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10 Best Ways to Spend Time with Your Family
All of us are so occupied in our lives and in chasing our dreams that we struggle to make time for our family. A family is the biggest asset that one could ask for, hence it is important to spend time with loved ones. No matter how busy you are, your family needs you, the same way you need them. Spending time with your family will help you bond and understand one another. If you want to know how does spending time with your family reduce stress, read on to find out!
Why Spending Quality Time with Your Family is More Important Than You Think?
“Spending quality time with your family is important” - we’ve heard this time and again. However, most people do not realise that the operative word here is ‘quality’, as opposed to ‘time’. You can spend hours on end with your family, but how you spend this time is what matters. In simple words, quality stumps quantity, again. Here are a few reasons why spending quality time with your family is important: -
1. To Strengthen the Bond
Spending good time with your family will help strengthen relationships with one another. Children especially, need to feel like they belong. This is a significant reason why children form groups and befriend each other at school. Adults too require a sense of belonging. This arises from the fact that we are all social beings. Spending time with your family will make every member feel like a part of something special. It also reduces stress as it makes you happy and contented to be with your loved ones.
2. To Inculcate Values
Children need to be nurtured and guided along the right path. Spending time with your family can help you teach values to your children. Children tend to imitate their elders. By not spending time with them, they, in turn, might end up doing the same with their children, which is why you need to spend quality time with them and have a good laugh. Make memories with your children because it will help them learn that little things matter. Spending time with them will also give them the opportunity to learn values from you.
3. To Show Kids That They Matter
Your children need you. Not being around them will make them feel like they don’t matter to you. Children crave attention, especially from their parents. And as a responsible parent, you need to be there for them in their achievements and most importantly, at times when they feel low. Spending time with your kids will make them realise that they matter to you.
4. To Teach and Learn New Things
When you spend time with your family, you obviously discuss new things. This is the best way to share interesting information, news, or simply, hold engaging conversations. Children are always, all ears. No doubt, they will love to hear something interesting and tell their tales of school. This way, the whole family learns something new.
5. To Pass on Traditions
Every family has a set of traditions that are passed on through generations. It could be something as simple as having a secret handshake or going to a fancy restaurant once a month. Traditions make you feel special together.
6. To Learn to Deal with Highs and Lows Together
A family means being there for each other in both the good and the bad. A family is all about fighting the odds, together. Familial bonds are beautiful, and the whole point of being a family is to support one another through thick and thins. When you spend quality time with your family, you get to know what's going on in each other's lives.
7. To Understand One Another
When you spend time with your family, you get to know your loved ones better. This way, you understand them well. You learn what they love, their pet peeves, and their fears. The more time you spend with your loved ones, the more you will understand them.
10 Ideas to Maximize Family Time
Now that you know why spending time with your family is so important, try these ways to spend quality time with your loved ones.
1. Have At Least One Meal Together
Make it a point to have at least one meal together as a family. You could have breakfast or dinner together. We know that having lunch together every day is not possible because of your jobs but don't let that stop you from spending time as a family Enjoy a meal together, share your thoughts and feelings, and spend quality time.
2. Exercise or Workout Together
Working out with your family members can be a lot of fun. This is a double win for all as this way you will be healthy as well. Join the local gym, or simply, work out at home if you've got the equipment. You can also teach your kids to exercise. Start teaching simple exercises to your kids; once they get a knack of it, they will look forward to exercising schedules and spending time with you.
3. Go for a Walk After Dinner
There's just something beautiful about the nights, don't you think? There is silence but it is peaceful. It's the best time to go for a walk. After your meal and before going to bed, make it a point to take a walk or stroll on the empty road outside. Take your family along. Talk to each other, make plans for the future, and just enjoy!
4. Pick a Book to Read
You could read a book to your little one. Inculcating the habit of reading is a great way to expand knowledge and creativity. Pick a good book to read, and you can later discuss what you've read. This way you can spend time with your kid and help him learn a new story as well.
