How to Choose the Right Paediatrician

Choosing a doctor for your child is a task that deserves a lot of thought and some amount of research, because even if your child stays relatively healthy, you can bet on spending a significant amount of time in your paediatrician's office - Height, weight check-ups, colic, vaccination shots, foreign objects placed in nasal orifices, bumps and bruises - So making sure that you've got the right doctor for your child is absolutely imperative. And once chosen, the ideal is to maintain continuity in the child-paediatrician relationship.

Ask for recommendations from your gynaecologist and friends. Once you have a few names, you'll need to list your own priorities - the tangibles and the slightly less tangibles. The tangible aspects are those practical things that will make visits and interactions with the doctor and office more enjoyable and practical. Philosophy is a somewhat intangible. Different ways of looking after the health and rearing of children are not right or wrong, just different. Therefore, it is important that your philosophy and way of doing things are compatible with your paediatrician's.

It's a good idea to meet up some baby doctors before the baby is born. When you call to make the appointment ask how much time you'll have with the physician, so that you can pace your questions. Have your questions written down, and take someone with you -- your partner or a friend.

Here's a list of common questions, the answers to which will help you decide -

A male or a female paediatrician?

Actually it makes no difference, unless it makes a difference to you. In medical school, paediatricians are trained to care for patients of the opposite sex - it's a vital part of their education. Some parents worry that they should change to a same-sex paediatrician when the child hits a certain age, but a male paediatrician can just as adequately care for adolescent female patients as a female paediatrician can. In most cases, it is the parent and not the child who makes an issue of the choice. And it is important to keep in mind the continuity factor. The comfort factor of the child should be kept in mind, if he/she is feeling uncomfortable, the change should be done, not otherwise.

Age of the doctor?

Before you wipe off all paediatricians under 50 from your list, consider continuity and the importance of being up-to-date - the most important thing is that your paediatrician should be well qualified and up to date with the latest treatments and theories.

How far is his clinic?

The doctor's office should be conveniently located. It makes sense to opt for a less-famous option closer to home than a famously brilliant doctor twenty kilometres away. This is particularly true if your child is under the age of one, since frequent visits are a hallmark of the first year of life.

Check up about the after-hours system.

It is important to know certain things about the clinic. Like how early does the office open, how late does it close and do they have weekend and holiday hours. Evening hours may be absolutely necessary for you, especially if you are a single parent

How long do you have to wait in the office and also the scheduled length of his appointments?Is there a sick-child waiting room and is it nice with enough toys to make the wait less painful?

How much the doctor charges and how are the bills handled?

Some of the doctors take payment on each visit, others bill you. You should inquire about how this is handled and all the more if you are dependent on insurance.

Where does the doctor have hospital facilities?

Should your child need to be hospitalised, you should be comfortable with the hospital where your doctor attends.If laboratory tests are needed, can they be done right in the office or will you have to go elsewhere to have them done?

Who covers for the physician when she is sick or on vacation?

It is important to ensure there is a well chalked back up system. Acquaint yourself with the doctor who acts as the back up also.

Philosophy

It's important to get some sense in advance of how much a baby doctor and you agree on child rearing. Otherwise, if you disagree often, you'll probably change baby doctors later anyway.

Discuss - Breastfeeding

If you are very eager to breast feed or have strong feelings about how long you want to breastfeed, you will want a physician who knows a lot about the subject and is supportive.

His opinion about infant circumcision and vaccinations. Also asking about their immunisation rates would not be improper. His philosophy about antibiotics or other medication for children who have colds or other ailments. When your child gets a cold which does not require antibiotics, you do not want a physician who is all too ready to give them to you for no good reason. His recommendation about babies sleeping in the same bed with their parents and about weaning.

So do not rely just on the word of the mouth, do your homework to ensure that you get a doctor who's good for your child. Ultimately that is the objective.

Thanks To : Dr.Stephen, PSG Hospital

Basic Tips To Improve Your Parenting Skills

All parents wish to improve their parenting skills and become a better parent always. Parenting seems very easy and simple until one becomes father or mother. Just keep in mind that since children are different, there is no proven formula for parenting. Most often it depends on your child that you have to make some changes accordingly. However, when it comes to parenting, you can always make improvements. By following simple tips you can check out whether you need some improvements here and there or not.

