Bhavana's space

Diet for a pregnant woman

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:54:23 GMT

Pregnancy is one of the not-so-easy periods in a woman's life. A diet program before, during, and post-pregnancy helps the body in adjusting to the various growth and recovery stages. Many grandmothers and mothers force a pregnant woman to eat a variety of foods. But it is important to consult a dietician before intake of any food.

Nutritional needs should also be properly met. During pregnancy, maximum safety for the mother and child should be of prime importance rather than weight gain.

Pregnancy and diet (does not mean starving but eating healthy food) should go hand in hand. As and when the baby starts developing, the nutritional requirements for a to-be mother increase. Pregnant women should include consumption of milk and milk products, fibrous fruits, green leafy vegetables, and protein rich cereals and pulses. The increased need for iron and folic acid should also be met from different foods that a pregnant mother eats. Exposure to sunlight also helps as it provides with vitamin D which is very essential for our body.

Normally a pregnant woman needs approximately 1700 - 1800 kcal of food daily. Along with this, the protein intake also increases. Appropriate caloric intake in pregnancy helps prevent the problems associated with low birth weight. Salty packaged fried foods like chips should be avoided. Proper diet and nutrition during pregnancy is a must for healthy development of the baby. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grain products that contain dietary fiber and nutrients is essential during pregnancy.

Is Bunk bed a good option for your children?

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:02:04 GMT

There is something exciting and fascinating about owning a bunk bed. Bunks are a great kid bed. Children love the sight of attractive bunk beds. Guest rooms and vacation homes can also have bunk beds. Bunks are supported by four poles on each corner of the bed. A ladder is attached to reach the second bed. The top of the bunk bed has a railing around it so that the sleeper does not fall down. There are many furniture makers that sell discounted bunk beds along with other furniture items like chests, cupboards, coffee tables, study tables, beds etc at a cheap price.

Bunk beds are made of either steel or solid wood. People usually prefer oak furniture for bunk beds, TV cabinet, tables etc as it is reasonable, durable and long lasting. Wood bunk beds are safe to use as they do not break or crack easily. Bunk beds are also available in other metals. However, metal bunk beds do pose the risk of collapsing as constant motion may loosen the bolts.

Some safety measures need to be adopted as far as bunk beds are concerned. Do not allow a child below six years to sleep on the top bed. Ensure that all the bunk’s supports are sturdy and are fastened. The mattress on the bunk bed should fit finely. Some children slide through the bunk bed supports and may not use the ladder. This can cause accidents. Make sure your child uses a ladder for climbing up and down the bunk bed.

Social Skills in your child

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:43:19 GMT

Some children often feel shy and embarrassed to speak up in public or in a group. Children with this are often low in confidence. They will be hesitant to mix with other children. They will not communicate with their friends, their teachers, their cousins, relatives etc. Parents usually want their children to develop good social skills. However, it is important that you do not force your child and take him/her out to weddings and other such functions. This is because without tackling his ‘fear’ of people or shyness, forcing your child will be of no help.

Try and not term your child as shy and introvert. Treat him as if he has appropriate social skills. Gradually, your child will open up and interact. All children are not very good social talkers. Some of them are good listeners as well. May be your child is a good observer. Some children take time to enter in a group and start a conversation. Give your child that time if he demands.

Observe your kid at occasions and in situations and try to find out why your kid feels shy. Once you identify the problem, it becomes much easier for you to talk to your child on how should he tackle the situations that make him/her feel uncomfortable.

If you observe your children, your children also observe you. Hence try and be an effective role model. Introduce your kid to your friends and let him see how you make your conversations and how interactive you are with your friends. Try and organize parties so that your child gets a chance to meet people and interact with them. This is a sensitive issue. Do not be impatient and handle it carefully.

Infant nutrition:

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:51:07 GMT

Nutrition is crucial for a baby’s health. In infancy, breast milk is the best source of nutrition

Later, after the baby is nine months old, nutrition requirement for the baby will change. Food like vegetables, cereals, and fruits can be consumed by the baby now. Well cooked food is advisable for babies so that they can digest it easily.