5. Plan a Day Out Each Month
Once a month, go out on a field trip or picnic. And every year, plan a vacation to a place where you have never been before. Travelling and visiting places can be great fun and is a fantastic way to spend some quality time with your family.
6. Turn Off Your Phone
You're with your family. The plan is to spend quality time. Taking calls, especially from work, should be the last thing you do when you're spending time with your family. So, switch off your phones and focus on each other.
7. Cook a Meal Together
Cooking is a great activity and doing this together as a family is a great way to spend family time. You can cook a new dish each time, or stick to an old tradition and cook a particular dish that is an old recipe passed on through generations.
8. Clean the House Together
Cleaning the house may not sound fun, but when you do it together as a family, it becomes fun. You could revamp your house, move the furniture around, and get rid of all that clutter. At the end of the day, you'll be satisfied to see that you did something productive and spent time with your family as well.
9. Spread Smiles
Doing a good deed for people will not only make them happy but you as well. You could visit an old-age home, orphanage, or an NGO. The choice is yours, just make sure that you spend a good time there and bring a smile on the faces of the people who need to smile more often. Helping others will instil a sense of gratitude and love in all your family members.
10. Help Your Children with Their School Work
Take some time off to help your children with their school work. You need to know what's going on in your child's life, and at this point, school is their second home. Helping them out with their homework will allow you to figure out their weaknesses and strong points. Sparing time to spend with the children will instil a sense of confidence in them as well. They will be more open to coming face to face with their weaknesses and fears they have about school if you are by their side.
Spending time with your family is not a chore, it is a privilege. To have people in your life who love you immensely is a blessing. Do not take your loved ones for granted. Spend time with them and make memories.
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Post Office Saving Schemes for Boy Child in India
Saving up for your little one's future is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Post office accounts are one of the oldest but safest ways to save money for your child. And the best time to start saving up for your son is now!
What Post Office Saving Scheme Options Are Available for a Boy Child?
There are a few postal schemes for boy child that you can invest in, and a few of them are the Ponmagan Podhuvaippu Nidhi, Post Office National Savings Certificate Scheme, Post Office Recurring Deposit, Post Office Monthly Saving Scheme, Kisan Vikas Patra, and the Public Provident fund. Most of these schemes can be opened with a minimum amount of Rs. 500, and come with a standard rate of interest that changes annually according to the ongoing market. The best part opening a Post Office Savings Scheme account is that post office is usually located in almost every locality. In addition to this, with the entire system going digital, post offices are following suit as well, so you can keep a tab on the transactions from the confines of your home.
Details of Ponmagan Podhuvaippu Nidhi Scheme
Our post office has several schemes for the girl child, but the same cannot be said for boys. However, recently, the Tamil Nadu Government came up with an example for post office schemes for baby boy of our country. This scheme is called the Ponmagan Podhuvaippu Nidhi. The ponmagan scheme for your boy child can be opened anytime before your child is ten years old. The minimum amount required for opening this account is Rs. 500, and the maximum amount is Rs. 1.5 Lakhs. As a depositor, you can deposit money into this account only twelve times in a year. As far as the rate of interest is concerned, it stands at 9.70%. However, this changes annually in accordance to the various government policies and market conditions. According to the income tax act (section 80C), you can claim tax benefits and deductions of up to a limit of Rs. 1.5 lakhs in a year. In addition to this, any interest that was earned on this investment can also be claimed under the same act. This scheme also allows the parent, who is the depositor, to pledge the scheme for the application of a loan. However, the parent will be allowed to do so only after a four years post the opening date of this account.
Does this Scheme Application to All Over India?
No, this scheme is applicable only in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Post Office Saving Schemes That Allow Investment in The Name of Minor Male Child?
As mentioned above, there are several schemes for baby girls, but there are limited options under the post office boy child plan. However, there are a few standard saving schemes that you can open in the name of a minor male child, and they include the following -
1. Post Office National Savings Certificate
The Post Office National Savings Certificate scheme was introduced in the 1950’s, with the intention of raising money for the development of the citizens of our country. The shift from a fund generating investment scheme that it was in the 1950’s to a savings scheme was a recent development. You can open this account if you plan on saving money for your child who is below the age of 18 years, in the name of your child or you, as a parent, or a legal guardian.
