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How to Clean Baby Ears
As a new parent, you will have a lot of responsibilities towards your child - cleaning his ears being one of them. Yes, it may come as a surprise, but you will to pay attention to the little things (like cleaning his ears or trimming his fingernails) which may become one of the reasons for a health issue. When it comes to cleaning your baby's ears, safety comes first. There will be earwax build-up in your infant's ears and it is common. There are a lot of ways in which you can clean your baby's ears but the key is to find a method that works best for you and your child.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, which is also known as cerumen, is a sticky gooey material produced inside the ear. It consists of dead skin cells and is secreted by the glands situated in the lining of the ear. As irritating as earwax might be, it is actually a sign of the normalcy of your baby's physiology. Furthermore, secretion of earwax is the body's natural method of preventing water or external infection from entering inside.
How Much Ear Wax is Normal for a Baby?
While the earwax may secrete generously from a baby's ears, excessive ear wax in babies is generally uncommon. The amount of wax secreted from each ear will not always be the same - one ear may have more earwax than the other. The earwax secreted or produced is considered healthy earwax when the paediatrician is able to see the baby's eardrums clearly, through the wax. If the ear canal is totally blocked by the hardened earwax or there's a yellowish flaky wax causing discomfort to your baby, then that may be a problem.
My Baby's Ear Is Hurting - Is It Because of Earwax or Ear Infection?
When babies experience discomfort in their ears, they tend to start rubbing and pulling their ears, and even poking their fingers inside their ears to scratch the ears and to get some relief from the irritation. This is a general reaction to the uncomfortable nature of earwax. However, a build-up of earwax does not result in any fever or sleeping problems, since earwax is a normal secretion.
Large amounts of earwax can be easily spotted by simply looking into the ear. Sometimes, there might be a little brownish coloured fluid discharge from the ear present inside too. If your baby is in pain, or the earwax looks different than usual, then there is a chance that the pain is from an ear infection. The obvious sign of an infection is high fever or milky white coloured pus draining out from the baby's ears. This could also mean a perforated eardrum, which can cause intense pain and discomfort due to the earwax discharge. Among other things, if your baby becomes irritable and starts crying when he lies down and also suffers from diarrhoea, these are tell-tale signs of an ear infection and you should show your baby to a paediatrician as soon as possible.
Reasons for Earwax Build Up in an Infant's Ears
Earwax building up is one of the natural processes of the human body, similar to that of hair growth. An infant's ears generate wax all the time as a protective mechanism for the eardrum. Once generated, the earwax is gradually pushed out of the ear via the ear canal. This is done by extremely tiny, hair-like structures inside the ear canal called cilia.
Since the skin growth inside the ear is also outward, the earwax gets pushed out of the ear canal. Generally gooey and slightly fluid in nature, earwax is known to get denser if your baby isn't consuming enough fluids. Similarly, when the natural tendency to push wax outside is countered by attempting to clean it with cotton swabs, the action generally results in pushing the earwax deeper within the ear canal. This starts creating an earwax buildup, resulting in a blockage of the ear canal.
How to Clean Your Child's Ears
There are enough and more ways to clean a baby's ears. We have mentioned a few of them below - try out the one which works best for your child!
1. Using a Washcloth
The best way to remove earwax is by using a soft washcloth with warm water. First, dip the washcloth in warm water and squeeze it out to get rid of excess water. Then use it to wipe around the outer area of the baby's ear to gradually clean any earwax that's trickled outside. Most of the wax will fall out on its own. The remaining can be wiped off. Do not push the washcloth inside the ear canal. Take your baby to your paediatrician and let him take a look at his ears. Your paediatrician might scrape out the wax inside the ear using a tiny tool.
2. Using Baby Ear Drops
If the build-up is deep, you might need to use ear drops. Before administering ear drops, ensure that you use the ones which are recommended by your baby's paediatrician. Calm down your baby and keep him engaged in some activity, else choose a time of the day when your baby is usually silent and rested. Hold the bottle of eardrops in your palms to slightly warm it up. Lay your baby on your lap, with the blocked ear facing towards you. Use an eyedropper and fill it up with the solution in the bottle.
