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Common Skin Allergies In Babies
Babies have sensitive skin and their little immune systems are still developing, which makes them susceptible to various allergies and infections. A slight irritation to your baby’s skin can trigger a rash and make him cranky and irritated. We know you want to keep your baby safe but skin allergies are common in babies and toddlers, and the best thing you can do is to be aware of them. Some skin allergies are more common than others and knowing more about these can prove handy. So read on to know about different types of skin allergies and how you can treat them.
What Is a Skin Allergy?
A skin allergy occurs when the skin gets irritated or becomes inflamed by coming in contact with an allergen. Similarly, when the body releases the chemical histamine because of the presence of an allergen, it leads to an inflammatory reaction. The allergy then manifests as one of many types of rashes or hives. Skin allergies are more common in infants with sensitive skin. Even irritants such as a dirty diaper, drool, food, soaps, and detergents can cause allergic reactions in children.
Common Skin Allergies in Babies
Skin allergies and rashes are common in babies and require little to no medication or treatment. Most skin problems resolve with time, but if they don't, you might have to take your little one to a paediatrician. Mentioned below are some common skin allergies that affect babies:
1. Eczema
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can develop in a baby who is between 1 and 5 years of age. However, this condition may also develop in a baby who is between three and four months of age. Eczema is characterised by red itchy rashes that may consist of tiny red bumps. There are different types of eczema but babies and children are usually develop atopic eczema.
Causes
Genetics is one cause of eczema but wearing certain kinds of clothes and soap can trigger it too. Sometimes, food allergies and environmental pollutants like dust and smoke can also cause eczema. Accumulation of sweat in warm weather and extremely cold weather can also be responsible for this condition.
Symptoms
Eczema might be localized or appear all over the body. Dry, thick skin or red itchy rashes are some symptoms of this allergy.
Treatment
If your baby develops this skin condition, bathe him well. Use a mild skin-cleanser that is fragrance-free and is prescribed by a paediatrician or dermatologist. Do not buy over-the-counter eczema ointment. If the condition is severe, check with your baby’s paediatrician; he will most likely prescribe steroid ointments to control the inflammation which might provide your little one some relief.
2. Papular Urticaria or Bug Bites
This rash is commonly seen in exposed areas such as the hands, face, and neck. It is quite common in babies and can lead to hives all over the body giving you the impression that there are a lot of insect bites though it might be just one. Although it usually affects children between 2 and 6 years of age, it can also occurs in infants.
Causes
Papular urticaria is an allergic reaction to insect bites. Fleas found on pet cats is the main cause of this allergy. However, bites from various insects like bird mites, bedbugs, mosquitoes, gnats, caterpillars, and carpet beetles can also cause this rash to appear.
Symptoms
It starts out as a rash that appears to be a small bump on the skin, which then turns a reddish-brown shade. These bumps can be quite itchy.
Treatment
As this is a common skin allergy, a topical steroid cream is usually suggested for relief from the itching. An anti-histamine might also provide relief and should be given at night. In case the rashes get infected, an antibiotic cream may be prescribed by your child’s doctor.
3. Miliaria or Heat Rash
Heat rash (sweat rash or prickly heat), is commonly seen on baby’s face, neck, back, underarms, or bottom. It is a skin rash that appears when the skin gets too warm. Babies with sensitive skin and who live in warm weather are especially prone to this.
Causes
The main cause of heat rash is the accumulation of sweat under the skin. As babies have smaller sweat glands, their bodies lack the ability to regulate body temperature, thus making them prone to heat rash. If you make your baby wear tight clothes or even strap him into a car seat for a long trip in humid weather, it can lead to an onset of this rash.
Symptoms
It appears as tiny red bumps or blisters filled with pus as a result of the sweat ducts being blocked.
Treatment
It usually resolves on its own and no specific treatment is required. But if your baby has heat rash, make him wear comfortable clothes - this will help speed up the healing process.
4. Ringworm
This fungal infection affects the scalp, feet, and private parts more than any other area on the baby’s body. It is contagious but not painful or dangerous and can spread through infected sheets, towels, clothes, and toys.
Causes
The common cause of ringworm infection include accumulation of sweat on baby’s skin and wet patches in the folds of the skin. This infection can also enter the baby’s body through a cut or scratch on the skin after coming in contact with an infected person or animal.
