ParentsWorld February 2024 Archives

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Bullied teenagers show early signs of psychosis Bullied teenagers exhibit higher chances of experiencing early stages of psychosis, a mental state characterised by being out of touch with reality, reveals a new study. Researchers scanned the brains of nearly 500 bullied teenagers and found lower levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) region known to be crucial to regulate emotions. Glutamate, usually the most abundant neurotransmitter, is involved in wide-ranging functions, including moods moderation. Researchers at the University of Tokyo, Japan, also used questionnaires to track bullying victimisation in survey adolescents and employed formal psychiatric measurement metrics to assess their experiences. The team found that bullying was associated with the teenagers experiencing preclinical psychosis symptoms. “Studying subclinical psychotic experiences is important for us to discern early stage psychotic disorders and for identifying individuals who may be at increased risk for developing clinical psychotic illness later on,” says Naohiro Okada, project associate professor at the University of Tokyo’s International Research Center for Neurointelligence and lead author of the study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. Household products linked to rising cancer incidence Widespread use of plastic bottles, tea bags, ovenware, beauty products, e-cigarettes and hookahs in households is contributing to the growth of cancer incidence worldwide, warn health experts on World Cancer Day (February 4). By 2050 new cancer cases are expected to grow by 77 percent touching over 35 million annually, according to the International Agency for Research on Cance of the World Health Organisation. The agency attributes this alarming data to a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors, with tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution identified as prime factors. “Raising the risk of cancer are plastic tea bags, water bottles and ovenware which contain microplastics, and food items like mayonnaise which contain harmful chemicals like epichlorohydrin,” says Dr. J.B. Sharma, senior consultant, medical oncology at the Action Cancer Hospital, Delhi. Health experts urge the public to refrain from using hair and beauty products which contain carcinogenous toluene, formaldehyde, and acetone. E-cigarettes and flavoured hookahs also contain harmful chemicals such as diacetyl, carbon monoxide, cadmium, ammonia, radon, and methane, increasing cancer risk. Sleep deprivation can affect brain Too much or too little restful sleep is associated with changes in the brain that increase the risk of heart stroke and dementia later in life, says a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. In one of the largest neuroimaging studies undertaken, researchers at the Yale School of Medicine (YSM) examined brain images of nearly 40,000 asymptomatic middle-aged adults to understand how sleep habits impact brain health. The researchers found that suboptimal sleep duration is significantly correlated with silent brain injuries that clinicians foreshadow with stroke and dementia years before their onset. Long hours of sleep (averaging over nine hours per night) was found to be associated with lower fractional anisotropy and larger WMH (white matter hyperintensities) volume, but not with risk of WMH presence. “These findings add to the mounting evidence that sleep is…

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When your child lies

Nisha Daniel I did not do it!” “You did!” “I didn’t! “You’re lying!” Parents often feel cheated and betrayed when told blatant lies. But angry words won’t fix the problem. Such behaviour needs to be tackled at a deeper level. Pre-schoolers who lie For pre-school children, the line between imagination and reality can sometimes be thin. When asked what they ate in class, your child might make up stories about the giant chocolate in her friend’s tiffin box, because she forgot what she ate, or has an active imagination. If your child imagines herself doing something heroic, or talks about imaginary friends or activities, listen with amusement. Don’t label it a lie. It’s normal for children below five to blur the distinction between reality and make-believe. But if your child obstinately refuses to admit to eating unhygienic, forbidden snacks, you need to be stern. For pre-schoolers, lying is simply a way to escape trouble; they are too young to think about moral implications. Counsel them that telling lies is wrong by explaining how lying can make a person untrustworthy. “If I told you I have a real rainbow cake at home, and you come home to find that I lied, you won’t feel like trusting me the next time, will you?” is an example. Little children need to understand why lying is not acceptable. Help them get over the fear of telling the truth. “If you admit your mistake, I might scold you, but I will be happy inside because I will know that you are telling me the truth,” is a good line to take. If your child admits to lying and apologises, make sure you are appreciative of her honesty and help her mend her ways. When an older child lies It’s easy to feel let down. But remember that children lie to avoid reprimand and/or punishment. Therefore it’s tempting to brush the issue under the carpet by telling her not to lie again. But that’s the easy option. While confrontations are unpleasant, if you want your child to absorb the right values for the long term, you need to take more pains. First, cool down and think calmly about it, so that you don’t make things worse by accusing your child of bare-faced lying which might make her rebellious. Acknowledge that she may have a deeper problem that she is attempting to resolve. Discuss better solutions. “If you really had to go to your friend’s house, you should have asked me again. I might have suggested going on Saturday,” you could say while explaining your prohibition in the first instance. Offer a way out “The next time you feel tempted to tell a lie, remind yoursell that only brave children tell the truth, and have the courage to face the consequences,” is how you should explain. Parents need to teach children to tell the truth because there’s a real danger of your child becoming a habitual liar.

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Creative parenting: Add power to your breakfast

While struggling to meet school bus timings, packing lunchboxes, and getting children ready for school, it’s not easy to make breakfast the most important meal of the day. Try these options to add power to your family’s breakfast with minimal extra effort. Stock up dry grains Rice flakes, cornflakes and muesli don’t need cooking. If children don’t want them with milk, they can eat them with water. They provide healthy fibre and energy for the morning. Keep small boxes of muesli or cornflakes ready. So if the children are in danger of missing breakfast because the school bus is honking away, you can pop one of them into their school bags for them to eat on the way. Add protein power Nuts are easy to store because they have a longer shelf life. Keep a cache of almonds, cashews and groundnuts ready. In addition to the carbs they get at breakfast, the protein in nuts helps children be active. Dry fruits also add fibre and minerals to their breakfast. Stock up fruits Keep a fruit basket ready to add to breakfast for the day’s supply of vitamins. Also read: Five superfoods to give your child every day

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“I want my son to be a professional.”