It is advisable to give well-cooked and strained food. Small and soft bites should be given. Pastas and crackers can be introduced at this stage now. Remind the child to eat slowly and chew the food properly to avoid choking. Parents should avoid giving foods that have little nutritional value. These foods include chips, candies, chocolates, wafers, dry oily snacks etc. Some of the foods that can choke and should be avoided are chewing gum, hard sweet, peanuts, popcorn, banana and potato chips, carrots etc.

Visit a nutritionist to know what food will best suit your child and help him in his growth. You can also read books in child nutrition so that you make sure you are giving your child adequate nutrition. . Parents can also follow nutrition charts for infants to know what exactly is suitable and best for your child.

And it is not just the responsibility of a mother but a father as well to see to it that the child gets right amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates. This is something which parents should not ignore.

Children and dreams!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:31:56 GMT

Dreams are something that fascinates most of us. Dreams are related to our thought processes and experiences of our day to day life. The concept of dreams has not been fully understood but more or less it is said that dreams are associated with our rapid eye movement. Many do not know this but the study of dreams is known as oneirology!

Dreams sometimes have peculiar themes. History shows that dreams have some meaning. They are connected with the emotional and the cognitive thoughts that run in the mind of an adult or a child! So what are the common kinds of dreams that children get while sleeping? What are the problems associated with dreams – especially bad dreams!

Here is a list of common themes that children dream of:

situations relating to school
failing an exam
teeth falling out
seeing animals and birds
running
fearful experiences
water (swimming)

Some children are not able to sleep because they fear that a “bad dream” will come to them. Make sure that the environment that your kid is sleeping in is calm, peaceful and clutter free. Also try and narrate happy stories or incidents before making your child go to bed. Do not let your child (especially teens) view television before they go to bed.

I know of a case where a girl developed the habit of watching television before going to bed and several days after that she kept dreaming of red crows that she must have seen in some movie on the channel. This use to really frighten her off and she couldn’t sleep for days. Hence try to explain your child that TV viewing before going to bed is a bad habit. Also, children wet the bed if they see a fearful dream. This can be an indicator in case your child is unable to express his fear!

You may have heard grandmothers advising to give milk to the child before they go to sleep. It is said that drinking milk will give you a sound sleep! There is no harm in trying it out!

In case of serious problems pertaining to dreams, you can consult special dream analysts or doctors that can help to solve dream problems!

Fun parks and amusement gardens for children

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 06:44:09 GMT

Children need fun and recreation and what better place than to plan a visit to an amusement park with your family! Today there are many fun parks and amusement gardens that are been build up in many cities.

There are many rides including water rides, thrill rides, roller coaster rides, gentle/light rides, transport rides, bumpy car rides etc that will make your kid jump with joy. Such a picnic will be a great break for parents as well and they will even make their kids happy.

To know a little about the history of amusement park: The Blackgang Chine amusement park which was established in 1843 by Victorian entrepreneur Alexander Dabell in UK can be considered the oldest existing theme park in the world. Family owned theme parks are also well known across the world. However, it is Disneyland that is considered to be the first themed amusement park.

The concept of theme parks and amusement gardens is not very old in India. Some of the common amusement park in India is Essel World in Mumbai, Fantasy Land again in Mumbai, Ocean Park in Hyderabad, Black Thunder in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, Wet and Wild amusement park, Delhi, Water Kingdom (Water Park), Mumbai etc.

It is best to go in big groups when one is planning to visit these parks. The kids will also have company and they will enjoy to the core. Some of the things that one should remember are: leave your home early so that you get more time to enjoy. Do not forget to take swimming costumes and extra clothes. Packing home from home can help to save costs but check whether these parks allow outside food.

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Help your kid develop a hobby:

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:09:37 GMT

Hobbies are a great way to spend time creatively. What most people do is develop a hobby but after some time due to other work pressure they do not put enough effort to develop it. Cultivating a hobby is important for your kid and not just cultivating but developing and working towards it as well.