Symptoms
The rash appears like red rings on the affected area and is likely to be itchy. The rings might be smooth in the middle and crusty or scaly on the outside.
Treatment
Anti-fungal creams can help treating ringworm infections in babies. The cream should be applied after washing and drying the affected areas. A medicated shampoo might be necessary to treat ringworm infection on the scalp instead of a cream.
5. Hives
Hives are not infectious and can either disappear within a few hours or last for a few weeks. Hives are itchy, raised patches on the skin. They can range in size and shape and can develop anywhere on the body.
Causes
Hives develop when the body’s immune system produces the chemical histamine in response to viral infections, insect bites, certain types of food, or sudden changes in the temperature. Your baby might feel an itchy or burning sensation when hives appear.
Symptoms
If your baby gets reddish, swollen botches on any part of the body, especially when accompanied by the cold or flu, following an insect bite, after eating peanuts, eggs, or seafood, or after a significant temperature variation, then it is likely to be hives.
Treatment
An anti-histamine medication can provide some quick relief to your baby. If it happens frequently, your doctor might ask you to note down every detail of your child’s day to find out what triggers the reaction. Further blood and urine tests may also be suggested to determine the cause.
6. Seborrhoea
This skin problem usually occurs in babies six months of age or younger. The scalp, eyebrows, ears, neck, cheeks, and chest are where seborrhoea appears. It is also known as cradle cap when it occurs on the scalp and eyebrows. This rash is largely painless and does not irritate the baby in any way.
Causes
No specific causes of seborrhoea have been identified though it is believed that this condition occurs when there is an excess of sebum, which is an oily substance manufactured by skin glands.
Symptoms
Yellow or crusty flakes are telltale signs of seborrhoea. On the scalp and eyebrows, it can be mistaken for dandruff. When it occurs behind the ears, this allergy gives a cracked and scaly look whereas it can appear red and bumpy on the chest and neck region.
Treatment
To treat the scaly deposits on your baby's scalp, massage your baby's scalp with some amount of olive oil, brushing off the scales. Using a little bit of anti-dandruff shampoo to wash the scalp or behind the ears might also prove beneficial.
7. Intertrigo
Often seen in chubby babies, this rash appears in the folds of the skin with the neck being the most common spot. It is often painless though skin-to-skin friction can cause some pain.
Causes
This rash is seen when excessive moisture such as that from drool and spit collects in the creases of the baby’s skin. Since these parts of the skin are not exposed to air, there is little chance for the moisture to dry up making your baby vulnerable to an infection.
Symptoms
It looks red or reddish-brown. It is likely to be itchy and may give out a foul odour while the skin might be crusty or cracked.
Treatment
You must wash and clean the folds of the baby’s skin with water and dry it well. Then apply petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide barrier cream to speed up the healing process. A topical steroid may be prescribed in severe cases as also oral medication.
Tips to Prevent Skin Allergies in Infants
Most of the common newborn baby skin problems can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. Keeping baby’s skin clean and moisturized plays an important part in this. Here are some things you can do to prevent skin allergies:
Do not use soap while bathing your baby every day. Soap has a drying effect and it can leave your baby’s skin flaky, depriving it of its natural oils if used frequently.
Moisturize your baby’s skin using a mild cream after bathing him every time.
Keep your baby away from insects and bugs. You can use nets on the windows of your home to keep insects away and dress your baby in pants and long sleeves when going out, particularly if visiting parks or open spaces.
Dress your baby in layers so that you are able to take off your baby’s clothes if it gets warm and thus, avoid sweating.
Be sure to check the ingredients in the food that you give to your baby to guard against food allergens. This way, you will be able to avoid many of the usual food allergens if not all.
Keep the temperature of your baby’s room comfortable. It should be neither too hot nor too cold.
If anyone in your family has skin allergies of any kind, keep the baby away from them to prevent direct contact.
Dress your baby in soft, cotton fabric all the time. Clothes made from synthetic materials can be itchy and rough besides being a source of allergens.
When to Consult a Doctor
As mentioned above, most skin problems resolve with time and can be treated at home too. However, in some cases, consulting a doctor becomes necessary. If your baby develops a skin allergy and the rashes worsen over time, you should take him to a paediatrician. Sometimes, a rash can also signify some illness - in this case too immediate medical attention is required. If your baby has fever, is crying continuously, or is lethargic, you should consult a doctor.
