Parenting Archives

Food choice to minimize the affect of air pollution

Leave a Comment / Health & Fitness, Parenting, Parenting Articles / shemford

Tweaking your children’s dietary habits is all it takes to guard them against the effects of air pollution! Go through the article by Mrs. Meenal Arora, Director – SHEMROCK & SHEMFORD Group of Schools to know what you can include in your child’s diet to boost their immunity against pollution. The article is featured in the November edition of magazines, HerZindagi and Onlymyhealth. Read online: https://bit.ly/2KOwMCt… See more

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Hiding Admission From Children?

Leave a Comment / Admissions, Parenting / shemford

Many parents choose not to indulge their children in discussions/activities regarding the admission procedure of various schools. This feeling stems from the fact that if the child begins to ponder over why he wasn’t able to get admission in a certain ‘big’ school, it could jeopardise his/her self-image/confidence. However, most parents find it difficult to hide such facts from their children. The reason is simple — children today are smart enough to figure out if they have been rejected or not. Seeing their parents running frantically from one school to another, submitting the admission forms and the look of despair when the admission isn’t entertained leaves no unsolved mystery for the child. Some, psychiatrists though believe that children shouldn’t be kept in the dark about such information. Instead, children should be pre-prepared for such a transition and I in dealing with the forthcoming failures/rejections — playschool to a formal school, which may or may not be of the parents’ choice. Children should be made to understand that the design or the size of the school, that usually does get a child fixated on a particular school, really doesn’t matter and that he/she would eventually make new friends and have caring teachers. For this purpose, it is suggested that children shouldn’t be taken along to each school when seeking admission. This could confuse the child’s judgement or make him obsessive about a certain kind of school. It is best to apply to a good number of schools and take the child to only those schools where his/her candidature is most likely to be accepted.

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Common Mistakes Parents Do While Handling Children

Leave a Comment / Parenting / shemford

Parents often find it hard to handle the problems related to teens. It is the age when the children undergo behavioural changes as they rapidly progress towards adolescence. There are many times when the parents and the children have to face unusual situations. Proper handling of all matters at this age is crucial as the reaction of parents may directly affect the behaviour of the child. Image Credit: Jekkyl Here are some common mistakes that parents often commit while handling their teens. Preach But Do Not Practice – It is one of the most common problems that make things all the more worse. Parents preach and lecture a lot, but do not follow their own preaching. Teens are very sensitive in nature and in this age they try to discover their own identity and want to be more independent. Make sure that you follow your own preaching; else you may fall into very embarrassing situation if pointed by your teen. Too Busy To Spend Time With Them – Teenagers need guidance the most. They reach a stage where personality development and character building takes a shape. Parents who do not devote enough time to their children at this age often repent later. Expect Too Much – Parents are well aware of the capabilities of their child. Setting unrealistic goals for them and expecting more than their capabilities puts extra pressure on them. Demanding parents are more likely to commit such mistakes. Ignore the Warning Signals – Often parents fail to pick unusual behaviour and sudden changes in their child’s daily routine. Sleeping late night, sudden regress in school grades, drowsiness are some of the alarming signals that every parent must take care of. Teens at this age are more prone to indulge in smoking, drinking, drugs and sex. A vigilant parent should be able to pick any suspicious behaviour in their child and should take appropriate action. Protection after Doing Wrong – Some parents protect their children even if the children have done some wrong or are caught in a wrong practice. This encourages the child, especially teenager, to go ahead with such practices. Child Beating – Some parents go to the extent that they actually beat their child. One slap in such a sensitive age can change the whole life of the child. Beating never helps and is considered to be rather an awful practice. It is better to have a verbal argument with the child than go for such a dire step.

