ParentsWorld June 2024 Archives

Early development of children’s language skills

There are several ways and means to develop young children’s language, conversation, and literacy skills The early years are critical for developing children’s language and communication skills and building a foundation for academic success and optimal cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Here are some ways and means to develop young children’s language, conversation, and literacy skills. ENHANCE VOCABULARY Reading sessions Regularly read books aloud. Introduce a wide range of books covering various themes and subjects. Books with rich and varied vocabulary fill children’s word banks. Encourage interactive reading by engaging with children during reading sessions. Pause to discuss pictures, ask open-ended questions, and encourage them to predict what might happen next in stories. This enhances children’s comprehension capabilities and puts new words in meaningful contexts. Label the environment Consistently name objects, colours, shapes, and activities at home and outdoor environments. For example, during a meal, you could talk about the “round, red apple” or “cold, white milk.” Place word labels on household furniture such as ‘door’, ‘window,’ and ‘table’. Seeing word labels enables children to associate the written word with the object, accelerating reading skills. Use descriptive language When your child uses a simple word or phrase, expand on it to construct a complete sentence. If she says, “dog,” you could respond with, “Yes, the big brown dog runs fast.” This exposes her to sentence structures and new descriptive words. Play with words Engage in games and activities that focus on rhyming words. For example, you can play a game where you say a word, and your child has to think of words that rhyme with it, like “cat,” “hat,” “bat.” Sing songs and nursery rhymes that emphasize rhythm and rhyme. They are great for introducing new vocabulary in a memorable and enjoyable way. ENCOURAGE CONVERSATIONS Active listening Make eye contact and show genuine interest in what your child is saying. This validates her efforts to communicate and encourages her to talk. Respond thoughtfully by reflecting on what she says to show understanding and prompt further conversation. For instance, if she says, “I saw a butterfly,” you can respond with, “Oh, you saw a butterfly! What colour was it?” Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to stimulate her to express emotions and ideas. For example, “What did you like about the park today?” or “How do you think this story will end?” Family meals Use mealtimes as opportunity for relaxed conversations. Discuss the day’s events, ask about her favorite part of the day, and talk about forthcoming family events. Encourage her to share her experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This not only builds language skills but also strengthens family bonds. Storytelling Share personal stories and your childhood anecdotes with children. Encourage them to tell their own stories, real or imagined. Engage in imaginative play and role-playing activities where children create and narrate scenarios. Playing house or school are great ways for children to practice language in creative contexts. FOSTER EARLY LITERACY SKILLS Daily reading routine…

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News Bytes

Switching to electric school buses improves human, planetary health Replacing diesel-run school buses with electric vehicles may yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per bus, says a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (May). Researchers at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that benefits, including fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduced adult mortality and childhood asthma and associated savings, are highest in large cities and among fleets of old (2005 and before) buses. To assess the health impact of diesel buses, the researchers compared how their respective emissions contribute to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5), linked to adult mortality and onset of childhood asthma “Our findings offer strong evidence that accelerating the ongoing transition to electric school buses will benefit individual, public, and planetary health. In a dense urban settings where old diesel buses still comprise most school bus fleets, the savings incurred from electrifying buses outweigh the costs of replacement,” says Dr. Kari Nadeau, senior study author and chair of the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard University. Low carb and high fat diets harm heart health While popular fad keto-like low carbohydrate and high fat (LCHF) diets may precipitate weight loss, they are not good for heart health, says a study published in JACC: Advances. University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers say that LCHF diets are associated with increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) aka ‘bad cholesterol’ and apolipoprotein B levels, and result in significant risk increase of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Apolipoprotein B is a blood test to gauge risk of heart disease. UBC researchers studied a pool of 305 LCHF and 1,220 standard diet participants and found that 11.1 percent of the LCHF cohort had high levels of cholesterol in the blood, as compared to 6.2 percent of standard diet individuals. A review after 11.8 years found that 9.8 percent of LCHF participants experienced a MACE, compared to 4.3 percent on standard diet. “This latest study demonstrates the risk associated with ingesting higher amount of fat resulting in derangement of lipid parameters which can be life-threatening,” says Ashwani Mehta, senior consultant, department of cardiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi. Huge surge in youth procuring diabetes & weight loss drugs Researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (USA), who analysed prescriptions of 12-25 year olds from American pharmacies, have reported rapid surge in youth procuring popular diabetes and weight loss drugs. Between 2020-2023, the number of adolescents and young adults with prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy and related drugs increased by nearly 600 percent (from 8,700 to over 60,000), says the study published in the medical journal JAMA (May). And more than three times as many women in the 18-25 age group bought these drugs than males. “These drugs are meant for continuing use, so we really need to think about the long-term safety and effectiveness of these medications for this age group,” says Joyce Lee, a University of Michigan pediatrician and diabetes expert who led the…

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Summiya Yasmeen, talks about fitness, sleep, health