A good deal of patience is required when dealing with skin allergies in babies. Prevention is key when it comes to skin allergies. Try to keep your baby safe from skin allergies by maintaining good hygiene and keeping your baby’s skin clean and dry as much as possible.
Disclaimer: This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
References and Resources:
MedicalNewsToday
Healthline
Also Read: Baby Skin Care - Easy Tips For Baby's Skin Care Read more
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Morning Sickness at Night - Causes and Tips to Manage it
Morning sickness is a common sign of pregnancy and almost all pregnant women experience morning sickness in the first trimester. Some women may continue to experience it throughout their pregnancy but only a few experience symptoms of morning sickness at night. Morning sickness at night is essentially morning sickness symptoms that occur after sunset. Let’s find out what triggers night sickness, its causes, and tips to manage it.
Can Morning Sickness Occur at Night?
Pregnant women usually experience nausea in the morning. Hence, the term “morning sickness”. However, once you are pregnant you will realize that nausea is not something that you experience only in the morning; you may feel sick and queasy at all times, be it morning, afternoon, evening, or night!
Causes of Night Sickness in Pregnant Women
Nausea and vomiting are not just constricted to the morning hours during pregnancy. You can experience it even during the night time. In fact, night sickness is even more troublesome since it can keep you from getting proper rest at night.
Night sickness may be caused due to many reasons; one of the major reasons for night sickness is the changes that your body goes through in early pregnancy. It is also the work of hormones, which keep on rising rapidly during the first trimester. Some women may also suffer from it due to their sensitivity to a particular smell. Consuming too much spice and oil also leads to acidity and indigestion in some women and can cause morning sickness at night. Pregnancy may also lead to a lot of stress in women, which may be one of the causes of night sickness.
Tips to Overcome Pregnancy Nausea at Night
It may be strange to experience morning sickness at night, but it is a common thing that happens during pregnancy. It is possible to overcome pregnancy nausea at night. Here is a list of tips to help you overcome the symptoms of morning sickness at night.
1. Correct Your Sleeping Position
Acid reflux is a big cause of night sickness. Therefore, to avoid it, prop up your head with two pillows to keep it little elevated and sleep on your left side with your right knee bent. You can also keep a pillow between your knees for more comfort.
2. Eat Small Meals
Eat frequently, but eat less. Make sure that your meals are small and frequent, as this is the best way to keep yourself from being hungry or too full. It is advisable to eat something every two or three hours. However, follow a healthy diet. Your diet should consist of foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy. Always keep some biscuits or dry fruits near your bed, so that even during the night, you have something to munch on. Eating fennel seeds after a meal or when you feel queasy can help, as it helps in digestion.
3. Avoid Spicy Food
Eating non-spicy food such as toast, milk, broth, clear soup, white rice, or bananas can help in preventing night sickness.
4. Avoid Fatty Foods and Sugar
Pregnant women should stay away from food items containing lots of fat and sugar since it is hard to digest and therefore can cause acidity and indigestion.
5.Increase Fluid Intake
Increasing your fluid intake can help cure indigestion, which is usually one of the main causes of nausea and sickness during pregnancy. Keeping a bottle of water or some lemonade near your bed and sipping it from time to time will keep your body hydrated and, as a result, keep nausea at bay. Sipping apple juice through the night will also help in keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
6. Avoid strong smells
If the smell of perfume or some curry makes you nauseated, stay away from it. If a certain smell at home makes you queasy, open all the windows and let fresh air come in or switch on the exhaust fan.
7. Eat Something Sour
Sour taste works like an astringent and helps alleviate nausea during pregnancy. Therefore, go for something like a lemon pickle, which is dipped only in salt. It is also a great remedy for a bad stomach.
8. Try Acupressure or Sea-Sickness Bands
Seasickness bands are worn around the wrist. They press upon certain points that help in temporary reduction of nausea during pregnancy. However, if the band does not provide you relief, consider acupressure, as it is more intensive and helps cure nausea as soon as possible.
