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National Daughter's Day 2019 - Date, Significance and Ways to Make It Special
While you don’t need a reason to celebrate your children, having one doesn’t hurt at all. Likewise, National Daughter’s Day is an occasion for you to celebrate that little angel of yours and shower her with all the love and care possible.
What is Daughter’s Day?
Daughter’s Day, like Mother’s and Father’s Day, is an occasion to honour your girl child and give her the respect and promise of care she deserves. Daughter’s day in India is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of September. As such, in 2019, it falls on the 22nd of September.
Why is Daughter’s Day Celebrated?
Daughter’s day is celebrated to cherish your daughter and be grateful for her presence in your life. It also sets an important precedent, especially in a country like India where boys are preferred, that daughters are equally as deserving of love and care. This is a day to remind yourself and the world of how precious your daughter is to you.
History Behind Celebrating Daughter’s Day
Across cultures, patriarchy is the norm, and as a reason, daughters have been given a lower stature than sons. This discrepancy has accentuated the status of boys and done serious harm to the self-confidence of girls. Always shown in an inferior light, many girls believe that they cannot do the things that boys can. The problem is so much more pronounced in India, where throughout history women were expected to birth sons. Not only did this cause a severe blow to the number of female population, but it also put women one step behind men, in terms of progress.
Many governments, across the world, and in India, have recognised the need to celebrate daughters and elevate them so that people see that daughters are no less than sons. This gives the entire family to get together and spend some quality time with the daughter of the house.
Interesting Ideas to Celebrate Daughter’s Day
How you want to make, your daughter feel special this Daughter’s Day is your call. But, here are a few ideas that you may want to check out to get inspired from:
1. Arrange a meal date
A lunch, dinner, or even a Sunday brunch date is the perfect excuse to sit down and spend some time with your daughter. You can talk to her about her aspirations and genuinely get to know her. You never know – it may turn out to be your own little Sunday tradition.
2. Gift her something
Bring your daughter something that she will cherish. This could be an object that connects her to her passion. Does she love music? Get her an instrument. Sign her up for sports classes if she is interested in pursuing some sports. After all, it’s about giving her what she wants.
3. Go on a vacation
Move her out of her usual setting and show her a new place. You can make this a small family vacation, dedicated to your dear daughter. Do the things that she likes while you’re on vacation.
4. Bake a cake or a home-cooked meal
Nothing spells love like hand-made meals, specially made for the person in question. Cook her favourite dishes or bake a cake, or do both. You can invite a few family friends over and make an event out of it.
5. Take her shopping
Take her out and ask her to pick out anything she likes. It doesn’t have to be clothes; it could be books, music, another that you can budget in. There is no better way to bond than go on a shopping spree together.
Your daughter is precious, and it is very likely that you don’t need a reason to celebrate her. But there is no harm to dedicating one special little day to her and pamper her to her heart’s content and make it an extraordinary day for her. Read more
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Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, her body changes in a lot of ways. Besides the sudden change in hormone levels, there are also other biological factors that change, such as the blood sugar levels. Put simply, gestational diabetes is not uncommon.
Video: Gestational Diabetes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHS9yaFuVgc
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
As the name indicates, this is the type of diabetes that occurs in women at the time of gestation that is during pregnancy. Pregnancy causes the blood sugar levels to surge in some women which leads to gestational diabetes. In some women, the insulin levels might drop during pregnancy causing the blood sugar levels to increase. Blood sugar levels in the body are normally kept under control by the body’s natural insulin levels.
Gestational diabetes can occur in women who have normally never had diabetes, and it might get resolved after delivery. Women in their second and third trimesters are more prone to gestational diabetes
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Fluctuation in insulin levels in the body is the main cause of gestational diabetes. During the process of digestion, , carbohydrates from the foods consumed are broken down to glucose (sugars) in order release energy. This energy is used by the human body to carry out daily activities. Under normal conditions insulin produced in the pancreas helps move this sugar to the cells and prevents rise in sugar levels in the body.
During pregnancy, a membrane called placenta is formed that is responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients from mother to the delveloping baby. However, along with its normal function, placenta also releases several hormones that tend to interfere with the natural hormonal mechanisms of the mother's body. It is known to disrupt and interfere with the production of insulin as a result of which there is rise in blood sugar levels devoid of enough insulin to break it down. This is the scenario where a mother may develop gestational diabetes.
Another factor associated with gestational diabetes is weight. It is observed that obesity is closely linked to the body being insulin resistant. If the mother is overweight before conception, she may be a high risk candidate for gestational diabetes. Alternatively, keeping a check on weight gain during pregnancy is equally important.
Are You at Risk of Developing Gestational Diabetes?
