Nutrition Supplements for Children     Food quality has improved or reduced, is one thing we cannot comment about, these days but food manipulation has increased and ones appetite for nutritious food has definitely reduced. However, awareness for Organic farming and choosing Organic food has increased...if the items cultivated are truly organic or not is another big question...with all these things confusing our brains, should we offer nutrition supplements to children or not is something we cannot keep postponing to find an answer for and delay if they are necessary.   This is the time that parents need to be smart and calculate the number of fresh fruit, dairy and veggie servings children consume per day and realise if there be a need to offer supplements to cover for any deficient nutrition. For Children who are seriously picky eaters, they tend to lack necessary iron and calcium firstly, followed by other important vitamins such as vitamin A, B etc.     Assuming that all children these days have vitamin and mineral deficiencies is not the right thing...Parents need not follow the common trendy 'picking on the kids' pattern and behaviour..instead, they have to observe the meal and snack schedule of every child and assess their nutrient intake...if they feel the child is looking healthy enough and eating and drinking normally then there is usually no worry. For the same reason, it is important to visit a pediatrition atleast once every year, the best practice being 'a markup visit every year after the child's birthday', making sure the Doctor checks the weight, height, hearing ability and eye-sight, iron and calcium levels of the child's body, and confirms that the child is growing up healthy and normal.   Consulting the Doctor about offering supplements to the child is a smart thing to do before considering to start a regime on your own. The child may have allergic reactions to certain ingredients, or those multivitamins might clash with some other medications the child is already taking and such. Keeping these concerns aside, if you decide to give supplements and find the right kind, there are quite good number of options for every child, the most famous gummy treats kind, tonics, calcium-tablets kind and milk powders too, come along in multiple flavors and colors.   Considering a family that has atleast one parent who is health conscious and takes care of others in the family, there may not be any deficiencies atall, in that case, supplementing may cause over dose of vitamins and minerals as certain breakfast cereals and store-bought milk are sold with added vitamins and iron. Also, doing a thorough research on the ingredients of every nutrition supplement brand product is important..you dont want to end up buying a product that is famous, yet includes harmful and artificial chemicals that do no good to your child either. Be smart and choose foods and supplements correctly !   ..Prathyusha

Value of Summer Classes and Camps for Kids   Summer fun is exciting but in this kind of heat, outdoor fun is dangerous, and so sitting at home or planning for playdates to keep the children busy is a smart and safe idea. But how long will you handle a group of kids daily? There needs to be an alternate Mom-rescue option, to save her from the frustration of dealing with a bunch or even a single naughty one. During such times, Summer classes offer the best rescue options, and also keep the kids busy enough that they learn extracurriculars and get tired and dose off easily at night. Besides the traditional summer coarses such as Swimming classes (ofcourse, i wonder what the empty swimming pools are doing now because of the water scarcity), Music training, Spoken English, Pottery and such, there are quite some new courses to bring the new waters in... Some courses such as Horse riding, Chess training, Fun Math exposure help the kids build confidence to deal with life's different phases...and short term courses such as CPR, First Aid training, small Wood workshops to build toys and such, Etiquette and Ethics classes offer the kids lessons of Selfhelp and educate the, of their Social Responsibility etc. In some western countries, there are Summer classes to train for young adults in new born sibling care and a new pet training. Some societies organise Summer camps for kids and Young adults, inviting them to spend few days away from parents and family, at a Summer cottage, teaching them to be brave when parents are away, during such camps, they teach to make friends with new kids, sleep on their own without parents being around, etc...     Teaching kids simple culinary skills is also good selfhelp and 'Help Mom' ideas through cookery classes, baking classes, easy sewing classes...in the United States, they teach Preschool children how to handle a pair of scissors and cut paper and use Glue correctly for a specific reason inorder to prepare them for homework and hobby crafting. Some kindergarten schools and social clubs offer Grooming classes for Young adults, teaching them Simple Housekeeping manners, HomeSafety classes, Fun gardening sessions to help parents and also behavioral methods for self discipline along with Religious values. Are you also looking forward to find such fresh ideas for Kids' Summer classes that really help your kids and you instead of just extracting money from your wallet !! - Prathyusha

Need for a Sibling   Small family, a happy family...but too small, not so happy family...every child needs a sibling, to share, to care, to grown up with, and have a close friend in the family. However, due to many reasons, not every family decides to have a second child, some settle with only one child., i wonder how they manage everytime the child asks for a friend at home, for a sibling. It is not atall easy when your only child runs behind every other child in a mall, and sobbing or melting down everytime a friend leaves after a playdate or doesnot want to come home after a playdate at a friend's. It is so embarrassingly silly when your child asks why she/he doesnot have another baby to play with, why you dont have two kids like her friend's Mom has. And then everyone among friends and relatives asking you 'when is the next one arriving?', including 'Let there not be too much gap between the kids' kindof unwanted suggestions.   If you are not so ready to even think of another child yet, meet a friend or a cousin who is also a single child, they will share their positives and negatives of being the only child. That is when you are still not ready to start the journey but you can atleast be open minded., your child will train you slowly and suddenly....contrary, but it is true. The first request comes as a shocker but it happens so often that slowly you will get there and be ready. They say either of the partners is initially unprepared and unwilling but the first child is the driving force...you will want to do anything for their sake, end of the day ! I realise, a little friend at home doesnot come crawling or running and ready to play..it takes nine backbreaking months, hours of painstaking moments and then 2-3 years of wait while they grow up to be there, before they are ready to play with your older child including strange moments of fighting between the two and emotions of insecurity, neglected feelings of the first one, the same first child who asked you for a sibling. The pre-sibling prep is totally different to the post-arrival struggle...they are two separate challenges....so are you ready or your first one ready yet for a sibling? - Prathyusha