9. Eat Ginger
Ginger has medicinal properties, which can cure nausea and other ailments like a cough, cold and migraine, too. You can include ginger in your daily diet in the form of ginger tea or in salads. Eating a ginger lozenge can also help. Sip ginger tea in the evening. However, do not overdo it, since too much ginger and tea can cause gas and acidity. Anywhere between 1 to 3 grams of ginger can be consumed per day, without any negative effects on your health.
10. Try Aromatherapy
Essential oils like lavender and peppermint will relax you and alleviate nausea. You can apply a few drops on your wrist or put it in your handkerchief and simply smell it when you are nauseated or sick. You can also burn a few scented candles to calm you down.
11. Follow the BRAT Diet
The BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help cure nausea and vomiting. It is also good for people suffering from a bad stomach and loose motion. However, stop following this diet once your nausea and sickness is under control, as this diet does not provide you with the nutrients required during pregnancy.
12. Consult Your Doctor
If you experience extreme night sickness during pregnancy, consult your doctor. Ask him for medicines that can provide relief from pregnancy nausea. You should take medicines only after consulting your doctor, as it could have an adverse effect on your pregnancy.
13. Drink Something Warm
Drink something warm before going to bed. A warm drink will prepare your mind and body for some sleep. You may drink ginger tea or peppermint tea.
14. Don’t Tire Yourself Out
Do not over-work yourself. Tiring your body will result in fatigue and stress, which may trigger nausea. Instead, go for an activity which will de-stress and relax you. You can go for a walk or practice prenatal yoga.
15. Have an Early Dinner
It is advisable to have dinner at least two hours before going to bed. This helps in proper digestion of the food and prevents acid reflux.
16. Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin B6 and B12
Eat foods that are a rich source of Vitamin B6 and B12. You can eat different types of nuts, banana, carrot, fish, chicken, spinach, onion, tofu, egg, yoghurt, etc., to cure nausea during pregnancy.
17. Try Deep Breathing Exercises
If night sickness is stopping you from sleeping peacefully, try deep breathing exercises that will relax your senses and nerves. You can also try lighting some aromatic candles and listen to soothing music while lying on your bed. Remember to switch off your phone, computer, and television before you hit the bed.
18. Prenatal Massage
A good massage with some aromatic oil like lavender or citrus just before going to bed, followed by a warm bath, will relax your senses and help you sleep well at night.
When to Consult a Doctor
Though slight morning sickness can be easily managed at home with some natural remedies, make sure to watch out for certain symptoms that may indicate a severe issue. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms.
1. Severe Nausea
Severe nausea may not just be due to morning sickness and could indicate a deeper issue that may require investigation.
2. Inability to Digest Liquids or Food
If you frequently vomit after consuming some liquids or food, it may mean you have some other problem, such as stomach infection, which may be causing morning sickness.
3. Passing Less Urine
If you only pass a small amount of urine, it could be due to dehydration, which is dangerous during pregnancy.
4. Vomiting Blood
Vomiting Blood is not a normal symptom of morning sickness and requires a doctor’s consultation.
5. Feeling Dizzy
If you feel dizzy or faint during the day, it could be a sign of low blood pressure or some other problem.
Night sickness during pregnancy can be distressing, if severe. It may keep you awake all night and stress you out. Therefore, you should try and prevent it in the initial stages. If you suffer from extreme pregnancy nausea at night, consult a doctor to get it treated at the earliest.
References and Resources:
Healthline
Also Read: Home Remedies for Vomiting in Pregnancy Read more
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How to Choose and Buy Clothes for Your Baby
Expecting couples tend to make for some excited yet confused shoppers. Putting together a baby’s wardrobe can be quite puzzling and worrying as it is difficult to ascertain the right size which may perfectly fit for a baby. Also, there are so many types of baby clothing available that selection becomes a task. Buying clothes for a baby is not the same as buying clothes for yourself. It is essential to keep a few things in mind while buying baby clothes so that you may get the best thing for your baby.
Essential Baby Clothes You Should Buy
Some of the essential baby clothes that you should buy for your baby can be:
A. 2 to 4 Infant Gowns
These gowns offer easy diaper access and are convenient to wear. They are usually available in soft cotton and hence will keep your baby irritation-free and clean without any hassle.
B. 3 to 6 Bodysuits/Onesies
Bodysuits with side-snap Ts or in kimono style which have a broadhead opening and fairly loose legs for easier dressing are a good buy.
