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10 Effective Ways to Improve Memory Power of a Child
Seeing your little one grow up is fun for parents. Those moments are fun and exciting and something you will remember all your life. As your kid grows he begins to speak his first words, learns to colour, and plays with you and other kids...and what not. But as other aspects of the world start dawning upon him, you will notice that your child does not remember things well or tends to forget something that was just taught to him. Improving memory in children needs to begin from an early age so that it can be beneficial for him later in life.
How Does Memory Works in Kids?
The most peculiar part in our human body is the ability of the brain to be able to store some information and then be able to recall it whenever it is needed. This, in its very essence, is termed as memory. Contrary to popular belief, our brain does not store information in a particular location like a hard-drive. Instead, every information creates a separate pathway in the neural circuit of the brain, depending on how intensive the information is. If there are a larger number of neuron pathways for a specific memory, the stronger it becomes.
Rarely can anyone recall the events from their lives when they were kids. This is medically called “childhood amnesia” and it is purely because of the brain’s inability to form long-lasting neural circuits at that age. This is why kids have to be told to do the simplest tasks multiple times.
Factors That May Affect Memory Skills in Children
Not every child is unique. Therefore, some kids may have a strong memory compared to others. However, in some cases, there are specific factors that can impact the ability to retain and recall information in kids.
The presence of various existing medical conditions or past history of a medical illness could impact the ability of the brain to retain information. These could range from genetic disorders, down to head injuries before or after birth, or any other similar cases.
A general inability to concentrate on tasks or the issue at hand for a long time could result in kids not remembering what is being taught at all.
A total disregard for a particular element, simply because it is not interesting, indirectly tells the brain that this is not worth remembering.
Having a proper diet is necessary for the proper growth of the brain. If your kids' diet is improper, it can impact your child’s memory.
Sleep is extremely necessary for the brain since that is when the neural connections are strengthened and new ones are formed. Less sleep means less effective memory.
Kids who are used to watching a lot of TV turn their brains into pieces of mush that just passively consume without making an effort to remember anything at all.
If the environment in the house is stressful and anxiety-inducing for the child, he could have a tough time remembering things well.
How to Improve Memory Power of Kids?
The more you use your brain, the stronger it gets. This leads us to a few techniques that can be employed to elevate the ability to a higher level than before.
1. Make Molehills from Mountains
Attempting to understand and learn something can get overwhelming for a child. As a result, he will not make an effort to understand it because it is too difficult for him. Turn that huge block of information into smaller pieces, focusing on the principles of each one of them. Let him start from the roots and grow his way up to understanding the entire tree. This helps in organizing information in the right structure within the brain.
2. Make Use of the Senses
Some kids may not remember the things exactly, but they can very easily recall other aspects of the event, such as what they heard or what they saw. This is important in understanding how your kid learns or remembers things. Make use of such senses in helping him associate that perception with the element that needs to be remembered and recalled. Not only does this strengthen the memory, but it engages your kid to a deeper level, too.
3. Let the Kid be the Teacher
If you have truly understood something, you should be able to teach it to someone. Once you teach something to your kid or if your kid studied on his own, ask him to teach it to you or his sibling or to a friend. Keep a note of the times he has to refer to the material again and work on those aspects.
4. Make Mind Maps
This is a proven technique that has helped numerous people sketch out their ideas and remember existing ones in a much better way. Working primarily on the concept of association and logical connections, mind maps help your child visualise the entire material in a network that forms a path from one concept to another. This helps in creating a lucid thought process that can be invoked when the material or the concept needs to be recalled.
5. Create Your Examples
Most textbooks or learning elements come with examples to help understand how the concept can be applied in real life. Once your kid understands it, ask him to come up with an example of his own. Let him use examples to introduce or teach the concept to you if he has trouble explaining it verbatim.
6. Use Visual Aids
Combining right keywords and important headings for flashcards can assist your child in recalling information quickly. And these visual aids are just a stepping stone to continue ahead unabated.
