What should you keep in mind while raising a 3 year old?

By Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy

These are some important things you should keep in mind while raising a 3-year-old child:

  1. Is the environment safe for your child to play and learn? This includes the people she interacts and places she visits.
  2. Are you encouraging physical activity and playtime to develop gross and fine motor skills?
  3. Are you providing enough exposure and opportunity to your child to learn in the form of a stimulating environment, imaginative play and creative activities? Are you reading books to your child to encourage a love of reading and learning? Are you ensuring the content including story books are appropriate to her age? Provide positive reinforcement and praise the child for their efforts and achievements.
  4. Does your child have enough opportunity to socialize with other children and adults, for positive social interactions?
  5. Have you checked her development against the expected ‘Development and Milestones’ for her age? Remember that would just be a guideline and every child is different. But the milestones help in your understanding of your child’s growth and you may a consult a specialist if you have any concerns.
  6. Is your child trained in Hygiene and Self-care: such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and starting to dress independently?
  7. Is her diet a healthy and balanced one with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains? Read more: Nutrition and Meals
  8. Are you promoting good sleeping habits? Establish a consistent routine for sleeping and waking up?
  9. Are you avoiding screen time or at least limiting it and ensuring the content is age-appropriate?
  10. Have you selected a Pre-School for her?
  11. Is she potty trained?
  12. Have you vaccinated her according to the guidelines of her primary health care provider?

The above checklist is a general guideline. Please keep in mind that every child is unique. You may add to the above, depending upon your child’s needs and interests.

By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety, Development and Milestones, Health and Special Needs, Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

How to Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables into Your Child’s Diet

incorporate-more-fruits-and-vegetables

By Siyona Varghese

Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet is important for her overall health and well-being. However, it can be challenging to get her to eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.

Research has shown that consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving digestive health and boosting the immune system. However, getting children to eat more fruits and vegetables can be a challenging task, especially for picky eaters. In this article, we will discuss some effective strategies to help you incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet.

Set a Good Example

Children learn by observing and imitating their parents’ behavior. Therefore, it is essential to set a good example and consume a variety of fruits and vegetables yourself. Let your children see you eat fruits and vegetables as a snack, in salads or as part of your meals. You can also involve them in meal planning and preparation, allowing them to select the fruits and vegetables they want to eat.

Introduce Fruits and Vegetables Early

Introducing fruits and vegetables early can help children develop a taste for them. Offer your child a variety of fruits and vegetables from an early age and continue to expose her to new ones as she grow. This will help her develop a taste for a variety of fruits and vegetables, making it easier to incorporate them into her diet later on.

Make it Fun

Making fruits and vegetables fun can encourage children to eat more of them. You can do this by cutting them into fun shapes or using them to make fun designs on their plates. You can also encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables by giving them a reward for trying new ones or making a game out of it.

Offer a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables

Offering a variety of fruits and vegetables can help ensure that your child gets a range of nutrients. Try to offer fruits and vegetables in different colors, as this indicates different nutrients. For example, green vegetables are rich in vitamin K, while orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin A.

Mix Fruits and Vegetables into Other Foods

Mixing fruits and vegetables into other foods is a great way to increase your child’s intake of fruits and vegetables. You can add fruits to breakfast cereals or mix them into yogurt. You can also add vegetables to pasta sauces or soups.

Make Healthy Smoothies and Juices

Smoothies and juices are a great way to get your child to consume more fruits and vegetables. You can make delicious smoothies by blending together fruits, vegetables and yogurt or milk. You can also make fresh juices by juicing fruits and vegetables and serving them as a refreshing drink.

Get Creative with Snacks

Snacks are a great opportunity to sneak in some fruits and vegetables. Instead of offering your child chips or candy, try offering her carrot sticks, apple slices or other fruits and vegetables. You can also offer dips such as hummus or peanut butter to make the snack more appealing.

Serve Fruits and Vegetables First

Serving fruits and vegetables first can help ensure that your child eats them before filling up on other foods. Offer them a small serving of fruits or vegetables before serving the main course, ensuring that she get her daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

Limit Unhealthy Foods

Limiting unhealthy foods can encourage your child to eat more fruits and vegetables. Reduce the intake of sugary drinks, candy and processed foods and replace them with healthier options such as fruits and vegetables.

