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Leaking Amniotic Fluid during Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about many changes in your body, and especially your uterus. The uterus prepares the right atmosphere for the growing foetus and ensures that it gets all the nutrients that it needs. An essential component of this nurturing process is the amniotic fluid.
The amniotic fluid keeps your baby cushioned and protected during the pregnancy. It ensures that the uterus doesn’t suffocate the baby by contracting tightly. The amniotic sac also keeps the germs away, protecting your baby from infections.
Leakage of the amniotic fluid is detrimental to the overall growth of your baby. Hence, it’s good to understand the complications associated with this leakage and the remedial measures that can be taken to treat and prevent it.
When Does the Amniotic Fluid Leak?
The amniotic fluid is held together by the amniotic sac which has two membranes known as chorion and amnion. Leakage of amniotic fluid happens when there is a rupture in these membranes, even when you are not in labour.
What Is the Normal Level of Amniotic Fluid?
Since the foetus continuously uses the amniotic fluid for its development, its level rises and falls. The level of amniotic fluid is at its highest during the 36th week of pregnancy. The normal levels of amniotic fluid are:
60 ml - At 12 weeks
175 ml - At 16 weeks
400 to 1200 ml - From 36th to 38th week
After the 38th week, the level of fluid begins to reduce until delivery.
Causes of Amniotic Fluid Leakage
The most common cause of amniotic fluid leakage is labour. However, the amniotic fluid can leak during the second trimester due to many reasons.
Labour causes a spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) which facilitates delivery.
The membrane may also rupture around the 37th or the 38th week which is known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). This may be caused due to
A prior history of PROM
Infections in the vagina, cervix or the uterus
History of surgeries on the uterus or the cervical area
Tension in the amniotic membrane due to twin or multiple pregnancies or a large baby
Poor diet of the mother
Alcohol, drugs or smoking in the prenatal phase
Bacterial infection
Trauma to the amniotic sac due to accidents
Abnormal development of the uterus
Oligohydramnios, a condition where the level of amniotic fluid is shallow
A split in the amniotic sac, which often heals itself.
Signs and Symptoms
During pregnancy, vaginal discharge and urine leakage are quite common. You can distinguish amniotic fluid from the other types of leakage with the help of this table.
Amniotic fluid leakage
Urine Leakage
Excess Vaginal Discharge
Has no odour
Has the typical urine smell
May or may not have an odour
Very damp underwear
Not very damp underwear
Not very damp underwear
Persistent leakage
Leakage isn’t persistent
Vaginal discharge is less frequent than the amniotic fluid leakage
Leaks even after you visit the restroom
Leakage stops after you empty your bladder
May leak even after you visit the restroom
Is clear with a tinge of pink or white
Doesn’t have any tinge
Discharge is thicker than urine and amniotic fluid
Colourless or yellowish fluid
Yellowish
White or yellowish
Treatment
The treatment for amniotic fluid leakage depends on the stage of pregnancy. Your gynaecologist will check whether the leakage is indeed amniotic fluid and then suggest an appropriate method of treatment. In case the baby is fully developed, you may also be recommended to have labour induced and deliver.
1. For Premature Amniotic Fluid Leakage
If your water breaks ahead of the delivery date, it may be a premature amniotic fluid leakage. If so, you will need to consult a doctor immediately to prevent any chance of infection.
Your doctor may conduct the following tests:
Temperature, blood pressure, and pulse check
Use nitrazine paper to check the pH of the fluid and verify if it is amniotic fluid
A spectrum is used to observe the vagina, and the fluid sample is observed under a microscope.
Ultrasound may be performed to determine the cause of rupture of the amniotic sac.
The foetus will be placed under observation, and the foetal heartbeat and the contractions will be tracked. Treatment is given based on the stage of the pregnancy.
Before 24 Weeks: As it’s very early for safe delivery, and there are chances of miscarriage, you will be closely monitored at the hospital.
Between 24 and 31 Weeks: You’ll be given antibiotics to avoid an infection. Steroids may be injected to aid the development of the baby’s lungs. Delivery is usually delayed until the 33rd week.
From 32nd to 33rd Week: The baby’s lungs will be monitored and checked for maturity. Steroids may be given to develop the baby’s lungs. Antibiotic treatment is given to induce labour.
From 34th Week Until the Due Date: The baby is constantly monitored, and antibiotics are given to prevent infections. A delivery becomes likely after the 34th week.
2. For Low Amniotic Fluid Levels
In case the leakage is due to low levels of the amniotic fluid, then the following treatments are considered.
