Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
How to Increase Appetite of Baby
Food, clothing, and shelter - that’s pretty much what babies need at the very basic level, along with good sleep and a loving environment. Despite that, you may be upset that your child is not eating properly. He may not be communicating his hunger as frequently as needed, or not eating good enough portions at scheduled meal times. This could affect his weight gain and cause even more worry to you regarding his growth. So if you’re wondering how to increase baby appetite naturally, here are some things you could definitely try out.
Causes of Low Appetite in Babies?
Some of the common causes of low appetite in infants are,
1. Recovering From an Illness
If your baby usually eats well and has been showing poor eating habits off late, it could be due to the fact that he isn’t feeling well or is just recovering from some illness. When ill, all the bodily processes take a hit, digestion included. This results in a loss of appetite. Even after the illness has disappeared, the medication and after-effects could cause the digestive process to take some more time to return to normal, as well as the food to start tasting better, too.
2. Zinc Deficiency
One of the major constituents that are necessary for the stomach to digest the food is hydrochloric acid. This also helps trigger the feeling of hunger. Zinc is primarily responsible for the production of this acid. So if your child has low appetite, there might be a possibility of him suffering from zinc deficiency. This can be easily set back in balance by tweaking the diet. The inclusion of chicken, cashew nuts, wheat bran, pumpkin seeds, and other items that rich in zinc can help bring the levels back to normal.
3. Improper Digestion
Energy is required to process and digest the food in our stomach. This energy is termed agni (fire) in Ayurveda. This energy undergoes a hit when the stomach suffers from indigestion, gases, flatulence or so. Illnesses, too, can result in an improper digestion environment leading to lowered appetites.
4. Slow Down of Growth
Not every low appetite is a sign of a problem. If your child is an infant, his appetite and feeding might be consistent or on a rise in the initial months. But right after 4-5 months, the growth slows down a bit and the energy required to do so reduces as well. This, inevitably, results in reducing the appetite, which is absolutely fine.
5. Too Much of the Same Thing
All diet needs to be in moderation and of the right type. If your child has been consuming a lot of food items made of whole grains, these could keep him full for a long time. Whole grains contain fibre and require quite some time to be digested fully. At the same time, if your baby is dependent on cow’s milk or even the feeding formula more than required, this could adversely affect appetite, leading him to not feel hungry at all.
How to Increase Your Baby's Appetite?
Here are some ways you could try to improve your little one's appetite.
1. Give Him a Nice and Filling Breakfast
The name itself signifies breaking the fast that your body has been on while it was asleep. Therefore, the demand for energy is highest at the start of the day. Having a nutritious and substantial breakfast primes the body into peak metabolic state and kick-starts the day.
2. Change the Meal Structure
We, as adults, might be used to the three-meal structure that gets us through the day without problems. With children, however, since their growth is at a peak, and that uses up quite a lot of energy, their digestive system needs a strong boost. This can be attained by replacing the three-meal structure, and instead, giving them portioned meals every couple of hours or so. This can keep them energised and help them eat the right amount, too.
3. Drinking Water Before a Meal
Be it right after waking up or about half an hour before a meal, water is important in two ways. Firstly, it breaks the fast in the morning and rehydrates the body to replenish the lost water. Secondly, by drinking water, the digestive system prepares itself and expects food to follow it as well. These, together, help in resetting the appetite and make your child hungry again.
4. A Snack Can Be a Meal As Well
The general notion of snacks is random items such as biscuits, chips, and salted mixtures. Instead of snacking on non-nutritious items to kill the hunger, replace them with small sandwiches or nutritional cookies. These take care of the hunger pangs and provide the required nutrition, too.
5. Milk is NOT a Meal
'A glass of milk is the best breakfast,' is actually a myth. It may have good nutrition but simply having milk for breakfast or a meal isn’t enough. Excessive milk consumption reduces the appetite for the following meal, being counterproductive all around. Milk should be kept in moderation and other dairy products can be used as an alternative as well.
