocado can also be given to babies below 1 year to include healthy fat in their diet. If you are not sure how to include it in your child’s diet, do check out 5 avocado recipes for babies and kids.
Bananas
Bananas are not only delicious but also known to aid in weight gain. Use these naturally sweet fruits to sweeten your child’s kheer, milk shakes etc.
Bananas are one of the best first foods and can be given to babies as early as 6 months. You can give this as a simple pureed or mashed banana as a first food ad later add it to porridges, cereals etc. for baby.
Jaggery or gur is a trational, non-refined sugar in India and other parts of Asia. It is commonly prepared from sugarcane juice and date palm. It is healthier than refined sugar and used in plenty of traditional recipes. Add organic jaggery to your child’s diet to add some extra calories.
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts and seeds like sesame, pumpkin, melon seeds etc. are rich in healthy fats as well as fiber and protein. Try to include these in your child’s diet as snacks or as healthy dishes like badam milk, tahini, pesto sauce etc. Nuts and seeds butter like peanut and almond butter is also great source of healthy fat. See how to include nuts to your baby’s diet.
Eggs are one of the best sources of protein and can be introduced in baby’s diet around 8-9 months. It is recommended that one should introduce egg yolk first and egg white later around 1 year of age, as egg white may sometimes cause allergy.
Fish is a healthy protein to include in a child’s diet and also helps in healthy weight gain. Fish can be introduced as a mash/ puree as well as soups and as fish with rice. Ideally, river fishes should be introduced around 9 months of age and shell fishes should be avoided till 1 year of age.
What is diarrhoea/dysentery/ loose motion in babies?
Diarrhoea or loose motion is defined as watery, runny stools at frequent intervals. It is also commonly known as loose motion or loose stools. Diarrhoea in babies can be dehydrating and can lead to serious complication if not controlled on time.
How to know if baby has diarrohea/ loose motions ?
Diarrhoea is unusual in breastfed babies, since breastmilk is almost fully digested and is in fact full of antibodies that destroys any kind of microbes. Breastfed babies’ bowel movements are anyways soft and should not be confused with diarrhoea unless it is smelly or has mucus . But it can happen formula-fed babies or once baby has started eating solid food. Important thing is to keep an eye open for any sudden changes in baby’s regular bowel movement patterns.
Common symptoms of Diarrohea/ Loose motions in Babies, Kids
Diarrhoea/ Loose motions in Babies: symptoms, treatment
Cause of Diarrohea/ Loose motion in Babies, Kids
There can be many cause of diarrohea or loose motions :
Infection : Gastrointestinal infection often caused by virus or bacteria. Viral infection like rotavirus can cause diarrhoea. Bacteria like salmonella, staphylococcus or E.coli can cause diarrohea.
Some food item : Baby may be sensitive to a new food introduced recently. If this happens, discontinue that item immediately.
Too much Fruit or juice : Too much of fruits or juice which are natural laxatives like papaya, apple juice or pear juice may also cause loose motions.
Teething : Some parents believe that their babies suffer from loose motions when they are teething.
Proximity to Pets : Pets can also sometimes carry bacteria which could cause diarrhoea in babies and kids.
Use of common facilities like swimming pool can also sometimes cause stomach infection in kids
How long does diarrhoea continue
Loose motions can go on anywhere between few hours to few days. Babies/ kids recover fast if they are given correct treatment early.
A child’s body consists of millions of good and bad microbes. Good Microbes i.e the probiotics are extremely important for smooth functions of digestion and metabolism. At times of infections, the percentage of bad microbes gets rapidly increased and harms good bacteria rapidly reducing its percentage. This increase of bad bacteria leads to diarrhea. In Diarrhea the child suffers from frequent passage of watery stools, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, fever and more.
Treatment for diarrhoea in babies
Diarrhoea or loose motion in babies is not usually serious, but it can become serious if baby gets dehydrated.
Do not give any over-the-counter drugs to baby without consulting the doctor.
Breastfeed frequently
Doctor may advise rehydration fluid and may ask to boost breastmilk or formula intake to replace lost fluids.
Keep an eye on baby’s urine output to ensure baby does not get dehydrated.
Diarrhoea or loose motion in kids could lead to dehydration and it is important that kid should be given oral rehydration solution at regular intervals to keep water levels in body to optimum.
Always keep a probiotic handy like World’s No 1 natural probiotic Econorm at home for problems like diarrhoea, Inflammatory bowel disease, Antibiotic associated diarrhea, Traveler’s diarrhea, Depression and other conditions
Econorm consists of millions of good microbes that help to restore the percentage of good microbes in the child’s gut. This increase in percentage of good microbes helps to normalize the gastrointestinal tract, balance metabolism, strengthen immunity and increase weight lost during diarrheal episodes.
