Proven Strategies for Potty Training

potty-training-3-year-old

By Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy & Siyona Varghese

Potty training can start very early in a child’s life. Although it is generally done when the child is between 12 to 24 months, children as young as 3-month olds were trained in the older generations and are being trained now. Please see Elimination Communication.  However, keep in mind that training needs to be based on the readiness of the child. And it has to be done without causing stress to the child. With early potty training, results are not achieved within a day but the child gradually learns, reaping the benefits of hygiene from the beginning itself. In the case of Elimination Communication, even though several children may not get fully potty trained until 18 to 24 months, they would have fewer and fewer accidents and cleaner habits right from the get-go. Very early in the game, you can reduce the use of diapers and keep the children healthier.  With any method you use, keep in mind that bladder control is typically achieved only between 18 to 30 months of age. Even at three years of age, full bladder control is not to be assumed. It may take up to 5 years to develop complete bladder control. Night time bladder control happens even much later than day-time.  So, be understanding towards the child and keep the training stress free.

Some may decide to potty train a child later in the toddler-hood, which is also fine. Here are some proven strategies for potty training your toddler:

Start with a Positive Attitude and Patience: The first and foremost thing to keep in mind while potty training your child is to have a positive attitude and a lot of patience. Potty training can be stressful for both the parent and the child, so it’s important to keep a calm and positive attitude to avoid making the child feel pressured, ashamed or overwhelmed. Remember that every child is different and some may take longer than others to get the hang of it.

Introduce the Concept of Using the Potty Early On: Introducing the concept of using the potty early on can be helpful in making the process smoother. You can start by reading books about potty training or watching videos that explain how it works. Encourage your child to ask questions and let him know that using the potty is a normal and important part of growing up. In some cultures, the parent of the same gender sits on the commode and tells the child that they use it when they need to “go”. Children often model adult behaviour so this can motivate a child to try using a potty. You can be fully clothed, while you explain to your child.

Help your child communicate: Observe your child and learn the cues that your child displays when he wants to pee or poop. You may notice a grimace, a funny face or some unique cue. If you are child is saying a few words, you can teach him to say simple words with sounds he can make like pee/susu, poop/kaka when the nature call comes. Some parents teach hand gestures or sign language too. You can use these words or signs at the time your child is showing the cues, so they understand what the words and signs mean.

Guide your child: When you notice the cues, you can take your child to the potty or wash room gently, by holding his hand. Guide him to a child potty or an adult potty with a child-potty-seat, be with the child and help him with the process. Teach all the good habits you want to teach your child including washing hands. If your child is very young, keeping them on the potty for minutes is a challenge. So, find ways to keep him engaged with your chatter, story-telling, or reading a book. You can even choose to read a good story book that illustrates using a potty for children.

Keep a portable potty handy: There are good plastic portable potties available, which can be used from the age a child can sit till 40 months. From the age of 12 months onward, a child may use the big commodes with a child-potty-seat on top. There are potty seats with a couple of steps too, that help the child climb and sit. While training a young child who is unable to hold the pee/poop for long enough to go to the washroom, it is a good idea to keep a portable potty handy in the area where your child plays at home. This way, he can quickly go and use the potty. This is a great tool to train a young child before he can start using the washroom. This potty can be shifted to the washroom later and then you can progress to using the big commode with a potty seat. Some parents directly use the big commode to make it a one-stop training but the method is up to you based on the child’s readiness and convenience.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can be a powerful tool in potty training your child. Praise your child every time he successfully use the potty, even if it’s just a small accomplishment. This can help build his confidence and motivate him to continue using the potty. You can also use stickers or a reward chart to track his progress and give him a visual representation of his achievements.

Follow a Consistent Routine: Following a consistent routine can be helpful in establishing good potty habits for your child. Set specific times for using the potty, such as after meals, before naps and before bedtime. Stick to the routine as much as possible, even on weekends or when you’re away from home. This can help your child get into the habit of using the potty regularly and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Be Prepared for Accidents: Accidents are a natural part of the potty training process, so it’s important to be prepared for them. Have extra clothes and wipes on hand in case of accidents and try not to get upset or angry when they occur. Do not shout or punish the kid for accidents. Instead, calmly clean up the mess and remind your child that accidents happen, but they can try again next time.