6. Peanuts to Increase Appetite
Peanuts are one of those few food items that have properties conducive to supporting the growth of appetite. Fried peanuts are popularly consumed as an appetiser and the same can be useful for your child. If bread and butter snack is one of his favourites, then try replacing the standard butter with peanut butter.
7. Physical Exertion is a Necessity
Nothing can replace a good evening of outside play or a nice exercise session in the morning. Spending energy creates the need for energy in the body, which stimulates the digestive system and makes your stomach ask for more food. You will always notice that children who are heavily engaged in sports and other physical activities rarely have poor eating habits.
8. Cooler Environments Ought to Prevail
The environmental conditions change the appetites of adults as well as children. Generally, the need to eat takes a toll around summers. Compared to that, everyone seems to gorge readily on multiple food items during winter. The surrounding temperature is responsible for our body using up the energy to keep us warm. By maintaining a comparatively cooler surrounding, the metabolic processes will be at a normal pace and lead to the right times to be hungry.
9. Zinc is the Ally We All Need
The presence of zinc is essential to carrying out the very process of digestion itself. Once the hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach are normal, the digestion processes realign themselves. Apart from consuming zinc food items as mentioned earlier, you can get your paediatrician’s approval in using zinc-based supplements as well.
10. The Secret Weapon of Favourite Food
At times, everything is fine and it’s primarily the mood of your child that’s not right. He might be tired of eating food that tastes the same or just be upset with something else. By making something you know he will love no matter what, you can get him started on eating sufficiently.
Foods That Can Help to Increase Appetite in Infants
The following foods can help enhance appetite in kids.
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon has tons of properties. One is the ability to cleanse the palate, and the other is to bring back appetite rather quickly. You can make some lemon water or lemon juice for your child, and give him a glass of it. Soon, his digestive system will start getting activated and he’ll want food.
2. Plum
Plums are known to boost appetite. The nutrients present in them, combined with the peculiar taste, makes them a hit with children, and are beneficial to give your child to boost his appetite.
3. Peach
Acquiring this fruit might have been difficult in the earlier times. Nowadays, the chances of finding peaches in the supermarket or a store are comparatively higher, with all the safe packaging. Peaches are tasty and can be given to your kid to increase his appetite.
4. Curd and Methi Seeds
The constitution of curd makes it a good digestive stimulant. Combine that by taking a few methi or fenugreek seeds, crushing them to make a powder, and mixing it with the curd. Give this to your child and you will see his appetite increase in no time.
5. Curd and Pudina
Another possible ingredient instead of methi seeds can be pudina (mint) leaves, too. This is mostly recommended if your child likes milk, but too much consumption leads to killing the appetite. Take a few pudina leaves, blend them, and add to the curd with some salt. This helps amp up the appetite and can be given even to kids above one year old.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Yes, these seeds are used to cut down cravings, so it might seem strange to include them here. However, the reason for them affecting the digestive process is the presence of zinc in them. A few pumpkin seeds is all that it takes to improve the appetite.
7. Carrot Juice
The benefits of carrot are countless and its tendency to increase the appetite is yet another jewel in its crown. Quite an age-old technique since generations, having a small bowl of carrot juice around 30 minutes before a meal has been known to pretty much restore the hunger needed to have the meal.
8. Peanuts
Zinc. The quintessential ingredient that is needed and is present in peanuts, in good quantities. Do not give peanuts if your child is less than a year old, because peanut allergies are common and your little one could have one, too. Introduce it in a small quantity to check for allergies and make it a part of the diet only if it all seems fine for a week. Peanut in any form, right from butter, to chikki, to a chutney is beneficial.
9. Ajwain Flowers
Also known as thyme, this is pretty good herb to restore appetite in kids. When included in rice or dals, it not only brings out the flavour in it, but further makes they want to have more.
10. Rasam
Popularly had in the south, it is also known to be one of the first solids that a baby has. This soup helps streamline the process of digestion and boost appetite.
11. Oregano
Save those packets you get with your pizza. While adding more flavour, it makes foods appetising as well.
12. Musthaarishtham
A popular tonic among the older generation for both adults and kids, it is quite potent in being able to restore lost appetite in everyone.