2. Post Office Recurring Deposit
Just like other banks, the India Post Office offers a recurring deposit account as well. This recurring deposit account includes a five-year scheme where the account holder or depositor is required to deposit a specific amount of money on a monthly basis. Interest will be warned accordingly.
3. Post Office Monthly Saving Scheme
This scheme is considered to be one of the safest schemes in the country, as the returns and investments fall under the radar of the government and are organized accordingly. The Post Office Monthly scheme involves a monthly payment that has to be made, based on which the investor will receive an amount on every investment that is made. You can open this account for your boy child, but it will also be required that you open a joint Monthly Income Scheme account which is clubbed with yours as well.
4.Kisan Vikas Patra
This scheme goes way back to 1988 when it was first introduced. Common among the lower and middle-income families of our country, this scheme was discontinued for a brief period in the year 2011 but was back again thanks to popular demand of the same. The Kisan Vikas Patra is a savings scheme for those who plan on depositing large amounts on a yearly basis thereby acquiring interest at a rate that is predetermined. A government investment plan, the Kisan Vikas Patra can be opened by the legal guardian or parent, on behalf of the minor male child.
5. Public Provident fund
A Public Provident Fund is a tax saving investment scheme that was first introduced in the year 1968. As an investor, you can retain this scheme and invest in this fund for a period of 15 years. One of the benefits of this scheme is that you can claim the many income tax benefits that fall under this scheme. The parent or legal guardian can open a public provident fund for the minor male child.
People save money for their children for various reasons like marriage, health, education, or career - whatever be the reason, saving money for your child has numerous benefits and will come in handy should the need for money arise. Go ahead and see which of the above schemes works best for you, and start saving right away.
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Government Schemes for Girl Child in India
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Importance of Play in Your Child's Development
Playing is literally synonymous with childhood. Children and kids all around the world seem to invest a lot of time in playing around. Though this might not seem productive to us as adults, as parents, we need to understand that child development through play is essential and integral to their growth. Play and early childhood development go hand-in-hand right from social skills to kinetic skills. The value of play in early childhood education plays a strong role in keeping that in focus even during schooling.
Why is Play Important in Kid's Development?
Here are some reasons why regular play is essential for children.
1. No better education than play
Playing around with other kids in various environments literally sets the basic stones for kids to learn, practice, and create a safe space for expressing their own selves.
2. Learning in a social construct
Most learning activities focus on individual focus and studying intimately in an isolated environment. While playing, right from hide-and-seek to playing tag, your kid understands and learns from group dynamics and how people interact with each other.
3. Communication between children and adults
In a parent-child dynamic, having only disciplinary or authoritative communication does not relate to being a good parent. Letting down your guard and engaging with your kid on their level further solidifies the bond, and also teaches them how to interact with other adults in a polite manner.
4. Understanding the strength of spontaneity
All the learning activities in a kid’s life are gradual and paced. Sports and other physical play activities are where your kid understands how to respond to situations quickly or know what their natural spontaneous response is. From balancing a ball on their heads to gauging the distance for a throw, these activities help develop instantaneous thinking modules of your child’s brain.
5. Introducing children to the concept of choice
Digital games give too many options to choose from without really teaching your kid anything much. In an environment with other kids and sports choices, your kid learns to make rational thought-out decisions out of many others. This allows them to choose what they want to play, as well as make quick choices and decisions while immersed in play.
6. The joy of open space in expressing yourself
Sitting in classrooms and study tables every day can get easily boring for any kid. The openness of playing outside and running around wherever they wish brings a level of joy and freedom to your kid that is quite newfound.
7. Rediscover your own joy of playing all over again
You, as parents, tend to rarely find time for any play activity from your daily responsibilities. Mixing yourselves in your child’s play not only makes you a better parent but reinvigorates you by making you a child again as well.
