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5 things about breastfeeding no one told me about
"The moment a child is born, a mother is also born." This quote cannot be truer considering the rush of emotions and things to do that come with becoming a mother. One of the first "new" things I encountered on becoming a mother for the first was that of breastfeeding. While I breastfed for quite sometime, there are a few learnings I picked up on my journey of breastfeeding which no one told me, but I’m glad I embraced it.
You will not get milk, the minute you start breastfeeding and stressing about it makes things worse. Colostrum is the first liquid which is produced for the first 2-4 days which looks clear or a golden yellow Color. It is liquid gold, rich in nutrients, highly concentrated and full of protein - the perfect first food for your little angel. The key to a woman’s mental health about breastfeeding is knowing that colostrum comes in small quantities naturally. Transitional milk then starts getting produced 2-5 days after delivery until 2 weeks, post which, mature milk is produced.
The power of pumping! I think it is vastly underestimated in breast milk production. Pumping after feeding empties the breasts making the body produce again to refill. Breast milk production follows a demand and supply method. The more the demand, the more the supply. If the baby is sick and may not feed that often it helps maintaining the supply. Manual breast pump and electric breast pumps are the options available. There are brands like Philips Avent and others which make good quality and convenient to use pumps. I personally have used the Philips Avent pump which is I found super comfortable and fast with few parts so cleaning and sterilising isn’t a hassle. I would personally prefer the electric pumps because it saves time and effort. Using either type of breast pumps has never been easier with the instruction manuals and videos available, it makes pumping a less daunting task than it appears.
Rooting is a natural reflex which babies are born with. It basically is the turning of the babies head towards the "root" - the mothers breast. But if the newborn hasn’t developed it yet, milk can be hand expressed to help guide their mouth to the nipple. It can also be triggered by gently stroking or touching the corners of their sweet little mouths and which mom wouldn’t love to do that ?! Sucking is also a natural reflex albeit different from rooting. When the roof of the mouth of the baby is stimulated, sucking comes in, allowing the baby to "drink". There is a possibility that a newborn may need help with these reflexes, it does not mean that breastfeeding is not possible. Any concerns regarding these reflexes should be discussed with a lactation specialist to get to the root of the issue and fix it.
Breastfeeding made me hungry all the time. There are many myths regarding diet during breastfeeding and while all advice may not be particularly wrong, it is best to consult a lactation specialist for proper guidance. Consuming a balanced diet which is rich in proteins is ideal. And importantly hydration is everything ! Since breast milk is composed of more than 80% water, replenishing the use of water in our bodies is critical to avoid getting dehydrated.
Every baby is different and so is the time they take to breastfeed. While there are some general numbers to get an idea, these aren’t set in stone and isn’t the best way to judge whether milk supply is enough or not. A better method would be to check for count of wet diapers. Newborns may nurse 20 minutes or even longer on one or both breasts, some may needs 8 sessions and some 12 or even more. Feeding often and on cue is the best way to keep stress at bay. For mothers like me, who are fussy, keeping track of the feeding schedule of babies using apps or diaries, kept me sane knowing that there is pattern and when to expect the next feed. Having said that, there should always be room for changes and updates in the baby’s feeding schedule as they grow.
All in all, questions about supply, about whether or not the child has had enough wet diapers, questions about your diet are all part of the breastfeeding journey. The key is to keep stress as far away as possible, eating a balanced diet and staying happy with the knowledge that your child is being given the best you can do and there is nothing better than that.
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Rectal Bleeding during Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies & Prevention
What is Rectal Bleeding during Pregnancy?
Rectal bleeding, or anal bleeding, is usually a result of anal fissures. An anal fissure is a small tear in the tissue that lines the anus. It is quite common to see bright red blood after bowel movement during pregnancies and after birth, usually when passing hard stools. Blood in the stool due to anal fissures can cause a burning sensation after a bowel movement.