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Secret To Create A Stress Free Environment For Your Kids

Leave a Comment / Parenting / shemford

At times your child may feel stressed and uncomfortable if proper environment is not provided. Following are some tips to create a stress free environment in your home. Allow and Invite Friends – Do not hesitate to let your child socialize with his friends and invite them to the house. It develops a social circle, which is very essential for healthy growth of your child. Celebrate Occasions – Not just birthdays, but celebrate every little occasion in the house, whether painting of house has completed or new area of home yard has been developed. Celebrating every moment of life strengthens the bond between family members. Family Dinner – It is one of the most important practices that every family must follow as a daily routine. Dinner table is the best place to discuss and opine about family matters. Everyone can share their experiences of the day and can exchange useful ideas. Helping Hand – Every member of the family should look forward to contribute in any way to create a harmonic environment. Reasons to Laugh – Doctors say, “Laughter is the best medicine”. Watch some funny TV shows with your children and crack jokes at the teatime. It helps in diffusing any tension in the house and develops a happy atmosphere at home. Listen and Reciprocate – Always listen to your child. Children often get dejected because their parents are too busy with the work and household chores. Parents have to listen to their children and also respond in a way that makes them feel that their problem or issue was properly addressed. Don’t Take a Side – Children get more frustrated if they find the parents supporting the sibling. Don’t involve yourself when the children are competing or contending. Remain neutral and advise all of them at the same time. Don’t Micromanage at home – You may miss on some details and allow the children to take care of them. The children must feel free to express themselves. Overindulgence makes the children feel irritated. But, maintain a close watch. Yoga – Practicing Yoga will make your child feel stress free and healthy. Parents themselves can take the initiative and lead them to healthy routines.

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Impact Of Media: Teaching Teens To Handle It Rightly

Leave a Comment / Parenting / shemford

Today almost every teen in metropolis and even in small towns has access to media channels (Internet, cell-phones, television) and they are used to it. A recent study by Gartner Group shows that teens are spending on an average 44.5 hours per week browsing Internet, talking on cell phones and watching TV. It is more than what they spend in school in whole week. The issue is not just the amount of time spent, but also what they are getting from these media channels. Make Your Move Teens hate to be monitored every minute by their parents. They are at a very crucial stage of their life and want more freedom & decision making authority for themselves. Keeping a watch on their activities requires some tricks and a lot of patience. Good and Bad Content It is not debatable as whether the content on the popular channels or media like Internet is appropriate or not. People have been debating over issues like moral policing of the children. Modernization has been confused with values and norms, resulting in the inculcation of negative behavioural traits in the new generation of youngsters. Internet – bane or boon The content on the Internet has been the most abused as viewing restrictions are not applicable. No doubt, the technology has changed the outlook and the learning capacity of the children, but numerous cases of abuse of the content have also been reported. Parental Help For monitoring the Internet activities of your children you can install software like KeyLogger. Parents who are more aware about technology can use the service and set a simple filter to block porn sites or sites containing inappropriate content. Creating a day schedule from early childhood solves most of the problems. Unfortunately, most parents do not pay attention to it. It is always advisable to give some space to your teen and at the same time be vigilant about his activities. The safe use and misuse of technology will always be an issue. But, there is a lot we can do to prevent our children from falling into the wrong activities.

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Hospital Packing List For The Expecting Mother, Father And Baby