In conclusion, potty training can be a challenging but a rewarding experience. It requires patience, consistency and a positive attitude. By introducing the concept of using the potty early on, using positive reinforcement, following a consistent routine and being prepared for accidents, you can help your child successfully master this important milestone in his development. Remember that every child is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training. With persistence and a little bit of creativity, you’ll find the strategies that work best for your child and your family.

This article refers to the toilet training for day-time needs. Note that children have smaller bladders so may not stop peeing at night until much later, which is called bed-wetting. Your child may grow out of bed-wetting anywhere between 3 to 7 years of age.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Healthy Meal Planning for Busy Parents: Tips and Tricks

healthy-eating

As a busy parent, finding the time to plan and prepare healthy meals can be a real challenge. With a million and one things on your to-do list, it’s easy to resort to fast food or takeout when it comes to mealtime. However, making healthy meals a priority for your family is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Here are some tips and tricks for healthy meal planning for busy Indian parents:

Plan ahead:

The first step in healthy meal planning is to plan ahead. Set aside some time each week to plan out your meals for the week ahead. This will not only save you time in the long run but will also help you make healthier food choices.

When planning your meals, consider what ingredients you already have in your pantry and fridge. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items and reduce food waste. You can also consider preparing some meals in advance and freezing them for later in the week.

Make a grocery list:

Once you have your meals planned out for the week, make a grocery list of all the ingredients you’ll need. This will help you stay focused when you’re at the grocery store and avoid impulse purchases.

When making your grocery list, try to include a variety of healthy foods from each food group. This can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Get your family involved:

Getting your family involved in meal planning and preparation can make it more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone. Ask your kids for input on what meals they would like to have during the week and encourage them to help with meal prep.

You can also consider making mealtime a family affair by sitting down together at the table and enjoying your meal as a family. This not only encourages healthy eating habits but also creates a sense of togetherness and bonding.

Use time-saving kitchen tools:

Investing in time-saving kitchen tools can make meal prep a breeze, especially when you’re short on time. A few examples of time-saving kitchen tools include a slow cooker, pressure cooker and food processor.

A slow cooker is great for making hearty soups, stews and casseroles that can cook all day while you’re at work. A pressure cooker can cook meals in a fraction of the time it would take in a regular pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And a food processor can save you time chopping and slicing vegetables for recipes.

Cook in batches:

Batch cooking involves making large quantities of a particular meal or ingredient and then freezing it for later use. This can be a real time-saver during the week when you’re short on time and need a quick meal.

Some examples of foods that are great for batch cooking include soups, stews, chili and rice. You can also batch cook ingredients like cooked chicken or roasted vegetables to use in meals throughout the week.

Whenever you are freezing meals, ensure that it is done properly to preserve nutrients and always make sure the food is not spoiled and is fresh while consuming it.

Keep healthy snacks on hand:

When you’re short on time, it’s easy to grab a bag of chips or a candy bar for a quick snack. However, keeping healthy snacks on hand can help you avoid unhealthy choices and keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Some healthy snack options include fresh fruit, vegetables and hummus, nuts and seeds and yogurt. You can also prepare healthy snacks in advance and store them in the fridge or pantry for easy access.

Embrace leftovers:

Leftovers can be a real lifesaver when you’re short on time. Instead of throwing away leftovers, try to incorporate them into future meals. For example, leftover chicken can be used in a salad or leftover rice can be used in a stir-fry.

You can also consider making double batches of meals and freezing the leftovers for later use. This can save you time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, meal planning is an essential aspect of healthy eating and is particularly important for busy parents. With a little effort and creativity, Indian parents can make nutritious and delicious meals that are quick and easy to prepare. By following these tips and tricks, parents can ensure that their families are getting the nutrients they need to thrive and stay healthy. Planning ahead, stocking up on healthy staples and involving children in meal preparation can all make a significant difference.

References

 

By vitalmadevadmin in Health and Special Needs 0 Comment

How to keep your child safe

how-to-keep-your-child-safe

By Siyona Varghese

 

Once your child can stand alone, he or she is prepared to explore the world more than ever before and each day becomes an adventure. Although it is a thrilling and enjoyable era of life, there are hazards and dangers there as well. Every child has the potential to be vulnerable at time, therefore it is only reasonable for parents to think about their child’s safety.

If you’re concerned, use these simple tips to help safeguard your young children:

Safety at Home

Several risks exist for children in an adult-friendly household. However, you can protect your child by identifying the risks and then minimizing or eliminating them.

