Winter Foods For Your Kids

Winters are around the corner, and if you’re already starting to worry about how to keep your child healthy and avoid cough and cold, it’s time to start looking in your kitchen.

Indian spices and foods are loaded with properties that can help the body stay warm from inside, thus reducing the chance of cough and cold. This is particularly good for your child, as you can reduce the need for medicines and promote good health in a natural way.

Here are three Indian recipes you can try out that are delicious and will keep your child warm in the winters.

1. Aloo Posto

Ingredients:

  • 3 potatoes cut in cubes
  • Poppy seeds (posto/khus khus)
  • 3/4th tsp jeera
  • Salt to taste
  • Turmeric powder
  • Oil
  • 1 tsp mustard oil

How to:

1. Make a wet thick paste with the poppy seeds.

2. Heat oil and add the jeera. Add the potatoes, along with the turmeric powder.

3. Once the potatoes are slightly golden, add the posto paste.

4. Coat the potatoes with the paste and keep stirring.

5. Add a little water so that it does not stick to the pan. Also add salt.

6. Cook covered till the potatoes are boiled.

7. Add 1 tsp of mustard oil on top and remove from heat

2. Sarson ka saag

Ingredients:

  • 750 gm sarson saag
  • 250 gm palak
  • 250 gm bathua saag (optional)
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt
  • 1 ½ cup makai atta
  • 25 gm ginger
  • 2 chopped onions
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 100 gm ghee
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp coriander powder

How to:

1. Add the saag and water in a cooker with salt and cook on low heat for about 1 ½ hours.

2. Strain and squeeze the saag and keep the water aside.

3. Mash the saag, add Makai atta and stir. Add the saag water and some more water and let it boil on slow heat.

4. Add ginger and keep cooking.

5. Heat ghee, add onions, ginger, garlic, masalas and saute till the onions turn light brown.

6. Add this to the cooked saag.

3. Sweet potato tikka

Ingredients:

  • 3 sweet potatoes cut in three pieces
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp. besan
  • 1 tbsp. rice flour
  • Salt
  • Oil

How to:

1. Pressure-cook the sweet potatoes and strain water.

2. Remove peel and mash.

3. Add onions, coriander leaves, salt and the flours.

4. Mix to form dough. Make small balls and flatten it to make tikkis.

5. Heat oil and fry the tikkis on both sides till they are golden brown.

What Kids Need Most In A Dad?

Times have changed and so has the role of fathers. In traditional societies, the father was primarily a purveyor of food and other necessities of life. Fathers nowadays have broken that stereotype and are increasingly involved in nurturing and playing an active role in the lives of their children. Studies have shown that children whose dads are active parent in their upbringing are better in cognitive, language, and social skills.

Children are great imitators. Their interaction pattern with their fathers impacts their future behavioral patterns. For example, girls who have had a wonderful experience with their old man tend to look for similar characteristics in their spouse. Boys, on the other hand, follow their father’s footsteps. If their father was a loving husband and a caring dad, they too will try and fit in his shoes.

The job of a father has changed over the years. So here is a list which shows what kids need most in a dad:

  1. Someone who shows his love for them: “Father” and “strength” are synonymous for children. But do strong people have no emotion?  Of course, they have. Yet fathers generally inhibit display of their emotions. Don’t hesitate to give a little pat on the shoulder, a tight hug, or a kiss on your kid’s forehead; these gestures of love will go a long way in forging strong bonds of kinship between you and your child.
  2. Someone who will spend time with them: More than the money, it is your time that your little one longs for. As it is rightly said, “To be in your child’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.” My personal favorite memory of my childhood are the ones I spent with my dad in the park playing games or visiting places. Give your child memories to cherish for life.
  3. Someone who can see the world through a child’s eyes: We as grown ups tend to overlook few things that might seem to grasp a child’s attention. Kids often want their parents, especially dads, to understand their fears, inhibitions, interests, likings, and thought process. It is natural for a child to believe that his/her father is unable to understand them. But it is the duty of the father to create an amenable environment conducive for candid interactions.

All your kid needs is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them. Remember you are their friend, mentor, and a superhero.

Teach Your Kids About Money

We as parents want to prepare our child for every situation. By the time our children are about to step into their teens, they are well versed with moral lessons, civic sense, and even first aid. So why are we not giving them the lesson which often sends shock waves destroying countless lives—that is, financial lessons.

