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How to Prepare Your Child for School - Top 10 Tips
Going to school for the very first time can be can be frightening for children and nerve-racking for the parents. The prospect of going to a new place full of strangers and being away from the parents can be quite daunting for any child. This article explains various ways to prepare your child for school.
Ways to Prepare Your Child for School
How to prepare your child for preschool is a question that several parents have. Most children get anxious at the thought of going to someplace new and meeting people they have never seen before. You can help your child overcome the anxiety about starting school by fostering an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards school. Here are 10 ways to prepare your child for starting school:
1. Explain the Schedule
To know how to get ready for the first day of school, your child should first understand what a school day will be like. Explain your child about the regular schedule of a school. Tell her who will be in class with your child, and what she is expected to do. Make her practice eating from a lunch box. Make your child practice sitting still and listening to instructions. This will prepare her for sitting in the classroom for long and following the teacher’s instructions.
2. Visit the School Together
If the school has an orientation session prior to the starting date, make sure you attend it with your child. This way, you and your child can get an idea of what the school premises look like. You will also be able to meet the teacher and other parents. Your child can befriend other children who will be her classmates once the school begins. Even if there is no orientation, arrange to visit the school with your child.
3. Try on the Uniform
Try on school uniforms. This will get your child excited about going to school in a uniform. If there is no uniform, you can buy school supplies and let your child pack them in a school bag. This is a way for your child to practice packing her own school bag.
4. Ask Your Child How She Feels
Ask your child how she feels about going to school. Do not dismiss her fears or concerns. Make a note of your child’s reaction when there are conversations about school. See if your child reacts enthusiastically or anxiously. Try to reassure your child by answering all her questions. Encourage your child by fostering positive behaviour.
5. Point Out the Positives
Point out the positives about school in a cheerful and enthusiastic manner. Tell her how making new friends and learning new things can be a lot of fun. You can also tell your child stories about how school was fun for you when you were a child.
6. Have a Play Date with Other Kids in the Same Class
Organise a play date with other children who are going to be your child’s classmates. This way, your child will already have friends in the class before the school begins. Teach your child to say hello to her classmates and teacher.
7. Regularise the Sleep Routine
Sleep is very important for growing children. It is important to sleep early and wake up early on school days. A few days before school begins, start getting your child to bed early and train her to wake up early. This way, the child’s sleep routine becomes regular, and she will not be fussy and sleep deprived while going to school.
8. Train Her for Academic Readiness
School can be challenging if your child has no prior preparation. Before school begins, encourage your child to read and write her own name. Teach her the basics of numbers, colours, and letters of the alphabet. Let your child do artwork like finger painting or making shapes using modelling clay. This will help your child develop fine motor skills that are required for writing. Read to your child every day. Children who have experience with books will find it easy to learn to read. Reading to your child also helps her develop listening abilities. This will even prepare her when she goes for her admission interview in a school. Play games with your kid that involve listening to instructions and waiting for her turn to speak. This will prepare her for following instructions in school.
9. Ensure That Your Child Can Use the Toilet Independently
Children will have to use the toilet on their own in school. So, practice with your child and teach her how to manage bathroom door locks. Tell her to ensure that her dress is back in place before leaving the bathroom stall. Also, teach the child to flush the toilet and wash hands after use.
10. Train Your Child to Take Care of Her Things
Make your child understand that it is important to take care of her belongings. Teach her to put things like books, pencils, erasers, crayons, etc. back into her bag after use. Also, teach her how to pack up and store the lunch box in her bag after eating lunch. Let your child assist you in labelling all the belongings that are required for school. This way, the child will get used to recognising her name in print and will know which of the supplies belong to her.
Children can get nervous about going to school for the first time. Some children even have school phobia. With a little help from parents, children can overcome this fear and make learning fun. Before starting school, make sure that you teach your child about fire and road safety. Explain to your child how to handle things when an adult or another child makes her feel uncomfortable. You can also come up with a goodbye routine to make sure your child does not feel anxious about leaving you. When you leave your child at school, do not sneak out without saying goodbye, as this will make your child feel distressed. Instead, say goodbye calmly and explain that you will be back once school ends for the day.