13. Ginger
This multi-purpose multi-valued ingredient can be had with some buttermilk to restore the digestive energy, as mentioned in the Ayurveda.
14. Turmeric
Treating everything from infections to indigestion, mixing turmeric with some ghee and giving it to your child before meals can steadily bring back the appetite he had.
15. Chyawanprash
Any popular one from the market can be used regularly to make your kids start having good eating habits again.
16. Daalchini
Also known as cinnamon, the presence of hydroxychalcone in its constitution makes it a powerful ingredient to boost appetite by adding it to various food items.
17. Tulsi
Another remedy that has trickled down generations, having tulsi water or simply the leaves of the basil plant can assist in resetting the hunger of your child.
18. Ashtachoornam
An octa-herbal ayurvedic powder that is quite popular, this can be mixed with rice or ghee and given to young kids to increase their appetite.
19. Hing
Not only does hing get rid of gases and flatulence, but it indirectly affects appetite and reduces the feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Loss of appetite is not a new thing in children. Restoring the appetite takes only a few techniques. Instilling good eating habits from an early age goes a long way in keeping kids healthy.
Also Read: Best Baby Foods Read more
Suggested for you
Eating Fruits at Night - Is It Healthy for You?
Most of us tend to have food cravings towards the night. This can be detrimental to maintaining weight especially if you have a sweet tooth. It is certainly impossible to fall asleep with that gnawing feeling in your tummy. But if you reach out for that leftover lasagne, or chow down a bag of chips, you are in for trouble. The safest option would be a small fruit to quell the hunger. But it doesn’t come without a downside to it as well. Eating fruit before bed isn’t as innocent as you think it would be. We explain why it could have adverse effects on your health and what you need to be wary of when you pick fruit to eat at night.
Is Eating Fruits Before Bed a Good Idea?
Fruits are an integral part of a healthy diet. They are high in fibre and low on calories. Fruits are rich in phytochemicals that help neutralise free radical damage to your body. But your choice of fruit before bedtime is very important. It may be perfectly alright to eat a slice of melon, pear, or kiwi. It is essential, however, to remember that there needs to be an adequate gap between a full meal and consumption of fruits. Fruits being high in fibre get digested and moved to the intestine faster than protein and fat-rich foods. This means that fruits should be eaten much before a heavy meal, or slightly after. Another point to remember about eating fruits at night for dinner is that the spike in sugar can release energy which affects sleep as your body should be prepared to rest.
Benefits of Snacking on Fruits at Night
There are multiple benefits to eating fruit as a snack at night, as mentioned below:
Regular servings of fresh fruits can reduce risks to strokes, kidney failure, heart diseases, diabetes, and bone loss.
Eating high-fibre fruits instead of calorie-heavy snack will help in weight management.
Fruits are packed with micronutrients and essential vitamins which improve your health and your vitality.
When it comes to eating fruits at night, Ayurveda says you can have high fibre fruits like melon or apple that are good for your digestive system and will not cause sleeplessness.
Possible Drawbacks of Having Fruits at Nighttime
One should be aware of small details while eating fruit at night:
Many fruits are full of sugars and will cause your blood sugar to spike immediately.
Too much of fruit can cause a loss of nutrients because you may be skipping vegetables and other food groups to accommodate your fruit.
Fruits at bedtime increase energy levels and may cause disturbed sleep.
Precautions to Consider While Eating Fruits Before Bedtime
Certain things should be remembered when eating fruits at night:
Maintain a gap of a couple of hours between a meal and a nighttime fruit.
Pick fruits that are low in sugar but high in fibre, like a pear.
Avoid eating the fruit immediately before you sleep.
FAQ’s
Certain frequently asked questions have been answered below:
1. Does Eating Fruits at Night Cause Weight Gain?
It is a myth that eating fruit at night makes you fat. Fruits have minimal calories and cannot cause weight gain on their own. But if you snack every night on a calorie-rich fruit like a banana, after you have consumed the entire calorie requirement for a day, you will add a few pounds by the end of the month. But this is true of any food that is eaten after you have reached your maximum required calories for the day.