C. 4 to 6 Vests or Undershirts
Vests with snaps at the sides or shoulders which allow wide head opening may be best suited for your baby. Also, undershirts which snap below the crotch are preferable or else they would ride up.
D. 4 to 8 One-piece Pyjamas
One-piece pyjamas also make great daytime clothing for a baby. These are comfortable and your baby would wear it with ease.
E. 2 to 3 Blanket Sleepers
Blanket sleepers are being by preferred by most parents today. Blanket sleepers are a safer and practical alternative to the usual blankets for babies. So go ahead and buy one for your little one.
F. 3 to 5 Pair of Socks and Mittens
You may like getting your baby a few pairs of soft socks to keep him warm and cosy even in summers when the air conditioner is usually running. You can also buy mittens to cover your baby’s hands and to prevent him from scratching himself.
G. 3 to 5 Sweaters or Jackets
Depending on the weather conditions, your baby may require a few sweaters made with soft wool. Select the ones that button up at the front for convenient dressing.
Essential Tips to Shop for Your Baby’s Clothes
Here are some essential tips that will help you buy clothes for your newborn baby:
1. Give Priority to Comfort
While buying clothes for your baby, make sure you pick light, cotton fabric clothes. Babies have sensitive skin which can easily get irritated if they wear synthetic or clothes made of rough fabric. Prioritise your baby's comfort over style when shopping for baby clothes.
2. Keep it Simple
It is tempting to get carried away with fancy baby outfits and accessories. However, they may not be best suited for your baby with regards to his comfort and safety. Ribbons, frills, too many buttons can bother your baby and cause rashes. So, select simple clothes which you can make him wear easily and remove too. Also, ensure to remove all tags that can irritate your baby's delicate skin.
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
During winter months avoid bundling your baby in too many layers of clothing to prevent overheating. For the summer and rainy season, cotton clothes may be your best bet. In case you feel that the temperature is slightly cold, you can always opt for layering.
4. Stock the Essentials
Babies dirty their diapers a lot more times than you can imagine, hence, you will need to change their diapers and outfits too, a few times every day. So, stock up on all the baby essentials. Get an adequate number of baby essentials for the likely messy incidents and spillovers. Invest in mittens, socks, hats and caps, onesies, sweaters and zipper jackets for the winter months.
5. Make a Note of Size and Quantity
Avoid filling your baby’s closet with too many clothes as he will grow quickly and the clothes may not fit him for long. It is desirable to stock up the basics in suitable numbers and keeps purchasing as and when there is a requirement. Read the labels carefully for the size while buying. You can also enlist the help of the shopkeeper to buy appropriate-sized clothes for your baby. The acceptable norm is to buy slightly bigger clothes for your baby rather than fitted ones.
6. Opt for Easy to Wear
Clothes that are supposed to be worn over the head can be unsettling for a baby. Look for styles that do not involve wearing through the head. Preferably choose clothes with broad necks or with buttons and snaps.
7. Easy to Clean Clothes
You may like to buy clothes made of fabric which is easy to clean. Babies regularly spit-out, drool, burp, and poop. So, opt for fabrics that don't retain stains or become spoiled after frequent washing.
8. Buy Basic Things
It is also advised to buy a good supply of accessories like burp clothes and bibs so that you don’t have to change your baby’s clothes every time he spills something on his clothes. Get a ready stock of baby wipes as well.
9. Wearable Blankets
Wearable blankets are a good purchase than the regular blankets. Refrain from selecting anything too fancy or with drawstrings to prevent any strangulation and choking hazard.
10. Changing Mats
Invest in a good quality changing mat for your baby which may prove very handy when stuck in unlikely situations.
Size Guide for Buying Clothes for Your Baby
Clothes of different brands can vary in size. The size of clothes usually depends on the height and weight of the baby. Moreover, babies too have diverse body sizes and shapes.
Baby Cloth Size Chart
The following chart is a wide-ranging guide which may prove useful while buying clothes for your baby:
Age (Up to 12 months)
Weight
Size
Premature or small babies
3 kg
Size 00000
New-borns
4kg
Size 0000
Up to 3 months
6 kg
Size 000
3 to 6 months
8 kg
Size 00
6 to 9 months
10 kg
Size 0
9 to 12 months
12 kg
Size 1
Buying clothes for a baby can be perplexing, but if you know what all the things you need, it will be a fun experience. Remember to not buy too many clothes for your baby as he will grow soon and those clothes won't fit him. So, buy in the appropriate quantity and have a happy shopping experience.
