Joy Of Teaching Your Little Ones

Tell Me Why:- Why do we need to drink water

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 11:43:00 +0000

Source:-www.youtube.com

Simple Gardening Ideas For Children - A Guest Post By Charlotte

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:06:00 +0000

A week back, I recieved a mail from Charlotte, a member of Surf Excel asking me if she could write a guest post on my blog. I was in a rush and thought of replying back later. As always, I forgot about it until today when she kindly sent a reminder. Of course! I am so excited to share her post with you all.

Coming to today's guest - Surf Excel's initiative 'Dirt is Good' is all about unleashing the human potential by giving your kids the freedom to experience life, even if that means they'll get a bit messy! By working together with great parenting blogs, they want to encourage parents to share their own tips & tricks.

Over to Charlotte of Surf Excel..

My name is Charlotte and I’m a member of Surf Excel. One of our core values is to unleash human potential, and what better way to do that than by giving your kids the freedom to experience life? We understand the challenges of raising children, and admire parents like you who keep blogs with advice and inspiration for other parents.

We want to encourage moms and dads to share experiences and exchange information in a network of high-quality parenting blogs, and the first way we want to accomplish this is by offering you our own tips and ideas.

Simple Gardening Ideas For Children

The average urban family won’t come into much contact with greenery in their daily lives. If you live in an apartment, there isn’t often the room for a proper garden. Despite this, it is still possible to foster a love of nature in city children. Introducing younger kids to the basics of caring for plants is simple, even for families who live in the city – and kids will always find it fun to play around with soil and plants! As a recent article in The Times of India illustrated, the lessons that gardening can teach a child – even one with behavioural difficulties – can be applied to many other aspects of their life. We can all agree that there can never be enough fun activities that encourage child development, so here are some ideas for gardening with your children.

Making your own garden at home

The easiest place to start is by encouraging your child to grow small plants at home. All this requires is a window ledge, balcony, or space inside near a window. Equipment for this activity is cheap and easy to buy from a garden centre or plant nursery. Or, a lot of the gardening equipment can be made at home – for example, plastic yoghurt pots or plastic cups can be washed and turned into pots for small plants.

For children under five or who those who haven’t experienced growing plants before, the parent can start out by buying a young plant from a nursery – the children will be responsible for watering the plant and watching it grow. Another possibility would be to begin with seeds, and have your child plant the seeds, keep the soil moist, then wait for the plants to sprout.

Plants and equipment you need for gardening with your kids

Easy, readily available plants for children to cultivate include radishes, sunflowers, beans and Bengal gram. Most of these plants grow quickly and will sprout in less than a week – ideal for small children who are still learning to be patient.

Specialist clothing or equipment isn’t required – most modern detergent brands, like Surf Excel, can handle any stains associated with basic gardening. Laying down plastic sheets will be a useful way to prevent the floors or table surfaces from getting too messy.

Ownership of the plants should be encouraged, as this will increase your child’s interest in nurturing them. Buying them their own small trowel or pair of gardening gloves are easy ways to achieve this. Letting them choose the type of plants they want to grow first is another option.

Other fun gardening activities for kids

As your children get older and more interested in gardening, a fun activity might involve taking them to a local nursery, garden, or public park. Your children can try to identify all the different types of plants they see. They can learn the names of plants and flowers and discover more about the types of plants that commonly grow in your region. There might be courses or opportunities for children to get involved with gardening activities in their local community – perhaps run by in the public park or through a charity. These activities will give older kids a chance to try more complex gardening tasks in an outdoor setting.

Little gardening activities are easy to arrange for young children, even from the comfort of your apartment. Fun, not too messy, interesting, informative – there is really no excuse not to go green!

What's the Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Sun, 05 May 2013 18:18:00 +0000

Source:-www.youtube.com

Ipad Addiction In Today's Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:47:00 +0000

Nowadays gadgets have become an important part of every household. Communication and teaching methods have advanced a lot. I remember the old times, when just learning a poem would mean reciting it over and over again from your book till it was memorized. But nowadays, we have so many options available, like Youtube- wherein we just make the kids hear the poem repeatedly till they finally learn it. I mean is this called advancement?

I have seen a few kids who are excessively addicted to today’s technology. Seeing kids sitting all the time with the playstation and the x-box worries me a lot. And I always feel that they are loosing a lot many things in their life.

Of course, I know that there are certain apps which might help in the mental development of the kids. But parents should be able to set certain boundaries to be careful that the entertainment should not be replaced by addiction.