  Lucknow Chikankari Dresses for Cool Kids   Summer has been harsh this time, but we cannot escape the heat..how to keep the kids cool, how to dress them up for indoors and outdoor fun...is the question for all parents, every summer, during their vacation time. While the kids are home for more than a month, wearing the wrong dresses could make them feel the heat and sweat alot when playing too..Well, then think of the Super Cottony Chikankari dresses again..you should be gathering a few pieces for each kid during the Industrial Exhibition that happens every year during winter. Chikankari origins from Lucknow and has become so famous across India and Abroad too. The cool cotton fabric, intricate thread work makes me so nostalgic, reminding me of those early 80s and childhood days. Chikankari has been a trend ever since its origin. Not just cotton, it dresses up every other light material like Silk, Chiffon and the Georgette. Everyone in the family gets to cherish the flamboyance of Chikankari with dresses made for every age group. Those made in Cottons span a longer life, getting passed onto siblings and atleast one next generation. When Mom or Dad pair up with their little Girl and Boy, they all look super cute in these Chikankari dresses. Sarees and Dresses embroidered for Mom, kurta-pyjamas and Dhotis embroidered for Dad, along with the cutest Frocks, Lehengas and little Salwar suits for little girls, those cute cute Kurta-pyjamas for little guys offer a wide selection to satisfy all.   Maintainance was easy with light colors but with brighter and multi-colored patters appearing more in the market, washing them has become a trick. Hand washing is suggested for the bright and dark colored ones..pure cotton is the simplest, but the mixed-fabrics are creating bobbles and need a little more care. Price ranges from the most expected affordable to even the pricy numbers. Still, thinking twice before you grab one for you or your child is not necessary... chikankari is a pride to wear and flaunt ! Due to macbine-made fabrics and embroideries dominating the market, this amazing original hand-made treasure is loosing its life, speedily and pleads demand...lives of talented workers who depend of this art await better days. It is so necessary that we all think of appraising such lives and caring for their needs by opting for their works. Think of buying Chikankari dresses this time you shop for your wardrobe or your child's. - Prathyusha    

Dealing with Picky Eaters   Getting kids to eat food is definitely not a joke!,,infact, getting them to try a new veggie or a new dish is so tough. They have issues with foods that look green, that taste sour, which have tomatoes....everything is a problem..i just dont understand why they refuse to try anything..i wonder if the older generations were like this, or is it because i had a picky eater i feel this is the only tough generation ?! They ask for something to eat and by the time we prepare it, they dont want it anymore...ufff, thats it ! We have to do something about changing this frustrating pattern. Lets get started ... To deal with picky eaters, we have to start with very small portions. Use positive words such as 'This is a very small bowl of boiled green peas, it is so easy to eat', instead of threatening the child using words such as 'if you dont finish it faster, i am going to take away your toys'. Once the child finishes the offered peas, give him/her a favorite food. Appreciate even if they try just once or two pieces of a new food or vegetable, though it is frustrating and disappointing that you made it spending your time and they try only a bit. Offer new foods during snack time, incase they dont like it, their mood or after-taste will not spoil their interest to eat a meal. Keep offering a certain new item again and again, instead of asking once and stopping to offer again if they refuse the first time. Offering kids treats and drinks more than healthy foods such as fresh fruits, dairy and vegetables tends to decreas their interest to try the latter ones, as they know they have an alternate choice. You offer only healthier food, they will have no choice but to accept to try it. Spacing snack time and meals is also important..appropriately spaced snack time and meals do more good to them, compared to the too closely spaced schedules that force them to not feel hungry and end up not eating properly and leaving them disinterested to eat well. Making friends with healthy eaters is a smarter option, as kids learn silently and tend to mimic friends most of the time. I understand that a bad company spoils everything, friends of your kids may be good eaters but if their parents dont follow healthy rules, their kids end up eating more of unhealthy foods and then you child goes their for playdates and learns the same stuff...who will you explain ? Will you teach their kids to eat healthy, or will you explain their parents the harm unhealthy foods do to anyone..would they even listen, forget about following you ?! Hence, it is so good important to teach about nutrition and food values to our own children. Parents should be the examples for everything good...you eat fruits and veggies and they will follow...even if you dont like a certain food, kindly dont annouce your disinterest aloud. Also observe if your child has any food allergy or any irritation and if that be the reason he/she is refusing to try a certain food the second time. Go slow and steady with introducing new food. Follow a Step by step speed. Introduce another new food only after the child likes a particular new item she/he has tried and liked and eaten thrice. Eating together at a dining table, as a family brings alot of better change...right from the day of the child's first solid food, if they sit with the family for meals, they observe everyone having the family meals and register that they eat what the family eats. Meal time should be the best family time of the day, every day. Handling picky eaters is easier when we keep our cool, with no frustrations amd jitters. Pediatricians say that most children pass through this stage during their 3-4yrs age. Keep this in mind and dont worry...once this phase fades outs, you will naturally see your child trying new foods and asking for new tastes....very soon your picky eater will be a healthy eater. - Prathyusha

