Here are recipes for four excellent snacks and desserts made from bananas — one of the world’s most popular fruits. The recipes are simple enough for children to rustle up, with little parental guidance, writes Parvathy Menon BANANA MUFFINS Ingredients (4 servings) 1 ½ cups maida 1 cup sugar 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 3 medium ripe bananas 1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup sunflower oil 1 tsp vanilla essence Preparation Guide Blend the maida, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Beat the egg, and add it in, along with oil. Add vanilla essence and blend thoroughly. Mash the bananas and add to the mixture. Place paper liners in the muffin cups or tray. Fill each one carefully. Preheat the oven to 180oC. Bake the muffins for 18 minutes. If not done, cook for another 4-5 minutes. Slice a banana, and use the slices to garnish each muffin. Health benefits. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates and provide energy. They also contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper, and vitamins B6 and C. Its high fibre content makes it good for digestion. Bananas also reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure levels. BANANA YOGHURT COOKIE CRUMBLE (4 servings) Ingredients 500 gm thick yogurt 4 bananas 2 tbsp sugar 1 cup thick cream 10 oatmeal cookies 40 gm roasted groundnuts Preparation Guide Beat the cream and sugar until well-dissolved. Add yogurt and stir. Mash two ripe bananas with a fork, and mix. Slice remaining two bananas and set aside. Roast groundnuts over low heat. Cool and remove skin. Crush nuts into small bits. Crush oatmeal cookies and set aside. Just before serving, make a layer of cookie crumble in each bowl or cup. Top it with the cream-yogurt mixture. Add a layer of sliced bananas. Top it with roasted nuts. Serve immediately. BANANA POPS (10 servings) Ingredients 10 bananas, firm but ripe 200 gm cooking dark chocolate 50 gm almonds 50 gm groundnuts 10 skewer sticks Preparation Guide Dry roast almonds and groundnuts separately and leave to cool. Cut the almonds into slivers with a knife, or use a grater to slice them. Spread on a concave saucer. Remove the skin of groundnuts and crush them into small bits. Spread on a saucer. Carefully, run each skewer stick through the middle of a banana. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. If you don’t have one, use a small steel container placed inside another steel container with water. Dip the banana skewer into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to coat the banana if needed. Carefully, remove and dip it in the saucer containing nuts. Repeat for all ten. Place them on a sheet of butter paper or tray and refrigerate. BANANA WALNUT LOAF (3 servings) Ingredients 100 gm butter 140 gm castor sugar 50 ml milk 1 beaten egg 225 gm maida 2 tsp baking powder 4 ripe bananas 85 gm chopped walnuts Preparation Guide Blend sugar, butter and egg…
PW invited parents of the top-ranked N.L Dalmia High School, Thane to share their insights on the joys of parenting “We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves. The joy and happiness of parenting my 14-year-old son Aaron Keith is a gift we have cherished for every moment of our lives. It has given us a reason to wake up every morning and work towards providing him with a strong foundation and a set of wings to realise his dreams. In my opinion, the biggest joy of parenting has been to relive our childhoods while transforming from dutiful parents to Aaron’s best friends. The journey thus far has been extraordinary. Under our love and guidance, Aaron is now a budding teen ready for the future and about to spread his wings.” — Montina Boodle, homemaker “From the time she was little, we never discouraged our daughter Mahike (class VII) from exploring as many activities that she set her heart on and always praised her when she made the effort to overcome challenges by demonstrating grit, persistence, and determination. It also makes us happy that she uses her mobile phone, digital devices and gaming with moderation and invests considerable time in productive work. I believe our parenting has helped her blossom into an intelligent, hardworking and self-motivated pre-teen winning not only scholarships, awards and encomiums but also the respect of her teachers and fellow students. What an honour it is to be Mahika’s parents!” — Poonam Sankhe, special educator, Thane. “Parenting not only provides joy and excitement but also imposes huge responsibility. Parenting my 13-year-old son Medhansh (class VIII) has given me the opportunity to relive my own childhood. I have ensured Medhansh gets the best opportunities without our being over-protective or over pampering him. Through this journey, my effort was not to evolve into a perfect parent, but an honest one. I must admit that at times, the going was tough but in the end, I am filled with gratitude for being blessed with such a wonderful child. Today I am proud to say that Medhansh is my best friend.” — Sujatha Ramachandran Iyer, homemaker “Parenting is a journey of discovering strengths and virtues I didn’t know I possessed and fears I never experienced. There are no rules for good parenting and this makes the experience exciting, joyful, challenging and full of sweet memories. It’s a delight to watch my nine-year-old daughter Laaibah grow into an independent young girl. I have guided her through new experiences and it’s a great feeling to share her successes. Each time she achieves something, it’s like my dreams have come true. Motherhood has completely changed my life, my priorities and gives me inner satisfaction. I am my daughter’s whole world.” — Shazia Shaikh, homemaker