2. Can Having Fruits before Bed Cause Digestive Problems?
If you have fruits immediately after a meal and before bed, it may create digestive discomfort because meals and fruits have varied digestive rates and fruits may end up fermenting in your digestive tract. If fruits are eaten with the right spacing from a meal, it should not create any issues.
3. Which Fruits are Good to Eat at Night?
Fibre-rich fruits such as apples, banana, pears, or grapes can be eaten at night.
4. Can Eating Fruit at Night Cause Insomnia?
Eating very sweet fruits immediately before sleeping can disturb you. Eating fruits at night is harmful because the sugars in the fruits will spike your energy levels. As this is a time your body is winding down, a rise in energy can cause insomnia and listlessness.
Ayurveda mentions that if fruit is eaten in the appropriate season and climate, and consumed when ripe, it is akin to pure nectar. It can convert into a nutritious fluid in an instant when consumed correctly. As fresh fruits require very little digestion, they can cleanse the system and make way for the next food. Remember to pick your fruits correctly and from a farmer’s market. This way you can avoid artificially enhanced fruits that have detrimental effects on your body.
Also Read:
Health Benefits of Drinking Milk Before Bed
Foods to Eat and Avoid Before Bedtime
Foods You Should Have Before Bed to Get Good Sleep Read more
Suggested for you
Amazing Ways Paneer Can Help You Lose Weight
Weight loss may be daunting, but the good news is that you don’t have to drastically change your diet overnight. Nutritionists and experts recommend a gradual and slow change so that your body can adapt to the new diet. You should replace your junk food with healthier substitutes and increase your protein intake while reducing intake of trans fat and refined sugar. But what do vegetarians do when they have to increase their protein intake? They usually resort to a plant-based protein such as legumes and lentils. But did you know that another great source of vegetarian protein is cottage cheese or paneer? Paneer is a great addition to any diet you are following with weight loss as the end goal. Let’s look at exactly how healthy paneer is for your body.
How is Paneer Beneficial in Losing Weight?
Is paneer good for weight loss? Below are a few benefits that paneer can bring to your weight loss regime:
1. Paneer is Low in Calories
100 g of cottage cheese has just 72 calories which is quite a low-calorie count. Just make sure the paneer you have is not made with full-fat milk. Also, while cooking, try and cook paneer using healthy methods like grilling or baking.
2. Paneer is High in Protein
According to studies, about 100 g of cottage cheese contains 11 g of protein. If the paneer has made from full cream milk, then along with being dense in protein, it is also high in fat. Cow’s milk contains a high amount of the protein casein when compared to other milk sources, so any paneer made from cow’s milk is a great protein source. Apart from iron, paneer contains all the essential minerals like magnesium and calcium. Another benefit is that it does not require any cooking. So a cube of raw paneer packs a real protein punch!
3. Fewer Carbohydrates
Your body can break down carbohydrates quickly so many nutritionists recommend eating food which is low in carbs so that your body can sustain itself longer without food. A 100 g of paneer (made from cow’s milk) contains 1.2 g carbs, which is a pretty low value.
4. Healthy Fat Source
There are good fats and bad fats. Bad fats are saturated fats like fried foods, soft drinks, burgers, etc. Good fats are unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like whole eggs, nuts, and cheese. Paneer is a healthy fat which is important in weight loss. If you consume more of healthy fats, your body will eventually start burning fat for energy, thus reducing your weight.
5. High in Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for developing healthy teeth and bones. 100 g of paneer has 83 g of calcium which is more than 8% of the daily value your body needs. This is an excellent benefit as calcium also helps weight loss by increasing metabolism.
Healthy Paneer Recipes for Weight Loss
There are many recipes available which tell you how to eat paneer for weight loss. Here are a few below:
1. Cottage Cheese Chaat with Chutney
A perfect addition to a paneer diet plan for weight loss, try making this spicy paneer chaat!
Ingredients:
For paneer chaat:
2 tbsp lemon juice
400g paneer
¼ tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried mint
2 tbsp coriander (chopped)
Salt
2 tsp chaat masala
For chilli chutney:
2 tbsp roast ground sesame seeds
100 g green chillies
3 tbsp jaggery (grated)
150 ml tamarind pulp (thick)
5 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp salt
¼ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp chilli powder
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp fenugreek seeds
Preparation
For the chutney:
Slice the green chillies along their length.
