Teaching your child how to count to a certain number in a fun way!
What you need for this activity?
1. Some dough, we have used some kneaded aata from the kitchen
2. A toy hammer or any spoon will do too
Steps to follow:
1. Make small balls using the dough and put them in front of the child
2. Ask the child to smash a specific number of balls with the toy hammer
3. Eg “Smash 2 balls”
4. Ask the child to re shape the balls
5. Repeat the activity with different numbers
6. “Smash 4 balls”
Skills Learnt
1. Counting
2. Cognitive development
3. Problem solving
Happy learning at home!
I’ve made mistakes! And I’ve learnt from them. My husband and I are working professionals and ever since we had our son, we could guess he was feeling neglected. So, to ensure maximum involvement with our kid, we’ve drafted out a few rules to abide by at home.
Don’t argue and fight: Frustration and work stress are synonymous to lives of today. That often leads to unnecessary arguments and fights between the parents. Make a thumb rule of not fighting in front of your children.
Keep gadgets away: Have a ‘no gadget’ rule. Doesn’t that sound impossible? But trust me, the results are amazing. Plug into your children’s thoughts every day after work. They are fantastic stress busters!
Have a morning routine: Since kids move out early for school and parents enter the home only in the evening, create a special morning ritual with your child. Read the paper together, have an early morning walk in the park or just a small conversation standing out on the balcony.
Have dinner together: Easy said than done, but having dinner together works as the best way to bond as a family. Utilise this time in working as a team by laying the table, talking about your day in general and just laughing on silly things. Remember, this is the only time when you actually see what your child eats.
Check on your child once a day: Speak to your child once a day. Talk about their experience in school and briefly inquire about their health. If your child goes to a daycare, speak to the teacher in charge or ask for CCTV access so as you can monitor them.
Avoid bringing work home: Kids seek attention. Have a dedicated family time and don’t get too involved with official work while at home.
While I have mentioned few things to follow, the mantra that also works is to not giving in to each and every request of your child. I am sure this just helps in passing the guilt of not spending time with your child, but it doesn’t work in the long run. Kids need attention and your time. Do not replace it with anything less.
Are you having a baby? Are you constantly advised and reminded by people around you to eat healthy? While we all know there is a need for an iron-protein-calcium rich diet in the times of pregnancy, I pick out a few of my favorites which I relished while I was pregnant:
Jaggery: is a superb iron supplement. It surely helps you in dealing with iron deficiencies and anemia. Have small portions of ‘gudd’ with your meals next time you crave for something sweet.
Walnuts: I would skip the clichéd “that walnut contains Omega 3 fatty acids” and just say- this kind of dry fruits to boost up activities of the brain cells. Have a handful of walnuts with your favorite nuts every morning.
Dates- Okay, so a hunger craving every 2 hours either applies to a new born baby or a pregnant lady. Dates are full of fibre leading to a full stomach without adding any unnecessary weight gain. Rich source of folate another required supplement is a must-have.
Fish/Salmon- I miss having the vital nutrients that the sea-food offers. Sadly, I am allergic to the sea-food. But I am aware salmon is rich in Vitamin B12 and Calcium, which is needed throughout the pregnancy. You can also add Trout, Oysters, prawns if you are a sea-food fan.
Milk Products: Besides the usual twice a day milk regime, extend your protein intake by adding yogurt, cheese and desi ghee with your meals.
Sweet potato- The digestive system just goes for a toss with the extra intake of iron and iron supplements which leads to constipation. A sweet potato another-rich source of diet along with other vitamins like B6, C & potassium, deals with these agonies. Have a bowl of sweet potato sprinkled with a bit of lime juice.
Broccoli- Another iron supplement. But use creative ways to spice up this mundane vegetable. Broccoli soups with cream, broccoli sautéed in butter are two of my personal favorites.
Fluids- Ranging from coconut water to lassi or even freshly grinded fruit juices are the perfect way to fill up the hunger cravings and also add to the fluid intake.
It is only this time to have the best of foods to ensure that your body is healthy as well it prepares you for the most fantastic time that is beckoning.
Success is not just about aiming for straight A’s, and education is not just about academics. As kids head back to school this month, here’s how parents can help their children succeed in school and make this journey worthwhile.
As a parent, you are the first and most important teacher to your child. Therefore, being involved in your child’s life becomes of the utmost priority in shaping their future. Here are some ideas to develop that precious partnership and help your child succeed in school:
Have Assertive Conversations – There is nothing like having that one fulfilling conversation where you inquire about your child’s day. Encourage open ended questions, like “Which was the most exciting part of the day?”, or “What didn’t you like about today?”.