For the 21st century parent, the apps world – accessible 24×7 – offers a flood of parenting information and advice starting from coping with pregnancy to expert guidance on child development, learning resources and tracking children’s progress in school, writes Zahid H. Javali No animal species on Planet Earth nurtures its young for a longer duration than homo sapiens. Worldwide, parents have to prepare themselves to nurture their children through infancy, early childhood, middle years and adolescence into adulthood. As parents of newborns chart a pathway to develop their progeny into well-balanced adults, they need to learn to transform themselves into homeschoolers and children’s advisors. In days of yore they learned parenting from family elders, relatives and friends who were the preferred fonts of wisdom. Later in the second half of the 20th century, parenting guides/books sold by the millions. In the new millennium, with the game-changing invention of the Internet, parents inevitably turned to the worldwide web for best advice on ways and means to nurture, motivate and develop children in the digital age. Now in the new age of pandemics, a forest of apps (computer application/software readily downloadable on ubiquitous smartphones)has become the flavour of the Internet era. India, which is emerging as the fastest growing market for apps worldwide, hosts over 624 million mobile phone/Internet users (January 2021) — the second largest number worldwide. Tens of thousands of parents especially working women, are downloading apps offering advice, information and support on a wide range of parenting issues. For the 21st century parent, the apps world — accessible 24×7 — provides a flood of parenting information and advice starting from coping with pregnancy to expert guidance on child development, learning resources and tracking children’s progress in school. With the high technology comfort level of parennials, apps are rapidly becoming popular and reliable sources of parenting advice. In this cover story, we present a guide to the best parenting apps of 2021. Baby Center (iOS & Android phones) This calendar app is for new and expecting parents. Besides guiding them on a daily and weekly basis, it offers actionable advice, from pregnancy tips, nutrition guidance to videos on foetal development. Baby Center presents expert advice by an in-house medical advisory board accredited by NHS (National Health Service), England. Added highlights include a baby name generator and bumpie photo diary. There is also a Birth Club where women can connect with other expectant mothers due for delivery in the same month. Moreover, after the infant is born, the app serves as a parenting guide during the first year of the newborn. Baby Center is a nifty well-designed app to track pregnancy and foetal development until delivery day. It has won several awards since 1998, the latest being the 2021 Webby People’s Voice Winner. Downloadable free-of-charge Cloud Baby Monitor (iOS & Android) A multitasking mother in a nuclear family needs an extra pair of eyes to monitor her bundle of joy. This Cloud-based Baby Monitor app enables new moms to supervise…
The healing process of releasing deep repressed emotions such as grief, pity and fear, is known as catharsis, writes Roopa Banerjee How many times have we shed tears while watching a tragic movie and later felt relieved and less burdened? I’m sure on several occasions at least. The process of releasing deep repressed emotions such as grief, pity and fear, is known as catharsis. It is based on the belief that emotional release restores emotional balance. Its earliest known use in literature is by the Greek philosopher Aristotle who deployed it in his tragic staged dramas. The belief was that, when people viewed on-stage misfortune and reacted emotionally to it, it subsequently reduced the stress of the audience. Catharsis comes from the Greek word katharsis, which translates into cleansing or purification. Aristotle coined the word based on the medical use of purgative drugs or herbs which cleanse the body. He applied this metaphor for literature, where written or uttered words that arouse strong emotions cleanse the mind. He believed that an audience’s empathy with actors’ emotions helped them control their emotions subsequently. People experience catharsis in different ways. Junking mementos of a partner after a break-up or divorce, scattering ashes of a loved one over a treasured spot, or even a celebratory graduation ceremony to mark the end of college, are examples of catharsis. Writers and playwrights have used catharsis liberally in literature. The bard William Shakespeare used catharsis in many of his plays, with the best examples in Othello. In the denouement, many of the lead characters meet with tragic ends. For instance Othello realises his folly too late and kills himself. The catharsis for the audience comes from the dread of being deceived by a friend, sharing extreme repentance, and by witnessing Othello’s suicide, the audience learns to beware of false friends. A more recent example of catharsis is from John Green’s novel, The Fault in Our Stars. The reason behind the novel’s soaring popularity is the catharsis provided in its tragic theme. In the climax, Hazel is reflecting on the loss of Augustus. The words about infinity are cathartic for her and the audience because as she mourns his death she also experiences gratitude that Augustus existed at all. Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded, he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears. “After all this time?” “Always,” said Snape. Fans of the Harry Potter series will recognise these lines by J.K. Rowling. The moment of catharsis is when Harry is gazing into Snape’s memories and it is disclosed that Snape never stopped loving Harry’s mother, Lily. That’s when reader realises that everything Snape did was in honour of her memory. This catharsis allows the reader and Harry to feel the deep melancholy of Snape’s life. The reader begins to ponder about the lengths she would go to honour a loved one’s memory. Sometimes, literary characters have cathartic experiences as well. For example, in Virginia Woolf’s To the…
