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Teaching Kids About Safety: Tips for Protecting Your 3-6 Year Olds

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent or caregiver, one of your primary responsibilities is to ensure the safety of your child. This includes teaching her about safety measures and precautions that she can take to protect herself in different situations. Children aged 3-6 years old are at an age where they are starting to explore and become more independent, making it important to start educating them about safety.

Here are some tips on teaching kids about safety and how you can protect your 3-6-year-olds:

Teach them about stranger danger

Stranger danger is a concept that every child needs to learn at a young age. Explain to your child that she should never talk to strangers or go anywhere with someone she does not know. Let her know that if she is ever approached by a stranger, she should immediately tell an adult she trust. Encourage her to use the phrase “no, go, yell, tell” if they feel unsafe around a stranger.

Establish clear rules and boundaries

Children need rules and boundaries to help them understand what they can and cannot do. Establishing clear rules and boundaries can help prevent accidents and ensure your child’s safety. Make sure your child understands that she is not allowed to leave the house without your permission, play with dangerous objects or run in areas where there are vehicles or traffic.

Teach them about basic first aid

Teaching your child about basic first aid can help her understand how to respond in an emergency. Teach her how to call for help, how to apply a bandage and how to wash and clean a wound. These basic skills can be helpful in situations where an adult is not present.

Use role-playing and games to teach safety

Using role-playing and games can make learning about safety more fun and engaging for young children. Play games that involve identifying safe and unsafe situations or use role-playing to teach your child how to respond in different situations, such as what to do if she gets lost or how to safely cross the street.

Teach them about water safety

Water safety is essential for children who enjoy swimming or playing in the water. Teach your child how to swim and never leave her unattended around water, whether it is a pool, lake or bathtub. Make sure she understands the dangers of diving and the importance of wearing a life jacket when boating.

Encourage them to speak up

Encouraging your child to speak up if she feel unsafe or uncomfortable can help prevent accidents and protect her safety. Teach her that she can say “no” if they do not want to do something or if she feels uncomfortable. Let her know that she should always tell an adult if she is being bullied or if someone is hurting her.

Practice fire safety

Teaching your child about fire safety is crucial for her protection. Make sure your child understands the dangers of fire and how to prevent it, such as not playing with matches or lighters. Teach her how to stop, drop and roll if her clothes catch on fire and make sure she knows how to escape a burning building.

In conclusion, teaching kids about safety is crucial to protecting your 3-6 year olds. By establishing clear rules and boundaries, teaching them about stranger danger, basic first aid, water safety and fire safety and encouraging them to speak up, you can help your child stay safe in different situations. Use role-playing and games to make learning about safety more fun and engaging for your child. With these tips, you can help your child develop a strong foundation of safety knowledge that they can carry with them throughout their life.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Child Safety April 20, 2023 0 Comment

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

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 April 19, 2023 0 Comment

How to Practice Mindfulness as a Parent : Simple Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

By Siyona Varghese

As a parent of infants and toddlers, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help you reduce stress and anxiety and improve your overall well-being. By being mindful, you can learn to be more present at the moment and appreciate the little things in life. In this article, we’ll explore some simple techniques to help you practice mindfulness as a parent of infants and toddlers.

Take a Mindful Breath

The simplest way to practice mindfulness is to take a mindful breath. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed, take a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath. Focus on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. Pay attention to how your body feels as you breathe in and out. This simple technique can help you calm your mind and reduce stress.

Practice Mindful Listening

As a parent, you may feel like you’re always on the go, trying to keep up with your little ones. Take a break from the chaos and practice mindful listening. Choose a quiet spot in your home and listen to the sounds around you. Focus on the different tones and pitches of the sounds you hear. This practice can help you develop a sense of calm and mindfulness.

Practice Mindful Eating

Meal times can be stressful when you’re a parent. Instead of rushing through your meals, practice mindful eating. Focus on the flavors, textures and smells of the food you’re eating. Pay attention to how your body feels as you eat. This technique can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and reduce stress.

Engage in Mindful Play

Playing with your child can be a great way to practice mindfulness. Instead of going through the motions, be fully present during playtime. Pay attention to the sounds, colors and textures of the toys you’re playing with. Engage in meaningful conversations with your child and enjoy the time you spend together.

Practice Gratitude

As a parent, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily struggles of raising children. Take a moment each day to practice gratitude. Think about the things you’re thankful for, big or small. This simple act of mindfulness can help you appreciate the little things in life and reduce stress.

Conclusion: Practicing mindfulness as a parent of infants and toddlers can help you reduce stress, anxiety and improve your overall well-being. By being present in the moment, you can learn to appreciate the little things in life and build a stronger bond with your child. Whether you’re taking a mindful breath, engaging in mindful play or practicing gratitude these simple techniques can help you develop a healthier relationship with yourself and your child. Remember, mindfulness takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come naturally at first. With time and practice, you’ll find that mindfulness can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety and improving your overall well-being.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/mindfulness-tricks-to-reduce-anxiety

By vitalmadevadmin in Parent Care April 19, 2023 0 Comment

The Ultimate Guide for Developing Patience as a Parent

ultimate-guide-for-parents-to-develop-patience

By Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

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

Introduction

Parenting is an art. Every parent loves their children and yet, we all had experienced losing our temper sometimes. It is important to practice patience daily while caring for our children because children imitate by observing us. Practicing patience will benefit our health, family and other people around us.

