Child Care Checklist For Parents

Gone are the days when we lived in joint families and children grew up under the loving care of grandparents. Times have changed and we now see a change in the family structure, with children spending most of their time in daycare or with domestic help.

Despite the guilt parents feel, the decision seems inevitable. There is nothing better than spending time with your babies and toddlers and watch them as they grow. But if that is not possible, here are ways you can be a responsible parent even while leaving your child in the day care centre or with domestic help.

Domestic help

Parents often prefer to keep domestic help to take care of the child when they are away. This way the child is still within the safety of the home, reachable at all times and does not have his routine upset. 

Here are few things you may want to ensure while your child is at home.

• Make sure your help knows where the first aid box is kept (of course she should know how to use what's inside)
• Inform her of the times the food has to be prepared and given to your child
• Be strict with your child and your help about TV rules, as most times the help prefers to watch TV herself
• Ensure that both of them know the forbidden areas in your home. Keep some rooms locked in extreme cases.
• Make sure bedtime routines are followed
• Maintain the discipline routine at home even while you are away
• Insist that your help do not eat or drink anything hot with your child in her hand

Day care

If your child is in the day care centre all-day or part of the day, it is a good idea to furnish them with the following details:

• Full name and address
• All contact numbers
• The time you intend to pick up your child
• Person to contact in case of emergency
• Age
• Allergies if any
• Medication or supplements if any, with dosages and written instructions
• Other special instructions

There may be some difficult situations when your child is not keeping well or is having a bad day. Yet you have to send him to day care. Inform the centre about the situation. Not only will they monitor your child closely, but they will also keep your child away from other children so he doesn't infect them. Hand over any medication you may be giving your child, along with written instructions. Ask them to call you if his condition worsens or if he has been crying continuously.

When you go to pick up your child from the centre, ask for feedback on the day. Enquire if he has eaten all meals and slept. Ask for any behavioural problems they may have faced. If you do not personally pick your child up on a daily basis, meet the centre authorities once a week to enquire.

These are some basic things remember while you send your child to a day care centre or hire domestic help. It not only makes things easier for you but also for the person looking after your child.

Four Reasons Not To Hit Children

Do you hit your children? Here are the Top Four reasons you should refrain from corporal punishment.

Hitting children teaches them to become hitters themselves. Virtually all of the most dangerous criminals were regularly threatened and punished in childhood. It is nature's plan that children learn attitudes and behaviors through observation and imitation of their parents' actions, for good or ill. Thus it is the responsibility of parents to set an example of empathy and wisdom.

In many cases of so-called "bad behavior", the child is simply responding in the only way he can, given his age and experience, to neglect of basic needs. Among these needs are: proper sleep and nutrition, treatment of hidden allergy, fresh air, exercise, and sufficient freedom to explore the world around him. But his greatest need is for his parents' undivided attention. In these busy times, few children receive sufficient time and attention from their parents, who are often too distracted by their own problems and worries to treat their children with patience and empathy. It is surely wrong and unfair to punish a child for responding in a natural way to having important needs neglected. For this reason, punishment is not only ineffective in the long run, it is also clearly unjust.

Punishment distracts the child from learning how to resolve conflict in an effective and humane way. "When we make a child afraid, we stop learning dead in its tracks." A punished child becomes preoccupied with feelings of anger and fantasies of revenge, and is thus deprived of the opportunity to learn more effective methods of solving the problem at hand. Thus, a punished child learns little about how to handle or prevent similar situations in the future.

Punishment interferes with the bond between parent and child, as it is not human nature to feel loving toward someone who hurts us. The true spirit of cooperation which every parent desires can arise only through a strong bond based on mutual feelings of love and respect. Punishment, even when it appears to work, can produce only superficially good behavior based on fear, which can only take place until the child is old enough to resist. In contrast, cooperation based on respect will last permanently, bringing many years of mutual happiness as the child and parent grow older.

The Importance of Conduct

If you don't make a good first impression, chances are that you could lose out a on a good job or contract.The way your child carries and conducts herself is important, not just on a personal front but on a professional front as well. Good manners speak a lot about a person's personality and breeding, and it gives others an insight into her nature and capabilities. This insight may or may not be accurate, but it is a fact that people judge others on the way they appear outwardly.

First Impressions

Consciously or sub-consciously, most of us lay a lot of emphasis on first impressions, especially with regard to business matters. In personal matters, we often find that we don't like someone at first, but then as we get to know them better we warm up to them. However, the business and corporate worlds don't function in the same manner. If you don't make a good first impression, chances are that you could lose out a on a good job or contract.