Some Important Pointers I believe :-

Allot Time:- Set a time limit on the amount of time your child can spend playing games on the I-Pad each day. Use a timer or set an alarm to let him know that it’s time to stop playing. I limit I-pad time for my son to 30 minutes per day.
Be A Role Model Yourself:- Set a time limit for yourself too for usage of such gadgets in order to be a good example to your child. If they see you following your own rules, then they will be more likely to follow them happily.
Spend quality time with your child :- Keep them busy – play with them, read stories together, make crafts, involve them in cooking, go on family outings occasionally and dance together. In short, give them gift of your love and time.
Build Up Their confidence:- Observe Your childs interests carefully. For ex- If they love colouring or drawing, help them pursue their hobbies by motivating them in their field of interest. My son was fond of collecting cars since he was small. So, my hubby took it a step further by getting him car making kits and legos to keep him busy and unlock his potential at the same time.
Keep a watch over your kids:- When children begin to develop new friendships, they often start following their new friends in terms of dressings, their likes, dislikes and everyday patterns too. A new friend with a few parental restrictions may seem fun to your child, but this freedom is dangerous. Always ask your child where they are going, who they are going with and what is their plan. If you suspect your child’s new friend is a bad influence, sit down and talk to your child about their friendship. Really listen to what your child has to say and then decide if this relationship is to be worried about or not.

Be alert and be safe from this dangerous addiction!!

I'm Back

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:17:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I’m back after a very long break. Apologies for vanishing suddenly from the blog world and being away for such a long time. Had been very busy off lately. There’s been much happening around me. And I could not find the time to update my blog. Recently got re-located to a new city. Took time to settle down and now here I am. Needless to say, we are all adjusting to our new home and loving being here in this new environment. Missed my blogging world and all my blogger friends. I thank to all those who mailed me and left comments and enquired about me. So, I’m back and I’m ready to share up some more parenting tips and ideas, so keep an eye on this site. Bye for now!

Happy Blogging!!

The Ant And The Dove

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Mon, 30 May 2011 10:32:00 +0000

An ant went to the river to drink some water. But while drinking water, the ant fell in the river. The ant was crying for help. When suddenly a dove who was sitting on a nearby tree saw the ant struggling for life. The dove quickly plucked a leaf from a tree and threw it down in the river. The ant climbed the leaf immediately and thanked the dove for saving it's life.

The ant thought, "Dear God, please bless the dove for saving my life. If I do get a chance, I'll repay the dove for it's kind deed."

Several days later, the ant saw a hunter spreading a net in order to catch the dove.

The ant remembered how the dove had saved her life and thought maybe this is a chance from the Almighty to repay the dove. And then without wasting another moment the ant bit the hunter's foot very very hard.

The hunter screamed in pain and dropped his net. Hearing the noise, the dove quickly flew away.

MORAL :- One good deed deserves another.

Facebook Little Explorerer's Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:39:00 +0000

All my blog friends and visitors on facebook. Please vote for my niece Zahra, we've put her in a cute kids contest and please pass it on to all your contacts as well, we need many votes ...

Step one:-
Like this page:
http://www.facebook.com/little.explorers

Step two:-
Like this picture of my niece: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=173521329369868&set=a.173318879390113.47257.153694698019198&type=1&theater

and done.

Thanks in advance.

Hot Cross Buns

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Source:- www.youtube.com

Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns
One a penny,
Two a penny
Hot cross buns
If you have no daughters
Give them to your sons
One a penny
Two a penny
Hot Cross Buns

Phonics Song

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:54:00 +0000

Source:- www.youtube.com

Parts Of The Body

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:00:00 +0000

Source:- www.youtube.com

Child Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 10:24:00 +0000

I think we need to open our eyes towards child abuse as in our society nothing much is done about it. However the main concern is "When" and "How" do we tell children?

It is essential that parents talk to their children openly on issues related to physical abuse, interaction with strangers and so on. Communication is the most important aspect in these issues. Make it loud and clear to your child that you are available at all times to listen to their problems or opinions. And however silly it sounds be patient while hearing to them so that the comfort level of the child goes up!

I feel it's always better to have mock dramas in the house to educate the child as to how to deal with common situations involving strangers. It leaves a lasting impression on the child's mind than mere words of advice!

I guess these things could help :-
1. Communicate with children: about safety, how to stay away from danger and how to raise an alarm

2. Try to hire a secured transport for children to and fro from school

3. We need to work as a society to keep our eyes on kids, not just ours but others as well. This is probably the only way to keep the kids safe.