Tips to Improve your Parenting Skills

Spend Quality Time with Your Child

Make sure you set aside everything when you are spending time with your kids. Listen to him, share with him, play with him and also talk to him just like he is your friend. This will help you improve your relationship with your child and will make your bond even stronger.

Build Confidence in Him

Communicate with your child on regular basis. Do not always give instructions. Talk to him and share your experiences with him. You can start doing this even if your child is very small. If you want to start now when your child is big enough, you need to give sometime to help your child get adjusted with the new change in you and your behaviour.

Discover Your Child’s Interests

Find out what are the hobbies of your child. You can help him develop and improve skills related to that hobby as well as encourage him to spend his spare time to perk it up. Get involved in what he does as well as enjoy doing it too.

Setting Rules and Regulations

When you are setting rules and restrictions for your child make sure they are fair and practical. Make him aware of the consequences and even if you feel bad, put restrictions on your child’s activities if there is a need to do so. Explain being disciplined will help him throughout his life and make it better too.

Read Books and Articles on Parenting

Always read articles and books that are on parenting so that you can learn new things. Do not just start trying out any idea or skill discussed. Analyze and weigh it up whether it will be suitable and beneficial for the upbringing of your child or not.

Join Parenting Classes or Clubs

If you find that you are unable to have control on your child, you should join parenting class or club so that you come to know what wrong is going with your parenting. Interact with other parents in your parenting classes or clubs and take parenting tips and advices from them as well.

Take a Break

If you feel overwhelmed, you need a break. You can send your children to their grandparent’s house or to any friend or relative for some time. This will help you recharge your parenting skills and you will find yourself able to deal with all small and big problems after that. You can also give yourself a break by not getting involved too much with their activities.

Remember, every child is different and needs different skill when it comes to bringing them up. Parenting needs lot of patience and you must be prepared for that. Remember, children are not to be treated with hard words. You can do better parenting if you are able to communicate your feelings and expectations for your child without even saying a word.

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Interesting Games for One Year Baby

Playing with babies is a fun in itself. Yet you need to make games interesting along with looking for attention grabbing games to buy so that your infant and toddler enjoys. The games should be motivating and capable of teaching something because children learn a lot while playing and do not forget as well.

You can teach your baby language as well as colours, social and motor skills. There are few games that can be said as very interesting and they are time tested and proven as well. Just remember that games and activities are split into different age groups and so you will also need to keep on changing ways and games from time to time.

Have a quick look at some interesting games for babies.

0-3 Months 

Although it sounds unrealistic, but even a three months baby cannot play anything. Well, when you and your newborn are together, the time you spend can be converted into something that makes your child more attentive and alert. Play nursery rhymes that are short and melodious. Give your hand to let him grab it. You can dance on some music piece and as you get some exercise, the baby might also have interest and sense of rhythm.

3-6 Months 

This is the time when baby starts catching things and reflects to different sounds. Show him different objects with their names and make him familiar with colours. Do not expect any overnight change because it is the time you need to start everything. You can explore different types of textures with him. You can let him play with the stickers that can be reused. Let him remove and stick them on a piece of cloth.

6-9 Months 

By this time your child will start talking something and also move around the house. Take utmost care of his safety and spend time with him as much as you can. Get some puppet and try to arrange a show with the help of your husband. Give your toddler a safe drawer or case so that he starts to learn to keep his toys properly. Play hide and seek. You can also hide the ball or something and ask him to find it out.

9-12 Months 

This is the time when maximum development of your child is going to take place. Crawl through tunnels is one of such games that can teach your child to bend, move forward and take a turn. You can play peek-a-boo and leave your child giggling. Make him learn his body parts. Just keep in mind that you do not teach everything the same day and start asking one by one the other day.

12 Months Onwards 

Once the child turns a year old, there are many puzzles and different types of games available in the market. Now, your child starts walking and he will not try to sit and play always. Imaginations, personalities and concentration are developed and strengthened after a child completes one year.

Remember, playing and buying games for your child is not just for fun and recreation. It strengthens your bonding with your child and also helps him learn a lot without thinking about learning. Along with playing with your child you should also leave him alone and with friends to play with. This will also make him independent and learn how to interact and behave with other children and adults. These are simple tips and ideas. You can make your own games and spend quality time with your child.