Also Read: Fabric Conditioners for Babies Read more
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This is What Your Kids Need From You – Age By Age Guide On Parenting!
Being a parent is not for the faint of heart. Kids behave differently at different stages of their development. How should you support them as they grow up, meet new people and go through challenging experiences? Well, knowing certain signs to look out for can make this much easier.
We have brought for you a virtual journey throughout your parenthood – right from when your baby is born to when he learns to crawl, jump, and take confident steps all the way to college! This guide, approved by child development experts, will give you concrete pointers on the kind of support your children seek from you, their mom.
Infants & Babies (0-12 months)
Cuteness aside, babies below a year can be quite a handful! No matter how much you try, they will end up putting anything and everything in their mouth. Since their movement is limited, babies explore the world through their senses – seeing, touching, tasting, hearing and smelling. What you need to do is be consistently attentive to their needs to help them feel safe and secure. Track their feeding carefully, cuddle and hug them, and support them as they try to explore the world through their tiny hands and feet.
1-2 Years Old
This is the age when most babies begin to speak. But along with words like mamma and daddy, they will also learn to say no – and often! Luckily, they have short attention spans which you can use to your advantage. When you catch them doing something they shouldn't be doing, distract them. More often than not, this will work like a charm.
Your child will also begin to understand what you are saying to him. If you appreciate them when they do something praiseworthy, they are more likely to do it again. Also, be gentle when you are correcting undesirable behaviour, or else you might make them defiant or anxious.
3 Years Old
The best word to describe a typical three year old is this – feisty! Your child will start to make their own decisions, and they won't always be to your liking! It will be a challenging time for you, but you have to be patient. Have some rules in place, and ensure that your child follows them consistently, and as often as possible.
To support them at this age, ensure you say no only when absolutely necessary – this is the age children really start exploring the world. If you show too much disapproval, you might end up taking away your toddler's initiative to know more about the world. Also, encourage them to make decisions to make them feel powerful, but keep the ball in your court – say, do you want a banana or an orange? Chocolate is not an option!
4 Years Old
This is the age when you can start explaining to your kid the reason behind your rules, because if you don't, they will refuse to listen! Encourage exploration of the world by regular trips to the zoo, the park, and any place you think will be interesting to visit. Also, friends are important at this stage, so make sure your child is spending enough time with peers.
One more thumb-rule at this age – your little one badly wants to impress Mamma; please acknowledge good behaviour with lots of hugging!
5 Years Old
Now is when your child will actually know right from wrong, but don't expect them to always do the right thing. Unlike before, your child will prefer to play with kids of the same gender. In an attempt to fit in, they will do what most of their peers are doing. Make your child aware that just because everybody is doing something, does not mean it is okay to do the same.
Make sure you spend quality time with your children for them to share their secrets with you. You also need to give them extra emotional support by discussing feelings and thoughts; your children now understand and struggle with them!
6 Years Old
Peer approval and acceptance will continue to be important and will play a major role in shaping personality at this age. Make sure you are aware of the company your child keeps.
Help your child develop a sense of responsibility by giving chores such as setting and clearing the table. For better bonding, ensure that you spend ample time as a family, even if it is something as simple as playing a game of carrom together.
7 Years Old
This is the age of great development in intelligence - jigsaw puzzles and creative games! You might be surprised by the mature way in which your child communicates with you. However, your child will need help identifying and dealing with emotions. In particular, there will be an increase in negativity and drama.
Even if you feel that they are making a big deal out of nothing, don't say this as you will hurt their feelings. Instead, listen to their problems and help them figure out how they can solve them.
8 Years Old
An eight year old enjoys solving problems independently, but your opinion will still be valued. A sense of worth will be established at this age, so be careful that you argue and criticize only when absolutely necessary.
Just remember this - spend plenty of time together to strengthen your bond. Encourage your child to explain their point of view if you have an argument.
9 Years Old
Nine is a period of physical and emotional changes and challenges. Not only is a nine year old on the brink of adolescence, they also have to struggle with complex and demanding school things. What friends think and say will be more important than anyone else's opinion.