7. Learn Actively
Learning and memorising doesn’t have to be restricted to a particular study time or so. Engage with your child in discussing multiple concepts with him in evenings or simply after seeing something interesting on the television. Connecting disparate concepts together to see the larger picture helps with critical thinking.
8. Take Learning to Different Environments
All the learning doesn’t have to happen through the study material or learning elements. Let your child interact with different aspects of the world and get a hands-on experience. Learning something about animals? Go to a zoo. Do you want to teach him about plants, take him to a garden and let him explore. To teach about history, take him to a museum.
9. Make Learning Musical
Certain aspects of the journey of studying require memorisation and verbatim recall. These can be made easier by mixing them with a tune or a rhyming song. This essentially makes both halves of the brain to work together and remember a concept, thus creating even stronger and long-lasting neural connections.
10. Be Inquisitive
Never scold your child for asking too many questions. The inquisitive nature of a child is vital for his growth, development, and instilling an ability to look for newer concepts to be memorized, learnt and neural networks created.
Parents can make use of various tips to improve memory power in children and help them in various aspects of learning at school and even at home. It is necessary to give your child time to let him improve at his own pace and ensure to not compare him with his peers.
With FirstCry Intellikit, a learning program based on the theory of multiple intelligence, you can ensure that your child gets the boost he requires to help his overall development.
After all, every child is intelligent, and needs only the right environment & stimulus to hone his/her natural talent.
Also Read: Brain Development Foods for Kids Read more
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How To Teach Your Child To Write His Name - 10 Fun Ways
Teaching a child to write his name should not be done just for fun but to prepare him for school. By teaching your child to write his name, you develop his motor skills, preparing him for school and even give him a concrete identity all in one swoop. It is also a fun activity for parents to teach the child how to write his name before he goes to kindergarten.
Let us look at a few ways to teach 3-year-olds to write their names:
How to Teach a Kid to Write His Name
Here’s how you can teach your children to write their names in a fun way:
1. Use an outline
You can print his name as an outline so that it will be easier for him to understand how to write his name. In a Word document, select a large font and type his name, choose the outline option, and print it. Print out multiple copies of the same for your little one. Hold your child's hand and make him write on the outline using a pencil. With enough practice, your child will master the art of writing his name.
2. Fingerpaint
The movements required to write a name can be hard for your child, and this is where finger painting comes in as a fun activity. You can use salt, shaving cream, or even pudding on a tray, and make your child trace his name on it either using his finger or a writing tool. This has the advantage that it can be used as much as possible without much of a mess.
3. Teach him outdoors
You can always try to teach him outdoors in the midst of nature. Write his name on your driveway with a chalk in a large font and then ask your child to write it as large. Eventually, you can reduce the size of the letters and make it suitable for a paper.
4. Trace over highlighter
This is another cost-effective and easy-to-do method. Trace out your child's name on a paper using a thick highlighter. All now that your child has to do is practice by keeping his pencil marks within the colour of the highlighter and gradually his motor skills will develop.
5. Slate and chalk
There is a reason why slates still remain the age-old method for teaching a child to write. Also using slate and chalk to teach a child is a cost-effective method. Just give your child a chalk or slate pencil, and sit with him so that you can guide him as to how to spell his name on the slate.
6. Sign up and sign in
Once your child learns to write his name, do not stop at that. Practice makes a man perfect, so make sure that he is practising enough. To make it fun, make your child ‘sign up’ if he wants something. For example, if he wants a snack, he has to write his name; if he wants to play with his favourite electronic gadget, he will have to sign in. This could be fun for a child.
7. Dry erase markers on a window
Children love scribbling on the windows and walls and no matter what you do to stop them from scribbling on your beautifully painted walls, they won't listen to you. So, why not make this scrawling productive? Channel their energy into a positive experience by providing some dry erase markers to your child and making him have fun by practising his name on a window or wall.
8. Cut-outs
Initially, you may have to teach your children to identify letters. This can be made fun by searching through old magazines for the letters in his name and cutting it out specifically to make a collage of his name.