How To Teach Children the Importance of Money

Making children understand the importance of money is a very important responsibility of parents. Once children understand the importance of money they can make wise decisions relating to money matters in their prospective life. Therefore, it is very critical to make children understand the importance of money at the right time. Such maturity amongst them relating to money matters will definitely help them achieve more in life.

Today’s parents aim at providing each and every facility to their child. As such the child may not be aware about the financial difficulties which are faced by parents. Therefore, it is very essential for parents to make children understand the importance of money. If they learn to respect money at the right age, they will definitely grow-up as wise human beings. Here is how you can teach children the importance of money.

Day-to-Day Expenses

Make children aware about how you manage the day-to-day expenses. It is necessary for them to know that from where money comes and where it goes. Make sure that your children understand that you do a lot of hard work to win bread to your family with which day-to-day expenses are taken care of. Also tell your children that you need to do proper planning to manage day-to-day expenses. If you give pocket money to your children ask them to keep a record of how they have spent it.

Involvement in Decision Making

When you decide to spend money on a holiday for your family or you are buying any gadget or gizmo for your house, involve your children also. Let them know how you planned to earn and save money to buy such things for your family. Tell them your budget for buying a particular thing for your family. Make sure that they understand that money should not be spent out of the budget.

Importance of Saving Money

Let your children know how saving money has helped you in your life. Tell them that saving money is critical as it helps in times of difficulties. Teach them to make small adjustments so that they can save money and use it when required. Ask your children to maintain a piggy bank and save money out of the pocket money. Reward them when the piggy bank is full.

You can also teach them to make small savings. They can make small saving by avoiding using bus when they have to travel for a very short distance. Instead of spending money on bus fare they can go walking.

Importance of Proper Investment

Just like adults do, children should also learn how to make proper investment of the saved money. If your children are forcing you to buy an expensive toy or gift, you can ask them to save money and buy it by on their own. If they are confused regarding what to buy out of the saved money, you can guide them. You can suggest them to buy good books rather than buying toys. You can invest their money in child insurance plans along with your money. This will make them feel that the saved money has been invested in right manner.

Avoiding Irrelevant Expenses

You should teach them to avoid irrelevant expenses. You should tell them how you avoid irrelevant expenses. For example; you can tell them that having extra cheese in your burger requires extra money whereas if you do not put extra cheese you can still fulfill your hunger. Similarly, when we can make use of one pen and can reuse it by refilling it, there is not need to buy extra pens.

Many times, at the end of each academic year we can find many note books which are not used completely. Children can make use of such notebooks as rough books for rough work or can make rough notebooks out of the remaining pages. In this way lot of money can be saved by avoiding irrelevant expenses.

Follow what You Teach

You should follow what you ask your children to do. After all children always look up to their parents and behave accordingly. Therefore, it is very necessary that you too give importance to money so that your children will also follow you. At the same time try to help them imbibe a thought in their minds that money should be earned only through hard work.

In this way carrying out the above mentioned activities will help you teach your child the importance of money. If they understand the importance of money at an early age, they will have a very bright future. They can take proper decisions regarding savings and investments and will learn to achieve more in life.

How To Help Children Succeed At Preschool

Some of the main academic subjects include reading, math, social studies, and science. Whether your child is struggling in a certain area, or you just want to help them get ahead, this article contains tips you can use to help them succeed in every subject, from preschool. There are also suggestions for how to make sure your children are developing socially and staying healthy.

School Registration Process

• To register your child in school you will need to bring all the following documents:
• A certified copy of the student's birth record
• A copy of resident's lease, utility bill, or home ownership deed as proof of address
• Immunization record and Tuberculosis screening
• Student records from the previous school if the student is transferring schools

You may also have to take your child in for a physical exam by a licensed physician within 12 months of entering school.

Your child can not be turned away from a school on the basis of race, disability, citizenship, national origin, religion, English language speaking ability, or family background.

Preschool Tips

Reading

• Read a book with your child everyday and point out letters, numbers, pictures, colors, shapes, etc. Let your child handle the book, too
• Talk to your child throughout the day to help build her/his vocabulary
• Visit the library frequently to familiarize your child with the library's purpose

Math

• Count. Count. Count! Count everything you see
• Point out and read numbers on billboards, houses, signs, in stores, and picture books
• Introduce very simple arithmetic (e.g., if we buy two apples and you eat one, how many do we have left?)