Preventing child abuse:-

1. Volunteer your time. Get involved with other parents in your society. Help vulnerable children and their families.

2. Discipline your children thoughtfully. Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child.

3. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control.

4. Examine your behavior. Abuse is not just physical. Both words and actions can inflict deep, lasting wounds.

5. Be a nurturing parent. Use your actions to show children and other adults that conflicts can be settled without hitting or yelling.

6. Educate yourself and others. Simple support for children and parents can be the best way to prevent child abuse. After-school activities, parent education classes, mentoring programs, and respite care are some of the many ways to keep children safe from harm. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your society.

7. Teach children their rights. When children are taught they are special and have the right to be safe, they are less likely to think abuse is their fault, and more likely to report an offender. Support prevention programs. Too often, intervention occurs only after abuse is reported.

8. Greater investments are needed in programs that have been proven to stop the abuse before it occurs -- such as family counseling and home visits by nurses who provide assistance for newborns and their parents.

9. Know what child abuse is. Physical and sexual abuse clearly constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents or other care givers to provide a child with needed food, clothing, and care.

10. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated, or continuously isolated.

11. Know the signs. Unexplained injuries aren't the only signs of abuse-depression. Fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility are often signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.

12. Report abuse. If you witness a child being harmed or see evidence of abuse, or if a child tells you about abuse, make a report to your state's child protective services department or local police.

13. When talking to a child about abuse, listen carefully, assure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling an adult, and affirm that he or she is not responsible for what happened.

14. Encourage leaders in the society to be supportive of children and families. Ask employers to provide family-friendly work environments. Ask your local and national lawmakers to support legislation to better protect our children and to improve their lives.

Remember:- There's nothing more than kids need rather than "family support".

Concentration In Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 07:30:00 +0000

3-6 year old children can only concentrate for maximum 10 seconds. In this age group, it would be ideal to teach them when they are playing or teach them using sing-a-long rhymes. For example, teaching numbers can be done by counting the cars parked in the lobby. Teaching alphabets can be done by using magnetic boards. Let them do more of colouring to get hold on the pencil. There are some cases when over pressurized to read and write the kids develop aversion for studying.

Confidence level in kids can be increased by praising and appreciating your child now and then for the good they do and for all their good qualities . Make them realize how proud you are being their parent. This is the age when we need to take care of their emotions and channelize it. In this age their attitude towards studies should be right. Otherwise with lot of burden they may loose interest in studies and to get it back is difficult for them. So we need to keep them focused and interested in new things.

Always appreciate your child's efforts and work at studies. Instead of saying ‘good’, try to say it in a positive way like I appreciate you tried at least. See you can do it. I'm proud of you.If you try, you can definitely do it. See you tried and you did it. Don't compare kids. Instead encourage and praise them for their individuality. Once they develop interest in studies, you can gradually go on increasing but don't ever underestimate or insult or in that matter even hurt your child if he fails to accomplish the given task at time.

Time Management With Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:12:00 +0000

I’ve heard many mothers say that managing household with the kids is extremely difficult and so they don’t have time for themselves. I guess this is something that all first time mothers invariably go through. I also had this feeling of being forever tied down and not able to have my own space in the initial stages of motherhood !!!

There should be some changes made in your life if you want this to work out for the better. I feel not only with working parents but in each household time management is necessary and a very important factor. If we teach the value of time to kids at this age, they will be more organized in their lives.

I have allotted time to my son for all his activities. When he watches TV, I set an alarm & tell him that he can watch TV for 30 minutes & when the alarm rings he has to switch off the TV. He does it immediately and I praise him each time he does that. I wake him up by 7 am. Give him a bath. He has breakfast and then off to school by 8 am. He comes home by 3 pm. Has a bath, eats lunch and then afternoon nap. He gets up by 4.30pm. I give him some snacks & then he is ready for studies. Time for studies is one hour. I give him worksheets to solve if he doesn’t have much to do. After studies he goes out to play. He plays for an hour, comes back at 7. Has bath then changes into his night suit, has his dinner, watches TV for another half an hour, plays with his father & then goes to bed by 9pm. We have a story-time for 10-15 minutes and then off to sleep. I think it helps kids understand the value of time.

Discipline is very important in our lives. I stick to the schedule most of the time (especially during week days) though occasional delays are permissible during weekends. I take a little bit of liberty in my schedule on holidays. Try to plan your food menu a day in advance. Cut vegetables a day before and store in airtight boxes in the refrigerator. If you start following a daily routine, it will be a lot more easier for you and you will have some time for yourself.