Public Relations

The field of public relations is growing in importance. It's all about the image now. So if your child ever wants a job in public relations, her image will matter as well. Only if she presents a good image of herself, will she be able to portray a good image of the brand she represents.

Confidence

If your child knows that she conducts herself well, with class and aplomb, naturally her confidence and self-esteem will grow. She will have more faith in herself and in her abilities, and this faith will show through in her dealings. Remember, confidence begets confidence, and a person who is self-confident will cause others to have confidence in her.

Attraction

Confident people are more attractive to others. You do not need to be an attention seeker to come across as confident. An ability to hold yourself well, walk erect, have an intelligent conversation, not stutter too much, speak slowly and surely, and look the other person in the eye when talking is also attractive. Of course, everybody has their own little quirks, which make them even more attractive - so if you stammer a little, or fidget, or play with your hair, it doesn't make you less attractive, and, as long as you present an overall image of confidence, these little quirks make you even more appealing.

Manners

It is important to lay emphasis on teaching your child impeccable manners. A person with good manners is a polished human being, and all of us tend to look at such a person in an appreciative light. If your son stands up when being introduced to a lady, says please and thank you often, and has impeccable manners, he will naturally create a good first impression. Also, children with good manners come across as more self assured and confident, since they find their voice easier. A child who has not been taught to say thank you out loud, may shy away from doing the same. A child that is constantly encouraged to thank others when need be, to say please before asking for something, and to apologise immediately on causing inconvenience to others has learnt how to say the right thing at the right time, and so he appears more confident.

Dental Tips for Teens

Smile, and the world smiles with you.This is a saying that we have often heard. However, in order to smile we need to ensure that our teeth are in a good enough condition to display. For teens this could be a real challenge. The late-night-outs, consumption of junk food, smoking, and occasional alcohol binges that may stain teeth are only the beginning. Teens are so caught up in their whirlwind lives that they feel oral hygiene is an insignificant part of their life. Teens fail to brush twice a day and if they do 'brushing' would be a misnomer. In order to appear presentable, some merely rub some paste over the front teeth and then rinse. Teens are also less likely to keep regular dental appointments. Here are a few tips that your teens can follow for better oral hygiene.

Food & Drinks

Soft drinks or colas seem to be among the favourite food items of teens. Not only do they consume these at school or college, some stock the home fridge with these as well. Colas, as compared to fruit juices, are harmful for the teeth. The sugar in the cola can cause cavities. Acidic flavoured additives that are present can damage the teeth's enamel. One solution, apart from cutting back on the intake of colas, is to encourage teens to use a straw when drinking them. This ensures that a lesser amount of drink actually comes in contact with the teeth. Rinsing the mouth well with water after drinking a cola will greatly reduce the chances of developing cavities.

Foods that contain a lot of starch and sugars should be avoided. This is because when these foods are consumed, bacteria in the mouth create acids. This acid in the mouth can affect one's teeth and gums for a period of twenty minutes to an hour after eating. The longer something stays in one's mouth the more damage is done. It is because of this that one should avoid toffees and chewing gums as well.

Alcohol & Smoking

The consumption of alcohol will instigate tooth decay. Alcohol not only dries out the mouth but also discolours and destroys tooth enamel. This makes a person more susceptible to mouth diseases such as cancer, gum diseases, and even tooth loss in some cases.

Smoking also has a similar effect on the teeth. Smoking not only causes your teeth to become stained but also leads to bad breath.

Oral Piercing

Body piercing is popular amongst the youth, especially those who want to be seen as different and daring. Oral piercing can lead to hygiene problems. The jewellery worn can chip teeth when eating, talking or even sleeping. This could range from damaging the enamel to something more serious, such as nerve damage leading to the need for a root canal treatment. Teens who indulge in oral piercing may often experience mouth infections. There may be swelling of the tongue which in extreme cases can even cause problems with breathing.

Braces

Teens with braces need to be extra careful. Food that is caught in the braces will stay close to the teeth, deteriorating their health and causing damage. Sticky food will coat the braces and teeth and will need to be cleaned carefully.

Here Are Some Tips and Tricks

Few steps to ensure that your teen takes care of his teeth.