My son has no interest in science and maths, though I’d love to see him become a professional engineer or a scientist. He likes to draw and sketch and is mad about music. How do I convince him that drawing and music can only be leisure pursuits? — F.R, Delhi It’s perfectly normal for some children to be averse to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. You need to take a look at today’s media headlines. Professionals exist in a multiplying number of fields, from education to music. Your child can achieve great things without science and maths, though he needs to give these compulsory subjects his best shot. Explore alternative career paths with your son, to discover what suits his aptitude and interest. Today professionals excel in all types of vocations, from astrophysics to pet care. Becoming a successful professional in any vocation is about passion, commitment, and interest in a chosen specialisation. It’s entirely possible your son could become a celebrated music composer, or music teacher. Or he might evolve into a great graphic designer or animation expert. Parents need to encourage all hobbies and passions of their children, as well as favourite subjects in school. Children need help to realise their potential. You would be a great enabling parent if you can help your son identify appropriate study programmes and career paths which suit his personality and interests. Is your child creative or crazy? What if the globally celebrated musician-composer A.R. Rahman had been pushed into becoming a mediocre engineer? The lives of millions of talented children are blighted by parents with common academic expectations. Here are some suggestions to ensure that you don’t crush your child’s dreams and talents. 1. Don’t proscribe hobby-related activities like dance classes, music programmes and sport during standards X and XII. By all means, reduce the time spent on extra-curricular activities during exams, but don’t forbid them altogether. 2. Shed the belief that academic study and exams are more important than anything else. 3. Encourage children to devote time, effort and dedication into anything they are passionate about. Make sure your child learns as much about her preferred field as possible, and also develops skills in her chosen co-curricular or extra-circular activities.

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Four dangerous snacks

Sunil Noronha It’s hard for children to avoid junk food altogether unless they live in remote outbacks. Even as mothers struggle to serve healthy nutritious meals, there are some innocent-looking snacks which can be dangerous to their health and well- being if consumed in excess. These are the easiest snacks to serve. Available in a wide variety and enticingly advertised, they are regularly stocked in most middle class homes. Consumed in excess, they can be dangerous because they contain empty calories from refined wheat flour (maida) that’s used to make them, and seldom contain the nutrients and fibre available in whole wheat. They also tend to contain high levels of sugar and salt, and most brands use unhealthy hydrogenated fats (transfats). Eating one or two biscuits occasionally is acceptable, but when children down whole packets of cream biscuits, it could lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and metabolism problems. Carbonated drinks Carbonated drinks are at the top of every list of dangerous snacks. It’s common knowledge that they contain unhealthy amounts of sugar, as also contain phospohoric acid and fructose corn syrup. All these ingredients can lead to liver damage, diabetes, and calcium depletion in bones (and therefore osteoporosis). Other substances such as caffeine and aspartame (in sugar-free versions) can cause jitters, brain damage and cancer. Sugar-free products Opting for sugar-free snacks is the latest fad. But all sugar-free snacks don’t guarantee freedom from adverse effects. Non-natural sugar-free (especially acidic) products can damage the teeth. Aspartame, a commonly used sweetener, can adversely affect the brain, and lead to nausea and seizures. It is commonly found in sugar-free bubble gum, colas and sugar-free biscuits. Fried potato products Large calories intake apart, the fat and sodium content of potato chips and French fries are monumental. Eating chips regularly can send a child’s sodium levels soaring leading to hypertension, obesity, diabetes and peripheral artery diseases later in life. The process of frying, especially when oils are reused, generates carcinogenic substances, which can cause cancer. Packaged chips also contain a variety of unhealthy chemicals in the form of flavouring substances and preservatives. If children insist on French fries, make them at home. Also read: How to wean children off junk food

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Heart to Heart

Hello Parents! An HR (human resource development) vice president quit his company job at 45 to start a new career in teaching. A 28-year-old electrical engineer decided to call it quits and go back to college when he realised he should have qualified as a media professional instead. To go with the flow, hundreds and thousands of students sign up for engineering and business management education, only many years later to discover that they might have enjoyed another career path much more. While parents and students spend a lot of time, thought and money on courses and career selection, it’s easy to be taken in by other opinions about “lucrative” and “happening” career options. Instead, concentrate on your child’s interests and priorities while choosing study programmes and career paths. If you ignore the argument that the best-paying is the best job, you will greatly help your child to focus on her interests and life goals. Your child could have a leaning towards social service, which may not be a “lucrative” career. But it could give her job and emotional satisfaction, which could be supplemented with freelance work to augment income, if necessary. Or your child could excel as a fulltime sportsperson or artist, both of which have become new career options these days. Admittedly, it’s not easy for parents to accept unconventional career choices. But what if they suit your child best? Remember, sometimes the path less travelled could be the right one. Don’t close your mind to such paths.

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Great future for graphologists

Given the small number of graphologists and professionally certified hand-writing experts in India, their services are in high demand “There’s a great future for graphologists and handwriting experts in India. People are becoming increasingly aware that hand-writing analysis is not a mystical craft but a science which uncovers an individual’s personality. Development of this science has opened up new career avenues for handwriting analysis professionals and experts who are very much in demand for written reports which determine forgery and fraud cases. HRD managers in corporate India are also availing their services to learn about the character and personalities of top managers,” says Dr. Parag Khatri, a practising dental surgeon who is also a graphologist and hand-writing expert. For new age professionals not averse to multi-tasking, a second career as a graphologist (hand-writing analyst) – as exemplified by Dr. Khatri – offers interesting possibilities. Graphology is the science of understanding the human mind including the subconscious, through study of hand-writing. A trained graphologist takes five minutes to interpret handwriting and detect 50 character traits including personal characteristics, relationship compatibility, professional and financial competence. Typical clients of graphologists include curious individuals, managers solving corporate fraud cases and making recruitment decisions, career counselors, detectives, teachers and individuals seeking insights into their prospective spouses’ emotional character prior to arranged marriages — a big market in India. Doctors, especially homeopaths rather than practitioners of allopathy, tend to rely on graphology as this branch of medicine focuses more on root causes rather than symptoms of ailments. A handwriting expert differs from a graphologist in that the former confirms whether a particular handwritten document is authentic. She doesn’t necessarily read personality traits from handwriting. STUDY PROGRAMMES. Most people take up handwriting analysis as a hobby. When captivated by the craft and its accuracy, they sign up for informal classes where they are tutored in the science. Certificate courses are offered as part-time or weekend programmes by institutes such as the World School of Grapho Education & Therapy, Mumbai, the Institute of Graphology and Personal Success, Pune, and the Indo-American Institute of Graphology, Mumbai. The Handwriting University, USA offers widely acclaimed online certification programmes. Individuals aspiring to qualify as handwriting experts are advised to sign up for the university’s two-year online programme of documents examination. Given the small numbers of qualified graphologists and professionally certified handwriting experts in India, their services are in high demand. Currently analysts and experts earn around Rs.20,000 per month working part-time, and more if they publicise their services. For individuals who wish to make full-time careers in this profession, take home earnings could average between Rs.25,000-50,000 per month. PROFESSIONAL PROFILE. “Handwriting analysts are in great demand to conduct study programmes for clubs, colleges and professional institutes among others. They are often hired for events and parties, where they can entertain guests with their talent. Professional handwriting analysts who have scaled up their skills, assist psychologists in understanding their patients more thoroughly. Moreover, experts are much sought after for their written opinion in…