Happy New Year 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Hi everybody!!!

First of all accept my apologies for not posting any topics lately.... Had been a bit busy but will be back soon....

Wishing all my blog readers and friends who have motivated me throughout a very happenning, sucessful and peaceful happy new year.. Hope the new year brings i lots of joy and prosperity.... Have fun and do keep visiting here.... Cheers:)

Happy Children's Day - 14th November 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:50:00 +0000

India's first Prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was born on November 14th. He liked children a lot and loved spending most of his time with them. Children called him Chacha ( Uncle) Nehru fondly.

After he bacame the Prime minister of India, his birthday is celebrated as Children's day in India.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the lovely children "Happy Children's Day" Enjoy this day and have fun!!!

Taking Care Of The Infant And Yourself After Childbirth

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:16:00 +0000

For Baby:

Burping is extremely important after every feeding - the longer you can do it the better (on average 5 minutes after every feed). Way to do is hold baby on shoulder - just be careful with the head. Also make sure to place the baby on tummy while he/she is awake - this really helps gas to pass out.

Asafetida (Hing) mixed with warm water rubbed on baby's tummy in case of gas/pain brings instant relief.

For congestion in chest, make a 'potli' of ajwain (small pouch filled with ajwain), heat it on a pan (tava) and give 'sek' (Warmth) to the baby on the chest. First test it on your skin to make sure its luke warm and not burning hot.

Make sure to dry the baby’s belly button (to avoid any infection) after bath.

Use dettol and mild soap for their clothes.

Keep your baby in a clean and well ventilated room.

Change the baby’s bedding regularly.

Don’t let visitors handle the baby without washing their hands with soap. Just ask them politely to do so.

It is very important to exclusively breast feed the baby till it completes 6 months of age.

Bathe the baby with lukewarm and not too hot water.

Oil massage can also be done before bathing. Just check with a patch test that your baby is not allergic to the oil.

For Mother:

Use green gram (moong daal) instead of split pigeon peas (toor dal) to avoid gastric troubles in the baby if the baby is on mother’s milk.

Drink plenty of liquids-water, milk and avoid cold food.

Avoid heavy foods like kidney beans (Rajma), chick peas (Kabuli Chana) , black gram (urad daal) etc.

Do take clarified butter (ghee) with every meal.

Ensure your hair is dry before going to the baby else baby catches up cold.

Don’t forget to take iron, calcium and multivitamin supplements as long as you breast feed.

Always sit with a bottle of water while you are breastfeeding and make sure to drink it because the baby takes up a lot of fluids from your body.

Do watch what you eat. Avoid gassy foods like dry beans, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, etc. For the first week or so. My mother-in-law tells me that eating lady fingers causes body pain in mothers, brinjal causes skin rashes in babies and spinach causes loose motion or constipation for new born babies.

Foods like clarified butter, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, cottage cheese (paneer) are considered good foods for health as also for good milk production. Eat nutritious diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Take 5 almonds a day which will increases mother’s milk.

Avoid usage of chilies or chilli powder atleast for 45 days.instead use black pepper powder. It prevents cold and help in internal healing.

Tie a belt around the tummy for first 2 months or so especially after bath to help tummy get back to shape.

I feel the most imp thing is to take adequate rest. Work we do all through our lives. This is the time we can really enjoy the much needed rest and bond with our little one...

Essential Needs:

Cotton Frocks
Cotton Nappy
Wiping Towel
Wrapping Towel
Receiving Blanket
Rubber Sheet
Disposable Diaper
Mitten & Booties
Sweater Set

Bath Needs:

Baby Bath Tub
Baby Towel
Baby Toiletries
Baby Soap
Baby Shampoo
Baby Oil
Baby Lotion day/bedtime
Baby Powder
Baby Hair Oil
Baby Cream
Baby Bath
Baby Rash Cream
Baby Wipes
Bath Towel
Baby Buds
Cotton Balls

Sleeping Needs:

Baby Mattress
Baby Blanket
Baby Quilt
Pillow
Baby Bed Sheet
Night suits
Mosquito Net
Baby Monitor
Crib Or Cot

Traveling Time:

Baby Carry Cot
Baby Car Seat
Push Chair Or Pram
Mother Bag

Accessories:

Baby Photo Album
Baby Nail Clipper
Baby Nail Scissor
Rattle
Teether
Baby Hair Brush & Comb
Thermometer forehead/axilla
Cloth Detergent