• Have your teen go for regular dental check-ups.
• Encourage healthy snacks such as bananas as substitutes for candies and energy bars.
• Encourage the chewing of sugarless gums after meals to help clean the mouth.
• Teens should drink water throughout the day to ensure that any trapped particles are washed away and to minimise the effect of bacteria in the mouth.
• Ensure that your teen brushes and flosses daily.
• Buy a new toothbrush for your teen every two to three months or sooner if the bristles get worn out or bent.
• Use a soft or medium tooth brush. A hard one may damage enamel.
• Use a mouthwash to cure bad breath and help combat the effect of bacteria.

Tips To Find Baby Names For New Parents

Finding baby names is really a daunting task for new parents. Some want to give their baby a unique name while some want to give name that has a specific meaning and so on so forth the choices vary. There are different types of lists available online and some have them even arranged in ascending order.

Today with the help of internet it has become easy to find anything no matter if you are looking for options for your baby's name. If you want to go through the list of names that has made history in past, you can get them on internet. Here are some tips that will help you find your baby's name as you wish.

Tips for Deciding Baby Names

Have a quick look at the tips for finding baby names.

• Make sure what you want and discuss it with your partner. The name should be decided only after mutual understanding.
• Do not give any dim-witted name just to make the name sound unique. This can make the child feel embarrassed throughout her life.
• Always remember that the name should sound good and should also be meaningful.
• Discuss with all your family members but do not decide on the name just because they are the child's grandparents.
• Make sure you decide on a name that is easy to pronounce and sounds good.

How to Search for Baby Names

Here are some tips for searching baby names.

• Make ample use of the internet. You will have plenty of options right there.
• Just keep in mind that selection of baby name will take some time. So, be prepared for that and do not haste.
• Bear in mind that your child is going to be called with this name in future. So, consider and imagine what your baby would feel when called by friends, colleagues and other people.
• there is any kind of family tradition or you have to seek astrological help to decide the name, do not forget to consider the present trend. Always remember that the child is going to face the world with his name.
• Nowadays there is a trend to shorten a long name to call. Make sure the shortened name sounds good when called.
• There are books on baby names. You can check out those because it is quite possible you will end finding one of your choices.

Precautions before Finalising the Baby's Name

• Make sure that the caller will not find it difficult to pronounce the name
• Check out that the name does not sound weird
• Name should be good and melodious to call
• Analyse whether the name is suitable for all to call. For example naming your child 'Honey' or something like that will make her feel embarrass when her classmates will call her.
• You can join a forum and ask for advice from the members out there. You can even discuss or poll about some names.
• Check out the names of your ancestors. You never know the perfect name for your child might be hidden in your past.

When you will take the help of internet, you will be able to decide the name by checking out different tools and options. For example you can check out the names based on tradition, culture, country, religion, origins, meanings, nicknames and many more.

Nowadays, options are immense you simply have to take out some time and go through them taking down some of the good ones that you come across. Finalise the one that both of you find suitable for your child.

How To Choose Eyeglasses for Children

When a doctor prescribes glasses for your child for near-sightedness, far-sightedness or amblyopia, he is not likely to tell you how you go about choosing frames. An optician, with his knowledge of the products available in the market, is at a better position to advice you on this. Adults can pay more attention to style and fashion when it comes to eyewear and accessories, as they can instantly judge what is comfortable for them. But it is not that simple in case of children. Children are unable to tell you what fits well and is comfortable; you have to make an intelligent choice for them.

Here are some guidelines for parents to choose the right eyeglasses for their children:

LENSES:

Lenses come in three types - glass, plastic and polycarbonate.

Glass

Ideally, glass is the perfect material for lens as it is crystal clear and does not scratch, but it obviously ranks the lowest on the safety scale.

Plastic

Plastic lens, then, is the second choice. These are also light compared to glass and come with a scratch-resistant coating. But they are priced slightly higher than glass lenses.

Polycarbonate

The third option is that of polycarbonate lenses which are made of the impact-resistant material used in helmet visors and bullet-proof panes. Therefore, they do not break and splinter, and are very safe. They come with scratch-proof coating and an in-built protection against harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Of all the lenses, these ones are more expensive, but that's a little price to pay for your child's safety.

FRAMES:

When it comes to frames, the choice is more difficult, as there are frames and frames, depending on the company that manufactures it.

Shape

Frames are available in all shapes: rectangular - broad or elongated, ovals and rounds. Doctors recommend glasses with big lenses that cover the eyes completely right up to the eyebrows, as against elongated rectangular lenses. This is to ensure that the centre of the lens coincides with the centre of the eye.