The following are some strategies for parents to practice patience while caring for their children:

Identify triggers: Identify the factors causing you to lose your patience. Finding the cause will help you to prevent the triggers or solve the problem.
Self-care: Caring for children and managing their daily activities may be stressful at times. It is important for the parents to care for them with a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, exercise, yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques that will promote their physical and mental well-being and also helps to manage their emotions appropriately. Set a time for yourself.
Practice patience: Whenever you feel stressed and frustrated, consciously calm down and think twice before you answer or speak to your child. Whenever you are angry, practice counting from one to ten before you answer your child. Avoid raising your voice, hitting, shouting or screaming etc.
Practice breathing: Sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes, begin with a few normal breaths and followed by deep breaths, breathing deeply through the nose and breathing out through the mouth. Focus on breaths while practicing. Practice 10 to 20 minutes daily. While breathing relax your muscles and body.
Practice mindfulness techniques: Live in the present moment. Living in the past makes you depressed and living in the future will lead to anxiousness. Live in the present moment by mindful eating, mindful bathing, mindful talking, mindful breathing, mindful working etc., being aware of every activity will promote satisfaction and balance your emotions. For example, feel the color, texture and taste of the food while eating than eating food by watching TV or phone.
Practice Gratitude Journal: Set a regular time to record three to five things for which you feel grateful. Write down an inspiring person, good experiences, happy moments, and blessings etc., Daily practice of a gratitude journal promotes a good mood, positive emotions, satisfaction with life and develops patience.
Practice listening skills: Listen to your child before you respond or react to your child’s behaviour. Ask your child to explain her behaviour or the reason for her behaviour, this will help the parents to understand the child from her perspective.
Practice kindness: Practice kindness. One who is kind to self will be kind to others. Practicing kindness helps you to develop patience. Being kind to self and others reduces the secretion of stress hormone(cortisol) and promotes self-confidence and compassion.
Assess the child’s needs: Assess the child’s needs frequently and meeting the needs will prevent stress and frustration for the child and also for the parents. Making a schedule from waking to bedtime will prevent confusion and minimizes stress.
Work-life balance: Plan for a fun day. Spend time together with your child, relax and enjoy playing some fun games, sharing some stories, doing art and craft work, taking a short walk or planning for a picnic etc., setting time for having fun daily promotes happy hormones and balances your emotions. Daily we have the opportunity to practice patience

Conclusion

Patience is important in our daily life. Practicing the above strategies will help as the key factor to developing patience at home, office and while waiting at a traffic signal etc., Daily practice will help parents to develop patience.

Reference:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/tips-for-being-more-patient-with-your-kids

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Child Safety, Parent Care March 17, 2023 0 Comment

Healthy Meal Planning for Busy Parents: Tips and Tricks

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 March 5, 2023 0 Comment

How can I make my 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:

The ability to feed oneself is a vital life skill that fosters a child’s social and emotional development.
It will be beneficial for your kids to learn how to eat on their own. It is possible if you let them try repeatedly.
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.
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 January 11, 2023 0 Comment

How can I make my child Independent?

Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

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

Introduction

Around 3 years of age, children start growing more self-reliant and begin to concentrate more on adults and kids outside the household. They start to explore and ask about the things around them even more. Their interactions with their family and their environment will influence how they think and behave, as well as how they express themselves. During this stage, children should be able to ride a tricycle, be able to dress themselves, play with other children, recall part of a story and sing a song.

How can we encourage independence in pre-schoolers?

Set predictable routines

It can come as a surprise, but fostering independence requires establishing a reliable routine. Even brushing your teeth is a routine because there are several procedures that are constantly performed in the same order: turning on the water, rinsing the toothbrush, applying toothpaste, brushing, rinsing, and drying your hands and mouth. Likewise, going outside requires putting on shoes/slippers, packing a snack and so on.

Let your child choose

Involve your child in deciding what to wear, what to play with, or whom to call. Provide two or three options, and then praise their ability to make a choice.

Let your child help

Children love to help! In addition to building independence, this is a great tool for calming tantrums or redirecting behaviour by giving them a sense of control.

Give your child task or responsibilities

Giving kids responsibilities will encourage cooperation and the growth of empathy. Your child can display appropriate responsibility by performing simple activities like gathering toys or placing laundry in the hamper. In fact, you can incorporate these duties into your regular schedule. For instance, helping load the dishwasher or carrying their plate to the sink might be a part of your child’s mealtime ritual.

Let your child solve problems on her own

Allow your child to attempt difficult tasks and handle minor issues on their own. We frequently blame kids for our tension or frustration. We must allow kids to fall while they are initially learning to crawl or walk. Similar to this, we must allow kids to put their shoes on the wrong foot when they are learning to do so. To move your child on to the next stage, wait until they ask for assistance or make a minor suggestion. Don’t forget to give credit to the effort made.