Some of the creative hobbies that your kids can develop are stamp collection, coin collection, origami, poetries, sketching, skating, dancing, singing, playing any musical instruments, gardening, cooking, reading, making scrap books, family tree books, embroidery, candle making, painting, bird watching, star gazing, wood carving, sculptures, photography, knitting, soap making, pottery, poetry reading, map collection, puppets, calligraphy, collage making, glass painting, yoga, aromatherapy, computer games, languages etc. [ list of hobbies ]

Reading is one of the most common hobby people have. It can take your kid to places which he has never visited, thoughts which have never occurred to him. It allows your kid to enter the world of fascination. It will tell your kid about the importance of good virtues. Creative and experimental cooking can be quite fun for your kids. Cooking can relieves stress. Music is a hobby for many. Vocal or instrumental music can teach a lot to students. Exposing a child to the sound of music is a way of developing their interest in music. It is a hobby that can be turned into a career as well. Gardening is yet another hobby children love to indulge in.

Children, who do not have a hobby, can always cultivate one. Hence parents must encourage their children to develop a hobby which will surely help them in the long run.

Give your love, not your thoughts to your kids!

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:17:58 GMT

Father (to son): “I want you to become a doctor.”

Mother (to daughter): “I want you to take up home science!”

Such sentences are common in many houses. Parents keep unrealistic expectations from their kids and not just expectations but they also want to emphasize their thoughts and aspirations onto their kids thus stunting their growth and giving them no space for individual thinking and building up of personal opinions.

You may have aspirations from your kids. There is nothing wrong in doing that. But do not put restrictions on them and impose your “way of thinking on them.” Some of the parents may not agree with this but it is a fact that such kids become dependent and cannot think for themselves.

Give your love and pampering to your kids and bring them up in such an environment where they can think for themselves, where they can paint the picture of their own life. So what if they fail once or twice in doing or pursuing what they want to pursue, after failure teaches you success! If your kid enjoys painting, let him paint and let him or her become a good painter. If he does not wish to become a doctor or an engineer, do not force him to do. This is because not only will the child be able to enjoy that career which you have chosen for him, but he will also feel unsatisfied because he has to constantly meet expectations of his parents and this will create unwanted pressure on your child!

Hence, give your love, not your thoughts to your kids!

Time devotion for your kids

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:16:41 GMT

Computers, mobile phones, I-pods, Laptop, Television and so much more! Technology has made life fast and on the move. Everything needs to be quick and sleek! There is no time for anyone…Do you, as parents, have time for your kids?

Today, it is said that parents are not spending as much time with their kids as they use to spend in early days. Mothers have started working and getting busier. Fathers are tied down with a host of responsibilities. With nuclear families being the "in" thing, the idea of grandparents is also fast vanishing. In such a scenario, how should you devote your time for your kids?

First a fall, as parents it is an inherent responsibility to spend time with your kids and nit just time but quality time. You may ask what kind of quality time? Quality time essentially means spending time with your kids in such meaningful discussions and talks and games where there is a scope for kids to learn.

Teaching your kids about not lying, respecting elders, table manners, being polite etc are all extremely important. These things may be taught in schools but the way a mother or a father can teach a child, no one can! Devote your time for your kids by indulging in some games and good discussions. Your kids will also feel happy and they will be able to share their problems with you easily. This will also help them to build good personality and communication skills. Hence, start a family night meet today itself!

Should you fulfill your child’s demand?

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:13:16 GMT

As a parent, you may face the situation when your child starts demanding things and until and unless he gets it he throws tantrums. Because parents want to avoid such situations, they give the child what he or she wants. This should absolutely not be encouraged because the kid starts developing a mechanism whereby if he or she wants a particular thing, they will start throwing tantrum until they get it because they know they are going to get it!

Do not fulfill all that your child demands. If he or she cries or throws tantrums, try involving him in some other activity that he likes doing. This will divert his attention and he will forget about his demand atleast for the time being. Then when he demands it again, try to explain him the reasons why you will not buy him what he wants. As a parent, this is the chance to improve on your child’s performance or make him do what he otherwise wouldn’t do! Tell him to complete a particular task only after which you will agree to buy him what he wants.