Books. Books. Books – I can’t thank my parents enough for inculcating the habit of reading in me and my sisters. Encourage your child to read for at least 10-15 minutes every day. It improves concentration as well as comprehension skills.
Answer Their Questions – Kids are inquisitive, and they are impatient to know the answers right away. Answer their questions intelligently and carefully. If you do not know the answer, do not make up one. Use technology/books to enlighten yourself first and then simplify it for them.
Balance Academics and Co-Curricular Activities – Don’t over-burden your child with numerous co-curricular activities. Keep the right balance between academics and hobbies. This will help manage their time keep them disciplined.
Partner with Their Teacher – Knowing your child’s progress in school is a must and should be a regular activity. Ask questions that will help your child learn and grow socially and emotionally. Talk about classes that can enhance skills your child is weak in. Work together instead of unnecessarily worrying about such issues.
Focus on Basic Skills – As parents we forget the basic skills, like humility, politeness and respect, when our children are growing. Always keep reinstating these skills as they go a long way.
Your child’s performance is more likely to improve with the help of your intervention, making them realize that success isn’t just about grades.
आराव एक दो साल से कुछ बड़ा बच्चा था और मुश्किल से बोलता था . जब उसने कुछ शब्द बोलना शुरू किए तो मैने शांति की साँस ली. परंतु जब हम लोग उसके बीच में लगातार बोलने के कारण अच्छे से कभी बातचीत नहीं कर पा रहे थे तो मैं फिर से चिंतित हो गई थी. अब यह मासूमियत नहीं थी. मुझे पता नहीं हम लोग इस स्तिथि तक कैसे पहुँचे. बाद में मुझे पता चला कि वह हमारी परिवारिक बातें अपने दोस्तों और रिश्तेदारों से बांट रहा था.
यह कैसी विडंबना है कि, हम माता पिता अपने बच्चों को सबसे ज़्यादा असामान्य परिस्थितियों में जवाब देने, बात करने, गाने या अभिनय करने के लिए मजबूर करते हैं. और जब वह बड़े होते हैं तो उनकी यही आदत हमारे लिए कष्टप्रद बन जाती है और हम उन्हे चुप करने की कोशिश करते हैं. यदि आप इनमें से किसी भी स्तिथि से गुज़रे है तो यकीन मानिए आप एक बातूनी को बड़ा कर रहें हैं.
बहुत आरंभ से ही बच्चों को यह सिखाना आवशयक होता है कि कब बात करनी है और कब नहीं करनी है .बड़ों की बातचीत के बीच में बोलना बालसुलभ भोलापन लग सकता है परंतु कभी कभी यही बात आपको खिजा भी देती है.
और भी बहुत से रास्तें होते हैं जिनसे आप अपने बच्चे को चुप रहना या व्यवहार में ठहराव लाना सिखा सकते हैं. और इनमे से एक है टीवी या गॅडजेट्स की आवाज़ के बिना शांतिपूर्ण परिवारिक समय. आप इस समय का उपयोग एक दूसरे से बोलने या सुनने के लिए कर सकते हैं. आपस में यह बता सकते हैं की आज का आपका दिन बिना एक दूसरे को टोके कैसा गुज़रा.
मैं भी कई बार शर्मनाक पलों का सामना कर चुकी हूँ, जब मेरे बच्चे ने कोई परिवारिक रहस्यों को खुले में सबके सामने बोल दिया हो. इसलिए हमने एक ख़ुफ़िया संकेत की स्थापना की. यह एक प्रकार से बच्चे के लिए मूक चेतावनी और आपके लिए मित्रों और परिवार के सामने शर्मिंदगी से बचने का उपाय था.
आख़िर में हमेशा अपने बच्चों को ध्यान से सुनिए. जब भी वह स्कूल या खेल के मैदान से वापस आते हैं उन्हे दिल खोलकर बोलने दीजिए. इनमे से कई कहानियाँ आप कई बार सुन चुकी होंगी फिर भी आप धैर्य रखिए. बातूनी व्यवहार बच्चों में कुछ समय के लिए होता है जो जल्दी ही समाप्त भी हो जाता है.
-Ask your guests to send a change of clothes for the kids.
– Prepare water balloons
-Have a water balloon tied up at bark of a tree or at a reasonable height.
-Blindfold the kids and make them blast the balloon with the help of the
instructions of their friends.
Get ready to have some mind blowing fun and that too with water- their best friend.
तीन साल की उमर होने तक मेरे बेटे की कोई खास दिनचर्या निश्चित नहीं हो पाई थी. यह मेरे लिए चिंता का विषय था क्यूंकी उसका प्री-स्कूल जल्दी ही शुरू होने वाला था. कुछ माँओं से सलाह मशविरा करके मैने उसकी दिनचर्या का चार्ट बनाने का निश्चय किया. मैने उसके दिन को चार भागों में विभाजित किया- सुबह, दोपहर, शाम और रात.