Letter from Managing Editor

The start of much-awaited south-west monsoon showers — and establishment of a new BJP-led NDA government at the Centre — have coincided with the beginning of the new academic year countrywide. For India’s 150 million rural households after last year’s disappointing rains, for the new government in Delhi, which has to learn the art of managing a coalition after two terms as a BJP majority government, and for children and parents setting out on new paths of learning and development, this is a season of hope and expectation. Parents in particular are looking forward to their children crossing new milestones in academic and extra-curricular education. While teachers and educators will hopefully discharge their duty of teaching children and youth the 3Rs and beyond, parents also have a critical role to play in preparing children to realise their full potential. In our start of the academic year cover story, we present a detailed child motivation and success guide featuring valuable advice from experts to enable parents to build children’s confidence by nurturing their growth mindset and resilience. Latter day parents, bombarded with information and advice from sundry parenting websites, apps and ubiquitous social media, are likely to appreciate our guidelines based on interviews with well-qualified and experienced child development counselors. There’s much more in this start-of-the-year issue of PW. Check out the Early Childhood essay in which Hyderabad-based psychiatrist Dr. Mazhar Ali provides useful advice to develop young children’s language and communication skills; the Middle Years story which makes a strong case for parents to encourage, rather than push children to succeed. Also a Special Essay by Ayobami Adekola of the University of South Africa advising parents on when, how, and why it’s important to talk to teens about sex and sexuality. Moreover, I highly recommend the Health & Nutrition essay written by Delhi-based pediatric consultant Dr. Tarun Singh, explaining why it’s important to include Omega 3 fatty acid foods in children’s diets to ensure optimal cognitive development. It’s an information and insights-packed issue. Your feedback on our stories, suggestions, criticisms, etc are most welcome. Look forward to hearing from you!

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Great hit Your comprehensive Careers Watch article ‘Sweet Smell of Success in Floriculture’ (PW May) was a great hit with my zesty graduate daughter. The story’s sharp focus on the career’s economic potential, domestic demand, and export opportunities has inspired her so much that she has begun researching it intensively and plans to plant a few flowers on our home terrace as an experiment. Sheetal Shah Mysuru Timely reminder Your insightful cover story ‘Creating conducive home study environment’ (PW May) is a timely reminder for parents to become mindful of their children’s learning needs prior to the start of the new academic year after a long summer vacation. So much inertia sets in children — and parents — during the holidays that it’s very difficult to get back to the early morning school routine. But I wholly agree with educator Lavanya Parashar’s practical advice that planning home study routines at the beginning of the new academic year makes homework and learning stress-free. I also liked parenting expert Bhavna Singh’s strategies to build positive behaviour in children and physician Dr. Gita Mathai’s tips to ensure children’s physical and emotional well-being. It underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for optimal academic performance. Harleen Singh Chandigarh Include school lunch-box recipes Thanks for the ‘Vegetarian Treats’ recipes shared by home chef Madhulika Vatsal in the Health & Nutrition section (PW May). While I appreciate your effort to endorse healthy vegetarian meals, can I suggest inclusion of healthy non-vegetarian recipes in future issues? Also with schools having reopened, some suggestions for school lunch-boxes will be most welcome. Natasha Pinto Mangalore Reimagine shared spaces As a parent of three children residing in a cramped Mumbai apartment, the Book Excerpt from Get Kids to Play authored by Saumil Majmudar and Vijay Krishnamurthy struck an instant chord (PW May). Space, where to play? This query posed by the authors is a question many families living in urban India ask everyday. In our neighborhood, for instance, there is no public playground or park nearby, and children make do by playing in the basement of the apartment complex. In this context, the authors’ suggestion to reimagine shared spaces such as rooftops and parking lots into dynamic play areas is interesting. If we want our children to play and be physically fit, neighbours will have to collaborate with each other and establish designated times and areas in ‘shared spaces’ where children can play games and sports. Vishal Rao Mumbai Age-appropriate communication Your Special Essay on ‘How to safely introduce children to bad news & current affairs’ (PW May) was an eye-opener. In particular author Elise Waghorn’s nuanced suggestions to use age-appropriate communication with children. That my children — a six-year-old and 13-year-old — have varying levels of understanding and emotional maturity to absorb distressing news is something we tend to often overlook. As a family we watch a lot of news on TV, much of which is far from pleasant. I agree with Waghorn when she says that children…

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Encourage, rather than push children to succeed

Research and expert opinion is veering to the conclusion that parental motivation and encouragement work better than pressurising children to succeed: Aruna Raghuram The life cycle of a child to young adult is defined by intense competition in school, college, university and workplaces. What if my child doesn’t make it in this pressure-cooker environment? This fear often propels parents to push their children too hard. The consequences of pushy parents driving their children round the bend are evident in the country’s rising student suicides. According to National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data, 59,239 students committed suicide between 2018-2022 — i.e, a student died by suicide every 42 minutes. While suicide is the extreme response, there’s no shortage of research that indicates children who are pushed too much and too hard by overbearing parents to outshine in academics and/or extra-curricular pursuits, experience stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. All too often unrealistic parental expectations backfire with children performing poorly in academics. A 2015 research study of the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that parents setting too high expectations can be counterproductive. The study found that while high parental aspiration led to better academic outcomes, when aspiration exceeded capability, children’s achievements decreased proportionately. “Some parents tend to push and pressurise children because of their own ‘unlived lives’, in the words of Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung. For instance, if a mother aspired to become a doctor but could not, she is likely to push her child to study medicine to fulfil her unrealised aspiration. Competitive parents also push their children to bask in reflected glory. ‘If my child does better than his peers, I am a better mother than others’. Such wish fulfillment is not healthy but negative pressure,” says Meenakshi Gupta, an Ahmedabad-based psychotherapist. According to Gupta, the burden of negative parental pressure usually tells on children — they withdraw socially, become casual about studies, throw tantrums and suffer anxiety and depression. “Many children begin to believe that they are not good enough. To overcome their low self-esteem, they try to become perfectionists. Such children may seem outwardly happy but are anxious and disturbed within. Some may also rebel and misbehave,” adds Gupta. US-based psychotherapist, author and motivational speaker Amy Morin, writing on the website www.verywellfamily.com, details other repercussions of exerting excessive pressure on children. They may resort to cheating in exams/assignments, refuse to participate in activities where they feel they will not shine, and suffer sleep deprivation. Research and expert opinion is veering to the conclusion that parental motivation and encouragement work better than pressurising children to succeed. A definitive research study published the in Canadian Journal of School Psychology (2009) found that motivation rather than “pressure” led to higher academic achievement in school children. Archana Mohan, the Bengaluru-based co-founder of Bookosmia, an online website that publishes children’s writing, and mother of 13-year-old Arnav, concurs. “There’s a big difference between encouraging and pushing children. In the former, unconditional support and encouragement from parents motivates children to realise their full potential. When…

