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Understanding & Treating Sore Throat in Babies and Toddlers
While a sore throat is the most common childhood complaint, it can become very frustrating for babies, toddlers and their parents. It can be accompanied by crying, crankiness, tiredness, an inability to eat or talk properly, and even breathing problems.
A sore throat is a visitor that is never welcome.
While in general, it is not a very serious complaint, it is important to know more about what causes it, and how to take care of your child when they are suffering from one.
Video: Sore Throat In Babies & Toddlers - Causes, Symptoms & Home Remedies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIukOg93x-w
What is Sore Throat?
Sore throat is a common condition that affects people all around the world, including babies. It is the feeling of uneasiness in the throat because the mucous lining is inflamed or aggravated. Babies who are affected with sore throats generally cough a lot and will be in a very cranky and upset mood because of this.
Throat Infection in Babies and Toddlers
A sore throat in infants and babies is one of the most common childhood ailments. Its causes can be many, but it is mainly attributed to a common cold or flu virus attacks. Other more serious illnesses like measles, chickenpox and croup - all viral conditions - can also cause a sore throat.
Whooping cough is a less common cause of throat irritation.
In most of these illnesses, there is bacterial or viral baby throat infection which primarily or secondarily irritates the mucous lining of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Babies frequently contract a sore throat during teething, an attack of thrush, gingivostomatitis (combination of gingivitis and stomatitis), or hand, foot, and mouth disease.
A throat infection in infants can also be caused by allergies triggered by pollen from plants and flowers, smoke at home (both cooking fumes and tobacco), dust mites, and cat or dog dander. This condition is called allergic rhinitis.
When a child is suffering from a sore throat, he can find it difficult to swallow and experience pain and a scratchy sensation in the throat. He may also sore and swollen lymph glands under the hinge of the jaw, swollen tonsils with redness, white patches or pus and/or a hoarse throat.
Is Sore Throat Contagious?
This generally depends on the cause of the sore throat. If a sore throat is caused by teething or if the baby has gingivostomatitis, thrush, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is less likely to be contagious.
A sore throat caused by allergies is also not contagious, though the other members of the family may be equally sensitive to the same allergens as the baby and can suffer allergic symptoms at the same time. In most cases, however, they do not contract it from the baby.
If the cause is a bacterial or viral infection, the sore throat can definitely be contagious. The contagion can spread by way of contact with infected mucous and can be transmitted from person to person. Mucus, nasal discharge as well as saliva contain viruses or bacteria which can cause sore throat. Activities like kissing the baby, handling the baby or wiping the baby’s nose and not washing your hands afterwards can spread the contagion.
Young children living with the baby are more susceptible to contracting the infection. Adults in general are less susceptible to contracting a sore throat from their baby since their immune response has already handled the infection that the baby is suffering from. It is important to clean objects like towels, brushes and clothing after the illness so that the infected matter does not linger and attack again.
Symptoms of Sore Throat in Babies
A throat infection in babies and toddlers is, in general, a symptom of an underlying infection or bodily reaction that is triggering it. The sore throat has a few characteristic symptoms which can help a parent to narrow down the source of the infection.
