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Pros and Cons of Having Only One Child
The recent educational drives have made many people aware of the one-child policy benefits in today’s times. The current generation and the previous one have majorly grown up with multiple siblings. In such a scenario, raising a single child can be a decision that needs some proper thought.
Benefits of Having Only One Child
Parents often wonder why having one child is better than having two. While there are the usual benefits of ease of handling finances and children better, there are some more reasons that make a strong case for opting to have a single child. Here are some qualities that only children develop, that tilt the scales in favour of having only one child.
1. Focused and Ambitious
Since parents have a single child to look after, they make sure he gets all the attention and support in life. This helps him get better at different prospects of life, and have a support system that stays with him through the ages. Such children also have higher self-confidence and belief in their own abilities.
2. Strong Bond with Parents
Having a single child allows parents to spend enough time with him, which goes beyond the simple aspects of parenting and helps develop a sense of camaraderie in the child as he grows up. This helps in creating a strong bond between the child and the parents, instilling within him a sense of care and responsibility for you when he grows up.
3. Independent Compared to Other Children
Our current lifestyles leave a major chunk of time where your child will be by himself. This provides him with the impetus to start figuring out things by himself and develop the skill of independence that helps cultivate a nature of being self-motivated.
4. Preference to Pursuing Sole Activities
A single child has the added advantage of letting loose his complete self in a singular activity with full zest. Things such as painting, reading, singing, or playing an instrument require some solitude and single children are more comfortable with it.
5. Substantially More Mature Than Their Peers
Right from doing their own chores to helping around the house, from engaging in conversations with parents to being a part of other discussions, single children are exposed to the worlds adults live in pretty early in life, which also makes them more mature than other kids.
6. A Better Ability and Outlook for Making Friends
Humans are social animals at the end of the day. Single children are more open to stepping out of their comfort zone and interacting with other kids in an attempt to befriend them.
Drawbacks of Having Single Child
There are certain disadvantages to having only one child in the family as well, which not only affect the kid but also the parents and the later life of them both.
1. A Tendency to Be Spoilt or Entitled
Too much attention can turn out to be a problem as well. Since single children get all the love and affection from their parents, they might develop an attitude where they feel the world revolves around them. Such kids tend to take everything for granted and feel entitled in every aspect of life.
2. A Development of Arrogance and Hollow Self-Esteem
If the parents of a single child are too loving and fulfil every wish that he has, the child could also develop a false sense of importance and self-esteem. Such kids end up being arrogant and have trouble empathizing with other people, instead maintaining a constant focus on their own attitude and emotions.
3. Fearful of Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone
Parenting is at fault here, for many parents tend to treasure their only child beyond their wildest dreams. If a child is not allowed to fail and falter early in life, he resorts to staying within his comfort zone forever. This can make him cowardly in attempting newer things as he grows up, clinging to his parents at the slightest problems.
4. Carrying the Load of Parental Expectations
Experienced by many talented children out there, the pressure of parental expectations is quite real and stronger than many others on single children. Such kids feel that they need to earn their parents love, and can put themselves under immense stress. This is further accentuated by the absence of a sibling they can confide their fears in.
5. A Chance of Being Rebellious Early On
While single children can tend to show love and care towards their parents, there is a strong chance they can rebel as well. As parenting is a two-way street, if you are extremely controlling and restrictive of your child’s behaviour, he might burst out and assert his independence later in life.
6. The Sole Responsibility of Looking After Old Parents
A single child’s life and dreams have a high chance of being sacrificed in the necessity of looking after his parents once they are old. While the presence of siblings can provide the chance of sharing that responsibility, a single child begins to look at his ailing parents as a burden.
Figuring out whether one child or two is better in India is a task that parents need to undertake for themselves. While population control is a real problem, the focus instead needs to be on the right kind of parenting to ensure your child grows up to be a proper adult.
