Sleeping Tips for Toddlers: How to Establish Healthy Sleep Habits

sleeping-habits-for-three-year-olds

By Siyona Varghese

As parents, we all know how important sleep is for our little ones. However, establishing healthy sleep habits for our toddlers can be a daunting task. Between night waking, bed wetting and restless sleep, it can feel like an uphill battle. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can help your child establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit her for a lifetime.

Avoid Exhaustion: When a child becomes overly tired, their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep may be compromised, leading to restless nights and daytime exhaustion. Daytime naps can help break this cycle by providing an opportunity for the child to rest and recharge during the day, preventing them from becoming overly fatigued. A well-timed and appropriately-lengthened nap can help a child to consolidate their daytime and nighttime sleep, leading to improved overall sleep quality. However, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid naps that are too long or too close to bedtime, as this may disrupt the child’s ability to fall asleep at night.

Set a Consistent Bedtime Routine: One of the most important things you can do to establish healthy sleep habits is to create a consistent bedtime routine. This should include a wind-down period before bed, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, followed by putting your child to bed at the same time every night. This routine will help your child’s body recognize that it’s time for sleep and promote a more restful night’s sleep. Try to put her to bed no later than 8 pm. Some kids are ready to sleep even by 7 pm.

Create a Calm Sleep Environment: Another important factor in establishing healthy sleep habits is creating a calm sleep environment. This means keeping your child’s bedroom dark, cool and quiet. Make sure your child’s bed is comfortable and supportive and that her pajamas are appropriate for the temperature of the room. You can try soothing music or a few songs for a short duration like 30 minutes to drown out any external noises.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: One of the biggest obstacles to healthy sleep habits for children (and adults!) is excessive screen time before bed. The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. To promote healthy sleep habits, avoid screen time before bedtime. Instead, encourage quiet activities like reading, drawing or playing a game with your child.

Encourage Physical Activity During the Day: Another way to promote healthy sleep habits for your toddler is to encourage physical activity during the day. Regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration in both children and adults. You may want to take your child to the park or playground, sign her up for a dance or sports class or simply encourage active playtime at home.

Encourage peeing before going to sleep: Toddlers are still developing their bladder control skills and emptying their bladders before sleep can help prevent nighttime accidents and disruptions to their sleep. It’s important to create a positive and relaxed environment for toilet time before bed, using gentle reminders and encouragement to encourage the toddler to use the toilet. Establishing a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks before bedtime, such as 30 minutes to an hour before sleep, can also help ensure that the toddler has ample opportunity to empty their bladder.

Address Sleep Disruptions Promptly: Finally, if your child is experiencing sleep disruptions like night waking or bed wetting, it’s important to address these issues promptly. While some sleep disruptions are normal at this age, too many can also be a sign of an underlying issue like sleep apnea or a urinary tract infection. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you’re concerned about your child’s sleep disruptions and work together to find a solution that works for your family

Bottom-line:

Establishing healthy sleep habits for your 3-year-old may seem like a daunting task, but it’s an important one. By setting a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calm sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, encouraging physical activity during the day and addressing sleep disruptions promptly, you can help your child establish healthy sleep habits that will benefit her for a lifetime. Remember, healthy sleep habits aren’t just important for your child’s physical health, but for her emotional well-being and cognitive development as well.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

Hygiene and Self-Care for Toddlers: Essential Tips Every Parent Should Know

hygiene-and-self-care-for-toddlers

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent, ensuring the hygiene and self-care of your toddler is one of your top priorities. It not only promotes physical health but also plays a crucial role in their overall development. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring everything around them and as a result, their immune systems are not fully developed. Therefore, it’s crucial to follow some essential tips to ensure your toddler is healthy and happy.