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Uncle Sam drops a few bricks

Suresh Subrahmanyan Almost seven decades ago, the late Harry Belafonte released a melodious, calypso-tinged song titled Brown Skin Girl (‘stay home and mind baby’). Teenagers then, we had no clue this was a song that obliquely commented on American soldiers who landed in Jamaica and other islands in the Caribbean (ostensibly to protect the local yokels from communism, a fate worse than death). Only, as they have routinely done worldwide, Yanks left the islands leaving a bevy of (mostly) blue-eyed babies, who never knew their fathers. We learned the sordid import of those lyrics much later. The song itself was catchy and hummable, and along with many other such songs like The Banana Boat Song. Harry Belafonte was a party favourite worldwide. Now you are doubtless wondering what made me think of Belafonte and Brown Skin Girl. A gentleman by the name of Sam Pitroda, till recently friend, philosopher and guide to the Congress Party of India and in particular, Uncle Sam to the Gandhi clan, decided to comment on the racial diversity in India. This provoked widespread outrage. Pitroda’s defence was that he was celebrating the diversity of India, that is Bharat. To be fair to the man, he may have been taken somewhat out of context, though there are few takers for that school of thought. Which is hardly surprising. Mr. Pitroda’s innocuous remarks, even if considered so offensive that he is now been ostracized, officially declared an outcast and no longer Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. Likening people from eastern India to the Chinese (broody herr!), denizens from the South to Africans (Crikey! / Ayyayyo!), those from the North to the whites (really? Caucasian?) and pretty much the rest of the country to Arabs and Africans. All this purely on the basis of skin tone. Clearly, Pitroda’s mouth started operating in fifth gear while his brain was still cranking up to second. Result? A potential political disaster for the Congress party just when it was beginning to gain some traction leading up to the final stages of General Election 2024. However, we must acknowledge that it was Sam Pitroda who led the telecom revolution in India during the early 90s though that does not give him the licence to start racially equating large numbers of Indians with Chinese, Africans, Arabs and Whites. While the Congress Party distanced itself from Pitroda’s blooper, the BJP went on overdrive to take full advantage of what was viewed as an unpardonable solecism on the opposition’s part. It is election time, after all, and the BJP minions were in no mood to look a gift horse in the mouth. The Prime Minister thundered on about how cross he was at this gross insult to India’s people. Speaking for himself, he would not have minded barbs being directed at him but drew the line at this tasteless slur on his beloved countrymen, women and children. He even demanded an apology from the Congress leader, but thus far not one has been forthcoming.…

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Talking to teens about sex

Advice for parents on when, how, what to say and why it’s so important The “birds and the bees”. The “facts of life”. Whatever you call it, most parents dread discussing sex and sexuality with their teens. They tend to be embarrassed, worried that they don’t understand some concepts. In some countries, cultural norms dictate that it’s inappropriate for adults and adolescents to talk about sex. However, these conversations are necessary. A large body of research indicates that teens who openly discuss sex and sexuality with their parents reduce risky sexual behaviour, leading to improved reproductive health. It’s also important to remember that this won’t be a one-off discussion. Adolescents undergo constant development, facing new questions and challenges as they grow. Continuous dialogue enables parents to provide ongoing guidance, address emerging concerns, and reinforce values over time. It also fosters an atmosphere of trust and openness. I’m a public health researcher who studies adolescent sexuality, sexual and reproductive health. Based on my research, as well as on frequent interaction with teenagers and their parents, I’ve put together this guide to address parents’ common questions and concerns. I hope this advice will help you to engage your teens in open, honest and helpful dialogues about sex and sexuality. When should I start talking to my kids about sex and sexuality? There’s no universally “right” age to start discussing sex and sexuality with your children. However, I’d suggest that you initiate discussions about body parts and puberty before your kids are ten. Conversations specifically about sex and sexuality can begin around age ten. No matter your teens’ age, it is important for parents to create a safe space for these discussions by letting your teens know they are not being judged, and that everything they say is confidential. Family dynamics differ in every household. Sometimes teenagers trust or are more comfortable with one parent than the other. However, both parents should be on the same page to avoid giving contradictory messages to their teens. In a two-parent household, it is beneficial to have both parents involved in discussing sexuality education with their teen, but it is not necessary to always do it together. A combination of individual and joint conversations can be effective. What sorts of topics fall under the umbrella of sex and sexuality? Some important topics parents can discuss with their teenagers include: How the reproductive system functions Building healthy relationships — the importance of consent, communication, mutual understanding and boundaries The physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty How to maintain good sexual health practices and hygiene. According to my religion or culture, it’s not appropriate to discuss these topics with my children. Many parents have their own misconceptions and biases about sex, often rooted in religious or cultural beliefs. But the reality is that avoiding discussions about sex does not stop teenagers from engaging in sexual activities or seeking information from other sources. Studies have shown that “parent-child communication is strongly associated with a child’s safer sex…