Don’t Force it

Finally, it is important not to force your child to eat fruits and vegetables. This can create a negative association with these foods and make it even harder to incorporate them into their diet. Instead, be patient.

Lastly, it’s critical to set an example for others by modelling good eating behaviours and by fostering a supportive environment during mealtimes. By incorporating fruits and vegetables into your family’s diet on a daily basis, you are trying to prepare your child for a life of health and nutrition and better well being.

References

 

 

 

By vitalmadevadmin in Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

children-with-ADHD

By Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

Ph.D. (N), PG Psychological Counselling, M.Sc. Psychology

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) occurs most commonly among children and affects children’s behaviour. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention and concentrating.  They are also hyperactive.

What factors cause ADHD?

  • The exact cause of ADHD is unknown.
  • There is a combination of factors that cause ADHD, which includes genetic factors, defects in the brain structure and abnormality in brain function such as an imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters.
  • Other risk factors causing ADHD include brain injury, premature delivery (baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), low birth weight (birth weight less than 2.5kgs) and exposure to environmental risk factors such as lead during pregnancy.

How parents can identify children with ADHD?

If you notice any of the below signs and symptoms in your child, you must go for a proper diagnosis as recommended by the doctor.

Common symptoms include:

A- Acting without thinking

D- Difficulty in focus or concentrating

H- Hyperactive or excessive running, jumping, climbing on everything

D- Disturbing conversation

E- Excessive talking

F- Forgetful

M- Making careless mistakes

R- Restless or difficulty sitting still

Children with Attention-deficit/Hyperactive disorder will have difficulty sitting still, are restless and exhibit disruptive behaviour. There is no cure for ADHD but a combination of therapy and treatment is given to minimise the symptoms and promote the functioning of children. A combination of therapy includes medication, behaviour therapy, psychoeducation or training or a combination of treatments. Behaviour therapy is given as a first line of treatment before trying the medication.

1.Diet Therapy: Diet management includes a well-balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins and minerals. Children with ADHD should be provided with adequate nutrients to replace the energy loss and for optimum functioning of children. Balanced diet includes

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide energy to the body and mind. The food sources include:

Proteins: protein helps with bodybuilding, brain function and Immunity. The sources of protein-rich foods include:

Minerals: include Iron, magnesium and zinc which helps our body function normally. The food sources include:

Omega 3 fatty acids: Research has shown that there is a relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and brain development in children. Omega 3 fatty acid foods help for boosting memory and improve attention span in children. The food sources include:

2.Behaviour therapy:

Behaviour therapy is given to children as a treatment before starting ADHD medications. Healthcare professionals refer parents of children less than 6 years old for training in behaviour therapy because younger children are not mature enough to understand behaviour therapy.

Objectives of Behaviour Therapy:

  • Behaviour therapy includes training parents to identify and encourage right or positive behaviour in their child
  • Giving appreciation or praise or rewards for good behaviour will build self-confidence in children and discourage unwanted behaviour in the child.
  • Behaviour therapy also promotes parent-child relationships or bonding which will reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children.

3.Psycho-education: Parents’ education includes creating awareness or educating parents about ADHD, its causes, symptoms and management which will strengthen the parent-child relationship and promote discipline in children’s behaviour.

The following are suggestions to parents to handle children with ADHD.

Plan: Plan your child’s complicated or bigger tasks into smaller which will arouse interest in the child to do the task

Organize: Organize your child’s daily routine from waking up until bedtime. Making a schedule will reduce stress and confusion and promote discipline in children’s behaviour.

Manage: Manage or reduce daily distractions from TV, Kitchen noise etc to help your child focus and concentrate better on the activity. Reduce or eliminate TV, Phone and devices such as computers.

Communicate: Communicate clearly and specifically. Simple and specific directions will help your child understand and follow.

Reinforce: Provide frequent positive rewards and encouragement to promote self-confidence in children and also will strengthen the appropriate behaviour.

Live a balanced life: Children should be provided with nutritious or healthy foods, adequate sleep, exercise, and physical activity. A balanced lifestyle will promote a child’s physical and mental health.

References

 

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Health and Special Needs, Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

What should my 3 year old be eating?

what-should-my-3-year-old-be-eating

It’s crucial to encourage your kids to adopt a positive eating mindset from an early age. By the age of three, kids are less inclined to act defiantly by eating or not eating. The author talks about a few helpful tips that may benefit your kids’ healthy eating.