Econorm helps to reduce diarrhea and helps in stool consistency right from second day.
Econorm also guards the child from future diarrhea episodes for the next 2 months.
Dosage
Econorm needs to be given two sachets for 5 days. Econorm can be given directly by opening the sachet and by mixing in liquids and solids food.
Econorm should not be heated/cooled after or before adding, to be consumed at normal room temperature.
Econorm is available in yummy tutti-fruity flavor loved by children.
Diarrhea is non-serious if treated at the onset. Keeping Econorm Handy at home and during travel helps in early and natural recovery. This minimizes the excess and heavy cost of diapers and gives a health benefit for the child. Econorm is available in small size sachets, simple and easy to carry in diaper bags, purse, pockets even in a fathers wallet.
Home remedies to treat diarrhoea/ loose motion in kids
Homemade yogurt/ curd is best remedy for diarrhoea as it contains probiotic bacteria which help in healing of the gut.
Curd rice
Roasted fenugreek seeds(methi dana) powder with curd
Roasted cumin seeds powder with curd
Yogurt with banana
Pomegranate juice can also help in treatment of loose motion in kids
Food to give to baby when child has diarrhoea/ loose motion
When your child has loose motion, you should give food that is rich in starch and helps in binding stools. Some good options are:
Well-cooked rice with starch
Dal khichdi – plain khichdi with dal and rice is great
Sabudana/ sago porridge
Bread/ toast
Arrow root porridge
Curd rice
Mashed banana with curd
Applesauce
Complications of diarrhoea/ loose motion in babies
Diarrhoea in babies may cause diaper rash due to repeated washing of nappy area and irritating bowel movements.
Dehydration is dangerous and it is important to replace fluids baby looses through motions.
Prevention of diarrhoea/ loose motion in babies, Kids
It is possible to reduce risks of baby contracting diarrhoea by following below :
Ensure clean prepartion of baby’s food.
Baby’s bottles and utensils must be cleaned well.
Wash hands well before feeding baby.
Wash hands well after changing baby’s diapers.
Wash baby’s hands well once baby starts self-feeding.
Clean baby’s toys like soft toys etc regularly to ensure bacteria do not grow on those.
Do not allow baby to drink too much juice. Always dilute juice with 3 times water before giving to baby.
When to call the doctor?
One or two loose motions are no cause of worry and usually correct by itself, but you must contact baby’s doctor if :
Baby has watery, loose motions for more than a day.
Baby is vomiting many times.
You notice blood in baby’s stool.
If you notice baby’s poop to be black.
Baby has high fever more than 102 degrees.
Baby shows signs of dehydration like less urine output.
If you like this article, do not forget to share it. Please leave a comment to ask a question or let us know your feedback. You can follow us on Youtube, Facebook, twitter and pinterest.
Your baby used to enjoy everything you offered, and now she hardly eats anything! You have tried offering variety of healthy foods but she never appears to be taking more than a few bites. What could be wrong?
Appetite slump in toddlers is quite common. You must realise this by observing that every second mom if not every mom complains about appetite slump in their toddlers.
Growth slowdown -Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
This is a fact that toddlers do not grow at the same rate as babies. Babies double their weight by 6 months and then almost triples by 12 months. Between 1-3 years, children do not gain weight at this rate, hence their energy needs too go down. This is a normal slowdown by body. Even though they appear to be always active and you have no idea where the energy comes from, probability is she is taking in just enough.
New-found Independence and Identity – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
Gone are the days when your baby used to look at you for everything. The toddler knows she is capable of doing a lot herself. She is also testing her limits by refusing just about everything, even things they definitely want. It is their way of asserting their independence and forcing usually makes matters worse.
Toddlers are very active – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
Activity levels of toddlers increase manifold and sitting down for having a meal is not a vey attractive idea according to them. They would rather play and explore the world than get stuck at the table to eat. This is the reason you will see many care-givers of toddlers feeding them on the go while in the park. Whether it is a good practice is debatable. It is best to make them sit comfortably in a high chair and then either feed them or let them feed themselves.
Too much Milk/ Milk products – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
Many children love milk and often fill themselves up with dairy to the extent that they do not have any inclination for solids. Experts recommend no more than 2-3 cups of milk a day for toddlers. If you feel your child is having too much milk, it could be one of the reasons of not eating enough.
Too much junk food – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
Toddlers often start sampling junk food like chips, chocolates etc. which fills them up and they have no appetite for real foods at meal times.
Illness – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
If you child has caught some bug or has cold, she may show an appetite slump, which is expected. This will be temporary and most likely your child will make up for lost time as soon as she is better.
Indigestion/ Gastric issues – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
If your toddler has problems with indigestion, she may show less interest in eating. You may use some simple remedies to counter these.