Diapers: The sooner you stop using diapers, the better it is. You may opt for cloth re-usable diapers which are not super-absorbent so that wetness can be felt leading to the immediate removal of the diaper. Leaving on any kind of diaper on a child too long would result in infections including UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).
Bathing: Bathing your toddler every day is essential to maintain their hygiene. It helps to remove any dirt, sweat or bacteria that may have accumulated on their skin during the day. Bathing also helps to prevent skin infections, rashes and irritation. Ensure that the water temperature is not too hot or too cold and use a mild soap or body wash specifically designed for children. If your child has sensitive skin, you may skip the soap on alternate days.

Oral Hygiene: Oral hygiene is essential for your toddler’s overall health. Encourage your child to brush her teeth twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night before going to bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small quantity of fluoride toothpaste, as it helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Do not use too much paste. Grain-size may just be sufficient. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they can cause tooth decay. Avoid sugary toothpastes also.

Hand Washing: Teach your toddler to wash their hands before and after meals, after using the bathroom and after playing outside, with mild soap. Handwashing helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Use warm water and soap and make sure your child washes her hands thoroughly, including the backs of her hands, between her fingers and under her nails.

Nail Care: Keep your toddler’s nails short and clean to prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Long nails can also lead to scratches and cuts, which can easily become infected. Use a baby nail clipper or scissors, and ensure that you trim her nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

Skin Care: Toddlers have delicate skin, which is more susceptible to irritation and rashes. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and lotion to keep their skin clean and moisturized. If your child has eczema or other skin conditions, consult a pediatrician for appropriate treatment.

Hair Care: Wash your toddler’s hair with a gentle shampoo designed for toddlers. Use a soft brush or comb to detangle her hair and avoid using hair accessories that are too tight or can cause scalp irritation.

Clothing and Laundry: Wash your toddler’s clothes, bedding and towels frequently to prevent the accumulation of bacteria, dust mites and other allergens. Use a mild, fragrance-free laundry detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets as they can irritate your child’s skin. Dress your toddler in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes made from breathable fabrics such as cotton.

In conclusion, following these essential hygiene and self-care tips can help to ensure that your toddler stays healthy and happy. It’s essential to be consistent and patient when teaching your child about hygiene and self-care. Encourage them to be independent, but supervise and assist them when necessary. By following these tips, you can help your toddler develop good hygiene habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Health and Special Needs 0 Comment

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

Milestones to Look for in 3-Year-Olds: Physical, Cognitive, and Social

milestones-for-3-year-olds

By Siyona Varghese

Milestones are essential to monitor to ensure that a child is developing at a healthy pace. In this article, we will explore the milestones to look for in 3-year-olds, including physical, cognitive and social milestones.

Physical Milestones:

At the age of 3, children are becoming more confident in their physical abilities. They are able to jump with both feet off the ground, climb stairs with alternating feet and pedal a tricycle. They can also throw and catch a ball with some accuracy.

Fine motor skills are also improving at this age. Children can draw circles, use scissors to cut straight lines and copy simple shapes such as a square or triangles. They can also manipulate small objects with their fingers, such as beads or buttons.

It is important to encourage physical activity in children at this age. Activities such as playing outside, going for walks and dancing can help improve their coordination and gross motor skills.

Cognitive Milestones:

At the age of 3, children are also developing their cognitive skills. They are able to understand the concept of time and can follow a daily routine. They are also able to understand and use basic prepositions such as in, on and under.

Their memory is also improving and they can remember simple stories and songs. They are able to count to 10 and can recognize some letters and numbers. They can also sort objects based on their color, shape or size.

It is important to provide children with stimulating activities that encourage their cognitive development. Reading books, playing memory games and doing simple puzzles can help improve their memory and problem-solving skills.

Social Milestones:

At the age of 3, children are becoming more social and are beginning to understand the concept of sharing and taking turns. They enjoy playing with other children and can engage in imaginative play. They are also able to express their emotions and may use words such as happy, sad or angry to describe how they feel.

It is important to encourage social interaction in children at this age. Play dates, group activities and joining a playgroup can help improve their social skills and build their confidence.

Conclusion:

As parents, it is important to monitor your child’s development and ensure that she is reaching the appropriate milestones. Physical, cognitive, and social milestones are all essential to track and can help identify any potential developmental delays.