The author suggests as follows:

  • Recognize and accept strong food preferences
  • Do not urge your child to consume a complete serving of a new meal.
  • Make sure your three-year-old gets a variety of nutrient-dense foods to choose from at every meal.
  • Your three-year-old’s nutrition may be significantly affected by television advertising.

You can read the full article here : https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-Three-Year-Old.aspx#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20most%20three%2Dyear,and%20a%20glass%20of%20milk.

By vitalmadevadmin in Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

How can I make my child eat on her own?

how-to-make-your-child-eat-on-her-own

In this article, the author mentions several tips to make your child eat on her own.

Some helpful tips are:

  1. The ability to feed oneself is a vital life skill that fosters a child’s social and emotional development.
  2.  It will be beneficial for your kids to learn how to eat on their own. It is possible if you let them try repeatedly.
  3. Additionally, you can sit down with your toddler and talk about the food she is eating while holding one small piece at a time to show her how to proceed.
  4. Don’t forget to praise your child after she finishes her food in the plate.

To read the full article, please visit: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding-solids/solids-drinks/learning-to-feed-themselves#:~:text=Cut%20food%20into%20strips%20or,under%20the%20highchair%20or%20table.

By vitalmadevadmin in Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

Healthy Recipes for your Kids

healthy recipes for kids

 

Healthy nutrition is crucial for your child’s wellbeing, development, and growth. Children who eat healthily will be less likely to grow up with chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some illnesses. They will also feel better and have more fun in life as a result.

The development of healthy eating habits in children at a young age is crucial since it is an investment in their future. It will ensure that they have a healthier and happier future. Making children eat nutritious foods the way adults do is challenging.

Children must be physically active and consume the correct quantity of nutrients to balance their energy needs in order to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight

In this article, the author mentions a variety of healthy recipes that you can try at home to make your child eat on her own.

You can read the full article here: https://www.tarladalal.com/recipes-for-healthy-kids-342

By vitalmadevadmin in Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

How to make your child eat vegetables?

How-can-I-make-my-child-eat-vegetables

In this article the author discusses about the various ways a parent can make their child eat vegetables.

Some of the author’s suggestions are:

  1. Encourage your child to try veggies repeatedly.
  2. Involve her in meal planning to increase her comfort with vegetables.
  3. Use colorful dishes, playful cutlery, and creatively cut veggies to make mealtimes more enjoyable.
  4. Try not to make a big deal out of your child’s decision to not eat their vegetables. Instead, just try again another time.

To read the full article, please visit: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-get-toddler-to-eat-vegetables

 

By vitalmadevadmin in Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

How can I make my child eat healthy food?

How-can-I-make-my-child-eat-healthy

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       – By Siyona Varghese

Kids and families today lead hectic lives. This makes it challenging to prepare daily meals from scratch. A lot of youngsters’ diets include takeout and other convenient foods. Getting your kids to eat healthily can be difficult due to peer pressure and junk food availability and commercials on TV. The health of your child may suffer as a result. Some of the issues caused by improper diet can continue into adulthood.

However, adopting a nutritious diet can have a significant impact on your child’s health, helping them in maintaining a healthy weight, regulating their moods, improving their memory, and reducing the number of health issues. A nutritious diet can also have a significant impact on mental and emotional health of your child. It can assist in the prevention of disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression and so on. It is vital to keep in mind that your children do not naturally crave junk food such as burgers and pizza and dislike green veggies. As youngsters are exposed to an increasing number of bad food options, they gradually develop this conditioning. You may, however, change your kid’s food preferences so they start to seek healthier meals. Keep healthy food options available to your children while keeping junk food out of sight. Maintain consistent food timings everyday and ensure they eat on time so they don’t develop cravings.

The earlier you start introducing healthy, nutritious meals to a child’s diet, the simpler it will be for them to form a positive, lifelong relationship with food. It might also be quicker and easier than you think. Using these suggestions, you can teach your children good eating habits without making mealtimes a struggle, giving them the best chance to develop into healthy, balanced individuals. You can encourage and teach your kids to eat properly in a variety of ways including the following.