Intestinal worms – Reasons for Appetite Slump in Toddlers
Intestinal worms or stomach worms are also a reason which may cause appetite slump and is quite common in toddlers and young children. It is recommended to deworm children once in 6 months to 1 year to ensure. Do check with your doctor before deworming.
There are many home remedies to avoid and control stomach worms. Do check out the detailed article on
How to improve appetite in toddlers/ get them to eat more?
Avoid Feeding Battles/ Accept that your child is eating what her body needs
Who likes to be forced to do anything? It is an oft-repeated advice but it is true. I have personally experienced it with my daughter. She has always been lean, so even a few days of her not eating well used to leave me worried. Once I accepted the fact that it is her constitution and she is actually eating healthy, wholesome meals, I stopped forcing her to finish everything and it worked. She eats three wholesome meals along with 2 snacks and I have decided to be happy with it, even though she still is lean.
Make food attractive – How to get kids to eat more
This goes a long way in enticing toddlers to the dining table/ feeding chair. Give variety of foods. You do not have to break your back for it. Tweaking the same food a little bit can make it so much more pleasing for children.
Cut the parathas/ chapatis into lovely shapes using cookie cutters, serve idlis/ dosas in a slightly different manner and they are more likely to try them. In my experience if you make anything smaller and bite size they are more likely to sample and finish them.
Involve them in the buying/ cooking process- How to get kids to eat more
Toddlers have a very active imagination and are always looking out for new experiences. If you want them to be more interested in food, give them those experiences.
You may take them along when you go shopping, let them choose their favourite fruits and vegetables.
Allow them to be a part of the cooking process. I used to let me daughter roll her paratha and then cut it with a cookie cutter and she would finish it all because she made it.
You may also allow
Add yogurt/ curd to child’s diet – How to get kids to eat more
Yogurt or curd is a natural probiotic and helps in keeping our gut and digestive system healthy. Include curd in your child’s meal in some form. Many people give probiotic drinks to their children every day, but I feel natural is the best. You can add curd in the form of lassi, buttermilk, curd rice, kadhi, raitas etc.
Home remedies for improving digestion and increase appetite
Many spices commonly found in Indian kitchen help in aiding in digestion and relieving gas, thus increasing appetite in kids and adults.
Include ajwain( carrom seeds), hing( asafoetida), jeera (cumin seeds), saunf( fennel seeds) and tulsi in regular diet of your child.
Ajwain seeds can be given as ajwain water, in paranthas and in curries.
Jeera is generally used in most Indian curries. You may also add them in paranthas, buttermilk etc.
Saunf is very good to aid in digestion and relives flatulence. It is also great to relieve colic pain in babies. You may add saunf powder in paranthas, breads, cupcakes, curd, buttermilk etc.
Tulsi or basil leaves can be given in water, paranthas, breads etc.
Dalchini or cinnamon is great to improve digestion. You may add it to applesauce, breads, put on toast along with honey.
When to consult doctor?
If you are still unconvinced that your toddler is having a normal appetite and if you see that your toddler is losing weight, be sure to see your child’s doctor and mention it. Doctor may advice or accordingly and may also give supplements if he/she deems fit.
Creative & Unique First Birthday Party ideas for girls that are not Princess or Cartoon Theme
Creative & Unique First Birthday Party ideas for girls that are not Princess or Cartoon Theme – One of my dear friends is going to celebrate her little daughter’s 1 year birthday party in August and she has been going all out planning for the day. She wants the day to be unique and memorable for her friends and family and for the little one once she grows up and looks at the pictures. Well, one thing that she is very sure of is that she does not want a princess-themed or a cartoon-themed birthday party. It means that all ideas like dora, sofia,minnie mouse, little mermaid, barbie etc. which I was just ready to shoot went out of the window.
So, we started making a list of all kinds of unique first birthday ideas/themes that are not princess or cartoon themed. So, I thought I will share them on ShishuWorld as well to help other mommies in a similar dilemma and help them in their research for unique birthday party ideas, which are a little “hat ke” and not the usual themes which you find at every second party.
Best part is all these themes and ideas can be easily adopted for both girl’s and boy’s first birthday parties.
Summer Picnic themed 1 year birthday party theme
This idea is so creative and unique. You can have a picnic themed party in your own backyard or in a park.
3) Strawberry themed 1 year birthday party ideas for girls
Strawberry, pink, sweetness overload – it all fits, doesn’t it! What a lovely table for a strawberry themed first birthday party! Visit Birds Party for more ideas
4) Nursery rhymes themed birthday party ideas
Little ones love their nursery rhymes and what a cute idea to celebrate their first birthday around this theme.