9. Spaghetti
This is the only time when you will encourage your child to play with food, but if it does good to your child, then why not? You can give your child spaghetti or noodles, and encourage him to spell out his name using the strands. This can be a fun experience for your child.
10. Make a song
In order to get your child to learn the spelling of his name, you can make up a silly song which spells it out and sing it. Your child is sure to sing it himself, and he will gradually learn the spelling of his name without much effort.
There are many ways as to how to teach your pre-schoolers to write their name- however, try to make it as fun as possible for your child.
Also Read: Motor Skills Development in Childhood Read more
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6 Different Modak & Laddoo Recipes You Must Try this Ganesh Chaturthi
The season of festivals has arrived and that simply means there are lots of sweets to binge on. If you too are a Lord Ganesha devotee, we tell you how you can impress him by making these delicious varieties of modak this Ganesh Chaturthi
The closer we come to finishing another year, more the reasons to celebrate. Come August and September and the season of festivals beckons our heart, soul, and most importantly, our sweet tooth!
Kick-starting the festivities is Lord Ganesha who is arriving this August 25 to bless us with his presence. So, it is really important to put your best foot forward and impress him (and your friends and family) by preparing his favourite modaks and laddoos.
There is a reason Lord Ganesha loves modaks so much. As per legend, when the 'devas' came to visit lord Shiva, godess Parvati offered them a divine modak. This modak was quite special because the person who ate this modak would become knoweldgeable in all scriptures, science, writing and art. And as the legend says, when asked the true meaning of devotion, lord Ganesha had expressed the devotion to parents is the ultimate form. Parvati, impressed with his answer offered this special modak to Ganesh and this is the first time bappa fell in love with this sweet.
6 Delicious Modak Recipes To Try at Home
So, guess what's better than having just one variety of modaks this year - having six! Here are 6 delicious varieties of modaks and laddoos that are super easy to make, and rest assured, Ganpati Bappa loves them too!
1. Ukadiche/ Steamed Modak
The traditional Maharashtrian prasad for Lord Ganesha, steamed modaks are nothing less than pure sweet bliss! These coconut and jaggery filled dumplings are everyone's favourite during the festival.
Not only do they look beautiful but taste amazing too. Yes, it takes a few trials to perfect the art of making the perfect Ukadiche modak, but we promise this simple ukadiche modak recipe will make it a lot easier!
2. Chocolate Modak
What happens when you add a dash of chocolate to something? It only becomes a dish no one can resist! If you don't mind experimenting and want to add a chocolatey twist to the traditional, humble modak, here is the perfect fix. Not only are chocolate modaks loved by many, they are delish too!
You do not need to splurge or spend a bomb to make these sweet goodies. Instead, try this easy chocolate modak recipe in the comfort of your home. Not only with kids, but chocolate modaks are a hit with grown-ups too!
Note: A box of homemade chocolate modaks can also make the perfect Ganeshotsav gift! Check out more such creative gift ideas for Ganesh Chaturthi!
3. Fried Modak
How can you go wrong with anything that is sweet and fried? These crispy sweet dumplings are made up of khoya, dryfruits, coconut and the goodness of jaggery. They look great and taste even better. Making fried modaks is super easy too!
Along with your traditional mithais, offer this variety of modak to Bappa.
Watch: How to make fried modak at home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcBCHig6bv8
4. Diet Modak
Well, if you are the health conscious one and do not like indulging in too much of sweet binging, diet modaks are here to your rescue. The best part about these modaks is that you do not need to compromise on the taste but at the same time, you can significantly cut down the calories!
You don't need to choose between health and festivity when both can go hand in hand!
5. Mawa/Khoya Modak
The rich taste and texture of khoya takes your modaks to simply another level. They are fairly simple to make and easy to mould. These modaks are largely popular as the prasad used during Ganpati puja.
What's more is that you can experiment with shape, size and flavours. You can also turn this khoya modak into another sweet called 'peda'. Bappa loves both!