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Great opportunities in horticulture boom

For professionally qualified horticulturists there are wide-ranging work options that offer handsome remuneration With an annual growth rate of 30-37 percent, India’s high potential horticulture industry is blooming and is poised for a great leap forward after the opening up of foreign markets post new World Trade Organisation accords and revolutionary advances in greenhouse technology. Giving this industry a big push forward is also the entry of retail giants such as Reliance, Godrej, and Walmart which have established multi-product retail chain stores inter alia offering farm fresh and processed foods to the fast expanding middle class countrywide. For admission into most B.Sc (horticulture) degree or diploma programmes, the minimum eligibility requirement is clearance of Plus Two in science or agriculture with at least 50 percent average. The minimum qualification for admission into Master’s programme in horticulture is a 60 percent plus average while graduating in the same or related streams. Admission to universities could be based upon collegiate exam scores or academic performance in an entrance examination. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan, New Delhi) conducts a pan-India entrance examination for admission into undergraduate courses in agriculture, horticulture, and allied sciences for 15 percent of the total number of seats in state agricultural universities and the Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Among the most reputable universities and colleges of agriculture/ horticulture are: Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani College of Agriculture, Pune University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru College of Agriculture, Hebbal, Bengaluru Rev. Carey Institute of Horticulture, Kolkata Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan Central Agricultural University, Imphal Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, Varanasi University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad For professionally qualified horticulturists, there are wide-ranging work options (including entrepreneurship) which offer handsome remuneration. They can be gainfully employed in agro-based industries, insecticides, pesticides, and fungicide manufacturing units; and state horticulture and forest departments. Moreover hotels, health farms, holiday resorts, and a growing number of office and residential complexes employ horticulturists to beautify their environments. NEW OPPORTUNITIES. For Indian industry to rise to the new opportunities and challenges in agro-industry and horticulture, in 1998 the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) drew up a blueprint of a world-class Horticulture Training Centre (HTC) at Talegaon (near Pune) in collaboration with the Practical Training Centre of the Netherlands and The Netherlands Development Finance Company. “The first of its type in Asia, this centre was promoted in October 2003 and to date has delivered practical training to over 4,800 farmers and other professionals in greenhouse technologies which came to India in the early 1990s. We conduct a week’s residential training programme in Marathi, English, and Hindi throughout the year and attract trainees from all over the country as well as neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan,” say Dr. Suresh Dhumal, a professional hydroponist and former…

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Helping children manage anxiety

My six-year-old son becomes very anxious before attending his swimming lessons. Despite his love for swimming, this anxiety is affecting him adversely. How can I ease his pre-lessons anxiety? — Joni Sharma, Mumbai Some children tend to become anxious before starting a new activity. Here are some ways you can help him manage anxiety and build his self-confidence: Establish a routine. A consistent pre-lesson routine could include calming activities such as listening to a favourite song on the way to the pool and/or deep-breathing exercises. Gradual exposure. If possible, visit the pool on non-lesson days to familiarise him with the environment without the pressure of a lesson. This will reduce anxiety by making the setting feel more familiar. Discuss emotions. Encourage your son to articulate his emotions. You can say, “I noticed you seem worried before swimming. What makes you feel that way?” Praise your son for his courage and effort, regardless of performance. My toddler refuses to eat new food and throws tantrums when forced to try it. How can we encourage her to try new food items? — Sheeja Kumar, Chennai Introducing new foods to toddlers is challenging, but there are ways to make the experience less stressful and more successful. Here are some suggestions: Take small steps. Start by introducing a small portion of the new food item alongside familiar favorites. Don’t pressure her to eat it. Make it fun. Turn trying new foods into a game. You can create a ‘food adventure’ where each new food is part of a story or pretend play. For example, ‘Today, we’re trying broccoli trees from the dinosaur forest!’ Also involve her in the food preparation process. Copy the monkey. Eat the new item yourself and show enjoyment. Children often imitate their parents, so if she sees you happily eating it, she may be more inclined to try it. Consistency and patience. It often takes multiple exposures to a new food before a child will accept it. Keep offering it without pressuring her. Celebrate small victories, such as her touching or smelling the food. My ten-year-old son exhibits excessive worry and fear of exams. How can we help him manage his exam-related stress and anxiety? — Gina Thomas, Bengaluru First, make sure he feels comfortable talking about his fears and anxieties. Listen to him non-judgmentally and let him know it’s normal to feel nervous about exams. Encourage him to establish a regular study routine to avoid the panic of last-minute cramming, and break down lessons into small chunks. Teach him relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises to calm the mind. Encourage a positive mindset by praising his effort, not just scores, and use positive self-talk. Provide him a quiet, organized place to study at home and encourage him to take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Doing drill exams and learning time management skills will help him get used to the exam format and feel more confident. Moreover provide him a balanced diet, ensure he gets adequate sleep,…

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Parenting – striking the right balance