Also Read: Is Boarding School Right for Your Child Read more
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Ago njoying at waste to wonder😍❤💞
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9 Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged during the Winter Holidays
Winter is here and kids, as usual, can’t wait for their winter vacation to begin, because honestly, a long break from books, coaching classes, and hours of studying is every child’s dream! Like every other parent, you too must have chalked out an entire plan to keep your child engaged this holiday season, and as usual, your well-thought plan must have gone out the window on day 2, right? Well, put an end to this hunt for fun things to keep your child engaged with these super easy and inexpensive ideas. You can thank us later!
9 Awesome Ideas for Keeping Kids Busy Over the Holidays
Kids tend to make a lot of plans before their holidays begin, and yet somehow, they get bored, and the onus of keeping them busy falls on you. Let’s face it; parents can’t always keep up with fussy toddlers curled up around their legs, constantly whining about having nothing to do. Well, here’s a bunch of cool stuff you can do to keep your child busy this holiday season.
1. Play Treasure Hunt Indoors
When it’s too cold for outdoor sports, an indoor treasure hunt is ideal to keep kids busy. Simply pick a spot at home (your child’s room preferably) and take the effort to hide tiny objects all around. Remember, the more the number of objects, the busier your child will be looking for them. When done, pen down a list of the objects that your child needs to look for. Use your creativity here to make small sketches or a list with images that will act as clues for your child to hunt. Hand over this list to your child and a bag to collect all his findings. Your child will have a blast looking for tiny things around the house, and this will surely buy you some alone time too.
2. Solve Creative Puzzles
Why stick to regular puzzles when you can make interesting ones of your own! We’re talking about old cereal boxes for this activity. All you need to do is cut out the front panel of a cereal box and further divide it into tiny squares. Give them to your child and let him put the pieces together until he constructs the front panel successfully. For larger images with more puzzle pieces, you can cut out pictures from newspapers and magazines as well. Explore your creativity and cut out pieces of different shapes and sizes. These will not only keep your child engaged, but will also turn out to be a great learning experience for him.
3. Consider Play Dates
If you’re looking at minimising your participation in keeping your child engaged, then play dates are the solution. Besides, kids love spending time with their friends when it doesn’t involve studying or going to school. You can easily set up a play date with your child’s friends; either invite them over or prep your child to spend a day at their place. All you need to do is leave the kids with books, crayons, snacks, and loads of other fun stuff, and they’ll be fine. Children are more active and energetic when they’re around kids their age; they learn quite a lot about sharing, and this helps develop their social skills. The benefit of play dates is that you can get all the ‘me-time’ you’re looking for!
4. Indulge in Baking
Baking is an excellent option to keep your child engaged during the winter holidays. And why not? Who doesn’t like baked goods on chilly days? Put on your chef hats and teach your child how to bake delicious treats. Be it hot, crispy cookies, tiny muffins or yummy cakes, you can have a great time giving your child some cooking lessons. Honestly, baking with kids is the best way to give them memories that they’ll possess for a lifetime. Besides, most children enjoy baking, and it sure is a fun activity to keep your child engaged. It’s the ideal activity to do with your child if you’re looking forward to spending some quality time with him.
5. Invest in an Activity Kit
Activity kits are specially designed to keep your child engaged all month-long, so that pretty much covers your child’s entire winter vacation. They come with a bunch of fun games that are super exciting, and that keep your child glued to one thing or the other at all times. You can try the FirstCry Intellikit, a fun activity kit that focuses on your child’s learning aspect while he plays. It is specially designed by experts to ensure that your child develops the right skills at the right age, all by having fun. It comes with eight activities, ten worksheets, a cute storybook, and loads of fun. It’s worth a shot!
6. Make Gardening a Hobby
Don’t let the cold weather come in the way of your child having some fun outdoors. Gardening is an excellent activity to keep your child engaged on a daily basis; plus, it’s the best way to ensure that your child gets some sun. You can quickly turn the tedious task of watering plants into something your child looks forward to. It’s simple - grow plants that bear flowers and fruits. Grab some empty pots, mud, and seeds and teach your child the basics of gardening. Keep these plants in a place where they’ll get plenty of sunlight and remind your child to water them every day. You’ll be surprised to see your little one’s enthusiasm as these tiny plants grow taller every day. This way, you’ll also get to teach your child a lesson or two about plants.