Place the dropper close to the baby's ear, and drop the solution gradually, until the baby's ear canal is completely full. Wait a few minutes for the solution to settle inside the ear. Your baby may feel a weird sensation, so ensure to keep him calm. The eardrops will soften the wax in the canal, which will then flow out of the ear. Next dip a washcloth in warm water, squeeze out excess water, and clean up any excess drops and the wax that flowed out of the ear. This treatment needs to be repeated for at least three to five days. Once done, during one of the baby's baths, use a rubber dropper and squirt lukewarm water into the blocked ear of the baby. Large chunks of wax will flow out of their ear, opening up the ear canal.
3. Using a Cotton Swab
This is similar to using a washcloth. Use a cotton swab moistened with oil peroxide or warm water, and follow the procedure mentioned above.
Safety Tips to Follow When Cleaning Your Baby's Ears
You can try the methods mentioned above to clean your baby's ears. It is, however, important to remember what not to do and what not to use when cleaning baby's ears. The cardinal rule of cleaning an infant's ears asks parents to refrain from using cotton buds. As convenient as they might seem, cotton swabs are known to push the earwax further into the ear canal. This worsens the problems and results in earwax build-up, leading to canal blockage. Same goes for using fingers, too. Sticking anything inside the ear canal can result in wax build-up or can cause harm to the eardrum, and may even rupture it. If the earwax problem starts getting worse, it is better to use baby earwax drops after consulting with your baby's paediatrician.
Home Remedies
Apart from the usual methods mentioned above, there are a bunch of home remedies that prove to be useful in getting rid of earwax from the baby's ears.
1. Saltwater
Using salt water is the easiest way to soften the earwax and get rid of it.
2. Baby Oil
Baby oil or olive oil can be used with a dropper to soften the wax and flow it out.
3. Vinegar
At times, vinegar and rubbing alcohol are used for removing earwax as well as preventing an ear infection.
4. Water and Baking Soda
A solution of water and 10 per cent baking soda is an age-old remedy for getting rid of earwax.
5. Glycerine
Using glycerine for removing earwax is a popular remedy, as its lubricating and moisturizing nature, helps loosen hardened wax and get rid of it.
Not all home remedies might be beneficial for your child. So it is recommended that before trying out any home remedy, you consult your baby's paediatrician and get a quick confirmation from him if you can try out any remedy.
Precautions to Take While Cleaning Your Baby's Ears
As simple as it may sound, cleaning baby ears is not an easy task and the slightest mistake can cause your baby intense pain. Here are some do's and don'ts you should follow while cleaning your baby's ears.
Do’s
Make sure your baby is calm and engaged
Use a clean washcloth
Consult a doctor if the wax build-up is excessive
Don’ts
Don't use any pointed objects inside the ears
Avoid inserting cotton swabs or earbuds
Don't use cold water to drain out the excess earwax
Don't spray water or any liquid inside the ear with force
Do not clean your ears too often or too hard
When to Visit a Doctor
Take your baby to a paediatrician when there is an excessive build-up of earwax in your baby's ears and you are unable to remove the wax with the remedies mentioned above. Also, if there are symptoms of infection such as drainage of milky fluid, ear pain, fever, or even hearing loss after removal of wax, check with your baby's doctor at the earliest.
Baby earwax is not harmful unless it collects in abnormal quantities or gets infected. Choosing safe and careful measures to clean your baby's ears will prove to be beneficial. However, if they don't work and you notice anything out of the ordinary with regards to your baby's health, check with your baby's paediatrician.
Also Read:
Using Mineral Oil for Babies - Is It Safe?
Should You Overfeed a Baby?