Encouraging physical activity, providing stimulating activities, and promoting social interaction are all important factors in supporting a child’s development. By focusing on these milestones, we can help our children reach their full potential and ensure they are on track for success.

References:

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

How to Foster Language Development in 3-Year-Olds

foster-language-development-in-3-year-olds

By Siyona Varghese

 

Three-year-olds are at a critical stage in their language development and fostering this development requires intentional effort on the part of parents, caregivers, and educators. In this article, we will explore some strategies for fostering language development in 3-year-olds.

Read, read, read: 

Reading is one of the most effective ways to foster language development in young children. When you read to your child, you expose them to new words and concepts, as well as different sentence structures and grammar patterns. This helps to build their vocabulary and develop their understanding of language. Additionally, reading to your child helps to create a positive association with language and learning.

Engage in conversation:

Engaging in conversation with your child is another important way to foster language development. This means talking to your child, but also listening to her and responding to what she say. This helps to build their confidence and encourages her to express themselves. It also helps her to learn how to take turns in conversation, which is an important social skill.

Use descriptive language :

When you are talking to your child, try to use descriptive language as much as possible. This means using words that describe what you are talking about in detail. For example, instead of saying “That’s a dog”, you could say “That’s a big, fluffy dog with brown fur”. This helps to build their vocabulary and helps them to understand the nuances of language.

Play with language:

Playing with language can be a fun way to help your child develop her language skills. This can include things like singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes or making up silly rhymes and stories. These activities help your child develop her phonological awareness which is the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds of language.

Use open-ended questions :

When you are talking to your child, try to use open-ended questions as much as possible. This means asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer. For example, instead of asking “Did you have a good day?” you could ask “What was your favorite thing that you did today?” This helps to encourage your child to think and express herself in more detail.

Encourage storytelling:

Encourage your child to tell stories about her experiences or things she has learned. This helps to build her narrative skills which are important for reading and writing later on. You can also ask your child to retell stories that you have read together, which helps to build her comprehension skills.

Use Repetition:

Repetition is an important tool for language development. When you repeat words and phrases, it helps to reinforce their meaning and helps your child to remember them. This can be especially helpful when your child is learning new words or concepts.

In conclusion, fostering language development in 3-year-olds requires intentional effort on the part of parents, caregivers and educators. Reading, engaging in conversation, using descriptive language, playing with language, using open-ended questions, encouraging storytelling and using repetition are all effective strategies for helping your child to develop their language skills. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your child to become a confident and effective communicator setting them up for success both academically and in life.

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

The Importance of Play in the Development of 3-Year-Olds

importance-of-play-for-kids

Play is an essential part of a 3-year-old child’s development. It is through play that children can develop important cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills that will serve as a foundation for their future growth and learning. In this article, I will highlight the importance of play in the development of 3-year-olds.

Cognitive Development

At the age of 3, children are actively exploring and experimenting with their environment. They are curious about everything and eager to learn new things. Play provides them with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities that promote cognitive development. For example, playing with puzzles and blocks helps children develop problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. Pretend play, such as playing house, helps children develop language skills and learn about social roles and responsibilities. Board games and memory games help children develop their memory and concentration skills.

Social Development

Play is also important for social development. It is through play that children learn how to interact with others, negotiate, share and take turns. Playing with other children also helps them develop empathy and learn how to regulate their emotions. Social play is essential for 3-year-olds as it helps them understand the concept of friendship, build relationships and learn how to work together with others. It is also through play that children learn to express themselves, communicate their thoughts and feelings and develop self-confidence.

Emotional Development

At the age of 3, children are learning how to regulate their emotions. They may have outbursts of anger or frustration and they are still learning how to express their feelings in appropriate ways. Play provides children with a safe and nurturing environment where they can express their emotions and learn to manage them. For example, pretend play allows children to act out different scenarios and explore different emotions in a safe and controlled environment. Playing with dolls or stuffed animals also helps children develop empathy and learn to care for others.

