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10 Alternatives to Plastic to Bring Into Your Daily Life
Plastic. It’s in every corner of your house, of your office; of your life. Sounds like a redundant fact but really - take in your surroundings for a moment and notice how plastic is now the only thing you can see. The containers you use to store your condiments, the translucent green bag that awaits your trash, the decorative hooks holding on to your towel in the washroom, the bottle of water you’re drinking from right now! If you were to wake up one day and decide to lead a completely plastic-free life, you would probably get stuck right from when you enter the bathroom and decide to brush your teeth, because your toothbrush is probably of the plastic kind!
Why is Going Plastic-Free the Need of the Hour?
So plastic has taken over our lives, and by the state of things, over the world too. Without going into a very tedious science lecture, here is a simple fact about plastic - it doesn’t decompose naturally. We know, we know, that’s an obvious fact. And yet, with islands of plastic waste swelling up around us, why do we still hold on to every plastic element we can find? Sure, it’s a convenient option, but since Mother Earth has been such a kind host to us, shouldn’t we be responsible enough to clean up after ourselves - or better still, undertake actions that don’t require cleaning up at all!
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, perhaps these pictures from around the world will remind you of how harmful plastic is to the environment!
Not very pleasant sights, are they?
Things to Keep in Mind About Eco-friendly Alternatives
There are quite a few plastic items you can replace in your everyday life with their eco-friendly counterparts. A little research can show you where you can find these products near you. But first, keep these things in mind:
These products can be a little expensive, but don’t be deterred from buying them because of the price tag. In a lot of cases, the quality is quite good and lasts for long. Not as long as plastic, but definitely not as harmful either!
Also, it’s quite possible that certain products may have some elements that are non-biodegradable. Unless the product is majorly or entirely made of such materials, you can make a few exceptions, because buying the cheap or low-quality versions will anyway have you chucking them in the trash, and that beats the purpose of this exercise
10 Alternatives to Plastic Items in Your Everyday Life
Here’s a bunch of things you can use to make the switch from ‘devoted plastic user’ to ‘the hero the environment needed’!
1. Bamboo Toothbrushes
As mentioned before, we do start off our day with plastics, the very first being our toothbrush. This essential item, when tossed into the trash and subsequently in a garbage pit somewhere, take around 400 years - 4 WHOLE CENTURIES - to decompose! It’s also not something you can get rid of burning, not without consequences; the chemicals released while burning plastic are quite toxic. So why not switch to bamboo toothbrushes? Made of mostly sustainable materials that can decompose naturally (the bristles are usually made of nylon, so they aren’t a 100% biodegradable), they last for almost the same duration that is recommended for plastic toothbrushes (3-4 months).
2. Stainless Steel/Glass Water Bottles
Instead of buying an umpteen number of plastic bottles that you’ll use till the water gets over, invest in a good water bottle that limits your use of plastic ones. Prolonged use of plastic bottles is harmful because of certain toxic chemicals that seep into the drinking water and thus, into your body. There are plenty of designer stainless steel and glass bottles in the market to please the most aesthetically-picky people, and they’re durable too.
3. Eco-friendly Coffee Tumblers
Working professionals who’re fueled by caffeine, this one will be right up your alley. Why opt for several small plastic cups of coffee when you can have it all in one big durable tumbler, that looks super slick too? Now, this is another product which can have a plastic lid or a silicone sleeve, but is any day more eco-friendly than those little cups that will wind up in a big pile of garbage. Plus, seriously - a big cup of hot coffee or tiny little cups that you always burn your fingertips with?
4. Cloth Pads or Menstrual Cups
When it comes to the conventional sanitary napkin, it’s got more plastic in it than anything else. Imagine the number of pads one woman will need to go through in one month, till she hits menopause. That is one woman’s count. So you can imagine the staggering amount of plastic waste that is dispelled into the environment across the world due to sanitary napkins. Tampons aren’t all that innocent either because they are made of cotton and rayon (non-biodegradable) but are wrapped in plastic, and usually, every component (including the wrappers) are flushed away.
Enter, the reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups! Every other lifestyle guru is now recommending these products as great alternatives to conventional menstrual hygiene products. Not only do they create no waste, are resuable, and very durable, but plenty of people are ‘cupverting’ to menstrual cups because they make periods more bearable. Worth a try then, right?
5. Cloth Diapers
Bet you knew this would appear next on the list - how can we talk about plastic hygiene items without addressing the problem of countless disposable diapers that are clogging landfills and contributing to garbage piles at an alarming frequency? Cloth diapers are reusable and better for the baby’s skin due to the lack of chemicals. Just be mindful of the water you’ll be using to clean the diapers, because wasting water is just as big of a problem!