Supervision: Despite the safety measures, kids can still trip and fall or get hurt otherwise. That is why supervision is essential for safeguarding your child at home.

Prevention of Burns and Scalds: Keep your toddler away from flames and hot surfaces to avoid burns. When your child is around potentially dangerous objects, such as stoves, oven, microwaves, heaters and other appliances, keep a constant check on them. Babies and children frequently experience scalds from hot meals, hot drinks (in your hands or baby’s) and overly hot baths. The recommended bath temperature for kids is between 32°C and 38°C, therefore always test the water temperature before bathing them.

Prevention of Falls: In every age group, falls are the leading cause of wounds and doctor visits. Install safety barriers across the entrances to stairways and balconies as soon as your youngster begins to crawl. Additionally, you must continue to keep an eye on your child when they are on balconies or stairs. Lock windows, especially those on upper floors, protect your child by using window guards that are firmly connected when they first start climbing.

Safety from Furniture: If furniture tips over and lands on top of your child, significant injuries may result. Furniture should not be easily pulled or knocked over by your child, so make sure it is solid. Bookcases and wardrobes can be secured to the wall or to the floor to lessen the chance that they will topple over. TVs should be braced or strapped to the wall. Avoid placing furniture with pointy edges near doorways and other areas where kids might be playing. If you are unable to move the furniture, use foam or edge protectors to cushion its corners.

Prevention of Poisoning: Children between the age of 3-6 are especially susceptible to poisoning since they are naturally curious. Toddlers who are still learning to chew on things are more likely to put something in their mouth, while preschoolers are often interested in the things that are kept in cabinet and drawers. Keep all medications, including vitamins, away from young kids. Never call medication “candy”, as it might send wrong messages to the child. Keep all your cleaning supplies and other potentially harmful items locked up in a cabinet or out of your child’s reach.

Prevention of Choking Hazards: 0-3 yrs age group is especially prone to choking because they put so many items, both edible and inedible in their mouths. Avoid giving them food items such as hard candy, chewing gums, entire grapes, raisins and toffees even up until the age of 6. Be careful with items such as raw carrots and nuts. Break them into smaller pieces that won’t cause a choking hazard. Keep objects like pebbles, safety pins, balloons, coins, buttons away from your child’s reach. When buying toys, especially ones with small parts, follow the recommended age ranges and check to see if they are in good condition. Be cautious as little ones put a lot of items in their mouths. The best way to protect is to be a vigilant adult.

Safety Outdoors

Children adore playing outside. It’s a great place to enjoy yourself and test one’s physical strength. Some special safety measures are needed to keep kids safe outside. Here are some suggestions:

Safety at Play: While playgrounds help toddlers develop physically, they are also the main site of accidents and injuries. Parents should therefore ensure that all playground equipment are suited for appropriate age and height, cushioned for safe landing and free from any design flaws, sharp edges or missing or loose fittings. Use bucket type swings for toddlers and young children.

Safety on Road: You can protect your young children from the risks of cars, driveways and streets by teaching them the fundamentals of pedestrian safety. Hold the toddler’s hand firmly if you’re walking alongside them. Don’t allow them to cross the road or walk alone. Teach your young child the basic traffic: stop, look both sides and then cross. In vehicles, tightly buckle your youngster into a car seat or other proper restraint.

Safety under the Sun: Being exposed to the sun for a certain amount of time can be beneficial for the toddler’s development. If the children must be outside in the sun for an extended period of time, parents can reduce the likelihood of heatstroke and sunburn by requiring children to wear hats and loose, comfortable clothing.

References

  1. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/keeping-children-safe-while-out-and-about
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/parents/children/safety.html
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4292654/
By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety 0 Comment

How to engage toddlers in productive learning

how-to-engage-toddlers-in-productive-learning

By Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

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

Introduction

It can be challenging to keep preschoolers and toddlers interested. How can you engage a toddler whose favorite word is “no” and whose favourite question is “why”? The trick is to take advantage of their enthusiasm and narrow focus. Early childhood education participants have greater test scores and lower dropout rates. Additionally, it makes kids more likely to succeed in life later on.

