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Age-appropriate Technologies for Kids - Digital Milestones to Aim for
In today’s technology-driven world, education and childhood development is driven by a gizmo surge. Children in classrooms are experiencing efficient benefits of the tech-driven revolution where blackboards are replaced or supplemented by projectors and computers. This is a world where homework can be emailed in and technology and children's cognitive development go hand in hand.
The major concern on an educational level is the balance between technological learning and extensive usage of the same. Many experts have raised concerns about the same issue and have pointed out that an over-reliance on technology can remove important developmental techniques from the child’s life. For example, with schools introducing laptops and computers at a younger age, children are not focussing on using pencils and pens to write which can affect their ability to learn effectively.
Benefits of Using Technology for Kids
There are many benefits to adding technology to your children’s lives. Whether you do this through their education or during their time at home, technology will add more range to their knowledge base. Here are some of the benefits of kids using technology.
Technology allows children to be more creative and express themselves with more freedom. With their boundless limits for creativity, technology can truly help them put their thoughts into tangible visual expressions. Apps that allow them to draw and animate will let their imagination run wild.
Technology can help children with social connections. Social media and video games are now a part of children’s lives and these can be great things for children to bond over. Later on, children can learn how to build their own apps or learn how to code in a classroom or in group learning.
Technology can help children feel more independent and empowered. They no longer have to depend on an adult to give them all the information they require, as they can quickly do the research themselves using the internet. If they have a project in mind, they can use this resource to find out how to do it and then execute it all by themselves.
Technology and children’s education go hand in hand and will help children learn better. Years ago, we learnt with books and in libraries. In today’s age, children are taught using different technological tools like Virtual Reality in order to make the lessons stick longer.
Tech jobs are in high demand and learning to be comfortable with technology and developing an interest in it will ensure that they have good and stable jobs in the future. Their interest can be taken to the next level by participating in coding classes and more. Even if they do not choose a life in tech, the ease of using technology will help them in all fields.
The Right Technological Products/Services for Children According to Their Age
You are now familiar with the benefits of kids using technology and are probably raring to introduce your child to its many capabilities. However, you must introduce your child to technology that is specifically friendly for their age.
1. Age 0 to 1 Year
At this age, you can introduce your child to electronic toys which teach them about cause and effect. For example, a simple digital toy can light up and play music when your child pushes a particular button. In this case, the reward of learning the effect of pushing the button teaches your child to press the button. You can also give him toys where he will need your help which will allow you to spend quality time with him. However, be sure that these two types of toys are well balanced, as the former type encourages the child to learn by himself and to be more independent. Most experts agree that this is not the age to let your child use mobile phones as it could be harmful to his health and development.
Age-appropriate technological products/services for this category include:
Electronic toys
Mobile phones on aeroplane mode for short periods of time
Digital toys with bright displays
2. Age 1 to 2 Years
This is the perfect age to introduce your child to good educational TV shows such as 'Dora The Explorer', 'Blue’s Clues', and so on. These shows are entertaining but are also a good way to learn, especially for young children. However, you must be careful to limit your child’s TV time up to only two hours a day. Most experts agree that two hours of TV time is ideal for children without it affecting their health.
Age-appropriate technological products/services for this category include:
Educational TV shows like 'Dora The Explorer', 'Super Why!', 'Blue’s Clues'
Cause and effect apps on a smartphone
3. Age 2 to 3 Years
At this age, your child should be exposed to children’s books of all varieties. A good way to incorporate reading in your child’s life is to buy an e-book reader which can hold thousands of books. Some e-readers even come with the capability of reading the book out loud which allows for your child to ‘read’ the book independent of your schedule. Make sure that the content on your phone is child-safe and download apps that allow him to test their ability to recognise shapes and objects.
Age-appropriate technological products/services for this category include:
Reading stories on an e-Book reader
Apps to find hidden objects or identify shapes
Electronic toys to help him learn new words and numbers
4. Age 3 to 4 Years
This is a good age to introduce a tablet to your child for very basic usage. Learning how to swipe to unlock will improve his hand-eye coordination. With time, he will be able to unlock the tablet without thinking about it. Download apps on the tablet that will challenge his skills. These apps can be educational and fun and will give him a reason to want to learn how to use the tablet. Of course, make sure you set a time limit of tablet-time as well, as he shouldn't get addicted to using the gadget.