With sea levels reportedly rising by one-two inches per year because of global warming, there’s a strong possibility that many of the 1,196 islands constituting the Maldives may disappear underwater in the near future. Advice to adventurers: visit sooner than later If you are a member of the growing tribe of adventurers worldwide interested in checking out the least explored domain on planet Earth — exotic flora and fauna beneath the oceans which cover two-thirds of the world’s surface — a good option is the Islamic Republic of Maldives (pop. 515,696). With sea levels reportedly rising by one-two inches per year because of global warming which is steadily melting the polar ice caps, there is a strong possibility that many of the 1,196 islands and atolls constituting the Maldives may soon disappear underwater. Therefore, for adventurers keen to experience the indescribable colours and coral reefs of the Maldives — a mere half hour’s flight from Thiruvananthapuram — the advice is visit sooner than later. A garland of emerald islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, tourism and hospitality is the republic’s premier industry. Last year an estimated 555,494 tourists from around the world checked into the 87 island resorts of the Maldives, described by legendary traveller Marco Polo as the “flower of the Indies”. Local people refer to the Maldives as dhivehiraajje which translates into “the island kingdom”, but ancient traders from India referred to it as Maladiv — the Sanskrit term for ‘garland of islands’ — and through Portuguese this name was adopted by other European languages. The natives describe themselves dhivehin, meaning “islander” and speak their own unique Dhivehi language. The formation and history of the Maldives is shrouded in mystery. How exactly this exquisite chain of islands surfaced is unclear, as is the total count of how many islands constitute the republic. Estimates place the figure at 1,196, divided into 26 natural atolls, though it’s impossible to arrive at an exact number because with the rise and fall in ocean levels, some islands disappear beneath the sea and resurface, and some even split into two or more parts. However of the 1,196 islands only 202 are inhabited. The unique feature of this archipelago is the harmonious relationship of its people with their environment. Maldivians deeply respect nature, revering it as their source of life and livelihood, while being well aware that nature can be a capricious and volatile force with astounding powers to bless or destroy. Maldivians are learned about climate and weather and adapt their fishing, farming and sailing programmes accordingly. They have developed their own complex calendar based on the study of stars and waxing and waning of the moon. The year is divided into seasons called nakaiy, the word having its origins in the Sanskrit word nakshatra meaning star or heavenly body. A string of tropical islands blessed with clear waters and exotic fish living off its coral reefs, the Maldives is hot and humid for most of the year. Temperatures are usually in the…
Most children infected with the Covid-19 virus recover in less than a week, and rarely experience long-term symptoms, says a peer-reviewed study by scientists of King’s College, London, published recently in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Journal. The study analysed data provided by parents on the UK Zoe Covid Study app. It covered 1,734 children, aged between five and 17 years, who tested positive for the Coronavirus between September 2020-February 2021. King’s College researchers found that only one in 20 children (4 percent) experienced Covid-19 symptoms for four weeks or more, with one in 50 (2 percent) exhibiting symptoms for more than eight weeks. The most common symptoms reported were headaches, tiredness, sore throat and loss of smell. “Our research confirms that a small number do have a long illness duration with Covid-19, though these children too usually recover with time. We hope our results will be useful for doctors, parents, and schools caring for these children – and of course affected children themselves,” says senior author Emma Duncan, professor of clinical endocrinology at the college’s School of Life Course Sciences. Alcoholic parents cause mental health issues in children Children of heavy alcohol drinkers are at higher risk of developing mental health disorders, serious injuries or illness and criminal behaviour, says a report published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (July). The authors reviewed data from 91 studies, 79 of which focused on the effects on children of heavy parental drinking. The report concluded that the progeny of parents who consume large amounts of alcohol are more likely to develop mental health problems. Children whose mothers drink heavily are also at higher risk of mood disorders such as depression and stress-related conditions including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, aka ADHD. Moreover such children are also more likely to report lower academic achievement, experience abuse or neglect and be placed in foster care. The study was conducted by researchers of Aarhus University, Denmark. Teens open up to attentive parents Engaged listening techniques such as eye contact, nodding and praising openness prompt teenagers to admit aberrant behaviour and share hurt feelings with their parents, says a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology (June). University of Reading (UK) researchers asked over 1,000 teens aged 13-16 years to watch a staged conversation between a parent and teenager about a difficult situation, with the parent adopting differing body language and listening behaviour in the same conversation. Adolescents who participated were unanimous that instances where the parent was visibly attentive would prompt them to admit wrongdoing and vent their sentiments. “This study shows that in parent-teenager relationships, lending a patient ear to teens while communicating through body language that they are valued and appreciated has a powerful effect on their willingness to open up,” says Dr. Netta Weinstein, associate professor of clinical and social psychology at the University of Reading, who co-led the study. 1.5 million children worldwide lost a parent/caregiver to Covid-19 More than…