Symptoms
There are various symptoms of rectal bleeding in pregnancy, a few of which are listed below:
Fever
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Changing bowel habits
Prolonged or severe diarrhoea
Irregular bowel movement (denoted by narrow and thin stools called ‘pencil-stools’)
Other noted symptoms that indicate the need to undergo emergency medical treatment are:
Black or maroon stools
Large volumes of blood loss
Rectal trauma accompanied by difficulty in breathing
Causes of Rectal Bleeding in Pregnant Women
Rectal bleeding mostly occurs due to anal fissures in the body. Pregnant women are often prone to constipation, due to which they pass hard stools. This can strain the rectum during bowel movements. Taking high-dosage vitamin medications can also cause constipation and irregular bowel movements in women. A lack of fibre in the diet can sometimes trigger problems with bowel movement, increasing chances of rectal bleeding.
Less common causes of rectal bleeding include:
Anal cancer
Colon cancer
Colon polyps (a condition where a clump of cells forms on the lining of the colon, i.e., the large intestine)
Inflammation of the rectum
Diverticulosis (a condition where pouches form in the wall of the large intestine)
Crohn's disease (an inflammatory bowel disease)
Diarrhoea
Rectal cancer
Ulcerative colitis (a condition that causes inflammation and sores in the lining of the large intestine)
Rectal Bleeding Diagnosis
A physical examination is done to treat rectal bleeding and diagnose its origins. Low blood pressure and elevated heartbeat are major indicators of high-volume blood loss due to rectal bleeding, warranting emergency medical treatment. A vital diagnostic test involves passing a flexible tube into the stomach to check for signs of active bleeding. The anus is inspected to check for external sources of bleeding such as trauma, and a finger examination may entail assessing the characteristics of stool, tenderness, and checking for the presence of masses. Regarding blood loss volumes, blood samples are taken to the lab to assess blood clotting factor and check for signs of infection.
Other common diagnostic tests involve anoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, Barium enema X-rays, CT scans, and angiography. Colonoscopy can be used to examine the inside of the rectum. These diagnostic tests involve checking for tumours in the anus and examine lower ends of the colon to check for brisk/active bleeding. Additionally, nuclear medicine studies can be used to tag red blood cells and pinpoint regions in the colon where slow bleeding occurs.
Rectal Bleeding Treatment and Remedies during Pregnancy
Minor rectal bleeding can be treated with home remedies while severe cases include medical treatment at the hospital. The most common home remedies for rectal bleeding during pregnancy are:
Eating high-fibre foods that relieve constipation, such as green vegetables like beans, squash, prunes, figs, and nutrient-dense meals rich in Omega-3 fatty acids supplemented with probiotics. Warm bone broths and herbal teas also work. Avoid alcohol and spicy foods.
Consuming adequate amounts of water throughout the day
Getting enough exercise and jumping on a trampoline to relieve the lymphatic system also works. Light exercises like jogging, swimming, yoga, and low-impact routines can gently regulate bowel movements and enhance bowel function.
Stress reduction techniques and incorporating relaxation routines in one's daily life is also helpful. Reducing stress helps the rectum heal and allows the body to improve its inflammatory response naturally, thus reducing inflammation and chances of further complications.
Note: Make sure to check with your doctor before starting any new foods or exercises during pregnancy.
Prevention
The most common ways to prevent rectal bleeding in pregnancy are:
Allow yourself to go to the bathroom when the urge arises and do not forcefully withdraw from discharging stool when needed
Make sure your diet is loaded with high-fibre content, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. This can help prevent rectal bleeding
Get regular exercise and relaxation
Stay hydrated, and make sure you drink fluids every day to reduce chances of constipation
Avoid medications with high-doses of iron since they can cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider to replace them with safe, over-the-counter fibre supplements
Will this Bleeding Harm Your Baby?
No. Rectal bleeding can occur weeks after the baby's birth too. It does not harm babies in any way during either pregnancy or childbirth.
When to Call the Doctor
If you're experiencing the following symptoms then calling the doctor is recommended. These signs should be evaluated by a doctor.