Also Read: Signs of Helicopter Parents & Its Effects on Children Read more
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Your Baby This Week : 4 Month Week 2 Old
Changing your baby’s diaper can be a struggle with a wriggly baby. Be sure to keep one hand on your baby at all times during the shift. Some parents put a musical mobile above the changing station. A basket filled with toys you make available only during diapering may also help your baby lie still long enough for you to get the job done. It is not unusual for a baby to refuse a bottle after being breastfed exclusively for the first months of the year. Here are a few tips to help your child make the transition. Give him a bottle a little earlier than his regular feeding time so he’ll be hungry and interested, but not so hungry that he gets frustrated by the cold nipple. Let someone else feed him the first bottle. Your child will be less confused if you don’t give him the bottle yourself, since she may wonder why she’s not getting your breast. Instead, ask someone who might feed him in your absence your mother, your partner, a childcare provider, or another mother to make the first introduction. Once he is used to taking a bottle, you can do as you usually would for feedings. Make sure that you have plenty of time to put your feet up and relax a little in the process. If your baby starts crying and pushes the bottle away, back off, comfort him, and then try again. If you have tried this three times and he refuses all three times, do not breast-feed him right away. Wait for five to 10 minutes, and go do something else before you put him to your breast, so that he does not feel his refusal to bottle-feed is met with immediate gratification.
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Stress In Pregnancy and Its Effects on You and Your Baby
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Are you feeling anxiety and stress during your pregnancy tenure? Fret not! It is common during pregnancy, but at the same time, overstressing can lead to many repercussions for you and your baby.
Pregnancy, on one hand, is a time of glorious ‘expectations’ but this is also the time when a person undergoes physical, mental and emotional changes. These changes include increased hormones, backaches and morning sickness. Due to all this, one is likely to experience stress.
Causes
There can be many reasons for stress during pregnancy. This is primarily due to the discomfort that is felt by the body or the mind.
Physical stress: This is due to physical issues that pregnant women have to deal with, such as lethargy and aches across the body.
Hormones: Hormonal variations cause mood swings which affect the mental constitution of a person. While this doesn’t directly cause stress, it makes a woman vulnerable to stress.
Juggling between home and a career: Those who struggle with a job, home and pregnancy simultaneously can have it very hard. There may be situations where you will feel you are unable to cope and that it is affecting your personal as well as professional life. Many women begin to stress about not doing enough. For some, it becomes even worse as they fall into depression.
Domestic Abuse: There are also women who unfortunately may have had to suffer domestic problems and other personal issues during pregnancy. Such issues can lead to aggravation of stress. Such stress issues can lead to harmful consequences that will leave their impact forever.
Stress Types That Can Cause Pregnancy Problems
Since stress is a common feature accompanying pregnancy, it is fine as longs as it does not become aggravated and is managed well. You are a human being, and you cannot eliminate daily emotional stress. During pregnancy, there might be a hike in the levels of stress which can be managed by calming down and relaxing. But at the same time, there are several types of stress that can wreak havoc in your pregnancy and lead to several harmful effects. Some of them include
Tragic occurrences: Tragedies in life such as fatal diseases in family or self or even losing a loved one or a family member can lead to severe stress which may be hard to be free from for a long time.
Calamities: Unfortunate events such as natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc., or man-made disasters such as accidents or terrorist attacks can leave a deep impact on the minds of pregnant women. The dreadful images of these incidents may be hard to erase from the mind and can cause mental stress.
Acute stress: This is a condition that can occur during pregnancy either due to personal problems such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, domestic turbulence, physical abuse or mental abuse. One of the worst effects of Stress During Pregnancy & Its Effects on You and Your Baby is depression which can be long-lasting. Sometimes, this extends to periods even after pregnancy, leading to post-partum depression.
Racist attacks or remarks: Many studies have indicated racism and work-related stress to be one of the main reasons for stress. They show that women who face racism, racist remarks or even worse, racist attacks, during pregnancy may give birth to babies with low weight or even have a premature delivery.
Pregnancy worries: Many women suffer from stress resulting from pregnancy-related worries such as anxiety about labour pain, fears about the health of the baby, miscarriage fears or even the anxieties of coping with parenthood. This is a maternal stress worry that can make them hyper, sleep-deprived and even depressed.
How Can Stress Affect Your Pregnancy?
Pregnancy as such can be trying for many women, but at the same time, there are those who try to enjoy each phase of their pregnancy by being happy. Unfortunately, those having to face severe discomforts or aggravated physical problems may come under severe stress. In fact, stress and miscarriage are closely related. It can show effects such as headaches, insomnia, exhaustion, and so on. Loss of appetite, dysentery and mood swings are some other ways in which stress can make your pregnancy difficult.