Science

• Take nature walks and point out trees, flowers, animals, etc.
• Explain the different kinds of physical reactions when you are cooking, cleaning, or washing
• Ask your child to describe how different surfaces and objects feel (e.g., rough, soft, warm, cold, etc.)

Social Studies

• Visit local museums and cultural centers
• Share stories about family heritage and your ancestors
• Involve your child in national holidays and celebrations

Social Development and Health

• Hug, hold, and reassure your child often
• If your child does not attend a preschool, get her/him involved in a social and physical activity with other children of the same age
• Teach your child basic safety precautions, hygiene, and healthy eating habits

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Important Manners That Parents Should Teach Children

Every parent want to raise their children as polite and well-behaved, and learning those lessons starts at home.  Its never too early to teach your little ones basic manners.

Here are eight of the most important manners you should teach your children before they go to school. They wont remember them all, or get them right every time, but through patience and perseverance you could succeed:

Teach to say please and thank you. 

Whether theyre activities as small as giving younger one a snack, or them asking if they can play in the garden, always reinforce the importance of saying please and thank you. No matter how young your children may be, you can start enforcing this rule before they are 10.

Table manners

When your children are just learning to eat at the table, start teaching them the manners youd like them to have for the rest of their lives. Rules like not eating with their mouths open, or not putting their elbows on the table, are good life lessons for your children to learn as soon as possible.

Play dates or Birthday parties

When your children go to play at friends place or to birthday parties, remind them to thank their friends parents for allowing them to hang around. If you arent going to be attending the play date or event with your children, ensure your little ones know they should treat their friends parents (and all grown-ups) with the same respect they treat you.

Birthday party etiquette

Its true that kids go wild at birthday parties - all the sweet snacks and fun can make children get excited, and sometimes forget their manners. But no matter how excited your little one is on their birthday, there are some manners they shouldnt forget: to open their presents thoughtfully (not ripping off the paper, or tossing the present to one side as soon as theyve seen it) and to say thank you for every gift, and to every attendee.

Mind the language

There will come a moment every parent dreads: the moment your child swears with bad language. The worst thing you can do in this scenario is laugh. Let them know that you already know that word, you think its unpleasant, not funny, and ask your little one not to use it again. 

Dont be mean

Kids tease each other, and they find it funny. But this can sometimes go a step too far and lead to bullying. Make sure your little ones dont call others with mean names, and dont make fun of anyone for any reason. Ganging up on someone else is cruel, not clever. At the very first instance discourage it.

Teach Excuse me

Once your little ones have learned to say please and thank you, teach them to say excuse me. Its polite to say when you have to interrupt someone, or bump into somebody.

Speaking in public

There are some things that are too much information, and that your little ones shouldnt talk about in public. These include genitals, stories on passing stools, nose picking, smooching and all the other things that amuse kids.

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How To Prevent Diabetes In Children

Prevention of diabetes in children comprises of taking care of three primary factors. They are: controlling obesity that is if the child is overweight, see that the child is involved in an adequate amount of physical activity and ensuring that the child is having a healthy diet.

These are the simple ways in which you can ensure you child stays away from the clutch of this disease.Given below are a few ways in which you can plan your routine in order to prevent diabetes in your child

Maintain a Healthy Body Mass in Child

The ideal weight of a child depends on factors like his height and age. There are cases where an overweight child may not be able to lose weight even if he consumes a healthy and nutritious and goes for intensive workouts.

In such cases it is mostly found that there is a history of diabetes running in the family and thereby the child is naturally susceptible to developing this disease. These are actually character traits that the parents need to be extremely careful and monitor the child's diet and activity under medical supervision.

The advice of a pediatrician and a dietician must be sought in order to chart out the child’s regular food intake. Through adequate and correct guidance and discipline the maintenance of the suitable body mass becomes easier and the child will be prevented from falling prey to diabetes. The kid needs to be encouraged to indulge in activities that they enjoy doing and be allowed to relish healthy food.

Chart up a Perfect Diet Regimen

Whether your child is affected by diabetes or you just you want to be careful that he doesn’t contract the disease in the coming years follow this. It is important that you ensure after due research and consultation with the pediatrician and dietician on the type of food that will sustain their fitness levels. Ensure that they are nurtured with foods that put off diabetes effectively.

The main foods in this category are like tofu, fish and poultry. Pork and beef should be best avoided due to their extremely high fat and energy content. Fruits, veggies and especially green leafy ones should be encouraged instead of sweets and chocolates.