Plastic or metal

Again, as far as the materials go, there are two types - plastic and metal. Plastic frames have the advantage of being light-weight and durable, but today frames made of metal alloys are giving plastic frames a severe competition. They too are light-weight and long-lasting. Metal frames have nose pads which are useful in case of children, because the bridge of their noses is not developed or almost non-existent. Frames made of the metal alloy, titanium, are also hypoallergenic, in that they produce hardly any allergic reaction.

But this is just a matter of choice; a plastic frame is as good as the metal one.

Fitting

Eyeglasses for children come with different styles to keep them rooted on to the nose. One such style is the wraparound, where the ear pieces end curled, hugging the back of the ear. Also, it is important to see that the frame fits perfectly, that it is not too tight at the temples pinching the ears, and not too lose to slide down the nose.

Durability

Children can't be expected to treat their eyeglasses delicately; therefore frames for them have to be tough to withstand rough usage. The feature of spring hinges is a must for children who may be wont to hold glasses by one stem or given to swinging it in play. Spring hinges allow for bending of the stems in both the directions at the temples. Thus, they can be removed and put on several times with little damage to the frame.

Things to remember

• Do not compromise on the price of the eyeglasses; safety is more important.
• Scratch-resistant coated lenses are not foolproof. They do scratch, especially if children put them on a hard surface such as a school desktop, with the lens-side down. If scratch marks appear, change the lens immediately. Wearing scratched lenses can impair the child's vision further.
• Always keep an extra pair of prescription lens eyeglasses as back-up. When the main pair breaks or gets lost, the back up can replace it till another pair is made to order. This is particularly important for children who have to wear prescription glasses all day long.
• Harry Potter and Barbie eyeglasses may be the in thing, but they may not suit everyone. Evaluate frames on an individual basis, and go for the ones with the most comfortable fit.
• Get the lens cross-checked from the eye doctor after it is made.

How To Help Children Cope with Death

Death is probably any human being's biggest fear. The fact that death is inevitable and unpredictable makes it frightening to people. The occurrence of a death in the family affects everyone from the emotionally stable to the emotionally weak. Therefore, it is important that you understand the situation and behave appropriately. It is helpful to be a pillar of support to the family and dear ones, at this time of need. And explaining death to children is mandatory, as coping with the death of a loved one can be a mammoth task for them.

When a death occurs in the family, it may be expected or sudden. It is a strong blow to all family members, and they have trouble coping with it. This results in your young child being surprised by the happenings around him. But your child may not be able to completely understand why there is a sudden change in the behaviour of all the elders around him. This leads him to seek answers directly from you. And if he was close to the person who passed away, explaining the absence of that person to the child can be a delicate issue. A child, depending on his or her age, may not be able to grasp the concept of death easily. This makes your role all the more important.

In the Case of an Expected Death

In the event of an expected death, you must tell the child in advance about what to expect. You need to make sure you use the right terms so as to avoid frightening him. You must make sure that he understands clearly about the effects of the death. This is to ensure that he does not ask inappropriate questions before the terminally-ill person, or any other relatives. You can also suggest to the child that he should spend quality time with the sick person, so he will have special memories to treasure.

In the Case of a Sudden Death

Children are more affected if someone they were close to passes away suddenly. This is because they didn't get any time to prepare for the event. The best solution under these circumstances is to help the child focus on the better times he spent with the deceased person. Doing this helps the child think positively about that person. Another way of helping the child cope is by helping him grieve. You can do this by letting him know that it is alright to cry. Helping a child grieve is very mandatory, according to many child psychologists. Giving him an avenue to vent his feelings plays an important role in coping with a death.

Why it is Important to Help him Cope

It is a difficult task to console a child and explain to him about a death. This is especially true when you yourself are struggling hard to come to terms with it. But you must keep in mind that if you do not take up this responsibility, it may have an adverse effect on the child. Children of different age groups cope with this situation differently. But your interaction with your child will lessen the damage. Children above 8-9 years of age may get depressed and go into a shell if an unexpected death occurs. It is important that you reassure the child of his safety, and answer all the questions he or she may have.

Reassuring the Child

If the child is very young, you can begin by behaving as normally as possible with him. This should calm the child down considerably. After this, you need to explain to him the incident, and why it had an effect on the other family members. Depending on his age, you can use terms that he will understand. Make sure you do not use words that may strike fear into him, like saying that the person will 'never return', or has 'died'. Though older children can face reality, younger children will only take it in the literal meaning and be affected by it. Ensure that you do not set false expectations, though. Even if you are softening the blow for your young one, it is not advisable to create wrong illusions about death.