Baby’s Weight Loss after Delivery
Silent Reflux in Babies Read more
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Herbs in Pregnancy - What's Safe and What's Not
When you’re pregnant, your body goes through an immense amount of strain, mainly due to hormonal imbalances. This strain can lower your immunity levels. To combat this, women try different techniques and ‘one-stop solutions’, but one aspect is undeniable – your diet is crucial to improve your immunity level and deal with hormonal imbalance.
Can Pregnant Women Use Herbs?
There are limitations to how much of a herb you can use when pregnant but the fact is that a lot of doctors recommend herbs during pregnancy due to their abilities to boost immunity. Be sure to limit the quantity of herbs you consume per day to healthy amounts, but include some form of herbs in every meal for your immune system to really draw the benefits that they have to offer.
How Can Herbs Help Relieve Common Pregnancy Problems?
Numerous herbs help alleviate a ton of problems commonly associated with pregnancy. The following are a few:
Most herbs balance out iron deficiencies that are common in pregnant women.
Herbs like coriander and thyme alleviate nausea and aid in relieving digestive problems.
Some herbs like mint and rosemary ease labour and delivery pain.
Herbs can also combat small bouts of postpartum depression.
Herbs like basil and coriander prevent yeast infections near the vagina.
Herbs have always been effective against the flu or the common cold.
Possible Complications of Consuming Herbs During Pregnancy
Here are some of the risks of herbs during pregnancy:
Premature birth
Miscarriage
Uterine contractions
Foetal complications
Safe Herbs That Pregnant Women Can Consume
Here is a list of safe and healthy herbs women should include in their diet during pregnancy.
1. Dandelion
Dandelion is famous for its ‘balancing’ properties. It avoids water retention, regulates blood flow and has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent bloating and swelling. It is recommended that no more than a cup of dandelion tea or half a teaspoon of dandelion is consumed per day.
2. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a great cure for the common cold. Using it in a steam bath ensures all your pores are open and clear of toxins. A drop of the same essential oil on your forehead can help alleviate migraines and headaches. A drop on sore muscles can ease low-level muscle pain as well. As with any herb, use eucalyptus in small and controlled quantities based on your doctor’s recommendations.
3. Cranberry
Cranberries are magnificent for urinary health, something that pregnant women may find slightly challenging to maintain. Eating a handful of cranberries hydrates the body, and fills it up with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential for bodily functions. Drinking a cup of cranberry juice is also a great way of clearing your body of UTIs or urinary tract infections.
4. Chamomile
Chamomile is possibly the most famous type of tea for the anxious and stressed! This is because chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has relaxing properties. It helps pregnant women manage their stress and anxiety. Chamomile also helps relax the joints, lower back, and muscles, all of which are under immense strain during pregnancy. An additional boost to chamomile consumption during your pregnancy is that it regulates blood pressure and blood flow. However, there aren’t many studies that have been conducted which make a strong case for the increased consumption of chamomile tea during pregnancy. Hence, ensure that you drink this tea in moderation when you’re pregnant, to avoid any potential risks.
5. Red Raspberry Leaf
The red raspberry leaf is full of iron, zinc, and other essential minerals. This amazing herb alleviates labour pains by reducing inflammation, improving the overall red blood cell count of your body, improving blood circulation and managing blood pressure. It also has vitamins that help maintain your body’s chemical balance, reduce nausea and it is recommended for women suffering from anaemia during pregnancy.
6. Tulsi
Tulsi is a natural antiseptic that has anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, healthy minerals like iron, and is a natural digestive aid. This herb helps combat anaemia, the common cold, infections, swelling, bloating, and water retention, and helps with digestion, among its endless benefits. Eating a handful of tulsi leaves occasionally during pregnancy is considered extremely healthy, but you shouldn’t overdo it.
7. Mint
Mint helps combat anaemia, keeps your blood pressure in check, eases digestion, helps combat nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties. You can talk to your doctor about the quantity of mint permissible during pregnancy.
8. Lavender
Among the major hurdles of pregnancy, anxiety, muscle tension, stress and headaches are some of the hardest issues to deal with. Lavender is a herb that helps combat all these ailments, and more. Drink a cup of lavender tea or sleep with lavender essential oil burning in a diffuser or take a sniff of lavender per day to help you relax and breathe better. Lavender is also recommended for people suffering from stress or anxiety-related issues.