Sugar consumption needs to be strictly controlled. Whole grains and lentils should be a staple part of their regular diet. Kids who are hereditarily susceptible to diabetes are found to be well benefitted through these restrictions that also ensure that the fitness levels are maintained without compromising the nutritional intake.

Encourage the Kids to Lead an Active Life

Regular workouts and exercise should be a part of your regimen. Make it a disciplinary act and lead by example so that your kids feel encouraged by simply observing you. You will thereby not only take care of your health but also ensure that your kids understands the importance of leading an active life that will only help them reap benefits in their years to come.

Here too, it is advisable to take the opinion of an expert on what sort of exercises will suit your kid considering his body, overall health and age. This way the energy that they consume through food will be properly utilised and they will develop good strong muscles, a healthy body and mind.

Give Them a Wholesome Life and Help Them Realise

Children are more intelligent than we presume them to be. So if you find that your kid has a natural inclination towards foods that will risk him the development of diabetes, explain to them that how they might develop the disease if they do not lead a disciplined life. Help them understand the harmful conditions of the disease and also make them realise how they can avert the condition with a little bit of conscious effort.

In the same manner it is also important that you do not deprive your kid of the natural pleasures of life by cutting him completely away from chocolates and pastries. Maintain moderation and ensure as a parent that the diet balance is maintained at all costs. The point is to make the child feel comfortable in the way of life that you have designed for him.

How To Teach Children To Love Nature

There are many things that parents, guardians, and teachers can do to help children develop a love for nature.Here are some ways to teach children to love nature.

Start young

If you love nature yourself, it is very easy to develop this love in your children. Expose them to the natural world from the time they are young. Encourage them to play in the garden. Let them pick up and observe leaves, flowers, rocks, etc. Point out and name trees, insects, birds, and animals to them.

Involve them in the garden

A great way to help children connect to nature is to get them to help in the garden. This will bring them in touch with the soil and they will encounter different kinds of insects, worms, and other intriguing creatures. Caring for plants, and seeing them grow and develop, is a wonderful opportunity for them to know the cycle of creation first hand. You can also help them set up a bird or butterfly feeder in the garden.

Take them into the wild

Make trips to the wild a regular part of their growing years. Plan regular picnics and outings to nature spots around your city. Introduce them to the joys of hiking. Spend vacations visiting national parks or wildlife sanctuaries such as Kanha, Ranthambhore, or Corbett, where children can see wild animals in their natural environment.

Arouse their curiosity

Encourage your children to observe things around them. Gift them with books or CDs about nature and wildlife. Take them along to museums or libraries. Better still, get them membership to a nature organisation such as the Bombay Natural History Society or the World Wildlife Fund, and encourage them to participate in the field trips and other activities organised by them.

Gift them a hobby

Enhance their enjoyment of nature by giving them magnifying lenses, a pair of binoculars, or a simple telescope. Encourage your children to observe things they see and record them. Teach them to take notes. Get them to make sketches of what they see. Give older children a simple camera, if they show an inclination for photography. Buy your children field guides to the common animals, birds, insects, or trees in your area; identifying plants and animals they see during their trips will help increase their knowledge and make a fun activity into a life-long passion.

Teach them to conserve

As they grow older, teach children to value nature. Encourage them to adopt conservation practices. More importantly, practice them yourself. Explain to children how small things like using water carefully and keeping lights switched off when they do not need them can contribute towards conserving nature.

Getting your children to cherish nature will not just help them become responsible citizens, but will even make them better custodians of our home planet, the Earth.

Healthy Family Activities For Children

Engaging family members in healthy activities is essential for having a healthy family. Modern day demands often leave us with very little time for our families and fitness activities. The importance of staying fit and spending time with family cannot be overemphasized. Engaging in fitness activities ensures that you are physically and mentally fit to take on the stress of modern day life.

Physical activities generate a feel good feeling and a sense of enjoyment for most of us. Has it ever occurred to you that it is possible to stay fit as a family? Spending time with family and fitness activities can both be combined to achieve best results for you and your family members.

There are a number of family activities both sporting and non-sporting which are useful to ensure that your entire family remains in good physical shape. These joint fitness ideas can be real fun when done as a family activity. Here are some useful suggestions for getting your entire family involved in activities to improve fitness.