With preschools countrywide shut for almost 16 months for fear of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, and online learning restricted to a mere one hour daily to protect youngest children from the downsides of digital screens exposure, a growing number of parents are resorting to homeschooling them. Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is vitally important to develop children’s foundational language, numeracy and cognitive skills. Here are 3 recommended apps for parents to develop the foundational language and maths skills of youngest children. Preschool All-in-One This app provides foundational learning in language and numeracy. It guides children through capital and lower case letters, basic numeracy, and cognitive skill-building and problem-solving activities. Other interesting activities to develop basic kindergarten skills include identifying alphabets and matching them with pictures of words that begin with the alphabet, tracing letters for handwriting practice, and memory-building games. This mini-version kindergarten also makes learning numeracy engaging through games, colouring pages and jigsaw puzzles. Download this free-of-charge app from Play Store for Android Moose Math Foundational maths learning is an essential component of early childhood education. The Moose Math app from the Duck Duck Moose series enables youngest children to develop arithmetic skills through five multi-level activities that teach counting, addition, subtraction, sorting and geometry. Activities include working in Puck’s Pet shop, the Moose Juice store and decorating buildings. Good grounding in maths at the foundational kindergarten stage enables children to smoothly transition to higher order math skills in primary and secondary school. Download this free-of-charge app from App Store for iPhones and iPads. Fish School All activities on this well-designed app are centred on groups of colourful fish, making it visually appealing to children aged above two years. The fish form shapes, numbers and illustrate different early childhood education concepts. The touch screen allows preschoolers to move the fish around and complete activities covering numbers identification, alphabets, shapes, matching objects and colours. Download from App Store for iPhones and iPads. Also Read:
It’s very important for parents to prepare girl children with the knowledge and facts to cope with puberty, says Mini P Aplethora of recent studies have found that in several countries including India, the age of menarche or the first menstrual period in girl children, has fallen to nine-ten years. Therefore it’s very important for parents to prepare girl children with the knowledge and facts to cope with puberty. “Girl children are attaining puberty at a younger age than ever before, and it can come as a shock for unprepared girls. Earlier, most girl children would get their first period around the age of 13. Now it happens between 10-12 years. Parents need to explain and prepare girl children for this inevitable coming of age phenomenon,” says Dr. Vasanthi Venkatesh, gynaecologist, Shraddha Clinic, Bengaluru. Dr. Venkatesh suggests the following talking points for parents to begin the conversation about menstruation with girl children: Menstruation The sight of blood flow can be unnerving for 11/12-year-olds. You need to explain the reasons for blood discharge to your daughter. On attaining puberty, a girl child’s body releases an egg every month, in preparation of the uterus to implant it. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm, it causes pregnancy. You could explain sexual intercourse depending on the age and exposure of your child. When the egg is not fertilised, the lining on the uterus wall breaks down and discharges blood. The menstrual period duration is usually three-six days. In the first few cycles, the duration can be much longer but soon settles. Menstrual symptoms Once a girl child attains puberty, the body produces several hormones that cause mood fluctuations. This may not happen to everyone every month but it could. Also, some girl children get cramps and pain in the lower abdomen, hips and legs, especially on the first two days of the period. If the pain is severe every time, it’s important to consult a gynaecologist. Girls often complain that it’s not fair that they have to undergo the inconvenience of menstruation while male children get away lightly. Explain to them how boys also undergo bodily changes such as facial hair growth and voice change during puberty. Sanitary napkins Sanitary napkins come in various sizes and shapes. Some contain harmful chemicals. Opt for pads made of cloth or other eco-friendly material. Menstrual cups are the latest fad but they are made of silicone and not appropriate for children. You should arrange to keep an extra sanitary pad in her school bag, or elsewhere so that it is easily accessible any time. Also advise washing the vagina with plain water, is sufficient hygiene. Avoid using commercial vaginal cleansing products. Physical activities Though menstruating girl children are healthy and fit to pursue all routine activities, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous physical exercise during the first two days of the period. Also Read: Precocious puberty fears