This will also make your child realize that nothing comes easily. One needs to work for it. Pampering your kid with whatever he wants will not just spoil him but also not lead him to become a responsible individual.

Healthy diet for your kid

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 10:33:20 GMT

Healthy food that contains all essential nutrients helps your kid to grow up in a healthy manner. At every stage in your child’s life, he or she will need healthy food to be fit and fine and their growth will be perfect. Today kids are eating a lot of junk foods. All kinds of chips and soft drinks lure for kid’s attention!

Kids watch a lot of television and along with that they tend to eat all kinds of junk and packaged food. As a parent you should make sure hat your child minimizes the intake of junk food and increases the intake of healthy nutritious food. It is necessary that parents become a role model to kids. Once you, as parents, start eating healthy food, the kids will start emulating you soon!

One thing that parents do is force the kids to finish food. While this indeed is a good habit that your child should develop, do not make him overeat and feel discomforted. Increase the intake of nuts, fruits and vegetable in your child’s diet. Try and sit together for the meal so that your child learns to sit and eat with other people around. Encourage table manners but do not be very rigid on the same.

Should your kid do household chores?

Fri, 30 May 2008 12:52:53 GMT

As a mother, a housewife or a working woman managing things does become difficult. Assigning some household chores to your kids is not a bad idea. It develops a sense of responsibility in your kid at the same time delegating some little work can lessen your burden as well.

In fact, assigning chores to the children is one of the best ways to manage household efficiently. However, it is necessary to know about the amount and the kind of work that you can assign to your kid. That of course depends on a host of factors such as the age of your kid, how busy his or her schedule is, how willing he or she to take the responsibility of the work etc.

The best idea is to assign such work to kids that they love doing. Most kids love to assist their mothers in a supermarket. To take them along to help you put products in the basket. By assigning household chores to children, you can teach them discipline, unity, and cooperation. You will see how your kids develop a self esteem and become responsible.

However, do not overburden your kid with household chores. Often, working women go to work and expect their children to finish a particular amount of household work. This indeed is not advisable. Also, see to it that children do not end up working what they do not like to. At the end of the day childhood is all about fun and as parents we should let them enjoy this beautiful phase.

Is it safe to give pocket money to your kids?

Wed, 28 May 2008 12:04:40 GMT

Is it safe to give pocket money to your kids? Most parents face this dilemma and do not know whether one should give pocket money to kids or not? And if pocket money is given, how much should be given?

It is indeed a very important decision as a parent and thus it requires much thought before you actually start giving out pocket money to your kids.

For children it is the first step when they learn the art of managing money though in a miniscule form. Giving pocket money is a good idea however one needs to monitor the expenses that your child incurs through this money. You can also encourage your kid to save money in fact that is a good habit that as a parent you should incorporate.

If your kids are in their late teens, do not directly ask them about their expenses daily. This is an age where they may start getting irritated when you ask them for the where abouts of their expenses. The trick is to ask rhetorical questions and get a yes-no answer from them.

Most kids love the idea of a piggy bank. Encourage that. Promise them an attractive buy with the money that they save. However, as a parent you need to make sure that bad money habits are not being inculcated in your kids. These habits are very easy to learn but difficult to change Hence, let your child learn good money habits early in their life for better progress in future.