6. Reusable Shopping Bags
The plastic ban that has been imposed in almost every state of India has set back the usage of plastic bags - but only slightly. People still use and dispose of plastic covers mainly used for grocery shopping and throwing out the trash. Keep a reusable bag handy while going to the supermarket (mesh, cloth, canvas totes - there are plenty of pretty options that are now available out there), which also lets you skip paying for the plastic bag should you have too many things you can’t carry by hand. You’ll also find certain bags that are made from vegetable waste and are completely bio-degradable, as well.
7. Compostable Garbage Bags
The one reason we prefer to use our plastic covers as garbage bags is because it assures no leakage of food waste and can hold quite a lot of stuff in. But there are reasonably priced compostable garbage bags available in the market which have the above qualities AND help the environment. Use these to line your trash can, packed soiled clothes (if you’re travelling), to dispose of food and other wastes - well, just like how you’d use any regular plastic bag!
8. Eco-Friendly Cutlery
It’s not always possible to lug around stainless steel spoons and forks, especially if you need a whole lot for an event or a picnic. In the case disposable cutlery is the only option you have, pick those that can be friends of the environment. You get to choose from wooden spoons and forks, leaf or bamboo plates and cups, and even edible cutlery! It is better than throwing out an infinite number of plastic cutlery that will probably end up sticking around for a couple of centuries, long enough for your kids’ kids to see!
9. Reusable Straws
Yet another thing we toss into the trash in extremely high numbers are plastic straws. A lot of restaurants have cut back on serving plastic straws with drinks owing to the plastic ban in the states they belong to. But if straws are a must, use stainless steel straws that are washable and reusable.
10. Beeswax Wraps
Cling wrap that is used to seal food is thrown away without a second glance. It’s something we use in plenty and gets discarded after one throw. There is an expensive alternative to this, however; but the price paid becomes worth it once you’re able to get the number of uses that you do out of this product. We’re talking about beeswax wraps, which are thin cotton-cloths that are lined with beeswax, an odourless product with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These can be used for a couple of months at a stretch, and are washable as well. Just make sure that you don’t use it to cover hot food as the beeswax can melt.
Giving up plastic is not the easiest thing to do. Making the transition to eco-friendly products won’t happen in a jiffy - and shouldn’t either. Don’t rush to replace all the existing items in your house; simply remember that when you buy new products, you could be using their no-plastic (or lesser plastic) version too. And if you’re wondering whether giving up a measly straw or a couple of plastic straws can make a difference, scroll up, and let the pictures remind you that it’s high time we take action!
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Protein for Kids - Benefits, Requirement & Foods
The importance of chalking out a well-balanced diet for your kid is very important. Today, food habits are dominated by fried, oily, junk and fast food, often depriving kids of essential nutrition which is key to their growth and development. Protein is one of the most important nutrients, especially during the growth years of the child. Parents should, thereby keep a tab on the protein intake of the kid and ensure that necessary amount of protein is received by the child daily.
Benefits of Protein for Kids
Following are the benefits of protein for kids:
1. Build Muscles
Protein helps in building, maintaining and replacing tissues in the body. Protein is the building block of life and the most important nutrient for building muscles.
2. Aids Growth of Cells
Protein is necessary for the generation and regeneration of cells in the body. It aids in blood replenishment, heals wounds and also regulates the growth of hair and nails.
3. Boosts Metabolism
Protein, in the form of enzymes and hormones, ensures that the metabolism of the body remains in a healthy shape.
4. Strengthens the Immune System
Protein helps to keep your immune system strong and fight off disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Protein works as antibodies that provide assistance to the immune system.
5. Helps in the Production of Haemoglobin
Protein helps in the production of haemoglobin which is an important component of the blood as it helps to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
6. Protein is a Calorie Mine
The body needs carbohydrates to produce energy. When there is a shortage of carbohydrates, the body can also use proteins to get calories and produce energy.
How Much Protein Do Children Need
As children grow in age, the ideal quantity of protein required by the body also increases. Since protein is an important nutrient for your child, it is necessary to ensure that the ideal protein requirements for children are fulfilled on a daily basis.