7. Play Rainbow Scavenger Hunt
The rainbow scavenger hunt is an exciting game that you can play both indoors & outdoors. It’s quite simple. On a sheet of paper, make seven circles and colour each with one of the colours of the rainbow. Then, write random numbers in the centre of each circle and ask your child to find that many objects of that particular colour. For instance, if you write ten on the red circle, your child has to go around the house and collect ten red objects. Fun, right? No doubt, a rainbow scavenger hunt will keep your child occupied for quite some time. It will also teach him about the colours of the rainbow and how to associate with numbers. Take our word on this one; your little one will have a blast.
8. Explore Quilling
You’ll be surprised to see the amount of fun a single packet of quilling paper, some child-friendly needles, and a bottle of glue can bring to the table. This papercraft activity is easy to master and is super fun. Get your child some easy lessons off YouTube and let him explore his creativity. Right from basic shapes to intricate designs, there’s nothing that the kids won’t love doing! Quilling is a beautiful craft (not to mention that it’s super addictive), which is why it’s perfect if you’re looking for cool stuff to keep your child busy this holiday season. And speaking of the holiday season, you can encourage your child to create beautiful designs on cards and envelopes using quilling paper, as handmade creations to gift loved ones during the festive season.
9. Give Creativity a Chance
If none of the above seems fit for your child, then the best thing you can do is to leave him with a big cardboard box, a carton full of crayons and some paint. Let your child use his creativity to make something out of the box - a car, an aquarium or abstract art. The important thing here is to give your child his space and let him unleash his inner artist. A big cardboard box will buy you enough time to focus on other things while your child will have a productive time trying to figure out what to do with the box. Remember to lay down a couple of newspapers or a messy mat, so that you don’t have to spend hours cleaning up after your child is done with his bit.
Every parent can relate to the fact that children get lethargic when they have nothing to do during their winter holidays. It’s best to keep some ideas up your sleeve so that you’re well-prepared when the moment arrives. So, now you have quite a few ideas to offer the next time your child comes walking towards you with a dull face and boredom in his eyes, right? Happy holidays!
Also Read:
Fun Winter Activities for Kids
Writing Games and Activities for Children
Geography Games and Activities for Kids Read more
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Can Assisted Hatching Improve the Chances of IVF Success?
Couples who have considered IVF would have been introduced to the term assisted hatching. Many clinics offer assisted hatching as a part of their IVF treatment at a certain cost or include it as a free option if they believe that it can be beneficial. Although the procedure hasn’t shown to increase the rates of live birth, it is recommended by many clinics. If your doctor has suggested it to you, here is some information about assisted hatching that you should know.
What is Assisted Hatching?
The embryo before fertilisation starts as an egg or an oocyte. All eggs are surrounded by a protein shell that is known as the zona pellucida. Before the egg becomes an embryo, a fusion of the zona pellucida with a sperm cell at the beginning of the fertilisation process needs to occur. After the first sperm cell gets through the zona pellucida to fertilise the egg, the shell becomes hard and impenetrable to prevent the rest of the sperm cells from penetrating to the fertilised zygote. The shell hardening also ensures the embryo doesn’t implant in the fallopian tube prematurely. It also keeps the dividing blastocyst cells safe as they make their way to the uterus.
The zygote continues to develop into a mass of cells called a blastocyst as it travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Throughout this process, the zona pellucida continues to thin out and expand, and eventually deteriorates. Around the fourth day of travel, the deteriorated shells crack open similar to an egg so the blastocyst or embryo can emerge. The thin zona pellucida is left behind completing the hatching process of the embryo. A few days after hatching, the blastocyst proceeds to implant itself to the uterine wall or endometrium. Without the hatching process, blastocysts cannot implant themselves into the uterine wall. This may result in failure of the pregnancy.