Mix the jaggery and sesame powder with the tamarind pulp in a bowl and add turmeric and chilli along with salt.
Heat over medium flame for 5 minutes.
Saute the mustard and fenugreek seeds with 1 tbsp of oil separately in a pan and add them to the tamarind mix.
Heat the remaining oil and fry the green chillies.
Add the mixture to the pan. Mix and let cool.
For the paneer chaat:
Cut the paneer into cubes
Mix the rest of the ingredients, add salt and mix them in with the paneer.
Chill the mixture before serving alongside the chutney.
2. Besan Paneer Chila
Gram flour (besan) is a healthy flour filled with protein. Add paneer into the mix, and you have a protein-powered snack!
[caption id="attachment_216977" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients
½ cup gram flour (besan)
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
½ cup grated paneer
1 tomato
1 chopped onion
1 cup water
2 green chillies
½ tsp ajwain
½ cup chopped coriander
Preparation
Add the besan to a bowl and mix with salt, pepper, green chillies, ajwain, coriander, paneer, tomato, and onion.
Add water and whisk the mixture.
Keep adding water until the mixture becomes light in consistency.
Heat a pan and add besan mixture to it to make a pancake.
Fry till the sides turn brown and flip to fry on the other side.
Sprinkle some grated paneer, black pepper, coriander and onion on top of it.
Serve hot with a spicy chutney.
3. Corn and Paneer Salad
A quick, healthy recipe made with corn and paneer which is delicious too!
[caption id="attachment_216984" align="aligncenter" width="250"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]
Ingredients
½ kg paneer (crumbled)
2 tsp olive oil
350 g canned corn
½ tsp cumin seeds
Salt
Preparation
Add the olive oil to a pan and heat over medium heat. Add cumin seeds.
When they splutter, add the paneer and stir for half a minute.
Add the corn and salt. Mix and cook on a low flame for around 5 minutes.
Take it off the heat and serve hot.
FAQs
If you still have question about paneer being good for weight loss, we’ve answered some commonly asked questions below:
1. Which Cottage Cheese is Best for Weight Loss?
The best paneer for fat loss is that which is made not from full cream milk, but from low-fat milk. Cow milk contains high quantities of the protein casein so paneer made from cow’s milk can give you that protein you need to tone up your muscles and keep them active while still burning fat.
2. Paneer vs Tofu: Which is Better for Weight Loss?
On a nutritional basis, tofu will be healthier for people who are looking for weight loss as the fat content and calories in tofu are comparatively lesser and tofu also contains a lot of iron which paneer does not. However, paneer is richer in protein, lesser in carbs and also contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium which you need. So you shouldn’t give up on paneer completely in favour of tofu. Tofu is also difficult to consume for people who have diabetes due to its high carb content.
A study which was published in the British Journal of Nutrition says that eating cottage cheese before bed can be very effective for weight loss. Just two tablespoons of protein-rich, low-fat paneer can help boost your metabolism and have a positive effect on your health.
Also Read:
Shed Calories with Oats
Food that Help in Weight Loss
Healthy Drink that Help in Weight Loss Read more
Suggested for you
The Balancing Act: Be Both a Cool Mom and a Super Wife!
When a woman becomes a mom, her life can feel so overwhelming that her role as a wife takes a backseat. Motherhood can be too demanding to leave time or energy for anything else. Beware moms! Both you and your husband deserve a fulfilling marriage for which you must learn how to be a good wife and mother at the same time.
While we rave about Tom Cruise performing one "Mission Impossible" after another, we tend to overlook the real-life superhero we have known forever – Moms! Only a woman can truly appreciate the efforts that go into balancing the scales of being a good mother and a great wife. Both are time and energy consuming and can be daunting to do justice to together. However, try out the following suggestions and you may well be able to walk this tightrope with a smile!