Source: Little Party Love
5) Circus/Carnival themed birthday party for girls & boys
I remember attending a friend’s daughter’s circus themed party a few years back and what fun it was! Not just for the kids but also for the mummas and daddies!
Source: Kara’s Party Ideas
6) Butterfly themed first birthday party
Source: Kara’s party ideas
7) Bugs themed first birthday party ideas for girls
Source: Etsy.com
8) Arty Party themed first birthday party for girls
This is such great theme. Most children love doing art and craft and this can be super-hit theme, if you have an arty bent.
18) The very hungry caterpillar themed first birthday party ideas for girls
Another favourite theme of ours for little ones. The very hungry caterpillar used to be one my baby’s favourite books. I wish I had thought of this theme for her first birthday.
Source: Pinterest
19) Bubble themed first birthday party ideas for girls
Every child big or small loves bubble. So if you have this theme, you can be rest assured your guests will have fun.
I hope this will help you and your family in planning your little one’s birthday party and making it special and memorable. We would love to hear from you and any more themes that you want to add to this list. Do not forget to share if you like this article. It keeps us motivated and working hard.
Starting school is a very big milestone for a child and parents. Most kids start preschool or playgroup when they are between 2 to 4 years old. Preschool offers many benefits, but it can be daunting for the little one to leave the safety and familiarity of home and join a new establishment full of strangers. Parents might also be anxious whether the child is ready for playschool or not. Here we discuss a few steps you can take to make it easier for yourself and your child to adjust to the new school.
Communicate to your child about school
Start talking about school much before the child is ready to go. Show other kids who go to school, show the school bus. Tell her what school is and that she will meet and make lots of new friends there. Tell her about new toys and swings that she will get there and so on. Make the place sound nice and inviting.
Do not create a negative image of school. E.g. we heard a mom scolding her naughty 2 year old son that if he didn’t stop acting up, she will also send her to the school away from her like neighbour’s child. Never ever tell a child that if she is being naughty, that she will be sent to school as a punishment. This will create a lasting impression and your child will not take to it in a positive way.
Choose a good preschool- make an informed decision
Choose a preschool by doing enough research. Look at the distance, teachers, facilities etc. to ensure it will suit you and your child. Read more on how to choose a good preschool for your child.
Phase out separation while transitioning from home to preschool
Separation anxiety is common in children between the age of 1 and 3,so try to phase out separation. Most schools allow parents to be with the children for the first few days. Depending on how your child reacts, you can be with the child for the entire duration and encourage the child to enjoy in the new environment. After the child is a little comfortable in 2-3 days, gradually reduce the time you spend with the child. Leave the child for half an hour, then one hour and so on. Tell the school staff to inform you if at all your child starts crying. Go and pick her up immediately. This will instil confidence the child that you are there whenever she wants you.
Again, some kids adjust better than others, so if your child is happy at school try not to linger on too much and let the child enjoy.
Ease child’s anxieties and fears
Children at this age are still not adept at talking and expressing everything in words, so be very understanding and gentle. If the child is scared or does not want to go, try to talk to her but do not force.
Talk to the Teacher
A teacher can help make the transition easier for the child. Sometimes it can be difficult for a child to adjust in new surroundings and an understanding and friendly teacher can make it easier. Check if the teacher can speak your mother tongue. Getting spoken to in a familiar language can be reassuring for the child.
Separation can be tough for parents too
Not just children but parents too may be anxious about this transition, especially the primary caregiver. It might be difficult to see your child go away and spend time with others when it used to be you. You may also miss the child during school hours. Find some engagement for yourself and look at it as a me-time which you can spend on things you like to do for yourself. Pursue some hobbies that you have been planning to for long time.
As adorable as they are, toddlers can be notorious and adamant at times. They refuse to listen to you and have one answer to everything you ask of them: “NO!” Dealing with a toddler who is bent on getting her way is not easy.Some toddlers tend to be negative and uncooperative at times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn their “NO” into a “YES.”
Here are a few smart tricks to get your stubborn child to agree to something, without hurting their emotions.
1. Don’t Act Too Smart When Dealing With A Stubborn Child
In this equation, you need to be an adult without being too demanding or intimidating. Know that children are egocentric too and are unlikely to listen to you when you force them to do something. Be smart but don’t show it off. Act as the child, be naive in a fun way, and you can get them to straighten you out and take responsibility themselves.
You can playfully put your child’s toys on the table, or leave them in an unexpected place, and act innocent. Then they will put it into their toy box when they can’t find it or have some work with it. When parents get too strict, or too lenient, children specially toddlers become stubborn. But when you point out their mistakes playfully or in a light vein, they will learn to behave appropriately.