Tips to encourage your children to eat healthy

Set an Example: The greatest method for you to promote healthy eating is to practice good eating yourself. Children will take after the adults they regularly interact with. You’ll be conveying the appropriate message if you consume fruits and vegetables in moderation rather than overindulging in less healthy foods.

Serving reasonable portions and avoiding overeating are two other ways to set an example for the kids (1). Talk to younger kids in particular about your emotions of fullness. You might say, “Although the food tastes really good, I’m going to stop eating now since I feel already full.” Children may take after their parents who constantly diet or worry about their physique, in the same way. Maintain a cheerful attitude when discussing food.

Involve children in decision making:  You can include young kids in decision making especially if they are 4 years or older. Allow your children to assist you in grocery and meal planning. You can teach kids how to read food labels, if they are able to read, so they are aware of the nutrient content of the items they are selecting. Further, they can assist in the meal preparation and take some responsibility for their food. The majority of children will love choosing the dinner menu. Discuss making decisions and preparing a balanced dinner with them. Choose age-appropriate duties for the kids so that they can participate without getting hurt or feeling overloaded (2).

Also, don’t forget to thank the cook when the meal is ready. Kids should participate in decision making for another crucial reason: it might help them develop the skills necessary to make wise choices about the meals they wish to eat on their own. Even though it’s not a guarantee, the mealtime routines you help them establish today may inspire a lifetime of healthy decisions.

Limit Outside Food: Apps for food delivery have grown rapidly during the recent years. What most parents may not be aware of, is that consuming food frequently from outside the home is strongly linked with having a high BMI (body mass index) (3). Both the elderly and young populations continue to experience an epidemic of overweight and obesity, today.

You don’t have to make major changes to your family’s diet plan. Find a few healthy substitutes in your cupboard or refrigerator. Add healthier items gradually until you’ve started making better eating choices. Early in life, food preferences start appearing. Introduce various foods to your child early on. Make sure that your toddler can see the whole fruit by leaving it out on the kitchen table, this will act as a simple reminder. Reducing processed foods, and visits to restaurants and fast-food outlets will greatly improve your child’s physical health.

Do not use food as Reward or Punishment: Parents frequently give their children a “special” food item as a reward for positive behavior or a job well done. And those food items are usually unhealthy. Such parents may also be denying those foods as a type of discipline. For instance, you may have been declining to offer dessert if your kids argued or didn’t tidy up their rooms (4). However, rewarding or punishing children with food can go against the healthy eating lessons you’re attempting to teach them. Children end up frequently consuming meals that are heavy in sugar and fats, when they are used to treats like candy, chips or sugary carbonated drinks as rewards. Even worse it messes with youngsters’ inborn capacity to control their eating. Additionally, it tempts children to indulge in foods even when they are not hungry. By rewarding children with junk foods, you are sending the wrong message that junk foods are to be aspired to.

Bottom line:

What matters are the decisions your children make about their food choices, in the long run. Your children may enjoy eating ice-cream sundaes or popcorn at the movies. And that’s okay. Your kids will be alright as long as you keep the balance between fun times and healthy eating and exercise. You don’t need to work too hard to get your kids to eat healthily. If you keep providing nutritious food, kids will keep consuming it. They’ll also learn how to eat independently which is essential for long-term health. It’s time to put these strategies into use and inspire your kids to eat healthy nutritious food. Surely, you’ll be able to make meals less of a struggle for the younger generation while still promoting lasting healthy habits.

References

1. https://familydoctor.org/nutrition-tips-for-kids/

2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/habits.html

3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.00014/full

4. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?

By vitalmadevadmin in Nutrition and Meals 0 Comment

Healthy food for kids

healthy-eating

In this article about healthy food for kids, the author explains about various good eating habits and certain basic guidelines for parents too.

Some of them are:

  • Display good eating habits yourself, if you want to ensure that your child eats nutritious food. Remember, children often copy their parents.
  • Your child’s physical health may be greatly improved by cutting down on restaurant visits and resisting the urge to order food online.
  • It would encourage the youngster to make good food choices if she was involved in meal planning and selection.
  • Last but not least, it is crucial to keep in mind that you shouldn’t use food as a reward or bribe.
  • If you do, kids may end up having a poor relationship with eating.

To read the full article, please visit https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-food-for-kids.htm

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