One in seven women in India are at a risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. But some women are more at risk than the others. Here are some factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes:
High BMI: Those who were overweight before pregnancy are more at risk. Women gain extra weight during pregnancy, and already being overweight only makes it difficult for the body to regulate the blood sugar levels.
Rapid Weight Gain During Pregnancy: While the exact relationship between weight gain and gestational diabetes is not clear, experts opine that it is caused by an increase in insulin resistance by affecting the beta cells in the pancreas which are responsible for insulin production. The capacity of the beta cells to secrete insulin reduces, leading to gestational diabetes.
Family Medical History : A family history of diabetes type II, especially if a sibling or the mother had it makes the mother a promising candidate for acquring gestational diabetes in her pregnancy.
Previous Pregnancy History: If you've had diabetes in your past pregnancies, doctors keep you under strict vigilance and monitor you blood sugar levels regularly as the chances of it resurfacing is quite likely.
Age: People who are 25 years or older are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes. Infact, higher the age higher are the chances of susceptibility to gestational diabetes.
Other Medical Conditions: Women with PCOS or a history of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are susceptible to gestational diabetes as one of the symptomps of this disorder includes increased probability of insulin resistance.
Can I Lower My Chances of Getting Gestational Diabetes?
Whether you belong to the category of women who are at higher risk for gestational diabetes or not, you can definitely lower the risk of acquiring it. Working on your diet and exercise routines can help. Here are some steps to take:
Include more dietary fibre in your meals: This can be done by increasing the intake of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits. Increasing the daily fibre intake by 10 gm can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by around 26%.
Say no to unhealthy food : Cut down the intake of sweet foods and those that are carb-laden. Stay away from unhealthy nibbling to tackle hunger pangs.
Eating frequency: Eating frequent small meals would be a healthier choice than eating large portions in one meal.
Choose wisely: Include a variety of foods so that you get a fair share of all the required daily nutrients in your diet.
Include physical activity in your routine: Staying active can help reduce the risk of diabetes during pregnancy. Swimming and walking are the two most recommended choices for pregnant women. Mild exercises can be chosen based on your health and on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before finalising your exercise routine.
Keep a weight check: Maintaining a healthy weight before and after pregnancy is crucial in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.
Common Signs and Symptoms
There are not many pronounced symptoms that can indicate gestational diabetes,and hence your doctor would suggest a complete health check up at around 24-28th week of your pregnancy as this is the period where women are most likely to be diagnosed with high blood sugar levels. In case you are already at risk owing to factors listed above, this screening is suggested much earlier. However, here are some signs that might come as a warning and if you encounter them, do seek a medical intervention immediately:
Feeling thirsty too often even after adequate consumption of water and other fluids.
Frequent urination.
Feeling excessively exhausted (pregnancy, the third trimester in general, can leave women tired, but unexplained tiredness even when your activity levels are less throughout the day might indicate a possibility of gestational diabetes.)
Dryness of the mouth.
Blurriness in the vision.
Frequent infections .
Several conditions that are common during pregnancy might be signs of gestational diabetes. Pregnancy and diabetes together can leave the pregnant
mother exhausted. Usually, screening for gestational diabetes is done during the second trimester. However, if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are more pronounced, you might want to discuss them with your gynaecologist to decide if you need to be screened for diabetes.
How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?
Mother's blood sugar level usually restores to normal after their delivery. However , there are certain risks that are prevalant during pregnancy that you must be cautious about.
Preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes impacts are experienced by both the mother and the baby if the condition is not treated. One of the commonly associated side effect of untreated gestational diabetes is preeclampsia. This is a condition which is said to occur mostly in the final trimester. The two main characteristics of preeclampsia include elevated protein levels in the urine which can be found in a routine test and the rise in blood pressure. The condition worsens if not treated on time. The harmful effects include preterm labor and also miscarriage in some rare cases.
Stillbirth: The risk increases when the pregnant mother diagnosed with gestational diabetes carries the baby for more than 40 weeks. In this case the risk of stillbirth increases.
Developing type II diabetes: These are the mothers who are very likely to develop type II diabetes as they grow old.
All the above mentioned complications only indicate the risks that are associated with the untreated cases. Gestational diabetes simply increases the vulnerability to several conditions. But a proper diet and exercise routine can help in most cases.
How Gestational Diabetes Affects the Baby
Sometimes, the effects of gestational diabetes on the baby might be slightly more severe than on the mother. When the placenta interferes with the insulin levels, it in turn, gets affected by the elevated blood sugar levels. In most cases, women with gestational diabetes who receive treatment on time have healthy babies, but leaving the condition untreated might have some impact on the baby:
Macrosomia: Elevated sugar levels in the mother’s blood are passed on to the baby. higher sugar levels in baby’s blood causes baby’s pancreas to react by secreting higher levels of insulin. This sometimes leads to macrosomia, a condition where the foetus weighs 9 pounds or more. Such cases might call for a C-section. If delivered normally, the baby might suffer from minor injuries, birth trauma or shoulder dystocia.