It has been proven that early childhood lessons are better retained by children throughout their life. Teach your kid the importance of money and the ways and means to effectively utilize their resources. Here are a few ways to teach your child how to handle money wisely:

  1. Start with an allowance: I am sure many of us were given fixed pocket money in our childhood. A fixed allowance for a month or a week (depending on your childʼs age) will help them know the value of money. They would be responsible for the expenses and the savings. Keep a fixed allowance based on their expenses, like commuting charges, snacks, movie time, etc. Also add a little amount for savings. Encourage them to save by giving reward like paying interest on the money saved.
  2. Teach children how to save: For the first few times your baby might spend all the money and would ask for more money. Do not get angry; children by nature are pleasure seekers and not money savers. Teach them how to save money. You need to explain them that for bigger happiness in life you need to let go smaller pleasures. For example, for buying a geared bicycle you need to stop spending on snacks every day. Become their bank and give them interests and other freebies for every penny saved.
  3. Part-time jobs: Give your child first-hand experience of earning money. Jobs will instill a feeling of pride and habit of saving in your children. Elder kids can take up summer jobs like teaching or working in restaurants or shopping malls. For younger kids you can ask them to do household work apart from the daily chores. This could include bathing the dog, cleaning the garage, helping in kitchen garden, etc.
  4. Set an example: Remember those tiny eyes are always watching you. Set a good example for your kid. Every time you and your spouse have arguments regarding financial crunch, those eyes and ears never miss it. Every time you go on swiping those cards around the mall or restaurants, you child is noticing it. He/she might follow this behavior when they grow older.

Do not think that your child is too small for handling money. Do not wait for an appropriate time; rather start right away. Remember, “Don’t rescue your child from a challenge, rather teach them how to face it.”  

Make Your Child A Winner

Seeing your children perform to the best of their abilities and being able to get the best results is something most parents wish for. But there are times when the results may not be as encouraging, and in fact, it can also be kind of a disappointment.

How do you make your child a winner without pressurizing or breaking their self-confidence?

5 ways to make your child a winner

Here are five tips that will boost your child’s confidence and performance and make them winners:

  1. Praise your child: When your child feels good about himself or herself, they are bound to work hard to succeed, and succeed in the process. Helping them build on their self-esteem is the first step to inspire your child to do more, and in a positive way. You can build your child’s self-esteem in small everyday gestures, and even a little praise each day about something simple can do wonders.
  2. Teach instead of blaming: Children will learn from their mistakes, so make sure to teach them and show them the right way, instead of blaming them for their mistake. If you keep using criticism and negative comments for your child, soon he or she will start believing they are not good enough. If you are telling them something is wrong, follow it up by showing what is right too.
  3. Encourage your child to feel positive: Speak to your child in ways that will encourage them to speak positively about themselves. For instance, if your child is appearing for a test, ask them if they know at least some of the answers. They will most likely say ‘yes.’ Next, ask if they can try to attempt some more answers they might not know. The most likely answer will again be ‘yes.’ Help them say more positive things about themselves to build on the positivity.
  4. Let them relax: Relaxing is important, as it will help your child focus and build on strategies on how to tackle a problem better. It will also let your child rest and improve energy and performance. Relaxing is important to avoid nervousness and anxiety, which can also affect children.
  5. Build on their success as an example: For any time that your child did well, use it as an example to show what all they can achieve. For instance, if your child has received a certificate of excellence, display it at such a place that your child can see it easily and work hard to perform as good.

Help Your Child Excel

Every parent dreams that their child should excel in the field he/she chooses. Parents will do whatever they can to make the dream come true. Then why is it so that some kids excel while others stay mediocre. Have you ever wondered what is missing in an average kid? Here we will share a few techniques that can facilitate your little one’s path toward excellence:

1. Involve children in household chores: Children who help parents in household work are more focused and organized. The daily chores help them have a clarity of thought and value their contribution to the work assigned. These kids are responsible, confident, and full of suggestions. Apart from assigning tasks, as a parent you should also instill them with characteristics such as good manners and a strong sense of value.

2. Set high expectations from your kid: Every parent has expectations from their kid according to their abilities. Studies show that kids whose parents have high expectations from them tend to outperform. So set high standards for your kid’s raw talents and see them shine like a star. There are three basic factors which influence kids: (a) absenteeism, (b) lack of reading material at home, and (c) excess television hours. Limit their television-watching hours, avoid leaves from school, and read to your child or involve them in some DIY projects at home.