9. Ginger
Apart from having anti-inflammatory properties and minerals and vitamins that boost immunity, the ginger root is also great for beating a sore throat, the common cold, fever and bloating. It also helps with easing water retention and keeps infections at bay. Discuss with your doctor about the benefits of ginger during pregnancy to get a more in-depth idea of this herb.
10. Garlic
Like ginger, garlic is known for its immense health benefits. It is rich in many minerals and vitamins that help keep infections at bay. Garlic also increases your immunity and helps reduce bloating. It also helps regulate blood flow throughout your body, aids digestion, keeps your blood sugar in check and improves your blood pressure. Therefore, eating moderate amounts of garlic per meal is beneficial for women who are pregnant.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric is known to help blood clot faster, increase healthy blood circulation and improve your body’s energy levels too. This root herb is such a strong antiseptic that in some Asian countries, it is used on open wounds to keep infections at bay.
List of Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Not all herbs are healthy for you when you’re pregnant. Here is a list of herbs you should avoid during pregnancy.
1. Rosemary
Even though rosemary is one of the healthiest herbs known to man, it is not recommended for pregnant women since this herb is known to increase blood pressure. It is also hard to break down in your body which makes it hard to digest. It can lead to fatigue and aggravate hypertension. Doctors recommend you not to consume rosemary in any way after the first trimester as it could affect the baby.
2. Peppermint
Be it in oil form or the candy, avoid peppermint at all costs during your pregnancy. Peppermint has proved to be one of the worst herbs for pregnant women, however much it may benefit others. This herb can induce premature labour and is incredibly dangerous to use during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
3. Dong Quai
This is yet another herb that should not be consumed by pregnant women because it is known to cause uterine contractions during pregnancy, which can lead to premature delivery or even miscarriages. Avoid this herb at all costs if you are pregnant.
4. Evening Primrose
Used as an essential oil, evening primrose presents many benefits for pregnant women in their first trimester. However, if you consume it during the second and third trimester, it can be hazardous for your pregnancy. While it may be worth the risk to use it in tiny amounts, do not use it unless your doctor clears you to. Never exceed the dosage prescribed as this herb can be disastrous if consumed in large quantities when pregnant.
5. Ginseng
If you ask your doctor about what herbal teas to avoid when pregnant, ginseng tea will be near the top of the list. While this Chinese herb is one of the best medicinal herbs in the world, it presents a lot of bad side effects during pregnancy, which makes it necessary to avoid it.
6. Cohosh
Be it black cohosh or blue cohosh, this herb is extremely dangerous to pregnant women and can cause miscarriages or premature deliveries due to its labour-inducing properties.
7. Hibiscus
While it smells amazing and calming, hibiscus is a herb that is magnificent for anyone who isn’t pregnant. It is known to help balance oestrogen, but during pregnancy it can disrupt normal pregnancy-related hormone changes, fooling your body into thinking it isn’t pregnant and leading to premature labour or an underdeveloped foetus.
8. St.John’s Wort
A herb used to treat depression, it also could cause congenital disabilities in your baby or lead to uterus stimulation that can lead to premature labour. Even though this is not conclusive, it is a theory among most doctors. In the case of this herb, it is best to tread on the safer side and avoid it.
9. Yarrow
This herb is a well-known muscle relaxant which is, unfortunately, too powerful for pregnant women and can lead to premature labour.
10. Lemongrass
This herb if consumed in small quantities can benefit the pregnant woman, but it should be taken only after consulting with a doctor. Lemongrass can lead to contraction issues during delivery and lower the mother’s blood pressure during pregnancy to dangerous levels. So it is best that you check with a doctor before taking this herb.