Listed below is the protein required for kids of different age groups
0 to 12 months of age: 9.1 grams of protein every day
1 to 3 years of age: 13 grams of protein every day
4 to 8 years of age: 19 grams of protein every day
9 to 13 years of age: 34 grams of protein every day
Which Are the High Protein Foods for Kids
In order to make a high protein diet for kids, you can consider including the following food items which are high in protein content, to your child's daily diet.
1. Dairy Food
Milk and milk products such as cheese, curd, yoghurt and cottage cheese are very rich in proteins. Ensure that your child has sufficient amounts of dairy products daily.
2. Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of protein and perfect for your little one. A hard-boiled egg or omelette in breakfast is sure to give a power packed start to your kid's day.
3. Meat
Lean meat items such as skinless chicken have protein in abundance. A tasty chicken curry or a chicken starter will provide ample protein nourishment and good taste to your child.
4. Plant-Based Sources of Protein
For those of you who are strictly vegetarian, you can give plant-based food items such as peanut butter, soymilk, tofu, nuts, legumes, soy yoghurt and seeds to your kid. They are not only healthy and filled with protein, but also taste good.
Tips to Make Your Child Eat More Protein
Making sure that your kid eats nutritious food can be difficult. Children tend to be inclined towards junk food (which excites their taste buds) and avoid good food. The best way to make your child eat nutritious food is by mixing up regular food items with food that is tasty, yet healthy in order to draw a balance between taste and nutrition.
Here are tips to make tasty yet high protein snacks for kids which they will relish and also get nourished.
1. Start your Little One’s Day with Waffles
Waffles for breakfast is always a hit with kids. All you need to do is replace the sugar or maple syrup with a layer of crunchy peanut butter. Your kids will love the taste and at the same time get a good dose of protein. You can also sprinkle the waffle with flax seed to make it more nutritious.
2. Make Chicken a Little More Exciting
The best way to get your child to eat some veggies and a protein is by making a patty out of chicken it and stuffing it between two pieces of buns and make a burger. Flavour it with a tangy sauce and your kid will relish it.
3. Evening Snacks Filled with Proteins
Edamame dip is a good source of protein and is tasty. Serve the dip with colourful bell peppers, nuts, and cherry tomatoes after your kid is back from the school.
4. Make a Protein Dessert
Greek yoghurt is a good source of protein, and when mixed with sweet berry sauce, it becomes equally yummy. Greek yoghurt will not only add protein to your child’s diet, it will also provide calcium to the body.
5. Bring in a Surprise Element
Quinoa is fast becoming a famous snack, thanks to the nutrient mine that it is. It is one of the very few plants which has complete protein along with potassium, zinc, and iron. A power food, when mixed with apricots, and pistachios is going to be a sure shot hit with your kid.
It is very important to provide sufficient protein to a growing child. It is a key element in muscle building and cannot be ignored. With a little bit of innovation in your child’s daily diet, it is possible to fulfil the body’s protein requirement.
Also Read: Calcium-Rich Foods for Children Read more
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) during Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic bowel problem condition having episodic stomach cramps, bloating, flatulence and either constipation or diarrhoea. It can cause severe pain in the abdomen, uneasiness, and inconvenience. The causes are not known, and there is no permanent cure for the condition. However, few changes in the diet, lifestyle and some treatment can help in reducing the symptoms.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intestinal disorder. The main symptoms may include abdominal pain, loose motions and constipation. It does not cause any life hazards but can affect the everyday lives of people suffering from the condition. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. People with mild symptoms can go without any treatment. However, people with severe symptoms may have to undergo some treatment and lifestyle changes.
Relation Between IBS and Pregnancy
IBS in early pregnancy brings with it lots of gastrointestinal problems like morning sickness, heartburn, constipation or diarrhoea. Make sure you eat right and healthy. Taking a cup of ginger tea during this period can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS. IBS and pregnancy diarrhoea is quite common in pregnant women. However, there may be two sides to it. Women who have IBS before pregnancy are either more prone to severe symptom during pregnancy or get relief from it during the pregnancy period.
Causes of IBS when Pregnant
Gastro-intestinal disorders, like IBS, are quite usual among pregnant women. It can be caused by a number of reasons like –
Increase in stress level during pregnancy
Pregnancy hormone induced anxiety
Hormonal imbalance
The pressure of the growing baby inside the uterus on the stomach and intestines
Some trigger foods which may cause gas, flatulence, bloating etc. like dairy products, peanuts, cauliflower, beetroot, broccoli etc.
Intake of alcohol, caffeine products like tea and coffee etc.
Eating heavy meals or spicy and oily food
Skipping meals
Taking iron tablets during pregnancy which may cause constipation
IBS Symptoms in Pregnant Women
IBS symptoms in pregnant women may be according to the trimester she is in.