Physical Development

Play is also essential for physical development. It provides children with opportunities to develop their gross motor and fine motor skills. For example, playing outdoors helps children develop their gross motor skills as they run, jump, climb and explore their surroundings. Playing with playdough or drawing helps children develop their fine motor skills as they manipulate small objects and develop their hand-eye coordination. Physical play also helps children develop their overall health and well-being.

Tips for Encouraging Play in 3-Year-Olds

As parents and caregivers, there are many ways we can encourage play in 3-year-olds. Here are a few tips:

  1. Provide a Safe and Nurturing Environment: Children need a safe and nurturing environment where they can play freely without fear of getting hurt. Ensure that the play area is free of hazards, and provide appropriate supervision when needed.
  2. Offer a Variety of Toys and Materials: Children need a variety of toys and materials to stimulate their imagination and creativity. Provide toys that are age-appropriate, such as puzzles, blocks, playdough, dolls and stuffed animals.
  3. Encourage Pretend Play: Pretend play is an essential part of a 3-year-old’s development. Encourage your child to engage in pretend play by providing costumes, props and a space to act out different scenarios.
  4. Play with Your Child: Playing with your child is an excellent way to bond with her and encourage her development. Get down on the floor and engage in play activities with her.
  5. Limit Screen Time: Screen time can be detrimental to a child’s development. Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screens and encourage her to engage in physical and social activities. It is possible to withhold TV altogether and limit phone time to 15 minutes a day for children of 2-4 years. You can ensure screen time is limited to 30 to 60 minutes per day for children above 4, also making sure they are not in front of TV or media for more than 30 minutes at a time.

In conclusion, play is a vital component in the development of 3-year-olds. Through play, children can acquire essential skills such as communication, problem-solving and socialization, among others. It is a way for them to explore the world around them and make sense of it. Parents, caregivers and educators should prioritize playtime and provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to play. By doing so, we can help children develop holistically, laying the foundation for success in their future endeavors. In fact, play, work and learning are interchangeable at this age.  Wouldn’t it be great if children perceive learning and work as a joy and continue that feeling into their adulthood?

By vitalmadevadmin in Development and Milestones 0 Comment

What to do if my child is dissatisfied most times?

what-to-do-if-my-child-is-not-satisfied

By Jetson Satya Gospel

If you are dealing with an unhappy child, there is hope. Here are some tips that will guide a young child from being dissatisfied to “Cheerful”.

Teaching a child to be joyful and cheerful, takes practice. This is how you, as a parent, may attempt to find joy with your child or children, especially if they are hard to satisfy.

Emphasize to your kids, that:

  • Feeling every type of emotion is alright.
  • Let your kid know that it’s alright to be dissatisfied for the right reasons.
  • Remind your child that they can be in control of how they feel.
  • Have an open arm to embrace your child always!
  • Laugh out from your heart to generate endorphins (happy hormone).  Teach them to laugh heartily.
  • Initiate positive choices intentionally.
  • Be appreciative.
  • Play “joyful” music.
  • Show your child to reminisce happy moments no matter how big or small.
  • Discuss when your kid calms down.

However, do not pressure them to be happy or satisfied. Be subtle in your approach.

The best thing I personally learned is when I saw my friend take his dissatisfied kid to an orphanage. But you must also be careful to remember that an orphanage or an elders’ home is not a tourist spot to hand out. You ought to directly connect with the hearts of residents there. The troubles shouldn’t be too hard on your child’s emotional state too. With that cautious note, I share how kids can realize personally how blessed they are to have wonderful parents, great clothing, good school to study and lovely friends, and to have all their luxurious needs met time after time. Following the visit to the orphanage, the child’s attitude changed for the better, and she felt utterly content. The visit also developed empathy in her towards the kids at the orphanage.

Happy parenting dear parents!

References

  1. https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/discipline/some-kids-really-are-more-difficult-heres-why-it-happens-and-how-to-deal/
  2. https://coffeeandcarpool.com/help-an-unhappy-child-be-happy/
By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline 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