Anitha Bennett If you have been attending ‘What kind of parent are you?’ quizzes, you are like most parents who aren’t sure if they are doing right by their children. Parenting can sometimes be such a difficult balancing act that you don’t know whether you are getting it right. Friends or parents? All children want democracy and to be treated as equals. But they also need parental guidance and authority. Striking the balance perfectly is not easy. A child needs to understand that parents can be fun, but at the same time authority figures to look up to. “Parents who make an effort to be their children’s friends become better listeners and become sensitive to their children’s needs,” remarks child counselor Sonali Ghosh. All parents dream of topping their children’s list of friends. They may top the list during the younger years but as a child grows, parents’ popularity dips. To scramble back to the top, some parents over-indulge children, avoid correcting them, beg and plead for cooperation and even reward mistakes. Do you know your child? “You may think that you know your kindergartener well, but what if you caught him playing doctor and examining a girl child? Would you accept this as a phase that every child passes through — one of curiosity that almost everyone experiences — or would you cringe with embarrassment and shame?” asks Dr. Pooja Krishnan. Sometimes, just knowing what to expect of children helps. That’s where parenting books and websites are useful. Knowledge that hundreds of parents have confronted the same issue is reassuring. We don’t realise how many parents go through similar problems until we read about them. Expectations vs. reality A parent with a well-behaved eight-year-old may subconsciously expect the same from her five-year-old without acknowledging the age difference. Our expectations of our children are also based on our own childhood experiences and attitudes. Acknowledging that our children belong to different generations with whole new sets of attitudes will make it easier to accept them and bring out the best in them. Understanding your child Taking time to observe your children’s behaviour and reactions to different situations will help to know them better. Every child needs to be handled differently, and trying to manage siblings similarly seldom works. If one sibling is good with household chores, you don’t have to force the other one to do the same. He/she can be given other more comfortable chores. In attempts to be ‘fair’, parents often end up ignoring age differences and frustrate their children. At the end of the day, giving time and attention to children is the surest way of figuring out how to strike the right balance — and being the best parent you can be. No parent is perfect, but love and caring can cover many mistakes.

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Creative parenting: Mom with limitless books

– Nisha Daniel Minu Sarin was a Mom who loved books. And both her kids — Ashutosh (10) and Veena (6) grew to love them too. Minu always found it a challenge to accomodate all the books she bought. And she didn’t have the budget for purchasing a large number. So she started the ‘10-Book Club’. To inaugurate the club, she bought a set of 10 books for her children. She invested in a set of ten books just once. Here’s how she made the 10-Books Club work. She bought a set of 10 books initially. Every member of the 10-Books Club does likewise. When her children are through with reading them, she exchanges the set with another club member the nexth month. So she has 10 new books for her children. The following month, she exchanges these books with another club member. The only effort she puts in is to keep telling other moms about the club, so they can sign up. It’s simple, and it works. Why not give it a try? Also read: Improve your child’s reading skills using phonics

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Heart to Heart

Hello Parents! Parenting 24×7 is a demanding full-time job. While we manage the myriad chores involved in getting through the day, there are several issues like our own health, sleep and marital harmony, which could be relegated to the back burner. Therefore now is a good time to step back from the roles of SuperMom or SuperDad and work towards a better life-parenting balance. Most parents routinely discharge the tasks of parenting. But they often pay inadequate attention to their own health and many parents tend to be sleep-deprived. Remaining healthy and energetic needs to be higher on our priority lists to enable us to become good parents. A review of parental health needs will prove helpful in finding solutions. An easy way to improve parents health is to follow the healthy habits we try to instil in our children’s lives. A glass of milk twice a day, fruits, carrot sticks and nuts, and other healthy things that we offer our children can pep us up as well. Taking time out to spend time together as a couple, or adopting a hobby can also be refreshing for full-time parents. When you take care of yourself, you will become the best person you can be, and the best parent you can be as well.

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Nutri-rich healthy cakes

Nithya Sunil, CEO of Smart Cookie Foods, a Bangalore-based baking company on a mission to reinvent healthy snacking using whole food, plant-based ingredients, shares three recipes that use unprocessed healthy ingredients to bake delectable cakes Guilt-free brownie (4 servings) Ingredients 30 gm ground flaxseed 50 ml water 130 gm plant-based sugar (truvia/ trucrose) 150 gm dark chocolate 80 gm vegan butter 50 gm gluten free flour blend 50 gm almond flou 30 gm cocoa powder Preparation guide Preheat oven to 160oC. Line a 7 inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Blend flaxseed with water. Set aside for ten minutes. Grind sugar into fine powder. Heat butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Cool for five minutes. Chop chocolate into small pieces. Set aside 30 gm. Melt remaining chocolate in microwave. To ensure chocolate doesn’t get clumpy, don’t microwave for more than 20 seconds at a time. Remove bowl from microwave and mix chocolate at every heating interval. Use a balloon whisk to blend sugar, flour, cocoa powder and flaxseed paste into a smooth paste. You can also use a hand blender. Fold in melted chocolate using a rubber spatula. Transfer brownie batter into prepared baking pan. Top with chopped chocolate (30 gm). Bake at 160oC for 30 minutes. Check if brownie forms a dry crust on top and is slightly moist inside. Remove from oven and cool. Cut into 16 square slices. Health benefits Ground flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which promote heart health; almond flour provides fibre and protein, and dark chocolate supplies antioxidants. This gluten-free vegan brownie is good for digestion and overall well-being. Apple Cinnamon Muffins with Coconut Crumble (3 servings) Ingredients Muffin mix 150 gm oat flour 50 gm coconut flour 100 gm plant based sugar (truvia/ trucrose) 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon powder 180 gm apples 150 ml coconut milk ½ tsp vinegar Crumble 30 gm coconut flour 30 gm oat flour 23 gm tapioca flour 15 ml coconut oil 15 ml honey ½ tsp vanilla essence Preparation guide Preheat oven to 180oC. Place muffin cups on a baking tray. Alternatively, line a cupcake tray with paper liners (about 12) Muffin batter Grind sugar into a fine powder. Add oat flour, coconut flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk lightly. Add coconut milk and vinegar and bring to a batter consistency. Peel and chop apple into small pieces. Fold in the chopped apples. If batter is thick, add a little water to reach scooping consistency. Fill liners upto 3/4th of its total height. Crumble Mix all crumble ingredients in a bowl. Blend with your hand to reach a crumble consistency. Sprinkle generously on top of muffin batter. Bake for 30 minutes until crumble turns brown and a skewer/ butter knife inserted into centre of the muffin comes out clean. Cool. Health benefits Oat flour provides fibre and essential nutrients, while coconut flour a dose of healthy fats. Chopped red apples contribute vitamins and…