**सुबह** ;
सुबह बच्चों को किस समय पर उठाया जाए यह हरेक परिवार में अलग ढंग से सोचा जाता है. मेरे हिसाब से आपके बच्चे को सुबह उठाने का उचित समय 6 _ 7 के बीच होना चहिये. अलार्म लगाइए और उठाने के समय को बाहाल करने के बारे में सारा दिन सोचिए. प्रातःकालीन गतिविधियाँ जैसे कि ब्रश करवाना, पॉटी आदि अगला कदम होना चाहिए फिर उसके बाद दूध.
**दोपहर** ;
दोपहर का समय सृजनात्मक गतिविधियों में बच्चे को व्यस्त रखने का उचित समय होता है. मैं अपने बच्चे को कटिंग और पेस्टिंग, प्ले डो, बिल्डिंग ब्लॉक्स आदि में एक घंटे से ज़्यादा व्यस्त रखती हूँ. छोटे बच्चे एक बजे तक भूखे और खीजे हुए हो जाते हैं. यही समय उचित होता है जब आप बच्चे को दोपहर का खाना परोसें. और इसके बाद उनका सोने का समय हो जाता है.
**शाम**
यह समय बाहर जाने का होता है. मौसम के हिसाब से ५या ७ बजे घर से बाहर जाने का समय होता है. पार्क,साइकलिंग,स्केटिंग, बॉल गेम्स कुत्ते को टहलाना आदि खेल बच्चे की उर्जा को सही राह पर लगाने वाले होते हैं. ६.३० या ७बजे तकवापस घर जाने का समय हो जाता है ताकि घर जाकर गर्म पानी से स्नान करके धूल आदि साफ कर सकें.
**रात**
परिवार में यदि छोटे बच्चे हैं तो रात के खाने का समय जल्दी होना चाहिए. पार्क और नहाने के बाद बच्चे भूखे हो जाते हैं इसलिए उन्हे रात का खाना 8या 9 बजे के बीच परोस देना चाहिए. सोने के समय का माहौल बनाना भी महत्वपूर्ण होता है. गतिविधियाँ जैसे क़ि रात के पाजामा पहनना, बिस्तर ठीक करना, बत्तियाँ धीमी करना, सोते समय की कहानियाँ सुनाना शुरू हो जाना चाहिए. कोई भी मम्मी दिनचर्या बनाने में तुरंत ही दक्ष नहीं होती है. इसलिए अपने बच्चे की ज़रूरतों के हिसाब से दिनचर्या का टेबल बनाइए और उसे फ्रिड्ज पेर लगा दीजिए.
पर याद रखिए कि यह बच्चे की सुविधा के लिए है इसलिए उन्हे इसके हिसाब से चलने के लिए ज़ोर मत दीजिए. यह निश्चित करिए कि टाइम टेबल में सुविधा के अनुसार थोड़ी बहुत फेर बदल की जा सके.
Too much screen time means that the child is spending more time in the virtual world than the real world, it means that they have less time to practice picking up on social cues from face to face interactions, playing with peers etc. It is imperative for every parent to take action to reduce child’s screen watching time.
Excessive screen watching can have an adverse impact on the child’s behaviour and psychology!
Here,are some ideas which will help you take control on how much time your kid spends watching screens. These won’t cost you an arm and a leg. These are some changes which you need to bring in your life to reduce child’s screen watching time.
Set a good example:
Sorry to start with the toughest one, but there is nowhere else to start! What you do, will demonstrate to the kids, what is okay to do. If they see you reading a book, they are more likely to read. And if they see you watching TV, spending a lot of time with your gadgets, so will they! By reducing TV viewing time, you will set an example for your kid, and do yourself a favor, too!
Explain it to your kids:
It is your job to encourage healthy behaviours and limit unhealthy ones- sometimes this means making unpopular decisions. Explain to them that how excessive TV viewing has no returns and that other activities in life are being neglected.
Encouraging reading:
Inculcate the habit of reading in your kids. Start with simple books, encourage them to read and read aloud to them too. Reading will reduce child’s screen watching time, wean child from mobile, TV, gadgets. It will also enhance their creativity and imagination.
This also creates a wonderful opportunity for you to spend meaningful time with your child. Reading is best enriching activity that you can do with your child.
Reward your kid:
Once your child accepts the reduced TV viewing plan, reinforce their habit with rewards. The rewards might be like going to amusement park or museums together. That’s another way to spend quality time with your child.