It will be frustrating to be less in control than ever before, but avoid being too bossy – it will only backfire on you! Instead, try to understand them by asking them about the reason behind their thoughts and actions. Once you understand the way they think, it will be easier to make them see things from your point of view.
10 Years Old
Now that your child is officially a tween, be prepared for a noticeable increase in defiance, excuses and misbehaviour. Increased discipline on your part is not going to prevent your kid from acting out. Be realistic; know now when to ignore bad behaviour and when to fix it.
Get your kid more involved in household chores and decisions, such as where to go on holiday. For an early start on money management, consider giving pocket money – your child will love the added responsibility!
11 Years Old
Your child will now be able to reason with more adult-like logic. Even the school curriculum will include complex subjects such as the solar system and algebra to challenge him to consider new ideas, and question old ones. So naturally, at times, their attitude may seem disrespectful.
Try to see this behavioural change as curiosity and inquisitiveness. Answer questions and doubts as calmly as possible.
12 Years Old
Being the year right before teenage, your preteen will occasionally turn into a moody, angry and rebellious person. These changes will be baffling and tough for him or her to deal with, so your support is essential.
Let your child know that whatever is happening is completely normal – and that you are always there to help. Now is a good time to teach essentials like physical and emotional changes, and how not to give in to peer pressure.
Adolescence
Adolescence needs no introduction, does it? It is an age parents fear the most. The age where friends and social outings take precedence, family time is drastially reduced, and worst of all – you simply cannot understand what's going on in your teen's mind! Don't worry though. If you have bonded with your child in pre-adolescent years, they will respect and love you, even if their behaviour might make you feel otherwise. Give your teen space, give them information instead of lectures, let them know you are always there for them, and you're sorted.
Knowledge is power – especially when it comes to understanding normal behaviour for your kids. However, all the knowledge in the world will not prevent you and your kids from making mistakes along the way. All you can do is love each other, be patient, and enjoy the journey! Read more
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My Baby's First Adventurous Trip
I was excited to go to my hometown after the birth of my child. My little one was just 3 months old at that time. I was anxious and happy at the same time. I was anxious about travelling and worried about my little one's well being.
I was overwhelmed with the amount of packing and arrangements that are to be done when travelling with a baby for a long stay. My hubby and I both packed at night while tending to the baby too. We got no sleep and had a long tedious journey ahead to reach our destination. It was an hour-long flight followed by a 5-hour road trip by car. On top of that, airports in both the city were at least an hour and a half drive away from our homes.
Our flight was at 11 am, for which we had to leave at least two and a half hours in advance, but our tired bodies along with the morning shenanigans made us late and we left just two hours in advance. To our dismay, we got caught up in traffic and reached the airport just 40 minutes before the takeoff.
As we ran to the check-in counter with a hope to catch it just in time, I thought, "Baby it's your first home run, just make it." Alas! The check-in counters had closed and the horror dawned upon me that we had missed our flight. Next came discussions, decisions to be made to either go home and check for a flight at a later date or board the evening flight.
As we had already gone through all the pain of doing all the packing and arrangements, we decided to board an evening flight. We were lucky enough to have a friend staying close to the airport where we rested for a couple of hours. We refreshed a bit and my baby rested well there.
We had a fine non-dramatic evening flight. I took a breath of relief only to find out that once we landed, our cab was not coming as there were heavy rains. We were stuck at the airport with a little baby. The sun was setting and the weather was bad.
With utmost difficulty, my husband managed to book a cab through a local cab operator and we started again at 9 pm. Thanks to the feeding and changing rooms at the airport that I could feed the baby and changed her diapers. I had a stock of diapers in my bag, which was a life saviour at that time.
The road journey was the most difficult due to less visibility, heavy rains. My baby was irritated and we were tired. The driver, however, was experienced and helpful. We made just 1 stop to reach as fast as possible.
Still, we made it somehow; we recited prayers and reached my home at 3 am in the morning. Almost all the way in between her feedings, I sang to the baby and tried to make our laps as a bed for her. One most important thing which made her comfortable was the sleeping bag which I carried for her and she could sleep snugly in it.
Everyone was happy that we reached safely. We learned a lesson that we should never plan a gruelling journey with a little baby again. It was a journey we would never forget in our lifetime. It has become a good story now, which our little one will also get to hear once she grows up. After all, it was her first adventurous trip!
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