Hypoglycemic baby: Babies might be born with low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia, due to the surge in insulin levels.
Breathing problems: Some babies born to a mother with gestational diabetes experience slight difficulties in breathing. Some even acquire respiratory distress syndrome where additional oxygen supply may have to be provided to the baby after birth.
Nutrient deficiency: The baby might carry low levels of magnesium and calcium which may cause spasms, cramps, jitters. These can be tackled with suitable supplements.
Risk of jaundice: These babies are at a higher risk of developing jaundice after birth. This can easily be treated but might make the baby feel weak. The baby may need immediate medical attention.
Type II diabetes: The babies might be at a higher risk of developing type II diabetes when they grow up.
Remember that these are only the extreme effects of the condition. In many cases, babies stay unaffected by mother’s diabetes. A safe option would be to identify the problem at the earliest and keep the blood sugar levels within normal levels not only to ensure your health, but that of your baby too.
Screening Guidelines for Gestational Diabetes
In most cases, gestational diabetes test is performed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. . Here are the two main tests that help find if the mother has high or low blood sugar during pregnancy. Follow-up tests and additional screening might be added as required based on the results.
Screening glucose challenge test (GCT)- non-fasting test
The patient who appears for this test is given an oral glucose solution. One hour later, a blood sample is drawn to evaluate the blood glucose levels. Higher levels indicate an inability to process the glucose consumed and the patient would be advised to take the OGTT.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing (OGTT)- fasting test
The patient needs to appear empty stomach for this test. A blood sample is drawn, and the patient is given an oral glucose solution. A second blood sample is drawn one hour later and the third one, after another hour. The test takes 2 hours to perform, and the patient is advised not to eat or drink anything in the interval. This helps ensure accurate results. If the blood glucose levels fall in the gestational diabetes range, the patient might be prescribed medications or put be put on a diet.
Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes
Right at the beginning of pregnancy, the doctor asks the mother-to-be a few questions regarding medical and family history to rule out the risks of gestational diabetes. Throughout the pregnancy, any warning signs are monitored and evaluated. If nothing appears abnormal, the routine GCT is prescribed at the right time. The test results help diagnose gestational diabetes.
Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can be easily managed by making simple lifestyle changes. . A fibre-rich, low-carb diet consumed as frequent small portions might help alleviate the blood glucose levels. Based on the results of the OGTT, the doctor might also suggest mild exercises. The blood sugar levels will be tested again after a gap to check for any difference. If the levels fall back to normal, you will simply be advised to continue your diet and exercises. The doctor might keep a check on your f the baby's health periodically. If the blood sugar levels don’t drop to normal, you might be prescribed medications or insulin shots to bring it down.
How to Control Sugar Level During Pregnancy
The simple way to control your sugar level is to work on your diet. Tweaks to what you eat and when you eat go a long way in improving your general health during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes diet plan-
here is a sample of how your diet plan should ideally be like:
Breakfast
· 2 to 3 carbohydrate choices (30 to 45 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Lunch
· 3 to 4 carbohydrate choices (45 to 60 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Dinner
· 3 to 4 carbohydrate choices (45 to 60 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Morning Snack:
· 1 to 2 carbohydrate choices (15 to 30 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Afternoon Snack:
· 1 to 2 carbohydrate choices (15 to 30 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Evening Snack:
· 1 to 2 carbohydrate choices (15 to 30 grammes)
· protein (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, peanut butter)
· vegetable or fat, freely
Source: https://www.allinahealth.org/health-conditions-and-treatments/health-library/patient-education/gestational-diabetes/healthy-eating-physical-activity-stress-management/basic-meal-planning/
Your dietician might however prescribe a personalised diet chart based on your test results.
Blood Glucose Levels for Pregnant Women
Ideal blood glucose levels differ for pregnant women who had diabetes before they got pregnant and for women with gestational diabetes. Here is a general guideline on blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Do remember that every pregnancy is different and your doctor is the best person to take a call on your health.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/gestational-diabetes-guide/normal-blood-sugar-levels-chart-pregnant-women.
How Can One Prevent Gestational Diabetes?
.Being aware and equipped with all pre-requisite information is the first step towards prevention. Not only will it help you understand all the risk factors involved but alsoprepare you for what lies ahead. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to rule out any risks, and screen for diabetes at early stages, if required. Be stringent about the diet and exercise plan prescribed for you to maintain normal sugar level during pregnancy. Sweet cravings are common in some women but unhealthy snacks and a high-sugar diet will do more harm than good.