In the first trimester, pregnant women may experience an increase in heartburn, acidity, and many may suffer from loose motions.
Constipation is another symptom that pregnant women may suffer from, especially during the last trimester.
Some may even suffer from abdominal pain.
The stools may also have mucus.
Bloating, flatulence and gas may be some of the other IBS symptoms during pregnancy.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed in Pregnancy?
There are no specific tests to diagnose IBS in pregnancy. Doctors rely more on the symptoms of the patients to diagnose IBS. Although there are no definite tests to detect it, there are some tests which may help in ruling out similar symptomatic medical conditions.
The doctor may ask for tests like –
Colonoscopy to look into the inner lining of the large intestine.
Faecal occult blood to check if there is any presence of blood in the stool.
Blood tests to test for anaemia, tissue damage or tissue damage, and celiac disease.
Moreover, having periods of diarrhoea and periods of constipation with non-pregnancy related abdominal pain for three or more days a month is a sure symptom of IBS during pregnancy.
How Does IBS Affect Pregnancy?
IBS pregnancy complications can lead to risks in pregnancy. It will only affect you. IBS may lead to long periods of diarrhoea resulting in dehydration which could cause preterm labour. On the other hand constipation due to IBS during pregnancy may result in rectal bleeding or even haemorrhoids. It may also affect the pelvic muscles that are important during childbirth. IBS affected women are also at high risk of having a miscarriage.
However, there is nothing to prove that IBS affects or harms the baby in the womb. Neither does IBS affect a woman’s fertility or her ability to get pregnant.
How Is IBS Affected by Pregnancy?
IBS during pregnancy may get more severe due to the pregnancy hormones. Pregnant women may experience more problems related to digestion like diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn or acidity etc. With the growing baby inside you, the intestines and digestive tract get pressed leading to a problem in bowel movement.
How Does IBS Affect The Baby in The Womb?
It is said that diarrhoea in pregnancy, due to IBS, may cause dehydration in pregnant women and also strip the mother and the baby of essential nutrients. It may result in preterm deliveries which may at times prove to be fatal for the baby. In some cases, the baby may develop health complications too. It may also result in miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy.
Can You Prevent IBS when Pregnant?
It may be a bit of a challenge to prevent IBS. However, you can prevent it by avoiding foods that may trigger the symptoms of IBS. Following a balanced and a healthy diet, drinking lots of fluid, exercising and remaining stress-free are some of the best ways of preventing IBS during pregnancy.
However, make sure to consult a doctor if the problem persists for a long time or you have severe symptoms. You should also consult the doctor before taking any medicine.
Effective Treatments to Cure IBS during Pregnancy
There is no permanent cure for IBS. However, you can reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome through the various ways listed below.
Eat healthily and the right amount of food.
Eat small portions but at regular intervals.
Eat only home cooked food
Avoid spicy food which may trigger poor digestion and harm your gastrointestinal tract.
Avoid eating fried food which may trigger acid reflux.
Include lots of fibrous food and fruits in your daily diet.
Include probiotics in your diet.
Drink lots of water and fresh juice of fruits and vegetables.
Instead of taking constipation inducing iron tablets, take iron rich food.
Avoid foods and vegetables which may trigger gas, bloating and flatulence.
Avoid high-fat dairy products.
Quit drinking alcohol and smoking.
Keep a tab of what all you eat and write about the symptoms, if any, triggered by the food eaten.
Meditate, practice yoga postures fit for pregnancy, read, go for long walks, laugh and be stress-free.
Exercise regularly.
You may also try out home remedies instead of taking over-the-counter medicines or allopathy medicines.
IBS may be a lifelong condition, but there are ways to control it. There is nothing to get anxious or depressed when you have IBS. You have to remember that you are not alone handling IBS during pregnancy. There are many like you or some who may be struggling with severe symptoms of IBS during pregnancy. IBS during pregnancy can be tough to handle but with the right approach, good dietary habits, some lifestyle changes and a bit of treatment, you will not even notice it.
Also Read: Heartburn during Pregnancy, 21 Common Pregnancy Problems & Their Solutions Read more
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माँ बनने के बाद खुद को भुलाना सही नही है
बच्चे को जन्म देने के बाद संध्या अपनी घर गृहस्थी में ऐसी उलझी की खुद को संवारना और निखारना तो बिलकुल भूल ही गयी..भूलना क्या..दरअसल अपने से ज्यादा तो उसको अपने बच्चे की देख रेख और उसके स्वास्थ्य की चिंता रहती ! कभी कभी तो ऐसा होता की दो-दो दिन तक वो अपने बालों पर कंघी भी न फिरा पाती थी ! अपने सुंदर और लम्बे नाखूनों को भी काट डाला ताकि उसके बच्चे को हल्की सी खरोंच भी न लग जाये !