3. Get engaged in your child’s school: Be actively involved in your child’s school activities. Schools have regular Parent Teacher Meets where you can interact with the teachers and check your child’s progress along with the areas of weakness, if any. Some schools even have field trips for parents, where they can sit and understand the child’s curriculum, teaching strategies, and goals.

4. Don’t just grade your child: Parents often compromise on their kid’s play time or other creative classes for studies. These outdoor or creative activities help kids learn various lessons and skills required for a successful career in life. Every kid may not be bright in studies. Each child has his/her own skills; find them and nurture their talent.

5. Learning cannot happen with shortcuts: Although learning can always be fun, there are no shortcuts to it. Teach your kid this lesson. Your kid has to learn many lessons the harder or longer way. Let them understand only patience and hard-work pays and prepare them accordingly.

Remember, “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that makes them a successful human being.”

Have A Safe Diwali With Your Kids

The sound of some crackers (unless you are in Delhi and the cracker ban is actually being followed!) and the lights around have already brought the spirit of Diwali around.

If you have young child or a small baby at home, in addition to being excited about the celebrations, you will also need to be extra cautious to make sure your child is safe.

Most schools have already started teaching children about the negative effects of bursting crackers, and are discouraging them from doing so. However, your child is not only at risk of injuries due to fire crackers, but also from the many diyas that are usually lighted up around the house.

While it is important to teach your child about your customs and celebrations, it is also important to take care of their safety. Here are a few tips that will make sure that your child has a wonderful and happy Diwali, without the risk of getting hurt or feeling uncomfortable.

To avoid fire-related injuries

1. Make sure your children wear only cotton clothes and not anything synthetic, as these can easily catch fire. Also, the clothes should be well-fitted and not loose and flowy, so that they do not accidentally touch a flame.

2. Keep a bucket of water in each room of the house, and a few buckets of water on the terrace or the area where you plan to burst the crackers. This will ensure that just in case there is some injury, you can immediately use water to minimize the impact.

3. Be present next to your child throughout the celebrations, to make sure they do not get hurt accidentally. If they plan to burst crackers, show them how to hold their hand out at a safe distance and then do the same.

4. Always be around your child and do not leave them alone, not even with neighbours or friends. Children often tend to get excited and forget safety rules especially when they are around friends, or parents are not around. So be there and ensure they are safe.

5. If possible, let your children wear clear glasses to avoid any accidental injury to the eyes.

As we are trying to reduce the harmful effects of bursting crackers, it is important to show your children that Diwali is not just about crackers, but more about lights and the feeling of being together as a family. Happy Diwali!

Get Your Child To Say Yes

There are often times when you want your child to do something, but it results in a NO. You lose your calm, get angry, and there is a lot of shouting and crying. And even if the work does get done, it may not be the way you wanted it.

It is important to teach your child about the importance of discipline, but how do you do it without making them upset and without losing your cool?

Here are

1. Work on alternatives: Each time there is a problem, try and remember what triggered the same and remember it for the next time. For instance, if your child lost a copy of the house keys, instead of saying you will never let them have it again because they lose it, find out an alternative. You can attach it to a safety key ring and then attach it to your child’s school bag. This way, he or she can use the key and have it safe too.

2. Switch roles: If you regularly have problems with your child, try switching roles to help both of you reach a solution. You be the child and let your child be the parent. Now try out something like a shopping roleplay, where you insist on a toy and your child refuses to buy. Or you could take some example from class where you have a problem with something and your child has to be the teacher. This will help you both understand each other’s perspective and be more tuned towards the other.

3. Help them calm down: Constant altercations can really stress out a child, and it is important to help your little one relax and avoid anxiety. Teach your child basic breathing methods that will help prevent anger, anxiety and tantrums. It is important that you follow the same too and do not lose your cool.

4. Hand out responsibility: Give your child age-appropriate responsibilities that you know they can carry out. This will also help to improve their productivity as well as improve their thinking as well as organizational skills.

5. Encourage incentives: While some may call it bribing, adding incentives to your child’s good behaviour can actually have a very positive effect. Attach some exciting and clear incentives to your child’s overall behaviour and manners. It does not always have to be materialistic but can also be simple such as letting your child choose the next day’s meal as per his or her choice.