Sweet potato kheer

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 07:48:00 +0000

Ingredients:
1 Medium sweet potato
1 Litre milk
¼ Cup sugar
¼ tsp Cardamom powder
1 tsp Raisins
1 tsp Almonds, slivered
1 tsp Pista (pistachios), slivered
1 tbsp Fine vermicelli
1 tsp Refined oil

Steam the potato in a pressure cooker for 3 to 4 whistles. Peel off the skin of the steamed potato and grate it. Take oil in a thick bottomed pan and heat it. Add vermicelli and stir-fry until light golden. Drain the fried vermicelli and keep it aside. Pour milk in a deep pan and boil well for 7 to 8 minutes. Now add sweet grated potato, cardamom powder and sugar. Stir well until sugar gets dissolved. Then add remaining ingredients and simmer for 2 minutes. Take off heat and serve it hot.

Add the potatoes in milk just before serving.

Educational Cartoons For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:46:00 +0000

Nowadays kids like to spend most of their time in front of the television. It's really difficult to keep them completely away from the cartoons. But we can restric what they watch.

Thought of sharing some cartoons that I find good for children viewing:

1) Gali Gali Sim Sim

Feedback: It comes with very good educational value & it's fun to watch.

2) Cbeebies

Feedback: It's meant only for kids till the age of 5 and very very educational. It teaches kids all the alphabets, words, rhymes, counting, dancing, singing etc.

3) Tom And Jerry

Feedback: Very funny and entertaining.

4)Make Way For Noddy

Feedback: Teaches you to help others and be responsible.

5) Mickey Mouse Club House

Feedback: Helps to solve problems and mathemathics for preschoolers.

6) Baby Einstein

Feedback: Very very educative.

7) Brainy Baby

Feedback: Fun way of learning.

8) Teletubbies

Feedback: Very colourful and simple easy language to relate with toddlers.

9) Cailou

Feedback: Very informative and real-life situations explained well for 4 year olds.

10) Lazy Town

Feedback: Songs and dance which keeps the kids on their feet and active.

11) Barney

Feedback: Educational videos with lots of sing-a-long songs. Fun to watch.

12) Wordsworld

Feedback: Excellent way of teaching phonics and word building.

13) Higgly Town Heroes

Feedback: Teaches about different professions.

14) Little Einsteins

Feedback: All about music.

15) Blue's Clues

Feedback: Helps problem solving skills in preschoolers.

16) Handy Manny

Feedback: Help kids learn to be polite as Handy Manny and help others.

17) Sesame Street

Feedback: Fun way for preschool learning.

18) Bob The Builder

Feedback: Adventurous and educational.

19) Pingu

Feedback: Funny and entertaining

20) Adventures of Portland Bill

Feedback: Very helpful.

Source:- www.youtube.com

Twenty Times

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:36:00 +0000

Source: www.youtube.com

Baby Beethoven (Baby Einstein Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:19:00 +0000

Source: www.youtube.com

The Dancing Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:45:00 +0000

Source:- www.youtube.com

Birthday Party Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 07:50:00 +0000

You should decide on a menu which has less spicy things and relished by kids a lot. Kids love finger foods a lot like french fries, corn fritters, Bread rolls, spring rolls, cutlets, Aloo Bonda, Sabudana Vada etc.
A menu which I suggest:-
Starters:
1) Serve Colorful idli's (use spinach for green color, carrot / tomato ketchup / tomato puree for red color, and the usual one. Kids will definitely love it.)

2) Serve small pieces of dhokla (white or yellow but less spicy)

3)French Fries / Garlic Bread / Potato wedges.

Main Course:
1) Aloo tikki with choley (very mild spicy) OR choley bhature

2)Dahi vada with sweet tamarind chutney and green chutney OR Bhel puri

Dessert:
Cake (Will be there, of course)
And you can also serve Fruit custard / Ice-cream / Gulab jamuns / Kheer

Drinks:
Soft drinks / Tang / Mango milk shake / Chiku milk shake / Chocolate milk shake

Themes, Decoration And Games for the party:-

For girls:
1) Princess: Dress your baby up in a beautiful gown and make her wear a tiara. Decorate the room very royally with white ribbons and make a castle in front of your door with chart papers. According to the theme, you can have a game such as treasure hunt and hide a bag of chocolate coins etc. And the kids have to search them with the help of the clue you give. The winner gets the bag of goodies plus the reward.