What Happens to Mom and Baby After Delivery?
In most cases, nothing! The mother gets back to her usual healthy self, and the blood sugar levels drop back to normal, and the baby is healthy and happy. But in the worst cases where the damage is severe due to very high blood sugar levels, late diagnosis, or if the mother’s body did not respond well to the medication, the effects might be seen on the mother and the baby. Subsequent tests might be scheduled for both to rule out the occurrence of type II diabetes in the mother and hypoglycaemia in the baby.
It is important to strive to maintain a healthy weight and to continue healthy diet and exercise habits after delivery too. This helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes in later stages of life and during the next pregnancy. Do not skip the follow-up sessions for yourself as well as for the baby after delivery. Continue breastfeeding while also ensuring that you consume a nutrient-rich diet. This will help achieve optimum weight and ensure the best health of the mother and the baby. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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Molar pregnancy: Causes, Signs & Treatment
Molar pregnancy is a rare pathological condition of the placenta seen in pregnant women. The fertilised egg or the embryo fails to develop and is replaced by a pathological grape like a cluster (mole).
What Is a Molar Pregnancy?
A Molar pregnancy is one in which, after fertilization, the normal embryo is abnormally developed and appears like a bunch of grapes, called hydatidiform mole. It is a rare developmental disease of the placenta, usually detected in the early trimesters and most cases, results in wasted pregnancy.
Types
Based on the genetic and chromosomal pattern, molar pregnancies are divided into complete and partial molar pregnancy.
Complete Molar Pregnancy: During fertilisation, 23 chromosomes each are received from the mother and the father, and the fertilised egg hence contains 46 chromosomes altogether. In a complete molar pregnancy, the 23 maternal chromosomes are missing, and the embryo consists of only 23 chromosomes which are paternal in origin. This leads to the absence of foetal growth and formation of abnormal cysts, which appear like grapes.
Partial Molar Pregnancy: In a partial molar pregnancy, the embryo consists of 23 maternal chromosomes, but these chromosomes are fertilised by double the number of paternal chromosomes, 46 instead of 23. This leads to a total constitution of 69 chromosomes. The resultant embryo may grow and develop into an immature foetus, which may not survive beyond the few initial months of intrauterine growth due to the unfavourable genetic makeup.
Causes
The cause of the genetic abnormalities is largely unknown. However, the following factors have been associated with an increased risk for molar pregnancy:
Extremes of Age:
It is more common in teen pregnancies and those after the age of 40
Ethnic Origin:
It is twice more common in women of Asian origin.
Past History:
Women with a history of molar pregnancy in the past, are at an increased and proportionate risk. One such pregnancy in the past, predisposes to a risk of 1-1.5%, while two or more such past pregnancies increase the risk to 15-20% chances of having a molar pregnancy again.
Risk Factors That Can Increase the Possibility of Molar Pregnancy
Molar pregnancies are associated with certain risk factors including:
Diet: Deficiency of carotenes or vitamin A.
Genetic disorders: Women with pre-existing genetic or chromosomal diseases.
Other gynaecological disorders: for example, history of the polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).
Radiation exposure: Genetic diseases are more common with excessive exposure to radiations for imaging or therapy.
How Common Are Molar Pregnancies?
Worldwide, the condition is more common in women from the Asian subcontinent where it occurs at a frequency of 1 in every 1500 pregnancy. It is also more common in women who had a molar pregnancy in the past.
Signs and Symptoms
A molar pregnancy may be asymptomatic or present with the usual symptoms of a normal pregnancy in the early few days. With advancing gestational age, it may present with the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding: first or early second trimester.
Disproportionately large uterus: large cysts may be present.
Metabolic and gastric symptoms: nausea and vomiting.
Autonomic instability: hypertension, sweating, palpitations, diarrhoea, etc.
Discomfort or dull pain in the lower pelvis.
Small cysts or clusters of grape-like substance from the vagina, usually suggest molar pregnancy.
However, these symptoms are highly non-specific as they may also occur in normal pregnancy or the case of a miscarriage.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
Diagnosis of molar pregnancy can be based on laboratory studies and imaging studies.
Beta HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels: It is a hormone secreted by the placenta soon after fertilisation of the ovum during pregnancy. It can be measured in the blood as well as the urine. In a normal pregnancy, the levels range between hundreds (IU/ml) and proportionately increase with increasing gestational age. In molar pregnancies, the levels of B-HCG are enormously raised, exceeding 100000 IU/ml in few cases.
