A TRIBUTE TO FATHERHOOD

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All these years we have connected child-raising with motherhood. We have experienced and discussed the feelings, woes, and tribulations of a mother. Being a mother, my focus has been on the relationship between a mother and her child. And I would say it is a big mistake that I did not discuss the role of the father in parenting issues. It is not as if I do not acknowledge the role of the father. I am largely my papa's daughter and I really look forward to his words and advice for anything and everything. His constant support and understanding have always kept me going.

                                                    

Parenting is incomplete without a father's love.

Maybe, it has become a tendency to overlook the participation of fathers in child-raising. Father has always been there to give support and love. The only thing is his ways and his participation is different from that of a mother. I remember my mother was scared of sending me to school via bicycle. However, my father instilled confidence in me and I started going to school on a bicycle instead of the school bus. It is a father's vision and strength that helps develop confidence in his child.

Related post- 7 Steps to Build Confidence of your Child

As a mother, now, I may speak out my side of the story, about my efforts, troubles, and accomplishments. And it is true; mothers are more vocal about their life, their efforts, and hardships. But in no way, it can take away the efforts, the silent support, and affection of a father for the kids. His wise words and strong hands are always there to show the right way to kids.

While raising our two adorable kids, so many times my husband showed the way, boosted the confidence of the children, and helped to overcome several milestones. His presence and keenness to connect with the family in every possible way have created a lively atmosphere at home.                                                              

                     

If you also feel the same as me and understand the need to acknowledge fatherhood, then it is time to become vocal about their contribution to bringing up the kids. Call your dad to acknowledge him and encourage your kids too to acknowledge their father as well.

Check out Summer Activities for Father and kids, I hope you would like it and use the ideas as well!

When child becomes your teacher

Buenos Dias!

Good morning, I mean to say.

Those words are in Spanish language. Actually, I am learning Spanish from my son. This year my son opted Spanish as a third language and I have asked him to teach me new words. Believe me, it is fun to learn something new from your child. In this way you can update your skills. Moreover, it also boosts the confidence of your child. All the while, you have been his teacher but now he is getting a chance to teach you. It is funny, interesting, and motivating.

When I first asked him to teach me, he didn't take it seriously. But later on, he realized that I am not joking. I am really interested. So we began with daily routine words like good morning, good night, see you later and bye and we used them regularly instead of English words. Through this method, we were easily able to remember the new Spanish words. 

Now, we are learning the alphabet and animal names. Learning Spanish is not that difficult. The alphabet in Spanish is similar to the English alphabet and one can learn them quickly.  We have decided to develop our own code language in Spanish. Surely it will be fun.

You can also do something similar and strengthen your bond with your child.  Working together in the same activity definitely increases the spirits of the child as it combines enjoyment with learning.

Hasta manana  (see you later).

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Exams Stress and Kids

Exams are about to begin and the stress to score high is showing up on the faces of kids and parents. However, stress can result in bad performance and grades. Moreover,  too much stress can cause, loss of appetite and sleep, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies.
                                       

Exam stress in kids can have a negative impact on overall health

Reasons behind EXAM STRESS

1. The vast syllabus needs to be revised regularly.
2. The constant pressure of parents and family
3. High expectations and social pressure to perform
4. Uncertainty regarding the future and results

5. Any unexpected turn of events such as the absence of a parent or an event like Corona lockdown.

Parents need to take some proactive measures so that their kids sail through the exams in a stress-free way. Their support can help a lot in preparing for the examination. Here are tips to maintain distance between exam stress and kids:

Effective Tips to Reduce Exam Stress in Kids

The first and foremost thing a child needs to know that their parents support them whatever be the result. Especially, in some undesirable situations like Corona lockdown wherein families were confined to homes, kids may feel anxious about their performance. Though the pandemic is over, the impact is yet to go. Kids have lost touch and fear of performance may burden their minds.

Therefore, it becomes extremely important to provide comfort to our kids that they are good enough and they deserve love whatever the outcome. In addition, check and follow these effective tips to reduce exam stress in kids.

• Drinking water during the studies helps in memory retention. Therefore, ask your kid to drink water frequently in between.

• Introduce healthy foods and discourage junk foods.  Seasonal foods like fruits, dry fruits, veggies, etc boost the energy of kids.

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Hand over fruit in place of a pack of chips

• Breathing exercises help to shed stress from the mind. Teach your kids some easy breathing exercises so that they can feel stress-free and fresh.

• Short breaks between the studies to eat or to play help kids refresh themselves. The child can participate in physical activity/sports for recreation. Indulging in mind games also helps to refresh the mind.

• A longer duration of studies exhausts the child and reduces the retention of memory. Therefore, plan study duration time as per the concentration of the child.