With public, private and foreign investment pouring into infrastructure projects, there’s sustained demand for professionally qualified structural engineers The rapid urbanisation of India requires massive investment in highways, roads, power, construction, and infrastructure industries. Inevitably, demand for professionally qualified structural engineers needed to build the required infrastructure is set to skyrocket. Structural engineering is a specialised field within civil engineering. It’s the science and art of constructing huge, capital-intensive projects capable of withstanding the forces of nature and discharging their functions with safety, durability and economy. The field encompasses the completion of residential, commercial, educational and recreational buildings, besides bridges, stadia, ports, dams and aquaducts — just about every type of ‘structure’. A structural engineer manages technicians and workers on a project site and discharges the duties of planning and overseeing construction and/or maintenance of buildings, bridges and other structures, within budgeted periods and expenditure. The minimum eligibility for admission into a BE/ B.Tech in civil engineering study programme with specialisation in structural engineering is Plus Two science (physics, chemistry and maths). Entry into engineering colleges is usually on the basis of performance in entrance tests such as IIT-JEE, AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Exam) or competitive state-level CETs (common entrance tests). For admission into the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) formerly known as Regional Colleges of Engineering, success in JEE is a prerequisite. After graduation, students often continue their studies by signing up for the ME/M.Tech programme offered by most engineering colleges/universities including IITs and NITs. STUDY PROGRAMMES. The aggregate number of approved institutions offering undergraduate and postgrad engineering education in India is estimated at 3,500. Of them, 340 offer degree programmes in civil engineering (of whom about 100 offer specialisation in structural engineering). Together these institutions graduate nearly 18,000 structural engineers annually — a number far short of the demand for 100,000 civil/structural engineers. Among the most respected engineering colleges offering certification in civil engineering with specialisation in structural engineering are the 15 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs); BITS, Pilani; VJTI, Mumbai; Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Pune; Delhi College of Engineering, and University of Roorkee. REMUNERATION PROSPECTS. With public, private and foreign investment pouring into infrastructure projects, there is sustained demand for professionally qualified structural engineers within the economy, resulting in a quantum leap of over 40 percent in average remuneration during the past two years. Indian structural engineers are also in high demand in Asian, African and Middle East countries. Currently, professionally qualified structural engineers command starting salaries ranging between Rs.4-21 lakh per annum, depending on their qualifications and work sites. “There are excellent job opportunities for qualified structural engineers in the public and private sectors. Of late, several large multinational engineering corporates are mopping up available talent by offering huge pay packages which Indian companies can’t match. It’s an enviable profession to be in at the moment,” says Uday Chande, the promoter-proprietor of U.D. Chande Consulting Engineers, Surveyors & Valuers, a Mumbai-based firm promoted in 1979. Currently, professionally qualified structural engineers command starting salaries ranging…
My daughter is in class VIII and loves to play tennis. She wants to quit school and pursue tennis full-time. I am worried as this is the time when she needs to focus on studies. How do I get her interested in studies? — Romola Ratnakumar, Chennai Encourage your child both in tennis and academics. If she is talented and loves tennis, help her find a good coach who will also be able to advise you if she has a future in the game. Playing games and sports builds children’s character, discipline and resilience. All these attributes hold children in good stead in academics as well. You need to maintain a balance in your child’s life. Don’t become too competitive too early in sports. Allow her to develop and set achievable goals. Her progress in tennis may be fast or slow depending on numerous factors. Take advice from the coach. Moreover something that often gets overlooked is that child athletes should also have a life outside of sports. It’s important to enable her growth on the court and off it. Careers in sports including in tennis, have a short time-span. Therefore be positive and encourage both academics and tennis. My ten-year-old daughter has attained early puberty. I have explained to her that menstruation is normal and there is nothing to worry about… but she is feeling stressed. Please advise. — Joshita Minaha, Bengaluru It’s good that you have explained the menstruation process to her. Helping her understand bodily changes will encourage her to make good decisions about her health in the future. Most girl children get their first menstrual period when they’re between 10-15 years old. The average age is 12, but every girl’s body has its own schedule. There’s no right age for onset of puberty. If you are unable to persuade her to relax, you could ask your doctor, nurse, school counselor, or a trusted family member to talk with her and assuage her anxieties about this normative rite of passage. My seven-year-old son is afraid of dogs. I have counselled him several times that this fear is unwarranted, but to no avail. How can I help him overcome his fear of canines? — Sheila Paul, Mangalore Children aren’t alone in such fears; sometimes the problem is magnified because dogs are also afraid of children. Here are some ways to help your son overcome his fear of canines: • Recognise and accept that his phobia is real. • Watch what you say. Don’t unintentionally reinforce his fear of canines with advice such as ‘Be careful, the dog might bite you!’ • Take little steps. There’s no reason to rush your son into face-to-face dog introductions. Take it slowly and gently. Gradually introduce him to canines, starting with picture books, TV programmes, and then in the real world. • Find a relative/friend with a human-friendly adult dog, not a puppy. Like children, puppies are unpredictable and excitable and can scare young children. • Understand canine body language. A dog…