2. Go for a Win-Win Approach
Instead of doing it only your way, you can also take your child’s suggestion. Trying to turn the NO into a YES by completely overlooking their thoughts can backfire. Also, sometimes even a child can have a valid point. Sometimes, you can resolve the issue by meeting them halfway. For example, you might be at a child’s play date, and you suddenly get called for some work. But if your child wants to stay back, then let him stay back under another adult’s supervision. You could come back and pick him up later so that he gets to play, and you get your work done too.
3. Try Reverse Psychology
Conflict is good sometimes and can be used to get the answer you desire. How? Reverse psychology is the answer for it. If your child is adamant and wants to the exact opposite of what you ask him to, the child is most likely say a NO to your YES and a YES to your NO. So ask him the opposite, and you can get a YES.
For example, if your little leaves his favorite toy outside and you want him to put it in the toy basket, forbid him from getting it inside and tell him that it will be lost. When you do that, he will rush to pick up the toy and put it away safely in the closet. That way, you get the job done and make it look like it was your toddler’s decision too.
4. Instead of YES /NO, Offer choices
Why does it only have to be a YES or a NO? When you don’t want a ‘No’ for an answer, don’t let it be an option. Instead of asking a closed question that can result in a ‘Yes’ or a ‘No,’ ask a question with multiple options that are not negative. For instance, say “Do you want to eat an apple, banana or a peach?” instead of “Do you want to eat fruit?”
At bedtime, ask your children which bedtime story they want to hear instead of just telling them to get to bed. The first is likely to get you a positive reply than the second one.
5. Plan ahead, Be prepared
In time, you start to understand the pattern of your toddler’s behaviour. You know exactly why the child is throwing a tantrum and when she is likely to get cranky and refuse to cooperate.
Keeping that in mind, plan such that the child doesn’t have a chance to throw a tantrum. For example, if you know that your little one can get irritable when he is tired, put him down for a nap before he gets cranky, but do not tell him to stop playing and go to sleep.Don’t let the kid starve before a meal. Give the child regular meals and at the same time every day, so that you have a less fussy toddler at the dinner table.
These five simple tips can help you change the child’s negative responses to affirmative responses. Sometimes it’s all about trying to understand where they are coming from. You can use songs, games and other fun ways to teach the child good habits and encourage them to cooperate with you. And finally, look at your own behaviour and attitude. If ‘No’ is a word you often use with the kid, you shouldn’t be surprised if he throws it back at you.
Be the model parent and teach the right behavior and attitude by saying and doing the right things around your child.
Author Bio:
Aradhana is a writer from India. She covers topics concerning parenting, child nutrition, wellness, health and lifestyle. She has more than 150+ publications from reputable sites to her credit. Aradhana writes to inspire and motivate people to adopt healthy habits and live a stress-free lifestyle.
After two months of summer vacation it’s time for “back to school routine”. Few school already started from first week of June and few will start from second week itself.
Does it feel very exhausting for kids to get back to school afterlong summer holidays?
Is it difficult for Parents to catch up with the rhythm and feel nervous to get started again??
Its normal from a kids point of view to get anxious or stressed. Summer Vacation was lots of fun, pool time, water parks, lots of indoor and outdoor activities kept children occupied and happy. Now after the school restarts priorities will change, schedule will change and there will be major change in focus of the children. Parent’s need to play a vital role here.
Parents can help kids to sail through this smoothly. Best way is to connect with kid by sitting and talking about school and informing them that school will reopen in few days time. we canalso educate children about the importance of being independent in the process this will help them in school to take care of little things.
We discuss a few points that can help both kids and Parents to get back to school routine.
Back to School Routine : Reestablish sleep schedule and meal times
Most parents and children go easy on mealtimes and bed times during holidays. Bedtime gets a little later and sleeping in is common. However, this would not do during the school days.
Start the school routine just a week prior byfollowing the sleeping schedule. It’s important to get our child to fall asleep earlier so that they can wake up early in the morning without any fuss.
As parents, it’s also necessary to check how much sleep does our child need, accordingly we can make them sleep so that they don’t have sleepy and irritable mornings.
The same goes for meal times also, specially dinner time and breakfast times. Gently ease them back into school time routine.
Back to School Routine: Positive communication about school
Positive communication with the child about school can be done to make them prepared for the transition.
After one and a half month of fun, pool time, water plays, it can be frustrating for a child to get back to school routine so we need to talk positive things about school. Encouraging them to go to school happily is very important. Talking about their favorite teacher or friend can make them happy and after returning from school we can reward them with a small smiley or any small gift to keep up their spirits high.
Back to School Routine: Organise and prepare all the items needed before hand
To avoid last minute panic it’s good to keep everything organised like books, stationary, water bottle, snack box etc.
Label books, stationary boxes, lunch boxes and water bottle.