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The spartan charms of communist Laos (contd…)

Yoginder Sikand reports from northern Laos where evidence of the deep-rooted Hindu influence on Laotian Buddhism is reflected in scenes from the Ramayana on temple walls. Moreover he stumbles across incriminating evidence of America’s secret war of the 1960s in Laos, when it became the world’s most heavily bombed country The narrow road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang in northern Laos winds through high altitude and densely forested mountains, whose summits are hidden in thick blankets of cloud. Much of this area is virgin forest, occasionally interrupted by emerald paddy fields neatly laid in narrow valleys, bordered with rows of banana, papaya and ancient teaks, from whose trunks orchids bloom in dazzling hues. In terms of visitor footfalls, Luang Prabang is Laos’ premier tourist destination and one of the country’s oldest living cities. Formerly known as Muang Sa, its history goes back almost 1,500 years, and for some centuries it was the administrative capital of ancient Lao kings. When the French conquered Laos in the 19th century, the town’s mayor was appointed nominal ruler of the entire country, although actual power shifted to Vientiane, which is currently the country’s capital. Luang Prabang (pop. 4.3 lakh) retains much of its unhurried, old-world charm. In the town centre is the former colonial quarter, with cobbled streets and French-style bungalows strung out on the banks of the meandering River Mekong. Many of the houses here have been converted into chic handicrafts boutiques and restaurants, which cater to a growing stream of foreign tourists as this hitherto hermetically-sealed communist-ruled country begins to open up to the outside world. Every evening, this quarter morphs into a colourful, chaotic, street market. Village women from the mountains, dressed in conical straw hats and hand-woven sarongs, set up makeshift stalls on pavements selling touristy bric-a-brac — Buddhist icons and water colour paintings, Chinese porcelain urns and giant paper lanterns, buffalo horn opium pipes, turtle shell ashtrays and jewellery boxes, bamboo baskets, medicinal herbs and ferns, fierce clay masks, and bottles containing preserved snakes and scorpions. Vigorous bargaining is expected, and is usually a friendly affair that ends with the price being reduced to a fourth or even less of the first quote. Wheel carts display amazing local food: fish fresh from the Mekong, glass noodles served with crunchy, spiced vegetables, and for the more adventurous, live turtles and frogs, fermented swallows and deep-fried hornets and termites coated in honey are on offer. As with the rest of this tiny country wedged between Thailand and Vietnam in the Indo-China peninsula, the major tourist attractions of Luang Prabang are the wats or Buddhist monasteries. The town boasts almost two dozen wats, each a meticulous work of art. The pick of them all are the Wat Visoun and the Wat Mai, whose inner walls are generously embellished with finely executed frescoes depicting scenes from the Jataka Tales, recounting the many lives of Gautam Siddharth until he attained enlightenment in 5th century BC and transformed into The Buddha, liberated from the…

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Enabling kids to shine bright in the new academic year

In this new academic year cover story, PW presents a motivation and success guide devised by experts to enable parents to equip children with the mindset, skills and confidence to achieve academic and extra-curricular success -Kiran Balimane & Cynthia John The new academic year starting June-July is the season when monsoon rains start, bringing joy and hope to farmers countrywide. It’s also a season of hope and expectation in millions of homes as children look forward to a new year of academic, co-curricular and sports learning in India’s 1.5 million schools, 45,000 colleges and 1,167 universities. Educators, parenting experts and counselors are unanimous that the promise and potential of the world’s largest child and youth population can be better realised if they are mentally and emotionally prepared to make it their best year. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology (March), encouraging children to set academic goals significantly influences and improves their learning outcomes. “Encouraging learners to set goals is used widely to promote behaviour change. When goals are specific, attainable, optimally challenging, and relatively close at hand, they have a strong impact on both learning behaviour and performance,” says the study. Dr. Srishty P. Gajbhiye, a Bengaluru-based psychologist and life coach who was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from the Delhi-based World Human Rights Protection Commission, agrees. “The beginning of the academic year sets the tone for the next 12 months. Parents should use this time to motivate children to set academic and extra-curricular learning goals. This empowers and teaches them to break down their big dreams into manageable tasks providing direction and purpose. This is especially important during the formative years when children’s sense of identity and self-worth is developing. Living with purpose through goal-setting, vision-building, and developing self-confidence is a lifelong journey. The role of parents is to guide and support children on this path,” says Dr Gajbhiye. In this new academic year cover story, PW presents a motivation and success guide devised by experts to enable parents to equip children with the mindset, skills and confidence to shine brightly and achieve academic and extra-curricular success. Seven steps to build ‘academic confidence’ Academic confidence is “a student’s belief about performing a task at a particular level in order to attain a specific academic goal” (Sander & Sanders, 2005). It requires strong self-belief and expectation of success. “Developing academic confidence requires capability to perform well scholastically. It goes beyond acquisition of knowledge and requires development of capability to absorb and apply knowledge. Developing children’s confidence is a key determinant of success, and requires motivation and perseverance,” says Pune-based child psychologist Aarti Takawane. Takawane offers a 7-point guide to build children’s academic confidence: Teach organisation skills. Encourage children to neatly organise schoolbooks, stationery, prepare home study time-table, etc. Starting from packing the school bag the previous night to regularly attending to homework and meeting project deadlines, parents should motivate children to organise for the school day as well as home study. It’s also a good idea for…