My son just turned seven years of age and is beginning to develop dental caries. I try not to give him sweets, colas and other sugary drinks. What else should I do to protect my son’s teeth? — Ramya Vaidyanathan, Chennai A few simple measures can prevent dental caries. It is not only sweets that harm teeth. All foods residues, including milk, cause bacterial growth and can damage teeth when they remain in the mouth. A simple way to prevent cavities is to rinse the mouth after every meal. Ideally, chidren should brush their teeth after every meal. Since that is unlikely, the best option is to rinse the mouth or gargle after every meal. Drinking water also helps. Brushing teeth in the morning and night should be mandatory. Indulging in frequent snacking also makes children susceptible to caries. Avoid snacks between meals, especially packaged foods. This apart, there is preventive care such as fluoride therapy. Once in six months or annually, fluoride therapy is advisable to prevent dental caries. My eight-year-old daughter’s teeth are protruding. What type of dental braces do you recommend? Girl children are very conscious of their physical charm. How long should she use them? — Meenakshi Vinay, Mumbai There could be many reasons for tooth protrusions at that age. Sometimes it’s self-correcting. This may be the outcome of thumb-sucking, pushing teeth forward with the tongue, or skeletal growth deficiency. She will need braces. Consult a dentist for advice on the appropriate treatment after clinical examination and radiographs. She will suggest the most appropriate type of braces that are also appealing, and in the long run, will correct her teeth. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment, the duration of use will vary. The important thing is to visit a dentist early to avail corrective treatment. My 12-year-old son has black spots in the centre of one of his teeth. It doesn’t hurt but regular brushing hasn’t helped. Is it a cavity? Will it improve with proper brushing or should I visit a dentist? — Siddhi Vinod, Bengaluru One of the biggest problems of dental health is that people visit a dentist only when they experience tooth pain. Many parents aren’t aware that early intervention can prevent long term dental problems in children. From the day a child’s first tooth erupts, annual check-ups are important and necessary to diagnose and correct dental problems. Your son may have dental caries. If it is not taken care of now, it will spread and taint the entire tooth as well as other teeth. This is the right time for a dentist to intervene and prevent it from spreading. That way, we can save the tooth for a lifetime. Once children’s primary teeth fall out, the remaining teeth need to last a lifetime. Therefore protecting every tooth is necessary. Consult a dentist at the earliest! Dr. Ashmita Sudhakar is a dental surgeon, Akshaya Dental Care Centre, Bengaluru Also Read: Are commercial sanitary pads safe?
Five positive ways parents can make mealtimes enjoyable for children, writes Anitha Bennet Mealtimes in most homes with children often resemble a battleground. Verbal wars, whining over food, sulking and crying tend to be the norm especially when parents insist on children eating healthy food. During the on-going pandemic with families confined to home and social interactions restricted, getting children to eat healthy food has become an even more arduous task for parents. Here are five recommendations for parents to make family mealtimes enjoyable for children. Children thrive on routine. This is a no-brainer but few follow it. Most families have very erratic mealtimes. Work-from-home and online schooling has further upset schedules. Plan children’s three meals and snacks at a set time every day and don’t deviate from this routine. You will notice that children will start feeling hungry around scheduled mealtimes every day. Reward them with a dessert for every meal they finish without fuss. Children eat better when hungry. Three balanced meals a day with two snacks in-between is the ideal diet recommended for children. But if you feel your child is too fussy and has a poor appetite, cut down on the snacks but not meals. If your child likes snacking in between meals, dole out healthy options such as cornflakes and fruits instead of biscuits and potato chips. Children love to eat what they cook. Search for kid-friendly recipes on the Internet and rustle up meals with children’s help over weekends. Most children love to eat what they cook. Also enlist their help whenever possible for meal preparation. Knowledge of the culinary process keeps children interested and will inspire them to consume jointly prepared meals. Children enjoy creative mealtimes. How about a Chinese night with lanterns and homemade Chinese food? Or a Hawaiian dinner with fruits and salads? Make mealtimes enjoyable and creative. Another great option is to add spice to the dining experience by incorporating games. For instance, you could play the I Spy game. You could say I spy a green leaf on the table (palak) or I spy something yellow with black dots (an overripe banana!) etc. Try this game on a Sunday and holidays. Children have food preferences. Like adults, children also have their food preferences. So before you agonise over every meal, remind yourself that it is ok for children to refuse some foods now and again. Also you could try disguising the food that she dislikes with what she likes. For example, if she loves tomato sauce and dislikes egg, a fluffy omelette with tomato sauce will incentivise her to eat it. Another golden rule to remember is to never raise controversial, gloomy topics at the dining table. Also avoid talking down and lecturing children during meals. Also Read:My child is a fussy eater. Help!