Using a tablet
Apps which involve matching games or solving simple puzzles
5. Age 4 to 5 Years
Here, you can introduce slightly more complex apps on the tablet to your child and let him focus on using the stylus of the tablet to draw and express himself. Using a good stylus is similar to using a pencil or crayon which he must be doing already. There are plenty of apps available which will allow your child to draw and colour and create drawings.
Using a stylus
Apps for drawing and basic editing
Technology can be extremely useful in the development of your child and can be an important tool as he grows. Used carefully and responsibly, technology can open doors for your child and teach him how to express himself in previously unimaginable ways. However, it is your responsibility as the parent to set boundaries and to expose him to technology that is useful and empowering. Make sure that all tablets and mobile phones are free of any adult content. It is also imperative that you regulate his internet usage. At a very young age, he should not be accessing the internet without your presence. Set boundaries and make sure that your child understands these boundaries.
You must also be consistent in enforcing these boundaries. It might be hugely tempting to let your child play on the tablet when he is supposed to be studying, especially after a hard day at work. However, be sure to enlist the help of your partner and get your child to follow the rules.
Talk to your child about the dangers of using too much technology and help him understand why using too much of it can be harmful to his health and development. Make sure that he understands that technology is a privilege that he can enjoy, and not a right.
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10 Hobbies Every Woman Should Try in Her 30s
Sitting around watching TV or spending hours on social media has become the way most people spend their free time these days. Doing this now and then is alright, but most of our free time should be spent doing something productive that we also find soothing and relaxing. Technology didn’t always exist and people who had free time developed hobbies to fill their time. Hobbies can be anything like dancing and reading, and as long as it helps make you feel relaxed and satisfied at the end of it, it is something worth having.
10 Hobbies to Help You Relax and Have Fun
There are so many things that women in their 30s can do to keep themselves entertained, so if you are confused, here are some hobbies that will be able to help you relax and have fun:
1. Gardening
Gardening is more than just watering plants to keep them alive; it includes learning how to plant your own seeds and nurture them. Not just that, there are also many different types of gardens that you can look into growing. Flower gardens, vegetable gardens, herb gardens and others are some available options. Some enjoy being able to grow their own vegetables and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they can serve their family something they have worked very hard to grow.
2. Cooking and Baking
Some women enjoy baking, some cooking and some enjoy both. Whatever you prefer doing in the kitchen, consider it your passion and turn it into an art. Cooking and baking are great hobbies for housewives as they have a bit more time to look for recipes and give themselves challenges. Turing this into a hobby means that you can share delicious cakes and sweets with your family as well.
3. Needlework
If you don’t already know how to stitch, you can take some beginners courses and see if it is something that interests you. Getting into embroidery or knitting are other options that you have if you want to learn how to work a needle or two. This is one hobby that will come in handy for every time your child needs to have a costume. You can also make warm sweaters for your child to bear the cold winters.
4. Writing and Blogging
Sometimes it is just easier to relax after writing your heart out. It can be writing something private like a journal, or it can be a blog that you have created. If you wonder what your blogs should be about, you can always blog about one of your hobbies or simply anything that you like. It can even be a blog where you share your opinion about certain things. Feel free to be you and get creative.
5. Art
Another way to express yourself creatively is to get into art and opt for something like sketching or painting. There are different types of art that you can get into, like sculpting, pottery, basket weaving, wood carvings and more. Pick what suits you best and keep at it. You can take classes to learn a particular art form, or you can experiment at home with your own materials.
6. Reading
Reading is a hobby shared by many, and it is something that has helped bring relaxation to the minds of people. Whether you enjoy reading educational or informative topics or simply like sinking into a good novel, reading is a great way to spend your time. No matter what you read, you always learn something new from it.
7. Jewellery Making
If you have an eye for jewellery and enjoy coming up with your own different combinations when visiting the shop, you can always try making your own jewellery. Jewellery making is an art in itself, and you can make jewellery with beads or anything that you like. Again, this is your way of expressing yourself so do what suits you. Enrol in classes or experiment with different techniques yourself at home.