Older Children

Explaining death to a teenager though, is different. This is because most teenagers are aware of death and the effects of it. But along with their awareness, their fear of it is also heightened. Breaking news of a death to a teenager is easier if you can do so with spiritual undertones. You should also remain calm and controlled in this situation as teenagers understand body language well. Being emotionally stable will make it easier for your teen to find mental balance as well. Most teenagers will turn to friends during a difficult time, so allow him or her to do so. Close friends can be the best remedy for your teen, under the circumstances. But make sure you play your role before you let him interact with his friends, so that no questions catch him unawares outside home.

In the event of a death, definitely take into consideration your child's emotions. It goes a long way in making him a stronger individual.

How To Deal With Troubled Teenagers

Teenage years are one of the most difficult phases of life. That is because one experiences too many things at the same time. For e.g., going through puberty, academic responsibility, personality development, peer pressure, dealing with heartache and entangled romantic relationships, and for some coming in terms with one's sexuality, etc.

Also, this phase of transition is often accompanied by the use of alcohol, smoking, drugs, sexual promiscuity out of the many more. Under this scenario, its not surprising if teenagers get prone to depression, anxiety, loneliness, etc. Therefore, it is the parent's responsibility to keep a check on how their children are doing, and to be their support in these difficult and delicate phase of their lives. 

Here are some pointers, to help to spot your children:

1. Tell and show teenage child that you trust in him or her. Assure them that you love them. This goes a long way in building and strengthening your relationship with your child.

2. Listen to your child's ideas, views and opinions. Also, see how they look at things, it is not necessary that you have to agree with their point of view all the time.

3. You need to let your children know what you expect from them. You need to set certain boundaries and let them know that you will not tolerate certain wrongdoing of theirs.

4. You need to be an alert parent. Watch out the change of moods that your child experiences. For eg., anger, sadness, aggression, etc. Also, see if your child has lost interest in his/her favourite activities. Notice of how often your child cries. Make a note if your child has spoken about hopelessness, suicide or death. And keep a check on how his/her academic performance of late has been?

5. Communicate with them in case you see any of these problems. Make them feel that they can talk to you instead of being scared what you would think of them or what you would feel. Don't be a strict parent, instead be like a friend and help them out.

Effective Parenting Tips For Emergencies

Parenthood is an adventure; so there will be mishaps. Here's a manual for emergencies.If you have a small child, accidents are inevitable, no matter how much you baby-proof the house. As is the case with almost everything involving small children, it is best that you rush them to the hospital for medical attention. But there is much you can do to control damage and provide First Aid before. 

Snorting it up

Curious to see what everything smells like, your child could find the most unlikely things up his/her nose — pen caps, marbles, ball bearings, etc. If the object is stuck right at the opening of the nose, you can try to pry it out with a (hair) plucker. However, it is best to take the child to the hospital where a doctor can attend to him or her. "While trying to dislodge the foreign object, you could push it further up the nose," says Singhal. "The nasal passage is connected to the throat, through which the object could reach the lungs. So it is best that a doctor looks at it." As your child can continue breathing through the mouth, there is no immediate threat to his well-being while you are waiting to see a doctor.

Lump in the throat

If you're new to parenthood, be warned: a lot of small things could disappear down the digestive tract of your child. There is no real remedy but to allow the foreign object to be downloaded the natural way in two to three days. However, you should take him/her to a hospital to get an X-Ray. There are several stops where the coin or marble may get stuck - the stomach outlet, throat or the lower intestinal tract. An X-ray will reveal if this happens and then an endoscopy may be required.

Medicinal facials

As a rule, keep all medicines and balms out of children's reach in locked cabinets. But they might still get their hands on these and rub it all over their body and face, mimicking an adult beauty regime, only to be rewarded by a burning sensation. Should this happen, wash it off using room temperature water and apply Lacto Calamine lotion to sooth the irritation.

Choke on this

If your child is choking, depending on the age, there are two First Aid procedures you could follow. For an infant, place him or her stomach-down across your forearm and give five forceful blows using the heel of your palm.  For a small child, stand behind him/her. Place a fist right above the navel, with the thumb folded inwards, thumb-side facing the abdomen. Grip the fist with the other palm, from below. Thrust upwards as if to eject the object. 

Sticky situations

Fingers and skin stuck together after unfortunate experiments with strong glues can be pried apart using acetone, vegetable oil, ghee or medicinal alcohol. Dab the area with any of these remedies and wait for it to dissolve the glue. If it doesn't help, call your doctor.