Also label uniform items like belts, ties and shoes. Kids often take out these items and then they get mixed up, so labelling helps.
Organising the wardrobe should be done to make mornings smooth.
Back to School Routine:Find out School timings, bus timings etc.
Find out what time the child is supposed to reach school. It is common for schools to change timings by a few minutes at the start of the year. Also, first few days may be half days etc., so keep an eye out for circulars, messages etc.
Attend parent orientation if school is organizing one.
Find out bus timings for your child if s/he is going to take the school bus.
Back to School Routine: Make a Snack box and Lunch box menu for the whole week on the weekend itself
Talk to your child about what snack he want to eat and pack something of his/ her choice.
It helps to make a menu plan for the upcoming week. It saves a lot of time in the morning and also helps in shopping for the right ingredients.
Back to School Routine: Accompany your child to school on the first day
Try to accompany your child to school the day school reopens. He or she might feel much relaxed and motivated with parents around. It may seem a small thing for adults, but having the comforting presence of a parent can help ease the butterflies.
After School Routine
Once the child is back from school, talk more about teachers and what all activities are being done. Try to connect as much as possible so that the child develops self confidence and which makes transition easier.
Connect with other parents
Try to connect with other parents whose children are in the same class as your kid. This can be very helpful when you need any communication etc. These days, it is common to form Whatsapp groups for parents, so you can join the same for your child’s class.
So, wish all parents and children a happy transition. Hope this season will be full of learning and enjoyment.
Winter season is knocking on the door and with it, it brings cold, cough and allergies. With the pollution so high in most big cities, there are rising incidents of allergies in children and even adults.
I am currently at my brother’s place and my nephew has suffered from respiratory allergies since he was very young. He has gone through the usual routes treatment from medicines to nebulisation, but there has been no long-term relief.
Last year, his doctor suggested influenza vaccine or flu vaccine also call flu shot for him and he had unbelievable relief from his usual symptoms. This year too he has been vaccinated just before the winter started and there is visible improvement in his health.
My 4 years old too suffered from intermittent cold and cough, though she is definitely way more resilient now, ever since I started using these natural home remedies to boost her immunity. Her doctor had recommended getting the flu vaccine and I was not sure about it, so I skipped it. This year too he has recommended the same, so I spoke to him in detail about it and also researched regarding flu shot or influenza vaccine. So, though of sharing it with you all.
What is Influenza or Flu?
Influenza or flu is a viral respiratory infection that spreads very fast. It is a systemic virus which means that it affects multiple body organs. It enters through respiratory system, enters bloodstream and affects the whole body thus causing body ache, cold, fever, shivering, cough and congestion.
How serious is Influenza?
Influenza is often confused with common cold but it more serious and may also induce nausea or vomiting. Severe illness may even lead to pneumonia and may increase the risk of bronchitis and asthma in kids. Flu is contagious and spreads through sneezes, cough or touch.
Influenza virus is more likely to affect children below 6 years and old people.
What is Influenza vaccine or Flu vaccine?
Influenza vaccine or flu vaccine is an annual vaccine which contains dead virus strains to protect against catching influenza. It is a preventive shot to which triggers antibodies production in body to ensure protection against the influenza virus which are in the vaccine.
How frequently does flu vaccine need to be taken?
Flu vaccine lasts for a year and should be taken every year with the advice of a medical practitioner. It advised to be taken just before the onset of the flu season.
What does flu vaccine protect against?
Flu shot is considered to be the best bet for avoiding flu. This year’s flu vaccine that my nephew received also offers protection against H1N1 in addition to several other influenza virus strains.
Does Flu vaccine protect against all flu virus?
No. There are hundreds of flu viruses and new ones keep appearing every year. Influenza vaccine usually contains protection against virus strains which are most likely to show up that year.
Sometimes people might catch flu even after vaccination but it is likely to be less severe than people who have not been vaccinated.
Why do we need to get flu vaccine shots every year?
Doctors recommend getting flu shot every year before the onset of flu season because influenza viruses evolve and older vaccine may not be enough to provide protection against newer staring of viruses.
Vaccination is a process which injects mild form of viruses into body thus helping body to create antibodies to fight the infection caused by those viruses. Since flu viruses evolve every year, the vaccines to are upgraded to provide additional protection. Hence, doctors recommend getting vaccinated every year.
When should one get Influenza vaccine/ Flu shot?
In India, new flu vaccines usually become available around September-October. It is best to get the shot in October as it is just before the onset of flu season.
Always discuss with your child’s paediatrician before administering the vaccine.
Does Flu vaccine causes Flu like symptoms?
We asked this question to the doctor and he categorically said that the vaccine itself will not cause any flu-like symptoms. However, since the vaccine takes a couple of weeks to start working, you might catch an infection before the body has gained enough immunity to fight the virus.