How young children learn

Having connections with you, other family members and caretakers like early childhood educators is the cornerstone of your child’s healthy learning and development. A young toddler learns via routine play and exploration in a welcoming environment. Spending a lot of time playing and interacting with both you and other people will help your child develop life skills including talking, thinking, problem-solving and interacting with others.

Active participation in their surroundings helps your child learn best. Some of them include:

  • seeing objects, observing people and hearing voices
  • paying attention to sounds, producing sounds and asking questions like “But why?”
  • experimenting with objects, colors and elements like sand and water
  • Building things out of materials like cartons or toy blocks or otherwise engaging in activities that engage their senses of touch, taste, smell, vision and hearing is an example of discovering.
  •  Other activities include feeling objects, shaking them and turning them around. Toddlers also put objects in their mouths to learn about them. That’s natural. Just ensure they are protected from choking hazard and unclean surroundings.

Your child also learns by getting involved in decision making. This could be as simple as:

  • selecting reading material or playthings to use.
  • selecting an outfit to wear.
  • choosing vegetables for dinner, etc. All kids gain from experiencing a wide variety of activities. As a result, kids have several opportunities to practice what they have learnt. Your child needs both indoor and outdoor activities, physical activity and calm activities, unstructured play and more structured play, for instance.

Tips to engage your child to learn

  • Keep it brief: For children aged three and four, the typical attention span is eight to ten minutes. Make the most of your time while you have it because small kids have short attention spans. Schedule a 10-to-15-minute break between activities. If you need to finish a lengthy task, divide it into smaller sections and give the kids breaks in between to keep their attention.
  • Engage your child: by reading, singing and talking to them as often as you can.
  • Introduce various learning styles: Each child has preferred learning methods and learning styles that work best for her. You can utilise strategies to increase your child’s learning rate and quality by assisting her in identifying her preferred learning preferences. There are seven basic types of learning: auditory, visual, verbal, physical, logical (numerical), social and solitary. Children who are primarily visual, for instance learn best by observing how things operate.
  • Use Game-based learning: Playing video games in the classroom stimulates students to desire to learn while also providing opportunities for deeper understanding and the cultivation of non-cognitive skills. When a child is actively participating in a game, their brain finds it enjoyable to learn a new system.
  • Limit your child’s Media watching: Try to limit your child’s Media consumption (TV, Phone, Computer etc.). This applies whether you are home alone, have a babysitter or your kid is with you. Children need to hear and speak with adults in order to develop their language skills. It is possible and healthy to withhold TV altogether and keep the phone usage to a minimum of 15 minutes per day. Let your toddler learn from the people and environment instead.
  • Make sure your child does homework: Every night, review your child’s homework. Your child should be able to articulate what she is studying. Ensure that homework is finished. Find a quiet area for your kid to study if you can and devote time each night to homework.
  • Identify and celebrate achievements: You should acknowledge and applaud your child’s accomplishments, no matter how minor they may be. Children in elementary school need regular encouragement to study and improve, therefore this is particularly crucial for them.
  • Focus on strengths: For your child to develop and advance in a balanced academic and emotional way, you must concentrate on his or her strengths. Another technique for encouraging your child to keep learning is to emphasise her strengths.
  • Tell a story: Every now and then, children have trouble remembering certain information. But if you weave that content into a story, children will frequently get the lesson very quickly. You can tell stories about specific bits of information, such as the names of shapes or the alphabet’s letters.
  • Use colour: Learning in colour is exciting. Objects, words and images in vivid colours should be included in learning activities. Give children colouring pages with basic shapes, letters or numbers on them and then let them decorate the images with their own colours.
  • Make learning fun and every day a learning day: You may motivate your child to learn something new everyday. Keep it fun. Expose your child to new things, books and learning objects and they will automatically learn.

References

  1. https://www.readingrockets.org/article/simple-ways-encourage-learning
  2. https://www.educationcorner.com/motivating-your-child-to-learn.html
  3. https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/play-learning/learning-ideas/learning-baby-to-preschool#how-babies-and-young-children-learn-nav-title
  4. https://www.helpteaching.com/blog/how-to-engage-young-learners-toddler-and-preschool.html

 

 

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Tips to parents to develop patience 

tips-for-parents-to-develop-patience.

– By Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

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

Introduction

We love our young children but they can be a lot of work. During their early childhood, the demands of their upbringing can be sometimes taxing. Their cute questions may turn exhausting. Dealing with their tantrums may become seemingly impossible. However, it is very important to remember that they are just kids and that they are facing the pains of growing-up and we as adults must not lose our patience at least most of the times. Here are some tips to gain composure and remain calm, for parents in trying times.