Pregnancy Problems That Can’t Be Treated With Herbs
Including herbs in your day-to-day life can be immensely useful but it won’t solve every problem. Here is a list of issues herbs cannot solve:
Injuries
Calcium deficiencies
Congenital disabilities
Underdevelopment of the foetus
Respiratory abnormalities
Cancer
AIDS
For more pros, cons and limitations of herbs during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.
Why Are Herbs Not Generally Recommended During Pregnancy?
Some herbs can cause dangerous complications during pregnancy, and it is best to avoid them. However, there is a general caution against taking herbs during pregnancy as there is not sufficient research to pinpoint the actual benefits and side effects of several herbs. To be on the safer side, the ‘everything in moderation’ approach is best when it comes to herbs that are considered safe at all, while completely avoiding those that aren’t.
Are Herbal Teas Safe to Drink During Pregnancy?
Herbal teas are both, a great way to consume healthy herbs, and a bad way to be overexposed to them. Another reason it’s preferred during pregnancy is because of its lack of caffeine, which seemingly makes it the better option when it comes to beverages that can be consumed during pregnancy. All the same, as mentioned above, there hasn’t been enough studies to conclude that certain herbal teas must be included in a pregnant woman’s diet. Therefore, ensure that all the herbal teas that you drink contain only those herbs and ingredients that are considered safe to consume during pregnancy, and that you drink the same in moderation.
Safety Tips for Using Herbs While Pregnant
Here is a list of safety tips to follow while consuming herbs during pregnancy.
Limit the dosage and consumption of herbs to moderate, healthy amounts.
Don’t combine too many herbs at once.
Use different herbs at different times during your pregnancy.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the consumption of herbs.
To learn more about the health benefits of herbs during pregnancy, please contact your healthcare advisor and discuss in detail about your fears. It is essential that you stop using any herb if you feel ill while consuming it. You know your body best; trust it to guide you through this wonderful phase!
Also Read: Consuming Herbal Teas during Pregnancy Read more
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Hemorrhagic Disease In Newborn
During pregnancy, the growing foetus needs an adequate supply of essential nutrients to develop all the organs and be healthy for delivery. Absence or shortage of essential nutrients can lead to the incomplete development of organs and birth deficiencies in the infant. In some cases, insufficient nutrition can also lead to long-term disorders or even death of the child. Therefore, it is important to ensure the proper intake of food to meet the necessary nutritional requirements.
What is Hemorrhagic Disease or VKDB?
Haemorrhagic disease in a newborn is also known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding or VKDB and is a bleeding problem in a newborn baby immediately after birth. This disease is caused due to the deficiency of vitamin K. In this case, due to the absence of sufficient vitamin K, the blood doesn't clot properly, thereby leading to severe bleeding and haemorrhaging in some cases.
The bleeding might be external or internal. Internal bleeding can occur in the brain or the intestines and can be fatal.
Types of VKDB in Newborns
Based on the timing of initial haemorrhage after the birth of the baby, this disease can be classified into the following three categories:
Easy Onset VKDB
This type of vitamin K deficiency bleeding can have severe haemorrhagic complications. It occurs within the first 24 hours of the baby's birth and is mainly observed in cases where the mother has been taking anticonvulsant or anti-tuberculosis medication.
Classic Onset VKDB
A classic vitamin K deficiency bleeding sets in within 24 hours after birth and may be present for as late as the first week after birth. In most cases, the classic onset occurs after the first day of birth, but sometimes it can also happen anytime during the first month of birth. This condition is seen in infants who do not receive prophylactic vitamin K at birth. VKDB bleeding typically occurs in the nose, skin, gastrointestinal tract and umbilicus. Bleeding in the brain is not very common in this condition.
Late-Onset VKDB
The late hemorrhagic disease in a newborn occurs between the second and the twelfth week after birth. However, the bleeding can happen up to six months after birth. This condition is common in infants who do not receive vitamin K prophylaxis in sufficient quantities at birth.