An inability to feed: In babies, the sore throat will cause an inflammation of the mucous membranes, and swallowing food and even saliva will cause irritation and pain. The baby may cry and refuse to feed even when hungry, due to the pain
Redness of the throat: The mucous lining of the throat may be inflamed. This is difficult to observe in babies and infants. Toddlers can be led to a bright place and asked to open their mouth to see the condition of the throat, and determine whether there are any more symptoms like sores, yellow coating on the tongue and swollen tonsils, all of which can indicate specific ailments which are causing the sore throat
Swollen lymph glands: An infectious sore throat may present with swollen lymph glands, a sign that the body is fighting the infection
Irritable and restless child: The infection and the inability to feed make the baby irritable and restless. The irritability and restlessness is frequently compounded by lack of sleep and hunger
Fever: Depending on the infection which causes the sore throat, fever in varying degrees may be present
Bad breath: The baby, unable to feed without pain, will have a dry mouth and consequent bad breath. This is noticed more in cases of gingivostomatitis, thrush, or hand, foot, and mouth disease
The strep throat symptoms in toddlers are red and white patches in the throat and enlarged tonsils. This leads to difficulty in swallowing. There may be a fever, tender or swollen glands lymph nodes, headache, and a pain in the stomach
Causes of Sore Throat in Babies and Toddlers
There is a host of reasons for your little one's sore throat. The most common reasons are:
Common Cold: Common or not, when your child has a cold, it can be miserable in the week that it visits. A stuffy nose, sore throat, phlegm in the throat and nose, headaches and fever - usually under 101 F - all contribute to the general malaise and irritation of this attack on the respiratory tract
Flu: A flu attack, is, in general, more serious than a cold, and the child may develop a high fever, have mucous running from the nose and throat, headaches, and body and muscle pains. The fever and muscle aches usually last only the first 2 to 4 days, but the attendant cough and tiredness can continue for up to a week or more
Strep throat: This is a common bacterial infection which babies and toddlers are susceptible to, the symptoms of which include inflammation, redness and swelling in the throat and tonsils. This condition can be painful and makes eating, swallowing and talking difficult
Viral Infections: Chicken pox, croup, measles, gingivostomatitis, and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are all viral infections that can affect a baby or a toddlerThese infections vary in their contagiousness, and their symptoms include:
Red spots and blisters around the baby’s mouth and in the throat
Rashes on the baby’s hands and feet
Red spots or rashes on the baby’s hips and other private parts
Irritation
Inability to feed in spite of hunger
Since these symptoms may indicate an infection which is difficult to treat without medical advice, it is better to see a doctor if they are present.
Allergies: The nascent immune response of the baby can frequently take umbrage at common pollutants like dust, pet dander, smoke, cooking fumes and paint fumes. If the allergic response is extreme, i.e., presenting with visible swelling of the eye, difficulty in breathing and excessive mucous secretion, immediate medical care is required and the child must be kept away from the allergen in the future. A mild allergic response should be accepted as part of the growing pangs of any baby.
Treatment Options
Here are a few remedies for a baby sore throat treatment:
Provide nourishment and comfort
Seek medical help if additional symptoms like a high fever and earache are also present
Offer smaller, more frequent feeds
Turn on a humidifier or sit in the bathroom with hot water to make the air warm and humid to soothe the throat irritation
Toddlers can be given mouthwashes or warm water with salt or turmeric to gargle with if you’re wondering what to give a child with sore throat
Give popsicle throat lozenges to suck on as an effective sore throat treatment for toddlers
Sore throat remedies for toddlers can include an anaesthetic or antiseptic throat gargle if the child can be trusted to not swallow it
Diagnosing Sore Throat
Diagnosing a sore throat consists of examining the throat, ear, nose and mouth of the child. If the following symptoms are present the child has a sore throat:
If your child is finding it difficult to swallow
Has pain and a scratchy sensation in the throat
Has sore and swollen lymph glands under the hinge of the jaw
Swollen tonsils with redness, white patches or pus
A hoarse throat with a scratchy voice, or trouble speaking
Complications of Sore Throat in a Child
In addition to having the symptoms of a sore throat, a few other complications can arise too. It is better to treat a sore throat if it is accompanied with these symptoms so that bacteria do not spread to other parts of the baby’s body.