2) Butterfly: Dress your baby in a colourful gown and tuck a wing behind her. Decorate the room with lots of flowers and butterflies. According to the theme, hide candies wrapped with foil paper everywhere before the party begins. Give each of the kids a bag and tell them that as butterflies they should get the nectar (candies). The winner gets the candies they collect plus the reward.

3) Fairy: Dress your baby in a white gown and tuck a wing behind her and give her a wand to hold. Decorate the room with lots of sparkle, glitter, flowers and butterflies. Use lots of ribbon in pink and purple. Musical chairs is the best game for this theme.

For boys:
1) Superhero: Dress your son in his favourite superhero outfit. For ex. Spiderman, Superman, Batman. etc. Decorate the room with lots of superheroes posters and comic cut-outs. Stick a large superhero sticker on the main door. According to the theme, have lots candies in several jars and place them at the table. (Equal quantity in each.) The one who eats the maximum number of candies in two minutes wins.

2) Harry Potter: Dress your son like Harry Potter in a coat-pant and a hat. Decorate the room with dark orange and black ribbons. Stick owl, ghost, goblins, creatures, wizards etc. posters all over. Use lots of sparkling stars and moons etc. Have a quiz contest like small trivia and the person who answers the maximum wins.

3) Jungle Safari: Dress your son in his favourite jungle attire. For ex. Tarzan, George of the jungle, Mowgli or his favourite animal etc. For the decoration, use a lot of green ribbons and lots of balloons. If you can, spread and stick some leaves or string of them on the walls and the floor as well. Stick lots of animals pictures everywhere. And have a beautiful animal banner saying “WELCOME” on your main door. Give each child a poster of an animal and tell them to say three things about the animal and the one who say it well will be the winner.

Return Gifts:
When kids come to a birthday party they usually get gifts. But, they are kids of course and they love getting gifts wrapped up and all. So, happy to receive gifts that even a small wrapped up pen is precious to them. But when they gift their packs to the birthday boy/ girl, somewhere they feel, “Oh! I could have kept this toy for myself.”

By giving a return gift, I feel the kids in return feel happy to see that they too have a gift now. Hence, I do love the idea of return gifts.

For Infants Below 1 Year:
Feeding Sets / Cups and spoons / Rattles

For 1 -2 Years:
Small Musical toy / Picture Book

For 3 Years And Above:
Colouring books and crayons / Pencil box / Clay dough / Poster colours / Story books / Toys / Stickers / Watches / Small bags / Chocolates etc.

LazyTown Song - Bing Bang

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Source:- www.youtube.com

Feeding Your Toddler

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Remember that, every child, in fact every person in this word has some taste preferences, some like sweet food, some like salty food etc. So, whenever we plan a diet for a child, we should consider the child's interest regarding food.

We should concentrate on feeding semisolid foods to toddlers (ex. dalia, khichdi with curd, dal-rice etc.) because a semisolid diet has 5 times calories compared to milk. So, we should give them semi-solid food thrice and fruits twice in a day.

Don’t force kids to drink milk, but still remember milk needs to be given at least twice, once in the morning and once before sleeping. You can mix something to make it more tasty for them ex. bournvita, horlicks, boost, complain etc. (Nowadays, we get a variety of flavours. I usually don’t keep chips or other savouries at home. In fact I get a horlicks, boost, pediasure all and stock it. Whenever my son feels hungry, I prefer giving him fruits drizzled with honey and a tsp. of boost or his favourite flavor or dry fruits. He loves to have it.) Give time and see gradually they will develop a taste for milk too.

Calcium is found in milk, curds, paneer, spinach (paalak), and nuts, which are also rich in iron and protein. Try to give curd-rice at a meal whereas dal paalak at another. If your child drink milk, substitute it with badam kheer, suji sheera etc. Paneer parathas or cheese sandwich is another good option as it contains calcium and proteins. Yoghurt, cheese, paneer etc contain the same amount of proteins, minerals and vitamins as in milk. So, instead of forcing kids to have milk, we can give them options which are equally nutritious.

Beans like rajma, kabuli chana, lobia, kala chana and lentils like urad dal, tuar dal, moong dal and chana dal are all protein rich foods. Almonds, walnuts, sesame (til), garden cress (sabja) too are rich in protein. Soya bean products like soya nuggets, tofu or soy milk and soya bean flour are good for health too. Which can be substituted according to your child’s taste.

Build-A-Word

noreply@blogger.com (Nilofer) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:37:00 +0000

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