Parents need to know what to do in situations where their child is bullying others or being bullied, says Sheryl Hemphill in this special essay Parents are one of the most influential factors when talking about bullying — in that they are the most likely to be able to prevent it. The way parents model appropriate interactions and communication to their children (for example, resolve disagreements, be assertive when appropriate) will determine how their children interact with others — at school, online, or in workplaces. In particular, children learn about interaction through their observations of family life (for example how their parents respect each other and other family members). Parents should aim for an authoritative parenting style: one that includes showing love and care towards a child, gives children age-appropriate independence, and also sets clear rules and warns of consequences of inappropriate behaviour. Parents can help children to develop empathy and learn to take the perspective of another by talking with their children about how others might feel when they behave in certain ways and how they feel given certain behaviours by others. Providing children with opportunities to play with other children, and learn how to do so in social ways under the supervision of parents, gives children the chance to practice interacting in socially acceptable ways from an early age. But how can parents know what goes on at school? Despite our best efforts to prevent bullying, it may still occur and parents need to know what to do in situations where their child is bullying others or being bullied. Parents should look for signs that their children may be bullying someone. This comes down to knowing your child well and detecting changes in behaviour. Watch out for changes in demeanour, and more obvious signs such as acquisition of money or expensive possessions. Alternatively, another parent, child, or school staff member may alert a parent that their child is bullying others. In situations where a child is bullying others, parents need to focus on the behaviour (and avoid labelling the child) as behaviour can be changed. Important steps are for parents to find out from their child’s perspective what has been happening and why s/he may be bullying others. Parents also need to clearly explain that such behaviour is not acceptable and discuss appropriate ways of behaving with their children. In general, punishment is not effective because it does not teach a child alternative ways of behaving. It is a good idea for parents to seek advice and help from others who may be able to assist the child to learn new ways of interacting as early as possible. Parents may like to talk with a trusted friend or family member, their GP, the school principal or welfare co-ordinator, or search for information from reliable sources on the internet such as the Raising Children Network and National Centre Against Bullying. For parents who are concerned that their children are being bullied by others, communication with their own children is…
Getting this simple yet essential infant care routine is important because a good bath ensures newborns sleep soundly and are clean and energetic, writes Anita Bennet New moms are flooded with a plethora of advice on infant care and nurturance. Popular on the list of infant do’s and don’ts is the all-important bathing routine. Getting this simple yet essential infant care routine is important because a good bath ensures newborns sleep soundly and are clean and energetic. Though all newborns don’t particularly enjoy baths, as they get older they take to it. The bathing ritual also enables parent-child bonding. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not necessary to bathe infants in the morning. Different times work for different situations. If the weather is chilly, after the morning sun is out is a good time. In hot and humid weather, evening baths are advisable as it will help infants sleep well at night. Also if your infant is very active and tends to get dirty during the day, an evening bath makes more sense. Depending on local weather conditions, you could alternate between sponge and tub baths. Here is a practical guide to giving your infant a soothing, healthy bath. The Sponge Bath This doesn’t need elaborate preparation rituals and is fuss free. During the first two months, you can give your newborn daily sponge baths and the occasional tub bath. You need • 3 towels or washcloths • Warm water • Hooded towel (to wrap her up) • Cottonwool balls Getting ready • Select a room in the house which is free of cold drafts. A sunny room with a clean mat/towel spread on the floor/bed is ideal. • Keep the washcloths, towel and cottonwool balls ready. • Lay the infant down on the floor/bed comfortably. Undress and unswathe the baby’s lower body for more comfort. • Set out her clothes and massage towel and oil if you intend to give her a massage before or after the bath. Sponging • Soak a towel in warm water and squeeze. • Start sponging the infant’s upper body and hands. Then, move to the legs and feet. Make sure you wipe the body creases (under arms, elbow and knees etc) where oily secretions tend to collect. • Next turn her over and sponge her back. • Take a new washcloth for the groin area. Wipe the genital area thoroughly followed by buttocks. • Lastly, cleanse the face by gently wiping her eyes with cottonwool. Use separate balls for each eye. • End by using a fresh washcloth to wipe her face with gentle movements. Wipe behind the ears, neck creases and ear crevices. After sponging • Wrap the infant in a towel and pat dry. • If the infant has dry skin, moisturize it with baby lotion before dressing her. • It’s not necessary to use baby powder. If you do, ensure you don’t dust it in a way that it floats in the air. It can enter children’s lungs and make…