Mouth sores
Throat infection along with lots of swelling, red inflammation, flecked with pus
Inability to swallow or open the mouth wide
Laboured breathing
Lack of appetite accompanied by dehydration, excessive drooling and a stiff neck
More than usual crying, irritability and crankiness
Remedies to Relieve Pain
Sore throat remedies for toddlers are generally limited to giving the prescribed dosage of an OTC pain relief and fever-reducing drug for high fevers. This takes care of the discomfort and pain and resultant crankiness, while giving the body time to fight the infection and recover
Home remedies for throat infection in babies and toddlers are rest and hydration. Giving them extra warm fluids will thin the mucus and help it to drain. It will also ease the sore throat
Drinking warm and light soups provides nutrition while easing the pain of the sore throat
Those wondering what to give a child with a sore throat can try home remedies for throat infection in babies like a small amount of tulsi crushed with honey or some herbal teas with ginger, pepper, turmeric, honey and lemon
Prevention of Sore Throat
A sore throat can be avoided by following these precautions:
Washing hands regularly, especially after sneezing, coughing, and coming in contact with infected material
Not going to a space where the infection is common
While babies cannot avoid contact with infected primary caregivers, the caregivers can practice better hygiene to minimize the exposure as well as avoid contact with people who have sore throats
A sore throat can be avoided by not sharing spoons, glasses and towels with infected people
Is Sore Throat an Emergency?
A sore throat can be an emergency if it is accompanied by:
Breathing difficulties
Shortness of breath, panting
A fever higher than 100.4 degrees for children younger than 3 months and higher than 102.2 degrees for children older than 3 months
A cough with traces of blood in the sputum
A muffled voice
Inability to open his or her mouth all the way
Swelling on one side of the throat (this can indicate an abscess in the tonsils)
When to See the Doctor
The correct time to see the doctor is when any of the above symptoms are present along with a sore throat, so that any serious health condition is not allowed to spread. Even if no serious underlying issues are detected, a doctor can take some measures to give the child temporary relief from the symptoms.
Conclusion: A sore throat isn’t something to lose your head over, despite the imminent days of suffering for your child. Ensure that it does not spread. Try to keep the child as comfortable as possible during this phase. By taking care of their immune systems, you can ensure future incidents of sore throat do not occur. Read more
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Hypotonia in Babies - Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Whenever we use our muscles for movement, we either stretch or contract them. The muscle tension here adds resistance to this movement. If this muscle tension is higher, it is hypertonia, and if it is lower, it is hypotonia. So, let us remove all the confusion and study hypotonia in toddlers and infants.
What Is Hypotonia?
It would be important to understand the meaning of muscle tone to understand hypotonia. Muscle tone is the amount of tension in your muscle when at rest. When children cannot sit properly and keep flopping down, they typically have hypotonia. The disease in itself is called floppy infant syndrome. Muscle tone develops during pregnancy; however, premature babies do not have appropriate muscle tone as they are delivered. However, hypotonia in premature babies is usually temporary due to being delivered before time.
Causes of Hypotonia in Babies
Hypotonia is not a condition in itself. It arises from various other health issues. It can be caused due to a birth injury or conditions of the spinal cord, brain, and nerves. These three organs are closely related to muscle development and control.
So, the causes of hypotonia in infants can be:
Cerebral Palsy
Down Syndrome
Nerve Damage may be due to birth injury
Prader-Willi syndrome
Malformation or brain damage may be due to lack of oxygen supply at the time of birth
Muscular dystrophy
Trisomy 13
Environmental issues or infections
There is a substance called myelin that covers the nerves. It provides insulation to the nerve fibers and helps carry messages to and from your brain. Supposedly, the myelin gets damaged, the signals travel abnormally.
In a few cases, it is difficult to determine the cause of hypotonia. It is called benign congenital hypotonia.
Symptoms of Hypotonia
Following are hypotonic symptoms in a baby:
Due to bad control of neck muscles, the head flops.
Difficulty feeding.
Difficult to handle the kid due to flopping or limping kid.
Weak cry
Very flexible joints
When the child is lifted, the child feels limp. They might slip through your hands. So, be careful while lifting.
Not able to take the weight over feet after 4 months of age
Not able to lift and bend the legs and arms when the child lays on their back.
Impact of Hypotonia on Infants
Following are the impacts of hypotonia on infants:
The child gets tired easily even after a little physical activity
Delayed development of gross motor skills’ e.x., a child may not be able to sit by 10 months of age or walk until 18 months of age.