  Complain secretly of your child's faults     Parenting is one great job...it looks so easy and not big for those who havenot stepped in yet, but is difficult. I agree, for some it is so breezy easy ! Probably their kids make them feel so..however, i have seen tough days. It is also a tricky job, where you are given all the rights yet you cannot be the boss, you have to be a good friend and behave yourselves too, just when you loose control, you set a wrong example, and so there is no way you can vent out, no way you can chill out overly...one has to be so disciplined and dedicated to this task..however, until the foundation is set and the path is established for the children. When they get perfect, they make sure the parents are not going out of control or fall apart.     As i expressed, parenting is tough, almost like a military job...most parents vent out their frustration. It is a good idea to not keep ones emotions within and get stressed out. Sametime, expressing feelings of disappointment with the child's behaviour in the child's presence is definiteltnot a good idea. Even the famous pediatricians and psychologists suggest young parents to cultivate the habit of 'only talking the positive' once the child is born, atleast when the child is around or listening from a short distance around. Feed their little brains the positive comments, appreciations, recognitions, words of comfort, encouragement, gentle correction and good behaviour..there are all chances the child learns and does what you teach and do yourselves. If one keeps complaining that 'my girl is so moody', 'my son is a very naughty one', they tend to behave the same way...they are not like grown ups who realise that they are being complained about and try to correct themselves. If Mom wants to tell Dad about some naughty or rude act of the child, she should share only while the child is totally away or asleep. Dont chant the manthra of 'you are a bad girl', 'you are such a spoil sport'....they might end up getting convinced to do what you tell them every hour of.   You may want to share everything your child does at home with your family or friends, over the phone...kindly make sure you talk aloud about the good things your child does..and watch the limit not to start over praising the child always...they get so used to it and expect everyone to praise their every silly act too. If you need any suggestions or want to share your frustration or even about a funny or silly stuff your child did the other day,.you are free but when the child is away and not paying attention to your phone call or he/she is asleep..they repeat the same stuff. Like, you tell your relative that your child has attention issues and asks for treats or the ipad soon as your answer a phone call...and Lo, your child comes running to do the same, not letting you talk over the phone. Be it a funny, frustrating or a disappointing act of your child, lets not make it a public discussion...children are so sensitive, and even adults dont like others complaining publicly of their behaviour...so lets deal secretly ! ..Prathyusha

  Dealing with 3-4 year olds     The Preschoolers come as a package of smartness, eagerness, naughtiness and few other behaviours, which makes it difficult to handle them unless the parents learn to negotiate and get even more smarter than the kids. Parents have to learn the flexibility manthra as their kids grow...they cannot behave the same way with their kids as they were an year ago...as kids grow, the elders have to grow as parents to the next stage every year !   Kids at 3-4 years of age learn to get through difficult situations, like dealing with tough elders like teachers, negotiating with parents and older siblings, achieving success by behaving rigidly many times etc. Agreements and Win-Win situations are impossible and tough when the elders dont want to make things easier, as both the parties are adamant. Children are not experts, they learn things from others or their survival struggles teach them certain behaviours at times, which are power battles at home or disappointments and tantrums.     Patience is what the parents need, not what the children can learn at this stage. It is a smart technique to research about every stage-wise behaviour of children when someone becomes a parent...doing this, it becomes easy to handle kids at every changing stage and things wouldnot be shocking. Forget about the word 'comparison' atall....never dream of having an ideal child..and dont get depressed and overwhelmed when your child behaves differently than what you dreamt of. Dont compare them with other so-called 'ideal children'.   Children learnt to negotiate at this age, it is not only an indication that he or she is learning to express his/her own ideas, it also shows that he/she is discovering how to co-exist and work better with another person or as a team. Complimenting a child in public is a good thing, sametime, commenting or complaining publicly has wrong impacts...children may seem to ignore discussins among adults at times, but they observe and lend an ear always...they maynot be hurt as such, but they will tend to behave the same way you complained of the next time. Teach your child to express certain feelings to you personally instead of shouting out loud in public...encourage them to appreciate others by never wrongly commenting on others, yourselves as they like following parents mostly.   Remember always, with 3-4 year olds, their behaviour is a reflection of your personality...you change and thet will change, for good or for bad....loosing temper quickly teaches them to do the same, starting with you ! Dealing with 3-4 year olds becomes a breeze when you are patient and happy always,,,else it becomes so easy to vent out your frustration on them and the next day, they will do the same to everyone around ! Deal smartly with them. ...Prathyusha

  Sexual Abuse Awareness among Children   Something Parents dont want to talk about, something they want to keep away from their children, something that can happen to any child, something we all want to never happen to anyone, Sexual Abuse. It has been on an increase across the World and Children, irrespective of Age, Race, Economic status are being affected. 'How can we stop?' is something that we just dont have to keep questioning and worrying, instead, we can stop it from coming even closer to our children. Awareness is all what it takes, and Attention is all what it needs. Some basic and very important points if followed strictly can stop it happening. Provide a Safety Awareness to your children: Be it a girl or a boy, teach children to stay away from strangers, unless introduced by parents as well wishers..even then, Children need to learn to discern among the good and the bad depending on their behaviour towards children. A close relative can be perfectly fine as a great helper and a wonderful wellwisher but they may have a darker side. Read or narrate very short stories about how to identify such an inconvenient behaviour by strangers or even people whom the child knows well.     Learn to trust your Children: Your child might complain to you about someone's odd behaviour, or escalate a friend's odd experience at School. Dont ignore it, instead followup on the matter and trace it. Try a fool proof method of keeping your child or his/her friend away from that stranger for few days and notice their response..if they tell you that they feel safe, then that stranger is really a weed to be removed from the scene permanently. Show them signs that they can trust you no matter what happens, that they can tell you anything and express any feelings, and that they will not be punished for expressing matters. Spend private and dedicated time with your Child everyday: Giving undivided attention to your child, for some time everyday is a good practice to strengthen that bond with your children. Share your personal experiences of joy and sorrow, inorder that they learn to share the same with you...this way, they will never hesitate to express their feelings, good or bad, with you. Just dont ignore a child's change in behaviour, it can be any sign...either they become too silent or over defensive...as soon as you onserve a change, discuss with him/her and find out the reason behind the change and discomfort... Keep track of everyone who meets your child: Knowing your child's friends and their parents, his/her Teacher's and strangers they might have come across in a day during lunch time, while going to or coming from School etc., Not leaving your child with anyone is a better practice...it can be Daddy, but not your cousin or a good friend or Colleague..you never know. Protecting children from Sexual abuse is our responsibility...let not that bitter experience happen to any child just because we were ignorant or too busy to bother or even trust the child when they complain about your Cousin or Uncle !!   ..Pratyusha