6. Coconut Laddoo
What's Lord Ganesha's second most favourite sweet? Laddoos! Yes, add a touch of variety to your plate of sweets and include these tasty choco-coconut laddoos as an offering for Ganpati Bappa this season.
Festivities are a great way to bond with your loved ones. Try these easy to make modak recipes at home this Ganesh Chaturthi and spread the love. May Bappa bring health and prosperity in your lives! Read more
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Solutions for Common Marriage Problems after Baby
What changes after childbirth? Well, everything! That includes the bond you share with your other half. An endless list of chores and sleepless nights mean there's hardly any time left for each other. But, your relationship after the baby is born doesn't have to mean the end of things. Learn how to keep the fire going with these tips.
The transition from being a couple to becoming a family is something you will always cherish, but the experience can also leave you more than surprised. The husband-wife relationship after a baby can suffer as you both adjust to your new responsibilities as parents. There's not much time for each other and this can hit you hard. However, there are ways to help you deal with marriage problems after your baby is born. It may make the transition easier. So keep the romance alive and give your best!
How the Husband-wife Relationship after Childbirth is Affected
What Changes Really?
The addition of a new member to the family brings added responsibilities and the need to divide your time further. Adjusting to the sleeping schedule of your newborn, changing diapers on time, nursing the baby and getting the usual household chores done becomes part of everyday life. Almost all relationships after childbirth take a back-seat. New moms and dads can face a difficult time adjusting to the new routine. Add to that the lack of sleep and it's only natural that personal relationships suffer.
What Can You Do to Stay Close?
No matter how drained you both are, take the time to discuss your day with each other. Talk about things other than your baby even if it's just a 10-minute discussion over dinner. It can make a world of difference. Divide the household chores between yourselves and try to take frequent naps to keep your energy up. As things begin settling into a routine and your baby is a few months old, make plans to go out as a family. Being away from home for even a couple of hours can be refreshing and stimulating. Once your child is old enough to be left in the care of a trusted family member or a sitter, go out as a couple. Rekindle your romance over a candlelit dinner, a movie or even just a long walk.
With a new baby around it may be difficult to fit in time for romance and intimacy. But, with a little planning and good time management, there's no reason you can't make things work. Ask your parents to play babysitters if you're planning a date. They'll be only too eager to pamper your little darling! Know that the relationship after your baby is born will change, but it's all part of life. Be patient and give each other time. Remind yourself that things will get much easier as you cross the first few tough months. Read more
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YouTube Kids App Launched by Google: Cool or Not?
Technology is growing smarter and so are your kids! To help your child’s technological development and to enhance his knowledge, Google has recently come up with a YouTube kids application. The app is available on Android and iOS based devices and is loaded with a lot of interesting and informative content.
Do you have a hard time getting fun apps to keep your kids engaged while making sure that they learn new things too? Then you must try the YouTube kids app recently launched by Google. The app is aimed at helping your child learn and explore new things at the same time. Since the App has exclusively been designed for kids, it also allows you to keep a check on their viewing habits. Take a look at the App's features listed below for your reference.
Features the YouTube Kids App has to Offer
It gives access to child-friendly videos, educational stuff, and songs.
It features content from National Geographic, DreamWorks TV, Jim Henson TV, and other child friendly YouTubers.
The home screen of the app has four icons including two light bulbs, one for educational programmes and another for popular videos, one radio icon for pop numbers, and a TV set for famous kids' television shows. These have been categorised as Learning, Explore, Radio, and Shows.
The YouTube kids application includes a timer that allowsyou to restrict screen time for your child. Once the app shuts down it can only be re-started when you key in the password.
It includes an option to limit the search settings so your kids can only view the videos you set on the home screen.
It gives you the option to turn off the sound effects and background music.