The child prefers sedentary activities.
Sometimes the muscles of the mouth might get affected too, which results in delayed speech.
The child prefers to sit in a rounded shoulder posture.
The child cannot maintain an upright posture for a long time.
Swallowing and sucking might be difficult for the child.
The legs and arms of kids suffering from hypotonia will hang straight. It will not bend at hips, elbows, and knees.
The child will not be able to bear any weight on their shoulder and leg muscles.
Hypermobile joints
Diagnosis of Hypotonia in Babies
Since there are multiple causes behind hypotonia, it might take time to diagnose hypotonia. The doctor might ask you a series of questions regarding your family’s genetic and medical history. He will also be keen to know the course of your pregnancy, your delivery details, and whether the child witnessed any seizures after birth. The child will go through a physical examination to check:
Sensory skills
Motor skills
Coordination
Balance
Reflexes
Mental status
To be very sure and to draw a conclusion, the doctor might order some tests like:
Blood tests
MRI or CT scan of the brain
EEG or Electroencephalogram to calculate the electrical activity of the brain
EMG or Electromyography to calculate the performance of the muscles and nerves
Muscle Biopsy: Here, the doctor will take the kid’s sample of muscle tissue and study it under the microscope.
Genetic tests
Spinal Tap: It is used to determine the pressure in the spine. The doctor will also take a sample of the spinal fluid for further testing.
How Is Hypotonia Treated in Babies?
Once the doctor figures out the cause behind the disease, the treatment follows. Different types of therapies might help strengthen the muscles and improve coordination. Like:
1. Occupational Therapy
It helps the child develop fine motor skills.
2. Sensory Stimulation Program
It helps improve the child’s response to sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste.
3. Physical Therapy
It further enhances the child’s control of their movements. The child might gain strength and improve muscle time with time.
4. Speech-Language Therapy
It is especially for kids with problems in swallowing, breathing, and speaking.
Exercises/Activities to Cure Low Muscle Tone in Babies
Following activities or exercises will help an infant to improve muscle tone:
1. Feed Well
Make sure the child eats properly. Give food in small intervals. If the child requires support while eating, please provide them with proper support.
2. Post Crawling
Once the child has started to crawl, make them crawl on different surfaces. Like carpet, pillows, hardwood, grass, and stairs. But carefully.
3. Toy Positioning
Keep toys in different positions to encourage them to reach the place and get the toys. Once the kid can stand and walk, make them walk on different surfaces. Place toys in a way that the child squat and run to take them.
Following are the activities for a child:
1. Laundry
Make the child pull and push the filled laundry bag around the house. You can fill the bag with toys or anything.
2. Tug of War
Hold the rope from one side and let the child pull it for 10-15 seconds in a go. Put something soft behind them in case they fall.
3. Bouncing
Make the child sit on the therapy ball. Bounce the child up and down. You can also roll the ball front, back, and sideways to up one level.
4. Animal Walks
Make them do crab walks, snake crawl, bear walk, and bunny hop. These walks work on many muscles and help put weight on the joints.
5. The Ball Game
Make them kick, throw, catch and hit the ball.
6. Fine Motor Skills
Make the child do a lot of hand exercises so that later they can write and draw well. Make them use spray bottles to water the plants.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Floppy baby syndrome life expectancy is sometimes quite low. Mostly, hypotonia can be diagnosed at birth. But in a few cases, it does not become clear until they get a little old. The clear sign of hypotonia is: the child not meeting the developmental milestones.
In such a scenario, discuss your child’s growth with the doctor. The doctor will do a physical examination and might ask to conduct a few tests in case of doubt.
In the case of an adult, if sudden symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.
Prognosis
The underlying condition defines the outcome of this disease. Hypotonia can be a lifetime disease. Or in some cases, the muscle tone might improve with time. Many milder cases might not even witness developmental delays. Some children might acquire gross motor skills a little late. Most children improve with continuous therapy over time. But few sensitive cases may require wheelchairs or walkers and other assistive equipment for day-to-day activities.