How much does it cost?
There are many vaccines available and your doctor will advise you on which one to go for. The one that my nephew opted for was around INR 800. Most vaccines will cost between INR 500 to INR 1000.
We all know how often little ones are attacked by cold and cough. There are many reasons for increase in cases of dry cough, one of the biggest being high levels of pollution and allergens in the atmosphere.
What is Dry Cough?
Dry cough is different from chesty cough in that it is no-productive. Dry cough is the kind of cough which does not produce any mucus or phlegm with it. Most often dry cough is caused due to irritation at the back of the throat. It is persistent and is associated with a tickly throat.
What causes Dry Cough?
Dry cough is often caused infection by cold and flu viruses in the atmosphere. It can also be caused by pollutants in the atmosphere which cause irritation in throat. Allergens like cigarette smoke, vehicular smoke and pollens can also trigger dry cough.
Dry cough may also be caused due to side-effects of medicines taken during an illness.
Dry cough can be consistent and using over-the-counter cough suppressants frequently is not often good.
There are plenty of things available within our kitchen which can be used to create cough suppressants and soothe itchy throats.
4 Best, Effective Home Remedies for a Dry Cough Relief
Here we have collated some very effective remedies for dry cough and itchy throat. We have received many of these from our readers and we thank them all for contributing these.
1) Homemade Cough drops for Dry Cough Relief
This is a tried and tested remedy for dry cough that I always make for my daughter. It is also very good for their immunity during winter time.
We have also shared this detailed recipe on our Youtube channel. Do watch the video below.
Ingredients
2 tsp grated jaggery
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp pepper powder
1/2 tsp ghee (cow’s ghee preferred)
Method
Mix every thing in a bowl and knead together.
If the mixture appears a little dry, add a few more drops of ghee.
Make small balls out of this mixture.
Give 1-2 of these balls before sleeping for relief from dry cough.
2) Homemade Cough Syrup using Honey and Lemon for Dry Cough Relief
This is a simple home remedy which gives quick relief from a tickly, irritated throat and also relieves dry cough. I frequently use this remedy for my family whenever we have dry cough.
Ingredients
1/4 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
Method
Mix lemon juice and honey and give this syrup to child 3-4 times a day.
P.S. You can also add honey and lemon to a glass of warm water and give it to child every day for better immunity.
3) Homemade Cough Syrup using Ginger and Lemon for Dry Cough Relief
This home remedy for dry cough is also quite common and well tested. This works for children who are a little older as ginger is a little strong. This remedy works for adults too.
Ingredients
2-3 drops freshly squeezed ginger juice
1 tsp honey
Method
To get ginger juice, grate or crush a piece of ginger.
Now squeeze out the juice.
Mix 2-3 drops of this juice with honey and give 2-3 times a day.
4) Homemade Cough drops with Jaggery, Ajwain and Turmeric for Dry Cough Relief
Jaggery, carrom seeds or ajwain as well as turmeric provide warmth to body and soothe throat, thus providing relief from dry cough.
Ingredients
1 tbsp jaggery
1/2 tsp ajwain seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Method
Heat jaggery in a pan
Add turmeric and ajwain seeds and mix everything till jaggery melts.
Make small balls of this mixture and give 1-2 of these to child 2-3 times a day.
5) Gargle with Salt Water for Dry Cough Relief
This is a very common remedy and it treats sore throat like nothing else. It moisturises your throat through osmosis and thus provides relief from dry cough. It also removes irritants and thin down the mucus.
Take 1 cup (around 250 ml) of warm water. Water should not be too hot.
Add 1 teaspoon of salt in this water and stir well
Use this solution to gargle for about 30 seconds and then spit it out.
Repeat till you finish the water and rinse your mouth with normal water.
You can gargle in this manner 2-3 times a day till you have complete relief.
6) Turmeric Milk or Haldi wala doodh for Dry Cough Relief
Turmeric is a wonder spice which has a chemical compound called curcumin. It has antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help in getting rid of coughing caused due to viral infection or allergies.
Haldi wala doodh is an age-old remedy which provides relief from cough and cold as well as other minor ailments. It is also helpful in improving immunity. It is now acknowledged world-wide in the form golden milk.
Ingredients
1 cup milk -250 ml
1/2 tsp turmeric powder – You can also use fresh turmeric, which has been crushed or grated if it is available
1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
Method
Heat milk in a pan and bring it to a boil.
Add turmeric powder to this and mix well.
Add crushed black pepper and stir for a minute on simmer.
Pour it in a glass and give when warm.
P.S. If your child does not like as is you may also strain it and add a little sugar.