8. Understand your child’s non-verbal cues
Observing your child as they play can help you glean a lot about them. Their body language can reveal a lot about their attitude, whether they are hesitant or aggressive, whether they are a follower or a leader.
9. Learning the skill of patience
As a kid tries their hand at any sport, they naturally fail and make mistakes. As a parent, it is extremely important to be patient with them and help them get over the obstacles they face in their way. It might be the most obvious and simplest in your eyes, but for the kid, it is new and confusing. Help them through it.
10. Becoming a fun and sociable person in life
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. With just a little amount of play introduced in life, both you and your children will be happier and more interactive with the people around you.
What are the Different Types of Play?
1. Passive Play
Your kid is unoccupied and just simply engaging in random activities and exploration.
2. Independent Play
Your child starts playing alone by themselves with their toys. They might want you to join them, but they don’t know it yet and are satisfied with what they are doing.
3. Observational Play
Your child observes other kids or adults play, but does not participate. They could be shy, or they could be understanding the game, or they could just be stepping back and enjoying it.
4. Parallel Play
Imagine two kids playing in one room by themselves. Not with each other. This may seem strange but even in such a scenario, kids learn a lot about each other in this play style.
5. Associative Play
This is a step further from parallel play but there’s a level of interaction between the kids. Imagine each kid making something using clay and asking each other whether they should make it better or asking for their help.
6. Co-operative Play
The most natural pinnacle to attain, this is where kids play together with each other. This could be in sports, or solving puzzles, or planning a game together, too.
7. Fantasy Play
Kids love to enact different roles and that’s what they start doing. They could be making sound effects using toys, or mimicking incidents they read in books or saw on television.
8. Competitive Play
Introduction to the concept of winning and losing is where this type of play holds the greatest value. Kids begin to understand what it means to be better than where they are and would need your advice at times to be able to process a loss.
9. Constructive Play
If you’ve made houses out of pillows, or castles in the sand, or even a model out of craft material, that is what constructive play is all about - the creation of an entity that helps them learn how things come together.
10. Symbolic Play
Playing doesn’t have to be restricted to games. Kids could indulge in singing together, or making random music, or even drawing abstract art on a paper to express what they would want to.
How to Encourage and Make Play Enjoyable for Children?
Here’s how you could make your kid excited about playing.
1. Restrict digital screens
Kids should definitely watch good TV content and work on computers. But it’s best to keep a restricted time for them and schedule it on an incentive basis. Also, avoid placing any gadgets or screens inside your kid’s bedroom.
2. Restrict electronic games
Remote cars, flashing toys, Kinect, are all flashy gadgets but are not exactly sociable games or focus on physical movement. Go for a variety of toys such as Frisbees, badminton racquets, or even dolls and playhouses that help kids indulge in their creativity to make them interesting.
3. Fixed hours of play
Kids can instantly indulge in play when they are distracted. This can cause them to not focus on their studies or be constantly anxious about when they would get a chance to play. By scheduling a fixed time for play, their mindset is already prepared when the time begins and are back in the zone for studying or other activities once playtime is over.
4. Outdoor play should be highly encouraged
Kids spend a lot of their time inside classrooms and then back inside homes. Child development through play can be achieved with a good amount of time spent out exploring in nature. Take them out to a park or a playground and join them if you can. Plan an outdoor picnic once a month that includes activities like camping, exploring, and so on.
5. Dress well to play well
Only when a child is fully comfortable will they focus on the play and have a great time. Make sure they wear proper shoes with comfortable clothes. Use breathable fabric in summers and jackets in winters. Ensure they are wearing protective gear whenever needed.
As adults and parents, we always look back at our childhood and play years in a nostalgic fashion as an era when we had fun. Beyond fun, it is an activity that makes sure everyone grows together as humans and lives together as a society by learning to interact with each other and communicate in the best of ways. This is key to childhood development and play is just as an important factor for it.