There are many effects of stress during pregnancy. Long-term, severe and untreated stress can also lead to high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and even bring about heart attack. Studies have shown that long-term stress can also lead to severe depression.
Stress, unheeded and untreated, can make your pregnancy a difficult period. This means you will not be able to enjoy your pregnancy which over time can also affect your life post-delivery. The effects of stress during pregnancy on infant and child development can be in the form of altered brain development that can cause behavioural problems.
How Can Stress Affect Your Unborn Baby?
Stress can affect the unborn baby in many ways. Stress interferes with many body functions, and this can adversely affect the baby. For example, stress has negative effects on the immune system of the body which can cause infections and other illnesses. Uterus infection is one common problem that can affect the unborn child. This is not good in pregnancy because it can cause premature birth.
When you experience stress due to emotions, the cortisol hormone is released into the system and the level increases as per the stress severity. High levels of cortisol can cause depression and obesity. If the levels remain high for a long time, even heart diseases, muscle loss and osteoporosis can occur. Several studies have proven that babies born to pregnant women with acute stress during the third trimester had high cortisol levels. It was also found that even 10 years later the children still carried high levels of cortisol – a situation that can have adverse health implications.
Preterm birth is another negative effect of stress. A baby born before a full term can suffer from many health issues such as low immunity, respiratory disorders, digestive problems, and in some extreme cases, death.
Studies have shown that babies born to stressed mothers, even though they are full term, were underweight. This leads to the child being weak and having a poor immune system, leaving them vulnerable to many diseases. Low weight children can also suffer from hypoxia which means they do not get an adequate supply of oxygen at birth. This can trigger long-term development issues in the baby.
A study also indicated that stressed mothers gave birth to babies with high chances of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Pregnancy
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition when someone experiences severe stress or emotional turmoil due to having been exposed to a traumatising incident. This includes natural or man-made disasters, abuse, death or rape. The effect of such happenings is that it continues to play on the mind of the victim and they suffer anxiety, nightmares, fear, insomnia, and restlessness. This is often accompanied by the fast beating of the heart, sweating, palpitation, and so on. All these lead to severe stress which can affect the unborn baby negatively.
Another harmful way in which stress manifests is that many pregnant women with PTSD may resort to unhealthy practices to combat the stress. They may take to drinking, smoking or even try drugs. These activities can put not just pregnancy at risk, but the babies may also be born with severe developmental issues. Miscarriage too can occur. Thus, it is important to detect the symptoms of PTSD early and seek effective treatment.
How to Treat and Manage Stress When Pregnant?
Stress and pregnancy go together most of the times. However, stress experienced during pregnancy can be managed and treated, provided it is detected early and not neglected. If you feel stressed or if you feel worried about anything, you should talk about it to your family member and your doctor.
Some of the ways in which you can combat stress include:
Talking about it can help in reducing the levels of stress considerably. Be less hard on yourself and try to get involved in activities that make you happy and stay away from anything that causes negativity around you.
Eat nutritious food.
Devote some time to exercising your body.
Take up any simple hobby, like reading, knitting, or drawing. This will help keep your mind off the stress.
Join a childbirth class where you can learn more about pregnancy, relaxation techniques, and pregnancy exercises.
Join a support group for pregnant women to meet like-minded women.
Try meditation exercises to help take your mind away from the stress and focus on the good things in life.
One can always go to a good counsellor to share your feelings with a neutral person.
Avoid stressful situations. If driving to work causes stress, avoid driving and ask a family member to take you to work.
Chill out. A lot of stress can be relieved just by relaxing.
Conclusion: Stress is something that all pregnant mothers experience to a certain degree. However, excessive levels of stress can not only affect the mother but also the unborn baby. The trick is to manage the stress in a healthy way so that it doesn’t cause any long-term damage.
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Limiting Your Toddler's Liquids
What should my toddler drink? Is juice healthy or should I stick only to water? While toddlers need their daily cup of vitamin-enriched juice, there's a limit to the amount they should have. The type of juice they should consume also bears thought.
If you’re thinking of limiting your toddler’s juice intake, there’s good news. There are ways you can ensure she eats her meals properly while also enjoying 2-3 cups of juice daily. The key word here is ‘balance’.