Tips for Being Both a Rocking Mom and Wife
1. “Me” Time
In your frantic rush to switch from one role to another, chances are you haven't gotten around to giving time to yourself. While it may seem like the wackiest idea you have ever heard, in reality being a great wife and mom can actually be easier once you start prioritising yourself. It recharges you for all that life throws your way. Plan a little head massage while the kids are with the grandparents. Watch as you bounce back recharged to attend to your dual duties.
2. Get the Heat On
While most women tend to put sex on the back burner when they become moms, lovemaking has been proven to rejuvenate you and bring you vigour! Your husband too will be one happy man when you decide to swap your old matronly robe with something lacy. Plus, research says that hubby will be more than willing to help around at home if he is getting a good dose of love. We didn't just make that up, promise!
3. Develop Herculean Patience
If you want to know how to be a good wife and mother, then the best advice would be to develop rock solid patience. You might be tempted to yell back every time your spouse or child engage you in a ‘who’s-the-loudest’ contest. Remember, when everyone is shouting, chances are that no one is listening. Try meeting their shouting match with a funny tactic of your own. Stick out your tongue or wink and smile to give them a pause. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump right in to what you wanted to say while they’re still figuring what you just did!
4. Take and Give Feedback
It's extremely difficult to have to listen to your husband and child crib non-stop about all the things that you’re doing wrong, when you’ve been burning yourself at both ends to make things right! It could be overcooked pasta or your kid's shorts that have run colour. One of the challenges in learning how to be a better wife and mother is seeing things from other’s vantage point. For instance, did you forget that you'd put the pasta on the stove or flipped the shorts with coloured clothes? We know that you’re dreading getting a direct one-to-one feedback, but you can always share a piece of your mind too and explain how hectic it gets for you.
5. Don't Miss Your Work-out Session
You’ve been eyeing that really pretty LBD for quite some time now, but you need to skip a size or two to really make it work. Did you know that while exercising the body releases ‘happy hormones’ that can make you feel up-beat throughout the day, besides making you fit? Tell your husband that a happier and healthier you will definitely be something for him to look forward to. We’re pretty sure he’ll need no more convincing to handle the kids while you sweat it out!
Marriage can be a tough, albeit beautiful, journey. Add to that the pressure of bringing up children and the tide can be rough. Finding the perfect balance between being a wife and mom is a tricky proposition, but one that has huge rewards. Hang in there and you can surely have the best of both worlds! Read more
Suggested for you
5 Ideas for Visual Stimulation for Babies
Babies have a positive response to visual stimulation that's beneficial in more ways than one for their sensory development. Find out how your baby can benefit from it too!
Babies come into this world with eyes filled of wonder. Nurturing them physically comes naturally to us as parents but their senses, including their eyes, need stimulation too!
Visual Stimulation is engaging a child's visual senses in order to help optimal sensory development. Past research shows that children who got additional visual stimulation, as compared to children who did not receive any additional visual stimulation, showed higher levels of sharp eyesight and enhanced memory development.
At birth, a child's vision is fuzzy because the retina is not fully developed and the nerve cells in a baby’s brain are not completely connected. The baby cannot see different colours or shades, only shades of black and white. His vision can only focus between 8 – 12 inches. Even full term babies are only able to see their mother’s face clearly within a week after birth.
During the first few days after birth, babies learn to focus through their eyes by looking at faces. It's only after a few weeks that they start focussing at, and following objects visually.
Leverage this time of sensory development and provide additional visual stimulation through the following ways:
From a very early age, i.e. from the time the baby is born till he's a few months old, stimulate a baby’s vision by surrounding the baby with black and white colours, especially stripes. These send a strong signal to a baby’s retina as he is able to distinguish these colours well. The stronger the signal, the better will be the development of brain.
You can do this by surrounding the baby’s bed with black and white pictures. This could include the bedsheet, blanket, pillow covers, towels and toys
Gradually, increase your child's exposure by showing him high contrast colours. You can even use flash cards that are available in the market for this purpose. Doing this at a very early stage increases the curiosity of your child is definitely a great stimulator for your baby’s eyes.