Preparing Children for Siblings     First delivery is manageable to an extent although it is a first time 'inexperienced' experience ! Second time or later, it gets a little tough, to manage a child at home and getting ready for another cute arrival. Coping through the pregnancy stages, getting ready for delivery set aside, preparing the older child/ children is a big task and one very important job. That older child might be totally excited to have a friend at home but are they ready to share everything, even Parents' love and attention is the question. Most of us have been there, but as Parents now, are we ready to take up the task carefully and progress successfully ?! Part of it is also the duty of other family members, close family friends and the Doctor too. All of them play a crucial role in encouraging the older child to be nice and loving to the younger one and not feel threatened of their own importance in the family. Some basic amd easy ways can make it a breeze for you too. Keep asking the child if he/she wants a sibling..make sure not to stress much on whether they want a Sister or a Brother...if they amswer one and recieve another, thet may take longer to accept. Buying special quote t-shirts and dresses to make them feel proud of their elder child spot in the family is encouraging too. Taking your older child to Prenatal checkups is a smart idea, they get to see the Ultrasound pictures and videos and you can also introduce him/her as an Elder Brother/Sister to the nurses and Doctors. You should explain to the child that Mommy might feel tired quickly and that she cannot carry him/her as she used to earlier, because she is taking special care of his/her Baby Brother or Sister. Go for shopping together, let them select few items for the baby. Some of us have the habit of talking to the preborn babies, during idle times or sleep times, introduce your older child to the baby and let them a story or rhyme too. Babies remember voices, it would be a special moment when they identify the older sibling after birth. Showing their childhood, early days photographs during these stages will refresh their memories and thet will be more excited to see the younger sibling to grow and take pictures together. Take the child's help to arrange the baby's items for the grand arrival. Set up a gift chosen by the older child for the baby or have them pack the gift. Keep a Big Brother/Sister gift that you chose as a Surprise to reveal at the Hospital or when they see the Baby, first time. Make sure to handover the older child's responsibilities to a soothing adult in the family while you are away at the Hospital for a day or two, as during this time even Dad is busy with you. The older child will be missing Mom and Dad, so engaging them with fun activities or School is a better idea and taking them to the Hospital to visit the Newborn is a good idea if you are staying there for longer. After you come home with the Baby, instead of constantly telling the Older one to keep silent, give them a 'Silence keeper' job. They will do well.     Diaper changing, Lotion applying might be small jobs for the proud big one. Keeping a constant eye on them is vital too...with too much love they can even try to feed the newborn green peas or peanuts or anything...or feel jealous and pinch the baby...make sure to tackle such a scene with gentleness and not shout on them..it makes things worse...and thats the reason, prepping the older child for a joyful siblinghood is the smart and safe thing. There might be a special needs Mew born at home, thats when our job becomes crucial..prolonged hospitalization after delivery or to bring the baby home, might demand special education to the older child. Stressing out and yelling on the child may happen as you are not ready to accept the truth yet and you yourself are depressed and tired. The quality of empathy and patience shall be instilled in children for this reason too and many other better reasons in life. Whether baby no.2 or baby no.4, teaching the older children the joy of caring for another person and sharing too is important. If the introduction is good, the fun blooms well !! --- Prathyusha

Find Safe Art Supplies for kids Art is a therapy for kids of any age...6-60 or 1-100!! Once the child is two years old, we all want to see them identify colors, sit for hours and draw with colors...thats one activity most Parents seek to keep their kids engaged and safe, right infront of their eyes. Kids start to receive crayons, water colors, sketch pens soon after this age...and they get more as they grow..most of the time, when shopping for kids school supplies and art project items, we spend on buying colors, glues, paper and such. The World is now thinking of safe food, organic groceries, recycling, pollution-free environment, everything safe in the house starting from shampoos to non-toxic BPA-free water bottles...then why not bring in safe art supplies too. Arts and crafts nurture our creativity, offer great relaxation and they work as a therapy during those worst mood times when people irritate you or something goes not-the-way-you-expected. Yet, some allergies to few colors and glues, chemical sensitivities due to the smell around few markers can make our choices difficult. When playing with moulding clay, chalk, paint or crayons, no matter how keenly you watch the kids, they tend to sneak a small lick of their favourite colored clay or a bite of that bright crayon. Art trainers and Teachers who use colors, paints, oil pastels and chalks most of the day are also exposed to the harmful toxins and side-effects from using such products. Coughing, throat irritation and skin sensitivity, reactions are some frequent issues faced. Most art products manufacturers simply mention the word Non-Toxic on their products, as they are not required by rule to reveal the toxic preservatives, heavy metals or petro-based ingredients that they still use. It is our smartness and responsibility to research about the safe supplies available in the market and purchase only those to spend a guilt-free happy art time with kids or our own-self. Such environment-friendly and user-safe alternatives may not be easy to find in the stores, but they are worth the effort. Paper: We generally purchase white paper for any such purpose..for school, for arts, for office..most white paper brands use bleach to maintain that white look. But it is chlorine that is used there. Totally Chlorine-free (TCF) and Processed Chlorine-free (PCF) labelled papers assure that no bleaching occured during the making of that bundle of papers. Tree-free paper initative follows a wonderful technique of producing Recycled papers using post-consumer fibers, Eco papers using fruit pulps and agricultural residue. It helps reduce the agricultural and some industrial waste, wherever possible. Sustainable Forestry Initiative is a step taken to put a control on deforestation for paper production...for every tree cut down to produce paper, a new sappling is planted. Glue: Gone are the days of using Home-made glue made with All-purpose flour and water...i still remember, they used to bring pots of such glue to decorate our School with colored paper and strings for the Indian Independence day and Republic day celebrations. I haven't heard of it from anyone, in the recent times. That was an Eco alteranative craft product. The glues sold are more storage convenient, long-lasting, easier to use than home-made which was supposed to be applied with hand or using a wooden laddle. White glue is safer with no fumes emitted, but takes longer to dry. Examples are Elmer's, ordinary School-use Fevicol and Mod Podge. You can just wash them off your However, not everyone of us has the time to wait for an craft project to dry, we want fast -drying, quick- display items. Quick-dry instant glues, Epoxy, Spray adhesive, rubber cement, airplane glue, all emit fumes..and that is why they advice to use these glues in an open, well-ventilated area to reduce the harm. They are difficult to get rid of if stuck to fingers..a nail-polish remover with acetate can only help in this case. Art is a wide environment..we can go on discussing about nature and art, for hours...even the art-craft supplies used for such a project also are various...we shall learn more on Safe, Eco-friendly products in our next article, soon. --pratyusha