Vaginal bleeding
Low blood pressure
Elevated heart rates
Experiencing rectal bleeding despite following home treatment protocols
Signs of bleeding accompanied by back pain
Pain in the abdomen
You may be prescribed a laxative to take during pregnancy. Discomfort caused by rectal bleeding can be eased by gently wiping the anus-area with a fragrance-free and alcohol-free toilet wipe rather than using conventional bathroom tissues.
Healing of anal fissures automatically occurs weeks after the pregnancy. Experiencing Piles, which leads to added pressure on the rectum area and causes inflammation, is common during pregnancies. Consider taking paracetamol if the pain in the rectum persists despite having frequent bowel movements and taking multiple trips to the bathroom.
Rectal bleeding that occurs from haemorrhoids and anal fissures automatically goes away as the body heals itself after pregnancies. If you are not sure where the bleeding originates from, be it from the rectum, or vagina, you should consider making a call to the doctor.
While rectal bleeding is usually no cause for serious concern, it is always best to take the required precautions. Also, pay a visit to the doctor if the symptoms are intense and persistent. Read more
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Water Conservation for Kids - Facts & Tips to Save Water
Even though the maximum area of the earth is covered with water, there is only a small portion of it that can be used by us. Such water information for kids may be taught in school, but that needs to be accompanied by a sense of awareness and responsibility to be instilled in them. With a few facts and techniques that can help conserve water, this can be attained in a powerful and easy manner.
Water Facts Every Child Should Know
A water molecule is formed when two atoms of hydrogen bond together with one atom of oxygen.
Water exists on the planet in three states of matter. The solid state is ice, the liquid state is the usual water, and the gaseous state is steam or water vapour.
Water has a peculiar quality of expanding its volume as its temperature falls in the range of 4 degree Celsius to the freezing point at zero degree Celsius.
Nearly 70 percent of the surface of the Earth consists of water.
The water that is found in seas and oceans is called as seawater, which is quite salty. A kilogram of seawater consists of about 35 grams of salt.
Water is one of the most powerful solvents. Various salts, sugars, acids, chemicals can easily dissolve in water.
Although Earth might be the only planet that we know with liquid water, there is water present on Mars in the form of frozen ice caps.
The water cycle is what keeps life sustained on Earth. The Sun’s heat evaporates the water to form water vapour. These clump together to form clouds which then dissipate water on the surface in the form of rain. This water flows in the form of rivers that reaches the seas and oceans and the cycle continues.
Water in its purest form does not have any smell or any taste.
The pH value of water is termed as neutral, at the value of 7.
The human body requires a lot of water to prevent dehydration and helps keep the body temperature regulated. This is one of the most important drinking water facts for kids.
Nearly 2 litres of water is required by an adult on a daily basis for maintaining good health.
75 percent of the human brain is made up of water.
A person can go without food for nearly a month, but can barely go a week without drinking any water.
Koalas do not consume water directly at all. The water that their body requires is acquired from the trees and fruits that they eat.
Another important area where water is highly required is agriculture.
Water is also used to extinguish fires by fire engines or even by helicopters to control forest fires.
Water is required all over the world in substantial quantities for cooking food. This could be in restaurants or even in far-flung areas.
A lot of electricity that reaches our homes is generated by use of hydroelectric plants that make use of water stored in dams.
Water bodies are used for fun activities, too. Various water parks are built around this concept as well.
Water pollution is a problem that is faced all over the world. Nearly 780 million people on Earth do not have access to clean drinking water.
Polluted water contains a lot of harmful chemicals dumped by industries as well as various bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases.
Water wastage is maximal in toilets and bathrooms. Nearly 30% of the water that is used in households is wasted in the form of flushing toilets.
Many cities do have to end up buying or importing water from other areas to satisfy their water consumption quota.
The amount of the water on Earth is constant. It has stayed the same since the time Earth was created
Ways to Conserve Water for Kids
There are various saving water facts for kids that can be put to use and help them understand water conservation better.
1. Save Water in The Kitchen
Do not keep the kitchen taps open throughout. Once the utensil is made wet, turn off the tap.
If the tap is found to be leaking even when closed, let your mom or dad know so that they can get it fixed.