• Group studies with peers can help. It can be coming together at each other's place or even through online sessions together at Zoom, Google, or Microsoft Teams.  Group discussions also help kids to support each other and have revision in a friendly atmosphere.                 

Exam preparation in groups ease the stress levels.

• Encourage your child to think positively. A positive atmosphere at home is helpful in keeping the kid calm and confident. Use positive and appreciative words like- well done, good going, etc.

• For a healthy atmosphere, let the children listen to music and share some light moments with family. It is important to have a time slot that is dedicated to fun, music and dance, and games minus exam discussions.

• Avoid comparisons with other kids, it decreases the morale of the child. Every child is distinct from others in capabilities. Therefore, comparison only adds to stress and does not inspire kids to perform, Hence, be conscious of the words you choose to inspire kids.                                                                                                                                               

• Sound sleep is also necessary for children. An irregular routine of sleeping makes the child weary and irritated. Ensure sound sleep of kids and in-between naps during daytime, if required.

• Last but not the least; formulate an agreeable timetable for studies and other activities so that kids can enjoy and also prepare for exams without feeling burdened.

Hope these tips will greatly reduce exam stress among kids and enhance performance. All the best!

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Ask questions from your child!

Growing disconnect between parents and kids can be bridged easily. Many of the behavior issues related to kids are mere because of the communication gap. The gap is natural but reducing the gap needs certain efforts from the end of parents. You can fill the gap when you ask questions from your child the right way!!

Steps to build a connection with your kids

We simply refuse to switch off our cell phones or the internet. Just listening to half of what she wants to say, we presume the whole situation and dismiss it as another child talk. Next time, let us be more interactive and patient towards our kids. Let her say the whole thing she has in her mind.

Stop judging and pinpointing mistakes. She is not you, Your child has her own problems, vision, and fears. Therefore, listen without preconceived notions and judgment.

Ask more questions from your child to understand her better. A simple question such as, ' ok, what happened, next?' assures your child that you are in the conversation and are with her. You may ask the following questions to understand and respond better-

How are you feeling now?
How was your day?
Are you tired?
Can I do something for you?
You want me to help you?
Did you eat something?
What would you do if your friend does not listen to you?
Would you like to keep back the toys after this talk is over?
Can you help me set the bed so that we can read a story together?
Would you like to walk with me in the park?
Does that make you feel better?
Do you really think, your sister wants to hurt you?
Can I complete this task and then come back to you for our private talk?

Talking to her with patience will feel her cared for. That would help her to settle down her insecurities and would make her feel confident.

Try this tip. Next time your child comes to you, ignore your phone call, and interact with her. She is likely to feel better after having a hearty talk with you. Probably, there will be lesser behavior problems in the child as well.

Welcome your kids in year 2012

A very Happy New Year to all of you.

Let us welcome the year with cheers, hope and faith in ourselves and in our kids. Last year, you must have had some apprehensions which may have settled down by the end of the year.

This year as well, you must be having some agendas and issues to tackle on parenting front. Let us start with a positive note that we will be able to deal with our parenting issues in a more positive and composed way.

kids will take time to learn new things and habits.Giving them space and encouraging hand will help them to grasp faster.

Happy parenting in 2012:))

Thank you, kids

One more year is ending, giving way to another wonderful year. Throughout the year, we made every effort to make life special and beautiful for our family, not to forget the little efforts of our kids to make us smile. In tough times, they understood us and did everything to make things easy for us. Their silent cooperation comforted us.

For every little effort and gesture by our kids, they deserve appreciation and a big hug. I would like to thank my kids for understanding me better and loving me unconditionally.

Gradually, the kids have crossed many milestones. They would continue to surprise us with their questions, performances and gestures. Let us not forget they are taking crucial lessons from life at their own pace.

Have a great journey with kids in the New Year as well!

Carry on with life:))

Some wonderful momentsof this year with kids

The year is about to say goodbye. Some of the special moments of this year will always remain with us. Some of them taught parents to be better while others witness the growing care of kids for their mom and dad.

Some moments of this year, I would like to share here.

In this year, I got my driver’s license and many times took my kids for drive. Every time I drove, my kids applauded and clapped for me. Their happiness and motivation helped me to improve my newly acquired skill. One such time, when I was travelling with my daughter, she all of a sudden started clapping for me and said she wanted me to drive often. This was one of the most memorable moments.

This year I started blogging and have been enjoying sharing my perspective and feelings. It has prompted my son to write articles as well. Though I have placed restriction on using computer, yet occasionally I allow him to write. It is good, as it will improve his writing and computer skills.

Sometimes, the concern of the kids really touches you so much. A few months back, I was travelling with my kids in metro and there was only one empty seat. I asked my kids to sit but my son persisted to me to sit there and he kept standing throughout the travel. I thanked and admired him for his gesture.

These are just some of the moments that I have shared. You can also share your wonderful moments of this year. We are waiting to hear from you.