Additionally, help develop your baby's focus by holding your baby very close to your face, as often as you can. Since he learns to focus through faces, he'll receive higher visual stimulation when you do this.
Gradually, while sitting very close to him, make some hand and eye movements and let your baby observe. This will help develop his line of sight.
From a week after the birth of baby till about a year, it is of utmost importance to provide different types of visual stimulation to our baby. For long term results, it is of utmost importance to be consistent in our efforts. This will not only have a positive impact on their memory enhancement but also the reading skills in your child. Read more
Suggested for you
Secrets for Work-at-Home Moms
Want to continue work after the arrival of your newborn? With many moms opting for home-based jobs, you don't need to wrestle, to manage kids and the office, too hard. Discover how to be a work-at-home mom and get the best of both worlds.
It often becomes difficult for work-at-home moms to survive motherhood and still have a career. Your mind is pulled toward zillion things and it's tough to balance all your priorities. While there's no shortcut or magical formula to become a successful work-at-home mom, with hard work and some wise tips you can have both.
Tips for Work-at-Home Moms to Balance Life
1. Have a Dedicated Place for Your Work
This is probably one of the biggest challenges that hinders productivity and keeps you from meeting deadlines. You need to find a quiet place where you can work peacefully so that you aren't distracted. If there are little hands tugging at your sleeve or calls of 'Mommy!' all the time, you'll never get anything done. Keep your work life and home life separate and you'll be able to achieve more.
2. Schedule a Time
Sticking to a schedule and setting regular office hours will save you from distractions. Even if you can't work for a full eight hours straight, working a couple of hours at a stretch can help you complete things faster. Try to get most of the work completed as early as possible rather than waiting for the last minute. When you're done, you can shut down work and get back to your children and hubby.
3. Dress Up
Yes, this matters. Do away with those PJs that keep you oh-so-comfy and get ready just the way you would if you were heading out to work. This simple act will not only make you feel good but will also get you in the zone. And if wearing a blazer and heels seems like too much work, you can just slip on a blouse and wear a smart skirt. Don't forget to touch up your eyes and apply a dab of lipstick.
4. Set Some Boundaries
Make a mental plan of boundaries for work and play time with the kids if you want to become an ace work-at-home mommy. You'll be able to concentrate on work and your children a lot better. Honour these new limits by making yourself available to take calls during working hours and putting your phone on silent mode when it's mommy time.
5. Hire a Reliable Caretaker
You didn't think you could do everything alone, did you? As much as you'd like to consider yourself a superwoman, you need a helping hand. Even if your child doesn't need day care, you'll probably have to hire a babysitter or a nanny. You could also ask a family member to mind your tot for a few hours too.
6. Dig out Some Vacation Time
If you opt for home-based work, things can turn sour when you realise that it's been ages since you left the house. Take some time out for yourself every once in a while. Plan a short vacation with your children and your partner even if it's just to the neighbouring state. You'll love the change and will come back recharged and raring to go.Supermoms don't exist. There are just ordinary moms doing some super-cool juggling between work and keeping house. Learn how to be a work-at-home mom who's busy making a career while being part of the early years of her children's lives. You can have the best of both worlds! Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
21 mins ago
A. the belly size during pregnancy is not necessary every time to grow fast
it depends individually
so don't worry about that and just have proper consultation with your doctor for examination and sonography
Humara has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreHumara
Mom of a 2 m old girl
48 mins ago
A. dear mom u can take digene syrup or ulgel they as safe my doctor recommended me during pregnancy u can also take biorab dsr in the morning and syrup before meal at least 30 min i was faciny the same issue
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. 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
2 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. it's a natural process ok. 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
Guardian of 0 children
21 mins ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
19 mins ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Check out this new Memory
Khebo Awomi
Mom of a 7 m old girl
3 mins ago
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Aruna Iyanesh
Mom of a 9 m old boy
7 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Mebarisha Lyngdoh
Mom of a 1 yr old girl
9 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Sejalpatel
Guardian of a 2 yr old girl
10 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Khebo Awomi
Mom of a 7 m old girl
10 mins ago
Atheli Keziah is 7th months and I'm bless to be her mom❤
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive