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Communication Skills for Kids - Importance and Activities to Improve
Possessing a set of proper oral language skills can be described as an essential life skill in today's times. Parents should start teaching their kids basic communication skills during the early years and go on to hone their skills as they grow. Assuming that kids may learn suitable communication skills sans parental guidance can be a huge mistake. Parents may wish to coach their kids not only to communicate effectively but also politely.
Why Are Communication Skills Important in Child Development?
Communication skills are important in child development for the following reasons:
Teaching effective communication skills to children may help them to express themselves clearly and convey their feelings in a better manner.
Communication skills can facilitate learning and meaningful exchange of information with others.
Communicating well may boost your child’s social IQ by helping him build sound relationships during his interactions with other people.
A kid who can properly communicate verbally may be comfortable producing written communications as well which is likely to help him perform better academically.
Kids with communication problems may develop behavioural disorders like depression, social withdrawal, low self-esteem.
Basic Communication Skills A Child Should Know
Some basic communication skills a child should know can be:
Children should be able to establish eye contact while talking with the person they are conversing. It is a mark of interest and respect. Looking away during a conversation is an indication of disinterest and constitute bad manners.
Your kids need to learn to speak properly and clearly. Kids may be trained to speak using correct pronunciation and right grammar. They should be impressed upon not to speak hurriedly.
Parents may instruct their kids not to interrupt an ongoing conversation and start talking because they feel so. It is essential to check this behaviour and encourage self-control.
Parents need to model appropriate listening behaviour so that kids may learn to listen attentively and respond aptly.
Parents may also like to show their children the art of entering a conversation politely and the right way to behave when somebody joins a lively conversation which includes greeting the person with an encouraging smile and nod.
What to Do If Child is Unable to Communicate Effectively?
Some useful tips on how to develop children's communication skills can be:
Build an open line of communication where your child can easily approach you and express himself without hesitation.
Let your child have plenty of time to process what he wishes to say and allow him to finish to prevent the occurrence of stuttering. Refrain from cutting in or interrupting him while he is trying to respond.
Avoid over-correction and being overcritical while teaching your kid to speak well. It will only discourage him.
Children usually learn best by imitating their adults. Therefore, it is desirable for parents to present a good speaking model to their kids to help them communicate suitably.
When communicating with your child ensure you take turns, make proper eye contact and display appreciation for his active participation.
Communication Activities and Games for Kids
Few interesting communication activities and games for kids can be:
1. Play Telephone
This popular and fun game may help enhance good listening skills in kids and can be played by kids of all age groups. You can include other members of the family as well. Have them all sit in a circle close enough to whisper easily. Start with one child who will whisper a message into the ear of the player sitting to the right, who then whispers it into his neighbor's ears until everyone in the circle have taken a turn. You can start with a simple message and slowly progress to more complex sentences.
2. Pointing Directions
Nonverbal communication activities for kids can include this simple game. Ask your kid to write down directions to his nearby favourite shop or park. Then embark on a journey along with your kid following those written directions to reach the place. On the way, help him understand how can he make it better or things he may mention to communicate better.
3. Show and Tell
Show and tell activity can be a delightful verbal communication game for kids. Give your kid a topic like his favourite fruit, a favourite book or a road trip with family. Have him exhibit an item related to the topic and ask him to speak five lines on it. This activity can assist in furthering your kid’s confidence, vocabulary and eloquence.
4. Picture Storytelling
Picture storytelling can be a very interesting activity as kids love to tell stories. Provide your kid with a set of pictures. Ask him to arrange them in a logical sequence and spin a story from it. Alternatively, you can offer him just one picture and have him describe the things he perceives in the picture like the scenery, people, colors and other details.
5. Presentation
This exciting activity may not only promote your kid’s oral language skills but also aid him to get comfortable with public speaking. You can propose various themes ranging from the recitation of a favourite poem to expressing his views on current topics like saving water, recycling, use of gadgets. Ask him to prepare a short presentation to present to a family gathering, local park functions and so on.
6. Extempore
Extempore or spontaneous speech forms an important part of oral communication and can be used to expand communication skills. Extempore may support your kid in thinking on his feet and articulating his inventive ideas correctly with accuracy. This activity may suitably prepare him for his future career prospects as well. Make chits on interesting topics and have your kid pick a chit and speak on the chosen topic impromptu for a few minutes.
7. Emotional Charades
This fun activity is great for helping kids understand different facial expressions, signals, body posture when communicating. These are the non-verbal communication cues which complement verbal communication. Hand out a few cards to your kid each card depicting a particular emotion like anger, sad, bored, tired, happy and have him act them out. Your kids can also draw the different emotions he is likely to experience in ordinary situations.
8. 20 Questions
20 questions is a wonderful game which may enable your kid’s ability to formulate and ask direct questions. Ask the kids to stand in a circle with one kid in the centre. The kid in the middle has to think of a famous place or a known personality. Other kids in the group have to identify it by asking a set of 20 questions. The child can respond by saying only yes or no. In case the group fails to guess then the child is declared the winner.
9. Identify the Object
You may require 4 -5 kids for playing this game. Blindfold one of the kids and the rest of the players chose an object which can be described elaborately for easy identification. Every player takes a turn describing one feature of the chosen object. The blindfolded kid may request for additional questions as cues.
10. Changing the Leader
This game can be a great training tool for teaching kids to recognize body language indicators. Choose one kid as the leader who may perform certain actions like stomping his feet or clapping. The others kids have to imitate his actions. The leader may select another kid as the leader by smiling or winking at him. Other kids have to detect the new leader and then replicate his actions.
Parents who communicate more with their kids may be able to help them develop sound communication skills easily. Communication proficiency may not only provide your kid with better comfort in social situations but can also ensure improved performances academically and later in their careers.
Also Read:
Interesting Games For Kids To Learn English
Easy Tips To Teach English To Children Read more
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Jyoti Jain
Mom of a 2 yr 4 m old boy
5 mins ago
#posterbaby
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All About Diapers! Is It Safe for Your Baby or Not?
"Is diaper safe or not?"A question in every mommies mind either she is expecting a child or a mommy of newborn. Different people have different reviews regarding this. Elders usually keep diapers in unsafe category. According to them nowadays mommies using diapers for there convenience.They even think that wearing diapers can widen his legs and can cause infertility too.This is wrong.According to modern mommies they know what is best for their babies. Diapers are very much convenient for working ladies as they know they have to keep there child to maid in this way they can't trust baby sitters .
Diapers are made of breathable material which are specially designed for newborns and it's totally safe. Diapers used with proper precautions will never harm at all.
Cloth Diapers v/s Disposable Diapers
Generally new mommies get confused between cloth diapers and disposable diapers.Both have it's own advantage and disadvantage.
1. Cloth Diapers
Advantages
One of major advantage of cloth diapers is that it's cheaper than disposable diapers.No need to buy bulk.just wash well and reuse again.It also makes toilet training easier for child
Disadvantage
it is more time consuming then disposable diapers.If baby spoiled it first you have to wash it immediately then put another diaper which is much time consuming.
2. Disposable Diapers
Advantages
It consumes less time.just take it off, roll it and throw it in dustbin. It is easy to carry a baby in disposable diapers without worrying about pee or poop.
Disadvantage
Damaged or soiled disposable diapers can cause pollution and it's non bio-degradable.
Things to Keep in Mind while Diapering a Baby
Keep an eye on babies skin while changing diapers .Some babies have sensitive skin so check if there is any rash on diaper area
It is important to change diapers frequently.Must change diapers after every 3 to 4 hours. Keeping baby in wet diapers can increase chances of catching cold.
If baby poop in diaper then it's important to change diapers immediately
Always keep extra diapers in bag or purse to make your outing easy
How to Make Baby Wear a Diaper
Open diaper and keep it under your baby,lift his legs and feet gently.Back part of diaper should be about level with babies bellybutton
Bring front part of diaper up between babies legs and also into his belly
Stick tape from both sides carefully .it should not be very tight or loose.
How to Choose a Diaper Size
For new born babies you can try two sizes either extra small or small.As baby grow weight increases go with size according to weight as mention on every pack of diaper. Always go for lil loose diaper to avoid rashes .
Rash Free Diapers
Diapers used with proper precautions will never harm at all. Tips to prevent rashes
Before diapering a baby always apply coconut oil first.
When you remove diaper first clean it with water then apply oil then make him wear diaper.
Always choose a little big size or loose to prevent baby from rashes.
Change diapers frequently. Dont keep baby in spoiled diaper otherwise it can cause rashes
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
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Mirror Twins - Causes & Characteristics
Nowadays, giving birth to twins is fairly common. When you are expecting twins, you hope to have a boy and a girl. But do you know that you can give birth to mirror twins as well? You must be wondering what mirror twins is... are you now?
You must be aware of fraternal twins and identical twins. Fraternal twins are formed when 2 eggs released at the same time are fertilised by two different sperms simultaneously, resulting in 2 genetically different children. Identical twins (monozygotic twins) are formed when one fertilised egg splits into two and develops into 2 babies with the exact same genetic information. Identical twins look very much alike and have the same genetic material.
Mirror Twins or mirror image twins are a type of identical twins. Their features appear on opposite sides, like a mirror image. For example, one mirror twin may have a mole on her left cheek, the other twin will have the same mole on her right cheek.
What are Mirror Twins?
Mirror twins or mirror identical twins are twins whose features appear asymmetrically or on the opposite sides. Identical twins have the same sex and share the same blood type. Mirror twins have identical physical features, but asymmetric features. For example, one twin could be left-handed, and the other could be right-handed. In extreme cases, mirror twins may have mirrored internal organs, where the placement of internal organs may be reversed in one of the twins.
Causes of Mirror Twinning
Mirror image twinning occurs because of the late splitting of the fertilised egg. For regular identical twins, the egg splits into two between 2 and 8 days of conception. In the case of mirror twins, the egg splits into 2 much later, between 9 and 12 days of conception. This causes the twins to mirror each other.
Is There Any Test to Detect a Mirror Pair?
While identical twins can be detected with a DNA test as they share the same genetic material, it is not possible to determine if they are mirror twins by genetic testing. An examination of the physical characteristics has to be done to find out if the identical twins are actually mirror twins.
Characteristics of Mirror Image Twins
Mirror image twins may have several characteristics that are reversed. Some of these are:
Birthmarks and moles – They may appear asymmetrically in mirror twins. For example, one twin will have a birthmark or mole on the right side of the cheek, and the other will the same mole on the left cheek. One may have a birthmark on the right leg, while the other will have the exact same birthmark on the left leg.
Freckles and dimples – These are also asymmetrical in mirror twins. For example, if one has a dimple on the left side of the chin, the other will have the dimple on the right side of the chin. The pattern of freckles can also be asymmetric in mirror twins.
Hand orientation – Hand orientation is usually asymmetric in mirror twins. For example, if one twin is right-handed, the other is usually left-handed.
Hair whorls – Mirror twins may have hair whorls in opposite directions. If one twin has hair that swirl clockwise, the other may have hair that swirl counterclockwise.
Eye shape and eyebrow shape – Eye shape and eyebrow shape can also be reversed in mirror image twins. For example, if the right eye is slightly smaller in one twin, the left eye of the other twin will be small.
Ear shape – Ear shape can also be asymmetric in mirror twins. The ridges and bumps of the outer ear are unique to every individual. This can be reversed in mirror twins.
Nostril shape – The shape of the nostrils may also be asymmetric in mirror twins.
Organs – In extreme cases, which is rare, the positioning of the internal organs may be opposite in mirror twins. This is called ‘situs inversus’, where internal organs like the heart, stomach or liver are found on the opposite side of their usual anatomical position.
Mirror Twins’ Personality – Mirror image twins may also have opposite personalities. For example, one may be highly introverted, while the other may be an extrovert. One may prefer sleeping on the right side, while the other may prefer sleeping on the left side.
Difference Between Mirror Twins and Identical Twins
Identical twins are monozygotic, which means a single fertilised egg splits into two and forms two embryos that share the same genetic material. Identical twins are formed when the egg splits into two between day 2 and day 8, while mirror twins are formed when the egg splits late, between day 9 and day 12 causing the twins to mirror each other. If the egg splits after 12 days, it results in conjoined twins, where the twins are not completely separated from each other and may even share an organ.
Mirror twins are identical twins and their characteristics mirror each other. All mirror twins are identical twins, but all identical twins may not be mirror image twins.
Mirror twins are a fascinating type of identical twins. Not every set of mirror image twins will be opposite-handed or will have moles on the opposite sides. This is because the degree of mirror imaging differs for every set of twins.
Also Read: Vanishing Twin Syndrome Read more
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5 Incredible Benefits of Cooking In a Clay Pot
Have you ever tasted Handi Biryani or Handi Chicken? Have you ever thought what lends these dishes such aroma and earthy flavour? If you guessed earthen pots or clay pots, then you are absolutely correct! Though this cooking concept is not new, more and more people are switching over to these pots for cooking. If you wish to know the incredible benefits of cooking food in clay pots, how to do it and many more related aspects, we recommend you read this article.
Benefits of Cooking in Clay Pots
Here are some clay pot cooking health benefits that you should know:
1. Clay Pots Lend a Nice Flavour to Food
Clay pots are made of clay, which is alkaline in nature. This property enables it to interact with the acids in the food while cooking, thus balancing its pH. Not only do they make the food healthier but also lend a nice aroma to it. The food cooked in clay pots becomes rich in various minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium etc.
2. Clay Pots Retain the Nutritive Value of Food
Clay pots are porous and allow the heat and moisture to circulate evenly during the cooking process. This lets the food retain more nutritive value than food prepared in other kinds of utensils. Also, meat prepared in clay pots remains juicy and tender.
3. Clay Pots Are Healthy for Your Heart
Excess use of oil for cooking is one of the leading causes of weight gain. If you wish to make your meals less oily, then clay pots are one of the best options because they require very less oil for cooking food. These pots take longer to heat and use a slower cooking process, helping to retain the natural moisture and natural oils present in the food.
4. Clay Pots Make Your Dish Aromatic
The actual aroma of the food is retained when cooked in an earthen or clay pot. This happens because of the porous nature of the clay pots and also because it uses a slow cooking process.
5. Clay Pots are Pocket-Friendly
Clay pots are readily available in almost all parts of the country. They come in different shapes and sizes, so you can pick the one best suited to your requirements. Earthen pots are also reasonably priced, enabling you to cook rich food without burning a hole in your pocket.
How To Use Clay Cookware?
Clay or earthen pots are available in glazed and unglazed forms. Where the glazed ones are ready to use, however, you will be required to prepare the unglazed ones before you use them for cooking. If you are wondering how to use earthen pots for cooking, here are some steps you should follow:
1. Preparing Clay Pots Prior to First Use:
Take the earthen pot and immerse it in water for a couple of hours.
You can also leave it immersed in a sink filled with water overnight.
Remove from water and let the pot dry completely.
2. Seasoning Clay Pots:
Take any vegetable oil and rub it nicely all over the pot.
Fill the pot up to ¾ level with water and cover with the lid before placing it on your stove at low temperature for 2-3 hours. You can also keep it in your oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit instead.
Bake the pot for 2 to 3 hours before removing from the heat. Let it cool down before washing. This process hardens the pot, makes it crack resistant and also helps in getting rid of the clay smell.
3. Before Cooking:
Submerge the clay pot in water for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before cooking food so that the pot absorbs water. The steam released as the pot gets heated slowly helps in preventing the food from drying out while maintaining its natural flavours.
Ensure proper temperature settings because a sudden increase or decrease in temperature may lead to cracks or breakage. Place the pot in the centre of the oven and let it slowly heat. Always cook food on low or medium heat.
4. While Cooking:
The ideal cooking temperature should be between 190 degree Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius. Unlike metal cookware, clay pots take longer to heat, therefore, on an average, cook the food for 15 to 20 minutes longer in comparison to your regular pots.
While cooking food in a clay pot, the temperatures need to be set approximately 40 degrees Celsius higher than your regular cookware. In case, the recipe has a longer duration, it is suggested that you cook on low heat.
Never add cold water or cold spices while the pot is hot as it may lead to breakage or cracks. If required, add only warm water.
5. Post Cooking:
Always use oven mittens or any kind of bakers pad to lift the hot pot.
Place the pot on a mat, wooden surface or kitchen towel. Placing a hot pot on a cold surface may lead to cracks.
Be careful of hot steam while removing the lid of the pot.
These are some basic steps that would help in making cooking more effortless and easy while using clay pots.
How To Clean Clay Cookware?
Taking care of your clay pot is important too, therefore, follow these simple steps while cleaning your earthen cookware:
As far as possible, make sure you hand-wash the clay pots and avoid putting them in a dishwasher.
Immerse the pot in warm water to loosen the bits of food.
Do not use harsh chemical detergents and avoid excessive scrubbing.
A mixture of baking soda and water can be applied to the pot for removing the strong smell of certain ingredients.
If any kind of mould gets formed, put salt or baking soda on a scrub pad and gently remove the mould.
Boil the pot in water for 20 to 30 minutes to unclog the pores.
Never use detergent or soap to clean the clay pots. The pores may absorb the soap and lend a soapy flavour and taste to your dishes.
FAQs
Following are some frequently asked questions about cooking in clay pots:
1. Which Is Better: Glazed or Unglazed Cooking Pots?
Though there are both varieties of pots available in the market, it is recommended to pick up unglazed pots. Because no matter what claims the manufacturers may make, the glazed pots would contain harmful chemicals. These pots emit harmful toxins when they are heated up or during the process of cooking.
2. Can Clay Pots Be Used on a Gas Stove?
Yes, you can use clay pots on your gas stove. However, it is important to keep the temperature under check because extreme temperatures may break the pots. Using a heat diffuser can prevent extreme heat exposure to the clay pot.
3. Are Clay Pots Toxic?
Clay pots are very safe for cooking. To be doubly sure, we recommend picking up unglazed pots rather than semi-glazed or glazed ones as there are chances of toxic emission because of the chemical used for glazing these pots.
4. Can Clay Pots Go in the Fridge?
Yes, you can place a clay pot in your refrigerator but make sure it cools down completely or else it may crack or break.
If you haven't got hold of a clay pot until now, we suggest getting one and experiencing the goodness of health and flavour that is lacking in usual cookware or utensils.
Also Read:
Kitchen Tips and Tricks You Should Know
Easy & Smart Cooking Methods
Advantages and Disadvantages of Microwave Cooking Read more
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#SnackAttack Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich
Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich - a super easy fix recipe. It's delicious - gooey, toasted, and juicy; kids love it and as a mom, I love it too! It's simple yet full of flavours.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
1 People
10 Minutes
10 Minutes
Ingredients
2 slices of bread
1 tomato, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 - 2 tsp grated garlic
3- 4 fresh basil leaves
2- 4 slice mozzarella cheese
Salt as per taste
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil as per choice
Method
Step 1
Rub the bread with grated garlic.
Step 2
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Coat it with olive oil.
Step 3
Place a slice of bread in the skillet.
Step 4
Lay the slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the bread.
Step 5
Place the basil leaves, tomato and onion slices on top of the cheese.
Step 6
Sprinkle with salt and pepper as per your taste.
Step 7
Add the rest of the cheese slices and top it with the second slice of bread. Brush it with olive oil.
Step 8
Flip the sandwich. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes - this will help in melting the cheese and toasting the bread.
Step 9
Serve hot with your favourite sauce!
Read more
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Key for successful marriage - Organic Compromise and love more every singly day
I am fortunate to have married my best friend. Both of us believe in the institution of marriage. In the first two years of wedding we have understood that living together is way different from being boyfriend and girlfriend where we used to meet for couple of hours or chat over the phone. We have to understand each other.We two are very different people with difference in opinion. Being the women of today's generation I am strong, independent and would want to have a say in every decision that is being made.
Now is the problem when each of us with entirely opposite personalities, opinions, likes and dislikes have to decide on one common decision. Obviously we have gone through our share of ups and downs. I would like to mention here that the fights after marriage in beginning are very nice. We would be expecting who should apologize and sometime in a special way if the mistakes are bigger so that apologe would be accepted more nicer way. After a year or two into the marriage if you observe yourself the fights have reduced and we start to listen to each other in silence. In a very organic manner we have understood each other and stood strong for each other. We understood that the key for successful marriage is COMPROMISE.
We live wake up to each other and have to grow old together so we need to be the best partners and moreover best friends so that everything is taken in the right spirit.I would share an example my husband is a huge cricket fan and would never miss a India vs Pakistan match for whatever reason. The same day there was dinner organized by my childhood friend, he said very sweetly I will see the score in their place.
I would conclude that it can work differently for different people . You need to identify the best thing that works for both of you . Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
18 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert hi this is Sarika here . my question is how to encourage my baby to latch because he get irritated whenever I try to latch him
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
18 hours ago
A. It’s very important that when you ask a question please provide us the age of the child currently I would say that if your child is unable to latch properly so whenever you’re feeding Press your breast with your hands for the feeding of the milk is better because the milk flow is going to be better and hopefully that you do the trick
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. my baby have gastric problem..
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 2 yr 11 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. use colimex df drops
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts red scretch marks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. You can mix coconut oil and Kapoor together and that is what you can apply regularly want to your stretch marks is one of the best options that you can use currently other than that also I would recommend you that if you feel any kind of a burning sensation or irritation then you can have a word with your gynaecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. left side pain kyu hota h
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. many times and the most common cause would be due to accumulation of milk clots and sometimes it can be neurogenic pain and sometimes it might be a partx any local mass like lymph nodes or tissue pain.
if it is not improving with simple massage as well as simple hot compressesx and expression of accumulated milk then meet your doctor at the earliest for local examination.
you can take paracetamol for pain.
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
3 hours ago
Q. I got chicken pox in my 8th week..it's just started how I can deal with it?
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Chicken pox during pregnancy is a matter of concern. Consult your doctor for personal evaluation and seek medical advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and follow your doctor’s advice. Good luck and take care
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. is sesame seeds healthy in 37th week of pregnancy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
31 mins ago
A. yes you can have but limited .
During pregnancy it is always advisable to have your normal routine foods and include more of sprouted grains along with green leafy vegetables and adequate water intake which helps maintain good health
Do have regular daily walking
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