  • Breathe and Relax: Before responding or reacting to your children, take a moment to breathe and center yourself. Tell yourself to wait if you notice your body tensing up or your heart starting to beat when you start to get frustrated. Take a five- count inhale and hold it for an additional five seconds. Gently exhale. As you do this, consciously relax your muscles. You could be taken aback by how much calmer you feel. Taking a minute to breathe slowly also gives you time to connect with your thoughts, which will help you respond calmly. If it calms you, repeat a word as you take deep breaths. You might simply say to yourself “I love my child.”
  • Never resort to physical violence: As tempting as it may be, avoid spanking, hitting, throwing and shaking at all costs. Avoid yelling and loud scolding too.
  • Step away for a moment if possible:  Take a short break to calm down and think before you react. If you’re struggling to remain patient, it’s completely fine to take a short break. Say something like, “Let’s meet after 5 minutes, and then we’ll discuss your situation.” If you are stepping away from a young child, leave her in the hands of a responsible adult first.
  • Practice patience: The more you practice being patient, the easier it gets. If you make a conscious effort to be calmer in your interactions with everyone, you’ll find it a lot easier to be patient with your child. For example, if you’re stuck behind a slow driver, you might say, “Gosh, we’re going slow. Oh well, at least we’ve got more time to enjoy the music.”
  • Spend time having fun with your kids: Relax and enjoy time together to reduce your frustration with each other.  Make a point of spending a little time every day just enjoying each other’s company. You might make simple cooking, play interesting games together, read a story to your child or allow them to choose an activity. If you don’t have a lot of time to schedule fun activities, don’t worry, simple things can be fun too. Make the most of the time you do have, even if it’s just spending a few minutes listening to music or reading a book together when you get home from work.
  • Set aside time for self-care: Do things that make you feel rested, healthy and happy. As a parent, we maybe place our children’s needs first, most frequently without looking after ourselves. It’s important to practice self-care so you have the energy and enthusiasm to care for your children. Get plenty of sleep since feeling rested can help you have patience. Eat nutritious food so you feel your best.  Spending time with your partner or friends is another important aspect of self-care. Make plans to get out with other adults occasionally since you could find that you become crankier when you haven’t spent time away from your children in a while.
  • Count to 10: Close your eyes, take deep breaths and count to 10. This is one of the oldest yet most effective calming-down techniques that is still recommended and practiced widely.
  • Forgive yourself: Occasionally, we all lose our patience. If you do, it is okay. Forgive yourself, reflect on it and be better the next time.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6203666/pdf/nihms961935.pdf
  2. https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Patient-With-Kids
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Child Safety, Parent Care 0 Comment

How to deal with phone addiction in Kids?

how-to-deal-with-phone-addiction-in-kids

 By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel

Let me start this discussion with a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley: “Encourage your children to read more and watch television less”.

The Times of India, a news publication, recently published a two-part series about how children’s addiction to online gaming is turning them into criminals. In one instance, a child stole Rs 4.5 lakh from his family to pay for the game, while in the other, the child killed his own mother. According to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, instances involving children’s psychological health have significantly increased (NIMHANS). Despite the worry surrounding these challenges, we can raise them with optimism if we take responsible action.

Here are some helpful suggestions to help your child de-addict from television and phone:

Take this acronym “ADDICTION” to be the answer to move children to safety zone offline.

A for Attitude: When parents at home start to adopt a new attitude, kids will soon follow. Be a role-model yourself which you want your kids to emulate.

D for Disconnect: Disconnect from devices and increase interaction with people for work and play. Spend time at home, with each other more and less with phones and devices.

D for Distance: Distance your children from devices. Shut off the TV in the background. Keep the phones out of sight.

I for Imbibe books: Imbibe the practice of reading printed books rather than e-books. Prefer books over cartoons.

C for Communication: Communicate with your children more.  Interact with your friends face to face more.

T for Target: Have a target of zero phone time for children under 18 months, and 15 minutes per day for children under 4 years. Thereafter, no more than an hour of time with devices including TV, Computer and Phone, for up to 6 years of age.

I for Invite: Invite your child’s friends to play physical games outdoors.

O for Oxygen: The much needed oxygen intake increases when you engage in activities outdoors. Walk, run and enjoy the outdoors.

N for No: Say NO to devices during eating & sleep time, firmly.

Avoiding phones and devices is the best practice. During the times that you must use devices, pay attention to keeping your children away from fast moving images and harmful content. The latter can be achieved by certain child safety settings on your phones and devices. Consider going offline before giving the devices to your kids under 6 years. That will also help reduce the exposure to radiation.

References

  1. https://www.quotemaster.org/children%27s+television
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/online-gaming-addiction-is-turning-children-violent/articleshow/92094915.cms?from=mdr
  3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/teen/tips-to-help-your-child-withdraw-from-digital-addiction/articleshow/92977357.cms?from=mdr
  4. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/study-play-sleep-repeat/articleshow/90947810.cms?from=mdr
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Child Safety 0 Comment

Tips to soothe a crying child

how-to-soothe-crying-child

By Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

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

Introduction

As children become older, they cry less. children cry when they are irritated, tired, not comfortable, having pain, angry or in distress. Make sure your kid isn’t sick or harmed before you ask them to stop crying. Find out the cause of your child’s distress and how you can help.

Types of cries

Infants typically cry for food when they wake simply because they are hungry. Your infant’s cry for food could become a loud cry if you don’t respond right away. You’ll notice the difference. The baby’s cries will get louder, stronger, and more persistent as she gets older.

Infants and older kids my cry out of hunger, hurt, over-stimulation, sleep deprivation or simply because they are upset about something. Look for the reason behind their cry first.

Ways to calm down a crying child

  • Rocking in a rocking chair or in your arms as you sway from side to side. The calming response is triggered in a child’s brain when being carried or rocked, causing the child’s heart rate to slow and the muscles to become more relaxed,
  • Softly massaging her head or patting her back or chest
  • Singing or talking
  • Playing soft music
  • Staying close and calm. It is important that your child knows that you are still there and with her; this might be by giving her a soothing hug, saying something or reassuring them in a gentle voice or keeping eye contact with the child. A soothing touch and reassuring voice go a long way. They are a better way to stop a child’s cry than scolding her.
  • Taking your child for a short walk. Going together for a short walk can be a great activity.  Avoid conversing for at least 5 to 10 minutes while walking so that the brain can relax, release the stress hormone cortisol and get flooded with endorphins (happy hormone).Talk about and acknowledge their feelings. If your child can express her feelings with words, it can help her recognize and manage her feelings.
  • If your child is older than 2, she may be able to communicate why she’s upset. But first, take her close to you, calm her down and then gently ask what is bothering her. You may also pose questions to see if she’s hurt, hungry or sleepy.
  • Once you know the reason, assure her that you understand her feelings and calm her down. Take the remedial action such as feeding her or giving her rest. If it is something that she needs to understand, explain things to her after she calms down.

References

  1. https://www.parents.com/baby/care/crying/ways-to-soothe-a-crying-baby/
  2. https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/crying-tantrums/crying-children-1-8-years#preschoolers-and-school-age-children-crying-nav-title
  3. https://sunshine-parenting.com/10-ways-teach-kids-calm/
  4. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/crying-colic/Pages/Responding-to-Your-Babys-Cries.aspx
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment

What should I do if my child cries a lot?

what-should-I-do-if-my-child-cries-a-lot

 – By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel

Some kids cry over minor matters, as if the world were falling apart around them. Children cry both from their heart and their eyes. To address these issues of “crying”, which may have a cause or not, we need to build a strong foundation with children on understanding their feelings when they cry. Crying is normal. But how we face our children and teaching them how to face the situations make all the difference.

As parents we experience certain feelings and emotions when our child cries. The following is a list of mindful responses to various moods and emotions, that can be used by parents. I have arranged it in an alphabetical order devised from my personal parenting experience.

Adore and show affection frequently and let your children know that you care for them.

Befriend your child and talk to them about what is troubling her.

Calm yourself down and then calm your crying child. It is important that as a parent, you don’t act up when you see your child hurt or unreasonable.

Discipline is important and if your child cries out of injustice or selfishness, teach them that their crying will not give them what they need. Do not allow them to use crying as a tool to achieve bad things.

Emotions of the child need to be your focus, as she cries. Empathize with her. A tender touch, loving response or a hug go a long way.