Did You Hug Your Child Today?

We always keep our cherished memories and valuables close to our heart. So why not embrace or hug the most precious and beloved jewel of your life—“your kid.”

When our babies are young we often cuddle and kiss them, but why do we stop this loving act when they grow old? Do you know that a parent’s hug can do wonders in your child’s growth and development? A hug is full of warmth, affection, and love. It assures a child that no matter what the situation is, you will always find us by your side. A hug is also a way of appreciating and admiring your child.

There are three main reasons why we stop hugging our child:

1. We do not know how to hug: By hug we do not mean a simple physical contact. Hugging or embracing can be any positive way to celebrate your kid. A hug can be preparing your kid’s favorite meal, a smile, playing his/her favorite songs on a long drive, a kiss on the forehead, a surprise gift without any occasion, or a simple note on the pillow.

2. We are afraid to hug: Many parents think that if they show their love and affection towards their kid, he/she will become a brat. Not showing your emotions will only weaken the bridge between you and your baby. It is your actions and not emotions which spoil the kid.

3. We do not find any huggable quality in our kid: We as parents are always the first one to criticize our kids and the last one to applaud. Change this behavior. Look for small reasons to hug your child, like if they help in household work and arranging his/her own cupboard, if they have achieved good marks in the class test, if they do not lie to save themselves from punishment, etc.

You may find hugging a simple gesture, but remember this simple gesture can convey your feelings without uttering any words. A hug is a way of saying you matter to me. It can break a long silence in your parent–child relationship. Once your child graduates and leaves home to get a job, you will long to hug him/her. So hug your child often while they are still there with you; make him/her feel special. Make your relationship strong and the bond unbreakable. Remember it is these hugs that you will cherish in the absence of your child.

When Can I Start Using A Front Facing Car Seat For My Baby?

A car seat is an essential buy for your baby’s safe travel. Two major types of car seats are available in the market—rear-facing and front-facing. It can become quite overwhelming when you decide to choose the right car seat from a plethora of options in the market. Although the right age for a front-facing car seat is debatable, children below the age of 2 years or 20 pounds are safer in rear-facing car seats.

Before switching from the rear-facing car sear to the front-facing one, ensure that your kid is ready for the switch. Every parent wants the best for their child and wants to make informed and prudent decisions when it involves the safety of the child. You should consider the following points before moving your child to a front-facing car seat:

1. Right time: Wait for your kid to outgrow the current car seat, i.e., replace the car seat once he/she reaches the maximum weight and height limit. Each car seat is designed carefully to provide maximum safety to the child of a specific height, weight, and age. Read the safety label of the car seat before you start using it.

2. Dangling legs: In a front-facing car seat, the legs of the kid are dangling in the air. To be comfortable, they try to rest their foot on the back of the front seats; this can be annoying for the driving parent. Ensure your child is tall enough to comfortably place his or her legs at the leg-rest or car seat.

3. 5-point harness: Before buying a forward-facing car seat, check all the safety features, especially the 5-point harness and top tether. They will snuggle your child and keep them safe in case of any mishap.

There are various safety features of forward-facing car seats, like a 5-point harness, deep head wings, and energy-absorbing forms, which are making the young parents choose it over the extended rear-facing car seats. You child will soon sit independently in the car seat. The front-facing car seat prepares your child for it.

The primary function of a car seat is to keep the baby safe. Follow the simple rule “try before you buy.” Check the car seat for perfect fit in your car and for its comfort. Also check that the car seat does not occupy too much space in the car.

What Is The Difference Between Baby Creeping And Crawling?

Each milestone of your child is important. So, you should be very vigilant that your baby progresses and achieves the milestones well in time. For that, it is important that you know what milestones are achieved by the baby at what time.

We get so carried away with the excitement of seeing our child grow that we often get confused between milestones. The most confusing milestones are baby crawling and baby creeping, especially when understanding crawling vs creeping becomes important for tracking development.

To help you understand the difference between creeping and crawling, here is a brief explanation of both.

Crawling vs creeping: Key differences

Feature Crawling Creeping
Movement Style Tummy (commando style) On hands and knees
Body Position Belly touches floor Body lifted off ground
Age 7–9 months 8–10 months
Strength Level Developing More advanced
Keyword Focus crawling vs creeping difference between creeping and crawling

When should babies start crawling and creeping?