8. Photography
Some people have an eye for beauty, and if that sounds like you, you may want to look into photography as a hobby. You can get yourself a good camera and start taking pictures. Once you find your style, you will also figure out what your favourite subjects are. You can photograph anything such as street life, animals, people, portraits, etc.
9. Dancing
With so many different dance styles in the world, it shouldn’t be a challenge for you to pick something that suits you and go for classes to learn it in more detail. If you are the type to enjoy going out dancing, this one will be a really good hobby for you. Not to mention all the energy you will spend learning all those dance moves and the workout you will get.
10. Music and Singing
You may have always wanted to learn to play an instrument, or you may have wanted to be able to sing better. If your heart has always been for music, go for it. Either learn an instrument or go for singing classes. Even if you think you cannot sing, you will be taught exercises that will help your vocal cords get into shape for singing. Learning to play an instrument is also something that can calm you at the end of the day. Just because you are a mum, it does not mean that you cannot learn a new skill.
As a woman, you may have many responsibilities in life; that of a wife, mother, daughter and also employee. Sometimes everything can get overwhelming and can lead to feeling like you are stuck in a rut, especially since the little free time might involve checking your social media or just lazing around in front of the laptop watching Netflix.
The decision to cultivate your hobbies to spend your free time productively is something you should seriously consider. There are many more options to choose from, like fostering animals in need, travelling or playing a particular sport; so don’t hesitate to start something new. You and everyone else in your life will be happier for you.
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5 Smart Ways To Teach Kids To Draw Intersecting And Parallel Lines
Teaching your child to draw intersecting and parallel lines lays the foundation for their writing skills, amongst other benefits. Certain activities provide a deeper understanding of these concepts to your child – find out which now!
Knowing the basic concepts of geometry like intersecting and parallel lines set the foundation for your child's learning and understanding, so it’s extremely important that they don't miss out on them. Your child has reached the ripe young age where it’s time to learn how to draw parallel and intersecting lines, but how do you explain the concepts of these lines theoretically or technically?
Look no further, we're here to help! Read on to find five engaging tricks to help teach these basic geometrical lines to your little mathematician.
1. Use Alphabets
Using simple alphabets is a brilliant way to teach parallel and intersecting lines. Take a sheet of paper and pencil and draw two vertical parallel lines of the capital alphabet ‘H’. Tell your child that these two are parallel lines that make the alphabet ‘H’. Join them in their mid and complete ‘H’. Now, teach your child to draw the capital alphabet ‘X’. Explain that the two lines that cross each other making the alphabet ‘X’ are known as intersecting lines.
2. Teach Math Yoga And Exercises
Learning the concept of parallel and intersecting lines by performing yoga and exercises is a fun activity that will help your kids grasp and learn the concept of these basic geometrical lines quickly. Tell kids to lie on their back on the ground such that their bodies are parallel to each other representing the parallel lines and making the concept clear. Instruct two kids to lie on their back on the floor such that their bodies are perpendicular to each other. Their heads should lie near each other at the point of 90 degree angle. Tell them to stretch their hands above their heads on the ground so that their hands intersect representing the intersecting lines. Kids will enjoy learning geometric lines this way and soon learn to draw them on the paper.
3. Play ‘Simon Says’ Game
Teach kids to stand and raise their arms straight up and tell them that their raised hands represent parallel lines as they don’t cross each other. Tell kids to stretch their hands in the front, such that their hands are parallel to the ground, and then tell them to cross their arms such that their hands make an ‘X’. Make them understand that their crossed hands represent the intersecting lines. Now, call out ‘Simon says parallel’ and your kids should raise their hands straight up. Then, call out ‘Simon says intersecting’ and your kids should stretch their arms straight in the front and cross them making an ‘X’. ||
4. Geometry Scavenger Hunt
Kids love scavenger hunts, and these hunts can be utilized well in teaching different concepts! First, make your kids understand of parallel lines and intersecting lines. Provide a notepad and a pen to each kid and tell kids to find parallel and intersecting lines in various areas of your house, such as tiles, artwork, table and desk, flooring, walls, ceiling, etc. and make a note of their findings on their notepad. The child who comes with maximum number of findings of these basic lines is the winner.