Hope these home remedies for dry cough help your child and your whole family! We would love you to share your own remedies too, so it can help everyone!
If you like this article, do share it in your circle. It helps us stay motivated. Do leave a comment to ask a question or let us know your feedback. You can follow us on Facebook, twitter ,pinterest and Youtube.
Toddler nutrition guide – Toddlers nutrition needs are very different from infants. It is important that they eat a wide variety of food items, but it is up to the baby to eat how much and when. But you can gently encourage your toddler towards healthier eating habits.
These nutrition guidelines will help you plan and make your toddler’s meals more balanced and nutritious.
Toddlers do not grow at the same rate as babies, hence their energy needs are less. So try and convince yourself that even though your baby is older and more active now, but she does not need to eat as much or as many times as during the first year.
The food chart given here is only for guidance and should be taken lightly when planning your toddler’s diet. Toddlers between 1-3 years old need around 1000 to 1400 calories in 24 hours. But do not fret over how many calories your kid is getting, you cannot force and forcing can only make a problem worse.
Keep in mind that the best you can do is to serve a balanced meal with a wide variety of food items and let the baby decide what and how much to eat.
Grains
Most toddlers get enough calories from what they eat throughout the day. As long as they are growing and healthy and active, there is no need to worry. Carbohydrates and fats are both good sources of calories or energy. However, it is important to keep in mind that major part of those calories must come from healthy carbohydrates. Grains are the best source of carbohydrates and you should aim to serve some variety of healthy grain in every meal. Wholewheat, rice, corn, oats, ragi etc are all good. Try to avoid refined items like maida( white flour). You can easily use wholewheat flour(atta) in its place.
It is quite easy to meet these needs in toddlers. Most kids love bread, noodles or pasta. You can give chapatti in various forms, roti, parantha etc. Serve rice as pulao, khichdi etc. Ragi can be mixed and given in your regular recipes.
Most toddlers can meet their daily protein needs by having two glasses of milk every day. If your kid does not like milk or does not have a lot of it. Add products like curd, cheese, paneer etc to her diet. Introduce your kid to a wide variety of protein rich food.
If you have non-vegetarian food, egg, fish and lean chicken are excellent sources of protein. Serve egg in different forms, boiled, scrambled or omelette.
For vegetarians, dals or pulses can provide for most of the daily needs. Rotate various legumes in your toddler’s menu. You can give cooked chickpeas or kidney beans as finger food to your toddler.
Soya bean is the best source of plant protein and is available in many forms now. You can give soy-milk in milk shakes, or add tofu to baby’s pasta. Make curry out of soy nuggets.
Nuts are also good source of protein and healthy fats. Add crushed/powdered nuts in baby’s halwa or upma. You can also serve nut butters in sandwiches.
Vegetables should form a substantial portion of your toddler’s daily diet. It can be cooked and raw. Vegetables are not only good sources of vitamins and minerals but also provide much needed roughage which helps keep constipation at bay.
Vegetables should include green, leafy and yellow vegetables. Carrots, leafy vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, peas, gourds, pumpkins, beans, tomatoes, peppers are commonly found and should be used in regular cooking. Serve fresh, seasonal vegetables and rotate the menu to avoid boredom.
Most kids like fruits and they are good for them. Fruits provide lots of essential vitamins and minerals and fiber. Serve lots of seasonal fruits. You can serve them as shakes, smoothies, salads for variation. Half a cup of cut fruit is enough to round up your toddler’s daily nutrition needs. More will definitely not harm. Citrus fruits like oranges, sweetlime, lime etc are rich in Vit. C while yellow fruits like mangoes and papayas are rich sources of Vit. A.
Milk is essential for young children for the calcium that it provides. However, if you child does not like having milk or has very little, you can offer milk products like curd, cheese, icecreams, puddings etc. Read more on how to replace milk in your toddler’s diet.
Fluids are essential for proper functioning of human body and kids are no different. They however do not know what is good for them and may not like having water. About a litre of fluids throughout the day is enough for your baby and remember this comes from everywhere. Milk is 90% water, so that counts. Soups, juice, fruits all contribute. It is however a good idea to get your child used to drinking water at regular intervals. No need to measure and count each glass or cup, just keep an eye on number of time she is urinating. 5-6 times of clear urine is usually an indicator that the child is getting enough to drink. Also, if you see that urine is darkish or scant, it means child is not getting enough fluids.
Are you going crazy planning your kid’s school snacks and meals? You feel your kids do not want to eat whatever you make and from where can you get new ideas everyday. Worry not!! Try our “Back to school snacks and lunch menu( 4 weeks) and recipes“. We have planned snacks and lunch menu for 1 whole month. The menu plan has recipes and bonus gifts too!!
I have been carrying the 