Causes of Hemorrhagic Disorders in Newborns
The primary reason for the development of hemorrhagic disorder in newborn babies is the deficiency of vitamin K at birth. In the absence of sufficient vitamin K, the body loses the ability to clot blood at a faster rate. The chances of newborn babies developing this disease are high as they typically have low levels of vitamin K at birth. The causes of vitamin K deficiency in newborns are mentioned below:
Developing babies might not receive sufficient vitamin K as its movement through the placenta is difficult.
Breast milk, which is the primary source of nutrition for the child immediately after birth, does not contain enough vitamin K to suffice the child’s needs. This keeps the level of vitamin K low, allowing the disease to set in.
Vitamin K in a human body is also produced by good gut bacteria. However, these bacteria are not present in the body of newborns.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for VKDB are different for each type:
Easy Onset
The risk of developing the disease within 24 hours of birth is increased if you have taken blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, anti-biotic or anti-tuberculosis drugs during pregnancy.
Classic Onset
Babies are at risk of classic onset when they have not received sufficient prophylactic vitamin K at birth. The chances of a classic onset are higher if they are only given breast milk.
Late Onset
Risk factors for late-onset include hepatitis, low levels of vitamin K in breast milk, chronic diarrhoea, cystic fibrosis and celiac disease.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of VKDB include:
Blood in stool
Blood in urine
Lumps on the head
Bleeding in the navel area
Bleeding mucus membranes
Bruising
Seizures
Excessive vomiting with blood in the vomit at times
Paleness in the skin and gums
Yellowish tinge in the eyes, usually after three weeks of birth
Bleeding in the penis if there has been a circumcision
Visible marks of needle stick in the body
Diagnosis
Prothrombin time is the time taken for the blood to clot and is used to determine the presence of the disease. A test conducted where the time taken for the blood to clot is measured. The baby is given a vitamin K injection, and the timing of the blood clot is taken into consideration. The existence of the disease is established if the injection shortens the blood clotting time after 30 minutes, or stops the bleeding altogether.
Ultrasound or MRI can also be used to identify a case of internal bleeding.
Treatment
In case the presence of this disease is established after diagnosis, the baby will be given a vitamin K shot right away to increase the clotting ability of the blood immediately. The baby may also be provided with an oral dosage of vitamin K instead of injections. A blood transfusion may be required for babies who have experienced severe bleeding.
Possible Complications
The possible complications of a vitamin K deficiency include:
Damage to the brain because of bleeding inside the skull.
Heavy blood loss in the baby.
Vomiting and a feeling of discomfort.
Body seizures
Death due to an excessive loss of blood is also possible
About Vitamin K Shot
A vitamin K shot contains low quantities of benzyl alcohol which is found to be safe for infants. You can also consult a doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with vitamin K shots.
It is difficult to supplement a vitamin K dosage with vitamin K rich food items to prevent the disease. It is important to know that the only source of nutrition for the baby during early days is the mother’s milk, which does not contain sufficient vitamin K. This makes a vitamin K shot a necessity.
Prevention
The occurrence of a hemorrhagic disease can be prevented by using the following ways:
A shot of vitamin K given to the baby right after birth is sufficient to prevent this condition.
In case you have taken anti-seizure drugs or blood thinners during pregnancy, your doctor might administer you a shot of vitamin K to protect the baby.
An Oral administration of vitamin K to the infant can also prevent the condition.
Hemorrhagic disease in kids can be lethal if not treated immediately. However, with certain precautionary steps, it can easily be prevented. Read more
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Permissive Parenting Style - Characteristics, Effects & more
If your parenting style is categorized by high responsiveness and low demands, then you may be practising permissive parenting style. Know everything you need to understand about permissive parenting style and how you can effectively manage your parenting style for the benefit of your child.
What Is Indulgent Parenting?
Permissive parenting is also known as indulgent parenting. Parents adopt a very friendly parenting approach in this kind of parenting style, and they often do not expect their children to act or behave in a mature manner. The parents love to nurture the personality, talents, and needs of their kids without being demanding and exercising extremely low self-regulation and discipline. Such parents are very relaxed and lenient with their children and do not keep a tab on their every action or move.