संध्या की गुडिया दस महीने की हो गयी थी पर अभी भी वो संध्या को रात-रात भर जगाती थी..दिन में सोती और रात को जागती ! संध्या का दिन तो घर के कामों में निकल जाता और रात उसको गुडिया के साथ जाग कर बितानी पड़ती ! हालाँकि संध्या को अपनी जिम्मेदारियों का अहसास था और बखूबी वो निभा भी रही थी पर ऐसे में वो अपना ख्याल बिलकुल नहीं रख पाती थी !
संध्या..जो हमेशा टिप- टॉप रहती थी ! जैसे कपडे होते वैसे ही मैचिंग ज्वेलरी और सैंडिल, नेलपोलिश से सजे नाखून और सलीके से बने हुये उसके बालों के स्टाईल के तो सब दीवाने थे ! परन्तु अब तो सब कुछ बदल सा गया था ! ऐसा नहीं था की उसके पतिदेव उसकी सहायता नहीं करते थे परन्तु बच्चों को माँ की जरूरत सबसे ज्यादा होती है ! आज तो संध्या के पतिदेव ने भी कह दिया था "संध्या..थोडा अपना भी ध्यान रखा करो.. इतवार को मेरी छुट्टी होगी तो तुम पार्लर जा आना" !
पतिदेव की बात सुनने के बाद संध्या ने थोड़ी देर रुक कर खुद को शीशे में निहारा ! एक आह सी भर कर उसने अपने पतिदेव से कहा "क्या करूँ..गुडिया के होने के बाद मेरे बाल बहुत झड़ रहे हैं इसलिए हमेशा इनको लपेट कर रखती हूँ..सोच रही हूँ की क्यूँ न इनको कटवा कर छोटा कर लूं"! संध्या की बात सुन उसके पतिदेव ने उसको साफ़ मना करते हुये कहा "कोई जरूरत नहीं है बाल कटवाने की..मुझे तुम्हारे लम्बे बाल ही पसंद हैं और फिर मम्मी भी नाराज़ होंगी..कुछ दिनों की ही तो बात है जब गुडिया साल भर की हो जायेगी तो बाल भी झड़ना बंद हो जायेंगे"
पतिदेव के कहे अनुसार जब संध्या पार्लर गयी तो ब्यूटिशियन ने कहा "तुम्हारे बाल तो बहुत झड़ गये हैं..अगर कहो तो कंधों तक नये स्टाईल में काट दूं" पर संध्या आनाकानी करने लगी ! इस पर ब्यूटिशियन ने कहा "जैसी तुम्हारी मर्ज़ी..पर तुम्हारे बाल इस से घने भी लगेंगे और नया लुक तुम्हारे व्यक्तित्व को भी निखारेगा"! परन्तु संध्या नहीं मानी क्यूंकि उसको लग रहा था की घर में सब नाराज़ होंगे ये जबरदस्ती ओखली में सिर देने वाली बात होगी ! जैसे ही वो पार्लर का बिल चुकाकर बाहर आने लगी तो उसकी नजर फिर शीशे पर पड़ी और अपने बालों पर हाथ फेरते हुये खुद से ही कहने लगी "कैसे पूँछ जैसे रूखे और पतले लग रहे हैं" और मुड़ कर वापिस कुर्सी पर बैठ गयी और आत्मविश्वास के साथ ब्यूटिशियन से कहा "मुझे नया हेयर स्टाईल चाहिये.. मेरे बालों को नया लुक दो"
अपना नया हेयर स्टाईल उसको बहुत पसंद आया..नये हेयर स्टाईल ने उसके अंदर एक नया आत्मविश्वास भी जगा दिया ! घर की ओर कदम बढाते हुये उसको डर भी लग रहा था पर उसने सोचा की जो होगा देखा जायेगा ! जैसे ही उसके पतिदेव ने दरवाज़ा खोला तो अनायास ही उनके मुंह से निकला "वाह संध्या..बिलकुल मॉडल जैसी लग रही हो"! पतिदेव के मुंह से अपनी तरीफ सुनकर संध्या ने राहत की सांस ली और पतिदेव से पूछ बैठी "पर मम्मी जी क्या कहेंगी" ! "चिंता न करो संध्या..कह देना की आपके बेटे ने ही कहा था" !