Swimming

Most kids enjoy swimming. Getting children out of the pool after a swimming session is always a challenge for most parents. Particularly during summers this is an excellent activity for the entire family to engage in. There are a number of swimming equipments available for kids like kickboard, a light foam board to support the upper body, and a pull-buoy.

Swimming tones the entire body while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. It is particularly useful to strengthen the heart muscles and ensures good supply of oxygen to all other muscles in the body. It is however not suitable for people suffering from chronic back, joint, heart or inner-ear problems.

Cycling

This is another activity which an entire family can enjoy together. For this all you need to do is to identify safe cycling routes and buy cycles. Cycles are inexpensive and available in all sizes. In case your children are too small to cycle themselves you can consider making use of child seats or attachments which link their bike to yours so that you can go cycling together.

Bicycle is a versatile machine which is designed to minimise stress and maximise exercise efficiency. Cycling provides a quick and energetic workout. It helps to tone, shape and firm the thighs, the calf muscles and the pelvis region. It is useful to dissolve body fat and replace it with muscles. Cycling is however not suitable for people with joint problems and arthritis.

Family Holidays

Adventure sports holidays are gaining popularity these days. Gone are the days when people used to go for holidays with their families to hill stations or historical sites. Water sports, trekking, bird watching and mountaineering are healthier holiday options which are worth exploring. It involves physical activity and the entire family can take part in most of these fun holidays.

Above listed are some of the activities which will help you stay fit and also spend time with your family at the same time. There are many such options available for family fitness which you can consider if you are really serious about staying healthy. Fitness is something that a number of us take for granted. Instead of making efforts to stay fit all the time we give it due importance only when medical reasons warrant the same.

Tips on Encouraging Good Behavior in Kids

Here are some parenting tips for encouraging good behavior in kids.

Stop Bribing Your Child

The most common and biggest mistake that parents make is they either bribe, reward or threat in relation to whatever their children do. These convey a message to the children that solution to all their problems is present in the outside world.

Inculcate Morals in Your Child

As parents, we need to help them find and develop police officers within themselves so that they keep them aligned with their moral extent. When taking steps you should not feel sorry for your kids and do not wait for the second, third or another chance. Anything that is not acceptable or is inadequate should be made clear to your child.

Be a Role Model

Children usually imitate their parents. Try to check out your behaviour when you interact with people. You cannot expect your child to behave well when you yell or behave badly with other people.

Try to Ease the Communication Process

When you find something wrong or unacceptable in your child’s behaviour, get down to your child’s level. This also means to kneel down and communicate at the level of your child. This will help in good eye contact and right way of interaction as well.

Avoid Disagreement

Give your child choices. This will help in giving in him a feeling of independence. Let him take the decision. Stick to promises and agreements that you make. This will help your child to trust and respect you. Keep orders, wishes and negative comments to the minimum. This will create less opportunity for disagreement, conflict and bad feelings.

Give Responsibility to Your Child

Give your children responsibility that they can handle and that are suitable for their age. You can guide him about the consequences especially if they are dangerous. Also, you should be prepared for some mistakes or inaccuracy as this might be the first time he is doing certain job.

Raise Child in a Cheerful Environment

Maintain a sense of humour and light environment when you are trying to teach or help your child do something. Do not tease or mock him if he is unable to do anything properly.

Make your child feel important

Offer him doing things that are little bit difficult but you are sure he can manage doing them. Just keep an eye and carry on the support. Let him feel that he is important for the family.

At the end of the day, you must remember that kids are different and it is not possible for them to follow each and everything that you instruct. After all you need to communicate and offer unconditional love to them so that you have a healthy and long term relationship with your child.

When you are trying to teach and train your child, it is very important that you listen to him and take into account his points too. Let him express his problems and consider them. Follow these tips and you will have good relationship and your child will turn out disciplined and will be loved by all.

How To Teach Child About Table Manners

Learning table manners may take some time so don't get discouraged. Sometimes children act like pigs at home, but behave perfectly when they are guests in other people's homes. So they are hearing you at some level.