Wash all the dishes together instead of one at a time. In that way, you can keep the amount of water used to a minimal.
Scrape out any food items that might be present on the dishes. These can be used in your garden as a fertilizer in the form of compost.
If any water is remaining in the glasses after guests drink it, or ice cubes stay as they are, these should be poured in the garden instead of the sink.
Do not take more water than necessary. Fill your glass twice if you need more water but don’t fill it to the brim.
2. Save Water in Bathroom
When washing your hands, you don’t need to keep the water running. After your hands are wet, turn off the tap. Rinse your hands with soap, and then turn on the tap to wash them.
Even while brushing the teeth, turn on the tap only when you have to rinse your mouth and clean the brush. Do not keep the faucet open while you are brushing.
If you see your dad keep the tap open while he is shaving, ask him to close the tap. If he needs water to clean the razor, keep the water in a small bowl next to him. That can be used instead.
It is best to take a shower instead of using a bathtub. A tub uses a lot of water as compared to a 5-minute shower. But don’t extend your showers too much.
Turn off the showers when using soap or rinsing your body. Save water wherever possible.
In summers, save water by opting for a bucket bath instead. Just one bucket of water is enough for a clean bath.
Try using partial flushes for toilets. Use the smaller flush when you have just urinated. Use the larger flush when having pooped. This keeps the toilet clean and reduces water usage.
3. Save Water Outdoors
A lot of water is wasted while washing a car. If using a bucket, make sure you use half a bucket to clean the car with soap. Follow it up with one full bucket of clean water to rinse it, and that should be enough.
If using a water pipe to clean the car, don’t keep the water running. Wet the car and then turn off the hose. Soap the car and use the hose again to wash it.
If your lawns or gardens have sprinklers, adjust them in such a way that they cover maximum area possible. Make sure that water is not sprayed out onto the road or the footpath.
By making use of compost and other fertilizers, your soil can hold moisture well which will reduce the amount of water you need to give your garden.
When washing the area in front of your home, use a broom and sweep it clean instead of pouring bucket after bucket of water.
Water your plants and your garden in the mornings and evenings. The evaporation is the least at this time and the soil will be able to hold water easily.
Opt for techniques that harness rainwater during monsoons. A lot of water just flows off terraces and window sills outside which is totally wasted. Harnessing this water can be used for gardens and flushing the toilets and bathrooms.
Storing rainwater and purifying it for drinking purposes can make your home completely sustainable for a few months.
A lot of water is wasted in festivals like Holi just for fun. Try enjoying the festival by using dry colours instead. This avoids water pollution as well as keeps your skin safe.
If you do want to enjoy water games, mix them with an activity such as gardening the lawn or washing the car.
Water conservation methods for kids are extremely essential and need to be taught the right way at the right time. A water crisis is about to dawn upon us if the right steps are not taken in time to conserve the resources in the best way possible. Educating children about these is a good way to make sure that the generation that grows up understands the necessity of it and keeps taking the right steps to ensure a better future for themselves and the generations to come.
Also Read:
Pollution Facts for Kids
Air Pollution Facts for kids
Earth Facts for Kids Read more
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9 Craft Projects to Turn Old Stuff into Brand New Stuff!
Most of us believe in getting the maximum out of household items, even if their life is practically over. Be it those stacks of paper cups we store in case guests come by or those old CDs we keep lying around for their nostalgia factor, we’ve all got things that are kept at home for a day that most likely will never come! So, we bring you some craft projects you can make with your child out of items like these.
Craft Projects to Make Your Own Home Decor
Most of us like to adorn our home with beautiful and innovative pieces of art. So, why not make them yourself instead of buying? Here are some things that are both beautiful and useful.
1. Flower Vase from Water Bottle
Water bottles cease to be of use when they start leaking. You can turn them into colourful flower vases instead.
[caption id="attachment_239745" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
Old water bottle
Coloured wrapping paper
Glue/tape
Scissors
How to Make:
Take the old bottle and wash it under running water.
Allow it to dry. Discard the cap.
Once it dries completely, take the coloured paper and cover the bottle with it. You can use tape or glue for this.