Fertilisation in IVF treatments occurs inside a lab and women who have undergone IVF treatment know that having a fertilised embryo doesn’t mean pregnancy is guaranteed. The transferred embryo has to implant or “stick” successfully into the endometrium for them to get pregnant. It is seen that about 85% of transferred embryos do not implant. One of the reasons for this is that the embryos do not hatch properly, hence fail to implant. It could happen due to various other factors such as the shell being unusually hard, or factors like the cultures for the embryos or the cryopreservation chemicals could have interfered with the hatching.
The role of assisted hatching during IVF treatments is to aid in the process of embryo hatching, so the chances of implantation are increased.
Who Can Benefit from Assisted Hatching?
Assisted hatching was developed when it was observed that embryos with a thinner zona pellucida had higher rates of implantation in IVF treatments. Keeping that in mind, the procedure is useful for:
Women over 35 undergoing IVF treatment.
Couples who have had repeated failures at pregnancy after a few IVF cycles.
Embryos where a distinctively thick zona is observed by the embryologist.
What Are the Methods of Assisted Hatching?
The main idea behind assisted hatching is to make a tear or breach in the zona pellucida. Several methods are employed to do this that are mentioned below:
1. Mechanical Hatching
This is the most basic of all procedures where the embryo is kept steady using a pipette. A micro-needle is used to puncture the zona pellucida. The puncture is done in a way that the needle goes through the shell tangentially beneath the shell to make an opening. The region between one end of the puncture and the other is carefully stroked until a small tear occurs. Although the procedure is simple, controlling the tear in this method is difficult.
2. Physical Expansion of the Zona Pellucida
In this procedure, the shell of the embryo is not torn or ruptured mechanically. It is manipulated to undergo a process of expansion which would occur in all shells naturally. The expansion is done through the introduction of a hydrostatic pressure under the shell using a fine needle which causes the zona pellucida to expand.
3. Chemical Hatching
Chemical hatching is a procedure slightly different from the mechanical methods of rupturing the zona pellucida. In this procedure, small amounts of a chemical called Tyrode’s acid is introduced over the shell until it is breached. The embryo is then quickly cleaned to remove the acid to avoid any unnecessary exposure.
4. Drilling
With the drilling technique, microscopic vibrations are focused on the shell to make a conical opening. Vibrations are generated using a method derived from Piezo technology.
4. Laser-assisted Hatching
Laser-assisted hatching involves the usage of a laser device to make an extremely precise opening in the zona pellucida. Since lasers are used, it is possible to have extremely precise control over the size of the breach in the shell. It is the most effective and safest method as compared to all the above procedures. However, many clinics are not equipped with this technology.
Assisted Hatching Procedure
Here is what you need to know more about the assisted hatching procedure:
Assisted hatching came about around 1990 as a way to improve the chances of implantation during IVF treatments.
The procedure is performed three days after fertilisation when the embryo has had a few days to develop.
Assisted hatching involves opening up the zona pellucida which covers the embryo by thinning or rupturing it.
Various techniques are used in the hatching, and some procedures involve dissolving the shell using an acid mixture. A fine needle or laser technique is used to break open the shell.
The procedure involves the use of advanced instruments such as microscopes, microscopic tools, and robotic assistance for the micromanipulation of the minuscule embryo.
The hatched embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus a day after the procedure.
Antibiotics and steroids may be administered to reduce complications.
Possible Risks
Since the procedure involves manipulation of the embryo and interference with its natural developmental process, there are some assisted hatching ivf risks involved with the procedure. The major risk factor associated with the procedure is that the embryo could sustain lethal damage. It could occur at any time before or after the embryo transfer, the result of either case being a failure of pregnancy.
Twinning is another risk associated with assisted hatching, specifically the monozygotic type. Monozygotic twins, most commonly referred to as identical twins are born out of single egg and sperm. IVF treatments typically have an increased chance of twinning and added to that, hatching might elevate that risk further. Although most multiple pregnancies are risky, pregnancies with monozygotic twins have a greater risk to both the mother and the baby.