A hypotonic child might need support for daily activities, the most being their parents’ emotional and mental support. Do not compare your child. Do not be saddened that your child’s development is delayed or that your child is a certain way. Be their support. Therapy might improve things over time. Do not panic and listen to what the doctor suggests.
Also Read:
Torticollis in Infants
Muscle Stretching Exercise for Babies
Muscles and Bones Strengthening Exercises for Baby Read more
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Mashed khichdi with carrots
Khichdi made up of rice and moong lentils is a comfort meal for many in India. Young babies to senior citizens, those who're ill or recovering, those who are on detox diet (plain khichdi sans any seasoning), all like to grab at least some of this soft and soothing khichdi. Add up vegetables to it, to make up a healthier combo pack of all vital nutrients.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
1 cup rice
1/3rd-1/2 cup moong dal
split and husked 1/4th carrot, grated or finely chopped
2-3 cups water
1/4 tsp turmeric
a pinch of salt
ajwain seeds to taste
Method
Step 1
Rinse rice and dal a couple of times and drain.
Step 2
Put all the ingredients together in a large pot with about 2-3 cups water.
Step 3
Cook over high heat, partially covered till it boils.
Step 4
Lower the heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 5
Simmer, covered, until rice and dal are tender(about 10 minutes).
Step 6
Add more water as needed so as to make a semi-solid or thin consistency.
Step 7
Mash it a little.
Step 8
Serve warm. Add ghee or yogurt, to improve the taste.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size 49.8g
Calories
177
Calories from Fat
14
Total Fat
1.5g 2%
Saturated Fat
0.2g 1%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
0mg 0%
Sodium
440mg 18%
Potassium
251mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates
32.3g 11%
Dietary Fiber
7.6g 30%
Sugars
1.3g
Protein
8.4g
Vitamin A
0%
Vitamin C
3%
Calcium
2%
Iron
18%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutritional details are an estimate and should only be used as a guide for approximation. Calories will vary if a different vegetable is added or rice:dal proportions are varied.
Read more
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A Shared Siblings Bedroom the Kids Will Adore!
A room shared by siblings needs to be good enough for both the children to live and create memories in. The decor has to be gender neutral yet aesthetic. Sounds difficult? Try out some of these time-tested tips to teach you how to decorate a bedroom for opposite sex siblings. Make it their favourite hangout!
You want to make your children feel special by decorating their room just the way they like. With the right information, decorating a shared siblings room isn't a challenge. Just remember to keep the overall room decor such that it piques their interest equally.
Creative Ways to Decorate Bedroom for Opposite Sex Siblings
1. Choose Between Bunkers and Separate Beds
Bunk beds can save space but do ensure you set rules regarding who takes the top bed and who goes at the bottom. You don't want confusion and quarrels that can be major headache inducers! You could also get two single beds and put them in different corners. Get linen with interesting themes to make the room look lively and colourful.
2. Tip, Tippy, Tap: Which Colour Do you Want?
Wall colour plays an important role when you're looking for bedroom decorating ideas for opposite sex siblings. Don’t go for blue or pink. Instead, choose full white or other neutral pastel shades for an unbiased vibe. If the room is spacious enough, you could also opt for a single textured wall.
3. Install Kid-Friendly Furniture
Have separate cupboards and shelves for each kid. This way, they can take care of their individual belongings and learn to keep their stuff organised. In order to make the room look its best, buy similar looking furniture. This will avoid sibling fights too. Ah, bliss!
4. Make Corners Attractive and Personalised
When decorating a shared bedroom for opposite sex siblings, allow your children to personalise their own corners. Give them total freedom to do up their ends the way they want to. They may like to put up their favourite wall stickers or use a soft board where they can display their craftwork or flaunt favourite pictures. This way, they’ll get a better understanding of room ownership and individuality as well.