Find Safe Art supplies for Kids-2     There is lot more to know about Art supplies, when we talk about the safety they offer. Here are some more of what we learnt in our earlier article on the same matter. Crayons and Markers: Petroleum-based crayon sales might have slowed down but they are still available in the market. The word 'Non-Toxic' is quite popular with art supplies and kids toys but do you know what makes the others toxic? Oil pastels are usually petroleum-based, even ordinary crayons are so..these days, water-soluble or washable crayons have made life easier..they are more non-toxic than the others. Easy to use and can be washed off..just then they are more brittle than the traditional crayons. Unscented crayons are made more these days. Soy-based crayons are made from sustainable soybean oil. There might be an assumption among parents about the brightness of these friendly products...they are as brighter as the older versions.   In India, we are used to introducing letters and writing to children with the help of a Slate and Chalk, traditionally. Dustless chalk is better...even in a School or College environment, these dustless chalks can make breathing easier for the students and teachers. Colored Eco-Pencils, products of Sustainable Forestry Initiative and recycled wood are other options of coloring supplies. Just make sure to stay away from conventional dry-erase markers, they contain harmful neurotoxin Xylene, and Permanent markers emit fumes...Sketch pens come these days in Washable options, they are safer than the older versions with toxins and chemicals.   Paints: Water-based colors, Water-soluble and non-toxic Acrylic paints are beginning to be available in the market. Chroma Brand Tempera paints are safer as they remove some of the hazardous ingredients during the production process. Water-based Tempera paints are easy to use. Instead of using oil paints that emit fumes and require turpentine, a petroleum-based product to clean the brushes, it is better to follow the shine-less look with Acrylic and Tempera. Sametime, make sure the Acrylic paints you purchase donot have Formaldehyde or Ammonia. Even Aerosol paint sprays are harmful when inhaled, hence they should be applied in a well-ventilated space, using protective nose and eye masks. Canvas: Fabric used to make canvas boards or canvas screens can be made from recycled, unbleached cotton. Afterall, you buy a white canvas board to paint on it, then why look for a bleached, whitest white board ?! The board used to stretch the fabric can be made from recycled wood instead of fresh wood. Modelling Clay and such: Non-toxic clays are available in the market, these days. They are even Gluten-free, made from wheat-free to flour to avoid gluten allergies among children and adults. Even the colors used can be controlled when they are natural. Homemade modelling clay ideas can be found on the internet, they are more eco-friendly, safer and affordable versions. For school modelling projects, one can consider using paper mache, made from old newspapers, recycling used post envelopes, advertisement brochures etc. tutorials are numerous on the web. Store-bought paper mache might contain harmful chemicals and fibers. Polymer clays are available in the market but they contain PVC or Vinyl. Arts and Crafts if nurtured and encouraged bring out the most creative of the creative people there in the world...it is wonderful to cherish their works, even wonderful to realise that they dont leave a bad footprint on the Earth, by using the 'safest, eco-friendliest' supplies.   ..Prathyusha