आखिर में ये ही कहना चाहूंगी दोस्तो की माँ बनने के बाद जिम्मेदारियां बहुत बढ़ जाती हैं पर इस बीच खुद को भुला देना भी सही नहीं है ! माँ बनने के बाद मोटापा, बालों का झड़ना, चेहरे पर दाग या आँखों के नीचे काले धब्बे आना बिलकुल आम बात है...ऐसे में तनाव न लें ..खुद को संवारिये, निखारिये और नये-नये स्टाईल अपनाकर अपना आत्मविश्वास जगाये रखिये ! बच्चा सम्भालना मातापिता दोनों की जिम्मेदारी है और ऐसे में दोनों को एक-दुसरे की भावनाओं और निर्णय का सम्मान करना चाहिये !
धन्यवाद !
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Befriending your Kids: Is It Easy?
‘My parents are so cool, I can get sloshed with them’, ‘My folks are so uptight I can’t speak to them about anything’ – there is a vast gap between the two. The trick is to find the midpoint with care, lest the fragile egos we are working with get hurt. Neither end of the spectrum is advisable, and a mid-point is always the most difficult to find and then follow.
‘I will not leave you alone even if you want me to – like your friends. I will hound you and get the truth out of you.’ – some wise mom said this on the internet, and this set the ball rolling on this piece.
Let’s face some truths about friends as thought of by your kid – they accept me for who I am, they let me come around at my own time, don’t judge me by my messy room, don’t watch every step I take with starry eyes. Given that there are no expectations in friendships, are we willing to accept such an equation with our kids? Can we ever be anywhere close to being our kid’s friend? Let’s find out.
Friends Accept us for who we are
Kids think that friends do not demand that they strive harder and harder, and aim for the best. They are content to let each one take the lead on their life. However, from a parent’s perspective, does that go against the whole point of egging their children to achieve perfection? Maybe, maybe not. If we are our little one’s friend, won’t we automatically be expected to adhere to the same parameters as set by their peers?
Leave Me Alone
Friends take this three-word phrase very seriously. We do that with ours, so how different can our kids and her friends be? But, can we do that with our little one? Can we leave her alone when we know something is obviously bothering her? As a parent, it is our job to probe until we get to the bottom of the issue and help them get over it.
Doing The Chores
That’s an automatic no-no. We are never asked to partake in household chores by our friends, and we don’t ask them either. However, again from a parents perspective, it’s a different matter. We believe that by asking them to participate in household activities, we are teaching them important aspects of life such as responsibility, community living and so on. As a parent, it is our duty to impart these values in our kids – a friend has no such responsibilities.
A Friend – A Role Model?
As parents, we all hope that we are role models for young ones to follow. But as a friend we automatically lose that right. None of us look at our friends as role models – we all just hang out together living our own lives. While the title of ‘the’ role model is heavy to carry, being one of them is a good place to be in. And as a friend, we may not be in a position to have such expectations of our kids.
As parents, we can’t have the best of either world. We are constantly picking and choosing the best of the opportunities presented in the world we inhabit. We may choose to be our kid’s friend or be the one who controlled every nitty-gritty detail of their life. Alternatively, you may choose to be the person they look upto and be assured that they can come to you when it is a matter they are not able to resolve. The choice is yours. Read more
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Q. Hi
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A. the sleeping position during pregnancy is recommended either left side or right side so that the baby gets proper supply of circulation
and also sleeping on back during pregnancy causes back pain
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
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Q. #asktheexpert hiii maam... i am geethu... 20 weeks& 2 days pregnancy ..
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A. 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
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Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
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A. back pain is a very common symptom, which is there in most of the cases because of an uncorrect posture and many times because of week back muscles so it is better to correct the posture. Take a healthy diet containing all nutrients and some back extension and muscle. Strengthening exercises should be done. A proper assessment is required if there is chronic back pain to rule out other, pathological cause also wait, deduction should be done if excess of weight is there b
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A. gas in babies is very common and mostly because of immaturity of intestine, so try to give exclusive breastfeeding and the mother should take plenty of liquids and a good fibre diet. Some kind of food intake in mothers may aggravate gas in babies try to avoid giving formula milk specially with bottle feeding. Also cow milk gshould be avoided before one year of age medication should be given if required where enzyme preparations like alo zyme. other medications like cockade drops containing semethicone may be helpful
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