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8 Tips To Help Your Baby Remember Things
Your baby's brain contains billions of neurons at birth and in the first few years this number grows to a trillion. Brain cells start connecting to each other - right from when baby is born and till the third year. This is important because brain cells aren't of any use until they are “wired” to each other. This brain wiring is the key to helping your baby remember!
Brain cells that are not connected during birth need to be stimulated in order to establish a connection. In simple words, when the brain is used, brain cells connect. And the result is improved memory.
Try Out These Tips to Stimulate Your Baby's Brain and Improve His Memory
1. Talk to Your Baby
Having a meaningful conversation with your baby makes them feel happy. Respond to your infant's coos with delighted vocalizations or parentese. When parents speak slowly in a high-pitched voice and an exaggerated tone, it is known as parentese. For example, say 'hellloooo baaaabyyyy' instead of 'hello baby'.
2. Play Games
Playing games that involve hands makes baby look at your facial expressions and hands and notice your words. This motivates their brain to form connections internally. One of the most effective ways to do this is via flash cards. These will not only stimulate your baby, they will also help him learn to read. You can get a variety of flash cards on animals, birds, colors, flowers, shapes, etc.
3. Choose Healthy Food
Even before your baby is born, give them a physically healthy start with good nourishment. Be aware of which foods are good brain foods and which ones will hamper baby’s brain cells.
4. Stroking
Stroking your baby’s tummy and hair is very important for the growth of your baby’s brain. Studies show that babies who are not touched often have brains that are smaller than normal for their age.
5. Choose Toys Which Stimulate the Baby’s Brain
Developmentally appropriate toys allow babies to explore and interact. Some toys help them build the “if then” reasoning. This means that if baby is able to stack one block over another one, baby understand the connection or reason between them. If he is unable to stack them, even then the baby starts connecting the dots as to why the blocks are falling. Click here to check out toys like building blocks, baby laptop, etc. that are sure to stimulate baby's brain development while keeping her entertained.
6. Positively Responding to Baby Cries
When your baby cries, it is important that you immediately cuddle, nurture and reassure your child. This helps build positive brain circuitry in the limbic area of the brain, which relates to emotions. This act of love and your day to day intimate engagement with your baby signals emotional security to the baby’s brain, which helps him develop efficiently.
7. Sing Songs
While singing songs to your baby, your body and hand movements help your baby integrate the sounds with small and large actions. Songs enhance your child’s learning patterns.
8. Provide Complete Emotional Support
All children are different and unique. Some children adjust easily to new situations, some are bold and impulsive, and some are shy. It is very important for parents to match and adjust with the baby’s temperament and accept the child with love and warmth. Providing comfort will help your child to learn freely and will enhance memory.
Each child needs complete attention, love and care throughout childhood, especially during the first three years of birth. This is when the key milestones in all development areas including memory are formed. Love – that's all your baby really needs to develop a sharp memory! Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Hii i haven't got my period for April month and I did a home test today it's negative and iam experiencing light brown spotting. Does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come, bit worried can anyone tell me what does that mean
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. better to get the ultrasound examination for accuracy. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. Hello I had missed my period for April month and today I have done home test with prega news and result is negative. Am experiencing light brown spotting today and back pain and stomach pain. Is it ok to have missed period for over a month and what does that mean am i pregnant or my period is about to come. Iam bit worried about this please do help me.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. wait for sometime you can do beta hCG or ultrasound examination. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. i'm feeling pain in lower abdomen on daily basis
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. there is need for examination investigations even urine test. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. I am 5 month pregnant and have thyroid and gastational diabetes can i eat dates plzz suggest me
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. okay in small quantities bh. 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
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Mom of a 7 m old child
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Q. #asktheexpert ...Mera refund KB TK ho ayega ,Maine ek baby wrapper order kita tha
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
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A. This place is associated with parenting section if you have anything to ask associated with that can help you and guide you on that but if your queries associated with the shopping section then kindly get in touch with the concerned department by calling them on the helpline number
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A. not really
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