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Helping children during exams season

Although most parents tend to dismiss exam stress as normative, mental and emotional well-being professionals warn that persistent academic stress and anxiety especially in the new age of ubiquitous social media has grave short and long-term implications for children’s physical and mental health write Kiran Balimane, Cynthia John & Mini P. In every school student’s annual school calendar, February-March are high-stress red-marked months. This is the time when the country’s 57 national and state exam boards conduct their class X and XII school-leaving board examinations, and all 1.4 million primary-secondary schools countrywide their final annual exam. Add to them, highly competitive public exams such as the annual IIT-JEE which determines entry into the country’s 23 IITs; the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) that decides entry into 751 medical colleges and Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admission into 56 Central universities. The pressure of scoring high marks/grades in these exams particularly school-leaving board and public competitive exams which determine entry into the country’s few high-quality undergraduate colleges pushes a rising number of teens over the edge. Most experience high levels of stress and anxiety, some plunge into depression and a few unable to cope with fear of failure take the extreme step of ending their lives by suicide. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), an estimated 2,500 children and youth commit suicide every year. Over the past seven years (2014-2020), 12,582 students have taken the extreme step of ending their young lives by suicide because of examination stress and fear of failure. A recent 2022 survey conducted by the Delhi-based National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) indicates that 80 percent of classes IX-XII students suffer high anxiety during these months. Although most parents tend to dismiss exam stress as normative, mental and emotional well-being professionals warn that persistent academic stress and anxiety especially in the new age of ubiquitous social media, has grave short and long-term implications for children’s physical and mental health. “Generally, exam stress is perceived as situational; something that will fade away after the exam. This is not always the case. Some children experience severe psychological and physiological changes — cognitive and neurobiological. It’s important for parents to acknowledge and understand the adverse physical and psychological effects of exam stress on children, so they can proactively take measures to support them,” says Dr. Venkatesh Babu, consultant psychiatrist and founder of Compathy Health, a Bengaluru-based healthcare company. For this exams season, PW interviewed healthcare professionals and counselors to share information on the adverse physical and psychological effects of exam stress upon children and effective ways to cope with it. Neurobiological effects According to Dr. Venkatesh Babu, exam/academic stress impacts regions of the neurobiological system to aggravate anxiety, often resulting in memory loss and poor decision-making. According to him, the major effects of exam stress on the neurobiological system are: Amygdala activation. The amygdala is a part of the brain associated with emotion. During the exam season, the amygdala becomes activated, triggering release of stress hormones…

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Music learning apps

A number of apps encourage creative exploration of music, allowing children to create their own melodies. Here’s a shortlist of 4 apps which encourage children to develop a lifelong interest and love for music: Kiran Balimane Loopimal IOS; Ages 2-6 Loopimal is an engaging music app for young children, introducing them to the world of music sequencing through playful animations. Imagine a pocket-sized beatsmith studio! Children can drag and drop various musical notes to create delightful loops, manipulate sounds, and build funky music, learning rhythm in an interactive and intuitive style. Moreover the app allows children to experiment with various music genres, mix beats, and share their creations with family and friends, unleashing their inner musical talent. Incredibox IOS and Android; Ages 6 and above Beatboxing gets a futuristic makeover with Incredibox. It transforms children into music conductors, allowing them to create unique beatbox compositions by arranging different sound icons. Drag and drop quirky sound effects to build melodious rhythms and catchy basslines. No prior musical training is needed to use the app which thrives on improvisation and playful exploration. This app also offers a unique sound library, featuring everything from robotic blips to bossa nova beats, promising children genre-bending sonic adventures. Simply Piano IOS and Android; Ages 3 and above Designed for beginners learning to play the piano, Simply Piano gamifies piano learning and turns practice into a delightful experience. Interactive lessons, engaging challenges, and instant feedback enable children to learn the piano at their own pace. The app adapts to children’s skill level, offering personalized learning paths and motivating them with playful rewards. Forget stuffy sheet music — Simply Piano makes learning the keyboard a thrilling (and surprisingly quiet) adventure for young fingers. Musical Me IOS; Ages 2-6 Step into a vibrant musical playground with Musical Me! This interactive app is a wonderland of instruments, from playful xylophones to soulful saxophones. Children can explore different sounds, compose melodies, and even join a virtual band with friends. The diverse instrument selection, combined with the app’s intuitive songwriting tools, empowers children to create their own musical masterpieces, nurturing their confidence and creativity. With activities such as rhythm tapping and instrument recognition, it provides children an educational musical experience.