• Don't nag your children about it. This is bound to have the opposite effect. They will take a perverse pleasure in annoying you by slurping their milk noisily or coming to the table with unwashed hands.
• What you can do is praise them for displaying good manners like passing a dish to a guest or saying "please" and "thank you."
• Don't make mealtimes into a battleground and constantly pick on your children about all the things that they are doing wrong. This is a surefire way of killing the appetite, both yours and theirs. In addition, it's not going to make them any more interested in becoming part of polite society.
• Set an example yourself. Don't read the morning paper while eating your breakfast if you don't want your child to come to every meal with his favourite comic book.
• Don't get into the habit of telling your child that he is a "pig" or a "slob" every time he doesn't do things the 'propah' way. If you're going to label him like that, he's not going to see any point in trying to improve because he will think it 's in his nature to be a "pig."
• Give your child a break and tell him that he can make a pig of himself when he is alone because he then he won't be offending anyone. So he doesn't have to dab at his face with a napkin if he's alone and has ketchup all over his face.
• When entertaining at home, involve your children in serving the starters or setting the table so that they can see for themselves the workings of polite society. You can also try taking them to a 'real' restaurant once in a while because table manners are hardly an issue at your local McDonald's. Make it an occasion so that they would like to live up to it.
• Do not encourage burping competitions that your child may start with his friends at the table. Make it clear that you find it rude and offensive and definitely not funny.

It may take some time so don't get discouraged. Sometimes children act like pigs at home, but behave perfectly when they are guests in other people's homes. So they are hearing you at some level.

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Top Four Ways To Build Up Child Confidence

Here are the Four great ways to make your child a more confident and self-assured person.

Sports

Encourage your child to take up a sport from a very young age. Let your child select what sport she wants to take up - this way she will be more regular with the sport. Often when children are young, they tend to take up things and give them up halfway. This is because a child is happy enough at home, surrounded by family. So take it upon yourself, if you have the time, to accompany your child to her sports coaching class. If your child is learning a sport at a club, you could go with her to the club, and while she plays her sport, you could do your own thing. Better yet, take up the sport with her, so you could make going to the sports club a family outing. Remember, you need to do this only initially. Once your child gets the hang of a sport and starts becoming good, her interest in the sport will increase by itself. Having a skill like playing a particular sport, and being good at it, will give your child tremendous confidence.

Public speaking

Enroll your child in public speaking classes from a young age itself. Make sure she attends regularly, and keep re-enrolling her so that speaking in public becomes almost second nature to her. Encourage her to participate in debate competitions at school, and speak up regularly in class. If your child is shy, speak to her teacher and request her to call on your child more regularly to answer questions in class. Also, if your child plays a sport, she can be a part of the team in her school if possible. This will encourage her to be more of a participant and be more involved with school activities.

Drama class

Getting your child to join a drama class is a good idea. Performing in front of an audience is sure to give any child a high, and a confidence boost. It doesn't matter if your child starts out by playing the part of trees in the play! Gradually, as your child continues to be regular with his classes, he is sure to get bigger and better roles, and as his roles grow, so will his confidence. There are numerous drama classes for children, and most schools put up plays performed by students annually. If your child has a flair for drama, he can participate in the plays in school. This will lead to greater recognition in school. A child that participates in numerous school activities is generally a confident child, and participation increases recognition and popularity, which brings about more confidence.

Pay attention

One of the most important things you as a parent can do for your child is to pay attention to him when he talks. If he finds that your attention is drifting, he will be able to make out almost immediately, and will clamp up. This will lead to feelings of inadequacy. Pay attention to your child when he is talking, listen to him, and show an interest in his school activities. You may be at home all the time with your child, but that alone is not enough until you actually sit with him and have heart to heart discussions with him. Question him on his day, find out what is going on with his friends, and support and encourage him at every step. If you disagree with something he says, feel free to voice your opinion. After all, being involved is more important than agreeing with everything he says.

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How To Develop Kid's Social Skills

Help your baby grow into a confident adult by teaching him social skills at the outset. Here are a few tips.Your child's personality starts taking shape when he is still in the womb - or that is what ancient wisdom tells us. But if you neglected trying to shape his personality at that time, don't fret. It's never too late. Start now.

Don't let others hold him against his wishes

Does your baby cry every time someone tries to take him from you? Often parents want to encourage their babies to be more comfortable around new people, and hence they let their friends hold their babies despite protests. This is not always the best thing to do, since it increases your baby's insecurities instead of making him more comfortable around new faces. A better thing to do would be to continue holding your child, and let him first get familiar with the new face before handing him over. If your child protests, hold on to him. Also, familiarize him with as many people as possible, especially with his grandparents - who are sure to lavish him with attention.