Place plastic or real flowers in your new flower vase!
2. CD Wall Hanging
If you have CDs that don’t work anymore or you’d rather not use them, they can make for a wall hanging in your living room.
[caption id="attachment_239799" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
3 old CDs
2 ice cream sticks (for support)
Glue/tape
Scissors
Flower stickers
Coloured paper
Craft items like small beads, leaves, etc.
A piece of thread (to hang it on the wall)
How to Make:
Take a CD and cover one side with coloured paper.
Stick one flower sticker at the centre of the CD, on the uncovered side. The sticker should cover the hole.
Use glue to stick the small leaves, beads, buttons, etc. to the uncovered side. Follow these steps for the remaining two.
Now, arrange the disks in a vertical line such that the covered side faces you.
Stick the ice cream stick in a way that one half of it supports the bottom of the first CD while the other half supports the top of the second CD.
Do the same for the second and third CD.
To the topmost CD, paste a piece of thread so that you can hang it up.
Your new CD wall hanging is ready to decorate the living room!
3. Ice Cream Stick Pencil Stand
Don’t throw away the sticks after your child gobbles up the ice cream! You can use them to make an ice cream stick pen stand for your child’s school stationery.
[caption id="attachment_239751" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
10 used ice cream sticks
Old plastic cup
Scissors
Glue
Crayons
Beads, bows, etc.
How to Make:
Wash the ice- ream sticks and cup thoroughly so that the stickiness goes away.
Let your child colour the ice cream sticks using different crayons.
Glue the sticks to the outer part of the cup.
Let your child decorate it using beads, bows, etc.
Now he can easily find his pencils in his handmade pencil stand!
4. Paper Cup Lights
Now, you can use the leftover paper cups from your child’s birthday party to make glowing fairy lights! (This craft project needs to be done by the parent)
[caption id="attachment_239753" align="aligncenter" width="325"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
parent can help for craft
What You Need:
A few white paper cups
Water colours
Small LED lights
Paper cutter knife
How to Make:
Let your child paint the cups in colours of his choice.
Keep the cups aside to dry.
Then, put two slits in the shape of an X at the bottom of every cup.
Insert one LED bulb through each slit so that the cups are in a horizontal line.
Switch off the main lights and watch the fairy lights glow!
Craft Projects to Make Your Child’s Playtime Fun
Not only decorative objects, but you can also make toys for your child to snuggle up to in bed.
1. Sock Snake
You can make a soft toy with the socks your child has outgrown. Socks that have got holes in them can also be used. (This craft project needs to be done by the parent)
[caption id="attachment_239755" align="aligncenter" width="563"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
parent can help for craft
What You Need:
Old socks (they need not be a pair)
Buttons/googly eyes
Sewing thread (any colour)
Scissors
Wool (for stuffing)
How to Make:
Wash the socks and let them dry.
Arrange them in front of you and cut each sock into 3-inch and 4-inch strips.
Sew the pieces to one another along the top and bottom sides. Remember that all of them should be turned inside out.
Stitch googly eyes or buttons and a tongue to the sock for the head.
Fill the snake with wool and stitch up the tail.
Your child’s handmade soft toy is ready.
2. Plastic Bag Holder from Juice Bottle
We know you might have a lot of plastic bags lying around at home. So, here’s an excellent way to have them at hand always. You can use a cold drink bottle to make a plastic bag holder.
[caption id="attachment_239756" align="aligncenter" width="258"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
Old juice/cold drink bottle with cap
Plastic cutter knife (to make a slit)
Scissors
A piece of thread (to hang it up)
How to Make:
Wash the bottle and keep it to dry.
Cut a slit near the base of the bottle. This should be just big enough for a bag to be pulled out.
Remove the cap and stuff all your plastic bags inside such that they reach the bottom.
You can place the cap on the bot parent can help for crafttle and also make a hole in it to tie the thread.
The next time you set out for shopping, simply pull out a bag!
3. Matchbox School Stationery Kit
Has your child misplaced his stationery at school and come home without them? Having a second school stationery kit at home will prevent him from making excuses to do his homework!