Unfriendly bites

In occasion of a bite from a stray dog or cat, the first thing you must do is wash the bite with soap and water for a full five minutes. It's imperative to follow this to the letter and rub with soap and water for a full five minutes to wash the worst of the infection. Later, apply an antiseptic and go see your doctor.

Everything is not food

Perchance the child's taken a swig of phenyl or perfume, or a bite of crayon, anything else that looks appetising at two-feet tall, do not try to induce vomiting. Get to the doctor and carry the container from which the child has eaten or drunk. Want to know something vomitinducing? Human faeces, though disgusting, are not medically harmful. If your infant has playfully inserted some of his/her doo-doo in its mouth or ear, wash it off and change the diaper. Just no kisses for a few hours.

Tips To Maintain Healthy Father - Daughter Relationship

Here are some tips to maintain a healthy father-daughter relationship

1. The first rule is to be a friend: Treat her as your friend; share thoughts, ask for opinions.

2. Treat your daughter as an equal: Do not keep this attitude that she knows nothing. Children these days have become more sensible and know what they are doing.

3. Be a mediator: If your daughter is facing problems with your wife, be there present as a mediator between the two females. Having a male interween somehow cool down issues.

4. Learn to communicate: If you are one of those who cannot really communicate or emote well, then you should maybe should start by doing small things like helping her around with her studies or maybe once in a while give her a treat or take her shopping.

5. Trust her: When their daughter's are in their teens, father's usually tend to get over protectiev about their little girls. This behaviour most often than not tends to push the girls away from their father's. Remember not to be too suspicious about your daughter's whereabouts.

6. Let them be independent: They are no longer babies. Let her learn from her own mistakes. Having a healthy discussion about such mistakes will make them feel that you are interested in their lives and do not want them to do what you want. Avoid preaching.

7. Love them unconditionally: She is your own daughter. Love her unconditionally even if she makes mistakes or she is not the ideal daughter. Your love for her will make her realise herself to make the right choices in life.

8. Accept her friends: Accepting your daughter's social circle can be a little difficult sometimes. The kind of friends she is hanging out with might come as a surprise to most father's.

9. Be patient: Hormones are running wild and so will tempers. You need to curb your temper since she will always be the one who'll be raising her voice. When she sees that you do not react usually, she will herself calm down in front of you.

10. Spend time together: Time is the greatest bonding element. Try doing what they like the most and see the difference. They will love the way you are.

Symptoms of Depression In Children

Childhood depression is growing at a breathtaking pace with one out of every thirty children suffering from it.Childhood depression is a very sensitive issue which needs to be treated immediately. Children are delicate and innocent; they exhibit depression in the form of various behavioural patterns and thought patterns.

Childhood depression is similar to depression in adults, but their way of expressing it is different. There are certain specific behaviours which vary in children and adults. A child will never say that he or she is “depressed”, but may express it in the form of a sad mood, anger or unhappy emotions. If your child is sad it may not mean that he or she is depressed, but if your child is sad persistently, he may be suffering from depression.

Parents have to be very careful and alert in watching their child’s changing behaviour. There are many warning signs for diagnosing childhood depression. It is the responsibility of parents to look for signs of danger and help the child deal with it.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression In Children?

Children often show different signs of depression than adults. Generally, adults may face sleeping problems, apprehension, irrational fear etc; children on the other hand would just have an irritable mood. Despite of being depressed children will tend to enjoy some activities.

Here are a few symptoms of depression in children. Not all children experience all the symptoms.

Anxiety: Children will express their mental disturbance in the form of their behaviour. Anxiety is one very common sign of depression. The child may appear scared, anxious and apprehensive. If you come across such signs, try to find out the reason causing depression.

Turmoil and Sadness: The child may appear very irritated and sad almost every day. They may feel guilty or hopeless and could even cry easily. Their misery could cause them to lash out in anger.

Trouble in Organising Thoughts: Depressed children may face concentration and memory problems. It becomes difficult for them to stay attentive in class or at home thus, causing an inability in coping up with school work.

Loss of Appetite and Sudden Weight Loss or Gain: Change in appetite and excessive weight loss without dieting is another sign of depression in children. The child may either feel very hungry or not feel hungry at all. Their diet may increase or decrease.

Sleeping Problems: The child may lack enough sleep or may sleep excessively. They may face trouble in falling asleep or sleeping comfortably once asleep. They may end up sleeping during school hours.

Lack of Interest: Depression can lead to a significant decline in the interests of the child. The child may feel extremely disinterested in doing daily activities like playing their favourite game, interacting with friends, participating in games, going out etc. They may often complain of being bored.