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Helping children remain rooted in Indian culture

PW invited parents from Cygnus World School, Vadodara to share their thoughts on how they help their children remain rooted in Indian culture “I encourage my children — Aarushi (class IX) and Aarush (class VII) — to participate in all cultural functions, celebrate festivals in true spirit, and read up on the history and traditions of our culture. From their early years, we have exposed them to Hindustani classical music, art, dance, and local cuisines. Additionally, I share child folklore with them as they serve as a vital link to our cultural roots. Immersing my children in their heritage has taught them to appreciate and preserve their culture for generations to come” — Jamini Ashwin Patel, homemaker “Ours is a joint family of three generations steeped in traditional Gujarati values of entrepreneurship and hospitality. Therefore, it’s imperative for my children — Sara (class IX) and Shaan (class XII) — to understand and value our culture, be it respect for elders to celebrating traditional Gujarati festivals like Navratri and Diwali. We take great pride in celebrating festivals, cooking Gujarati meals and putting up decorations together. We also speak Gujarati at home and encourage our children to do the same.” — Shivani Patel, CEO, Exechon “We strongly believe that culture transmits values and reinforces identities like no other medium. Therefore, I ensure my children — Kanishkaa (class X) and Karan (class V) — are exposed to local food, language, cultural traditions and beliefs. Their biggest advantage is that they live in a joint family surrounded by their grandparents. Together we consume traditional Indian meals, speak the vernacular language, celebrate festivals and show respect towards our elders” — Radha Shah, partner in a chartered accountancy firm “While celebrating Indian festivals, we make it a point to discuss their history and cultural significance with our children — Vishwam (class XII) and Vidit (class VII). Empathy for elders and for the needy is also a basic value I have taught them from youngest age. We also promote Indian sports like kabaddi and archery as they not only ensure physical fitness but improve focus and concentration levels. Moreover, we visit heritage sites showcasing India’s freedom struggle and grand history” — Tejal Bhatt, homemaker Also read: Ensuring children eat healthy meals

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Enhancing family bonding during summer holidays

PW invited parents from Jodhamal Public School, Jammu to share their plans to spend time with their children during the summer holiday “Summer vacations are a delightful opportunity especially for my children — Aadya (class XII) and Aaditya (class VII) — to redeem our time apart as a family. Our family bonds will soon be strengthened amidst the lush green environs of Arunachal Pradesh, where my Army officer husband is posted. He has drawn up a plan to take us through the labyrinthine pathways of the Tawang Valley, experience the mist of the Nuranang Falls, soak in the peaceful environs of the Bomdila and Tawang Monasteries, and marvel at nature in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary” — Lalimah Sambyal, interior designer “Spending quality time with my children — Nidha (class IV) and Naman (class IV) — has become quite a task especially for working parents. What better time than to make the long summer vacations count. After all, we only get to spend 18 summers with them. This summer, we plan to embark on a road trip in the lap of nature with a host of adventure sports and games to engage in. The children have been kept in complete suspense. The idea is to surprise them. Me and my husband have pledged to keep our phones switched off” — Pooja Kapoor, entrepreneur “How quickly a work week goes by with our children — Samaaira (class VII) and Saishaa (class I) — preoccupied with school and other activities, and us scrambling to meet work schedules. Add to that our frequent travel for work, family time becomes limited and hence extremely precious! This summer, we plan to take the children to explore Jammu and surrounding areas. A visit to Patnitop with the family is also on the agenda” — Ridhima Dewan, marketing manager, Devans Modern Breweries Ltd. “Our daughter Tara (class V) keenly looks forward to the summer with excitement and anticipation to plunge into family games and outdoor activities which not only refreshes our minds but also unwinds our spirits. To detox from technology and devices, we look forward to slowing down in the lap of nature over the weekends. Exploring new places in the city, taking long walks, picnicking, trekking, and fishing, are a few of our favourite activities. Above all, we love to debate on a variety of issues like sports, current affairs, future plans etc” — Dr. Rinky Ahuja, practicing dentist. Also read: Jodhamal Public School student donates to PM Cares Fund from pocket money