Put him down tactfully

Also, you don't need to keep carrying your child with you all the time. If your baby starts crying as soon as you let him down, first place him on your bed, so you can lie down with him. Play around and give him your full attention, as you gradually draw away. Once he is distracted and enjoying himself, deposit him in his crib.

Console him when he cries

There are different theories to whether you should pick up your child when he is crying, or whether you should let him cry it out until he stops on his own. Many mothers are unable to bear sitting around while their child is crying, and after letting him cry a bit, they pick him up. This doesn't serve a lot of purpose. Remember, you baby is crying because he is anxious or scared and needs to be comforted. You never know what your baby is going through, and he just needs to be held to feel secure - so hold on to him.

Introduce him to other babies

Try and ensure that your child is surrounded by other children his age. Children feel more at ease when they are amongst their own age group. Invite parents with children over often, so your child can start learning how to socialize at a young age.

Talk often

Talk to your child as often as possible so your child develops a sense of speech at a young age. Some children may have speech problems in which case it is advisable to seek the advice of an expert at a young age itself, before the speech problem develops into a social impediment. Remember though that Jack Welch, ex-CEO of GE and one of the most powerful bosses in America, had a pronounced stammer.

Don't ignore your child

When you are expecting guests, you could let your toddler play around the guests. He may feel uncomfortable if he is the immediate focus of attention, so let him be, until he approaches. Also, don't ignore your baby if he is calling for attention. After letting him mingle with your guests, it is better you take him to his room and keep him busy with a few toys, than it is to keep him in your lap and ignore him when he calls for attention.

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Tips While Giving Antibiotics To Children

Antibiotics are now used commonly. Some parents self medicate antibiotics to their children which is actually harmful. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to developing of more resistant strains of germs.

Antibiotics have now become one of the most often prescribed drugs for children's diseases. Their use has become so common that not much thought is given to their need for use, their side effects and precautions to be observed during the treatment. These are extremely important drugs in the therapeutic armemeterium and have a definite place in the majority of childhood infections. However their indiscriminate use has to be totally avoided, as this has been a major factor in the development of resistance of germs to the antibiotics. Such organisms are likely to be more difficult to treat, thereby increasing the cost, duration and side effects of drugs used.

Tips while giving antibiotics to children

• Do not be tempted to start the antibiotics by yourself and always consult your doctor before doing so. Unwarranted use of these drugs can mask your child's symptoms partially; delay the exact diagnosis and his/her recovery. Antibiotics need to be chosen specifically for individual germs and illnesses and your doctor is the best person to decide so.
• Many illnesses like simple coughs, colds, mild diarrhea, skin infections tend to run a self-limiting course of about 3 to 7 days. A great majority of these do not need antibiotics. Adequate rest, fluids, balanced diet and mild painkillers are good enough for your child.
• Stopping antibiotics before the recommended duration of treatment is counter productive in the long run, even if your child feels and looks better. By doing so, he/she may need a more potent antibiotic for a similar illness and perhaps a costlier one too.
• Do not rely on other children's symptoms or earlier episodes to start the treatment. Childrens symptoms vary based on their age, types of germs causing illness and their own individual differences.
• Do not be tempted to use partially used or left over suspensions or syrups of antibiotics. These tend to deteriorate on storage. Always check the label for instructions before use. If you are using suspension, shake the bottle vigorously before use so as to deliver a uniform concentration of the drug every time.
• Dispersible kid tabs are convenient, easy to use (dissolve easily), have less chances of wastage and have minimal chance of dosing errors.
• Avoid giving antibiotics on a full stomach or with milk or antacids. These may hamper the absorption of antibiotics from the stomach.
• Many antibiotics (ampicillin, amoxycillin, etc.) cause mild side effects such as abdominal discomfort and occasional diarrhea. These are usually transient, subside gradually on their own and are no reason to discontinue the treatment.
• Inform your doctor before hand if your child or family has a history of drug allergies, eruptions or asthma or G6PD deficiency. This can help your doctor greatly to plan your child's treatment appropriately.
• Watch out for any unexpected or unusual reactions while the child's on the antibiotics. Inform your doctor immediately if the child develops severe itching, swelling of the body or dark urine.

Good compliance to the instructions with a watchful eye on the potential side effects would be important key factors to anticipate desirable results from the antibiotic usage in children.

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