[caption id="attachment_239759" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
2 large matchboxes
Coloured markers/sketch pens
Coloured paper
Scissors
Glue
Craft items like plastic leaves and flowers
How to Make:
Take the matchboxes and wrap them with coloured paper.
Using the sketch pens, write “My Stationery Kit” on the front of the box.
You can also use craft items to decorate the box.
Now, get your child a second set of pencils, erasers, and sharpeners, and keep it in this matchbox stationary kit.
4. Cardboard Cartoons
The cardboard roll from used toilet paper or aluminium foil can be used to make a scary cartoon!
[caption id="attachment_239793" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
2 cardboard tubes
Coloured paper
Googly eyes
Coloured markers/sketch pens
Scissors
Glue
How to Make:
Take the cardboard tubes and wrap them with coloured paper.
Stick googly eyes and draw a scary mouth using the coloured markers or sketch pens.
Your child's cartoon toy is ready!
5. Shoebox Maze
A maze will develop direction sense in your child and enhance his desire to move the marble to the finish point. You can make this craft project using just an old shoebox.
[caption id="attachment_239794" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
What You Need:
Old shoebox (without the lid)
Coloured paper
Pen/pencil
A few drinking straws
A marble
Scissors
Glue/tape
Transparent wrapping paper (to cover the box)
How to Make:
Cut out the top and side lids from the shoebox.
Stick the coloured paper to the bottom part of the box, that is, on the inside.
Use a pen to draw the maze lines.
Cut straws as per the length of the maze lines and paste them. (If readymade straws are unavailable, you can make your own using rolled-up newspaper or coloured paper.)
Take another coloured paper and cut out two small squares of equal dimensions.
Stick these squares on opposite sides of the shoebox to make the ‘Start’ and ‘End’ goals.
Put a marble inside the maze.
Your cardboard maze is ready!
There, you’ve made really amazing and new stuff for your home and your child from old items that were easily available. These craft projects will hone his creativity skills and make ‘learning by doing’ a success. Display these craft projects on your house ‘wall’ of fame!
Also Read:
Best Creative Activities for Kids
Creative Out-Of-Waste Material Crafts for Kids
Importance of Art in Child Development & How Parents Can Help Read more
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Mashed khichdi with carrots
Khichdi made up of rice and moong lentils is a comfort meal for many in India. Young babies to senior citizens, those who're ill or recovering, those who are on detox diet (plain khichdi sans any seasoning), all like to grab at least some of this soft and soothing khichdi. Add up vegetables to it, to make up a healthier combo pack of all vital nutrients.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup rice
1/3rd-1/2 cup moong dal
split and husked 1/4th carrot, grated or finely chopped
2-3 cups water
1/4 tsp turmeric
a pinch of salt
ajwain seeds to taste
Method
Step 1
Rinse rice and dal a couple of times and drain.
Step 2
Put all the ingredients together in a large pot with about 2-3 cups water.
Step 3
Cook over high heat, partially covered till it boils.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 5
Simmer, covered, until rice and dal are tender(about 10 minutes).
Step 6
Add more water as needed so as to make a semi-solid or thin consistency.
Step 7
Mash it a little.
Step 8
Serve warm. Add ghee or yogurt, to improve the taste.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 49.8g
Calories
177
Calories from Fat
14
Total Fat
1.5g 2%
Saturated Fat
0.2g 1%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
0mg 0%
Sodium
440mg 18%
Potassium
251mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates
32.3g 11%
Dietary Fiber
7.6g 30%
Sugars
1.3g
Protein
8.4g
Vitamin A
0%
Vitamin C
3%
Calcium
2%
Iron
18%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation. Calories will vary if a different vegetable is added or rice:dal proportions are varied.
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Simple Ways to Stimulate Thinking and Reasoning in Young Children
Thinking and reasoning should be engrained in kids’ personalities while they are young so that these become a habit when they are older. Often, as parents, we tend to believe that kids will automatically learn to reason as they grow older. While this may be true to a certain extent, instilling good thinking and reasoning at an early age makes kids logically strong and makes reasoning a habit as they grow older.