Most parents wonder if their baby is on track. Typically:

  • Babies start crawling around 7–9 months
  • Baby creeping usually begins around 8–10 months

However, every child is different. Some babies may skip crawling and directly move to creeping or walking.
*If your baby is active, alert, and trying to move, there is usually no reason to worry

Baby crawling

Baby crawling is the movement when the baby moves around in commando style, that is, tummy crawl. Usually babies start crawling by 7–9 months. Crawling shows that your baby’s upper body is gaining strength and your baby has developed enough strength to pull his or her body forward, which is an important stage in the crawling vs creeping journey.

This is the first independent step of your child. Crawling gives a sense of power to the baby as now they can move around freely to fetch a toy or any item which amuses them. Baby crawling is also a sign of neurological development. Crawling involves multiple skills and lays the foundation before transitioning into baby creeping.

• Motor skills for moving forward, supporting the body weight and maintaining balance.
• Vision skills for looking at and focusing on a target.
• Cognitive skills to map the way to reach the target.

As your baby starts moving, toys like baby cars and ride-ons or baby tri-cycles can encourage active play.

Why baby crawling is important?

1. For better hand and body co-ordination.
2. For strengthening body muscles and gearing the body for further milestones, like baby creeping, walking, jumping, and climbing.
3. For learning how to balance the body.
4. For developing visual and spatial skills.
5. For learning primitive reflexes.

Providing a safe play environment and age-appropriate toys helps strengthen muscles during this stage.

Should you be concerned if your baby skips crawling?

Many parents worry if their baby does not crawl.

The truth is:

  • Some babies skip crawling completely
  • They may directly move to baby creeping or even walking

However, crawling helps in:

  • Brain development
  • Coordination
  • Muscle strength

If your baby shows no movement attempts by 10 months, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.

Baby creeping

Most parents do not know that this milestone even exists. They often confuse baby creeping and baby crawling as a single milestone, which leads to confusion in understanding the difference between creeping and crawling. However, baby creeping is the next level of baby development.

When your baby graduates from commando crawl and lifts their body off the floor, that is, crawls on hands and knees, it is known as baby creeping. This stage clearly highlights the transition in the crawling vs creeping phase.

This stage portrays that your baby’s legs, arms, shoulder, and back are well developed. Also, your baby’s primitive reflexes are developing, which will help them have a better balance, posture, and movement.

At this stage, ensuring safety at home with products like stair safety gates for babies becomes essential.

Signs your baby is ready to crawl or creep

Look for these signs:

  • Lifting head and chest during tummy time
  • Rolling over frequently
  • Pushing up on hands
  • Rocking back and forth on knees

These are clear indicators that your baby is preparing for crawling vs creeping stages.

Comfortable clothing and baby accessories can also support free movement during these stages

Why baby creeping Is important?

1. For better co-ordination and body rhythm.
2. For development of fine motor skills.
3. For better visual skills.
4. For better movement and conceptual skills.

Babies enjoy exploring. This new freedom of movement will help them grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Crawling and creeping also provide them with the assistance to gear up for the next developmental stage, that is, standing. Understanding crawling vs creeping helps parents better support their baby’s growth and recognize the difference between creeping and crawling during these crucial milestones.

How to encourage crawling and creeping at Home

Parents can actively support their baby’s development with simple activities:

  • Give your baby more tummy time
  • Place toys slightly out of reach
  • Avoid excessive use of walkers
  • Create a safe floor space

Encouragement plays a key role in transitioning from crawling to baby creeping.

Suggested FAQ’s

1. What is the main difference between crawling vs creeping?

The main difference between baby crawling and creeping is body position. In crawling, the baby’s tummy stays on the floor, while in creeping, the baby moves on hands and knees with the tummy lifted.

2. At what age do babies start crawling?

Most babies begin crawling between 7–9 months. However, some babies may start earlier or later depending on individual development.

3. At what age do babies start creeping?

Babies usually begin creeping around 8–10 months, often after mastering the crawling stage.

4. Is It normal if my baby skips crawling and goes directly to creeping?

Yes, some babies skip the commando crawl and directly start the creeping. As long as your baby is progressing in motor skills, this is generally normal.

5. Is baby crawling necessary before walking?

While baby crawling helps strengthen muscles and coordination, some babies may skip crawling and still walk normally. However, crawling offers important developmental benefits