Molar pregnancy ultrasound: It is the investigation of choice for the diagnosis and confirmation of a molar pregnancy. An ultrasound shows a ‘snowstorm pattern’ with multiple cysts like growths in the uterine cavity and an absence of foetal activities. It is the safest, quickest and most reliable diagnostic tool for a molar pregnancy. It also confirms the diagnosis made by abnormally high beta HCG levels.
Risks and complications
Molar pregnancies can be associated with the following risks and complications:
Invasive mole or choriocarcinoma: complete molar pregnancies can progress to invasive mole or choriocarcinoma.
GTN or Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: Molar pregnancies are associated with a risk of conversion to trophoblastic malignancy in the future. These are localized malignant conditions with a fairly good prognosis.
Recurrence: a history of molar pregnancy increases the risk for recurrence of this condition.
Foetal loss: Complete moles usually result in foetal loss. Women with molar pregnancies are at a high risk of miscarriages and other pregnancy-related complications as the genetic makeup of the foetus results in its premature death.
Treatment
Hysterectomy: For women with advanced age, or completed family or recurrent severe disease despite optimum medical therapy, hysterectomy is the best-suggested treatment option.
HCG monitoring: In a few cases after treatment, some residual tissues are left behind in the uterine cavity after a D&C. This is correlated with serial monitoring of beta HCG levels, which ideally should start falling after treatment. In majority cases, the residual tissues are successfully treated with However a fraction of cases progress to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
Suction removal or Dilation and curettage(D&C): When a molar pregnancy is suspected by symptoms, hCG levels or ultrasound, a Dilation & Curettage is usually undertaken. It simply involves dilation of the cervical canal and spooning or curetting of the uterine contents to histopathologically confirm the diagnosis and therapeutically remove all the trophoblastic tissues.
Medication: Medical treatment of molar pregnancy includes,
Symptomatic therapy: correction of anaemias, anti-thyroid drugs.
Antineoplastic drugs: drugs like methotrexate are useful in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
Folic acid: supplements with high amounts of folic acid.
Monitoring After the Treatment
To avoid any residual disease, monitoring after treatment is essential. Regular follow-ups with your clinician after treatment, for serial physical examinations and history, are vital.
Beta HCG levels are the best means of monitoring after treatment with the help of serial monthly blood and urine tests. Normally, the very high molar pregnancy hCG levels should fall significantly after treatment. If it persistently remains high, residual or recurrent disease should be suspected. Screening ultrasound can be performed to rule out any possibility of trophoblastic disease after treatment.
Further Treatment After Molar Pregnancy
Despite curative treatment available for molar pregnancy, a few cases (1% partial and about 15% complete) may have a residual tissue, and this is known as a Persistent trophoblastic disease (PTD). It may have malignant behaviour with spread to other body tissues, commonly involving the lungs. Treatment involves chemotherapy with methotrexate cycles along with folic acid supplementation.
Prevention
Since the pathophysiology is largely genetic, no definite preventive measures are available. However, following steps can be considered:
Balanced diet: include adequate carotene and other green vegetables in your daily diet.
Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.
Avoid conceiving for at least a year after previous molar pregnancy.
Consult a genetic counsellor and consider gene studies and chromosomal mapping.
Chances of Molar Pregnancy In Future
Molar pregnancies have a 1.5-2% risk of recurrence. No serious long-term health hazards are reported. One may have a normal pregnancy after a molar event. However, a gap of six months following surgery and about a year after chemotherapy is advisable before conceiving to avoid recurrence.
When Can You Try to Get Pregnant?
Fortunately, molar pregnancy or its treatment does not affect the fertility. Also, it has a low (1.5-2%) risk of recurrence. Clinicians worldwide advice a waiting period of 1 year before conceiving. This gives time for the beta HCG to return to the physiological levels. Once pre-pathological levels are recorded, you may now plan a safe pregnancy.
How to Cope Up With Fear and Loss?
A molar pregnancy can be a traumatising experience and a grave loss of your child like in miscarriages. Strong will power, and your partner’s support is vital. Undue anxiety and over treatments to avoid recurrence can be dangerous. Consulting a counsellor, and considering adoption are advisable.
Molar pregnancy is a rare pathological condition which involves loss of pregnancy. With a good understanding of molar pregnancy meaning, timely evaluation and complete treatment, this condition can be managed, and its recurrence prevented.
Also Read: 3 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect Read more
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Top 7 Children's Stories by Enid Blyton
A child who reads will be an adult who thinks. Childhood is the right time to introduce young minds to children’s storybooks and keep them away from electronic devices like TV and smartphones. Glossy pages and colourful pictures not only help your child learn new words but also impart morals and values. A good way to motivate your child to take up reading is by reading to her at bedtime. Slowly, she’ll start taking an interest in those stories and will want to read them all by herself!