  పిల్లలకు ప్రేమతో.... వాలెంటైన్స్ డే ........ ప్రపంచం మొత్తాన్ని తన గుప్పెట్లో పెట్టుకుని ప్రేమలోకంలో కుర్రకారుని ఉర్రూతలూగించె రోజు. ఇది కేవలం టీనేజర్స్ ని మాత్రమే కాదు ఇంకా టేనేజ్ లోకి అడుగుపెట్టని పిల్లల్ని సైతం తన ప్రభావంతో ఉయ్యలలూగిస్తోంది. తెలిసి తెలియని అమాయకత్వంతో అయోమయంలో పడే పిల్లలకి తల్లితండ్రులు ఇచ్చేకొద్దిపాటి అవగాహన చాలు. వాళ్ళు దారితప్పి తప్పటడుగు వేయకుండా చూసుకోటానికి. పిల్లల మనసులు ఎలా ఉన్నా ఇలాంటి పోకడలతో తమ పిల్లలు ఎక్కడ చేయిజారిపోతారో లేదా వాళ్ళకి తెలియకుండానే ఏదైనా తప్పుడు మార్గాన్ని అనుసరిస్తారేమో  అనే భయం  చాల మంది పేరెంట్స్ కి ఉంటుంది. ముందు మీలో ఉన్న ఆ భయాన్ని, టెన్షన్ ని పక్కన పెట్టేయండి. హాయిగా వాళ్లతో మాటామాట కలుపుతూ మాటల్లో వాలెంటైన్స్ డే ప్రత్యేకతని వాళ్ళ వయసువారికి అర్ధమయ్యే రీతిలో చెప్పటం మొదలుపెడితే మంచి ఫలితం కనిపిస్తుంది. మీరే  వాలెంటైన్స్ డే అంటే ప్రేమికుల రోజు అనే అభిప్రాయాన్ని వారిపై రుద్ది , ఆ రోజు ఇలా చెయ్యకు అలా చెయ్యకు, బయటకి వెళ్ళకు  అంటూ నిబందనలు పెట్టకండి. మనం ఏదైతే వద్దు  అంటామో దాని మీదే పిల్లల ఆసక్తి పెరుగుతుంది. ఆ విషయం గురించి ఇంకా ఇంకా తెలుసుకోవాలనే తపన మొదలవుతుంది. అందుకే అలాంటి వాటికి దూరంగా ఉండమని హెచ్చరించటం కాకుండా వాళ్ళకి అర్ధమయ్యేలా చెప్పటం ఉత్తమం. వాలెంటైన్స్ డే అంటే మనని ఇష్టపడేవారికి,మనం ఇష్టపడేవారికి మన కృతజ్ఞతని తెలిపే రోజుగా పిల్లలకి ఈ రోజుని పరిచయం చెయ్యండి. ఎదుటివారు మన మీద చూపించే ప్రేమకి మనం తిరిగి ఏమిచ్చినా తక్కువే కదా!అందుకే మన ఇష్టాన్ని వాళ్ళకి నచ్చిన వస్తువులు కొనివ్వటం ద్వారా గానీ లేదా ఒక చిన్న మెసేజ్ ఉన్న గ్రీటింగ్ కార్డు కొన్నివటం ద్వారా  గాని తెలియచేయ్యచ్చు అనే విషయాన్నీ సున్నితంగా వివరిచండి. ఒక గిఫ్ట్ కొని దానిని అమ్మమ్మకి,మామయ్యకి,చెల్లెలకి లేదా అన్నయ్యకి మీరే మీ చేతులతో ఇప్పించి హ్యాపీ వాలెంటైన్స్ డే అని చెప్పించండి.ఒక వస్తువు కొని దానిని ఎదుటివారికి ఇస్తే వచ్చే ఆనందం ఎలా ఉంటుందో పిల్లలకి నేర్పిస్తే వాళ్ళు ఎప్పటికి మీ ఆలోచనలకి అతీతంగా ప్రవర్తించరు. ఈ కాన్సెప్ట్ పిల్లల మనసుకి అర్ధమయ్యేలా మనం చెప్పగలిగితే వాళ్ళు మొదటిగా ఇచ్చె వాలెంటైన్స్ డే  గ్రీటింగ్ కార్డు మీదే కావచ్చు. --కళ్యాణి

  Lack of Parent-Child Time   Parents usually worry about not being able to spend more time with their children once the school schedule starts at home. Until then, Mom might complain daily that she is hardly getting a ME ONLY time..everything changes once the child starts going to preschool and there is no other child left at home. At this stage, most Moms too find a job for themselves, and then starts the worry..'Am i spending enough time with my child?', 'is my child feeling the change?', 'is my child feeling neglected?', 'would that affect his/her development?' and all such questions. Well, these feelings will only prove that 'you haven't changed', that 'your children are still your priority'. Research says that children's development isn't related to the quantity of time spent with their parents, but it is the quality of time that really counts. Society and the trend had been changing from over a decade and two..it is not just the Dad, but Mom too works. It is very rare to see a family where Mom commits to be a Stay Home Mom forever.  Such families are blessed..and blessed are even those families where Moms are encouraged by others to step out and achieve their dreams..however, Moms and Dads would still bother about their children. Due to the busy schedules, we maynot be able to spend as much time everyday as during the weekends or holidays...just make sure you have dinners together. Family bonding is miraculous and healing. If you are lucky, make sure to spend few more minutes relaxing with the family, 'WITHOUT THE TV'., 'DISCUSSING ONLY THE GOOD MATTERS'. Start your day with a target to reach home early and spend some more moments with your kids. Let that thought be a bulls eye to hit, everyday. Weekends should be family oriented. I know you can't escape extra work if it knocks at your desk, but try if you can compensate with a trip to the park or a lunch/dinner date with the kids at at healtheir restaurant. Cooking together with kids is a great experience...but remember to 'HAVE PATIENCE' as kids are kids, they might forget their rules of cleanliness and play with food...let it not be a fired up time...you are the parent, so keep your cool and either deal with the kids or divert them to a playroom. Because you are worried about the quality time you spend with your children, you are definitely going to do your best to make it a happy family where kids are the happiest. Have fun !! --Pratyusha

  Parent's Touch, a Therapy The Parent's Touch is the first confirmation signal a child receives promising the baby that absolute love and wholesome care soon after stepping into this word. The sense of touch, is the first of the five senses developed right when in utero. When Mom touches her belly, the child feels the warmth. This parent-child interaction without words is priceless. It teaches the child that Mom will take care of him/her in this strange world. It proves to the child that parents love their children immensely and nurtures that confidence to learn to live. However, the vagus nerve which conveys 'sensory' information to the brain is still not developed even after birth. Parents' touch helps stimulate this nerve growth, useful for a healthy brain functioning in the future. Studies show that infant who received regular body massages developed this nerve faster than babies who ddnt receive special body massages and were only touched by parents during diaper changes and baths. What more does massaging do...it is all about touch..massaging has other benefits like improving blood circulation, enhancing the function of immune system, and ease bloating, gas, colic and congestion. It helps the body to relax which is why massaging spas exist for adults. Massaging helps babies to calm down and relax, it helps parents to easily put babies to sleep and stay asleep longer. Touch therapy has helped bring back many 'at-risk' babies to life. There have been quite a good number of articles on this, waking up a baby to life from a coma stage etc. Touch therapy is used by many pediatric orthopeditians and physio therapists who deal with neurologically challenged babies, they use it to stimulate nerve growth. The Deaf and Blind schools and carecenters use this Touch therapy to help calm down and even educate kids. At the University of Miami, USA, Doctors use Touch therapy to boost the health of babies in neonatal ICU. Kangaroo Care is one such, they use it in hospitals across America and other places. If the parents ask, Doctors offer to bring a just-born to the Mom, and allow the child to bond instantly..during this time the child is not drapped in clothes. Touch therapy is not involving a therapist or a Doctor to massage babies, they ask the parents to touch and massage babies, targeting the parent-child relationship positively for the wellbeing of the child. This nurturing touch enriches emotional, social, psychological, physiological connections of both child and parents. When a parent starts the massage, the child forgets everything and begins to watch mom/dad. The parent gets engaged in watching the child's cues, responses, pleasant moods etc., it is a techinique that helps and teaches parents to handle babies, soothe them, comfort them...which makes it easy to handle kids without anyones help in the future. It is an excellent tool to help parents get closer to their babies. Its all in your hands !! --Pratyusha