Leave a Comment / Parenting / shemford

Expecting a baby? Here’s a list of things you might want to consider packing for the hospital ! Pack your hospital stay bag 1 month before your due date. Papa’s Bag Cellphone and cell charger Going home outfit A small journal to write down thoughts and tips – tend to forget things Shampoo Conditioner Toothpaste Toothbrushes Shower gel Loofah Deodorant Digital Camera Handy cam Extra batteries & rolls Carseat DVD player Pillows Medical file A baby book to get the foot prints in A bottle of champagne or sparkling cider for celebrating A large envelope to bring home documents (discharge papers, Baby’s first photo, etc.) A nightlight (for soft light in the room during night feedings) A writing pad and pen to track Baby’s feedings and diaper changes A picture of a baby to use as a focal point when in labor A plan on how to get to the hospital, day or night Extra tape, charger A supply of snacks for post-delivery sustenance Admission papers (try to have filled out in advance/some hospitals let you submit them in advance) Any childbirth class notes or guidelines and labor hints Any reference book or pamphlet you might need (I prefer The Birth Partner.) Large trash bag Cooler with snacks like sandwiches, fruit and energy bars -Try to have something that doesn’t have strong odors- Select non-perishable and foods that are not strong in odour, you don’t want to upset mom’s tummy! Hand mirror to see your baby being born Headache medicine (Dad may get a tension headache and most hospitals will not give a father medication) Health Insurance Forms Digital camera and USB cords to download pics to my laptop (again so I can send them here!) Hot Water Bottle/Heating Pad Insurance and identification cards (Health plan, driver’s license, state ID, etc.) Note pad and pen (remember you will have no memory) and tissues. Smaller trash bag to use if vomiting en route to hospital Some soothing music for labour and crazy music for delivery Hand-held individual plastic fan Razor w/ extra blade Water bottles for ice Water mister/spray bottle Waterproof mattress cover Waterproof pads for the car ride 2 chocolate bars (for energy /mood) Ice cold Seven Up to drink during labor Birthing ball for labor Mints or breath strips (helpful if medications or anesthesia cause vomiting during labour) Olive Oil for massage during labour Unopened bottle of Vitamin E oil or Olive Oil for perineal support Car seat A large gym bottle for drinking fluids during labor Rin/clothes washing soap This time I’m bringing hard candy (titbits) to suck on during labor. Sometimes they won’t let you drink anything and your mouth gets real dry. 🙂 Mama’s Bag Cellphone and cell charger Massage Cream for back & feet 3 Maternity nighties 6 Undergarments Nipple cream Body pillow A comfortable robe and a pair of slippers with no backs that you can slip on your feet Towel 2 or 3 nightgown 3 to 4 nursing bras and nursing pads 6 to 8 t-shirts A knee length nightie for delivery & those walks down the halls of the hospital (no bum showing!) Breastfeeding book Focal Object (If this is something you would like to use during labor) Going home outfit for mom (You will still be look to be about 6 months pregnant) Massage oil (recommended in most childbirth classes) Lanolin breast cream Lansinoh cream Massage aids- tennis balls, rolling pin, frozen juice cans, wooden massagers Pairs of disposable panties and sanitary pads for during the hospital stay Pillow from home with a pillowcase other than white to distinguish your pillow from the hospitals Mcvities, biscuits & cold milk to stop nausea Hair Brush Lip moisturizer Hard candy Booties Lots of panties Sanitary pads Make-up kit Favourite bedroom slippers Gown Tissues Bring open foot sandals or slippers that you can wear outside, just in case. I swelled up so much with my first that I wasn’t able to put my shoes on afterward & had to ask for ER booties to wear over my socks so I could walk to the car. Baby’s Bag Receiving blanket Warm cap 1 thick blanket 2 pairs of socks 2 onsies 1 sleeper Baby emery board for filing finger and toe nails Baby nail clippers Baby soap Large cotton wool balls Baby Powder Baby soap-fragrance and dye free Baby wash/shampoo 2 hats Bibs Hooded bath towel Pillow for baby (donut type) 1 pair of mittens so he/she doesn’t scratch it’s face Diaper rash ointment Baby lotion Baby brush 24 ounce bottles Diapers 4 to 6 eight ounce bottles 4 to 6 pairs of booties Burp cloths pacifier Pj’s with the covers for the little hands (baby nails are sharp) 12 diapers Pack of baby wipes 2 outfits to bring the baby home in (the reason I have two is just to be prepared for anything, Both outfits include socks, hat, light jacket and pants with one side underneath) Food and beverages for Dad or other support people; Food for mom if allowed Labor tools (rice sock, happy massager, birthing ball, aromatherapy oils, etc Plastic drink bottles with cap and straw Bottled water Breastfeeding pillow Diaper bag Heat/Cold Packs – heat or cold packs are great for mother’s lower back. Cool cloths are great for mom’s forehead in active labor through pushing Something water proof to protect the carpet or sofa or bed or wherever we end up Clean old sheets – for putting over the plastic to create a non – slip surface. Also useful to have old sheets on the bed for the first night after the birth A hot water bottle to ease some of the backache and contractions during labour, this is also useful for helping with after pains Make up some ice cubes of frozen fruit juice which are good to suck on in labour Nourishing, easily digested snacks of choice, yoghurts, cereal bars, dextrose tablets, bananas, honey, etc. Nourishing fluids of choice: Aqua Libra, Ginger ale, Fruit Juices, etc. A water plant spray

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Parenting

Food choice to minimize the affect of air pollution

Harmful influences of the Internet

Hiding Admission From Children?

Common Mistakes Parents Do While Handling Children

Secret To Create A Stress Free Environment For Your Kids

Impact Of Media: Teaching Teens To Handle It Rightly

Hospital Packing List For The Expecting Mother, Father And Baby

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