Author for the Month of February- Enid Blyton
“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
These words ring true for each of Enid Blyton’s books for children, as they are to do with adventure, fantasy and mystery.
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Enid Blyton was born on 11th August 1897 in South London and was the eldest of three children. At the age of 10, she joined school and started winning prizes in poem-writing competitions. Given that she already excelled in writing, the achievements only encouraged her further. Soon, she started writing short stories for children; in 40 years, she penned down close to 800 books. Even after so many decades, they enjoy a huge readership among children. So, pick up these famous short-story books and let your child dream with her eyes open!
7 Fantasy Book Series by Enid Blyton that are Waiting to be Read
Don’t keep her away from this fantasy town where fairies live inside flowers and young boys and girls become detectives.
1. Noddy
You might know Noddy from the TV series, but what you may not know is that he is a fictional character created by our much-loved Enid Blyton!
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Noddy is a cute little boy with a blue cap who drives the toys around Toyland in his little red and yellow taxi. This 25-book series has stories about this imaginary toy town where toys live and do the same things humans do. Just like your children have best friends, Noddy has his own circle of friends - Mr Plod, Big Ears, Bumpy Dog, and Tessie Bear. Sly and Gobbo are two mischevious goblins who are always up for playing tricks, and it’s up to Noddy to save the day.
What Your Child Can Learn from Noddy
Noddy can teach her to be kind and honest.
That she should ask her parents for help and support
That she should show love towards animals
2. The Wishing Chair
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This series of three books narrates the adventures of Mollie, Peter and their Wishing Chair. The story starts with the siblings looking for a present for their mother’s birthday. When they come across a mysterious antique shop, their curiosity is piqued and they decide to enter the shop. There, they happen to sit upon an ordinary-looking chair - soon, they discover that it can grow wings and fly! Being the naughty children they are, Peter and Mollie carry off the chair to their playroom; and so, the adventures begin!
What Your Child Can Learn from the Wishing Chair
That she should rescue those in trouble
That joy shared is joy doubled
As the siblings travel to unknown places, she will improve her imagination power and grow to love travelling.
3. The Faraway Tree
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The Faraway Tree is a series of books by Enid Blyton about three children- Joe, Fran, and Beth. One day, they go for a walk in the woods and discover a tree whose branches reach up to the clouds. As they climb the branches, they meet Moon-face, Silky the Fairy, and the Saucepan Man and befriend them. At the very top of the tree, there’s a ladder that can take them to a magical land. The children are free to come and go, but they must leave before the land moves on to the next tree.
What Your Child Can Learn from the Faraway Tree
With these stories, you can teach your little one that she should be friendly with everybody.
These books can help her face every type of situation in life.
If you do good to somebody, somebody else will do good to you.
4. The Five Find-Outers
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The Five Find-Outers is a series of 15 mystery books written by Enid Blyton. The tales are set in the fictitious village of Peterswood. The five find-outers- Larry, Fatty, Pip, Daisy, and Bets, along with their dog Buster encounter a mystery on every boarding-school holiday. They find case-solving exciting and fun, but the unpleasant village policeman, Mr Goon becomes very cross every time the kids are out solving mysteries.
What Your Child Can Learn from the Five Find-Outers
A young girl will understand the importance of sharing.
These mystery stories can help develop analytical and problem-solving skills in your child.
She may gradually develop leadership skills from one of the characters.
5. The O’Clock Tales
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Enid Blyton’s O’Clock Tales is a collection of four books- Five O’Clock, Six O’Clock, Seven O’Clock and Eight O’Clock Tales. Each of the books has over forty short stories about fairies, gnomes, witches and school-going children. After reading how Lazy Kate’s bed took her to school, your child will wake up on her own on school days!
What Your Child Can Learn from O’Clock Tales
That bad things happen to those who steal
That anybody can become a hero if they put in some effort
These stories allow her to dream about things that are extraordinary, in turn enhancing her creativity.
6. Mr Pink-Whistle
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“It isn’t fair, it isn’t fair!” - Mr Pink-Whistle
A collection of three books, the Mr Pink-Whistle books talk about a funny little man with powers who tries his best to make things right. A half-human with pointed ears and green eyes, Mr Pink-Whistle hates everything that’s unfair and everyone who’s unkind. Although he’s a lonely individual, he develops temporary friendships with small children who take an instant liking to him.
What Your Child Can Learn from Mr Pink-Whistle
That she should always speak up against injustice
One of the life lessons a child learns is that she should not misuse power and authority.
She is also taught that she should protect the weak.