Fast reaction may be required and so be prepared.

Good to cry for good reasons. It’s okay to cry when a child feels heavy at heart as crying helps her vent out heavy feelings.

Hope that as your child will mature, things will improve. Nothing is going to last for very long.

Inspire your child as a parent to be strong at heart and face challenges with bravery, whether at home or in school.

Justice and fairness should be kept in mind while dealing with your children. Do it gently.

Keen you should be, in knowing the reasons behind your child’s cry.

Love as they are and show your affection even when they cry.

Mindful of the environment you should be, when they cry.

No changing your stance when it is a reasonable one. Let your no be no and yes be yes.

Observe your child’s behavior when she cries.

Polite and kind words should be used, when you speak to your crying child. Show empathy to your child. Let her know that you understand her and feel her pain.

Question her kindly. An interactive two-way dialogue should be practiced.

Reassure your child that there is hope for a positive change.

Sincerely address the child when she is crying.

Thoughtful you must be, about all possible causes of crying.

Uplift your child’s spirits as a coping strategy.

Valiant you should be and teach your child to be strong and brave, when she is facing a difficult situation.

Warm and receptive, a parent must be at all times.

X-factor in this is your own unique strategy!

You should put yourself your child’s shoes and imagine you are of her age and think about how you’d feel.

Zest and enthusiasm for parenting will help you sail through these issues.

References

  1. https://www.chop.edu/pages/crying-over-little-things
  2. https://www.moms.com/tips-parent-child-cries/
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment

10 ways to deal with adamant kids

How-to-deal-with-adamant-kids

 – By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel

It is quite natural and normal for a child to be adamant however, this doesn’t make the parent’s hardships any less. It can be quite difficult to convince the kid to do something as simple as sleep, take a bath or eat which finally leads to a disagreement. Maintaining this could seem like a burden. It is important to make the child realize the consequences of such behaviour. To encourage children to pay attention to you, you must also recognize the worth of the consistent effort and moral behaviour.

Here are 10 strategies for dealing with an adamant child:

  1. Avoid being the parent who starts fights: Listen carefully to anything your kid has to say and transform it into a discussion rather than a contention.
  2. Connect with your kid: Try sitting in front of the TV with your child for a while if you think they should quit watching TV and focus on homework instead. Once you’ve established some rapport, your child will start to paying attention to you.
  3. Give them options: Offer them choices at play and study. This would make them feel that they have control over their lives. They will appreciate the autonomy in what they do.
  4. Empathize with your child: Consider what your child sees as the most important issue to address and then try to understand why they are acting so adamantly.
  5. Harmony at home: Ensure that your house is where your kid feels cheerful, good, and secure. Be courteous to everybody at home, particularly your partner, as kids observe us continuously and try to imitate us and also learn from us.
  6. Reach an agreement: Instead of imposing firm boundaries, try to negotiate with them. For instance, if the child insists on hearing two stories before bed, attempt to come to an agreement whereby he can choose one story for this evening and the other for another night.
  7. Encourage positive behavior: Appreciate good things that your child does. It encourages him to repeat such behaviour. By having positive attitude yourself, you set an example for your child. If you frequently use the words “no”, “won’t” your child is likely to follow the same.
  8. Plan schedules: Setting up and following a regular plan for your child will help towards improving your child’s manners and academic performance week after week.
  9. Set down rules and expectations: Explain the rules to your child and what you expect out of him. But take note that although consistency is crucial, this should not imply rigidity. Being flexible, when circumstances require, is equally vital.
  10. Tell them a story: Explain model behaviour through stories. Stories could include your life story as well.

Let this day be a start to your parenting life story from a new paradigm 

References

  1. Burket, R. C., Cox, D. J., Tam, A. P., Ritterband, L., Borowitz, S., Sutphen, J., … & Kovatchev, B. (2006). Does” stubbornness” have a role in pediatric constipation?. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 27(2), 106-111.
  2. Hosseini, S., Naziri, G., & Rozdar, E. (2014). Effectiveness of Storytelling therapy on the reduction of aggression and stubbornness in children with oppositional defiant disorder.
  3. Stormshak, E. A., Bierman, K. L., McMahon, R. J., & Lengua, L. J. (2000). Parenting practices and child disruptive behavior problems in early elementary school. Journal of clinical child psychology, 29(1), 17-29.
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 0 Comment