Birth defects are another risk factor tied to assisted hatching and many wonder if it increases the chances of the defects. Studies have shown that assisted reproductive technologies carry with them an increased risk for nonchromosomal birth defects. However, the risk of congenital disabilities did not significantly increase in embryos which had procedures such as assisted hatching performed on them, in comparison to other IVF treatments that did not use assisted hatching.
What Is the Cost of Assisted Hatching in India?
Being one of the most commonly used procedures, the cost of laser-assisted hatching in India can range from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 depending on the fertility clinic.
Although assisted hatching is a procedure that was developed as a way to improve the chances of implantation, nothing can be said about its efficacy. Several factors go into the success of the procedure such as the method used by the clinic, experience level of the embryologist, and the conditions of the embryo.
Also Read:
Foods to Eat and Avoid for IVF Success
Egg Retrieval in IVF
What are the Causes of IVF Failure Read more
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The Connection between Music and Your Preschooler's Growth
Music is an irreplaceable part of most cultures when it comes to babies, with little ones being sung to sleep, being encouraged to dance to some tunes, etc. Music is a known to be a stress reliever for adults, but did you know the same music can affect your baby and his growth too?
As you baby grows up to be of preschool age, he will undergo a lot of bodily changes and hence will experience stress. The stress will definitely interfere in a smoother growth and development of his skills. Music can play an important role at this stage. Scientists have researched the effect of music on stress relief in kids and have found that music has an excellent positive impact. Music has an impact on the hand-eye coordination, fine motor development and social development. Your child will develop his language skills better too.
So, how does music help in your kid’s social learning?
1. Social Development
Let your kid along with friends make some music together through different instruments. Whatever be the outcome, you kid will learn the concepts of teamwork and team effort. In the pursuit of making some tune or song, your preschooler will learn to care about the contribution from the fellow friends. Cooperation skills and sharing skills will be enhanced as music can’t be made alone. The creative side will also get a boost as your kid will try to play up a different tune every time. The most important learning; your kid will learn that he can make something better when he is a part of a team.
2. Concentration Power and Language skills
Encourage your little one to sing his favorite songs. Doing so will let your kid develop a strong concentration power and language skills as he works on recollecting the tune and words.
3. Gross motor skills
Playing a certain kind of music through instruments will pique your kid’s curiosity and encourage him to want to know how to play the instrument for other songs or sing the song. This will promote development in his motor skills.
4. Stress Buster
Music has proven healing powers and is considered the best stress buster. Your preschooler will experience a lot of changes and restrictions, which in turn will put a lot of stress on him. Music can help in managing the stress and soothe him through these confusing times.
Make sure to keep some music time aside for your kids every day. Inclination towards it cannot be forced, but it will definitely relieve a lot of stress from your kid. Some music will make for great company as you spend time with your kid. Read more
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Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
20 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and it is better to avoid this at this time and also if you want to eat burger then it is better to make it a home . Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
19 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
19 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
12 hours ago
Q. I am 7 month pregnant with second baby I have severe abscess pain in armpit and buttocks pls tell me remedy for this ...Dr recommend antibiotics and ultracet pain tablet I have taken some doses of it but worried about the foetal development..does it hurt my baby
Read moreDr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
10 hours ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
continue antibiotics regularly
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. Hello dr meri beti 6 days ki hai or use feed karwane ke bad nose or muh se milk bhar aa raha hai to aesa kyu kr rahi hai….me kya Dr ko dikhau kya???
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello dear parent! Keep your baby’s heart in a little elevated position while you’re breastfeeding. Burp your baby after every feed. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy. Consult your doctor for further assistance
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to reduce belly fat after pregnancy and skin was loose .two year passes but problem is persist.How can reduce it
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. For weight loss diet is good in intermittent fasting a good and but if your body is loose or you feel you really do tighten up your body then gymming or yoga both the things are going to be very good both the things are going to be helpful in tightening up your body and muscles at the same time but it is time consuming we just have to have patience
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. my baby is one month old and have cold symptoms. can I consume buttermilk?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. yes u can further you can contact with your doctor and you can get thhje the solution for this by discussing with him he will guide you for more details if required .
Its always better to take the guidance by the concernged person with the geniune advice ...
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