7. The Secret Seven
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You must have surely heard of the Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton. These are stories of a group of child detectives who solve mysteries during their school term, unlike "the Five Find-Outers" who look for evidence during their term break. Peter (the group head), Janet (Peter’s sister), Jack, Barbara, George, Pam, and Colin are the main characters. Susie and Binkie delight in playing tricks on the Secret Seven because the group won’t take them in.
What Your Child Can Learn from the Secret Seven
She can get practical knowledge about how to handle situations.
She may develop their fact-finding skills while solving the mysteries.
These books can teach her the importance of team-work which will be useful in school.
There’s a quote that goes, “Children become readers on the laps of their parents.” When you read aloud to your child, they build their vocabulary and also learn pronunciations of different words. English is a tricky language to master, but a child who reads is often ahead of her schoolmates. So, what are you waiting for? Read your child these fantasy stories by Enid Blyton and give her books of her favourite authors as gifts!
Also Read:
Short and Meaningful Moral Stories for Kids
Best Motivational and Inspirational Stories for Kids
Exciting Short Animal Stories for Kids with Moral Read more
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How To Involve Kids in Community Activities
Involving children in community activities boosts their self esteem.. It also teaches valuable lessons like teamwork, empathy, kindness and consideration for others, while enhancing his life skills. Read on to find out how parents can act as catalysts for their child to volunteer for such activities.
Teenage is a great time to get the kids indulge in a community activity. Parents can help in raising the quality of social awareness in children by hunting for activities suited for the child’s existing skill and interest. Being involved in a productive endeavour, enhances a teen’s self esteem. It builds character by fostering an attitude of selflessness.
These endeavours keep them completely occupied in activities that are divine and spiritual rather then those undesirable activities that they might otherwise indulge in. Parents can play a major role by providing that crucial push to their child in the right direction, by being their role models.
Some Important Aspects while Involving Them in Social Activity
1. Start Young
The earlier you begin to involve your teen in community service, the easier it is to foster a positive attitude towards such endeavours.
2. Be a Positive Role Model
Being open to the idea of getting involved in a community activity will widen their outlook towards life. If you practice it there are greater chances that your child will too.
3. Involve His Friends
By the time a child enters his teens he will be spending most of the time with his friends. If you find a project that involves his group of friends there are greater chances of them following it through.
4. Look for a Good Fit
Not all children are suited to all kinds of activities. Find a project that fits your child’s personality. A gregarious child would be the perfect fit for minding younger kids while a quieter one might like to read to the elderly. While one child may enjoy crafting things for charity another one might be good at selling them.
5. Extend His Routine Activities
Try to find an activity that is an extension of his routine activity and makes use of his existing abilities and skill sets. For instance if he is part of a drama club he could direct a play for the younger kids. If he is learning a sport or a skill he could pass it on to underprivileged children.
6. Offer Encouragement
Teens can be shy and unwilling to go out on their own. As a parent even your presence can offer encouragement. Praise their efforts. Be with them and offer help. Guide them to the right resources.
A Few Precautions for Parents
Get to know the older volunteers. They will be major influencers in your teen’s life.
Drop in regularly to keep track of what the group is doing.
Make rules for your child. Set boundaries and makes sure he follows them.
Some Ideas for Parents
Here are a few simple ideas and projects that parents can pick from to teach their child to be socially useful.
Coach younger or underprivileged kids in studies, sports, art, dance or music.
Have a cleanliness drive every weekend. You could clean up your society or a nearby public park. Children could make and put up cleanliness signage.
Organise a plantation drive.
Make cleanliness pouches with soap, toothbrush, toothpaste etc for orphanages or old homes.
Sell handmade articles on special occasions and donate the proceeds to charity.
Organise an old clothes, toys and books drive for donation to charity.
Involving children in a community activity doesn’t need much effort. All parents need is a helping mindset and an encouraging attitude. Read more
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Being a Stay-at-home Mom is a Thankless Job! Shilpa Shetty Echoes What Many Of Us Feel...
Our day begins at – or before – sunrise, and there’s no telling when we will get to hit the bed again. Come morning, there are millions of chores to be completed, and all of them are time-bound. And this series of chores and tasks continues throughout the day, often with little help. After all, many people assume that you should be able to manage just fine, as you are anyway “going to be staying at home all day”… Recently, Bollywood mom Shilpa Shetty shared her honest thoughts about the life of a stay-at-home-mom. It might come as a surprise to you – what does a celeb know about all this, right? – but trust us when we say her thoughts are spot on!
Looking after the baby and giving them a bath. Packing tiffin boxes. Serving breakfast to the entire family. Cleaning, dusting, planning the other meals of the day, changing diapers, putting the little baby to sleep, and being on call for every family member in case they need us. A stay-at-home-mom undoubtedly has an immensely taxing job, and while we see it as a labour of love, we cannot deny one important fact. A stay-at-home-mom also has one of the most thankless jobs ever.