4 Ways to Limit the Amount of Liquid to Give a Toddler
1. Make the switch
If your child likes the bottle, she could overindulge in drinking juice. If the bottle is getting her tummy too full, switch to a small cup. You can start by offering her a little milk, water, or a water-juice mixture. Offer it to her with snacks and meals. Remember that the transition from a bottle to a cup might not be smooth sailing. You need to give your child time to adjust. Drips and spills are in store! While a sippy cup can make things less messy, it can become a habit, like the bottle.
2. Make the right choices
Your child now needs a daily dose of 2-3 servings of milk. This means that she can have another 2-3 cups of other fluids (more during the summer). In order to keep a track of how much she consumes, measure the cups of milk and juice-water mix in the morning. Introduce smoothies and other varieties of juices. Don’t worry if she doesn’t take to certain flavours quickly. There are a number of reasons that determine what she wants to drink: the weather, mood, her energy level and appetite are a few.
3. Be juice smart
Fruit juices might be your toddler’s favourite drink but try to introduce her to other liquids too. Apple juice can be loaded with sugar, so consider transitioning to white grape juice. You can also try out sugar-free orange, pineapple and papaya juice, which are packed with vitamin C. Some other fruit juices pack in vitamins A and D as well as calcium. Keep your child away from unpasteurised apple cider as it carries an E. Coli risk. Bear in mind that most commercial juices usually comprise only 10 percent juice and a truckload of sugar and calories. Choose wisely. The need to regulate fluid intake for 13-month-old babies and beyond is essential.
4. Water, anyone?
In the midst of all the bottled and packaged drinks available today, many of us overlook the importance of simple drinking water. If you’re not sure what juices are good for your toddler, let her have water. It can quench her thirst and is good for her system. Water is also good for the tummy and teeth.
What liquid do I feed my toddler? Now you know that fresh juices and milk should be at the top of your list. Concentrated juices are not beneficial to health in the long run. Instead, make the effort to prepare smoothies and freshly squeezed juice. The good old H20 should also be given every day. Read more
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Thing to Remember Before Starting Solids to Your Baby
Being a first time mom is quite exciting and nervous. You wait and look forward for every minutest of development that your baby does and it just makes you happy and happy. Starting solids is one such thing which probably every mother looks forward to..For
me definitely it was no different.. I was exclusively breastfeeding my daughter for the first 6 months. Though my Paediatric had suggested to start solids in the 5th month itself but i was more inclined towards Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.
Recent studies suggest to look for below requirements before starting your kid on solids:
1. Baby is able to sit with support
This is necessary as this reduces the risks of choking
2. Baby has lost tongue thrust
This means that baby doesn’t send the food out through the tongue and rather knows to take it inside
3. Baby shows interest in food
This means the baby is willing and showing interest in our plates
Well these are the primary requirements one should look for before starting with soilds , the first two being more important .
Also a few things I learned during this initial phase is understand the difference betweend gagging and choking. Know and learn how to prevent your child from choking and the immediate actions that you need to take.
Gagging is fine and its not dangerous and its bound to happen in the weaning journey. Its an opportunity for the babies to learn. Till the time we introduce solids, they only know to suck and gulp through and when we introduce something of a different.
texture than that of milk, gagging is bound to happen till they understand thats its not milk and it has to be swallowed in a different way.
On the other hand choking can be dangerous so be very careful while offering food. Never leave your child unattended with food kept in front of them.
Understand what type of textures to be given to babies so that it won’t cause choking and most important learn the immediate actions that need to be performed in case your child chokes.
Most important,
Stay calm. Be patient. Trust yourself and trust your baby. Its gonna be fun and there s no better feeling than seeing your child enjoy food.
Happy Parenting!!
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.
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
12 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
10 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
6 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. how do i claim the vochure
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
2 hours ago
A. proper question plzz
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
2 hours ago
Q. I m 18 weeks pregnant this is my 2nd pregnancy i had first miscarriage at 35 weeks my question is when do i feel my baby’s movement
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. The baby movements are sent after completing the time of 20 weeks somewhere between the time of 20 weeks to 25 weeks you can start feeling movements of your child any time if you feel that there is a problem or you’re not feeling sufficient movements then please feel free to consult your gynaecologist regarding that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
52 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts what should I listen to in 5 weeks
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 mins ago
A. five weeks only first trimester 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
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