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Eating right on schooldays

My son is tired by the time he reaches home from school although he eats a good lunch. He gets home at 4 p.m in the school bus. As a result, he is in a bad mood for one-two hours after coming home, and I am sure lack of nutrition is the main reason. How can I get him to eat more? If your son doesn’t eat well at lunch, an additional drink could help. A little bottle with fruit juice, flavoured glucose or flavoured milk could provide additional energy. Or, pack another snack box for eats on the return journey home. You could also keep a drink or snack handy to eat as soon as your child gets home. Remind him to drink water frequently. Dehydration can also cause fatigue and mood swings. Though you may be seeing the effect only after school, don’t ignore breakfast, the most important meal. If breakfast is ignored in the morning rush, setting the alarm 10-20 minutes earlier might help. A full glass of milk, a breakfast rich in carbohydrates and a few nuts and dry fruits will help to maintain energy levels. If your child is fussy in the mornings, resort to quick fix options such as cornflakes or bread and cheese. If your child refuses breakfast, you can offer different options instead of letting him go to school without it. Quick-fix food ideas Peanut-butter date sandwich Store some chopped dates (preferably Arabian) in a box. Any time you want, spread peanut butter on brown bread, add chopped dates to make a sandwich. You have a nutritious meal in two minutes! Serve with a slice of watermelon or apple. Baby potatoes Pressure cook baby potatoes and get a family member to peel them the previous day. In the morning, take them out of the refrigerator for a while. Heat ghee or butter, add the potatoes, chilli powder and salt. Toss for a while (add chopped onions if you like) until the potatoes get a light brown crust, and serve hot for breakfast.

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Walking the talk with ethos

Roopa Banerjee We often come across sentences so strong in ethics that we are drawn to the character uttering them. This is a subtle literary device known as ‘ethos’ which introduces the ethical appeal and credibility established by the author or speaker to persuade audiences. Rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, ethos is one of Aristotle’s three modes of persuasion, alongside logos (logic) and pathos (emotion). Through strategic use of ethos, writers and speakers build trust, authority, and credibility with their audience, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their narrative or argument. Ethos is derived from the eponymous Greek word meaning character or custom. In ancient Greece, ethos referred to the moral character or reputation of an individual or community. It represented the guiding beliefs, values, and principles that shaped people’s conduct and behaviour. Over time, ethos evolved into a rhetorical concept, emphasising the importance of establishing credibility and trustworthiness when seeking to persuade others. In literature, ethos manifests through various devices, including depiction of characters, author’s voice, and overall tone of the narrative. Authors use ethos to establish themselves as reliable narrators and to imbue their characters with qualities that command the respect and admiration of the audience. A classic example of ethos in literature is in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” This opening sentence establishes the credibility of Nick Carraway, the narrator with the audience. In this tale of wealth and class, readers understand that Nick benefits from some advantages, but he is aware of not misusing them. Similarly, in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Mark Antony’s funeral oration is a masterful display of ethos in rhetoric. By associating himself with Caesar’s reign, Antony tries to influence the crowd’s emotion, turning them against the conspirators responsible for Caesar’s assassination. Through his compelling appeal to the sentiments of the crowd and his depiction of Caesar as an admirable leader, Antony establishes his credibility and influence, ultimately rousing the mob to rebel against Brutus and other conspirators. Ethos was the literary device for supplementing Antony’s emotional appeal. In the modern world, ethos is used in almost every advertisement. In a commercial featuring a dentist recommending a specific toothpaste brand, the dentist’s credibility and expertise serves as ethos to persuade viewers to trust the product’s effectiveness. Here, ethos subtly but effectively shapes audience perceptions and influences consumer behaviour. Similarly, a famous athlete endorsing a sports drink makes the advertisement far more effective. In the television series Breaking Bad, the character of Walter White undergoes a transformation from a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord. Despite his descent into criminality, Walter initially presents himself as a devoted family man driven by a desire to provide for his loved ones at a time of terminal illness. This portrayal of Walter’s character appeals to viewers’ sympathies and underscores the complexity of his moral descent, thereby engaging…

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Why your child’s brain needs DHA

A vital nutrient required for children’s optimal brain development is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega 3 polyunsaturated/ fatty acid Children grow at rapid pace not just physically but also mentally. But while parents tend to provide adequate and nutritious diets for children’s physical development, they often ignore inclusion of nutrients for their optimal brain development. A vital nutrient required for children’s brain development is DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega 3 polyunsaturated/ fatty acid. During pregnancy, DHA is necessary for fetal brain growth, and after birth, for children’s brain and visual health. According to research, 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age five. DHA benefits DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, boosts brain function in multiple ways, enabling it to send messages to various parts of the brain. It also aids structural formation of the retina, ensuring good visual health of children. Moreover, DHA-induced brain development ensures other positive outcomes such as improved cognitive growth, memory, and language skills; better focus and attention spans; higher birth weight; increase in IQ by 3.5 points; better sleep quality; improvement in symptoms of asthma, blood pressure, and allergies; reduced Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and protection against depression. DHA requirements According to experts women need an intake of at least 200 milligrams of DHA per day during pregnancy. This intake should be increased substantially in the third trimester of pregnancy to aid rapid growth of the fetus. According to WHO, children aged two-four years require about 100-150mg of DHA per day. DHA-rich foods Some DHA-rich food sources are eggs, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), flaxseeds, walnuts and DHA fortified foods. A breastfed baby gets the required DHA through breast milk. Therefore new moms should include DHA-rich foods in their diets. Once an infant is weaned off breast milk, ensure you include seafood in your child’s diet. 180 gm of seafood per week is recommended for children, which translates to about four-five pieces of fish per week. But consult a healthcare professional before starting this seafood diet. An alternative to seafood is to include a milk additive with added DHA. Some vegetarian/ vegan sources rich in DHA are seaweed and algae, chia, hemp and flax seeds, walnuts, kidney beans and soyabean oil. (Dr. Tarun Singh is a Delhi-based paediatric consultant at Medeot Hospital and Kalpavriksh Healthcare, and a child nutrition specialist)

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