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Addressing children’s common skin problems

Dr. Swapna Priya is a Hyderabad-based dermatologist My son often develops skin rashes, especially during seasonal changes. What are some general tips for maintaining healthy skin for children? — Janani Babu, Bengaluru You can follow these simple tips to prevent common skin problems such as dryness and rashes. Ensure your child is well-hydrated, as adequate water intake is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Choose mild, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers during baths to avoid irritation. Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer to your child’s skin, focusing on areas prone to dryness immediately after a bath to lock in moisture. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton and dress your child appropriately for the weather to prevent discomfort and excessive sweating. When your child develops skin problems, here’s what you should do: Pay attention to potential triggers such as specific foods, fabrics, or environmental factors that may contribute to skin issues. Minimize exposure to these triggers. If rashes persist or worsen, consult a paediatrician. It is essential to identify underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments and skincare routines. My 14-year-old has acne and oily skin. Please recommend a suitable skincare routine. — Minara Ali Fathima, Hyderabad Advise her to use a mild, non-drying cleanser to clean her face, remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying. Suggest use of non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup to prevent pores blockage and reduce acne. Encourage a consistent skincare routine comprising regular cleansing, moisturizing, and use of sunscreen. Discourage her from picking or squeezing acne. This can lead to increased inflammation and potential scarring. Clarify that face washing excessively can strip the skin of natural oils, potentially exacerbating acne and causing dryness. Stress the importance of sunscreen in preventing sun damage and premature ageing. Ensure she uses a sunscreen, even on cloudy days. I live in Delhi and my son is exposed to polluted air. How can I protect his skin from environmental factors that lead to skin problems? — Shivi Gupta, Delhi Following good skin care practices will minimize damage due to sun, pollution and other factors. Here are some important guidelines: Encourage a consistent daily cleansing routine to remove pollutants accumulated on the skin’s surface. Dress your child in long sleeves, pants, and hats to minimize direct exposure to environmental pollutants. Consider incorporating skincare products containing antioxidants, such as vitamin C to neutralize free radicals caused by pollution. I live in Lucknow, where extreme weather conditions are common. How can I ensure proper sun protection for my children? — Veena Arora, Lucknow Here are some sun-protection guidelines. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA/UVB protection for effective sun protection. Remind children to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if swimming or engaging in activities that cause sweating. Encourage use of light, long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats to provide additional physical protection from the sun. Advise outdoor activities outside peak sunlight hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to minimize sun exposure. It’s important for parents to customise these recommendations based on their…

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Learning to manage change positively

PW invited parents of Delhi Public School, Mihan and Kamptee Road, Nagpur to share their insights on how they help their children develop a positive mindset towards change “Being in a transferable job has over the years helped my son Shaurya (class IX) become accustomed to changes of city, school, friends and teachers. But when he was much younger, we used to prepare him by explaining to him what was going to change and become different. We used age-appropriate language and provided simple examples. Moreover, we have always spoken of change as synonymous with new learning experiences. Today Shaurya treasures his past experiences and learns from the present” — Ravi Kushwaha, assistant general manager, Nagpur Airport “We have always prioritised nurturing a positive mindset in our children — Vaidehi (class X) and DhirKrishna (class VII). Daily prayers help them connect spiritually and find comfort and strength during difficult times. Surrounding them with positive influences boosts their optimism in accepting inevitable changes in their lives. I also believe that by introducing them to spiritual texts has empowered them to confront challenges with resilience and positivity, benefiting their personal all-round development” — Dr. Gayatri Muthiyan, anatomist, AIIMS Nagpur “My teenage daughter Afsheen (class VIII) is gradually learning to adapt to the times as her life progresses. It is human nature to become attached to people, places and things through this journey but when change is inevitable, it becomes our responsibility as parents to listen to her concerns, comfort her and give her ample time to prepare for impending change. From learning how to walk to learning how to speak with confidence, Afsheen has remained connected with her grandparents, peers and teachers in school to help her navigate through every new experience of life” — Dr Afsana Badar, general practitioner at Mahmood Nursing Home. “Transforming negative experiences into positive learning experiences to move on with our lives has been the best way to ensure our daughter Raisa (class X) learns to emotionally recover from unpleasant life events. To attempt to smooth any change for her by not involving her can only lead to more confusion and a flawed negative memories. Therefore, we involve Raisa in the process to help develop her emotional intelligence, strengthen family bonding and trust, and to handle anxious situations. This gives her confidence and security” — Shafeeq Husain Humza, IT head. Mahdi Bagh Computers Pvt. Ltd

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NCERT survey: Exams, results major cause of worry among school students

Helping children cope with anxiety & stress

My six-year-old son becomes anxious before attending his swimming lessons. Despite his love for swimming, this anxiety is affecting his enthusiasm. Please recommend strategies to ease his pre-lessons anxiety. — Lekha Sharma, Bengaluru Pre-performance anxiety, aka stage fright or anticipatory anxiety, is caused by a combination of psychological, physiological, and environmental factors. They include fear of failure, perceived lack of control over the situation or outcome of a performance, fear of being judged or evaluated negatively, past negative experiences, setting unrealistic expectations for oneself, and personality traits, such as perfectionism or high sensitivity to criticism. Encourage open two-way communication with your son to express any fears he may have about swimming. Reinforce the positive aspects of swimming. Encourage him to focus on the process, not outcome. Praise his efforts and accomplishments, both big and small, to boost his confidence and make the experience more enjoyable. Ask him to visualize a positive and enjoyable swimming experience to create a positive mind-set before every lesson. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or warm-up exercises such as bending, stretching etc, also helps. My son (7) gets agitated and frustrated easily when things don’t go as planned. Please suggest some ways to teach him resilience and adaptability. — Vinola Peter, Chennai Teaching resilience and adaptability to a seven-year-old involves modeling resilient behaviour, encouraging problem-solving, and providing positive reinforcement for efforts made. Develop emotional awareness by encouraging your son to identify and manage his emotions, while promoting resilience through gradual exposure to new experiences. Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities, establish predictable routines while allowing for flexibility, and encourage perspective-taking and reflection on challenging situations. Finally, provide a supportive environment where he feels safe to express his emotions and ask for your guidance. Through consistent practice and nurturing, these strategies can enable him develop valuable resilience and adaptability skills. My nine-year-old daughter feels overwhelmed by schoolwork and extracurricular activities. How can we teach her to manage her time and stress effectively? — Mira Joshi, Mumba Start by creating a simple schedule together to cover homework, extra-curricular activities, and relaxation time. Break tasks into small bits to make them less overwhelming and encourage her to estimate tasks completion time. Emphasise the importance of short breaks, physical exercise, and adequate sleep for overall well-being. Teach her relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and let her know that it’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help. Also reduce her activities load if she’s feeling overwhelmed. More importantly, lead by example with healthy habits in your own life and provide full support and comfort when she feels stressed and anxious. With your guidance and support, she can learn to manage her time and stress well. Lately my son (11) is displaying signs of low self-esteem and self-doubt. What can we parents do to boost his confidence and self-worth? — Kirin Bagade, Delhi Boosting an 11-year-old’s confidence and self-worth involves identifying his strengths and interests, creating opportunities for success, and encouraging him to explore his interests. Provide supportive feedback…

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Useful exam writing strategies

Bhavna Singh With the CISCE and CBSE class X and XII board exams set to begin on February 21, children (and parents) are burning the proverbial midnight oil swotting for the all-important boards. But it’s not just pre-exam jitters that stress out children. In exam season all children experience anxiety and nervousness. More specifically in the exam hall while answering the question paper, pressure and performance anxiety can overwhelm children resulting in blank-outs prompting them to skip important questions. Here are some exam paper writing strategies to enable senior students to give their best. Use the opening time well Use the first few minutes to read through the entire question paper and make a quick mental plan to complete the paper on time. The CBSE board provides an additional 15 minutes for students writing the class X and XII exams for reading through the question paper. Use this time judiciously to read the whole paper. Set your priorities Select questions which you are confident about answering well. There’s no mandate by exam boards to write answers in the same order as in the question paper. By writing your best answers first, you will impress the examiner. It will also give you confidence while answering the remaining questions. Write brief, to-the-point answers Read and dissect the questions carefully, and limit your answer to the requirement of the question. Avoid repetition and providing unnecessary information. Write your answers left justified. Choose questions wisely Usually, some questions in an exam paper are provided with internal choice. The student has the freedom to select preferred questions. Think and select the questions that will get you the best marks. Attempt all questions The CBSE/CISCE/state boards don’t do negative marking for wrong answers. So don’t be afraid to answer all the questions, even those you are confused about as you have nothing to lose. If you don’t know the exact answer, write something relevant/related to it so you get some marks for that answer. Don’t decorate the answer sheet Many students have a habit of writing their answer sheet in a colourful manner by using blue, green and black coloured pointers or markers for headings and underlining each one of them. This is not necessary and can distract the examiner. Space out each word properly Ensure your words are properly spaced out in the answer paper. Don’t squeeze in ten or more words in a line. Examiners find it difficult to read overlapped words. This may get you low marks. Your exam paper should be neat and clean. Write clearly and legibly so that there is no difficulty in reading and understanding answers. Good handwriting goes a long way in creating a favourable impression on examiners. (Bhavna Singh is a Ghaziabad-based IELTS (International English Language Testing System) trainer, emcee and media anchor)

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Out of thin air with deus ex machina

Roopa Banerjee Have you read a book or watched a movie where a problem in the plot seems insurmountable and then suddenly a new character or plot twist helps everything fall into place? Did it feel contrived, or did you believe the author resorted to it to end the story in a convincing manner? Well, what you have read/seen is a legitimate literary device known as deus ex machina. It is used to resolve a seemingly insurmountable problem in a story plot by adding in an unexpected turn. Deus ex machina has Latin origins and literally means ‘God in the machine’. Literature abounds with deus ex machina. The earliest use is in Greek drama which had a tradition of lowering or lifting characters who played Greek gods on stage. Thus, deus ex machina literally referred to machines which lifted gods as characters. Greek playwrights Aeschylus and Euripides extensively used this device in their dramas. Aristotle created the Greek label for deus ex machina in his thesis on literary study theory, Poetics. Like several other literary scholars, Aristotle detested this device and observed that it made the plot implausible. His argument was that the deduction of a plot should appear spontaneously from occurrences that the author has previously created. Many agreed with him that deus ex machina was too contrived. However despite its usage being frowned upon, many authors continue to use it for comic purposes. Examples abound in the James Bond series (and similar espionage series such as Mission Impossible) where Bond invariably uses an invented device that is exactly what he needs just in that moment to save his life. It’s a ‘hey presto!’ moment with the device working wonders to save him. Similarly, in Monty Python’s comedy movie Life of Brian, viewers experience a feeling of being duped when he falls off a tower and is saved by a spaceship of aliens that just happens to be conveniently flying by. Likewise in Harry Potter, enormous eagles arrive to save Gandalf when he was trapped atop a tower with seemingly no chance of escape. Another interesting example is in the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark where enemies tie Indiana Jones to a pole and when they open the Ark of the Covenant, angels of death emerge miraculously and save Jones. But the one that takes the cake is in Jurassic Park where the protagonist children are trapped by velociraptors and about to die, tyrannosaurus rex attacks and kills the velociraptors, but not the children. Thank goodness for deus ex machina, is all we can say. In literature, William Shakespeare used deus ex machina in interesting ways. For instance in As You Like It, he used it unapologetically to provide comedy and humour. Most Shakespearean comedies end in several marriages which happen with the use of this device. Some literary experts like deus ex machina while others hate it. But no one can ignore it! Exercise Here are five books that use deus ex machina. Who are their authors:…

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Six reasons why your child may be ‘lazy’

Children’s perceived laziness has underlying causes ranging from the physical to psychological: Aruna Raghuram “Roshan is so lazy. He sits doing nothing once he is back from school.” “Aarthi just doesn’t want to do her homework. She is so lazy.” “Geeta hates to play any sports. She is so lazy.” “Aryan keeps his room so untidy. He is so lazy.” Four children, but the same label — ‘lazy’ — a harsh, judgmental word that subjects a child to painful criticism from parents, extended family and friends, and peers. Parents, very often, label their child lazy because she is not doing well academically, not eager to play with friends, uninterested in extracurricular activities, or is messy and disorganised. But children’s perceived laziness has underlying causes ranging from the physical to psychological. It’s important for parents to identify the hidden cause of their child’s seeming laziness and address it. Here are six reasons why your child may seem to be lazy. Cognitive problems Many children labelled lazy are dealing with unidentified learning disabilities. A study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology, Australia titled ‘Just Try Harder and You Will Shine: A Study of 20 Lazy Children’ found that 17 of the 20 examined children had a range of learning disabilities (LDs). LDs impact the ability of a child to read, write or do math. Children with LDs such as dyslexia, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or developmental disorders such as autism, are often labelled as lazy before they are diagnosed. “I get parents all the time complaining their child is lazy. On closer evaluation it turns out that the child has a special need. Parents need to be educated and encouraged to understand and address the root cause of children’s laziness,” says Lakshmi Krishnakumar, psychologist and founder-director of Chennai-based Sankalp — the Open School, ranked India’s #1 special needs school in the EducationWorld India School Rankings 2023-24. According to Krishnakumar perceived laziness can stem from several factors. “These include physical and cognitive development disorders, lack of motivation, and difficulty in focusing on assignments, being overwhelmed by them, inability to plan, organise, and execute tasks.” Lack of competence Children want to accomplish tasks and bask in the encouragement and praise they receive when they succeed. But sometimes it’s lack of a skill or competence that makes children hesitant to attempt a task. “Children are inherently curious and physically active. They are not inherently lazy. A prime reason why they may not attempt a task is because they lack the confidence to execute it. A child would prefer to be labelled lazy rather than incompetent. For instance, a child may shy away from doing a maths assignment because she doesn’t know how to do it. Whenever a child seems lazy there is always some underlying cause,” says Dr. Debmita Dutta, a Bengaluru-based medical practitioner and parenting consultant who has written seven books on parenting. Parenting style Three styles of parenting — permissive, uninvolved and authoritarian — prompt disinterest. “In the permissive style a child…

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Introducing children to diverse careers

PW invited parents of NL Dalmia High School, Thane to share their insights on how they introduce a variety of career choices to their children “We are Marwadi Jains with business and trading in our genes. But our son Sanchit (class IX) has always been an inquisitive child with a strong urge to explore new places and things. Psychometric tests apart, we introduced him to friends and family from diverse professions so he is well-informed about available career options. Recently our son participated in a student exchange programme in the Netherlands which clearly enhanced his knowledge about the real world. Living outside his comfort zone boosted his confidence and cleared his doubts about future career pathways” — Rinku Bhandari, homemaker “We have always given our daughter Joshitha (class X) a patient hearing without being judgemental so she can stand by her view- point. Over the years, our daughter has discovered multiple strengths and intelligences within her which have helped her decide her career pathway. We even helped her find mentors in her field of interest. To bridge the generation gap between us, we make it a point to communicate as far as possible and not regard her as an extension of ourselves” — Madhavi Kavali, homemaker “We have come to realise that helping our daughter Srishti (class XI) identify her strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values, can guide her towards a fulfilling career. We have ensured a nurturing learning environment by providing her with ample online resources, encouraging daily family discussions, and participating in school-organized career fairs to learn about diverse pathways, career assessments and aptitude tests. Encouraging a lifelong learning approach, and acknowledging that career aspirations can evolve over time are some important values we have instilled in our daughter” — Dr. Sajita Shukla, medical professional and entrepreneur “We respect and value our son Hanif’s (class XII) understanding of the variety of career options available in the market and encourage him to make a well-informed choice. From his formative years, we have helped him identify his strengths and weaknesses and encouraged him to think of ways and means to build on his strengths. Patience and persistent encouragement have been key elements in this journey” — Nazia, secondary school facilitator, RBK Global School.

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Adult ADHD: 7 practical tips for parenting success

Research has found that ADHD symptoms in parents are associated with harsher parenting behaviour and more lax parenting practices. However, parents’ ADHD symptoms do not appear to impact their ability to be warm, caring, and loving. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often goes undiagnosed in adults — including parents — but it has a significant impact on family life. A parent with ADHD may struggle with time management and remaining focused. They may seem to be in control, but their daily life can be chaotic with missed appointments, trouble remembering and enforcing rules at home and a struggle to meet responsibilities. When under stress, a parent with ADHD may be prone to moments of frustration and anger in response to minor provocations. This emotional struggle can lead to harsh responses to children, which parents often regret once the moment has passed. Understanding ADHD in adults ADHD involves patterns of inattention (forgetfulness, being easily distracted), hyperactivity (fidgeting, restlessness) and impulsivity (interrupting conversations or speaking out of turn). ADHD is highly heritable, which mean parents with ADHD will often have a child with ADHD. An estimated 8 percent of children worldwide have ADHD, while only 3 percent of adults meet criteria for ADHD. One reason for this difference may be that symptoms of ADHD especially hyperactivity/impulsivity become milder as individuals age. While some individuals may no longer meet ADHD diagnostic criteria in adulthood, they can still experience significant life impairments. These include poorer physical health and socio-economic outcomes compared to those with no history of ADHD. However, research indicates increase over the last decade in diagnosis of adult ADHD, probably due to increased awareness of ADHD and/or availability of clinical assessments. Several anecdotal reports indicate that parents only become aware of their own ADHD symptoms when seeking help for their children. ADHD’s impact on parenting ADHD’s tendency to be passed down in families has important implications because it can affect the way parents interact with their children. Research has found that ADHD symptoms in parents are associated with harsher parenting behaviour (like yelling at a child, overreactive and severe punishments) and more lax parenting practices (like inconsistent discipline or providing few or no boundaries). This makes sense in light of the symptoms of ADHD, including difficulties with forgetfulness and impulsivity. People with ADHD also often struggle with regulating intense emotions. Together, these symptoms can make it more difficult for parents to remain calm and consistent when interacting with their child. However, research also indicates that parents’ ADHD symptoms do not impact their ability to be warm, caring, and loving. Other research also suggests there is a “similarity fit” if a parent and child both have ADHD. In these families, parents with ADHD may also have more empathy and tolerance for their child’s difficulties and may be able to play more effectively with them because they can follow the pace of their child’s play. Practical strategies for parents with ADHD Raising kids with ADHD can be challenging. Children with ADHD often benefit from specific strategies…