  Ego wall... For some couple Parenting is so joyful journey where they learn many things from kids,but  for some it becomes taxing life. Why? what  is the cause for this exact opposite feel? To be frank there is one and only single word, which makes a lot of difference and its called " EGO" Normally people think ego clash will come with either same age or elder people,but the reality is parents do face this ego issue even with their own children. * We ave seen life,learn from our mistakes * I think i am elder to you and i dont need to learn from u * Decision making comes with age and that age is on y side Such statements often come from parents. They are often called disciplinarian parents.its a one way communication when it comes to this type of parenting. They want their children to learn from their own life. Which is a very wrong way of seeing things. Children that too this generation children have a thought of their own, they want to experiment with life, learn from their own mistakes,and be their own boss. Even though leaving them to their fate is not the point here,parents should understand that these children are more exposed to life than these parents are in their child hood. So giving them a chance to experiment with life to an extent where its not injurious to their health is always recommended. Parents should not bring their EGO in between, they should accept few things as they come. They should also not bring their EGO and be silent when these same children come for advice when in problem. Parents should try and break the Ego Wall which separates them from children. If we as parents cant come out of our Ego and talk truth with our kids, how can we expect them to come clean with facts. Treating children as friends is nothing but over powering EGO Happy Parenting --Pushpa

  Being Human Parents usually face a challenge to train their children in practising restraint,holding back rage and being soft and sensitive with people around (including parents). But what they fail to understand is children are not there to be TRAINED like animals. They have a thought of their own, they have their own feelings,and emotions,which can never be trained to be some thing else. Now the question is,if they are not to be trained, should they be left alone to learn and be human to people around on their own?How is this possible?? Yes it is possible if parents stay human, and sensitive with their children in particular and the society as a whole.Because children ape their parents,and step exactly on their foot steps. For example,if a mother goes on cursing people around from servant maid to mother in law,either in person or in their absence,what will a child learn? If a father tries to demean people around from some one like a driver to a relative to his own wife at home,then how will a child seeing him, grow into a sensitive individual ?? Now i think you have the answer . Yes if at all we as parents are well behaved our children will follow suite. If we are Human then they too will be. If we as parents are more sensitive to them and the people around,then children too will unknowingly follow us. If you think this is training...then the training has to be  to parents than children. Most of the people say Parenting is a tough and thankless job.If parenting is supposed to be a tough job,it can be made easy with a little thought and understanding. But if you think its thank less...then re think about the question itself...Happy Parenting in a Happy New Year. --Pushpa

  Are your kids eating right?? We often find that parents get stressed out to make their children eat right things and in right time. Bearing the strict schedules Children often question parents or rather to be precise their mother as to why should they maintain regular timings and proper food pattern? why cant they jump the rule? Poor moms find it hard to reply this question to children's content.   On average, we eat 4-6 times each day – including snacks - with almost one third of food being eaten outside of the home. This trend of ‘eating on the go’ is predicted to grow. It can often be difficult to find well balanced meals or snacks when out and about - you are more likely to eat a balanced meal when you are in control of what, and how much, you put on your plate. Lets  see if we can help those moms  with some tips to convince them.   * Eating habits always helps in regularizing the digestion process   * Regular pattern will control over eating, coz your tummy knows the time cry hunger * Eating right things at right time will enhance the absorption of energy into our system   for Eg: if we eat too much sugars or oily food at nights they  tend to pile up as fat, as our body tends to be more lazy at nights. But the same sugars or oil will help in getting energy for the days work if we eat it in the morning coz our body will be mobile the whole day.   Now some suggestions to Moms too..   * Quit the "clean-plate club." Let kids stop eating when they feel they've had enough. Lots of parents grew up under the clean-plate rule, but that approach doesn't help kids listen to their own bodies when they feel full. When kids notice and respond to feelings of fullness, they're less likely to overeat. * Start them young. Food preferences are developed early in life, so offer variety. Likes and dislikes begin forming even when kids are babies. You may need to serve a new food a few different times for a child to accept it. Don't force a child to eat, but offer a few bites. With older kids, ask them to try one bite. * Rewrite the kids' menu.  Who says kids only want to eat hot dogs, pizza, burgers, and macaroni and cheese? When eating out, let your kids try new foods and they might surprise you with their willingness to experiment. You can start by letting them try a little of whatever you ordered or ordering an appetizer for them to try. * Drink calories count. Soda and other sweetened drinks add extra calories and get in the way of good nutrition. Water and milk are the best drinks for kids. Juice is fine when it's 100%, but kids don't need much of it — 4 to 6 ounces a day is enough for preschoolers. * Put sweets in their place. Occasional sweets are fine, but don't turn dessert into the main reason for eating dinner. When dessert is the prize for eating dinner, kids naturally place more value on the cupcake than the broccoli. Try to stay neutral about foods. * Food is not love Find better ways to say "I love you." When foods are used to reward kids and show affection, they may start using food to cope with stress or other emotions. Offer hugs, praise, and attention instead of food treats. And last but not the least…   * Kids do as you do. Be a role model and eat healthy yourself. When trying to teach good eating habits, try to set the best example possible. Choose nutritious snacks, eat at the table, and don't skip meals. --Pushpa