Shilpa Shetty, mommy to a five-year-old son, Viaan, has continued to work after motherhood. Even though she is not part of mainstream cinema anymore, she works with her husband at their production house. And in this, Shilpa says, she has been fortunate. The struggles that stay-at-home-moms face in our society can become overwhelming.
The Struggles Faced By Stay-at-home-Moms
There’s no doubt that every kind of mom lives with struggle – the struggle against time, rest and being without stress. While working moms have a struggle to balance their work and family life, the challenges that stay-at-home moms face are very real too. Shilpa recently shared just why she thinks a stay-at-home-mom has one of the greatest - but also the most thankless - jobs ever.
1. No Breaks, No Salary & Constant Overwork
When you’re a stay-at-home-mom, you get no break from parenting! You have to be as hands-on as possible and hiring external help is often seen as a sign of ‘incompetence’ – even when you’re clearly overworked and exhausted! And as for pay, many of us don’t even get acknowledgment for the stress we go through all day, as we “stayed at home and rested”.
Shilpa says, “If you are a homemaker, it’s even more than a full-time job. In job, you have breaks and you can switch-off. Here, it’s a thankless job. You are underpaid and overworked!”
2. Judgment by Society
Society always judges. And if you stay at home, you have to be prepared for constant scrutiny, advice and recommendations. Working moms get judged a lot too – so this really seems to be a social evil we cannot get rid of!
Shilpa shared why she faces the brunt of judgment even more just because she is a celebrity. People assume she is not as hands-on a mother. “It’s not anybody’s business to comment on what I do or don’t do as a mother. People think of me as an actress first, and then maybe, a mother. For me, being a mother comes first. I do what’s best for my child and I also take advice from others.
I don’t judge people, but I know that people judge me for my clothes, for the person I am, for being a celebrity.”
3. Pressure of Multi-tasking
As a stay-at-home-mom, you need to be involved in everything – right from household chores to baby-care chores to looking after family members. There can be no downtime. Working moms also have to do a lot of multi-tasking as they have the added pressure of the workplace. But a stay-at-home’s multi-tasking can get very rigorous too, and what’s worse? It often remains ignored and overlooked.
Shilpa says, “Women are doing everything and anything. I can even go to the extent of saying that they are doing it better than men. There isn’t anything that we are not capable of doing. We are multi-faceted personalities and are able to multi-task much better than men.
We look after our family. We take care of our in laws, children, our husbands, which is a full-time job in itself...”
Shilpa Shetty might come across as a vivacious, beautiful celebrity who has got it all together. It might be very easy to assume that parenting is secondary to her. But look, how quick we are to judge! Shilpa does everything that any mother would do for her child. She does her best to keep Viaan occupied in extra-curricular activities. She also makes sure he eats healthy and that his development is spot-on. Yes, while some of us have help from family members, maids and nannies, the rest of us have to toil alone. But even so, there are things that every mother (and ONLY a mother) does for her baby - she shares love, she shares time, she shares ideals to grow up following.
Source:
https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shilpa-shetty-kundra-to-pooja-bedi-celeb-mums-on-being-judged-for-their-parenting-2453257
https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/shilpa-shetty-being-a-stay-at-home-mom-is-a-thankless-job/story-dQSKYTDBHSzHnxkmiPwdLK.html Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I’m not aware about what medicine it is for I can only tell you that these basic medicines you can take throughout your lactation it’s not a problem the medicines that you could take before your pregnancy can always be taken during the time of lactation
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mam iam 33 weeks now when can I expect delivery date
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. The basic delivery date is normally 39 to 3 40 weeks of your pregnancy whenever you are ready for your delivery and whenever you hit your labour that’s going to be the right time for you further move your Dr is going to tell you when are you going to deliver with the help of an ultrasound
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. What is your question associated with your pregnancy that you haven’t mentioned clearly can you please repost your question providing all the necessary details so at least I know and understand what are you willing to ask and accordingly I can give you help and assistance on that
Jennifer has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
5 hours ago
Q. I am 23 weeks 1 day pregnant. I was feeling the movements actively until today. Baby movements were not that good or maybe I didn’t feel it that way today. Is it a cause of concern? Should I wait for a day or two or should I go and see my gynaecologist?
Please suggest!
Read moreJennifer
Mom of 6 children
4 hours ago
A. please consult ur gynae asap.
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. she doing from yesterday at night time only once and she having breast milk as well as formula feed nan pro 1 ,I have concern about like this potty yellow and grey ,I want to know it's normal ???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associated with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptbomatic treatment along wjith management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever than it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
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