Bed time stories to inspire children

Sun, 11 May 2008 08:39:38 GMT

We all remember favorite bedtime stories from our childhood. Bedtime stories are the legacy of each child, a legacy which nourishes a child’s imagination to create dreams, arouse curiosity about life and make his moral code of conduct. A child’s mind mellows with sun-set after the day’s activity, and he listens attentively to wonderful stories of fairies and queens. He loves these stories, if they are full of color and imagery and gives him wonderful messages about life. Bed time stories give children peace, ambition and vision besides enjoyment. Many grandmothers have fed mythology and scriptures via stories to their little ones on their tiny beds, to lay the foundation of their character and adult personality. Bedtime stories are told to entertain and inspire children. Famous bedtime stories like The adventures of Robin Hood, Ivanhoe, Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland - are adventurous and delight a child’s imagination. They also serve to develop a child’s faith in people and situations. Bed time stories normally carry message for character building and end on a happy note to give him children a peaceful sleep. They are told to load a child’s mind with positive pictures and transport him into a happy dream world. All counties and cultures have their own favorite set of bedtime stories for their little ones. Children’s stories are also drawn from religious books and mythology. Parents read to children from the books of great authors like Rudyad kipling, Enid Blyton, Lewis Caroll, C.S. Lewis and Beatrix Potter. These books include the Five find outer and Secret seven series, Alice in Wonderland, Pilgrims Progress, Little Women, The Chronicle of Namia and many others. The Panchtantra tales from India have also emerged as a popular book for children. Reading to children at bedtime also helps to develop the habit of reading in them. Reading to children is the best gift a parent can give. It fulfills their developmental needs, facilitates interaction and encourages and inspires them towards a fulfilling and thinking adult life. A child, who has read or been read to, grows to explore the world with an understanding of good and bad. Bedtime stories which inspire children are as archaic as the Bible and Mahabharata and as contemporary as a new book which was published yesterday. However, good ageless bedtime stories are those, which parents and grandparents can read to their children.

Giving freedom and independence to your children

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:01:27 GMT

Each and every child needs his or her freedom and space. Childhood is one of the most carefree and beautiful phase of human beings. Independence to enjoy this phase is a prerequisite to every child.

Too many ‘do’s’ and ‘dont’s and the ‘should’ and ‘should not’ do not let the child enjoy his or her childhood and they grow up to be matured very soon. Discipline is definitely important for a child to learn many things but too much of boundaries ruin his life.

For example, when the child comes from school, do not tell him to directly sit for his homework or attend some extracurricular activity session. Give some time to himself for himself. Let him sit alone and reflect upon himself. Let him get immersed and absorbed in his thoughts. It is necessary that each child spends some time in solitude. However, excess of this is also not feasible.

You may discuss your kids’ problems with him or her but as part of the growing up let them sort out their own problems at times. This will only make them rise in their own eyes.

This will also inculcate a sense of responsibility and decision making abilities in your children. At times, they may not be right in their decisions, but the ability to make a decision is what should be respected and encouraged.

Inculcating Reading Habits in Children

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:12:56 GMT

As kids, it is important that you develop good reading habits in them. Reading not only improves concentration but builds a good foundation for language in your kids. It also helps to widen their knowledge base.

Start with the fairy tale books that have a lot of graphics in them. This will help them to visualize and imagine the story in a better way. Give books to your children that have simple and lucid language in them. Fairy tales and Indian mythological story books are available in the markets that are especially designed for kids.

This also helps the child in optimum utilization of their time. If your child shows keen interest in reading, start subscribing to magazines and newspapers that are especially designed for kids. This will tell them about all the happenings in and around the world. As an active parent, you can also become a member of any library from where you can subscribe books for your children.

Apart from folk tales and story books, you should also encourage books on moral values and ethics that will inculcate good behavior in your kids.

Reading is the favorite pass time for many people around the world. It definitely gives you an edge over others as far as the knowledge base is concerned. In this competitive world, it is necessary that kids read as much as possible.

First day at school for your child

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:33:06 GMT

Your child’s first day at school is something that is memorable to you. However it may pose a lot of nervousness to your children, it is something that you want to tell your child when they grow up. A lot of children cry and whimper because they do not want to go away from their moms and dads. They feel tensed because they are about to enter a territory that is unknown to them. Hence it is better to prepare children many days prior to the D-day called ‘the first day at school’.

Start telling your child a month prior about how he or she should be ready to go to school. Tell them how he or she will be able to play with a lot of toys there and how there will be teachers who will take their special care. If your child is a foodie and if he is served snacks at the school you send him to tell him about all the mouth watering delicacies that he will get there. If possible try to be around the school so that in case your child cries a lot, there is always a second day!

Many parents also enjoy taking photographs and videos to make it more memorable. The first day at school for my daughter was equally memorable for me. However she was nervous and cried for a few minutes, she knew that she was to get a lot of toys there and the moment she saw all the toys, she jumped with joy and got engrossed in playing with them. Tell the teachers about any particular actions or problems that your child faces in advance so that they can take proper care.