Nurture free play

Independent and unstructured play is very important for development of creativity, problem-solving and independence. Offer your pre- schooler a variety of art materials such as crayons, markers, chalk, finger paints and building materials/blocks.

Things to say when they work/play

Offer verbal feedback, when you are giving positive comments about the qualities that you want to foster in your child and making it more likely these behaviours will happen again.
Praise your child’s right behaviour. For example, “Good job building up those blocks!” or, “I’m proud of you for replacing the toys in place.
Use reflective speech in order to convey to your child that you are listening and comprehending, For instance, if your kid says, “I constructed a tower,” you can respond, “You made a tower, Wow!”
Play and interact in ways that are appropriate. This encourages teamwork by rewarding good behaviour with favourable attention, which is the most effective reward. For instance, when your child constructs a tower, you start stacking blocks as well.
Explain the behaviour of your child. This reinforces your child’s constructive play and gets their attention. I notice you drew a rainbow, or we’re building a tower together, these are some possible responses.
Show Interest while talking with your child. Your interaction with your child feels warmer and more engaging as a result. You may, for instance, speak in a fun tone, speak with exaggerated emotion, and smile frequently.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Development and Milestones January 9, 2023 0 Comment

Tips to encourage kids to Tidy up

In this article, the author recommends various ways by which you can make your child learn to tidy up after playing.

Here are a few suggestions:

Sort all the toys into categories that can be stored while working with your child
Explain them the importance of tidying up after playing with their toys.
Do more than simply say “clean up.” . Try “Store your cars first, then proceed to the books” as an alternative. A large mess can easily overwhelm a preschooler, frequently because they don’t know where to start.
Make sure to praise your youngster for their efforts.

To read the full article, please visit: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/11-ways-teach-young-kids-value-cleaning-get-them-do-ncna1144321

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Development and Milestones January 8, 2023 0 Comment

How to Nurture Curiosity in Children

By Dr. Dhanalakshmi N.

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

Introduction

When things don’t follow a pattern or make sense, kids become curious. Children have a natural desire for knowledge. Curiosity may provide an explanation for a child’s how, what, when, where and why questions. Children want to immediately understand the fundamentals of how things operate or understand why something is happening. A child that is naturally interested will always be open to new experiences and be imaginative, especially when dealing with everyday items.

In light of this, if your child frequently asks you questions, it means that she is beginning to think and that the natural progression of her cognitive growth has begun. You would be increasing your child’s knowledge when you answer the questions patiently. Curiosity is a good thing in children. But when children ask one question after another, sometimes you could lose your temper. However, the ability to maintain composure and self-control is very crucial for parents. The following tips to develop patience may help you.

https://dev.vitalma.in/blog/2023/01/08/tips-to-parents-to-develop-patience/

It is in fact a blessing to have curious children as that is the way they learn. When we nurture curiosity, you get children who are thirsty for knowledge.

Ways to keep curiosity alive

Answer to your child’s doubts: Respond to questions sincerely: Be thoughtful in your responses to your child’s concerns. If you don’t know the answer, seek answers together from Internet, books or experts. Help her feel comfortable with feelings of not knowing something, and also help her realize the eagerness of resolving doubt.
Nurture your child’s passions: Discover your child’s hobbies, then go exploring with him.
Redirect interests: If your child enjoys playing with water, instead of saying ‘Don’t’ when she throws a cup of water, give her water and containers, and allow her to play in an area that can be messed up. Show her acceptable ways of learning.
Ensure a safe environment: Safety should be your main concern when children are exploring their environment. Cover plug points and keep medicines, cleaners, sharp objects and hot surfaces out of their reach. Supervise children around water.
Give children stability: Young children succeed in a calm and orderly family life with regular mealtimes and bedtime routines. The schedule serves as a child’s clock because they are unable to tell the time. When children’s lives are stressful, they respond by playing less and exploring less. Children who experience abuse, neglect, violence, natural disasters or war lose their curiosity and do not explore like children raised in healthy, stable homes.
Choose toys wisely: Children need play materials they can operate. Blocks, boxes, puzzles, water and art materials can be immense sources of fun and learning for your child.
Let them Explore: Give them magnets, buckets, magnifying glasses, measuring tape, sand, clay, water and measuring cups for their investigations and to keep their curiosity alive. Our kids will gravitate toward things they find appealing. Let them explore without pushing anything on them. Being too strict or too careful could hinder the natural creativity of children. Give them the freedom to discover whatever they desire.
Make your child observant: Make your child observant by pointing out things and posing questions. Ask your child to describe her environment. Ask her to find five things in red color in the surroundings. Such small games will increase his awareness of his surroundings.
Address their curiosity: Children often come up with lots of questions. Address their questions without complications. Don’t ignore or overwhelm them with too much information.

References

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline, Development and Milestones January 8, 2023 0 Comment

Tips to soothe a 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

By vitalmadevadmin in Behaviour and Discipline January 6, 2023 0 Comment