Prioritise character building Thanks for your wonderful cover story ‘Character building in the Covid-19 era’ (PW July). It reminded me of my schooldays when values education classes were an integral part of the school timetable and the fundamental values of honesty, respect, self-discipline and empathy were constantly emphasised as the building blocks of good character. And the occasional cheating incident in school would be taken very seriously with children and parents severely reprimanded. Sadly, schools today don’t prioritise character development. Good character is the fabric of human existence, without which we cannot build a humane and just society. It’s not just the duty of schools but also of parents/ family to develop children’s character. My grandfather was an excellent story-teller and most of his stories had a moral. I believe they made a deep impression on me and helped me develop the right value system. Unfortunately today parents/ grandparents are all too busy and don’t spend enough time with children in their formative years. Siri Dhaman Hyderabad Eat right and well! Your Adolescence story on teenage eating disorders was enlightening (PW July). Once upon a time, eating disorders were alien to us in India, something that happened to women in foreign countries. But now they have become common. Many teenage girls in India are suffering from body image issues and starving themselves to look thin. Sadly, of late, social media, television, advertising, and cinema are excessively glorifying physical beauty and perfect body images. This is putting pressure on adolescents to conform to accepted physical ideals and forcing them to resort to extreme diets and punishing exercise routines. As parents, we need to guide and counsel our children to eat right and well. Sanjana Tripati Delhi Homeschool better alternative I am a regular reader of ParentsWorld and enjoy reading your informative essays. I would like to highlight an important issue which is being side-stepped in the whole brouhaha about the second and now third wave of the pandemic — that of schools being closed for over one year and online school being totally ineffective. Children are learning very little online. This was also the case with my daughter who is in class III. Some three months ago, we decided to pull her out of school and homeschool her. My husband and I are both working from home for the next one year at least. And with schools not reopening primary sections in the near future, we thought this was the best decision. Our brief experience of homeschooling shows that it has been much more effective than online classes. In-person supervision and mentorship of an adult is very important for children during their formative years. Many other parents are also frustrated with the monotony of online learning — it is impersonal and ineffective. Schools need to reopen soon to stop the huge learning loss of children. I will be happy to send my child back to physical school once they reopen with all safety precautions. Ria Hiranandani Bengaluru Lead by example Thank…
Most parents will vouch that unsolicited advice on ways and means to transform into perfect parents starts pouring in right from announcement of pregnancy. From tips on maintaining good health during pregnancy to infant care and nurturing children through middle and turbulent adolescence years, parents are bombarded with a plethora of parenting information and advice. In the good old days, this advice emanated from family elders, relatives and friends. In the 1980s-1990s, pop parenting guides and books became the flavour of that era. In the new millennium, following the mind-boggling Internet revolution, advice is flooding data storage capacity. In particular in the decade past with the smartphone becoming ubiquitous — India hosts 624 million mobile phone Internet users, the second largest number worldwide — unsurprisingly, parennials are spoilt for choice. But they are experiencing stress about choosing the best from among the good. In our cover story this month, we present the pick of unprecedented new-genre parenting apps that offer professional advice starting from coping with pregnancy to expert guidance on child development, learning resources and tracking children’s in-school progress. Within India’s post-liberalisation newly affluent nuclear households where only the best is good enough for the children, anxious parents are constantly searching for easily accessible apps powered by the world’s best child psychologists and early childhood educators. And to cater to this global demand, a new tribe of entrepreneurs has stepped up to promote start-ups offering a plethora of information on parenting and childcare. In our cover story written by Bengaluru-based content creator and tech evangelist Zahid H. Javali, we present a curated list of the best parenting apps of 2021. There’s a lot else in this issue of ParentsWorld. Check out the guide to bathing infants and Middle Years feature offering parents advice to ensure fuss-free mealtimes. And our regular Ask the Doctor and Your Counselor Replies columns. Wishing all readers a Happy Independence Day.