Guilt and Worthlessness: Children with depressed feelings may find them themselves guilty and useless every day. They constantly remind themselves of their failures and mistakes and feel guilty.

Negative Thoughts and Suicidal Tendencies: Depression can cause the child to suffer from various negative thoughts. They may feel isolated and pessimistic all the time. They may perceive all the events happening in their life depressing and unworthy. They may also express their feelings of dying and suicide.

Demanding and Insecurity: The child may feel very insecure about certain relationships. They become extremely dependent on some relations and may behave in a highly insecure manner.

These are some of the symptoms of depression in children. If you find these signs in your child, visit an expert immediately. Good and proper treatment will help your child cope up with depression quickly.

How To Overcome Child's Shyness

Some children are reserved in nature, such children feels shy in talking to others. Some constructive efforts by parents can help a child come out of his shell.Read on for tips to help your shy child improve her social skills and overcome her bashfulness.

Many parents have children who can be very shy when placed in social situations. While they usually do gradually grow out of it, here's what you can do to help them make the transition smoother.

Entertain more

Have more get-togethers at home. This will help your child grow accustomed to having new people around her. Encourage your child to come out when you have guests over and greet them. Huge parties may overwhelm your child, so invite small groups, maybe even one person or one couple at a time over for tea or dinner. Make sure your child comes out and eats with the guests, not in her room. The more people you expose your child to, the more likely she is to open up.

Pay attention

Listen to your child when she is speaking to you, and give her your full attention. If you ignore your child when she is trying to get your attention or if you let your attention wander, she will sense it immediately and may start developing feelings of inadequacy. This will lead her to start speaking less. Similarly, even if you are living in a large joint family but no one really listens to your child or has long conversations with her, she will withdraw into a shell. Needless to say, this is just one of the reasons your child may be shy. There are many other reasons which have nothing to do with you. Your child may be shy even if you are the most attentive mother in the world. She probably just has an introverted nature.

Don't label her

Don't label her as shy, and don't discuss her shyness with others in her presence, otherwise she may get it into her head that she is shy, and will behave accordingly.

Public speaking

Speak with your child's teacher at school about your child's shyness, and request her to call upon your child often, along with other children, to read a paragraph from the textbook in class. Speaking up aloud in public will definitely help. Incorporate this public speaking culture at home, by teaching your child poems and then asking her to say them out aloud in front of your spouse, her grandparents or in front of other people in whose presence she is comfortable. Don't push her to perform in front of strangers.

Last of all, remember that shyness is a sign of sensitivity, which is a good thing and will help your child grow up to be a fine, compassionate person.

How To Prevent Common Cold In Kids

If you take some precaution, you can keep common cold away from your baby. Babies are very sensitive and can get affected with cold easily. As such taking precautions especially during rainy season is a must. Read on to find more about protecting babies from common cold.

Common cold is really common among babies especially in this rainy season. If common cold is striking very often to your baby’s respiratory system, it is time you learn some precautionary measures. Most often common cold lasts for only few days, but it can take longer if neglected. By this time you can do lot of things to cure and prevent your baby from having the infection again.

Causes and How Common Cold Spreads in Babies

Common colds are result of viral infections. However, it can be a symptom of some disease also. Most often the symptom that is apparent for common cold is running nose or congestion in the nose of the baby. In small babies, it is more often running nose. The infection could have spread while the baby was playing with an infected baby or has shared his toys, water bags, clothes, foods and any other item. Coughing, sneezing and spitting also accelerate the spreading of the virus.

Symptoms of Common Cold

• Running nose
• Slight fever
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Discomfort
• Feeling lazy
• Difficulty in breathing
• Stops playing and breastfeeding
• High breathing rate

Prevention of Common Cold in Babies

• The best way to treat common cold is to take precautionary measures and try to keep it off as far as possible.
• You can take care and avoid contacts of your baby with a person infected with common cold.
• Keep your room warm especially during this rainy season and keep your baby away from any kind of exposure.
• There are some herbal and natural remedies for cold that can be made use of if you see even the initial symptoms of common cold.
• If there is slight fever, it will get subsided as soon as you will keep your baby warm and comfortable.
• Try to give warm fluid to your baby as this will sooth him and help him get rid of the cold also. Liquids not only help relieving congestion, it also helps get rid of the toxins in the body.
• Do not stop breastfeeding your infant. If he feels uncomfortable, feed him at short interval of times.
• Wash your hands and then touch your baby so that there is no further spreading of infection.
• Avoid using the same towel or utensil of the person who is suffering from cold.
• If breathing is uncomfortable for your infant, you can ask your doctor to prescribe some safe saline drops for his stuffy nose.
• Common cold can turn dangerous and cause serious health problem to your infant. So if the symptoms continue or the fever increases, you must consult a doctor immediately.
• Keep a close watch on your baby and monitor whether he is having extreme difficulty in breathing or there is blood in the cough or the fever is increasing. Contact a doctor if any of these symptoms are seen.