5. Use Vegetables
Kids are often fond of playing with foods and vegetables. So, use elongated vegetables, such as carrots, to teach your kids the concept of parallel and intersecting lines. Take two long carrots, place them parallel to each other, and tell your kids that these are parallel lines. Now, place two long carrots making a cross ‘X’ and tell children that these two are intersecting lines. Later, provide your kids two long carrots each and tell them to position them to make parallel lines and intersecting lines turn-by-turn. Kids will find it fun to learn these basic lines by playing with vegetables.
Which interesting tricks did you use to teach your kids about parallel and intersecting lines? Share your experience and ideas with other moms in the comments below. Read more
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Does Love Need to be True or Perfect? - My Love for My Hubby and Triplets
"Hum Ek Baar Jeete Hain, Ek Baar Marte Hain, Shadi Bhi Ek Hi Baar Hoti hai Aur Pyar Bhi Ek Baar Hi Hota Hai"
In 1998, these lines became my favourite and I started believing in it. In Nov 2003, I got my first proposal. I immediately gave in to this relationship for 6 long years and I started believing that I had finally found my true love.
But this dialogue was full of contradiction and conflict, because I fell in love twice, and the second time I actually found my Rahul who is perfectly imperfect.
It's just a conviction that we fall in love only once, whereas love stories keep changing until one finds true love.
They say a flawless man exists only in your dreams, and the most imperfect man becomes the best husband. My husband- he is not perfect but he's the best one for me.
I met Rahul in Nov 2007 during my MBA in the hostel mess and that's where my connection with him just started. In my mind, I made sure that he's the one I would cook food for all my life.
Till Nov 2007, I was happy, but not from within. My relationship with my first boyfriend was perfect - he used to give me roses on Rose Day, buy me gifts on Valentine's Day, send me lovey-dovey messages on random days. He was a perfect boyfriend, but not a perfect man who could make me happy from within.
Rahul gave me happiness from within. He didn't make any false promises. He has never given me roses on Rose Day. He does buy me flowers, only when he thinks it's right and not when I want him to. I am content with whatever he gifts me.
In Dec 2011, Rahul and I tied the knot in full filmy style. He was the runaway groom and we made our sacred promise in front of the fire.
Later I thought, "Where did the 7 promises we made to each other go?" I am even wondering now...
Gone with the wind whoosh, maybe?
All those promises made in front of so many people, most couples don't even remember what they were. (Do you remember your promises? In case you do, a round of applause to you!)
This is what actually happens: Those 7 promises are forgotten and new ones are made. New agendas, new priorities. That's what exactly happened to me and my husband.
House rent, day-to-day chores of the house, electricity bills and of course the ration list were topping our priority now. Love had taken a backseat. He didn't even take me on a romantic honeymoon, but I didn't fall short of my love for him. Neither did he because, for us, love is not a vacation which ends soon, instead, it's a lifelong bond.
He never keeps my photo in his wallet, instead, he keeps me in his prayers - day and night. He may not shower his love on social media, but he showers it on the saddest day of my life by bringing my favourite plate of momos, because he knows that she needs to hog when she's upset. That's all that matters. My size doesn't bother him, but my happiness does.
Valentine's week was here again in 2019, but from 2008 -2019 nothing has changed. I still wait for my roses on Rose Day and a teddy on Teddy Day and a kiss on Kiss Day. He never gives anything but I still love him immensely, because love comes in all forms. This year also I kept waiting but I still love him.
Karan Johar rightly said, "Shaadi Ek Hi Baar Hoti Hai" and I am going to be married to this flawed man forever, who loves me flawlessly because love doesn't need to be perfect but it needs to be true. After 6 years of our marriage, in 2017, our love tripled and we became parents to triplets. Our love is now being shared by three heartbeats of our life.Although I keep complaining, deep down he knows that I love him a lot. And more than love, we both respect each other, and our respect keeps growing. We only die once, but we live and love every day. Our relationship is not perfect but the love we have for each other makes up for all the small imperfections.
Last but not the least, love which is true is never perfect.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. 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
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
2 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
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