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Superfood recipes

Try these simple, flavourful recipes made with easily available superfoods such as broccoli, raw mango and bottle gourd : Madhulika Vatsal Raw mango chutney (4 servings) Ingredients • 1 medium sized raw mango • 2 medium sized onions • 2 green chillies • ½ cup fresh coriander • ½ cup fresh mint leaves • 1 tbsp jaggery • ½ tsp salt • ½ tsp black salt Preparation guide • Peel raw mango and cut into small bits. • Cut onions in slices. • Blend all ingredients in a mixer jar and grind into a smooth paste. Add water if needed. • Transfer chutney in a bowl. • Serve with puri, paratha and/or pakodas. Health benefits. Raw mango chutney is rich in Vitamin C, providing a natural boost to the immune system. Onions have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall well-being. Green chillies aid metabolism. Fresh coriander and mint leaves offer digestive benefits. Jaggery, a natural sweetener, complements the tanginess of raw mango, providing iron and aiding digestion. Broccoli salad (4 servings) Ingredients • 2 cups brocolli florets • 1 cup diced carrots • 1 cup diced green bell pepper • 100 gm diced paneer • 1 sliced onion • 1 tsp chopped garlic (optional) • 1 tsp olive oil • ½ tsp black pepper powder • 1 tsp rock salt • ½ tsp red chilli flakes • 1 tsp lemon juice Preparation guide • Steam broccoli and carrots for 5 minutes. Set aside. • Heat olive oil in a pan, add garlic and onions, saute them for a minute, add green bell pepper, cook for a minute, add paneer cubes and cook for another minute. • Add steamed broccoli and carrots, salt, black pepper powder, red chili flakes, salt and stir gently. • Switch off flame, add lemon juice and enjoy a high protein healthy salad. Health benefits. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, is rich in vitamins C and K, and provides dietary fibre, promoting digestive health. Carrots contribute beta-carotene, essential for eye health, while green bell peppers provide vitamin C. Paneer is rich in protein and calcium and olive oil in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Black pepper and red chili flakes aid metabolism. Farm house soup (3 servings) Ingredients • ¼ cup yellow moong dal (soak for 20 minutes) • 1 cup chopped bottle gourd • 1 chopped onion • 1 chopped tomato • Small piece of ginger • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp turmeric powder • 1 sliced onion • 1 cup chopped cabbage • 1 cup carrot, julienned • 1 cup green bell pepper, julienned • 1 cup blanched green peas • ½ cup French beans (or add your choice of fresh vegetables) • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1 tsp oil Preparation guide • Pressure cook moong dal, bottle gourd, onions, tomato, ginger, salt, and turmeric powder in two glasses of water. Wait for two whistles and turn off and let it cool. • Open lid and mash or grind cooked dal with a hand blender. Set…

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Early signs of children’s hearing loss

Identification and diagnosis of auditory problems in children is critical for ensuring timely intervention, treatment and therapy. The early years of a child’s life are important for acquisition of language and communication skills, and any hearing loss should be addressed promptly to minimise development delay. A primary indicator of potential hearing loss in infants is the lack of response to sounds. Typically, a new-born or infant should startle at loud noise and/or react when her name is called. If she consistently fails to respond to sounds, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Parents and caregivers should pay close attention to their child’s reactions to various sounds in the environment. Speech and language development milestones in early childhood serve as important benchmarks for identifying auditory problems. Delayed or absent babbling by 12 months, lack of gestures such as pointing or waving, and difficulty imitating simple sounds are all indicative of lurking hearing challenges. By 15-18 months, children are expected to use single words in their speech, and any delay in reaching this milestone warrants medical investigation. It’s important for parents to observe and monitor children’s communication skills. Usually, children with hearing problems struggle to respond to verbal requests, follow simple directions, or engage in basic conversation. Inconsistent response to sounds, for instance when a child may respond to some stimuli but not others, is also a sign of hearing difficulties. Inattentiveness or easy distractibility in response to auditory stimuli is another indicator of hearing problems. Frequent ear infections or persistent fluid drainage from ears could contribute to hearing loss. Ear infections, if left untreated, impact hearing. Therefore parents should monitor their children’s auditory health closely. Frequent falls or lack of balance is also a symptom of hearing issues, as the vestibular system, which governs body equilibrium and balance, is closely connected with the auditory system. A child’s interest in auditory stimuli, such as music, toys that make noise, provides insights into their hearing health. Lack of interest in these sounds suggests a diminished ability to perceive or appreciate auditory stimuli. While these indicators may raise suspicion, it’s important to highlight that every child exhibits different combinations of symptoms. Moreover, some symptoms may be related to factors other than auditory health. Therefore, it’s advisable for parents to consult with healthcare professionals — paediatricians or audiologists, if they observe persistent signs or a cluster of indicators. Early intervention is paramount to effectively addressing auditory problems in children. Depending on the severity of hearing loss, interventions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants may be recommended. Vigilance and proactive monitoring of children’s auditory development during the formative years is crucial to ensuring their overall well-being and critical for providing them the support they need for optimal language and communication development. (Dr. N. Vishnu Swaroop Reddy is Clinical Director, Head of the Dept & Chief Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad)

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Life and death in India’s most sacred city