5. Accessorize Right
Make the room more interesting by including attractive accessories. Consider buying two bean bags, colourful drapes and throw cushions. If the walls are in solid colour, then printed drapes are the right way to go. Also, throw in some bright floor mats near the doors and beds. For example, you could get them floor mats in the shape of their favourite cartoon characters.
Decorate your kids’ bedroom needs you to give vent to creativity and fun. Go ahead and ensure that your little ones are in absolute love with their space! Read more
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Do You Think You and Your Partner Can Survive These 'Save Money Challenges'?
There’s no doubt that we live in expensive times today. Our standard of living has shot up, only to fuel our needs and wants further, which technological advances like easy online shopping are only happy to facilitate. With everything from banking to shopping becoming so easy to access with a simple click, it also proves risky for those who find it challenging to save money. Of course, we all want nice things to indulge in and raise our status in society, but we also need to practise frugality to ensure that we don’t look at our bank statement one day and collapse in fear! As parents, you’ll have endless expenses to think of - not just of your own, but of your child, your parents, and anyone else depending on you. So, of course, it’s imperative that you improve your saving habits starting now if you haven’t yet begun!
Why Should I Try a Challenge With My Partner to Save Money?
Saving money can be as simple pulling back on a couple of rupees that you’d otherwise have spent without a thought, or investing or saving large amounts with great returns in the future. It could also mean resorting to simple hacks that will indirectly help you save money. But whatever you do, it’s important that both you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to financial health, especially if your spending patterns are polar opposites of each others’. After all, you’re partners for life in all matters, and that involves financial matters as well, right? Apart from helping you save a significant amount, taking up a money-saving challenge with your partner is going to help strengthen your bond immensely. Open and honest communication, continuous support from your partner, a new-found respect for each other’s aims and goals in life will all surface when you’re trying to save money together.
Now, the real question is, can you survive these challenges to avail of the monetary (and other) benefits they’ll offer?
4 Money-saving Challenges All Couples Should Try
The real challenge you’re going to face as individuals and as a couple is to find the patience and determination to stick to these challenges and habits. If you break at some point, don’t beat yourself up over it. Start afresh! The best part of the whole exercise is that you’re doing it with your partner, and that’s all the support you’ll need to keep going once you begin!
1. The ‘Cash Only’ Challenge
Remember what we said earlier about technology and modern aids helping make spending money the easiest thing to do nowadays? Credit cards are an absolute boon to people in need, no doubt, but they can be a bit of a bane if you’re trying to cut back on expenses, only to have this piece of plastic tempt and torment you! What this challenge calls for, therefore, is to go completely card-less and depend on cash alone for all your needs. Now, one-offs such as big purchases (and we mean really big; a pair of shoes or a new salwar doesn’t count!) that can’t be covered by cash can be exempted, of course. But for purchasing things like groceries, apparel, movie tickets and so on, you’ll have to stick to cash.
The idea behind this challenge is that depending on cash alone can make you prioritise what you really need and what you can let go for a while. When you don’t have a card to fall back on to make purchases, you’ll keep aside the desire to buy a new watch or outfit or anything that gets in the way of making absolutely necessary purchases, right? This way, you’ll also be able to track your expenses much more easily and figure out where your money is really going.
2. The ‘Cash and Debit Card Only’ Challenge
This really is just a spin-off of the ‘cash only’ challenge, but something that is slightly more forgiving and practical. Sometimes, there may just not be an ATM around when you have a dire need for cash. At that point, you can pull out your debit card to settle your bill; you have what you want but you also know that there is a limit you’ll need to keep for your spending. Right at the beginning of the challenge, lock away your credit cards so that you don’t get tempted to replace the card that is allowed to be used in the challenge!
3. The ‘Bare Necessities’ Challenge
As the name suggests, in this challenge, spending needs to be limited to the bare necessities that you cannot live without - and that’s it. Your kids’ needs will, of course, be included in this set, but what the challenge essentially entails is cutting back on ‘luxuries’ such as shopping sprees, beauty parlour sessions, expensive entertainment, dining out - the works. Now, this can change from family to family - what counts as a luxury for someone may be a complete necessity for another. So, at the beginning of the week, define what your priorities are in great detail, right down to the vegetables you’ll need to cook dinner! Chalk out the expenses that you foresee based on the list of priorities and then stick to it. Try and forgo an item if you’ve missed out on including it in the very beginning, unless it is absolutely necessary, of course.