  పిల్లల నుంచి నేర్చుకోవడానికి మీరు రెడీయేనా ?? "పిల్లల మంచి కోరి, పెద్దలు తమ అనుభవం మీద కొన్ని విషయాలు చెప్తారు, వాటిని పిల్లలు నేర్చుకోవాలి " ఇది మనం ఎప్పటినుంచో వింటున్న మాట. కానీ ఇప్పటి తరానికి  అందులోనూ యుక్త వయస్సులో ఉన్నవారికి అది ఎంతవరకు పనిచేస్తుందో చెప్పలేం. ఎందుకంటే " పెద్ద వారి మాట వినమంటున్నారు సరే తప్పకుండ వింటాం, అలాగే వాళ్ళు మా మాట కూడా అప్పుడప్పుడు వినాలిగా ?అని ఇప్పటి తరం పిల్లలు అడుగుతున్నారు. దీనికి సమాధానం ఏది ? " మీకు అనుభవం లేదు మేం అనుభవమ్మీద  చెప్తున్నామ్", అనేస్తారు కానీ వారి అనుభవం ఎలాంటి పరిస్తితిలో వచ్చింది ? అదే పరిస్థితులు ఇప్పుడు ఉన్నాయా ? అని ఆలోచిస్తే లేవు. ఒక 20 యేళ్ళ క్రితం ఉన్న పరిస్థితుల్లో ఒక్కటన్న ఇప్పుడు ఉందా? ఉద్యోగాల్లో, ఇంట్లో, సమాజంలో ఎన్ని మార్పులు వచ్చేశాయి. మరి వాటి ప్రకారం పెద్దవారు తమని తాము మలచుకున్నారా? అలా ఒకవేళ మారి ఉంటే తరాల మధ్య తలెత్తుతున్న ఈ అంతరాలు వచ్చేవే కాదట. మిగతా బంధాలలో ఎలా ఉన్నా తలితండ్రుల్లో ఇది ఇంకొంచెం పెద్ద ప్రాబ్లంగా ఉంటుందట. ఎందుకంటే, పిల్లల జీవితాలని శాసించే అదికారం ఉందని అనుకోవడం వారికి పరిపాటి కాబట్టి. అందుకే "ఇది చేయండి అది చేయద్దు" అని చెప్పేస్తుంటారు పిల్లలకి. అలా మీరు చెప్పినట్టు  చేస్తే పని కాదు అని ఒక వేళ పిల్లలు చెప్తే ఆ విషయంలో కూడా ఎంతో కొంత నిజం ఉందేమో అని పెద్దవారు ఆలోచించొచ్చుగా? కుదరదు, ఎందుకంటే "పిల్లలకి అనుభవం ఉండదు" ,"మాకు ఎలాగూ చేతులు కాలాయి మీరు ఎందుకు కాల్చుకోవడం" లాంటి మాటలు పుట్టుకొస్తాయి. ఒక సమస్యని పెద్ద వాళ్ళు అప్పటి పరిస్థితి ప్రకారం పరిష్కరిస్తే అదే పద్ధతి ఇప్పటి పరిస్థితికి వర్తిస్తుందా? అంటే అన్నిసార్లు వర్తించదు అని పిల్లలు గోల పెడతారు. అలాంటప్పుడే యుక్త వయస్సులో పిల్లల మాటలు పెద్దవాళ్ళు వినాల్సిన అవసరం వస్తుంది. కానీ వారిదారికి అలాంటప్పుడే అంతర్యుద్ధం మొదలౌతుంది" ఈ పిల్లలు చెప్పిన మాటలు మేం వినాలా? అని" ఏం ?ఎందుకు వినకూడదు? ఇప్పటితరం పిల్లలు సమస్యల మధ్యే పుడుతున్నారు, సమస్యలతో పెరుగుతున్నారు, అలాంటప్పుడు సమస్యని ఎదుర్కోవడంలో వారికి ఉన్న శక్తి పెద్దవారికన్నా ఎక్కువేగా? వారి మాట కొట్టిపారెసే ముందు ఈ ఒక్కసారికి వింటే పోలే అని కాస్త ఆలోచించచ్చుగా. అసలు సమస్య ఏంటంటే పెద్ద వారికి ఇలా చిన్న వారి మాట వినడం లో "అహం "అడ్డు వస్తుంది. మేం పెద్దవాళ్లం అనే అహం, పిల్లల మాట వినాలా? వారి దేగ్గర నేర్చుకోవాలా? అంతకన్నా చిన్నతనం ఉంటుందా ? అన్న అహం. అందుకే ఆ అహం వల్లే ఒకవేళ చిన్నవారు చేస్తున్నది కరెక్ట్ అని తెలిసినా ఒప్పుకోరు. అన్నిసార్లు పిల్లలు కరెక్ట్ కాకపోవచ్చు, పడనివ్వండి.. నేర్చుకొనివ్వండి. అప్పుడు మీరు చెప్పే మాట విలువ వారికి తెలుస్తుంది. మీరు వారి మీద ఉంచే నమ్మకమే వారిని ఆలోచించి మంచి నిర్ణయం తీసుకునేలా చేస్తుంది. మీరే నమ్మకపోతే రేపు ప్రపంచాన్ని ఎలా నమ్మించగలరు వాళ్ళు .? పిల్లల్ని పెంచడం అంటే ఎప్పుడు వారి చేయి పట్టి నడిపించడం కాదు, పడకుండా సంభాళించుకునే నడిచే పద్ధతి నేర్పించడం. మీరు పిల్లల మాట కాస్త వింటే వారి ఆలోచనతో మీరు ఉన్నారని వారికి అనిపిస్తే అప్పుడే వారు ప్రపంచంలో ఎక్కడ ఉన్నా మీ మాట మీదే నడుస్తారు. --Pushpa