In 2023, an estimated 40 million tourists and pilgrims visited Varanasi (formerly Banaras or Kashi) making it one of the most frequented destination of the Indian subcontinent. Orthodox Hindus choose to spend their twilight years in this city because of the belief that taking the last breath here liberates their soul from the rebirth cycle. In December, I stepped out of the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi and inhaled the air of arguably the oldest city of the world. At least Mark Twain, the American author and litterateur, thought so. “Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together,” observed Twain. Contemporary Varanasi (pop. 1.7 million), as it was renamed in 1947, is a holy city sandwiched between old and the new. Its ancient temples lie cheek- by-jowl with new buildings. Old dhabas on the street corners adjoin 5-star hotels. It’s a different, unique world. Varanasi aka Kashi, is a city of paradoxes. The buzzing streets, over- stocked shops, flies, masses of people, narrow lanes and alleys, noisy vendors and rickshawallas can intimidate a rookie traveler. The city is not for the faint-hearted as its sensory overload could leave first-time visitors reeling. Nor does it reveal itself easily, testing the traveler to great extreme. Yet there are not a few who experience the spiritual peace and calm it offers, and revisit regularly. In 2023, 40 million tourists and pilgrims visited Varanasi, making it the most frequented destination of the subcontinent. Among the seven sacred cities and the epicentre of pantheistic Hinduism, it hosts one of the 12 jyotir linga sites and a shakti pitha site, and for orthodox Hindus it is deemed a ideal place to die and be cremated. Legends and hymns extoll the healing power of the waters of the River Ganges as the medium of Shiva’s divine essence, and a ritual bath in the river is believed to wash away all sins. The riverine location of Varanasi is considered especially auspicious because within 10 km of this City, the Ganges flows through its confluences with two other rivers, the Asi and the Varana. This holiest of holy cities of the estimated 800 million Hindus of the Indian subcontinent and the diaspora, is believed to host 80,000 shrines of various deities of the Hindu pantheon and over 500,000 images of the deities. Since a devout pilgrim would require an entire lifetime to visit all these shrines, many who visit the city never leave. Its shrines apart, this sacred city also houses 10,000 temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. Some of these temples are named after the great tirthas, or pilgrim centres of India — Kanchipuram, Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram, for example and it is widely believed that by visiting Varanasi, a pilgrim attains the spiritual benediction of having visited all the major pilgrimage centres of Hinduism. Apart from the 40 million visitors the city receives annually, Varanasi’s stable population also hosts an…

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Unaccepting adults I enjoyed reading your cover story on sustainable practices (PW January). I work for a non-profit that supports initiatives to protect the environment. When we conduct workshops and awareness programmes in schools, I must admit it’s an absolute pleasure to watch children’s faces light up at the thought of spending time outdoors with nature. The sad part is that adults are not as accepting, with many preferring to continue practices that they are aware can harm the environment. Only a collective effort can truly save Mother Earth! Jeanna Williams Kochi Useful child health suggestions Your early childhood essay listing 12 ways to boost your child’s immune system’ (PW January) has enlightened me about why my little one tends to fall ill so frequently. Dr. Saurabh Khanna’s suggestions to improve child immunity were very useful especially his tips on exposure to smoke-free environment, breastfeeding, good nutrition and regular exercise. Looking forward to more such articles on child behaviour and health. I also enjoyed trying out your Pav Bhaji and Chaat recipes. They were an instant hit with the children! Hoping to read some creative ‘green’ vegetable recipes in your next issue. Mrinalini Dhar Delhi Worked wonders Your Resources report ‘3 apps to boost children’s creativity’ (PW January) has worked wonders for my eight-year-old daughter. I downloaded the Storybird app on my mobile phone, and taught her to use it to write an interesting story. To encourage her, we posted the story on social media which received many likes and hearts. Now she wants to try more creative writing! Also in the Health & Nutrition section Dr. Himanshu Kashyap’s suggestions to make mealtimes matter were very useful. Mealtimes are the perfect time to teach children good eating habits and dining etiquette. Kiara Jatin Mumbai Well-researched & informative Your Careers Watch story ‘Spiralling demand for deep sea divers’ (PW January) was a great hit with my teenage daughter who has been a water baby ever since she was born. Skilled in the art of diving, she aspires to train for a deep-sea diving certificate. Moreover, she is also an ocean activist and feels a career as a deep-sea diver will help her monitor the extent of pollution in the depths of the oceans. There is very little practical information available in the public domain and your article was well-researched and informative. Looking forward to more reports on off-beat careers for high school students. It was also refreshing to read your Special Essay on ‘3 things parents should teach their kids about AI’. It clears the air about the mystery surrounding generative AI and ChatGPT. Mayuri Basu Kolkata Wake-up call Your cover story ‘Raising children to practice sustainable living’ (PW January) is a wake-up call to act responsibly to save Mother Earth before it’s too late! There are sufficient indicators of the catastrophic impact of climate change, air pollution, deforestation, water and food insecurity, melting ice caps and global warming on Planet Earth. As a resident of India’s IT capital, I have…

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Summiya Yasmeen, talks about fitness, sleep, health

Letter from managing editor

The onset of summer coincides with the start of the exams season countrywide. Every year in February-March, in the great majority of India’s 281 million households, there’s pervasive fear and nervousness as 30 million students prepare to write the make-or-break class X and XII school-leaving exams conducted by the country’s 57 examination boards. And another 230 million children are preparing to write year-end school exams which will determine their promotion to the next higher class. Unsurprisingly, parents and teachers are reporting a spike in children suffering exam-related stress ranging from panic attacks and blackouts which could lead to fatal suicide. The burden of parental expectation and intense competition for entry into the country’s few-dozen best colleges and universities, generates annual dread of exams and fear of failure. Examinations anxiety should not be dismissed as a normative rite of passage. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), during 2014-2020, 12,582 students resorted to the extreme step of ending their young lives by suicide because of examination stress. A more recent (2022) survey conducted by the Delhi-based National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) reported that 80 percent of class IX-XII teens suffer high anxiety and stress during the exams season. In our February issue cover story, we highlight that severe academic stress and anxiety has grave short and long-term impact on children’s physical and mental well-being. We connected with several well-qualified and reputed psychiatrists, psychologists and counselors soliciting their expert advice on ways and means through which parents can empower their children to confront examination phobia, manage stress and anxiety during this season of fear and loathing. The consensus of expert opinion is that parents can play an important role in creating home environments that empower children to prepare for D-Day. The timely cover story apart, this issue includes several other informative features. Among them: the Middle Years story explaining widely ignored underlying causes of children’s perceived ‘laziness’; Adolescence feature highlighting useful exam writing strategies recommended by IELTS exams trainer Bhavna Singh; and Special Essay providing 7 practical tips to ADHD adults for successful parenting. Also check out important advice about the early signs and symptoms of hearing loss in children by Dr. N. Vishnu Swaroop Reddy, Head of the ENT Department, Care Hospitals, Hyderabad.

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