Why Some Parents Follow Permissive Parenting Style?
Some parents who have been raised by very controlling or authoritative parents or by the parents who adopted helicopter parenting style may adopt or practise exactly the opposite. They may adopt a parenting style that is very relaxed and easy on kids.
There are some parents who adopt permissive parenting because they want to be friends with their children instead of being a parent figure. They may feel that exercising control and discipline may harm their relationship with their children.
On the other hand, some parents may adopt indulgent parenting style just because they are themselves too relaxed in life. They may not be paying heed to any structured or disciplined kind of parenting and usually adopt a very haphazard way of parenting. They may not like imposing any kind of rules or restrictions on their kids as it may hamper with their laid back attitude and thus let their kids behave the way they want too.
What Are the Characteristics of Indulgent Parenting Style?
If you are wondering that how you will be able to understand if you are practising indulgent parenting style, the following characteristics may help you understand better:
1. Lacks Structure
This kind of parenting style lacks structure, and the parents usually do not follow any order or schedule.
2. More of a Friend Than A Parent
The indulgent parenting style is characterized by parents having a very friendly attitude towards their children. The parents do not behave like parents; on the contrary, they behave more like friends with their kids.
3. No Control
The permissive parenting style involves minimal or no parental control over the children.
4. Avoids Conflict
The parents have low or no confrontations or conflicts with their children. They have a laid-back attitude towards parenting.
5. Excess Freedom
This parenting style involves giving too much freedom to the children and not holding the children responsible for their action.
6. Parents Want to Be Liked
The parents want to be liked and adored by their kids in this kind of parenting style, and thus they agree to whatever their kids say or demands. They despise upsetting their children.
What Are the Effects of Lenient Style of Parenting on Children?
If you have been adopting a lenient style of parenting with your children, you may notice following effects of permissive parenting on your children:
1. Behavioural Problems
Kids who are brought up with this kind of parenting style usually develop behavioural problems. They may grow up with an irresponsible and very casual attitude towards life. They may also find it extremely difficult to deal with their faults.
2. Impulsive Attitude
You may notice your kid is very impulsive and he may do things in haste. He may also not take any responsibility for his actions. All this is because of indulgent parenting style.
3. Bullying Nature
If you are a lenient parent then you may notice your kid not adhering to rules and regulation. You may even find him repulsive and even not scared of the consequences of his bad actions or even punishment. He may even bully other kids in school.
4. Poor Academic Performance
The permissive parenting style involves very low or no expectations from their children. The children with this attitude may exhibit poor or below average academic performance at school. Such kids usually do not set any goals in life.
5. Emotional Inadequacy
In the lenient parenting style, the parents make all possible efforts for not upsetting their kids. They make efforts to meet all the demands and requirements of their kids and thus all they try and create is a happy atmosphere. This kind of practice hampers with kid’s emotions, and they might find it difficult to deal with their emotions.
6. Poor Decision-Making Capabilities
As parents do not impose discipline and any kind of rules for their children, the children become dull and lack the apt decision making and problem-solving capabilities.
7. More Prone to Substance Use
Children who are raised under permissive parenting style are more likely to engage in acts of misconduct. They may even become alcoholics and drug addicts.
8. Lack the Ability to Manage Time and Other Habits
This parenting style lacks any kind of structure and rules, and thus the kids find it difficult to understand and learn their limits. They may do things excessively such as, watching too much T.V., eating too much junk food, playing for long hours on computer etc. They tend to develop unhealthy habits that may lead to health complications such as obesity.
These were some of the outcomes of adopting permissive parenting style but there are many other problems that may arise because of permissive parenting style.
Some Permissive Parenting Examples
We will discuss some permissive parenting examples for you to understand this parenting style in a better way:
You do not follow or have a specific schedule for your kid’s playing, studying, eating or sleeping. You just go with the flow and do whatever your child desires to do. If he wishes to be up till late at night even when he has to wake up early the next day for school, you do not tell him to go to bed. This is because you do not wish to upset your kid.