This challenge requires plenty of planning and communication between both partners because defining your list of things to spend on requires thinking about your different tasks, meals, activities, and so on. Once you’ve mastered Level 1 of the challenge, i.e., sticking to it for a week, take it up a notch by extending the timespan. This way, it will mostly become a habit too!
4. The ‘Single Income’ Challenge
This one is actually applicable for couples where both members are earning. The challenge basically is to reduce expenses to the extent that the household functions on a single member’s income, while the other member’s income is kept aside as savings. Now, can you imagine how much the expenses would have to come by to be able to achieve this goal? You cannot, of course, skip important payments like your car’s EMI or rent but what you can do is cut back on any frivolous or unnecessary spending that you tend to do. Again, this requires tons of planning and proper execution to work without both partners throwing in the towel in the first go. That’s why it’s important to test it out for a month, figure out where you’re facing troubles (if any), and then regroup to work out these problems. This could be the toughest challenge of the lot to tackle, so make sure you’re prepared for some troubles and arguments. But find a way to master this challenge, and a couple of years from now, you’ll be thanking yourself for having gone through with it.
Other Fun Challenges You Can Try to Save Money
The above challenges can be a little on the, well, challenging side! But there are also some fun ways you can save little amounts of money and include the kids too, while you’re at it. After all, isn’t it best to inculcate such habits in children at an early age?
The Envelope Challenge - Mark a few envelopes with denominations of Re.1, Rs.2, Rs.5, Rs.10, Rs.20, so on, till you have covered all the denominations (including the Rs.2000 note is entirely up to you!). During the year, whenever there is the opportunity to do so, i.e., finding loose change or receiving money as a gift or simply deciding to save some money, for example, keep aside those notes and coins in these envelopes. You can either set a timeline for when the challenge will end or end it when all the envelopes are filled to the brim. Once you’re done, count your stash - you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve saved! Envelopes of smaller denominations are perfect if you want your kids to try this out.
The ‘Bad Habit’ Jar - Here’s a fun way to kick a bad habit and gain some monetary benefits too! This challenge will have you and your family choose which of all your bad habits need to be penalised. For each time one of you indulges or shows an example of that habit, you’ll have to drop a designated amount (Rs.2 is a nice amount to start with!) into a jar. Sounds fun right? Say, for example, your child spends too much time playing on the phone. Your child will now have to come up with creative ways to reduce his screen-time, failing which he’ll have to pay up - either way, it’s a win-win situation! Once the challenge ends, you’ll either have a nice big amount of money or have given up your bad habit - or both!
The 365-Day Challenge - This is pretty much the simplest challenge there can be - save a rupee a day! At the end of the year, you’ll have 365 rupees in hand, without too much effort. Get your kids in on this one because it would be easy for them to do. Once they see how much they’re able to save by keeping aside just a single coin every day, they’re bound to continue this challenge for a while! Another version you can try is to match the amount you save to the day of the year, i.e., Re.1 on the 1st day, Rs.10 on the 10th day, Rs.75 on the 75th day...you get the drift!
Saving money is an essential habit everyone should cultivate, but there’s no rule that says it can’t be made fun at all! Try out any of the four couple challenges we’ve mentioned and don’t forget to involve your kids in the rest of them. Let us know if you managed to survive any, however short the duration was!
Also Read:
Working Tips to Maintain Financial Security
Money Management Apps That Make Financial Planning Easier
Sensible Ways to Save and Enjoy Your New Wealth Responsibly Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
29 mins ago
A. 29.9.24. 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
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
1 hour ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
1 hour ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
29 mins ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
55 mins ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
30 mins ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy 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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