Remember, body aches and slight fever is normal in common cold. There is no such remedy for common cold. You simply have to prevent the baby as far as possible. The tips will certainly help you do so. A slight warm oil massage to your infant will help him get relaxed and make him comfortable also. If you wish to give any kind of herbal treatment to your baby, you should consult your doctor first.

Credit : Dr.John Abrahm

Important Role Of A Father

Fathers assume that their role as a Dad is fulfilled once they have found a good mother for their child. Many fathers are so busy making a good living for their children that they do not find time to live with them. What we must not forget is that material substance always perishes and what we leave in terms of companionship with our child will linger in the mind of our children and also our grandchildren.Fathers are now being recognized as role models for their children and part of the parenting team.

You as a Father today need to know that you can contribute more to your child's life than what was normal for your fathers. There is no doubt that families benefit when dads take a more active role in nurturing their kids. Research has proven that children whose fathers are actively involved in their lives tend to have better cognitive and language skills and fewer behavior problems. Involvement from you as a father helps your child tremendously. Your child yearns to do things that you do. It is not to acquire your skills, but to share your world.

There's no special prescription except love for your children and willingness to take part in what may seem like the mundane routines of their lives.But here are a few suggestions to dads for bringing up their children:

Love And Respect Your Child's Mother

One of the best things you as a father can do for your children is to respect their mother. A father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for them. When your children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected. Your daughters are going to date fellows who show the same level of commitment and respect you model. And your sons are going to treat their girlfriends and wives the same way they see you treat your wife. Let your children see you sharing love and affection with their mother. When you and your wife have a conflict, show your children how two people can make up. The most important area of life you prepare your children for is marriage and family, and their best preparation is to live with a dad who loves their mom.

Earn the Right To Be Heard

All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong. That's why so many children cringe when their mother says, "Your father want to talk with you." Begin talking with your kids when they are very young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle, as they get older. Take time and listen to their ideas and problems.

You as Father should be a Role Model

Fathers are role models to their kids, whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humbleness and responsibility.

Children Need Your Quality Time

How a father spends his time tells his children what's important to him. If you always seem too busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children. Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are forever lost.

Discipline means character development, not venting anger

Don't discipline your child out of anger. Give yourself time to cool off. Children need to see that discipline and love are not opposites Discipline is not punishment--it might involve discomfort, but its purpose is correction and development. You should let your children know that when you take privileges away from them, or when they have to be spanked, it's not to torment them. It's so that later in life your children don't have habit patterns that hurt them.

Communicate as a family

A united family makes children feel secure. Share at least one meal every day as a family, when you sit down and talk about the issues of the day. Spend one night a week together as a family (not watching TV). It doesn't have to be expensive; you could play games together, go for walks, or go to a park. During family times, the toughest things for us dads are to learn how to listen. We love to give advice, but only by listening will we learn what their hearts need.

Be your child's teacher

Too many fathers think teaching is something others do. But a father who teaches his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life.

Read to Your Child

In a world where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make an effort to read to their children. Children learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing. Begin reading to your children when they are very young.

Show a lot of Affection towards your child

Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection every day is the best way to let your children know that you love them.

Don't be afraid to show your tender side

Tender words and affection matter. Studies show that when children don't experience that affection, they will search for it in self-destructive ways. A day shouldn't go by that a dad does not tell his children, "I love you." Each day may be the last time we have that opportunity.

Don't overprotect your children

When our children make bad decisions, sometimes the best thing a dad can do is to stand back and let them feel the heat. Learning that "you reap what you sow" is a very important part of becoming an adult.

Realize That a Father's Job is Never Done

Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it's continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow and, perhaps, marry and build their own families.

It takes a lot of energy to shape the lives God has entrusted to us as fathers. We need to make the most of our time with our children, so that we never look back and wish, "If only I had spent more time, or given more praise, or told them how much I loved them." We should give our best to being a father. Even if our children decide to adopt values contrary to what we have taught them, we never, ever want them to say it's because they felt like they got the leftovers in their life.


Dear Indian Fathers We wish All of You "Happy Father's Day 2012 " In Advance

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