As a mother you would want your kids to explore new games and apps to figure out their area of interest. However, you might hesitate in leaving them unattended as the internet can offer a lot of content that is not suitable for children. This kids app is thus a brilliant option for parents as it only contains content which is appropriate for children and further allows you to limit the stuff you want your kids to watch. A pop-up box stating, ‘Try something else’ appears as soon as your child tries to access videos that have been restricted by you. This is the first ever app by Google which has been designed solely keeping kids in mind and thereby addresses parents' concerns tactfully.
The YouTube kids app has a user-friendly interface with large icons and tap targets, so that kids can browse smoothly. It also comes with a voice search feature made especially for the smartphone-friendly kids of this generation. This is one of the coolest apps for kids since parental control is easy and you can make sure your kids see stuff that makes learning fun - no wonder, its gained immense popularity in no time! Time for you to give it a try! Read more
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Understanding The Importance of Skin Care as a Mom
It's a known fact that babies love skin-to-skin contact as much as you do. What isn't known is how your poor skin can affect his experience. Surprising as this may sound, it is certainly true.
Now that you've become a mom, you definitely don't get me-time like you used to. So naturally, you don't have time to take care of your skin. You even neglect the one thing that you always followed so religiously – cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Did you know that neglecting your skin care can have a very adverse effect on your baby's health? Read on to know how – and what you can do to regain your skin in its former glory.
What is Skin-to-Skin Contact?
Also known as kangaroo care, skin-to-skin contact is when a newborn baby is placed on the exposed chest of his mother or father. For optimum results, the baby should be completely naked. This is to be done immediately after birth, and should be continued till the baby responds positively to it, at least for the first few weeks.
The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact Are Endless. A Few of Them are:
1. Deepens Baby's Bond with You
One of the quickest ways to bond with baby is to initiate skin-to-skin contact with him. Anything from as little as an hour per day can really get your baby to feel closer to you. It works so well because babies primarily respond to touch and smell. This is probably because they can neither see well nor move as much as they would like to. Believe it or not, this is just as effective as eye contact with your little angel.
2. Keeps Baby Healthy
This one simple action has a multitude of health benefits for your little darling. It helps baby latch properly while breastfeeding, regulates his temperature, and even maintains normal heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Uplifts Your Mood
Studies have shown that skin to skin contact with baby immediately after delivery has reduced the chances of postpartum depression in mothers. And only a happy mom can raise a happy baby.
Now that you know the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, how can you improve your baby's experience
Simple. All you need to do is take good care of your skin. Of course, now that you are a mother, you cannot use chemical-laden products. Don't worry, you don't have to spend hours hunting for skincare products that are safe for your baby. Himalaya FOR MOMS now has a range of skincare products that provide the same, actually better, care without causing any harm to your baby. Let's take a look.
Aromatherapy Body Butter for Dry and Lifeless Skin
Dry skin is a common problem for pregnant ladies. Don't fool yourself into thinking that your skin will become how it used to be by itself. Well, it might,but the chances are slim, so why take chances? Treat yourself to these aromatic, natural body butters in lavender, rose and jasmine. Your baby and your skin will thank you for it!
Soothing Nipple Care Butter for Dry and Rough Nipples
Since pregnancy takes a toll on your skin, it naturally affects your nipples as well. One of the most common grievances of new moms is dry nipples. Did you know that dry nipples turn into sore nipples, which could then aggravate into cracked and even bleeding nipples? Avoid this nightmare with this moisturizing all-natural nipple care butter. And being natural, you don't have to worry about washing it off before breastfeeding. Your baby can nurse as is.
Anti-Rash Cream for Itchy and Irritated Skin
Another skin issue that new moms face is a skin rash. It typically starts off in stretch marks, and if untreated, spreads to the rest of your body. Don't worry, your baby cannot contract it, but the extreme discomfort will surely put a dampener on your skin-to-skin contact. Nip it in the bud with Himalaya FOR MOMS anti-rash cream. And true to its promise, it is completely natural and safe for your baby.
Care for your skin the herbal way – and increase your baby's mental and physical wellbeing. Not doing this can affect your infant’s wellness in the long run and this is something you simply cannot take chances with. Read more
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
15 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
14 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
12 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
12 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
6 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
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