Coping with nervousness in children

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:30:24 GMT

Nervousness is quite common in children today. Ask any parent, teacher or a doctor and they will be able to tell you about the seriousness of the problem. A child feels nervous about a variety of things. From peer pressure to coping with the burden of academics, nervousness can occur to anybody. The idea is how one should cope with it!

Typically the signs that your child is facing nervousness are following: irritation, short temperament, anxious, whimsical , lack of sleep, dullness, moodiness, low appetite or capricious appetite, coated tongue, bad breath, underweight, sometimes feverish, bed wetting ( in some cases) etc. The problem is that most of these signs seem trivial and people do not treat them as something serious. However, these are the signs that will truly tell you whether your child feels nervous or not!

Nervous children face a lot physical exertion. They are not usually alert. They lack the enthusiasm and the eagerness that other children of their age group show!

In case your child has protruding abdomen, round shoulders, exaggerated spinal curves, flattened chest, loose knees and dull complexion, then he or she might be facing nervousness.

As parents it goes without saying that these problems do not get solved immediately. It requires time and patience and emotional support for such problems to heal. Such children require a lot of love, affection and sympathy from people. Involve your kids in some physical activity. Make sure that he or she makes a lot of friends and enjoy their company. Ensure that he eats proper well nourished food. Punishments, scolding and criticisms should be absolutely avoided. Make sure your child has enough sleep and recreation. Maintain a healthy and a happy environment at home.

Keeping Children Busy in Creative Activities

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:21:48 GMT

I have seen most parents complaining that their kids get really bored especially when they have their summer holidays. This can be tackled. Keeping your children busy in creative activities is a great way for your child to spend time effectively. This also makes the parents happy because the kids get engrossed in these activities and the parents can also finish their chores by then.

Typically, most parents send their kids to creative classes that are being offered in and around a lot of places in the country. However, these classes can sometimes be expensive and parents may not be able to afford them. There are many creative activities that your child can perform sitting at home.

Some of the common ways to keep your child busy is to give them puzzles to solve, give colors to paint etc. However, what you could also do is mix some dish washing powder with glycerin so that your child can blow bubbles and enjoy the sight. You can also make a home gym where your child can exercise to stay fit and healthy.

Give your child coins of certain denominations and ask him to make a creative design out of the same. You will be amazed to see what he or she comes up with. Bake a cake for your child and give him tiny chores to do. Show him how the cake is bakes and he will feel excited about it. You can innovate and find your own idea to engage your child in some creative activity.

Building self confidence in children

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 04:20:38 GMT

Sometimes, your child does not feel confident about himself. There is nothing to worry about. Confidence can be built with some of these effective tools:

The first and the foremost step to increase your child’s confidence levels is to make them feel free while talking to you. Most children do not feel confident about themselves only because they have certain kind of inhibitions. As parents you can teach your child what he can do to cope with moments of distress, and how he can increase his confidence levels.

You can select certain topics and teach your child to speak on them in front of your family members or friends. This will certainly help them build their confidence. You can also gift them or praise them for their act. Initially your child may feel a little difficult to do that, but over a period of time they will surely start feeling a little more confident about themselves.

Make sure that the physical appearance of your child well maintained. Good physical appearance can work wonders to boost your child’s morale. Shabby dresses and untidy clothes are indeed one of the factors for low confidence levels.

If you can afford, there are also classes that help to build self confidence in your children. However, incase you have budget constraints; you can improve your child’s confidence levels by putting in some voluntary efforts yourself.

You can also teach your child to maintain proper eye contact while they talk to people. Good eye contact and body language will help your child to communicate with confidence. What can also be done is to go a step further and teach your child some general knowledge about the maps of the world or different animals and their species and things like that. This will make him feel confident about himself especially in school when teachers ask such questions.

Custom List: Favorite Kiddy links

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:10:20 GMT

Favorite Kiddy links

Blog list: Blog list

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:07:33 GMT

Blog list: Useful sites

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:04:30 GMT

Useful sites