You are at a supermarket, and your kid insists on having a candy bar. You allow him to have it in spite of the fact that he already had three candy bars during the day. But you buy him one more candy bar and let him have it.
You ask your kid to do something but at his own convenience. Like you asked him to wind up his toys after playing but only if he is not feeling tired after playing.
Your teenage kid has his exams around the corner, but he has to attend three parties in a row. You not only allow him to go but you also tell him to have a gala time at the party by not worrying about the upcoming exams. Your kid’s leisure becomes more important than his studies.
You want your son to have a phone so that you can get in touch when he’s away. But your son insists on buying the new and expensive play station. Although you strongly feel that your kid needs phone rather than splurging on the play station, you succumb to your kid’s unreasonable demands and buy him a play station.
Guidelines to Follow in Permissive Parenting
Improving or adopting better parenting skills will assist you in dealing with your children in the right way and they will become a better person. You may adopt the following measures or guidelines in your permissive parenting style to avail optimum benefits out of it:
1. Try to Be Consistent and Firm
Though you may find it challenging to be firm and consistent with your kid, but adopt this approach gradually and in a loving manner with your child. You can tell your child the importance and value of adhering to rules and regulations and also about the consequences or ill-effects of not following the rules. The proper reasoning for simple things will go a long way and help your parenting style.
2. Explain Family and Ground Rules
It is very important that you inculcate the importance of following rules in your kid. Your kid has to know that there is no easy way to get things; he has to follow the rules and stick to them. It is also important that you let your kid know that you expect him to follow all the family rules. Refrain from exercising any kind of leverage to the rules. Children learn by example, and thus the best way to teach them is by doing it yourself.
3. Explain the Consequences
Not only kids, but we also find it difficult to keep up with the rules and regulations. But it is important for your kid to understand that in the absence of rules the life would be nothing but a haphazard mess. You have to explain to your kid the repercussions of not following rules. It is important that in order to have your rules in place you tell your kid the consequences he may have to bear in case he breaks the rules. You may set some simple consequences or punishments for breaking small rules and at the same time serious consequences for serious faults.
4. Reward When Required
We all like a pat on the back whenever we do something remarkable. Therefore, it is important that you encourage, praise and, reward your child as and when it is required instead of rewarding or spoiling your kid all the time. Unnecessary rewards not only go unnoticed but they are also not valued by your kid. Rewarding your kid at the right time for the right thing not only makes your kid happier but it also helps in boosting his motivation level and morale.
Make your children responsible and let them understand the importance of following rules in life, so they are better prepared to face bigger challenges in life and turn out to be responsible citizens. Read more
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Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. is it normal for toddlers get cold and gone in one day in these summers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. yes that's fine
you can go for home remedies like tulsi ginger honey (add honey if child is more than 1 year of age) combination which can be diluted with water and given frequently to the child.
also u can give turmeric with warm milk one or two times everyday.
give warm water to drink as well as nasal saline drops frequently. d
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot environment.
keep the child well covered.
if the palms and soles of the child are cold then the child is feeling cold and you have to take preventive measures to make the child warm
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. from which month weight will gain
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. hello in the first one baby weight will reduce and then it will start increasing and baby gaining a minimum of 600 g to 800 gram per month then it is a good weight gain and absolutely nothing to worry or not a problem and if the BM is S not sufficient you can give infant formula milk stage 1 using a bpa free bottle like babyhug
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. mam i am 21 week continuing in my pregnancy but my baby not moving as much
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. pl do ultrasound. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what is muconium staining?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. due to feetal distance that will be mcconium passing in the uterine cavity itself. 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
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts What should I buy for my baby however I'm just expecting in 2 month
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you can get information regarding essentials of the new ones watch any YouTube channel. 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
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
2 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
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Deepshikha Upadhyay
Guardian of a 8 m old girl
2 mins ago
#stylishbaby# fcdresses # cute #smile
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Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old girl
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#stylishbaby
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