Below are a few ways that, as a parent, I’ve tried and researched on, and that works when it comes to getting kids to think and reason:
Reading: In the words of Emilie Buchwald, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Another famous proverb goes, “A child who reads becomes an adult who thinks.” Reading to our kids strengthens the parent-child bond while inculcating an interest in reading, stimulating creative thinking, improving cognitive development, language skills, and reasoning, and increasing concentration in kids.
Guessing games: Guessing games, like “I spy,” where the child has to describe the things they want for another person to guess, help a child develop new and innovative ways of describing things, thus stimulating the thinking in the child.
An example would be: A child says, “I spy with my little eye something black in the house, and it can keep us entertained.”
The person guessing it would probably say it’s a TV or music system or even a computer.
The child decides the right answer. It’s as simple as this but can be super fun and works especially to get the child to observe things around him and develop innovative ways of describing them. It also helps in the language development of the child.
Asking riddles is another fun yet logical thinking stimulating game. At times, kids make up riddles that have no meaning or sense. Don’t discourage them; on the contrary, try to make sense of what they are asking; this is the first step to get them thinking. Gradually introduce them to riddle books or begin by asking them riddles based on their favorite TV Shows or cartoon characters so that they get the hang of asking riddles. After that, get them to ask you riddles that have a structured answer, which gets them to train their mind to think, begin questioning, and comprehend what they see and listen to. This also enables them to learn to think fast while guessing answers or asking questions.
Change/summarize the story: Read a short story to the kids and ask them to summarize it without changing its meaning. This helps to develop their cognitive intelligence and understanding power. Another way is to ask them to develop new ways to write the story while keeping its crux or moral the same. It’s a fantastic way to stimulate creative thinking in kids.
Change the ending: Read a story to the kids and get them to narrate it in their own words, but with a different ending and a different moral, and then probe why they wanted the story to end in the way they narrated it. You will be surprised at the number of endings a child can come up with!
Don’t intervene immediately: If your kid gets stuck in the middle of a problem or while trying to figure out something, don’t intervene immediately; give them time and space to come up with their solutions. Allow them the liberty of making mistakes, taking their own time to figure out things, and correcting their mistakes their way. Who knows? Their solutions could be better than ours; wait till they ask for help.
Let them be idle: While this may sound stupid, sometimes an idle and relaxed mind can get children thinking and coming up with new ideas and solutions, which otherwise would not have occurred to them.
Household chores: Make them responsible for household chores, like folding their clothes or arranging their cupboards and shelves. I have found that asking kids to manage simple chores like arranging their cupboard or study area so that they will be able to get their stuff easily really helps. So, the kids come up with new ways of arranging their cupboards and stacking their stuff differently each time. This encourages them to be responsible and become logical thinkers too.
Don’t elude their “what if,” “why,” and “how” questions: Children have a bank of these questions that usually will come out at a time when we are extremely busy or totally out of time. In these cases, there is a tendency, as parents, to express irritation, sometimes unknowingly. While this discourages children from thinking, as parents, we can park these questions aside and address them at a more relaxed time. In any case, we shouldn’t forget to address them. Also, remembering to address children's questions later gives them a feeling that they are valued and that their questions are important.
Appreciate their suggestions: Appreciate their suggestions or views, however insignificant or illogical. Appreciating them will get them to want to contribute more and thereby think more.
Indoor games: Indoor games like chess, building- blocks, Lego, clay, slime and connect 4, solving mazes, crosswords, Sudoku, Rubik cube and spot the different kinds of games also help stimulate thinking in kids.
Outdoor games: There is nothing like being exposed to nature and interacting with peers. Outdoor games have ample mental, emotional, social, and physiological benefits while also encouraging children to think, explore, and reason.
These small steps effectively get children to start thinking early, and what better time to start than now!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
13 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
13 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
13 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. You need to have a lot of good proteins and that is what is going to be helpful have a balanced diet and good have good amount of proteins as well which is what is going to be beneficial and good weight gain for your child as well
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