Amnio-infusion: A catheter is used to add amniotic fluid to the uterus. This procedure provides extra padding around the umbilical cord and reduces the chances of caesarean delivery.
Injecting Fluid: Amniocentesis is used to inject amniotic fluid into the amniotic sac. This is a short-term solution to buy time to identify the cause of the leak and monitor the foetal anatomy. The level of amniotic fluid tends to drop again within a week.
Hydration: You will be given IV or oral fluids to increase the level of amniotic fluid.
Complications
Amniotic fluid leakage, if untreated, can lead to severe pregnancy complications. Some of them are:
Amniotic fluid leakage during the first and second trimester can result in a miscarriage or stillbirth.
It can cause developmental issues in your baby.
You may be exposed to infection.
Amniotic fluid leakage can necessitate a premature and C-section delivery.
It can compress the umbilical cord or deprive your baby of oxygen.
Things To Consider in Case of Amniotic Fluid Leakage
In case you experience a leakage of the amniotic fluid, ensure that:
You inform your doctor immediately.
You keep a track of when the leakage began and the amount of leakage.
You don’t insert fingers or anything else into the vagina.
When You Should Call the Doctor
Reach out to your doctor as soon as possible, in the following circumstances:
You haven’t crossed 37 weeks yet, and you suspect amniotic fluid leakage.
You experience heavy amniotic fluid leakage, with or without vaginal discharge and a fever.
The fluid has a greenish tinge to it. This indicates meconium, the baby’s faeces.
You have a persistent flow of amniotic fluid.
If you notice the leaking of amniotic fluid at 38 weeks, then labour may have begun. If the leakage happens earlier, it’s best to consult your gynaecologist for a quick diagnosis.
Also Read:
Water Breaking during Pregnancy
Watery Discharge during Pregnancy
How to Increase and Decrease Amniotic Fluid during Pregnancy Naturally Read more
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10 Effective Home Remedies for Heat Rash in Babies
Babies always have extremely sensitive skin, and their body is still in the processing stage. This means you will find significant changes as the body grows and you will also see how the other external factors, like climate change or transition from one place to another, can actually lead to further problems and difficulties for the child. You can even notice how these things, although not dangerous, can make the baby feel very frustrated.
Heat rash can be one of the most irritating things for a little baby. Heat rash happens in the summer when the baby’s body starts sweating quite often. It is a problem that everyone struggles with, adults and babies. However, for a little child, it is really frustrating because of her sensitive skin. When the body sweats a lot, the pores of the skin are blocked, and they don’t expel the excess perspiration which leads to rashes on the skin. This is quite commonly seen in babies, especially when they are in the hot and humid atmosphere.
Skin rashes can be seen in many forms. The signs are red spots, swelling, itching, & small blisters. Mostly the areas that are affected by rashes are the folds in the skin like the neck area, folds in hands or legs etc. You will also notice that the heat rash is more when there is a climate change. This is because the sensitive skin of the little baby doll does not easily adjust to the change in climate.
Your initial thought must have been to see a doctor. However, when you notice rashes, you can actually take some precautionary methods, and you can also follow some amazing home remedies that have absolutely no side effects to it.
Baby Heat Rash Remedies at Home
1. Cold Compress
If your baby is struggling with rashes there is one thing you can do for quick relief. You can wrap ice in a soft cloth that will be comfortable for your baby and dab it on those places that are affected. It will make your little one feel comfortable. During the hot summer, a cold compressor will really relieve you and make you feel good.
2. Cucumber
Cucumber is also a quick relief from heat rashes. One good thing is that you can put cucumber on your baby’s skin directly. Cucumber also has a cooling property in it. And this is what helps the baby while it has rashes. After applying or rubbing cucumber on to rash, you can wash it with cold water, and your little one will feel relieved.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Here’s another option that will really help your baby feel good and comfy. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties in it and is extremely helpful in soothing your baby’s skin rashes.
4. Coriander
Grounded coriander can also be applied to the areas that are affected. It can be applied to the baby’s skin before your baby’s bath.
5. Gram Flour
Mix gram flour with some water and apply it in the affected area to see immediate results. This is very effective and simple thing that will help your little one. It is also safe for your baby.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile is yet another very soothing ingredient that has healing properties. It helps in reducing irritation and inflammation as well. You can prepare an oil by diluting a drop or two of chamomile in 2 teaspoons of coconut oil. Apply this to the area that is affected. You will slowly start noticing the rashes disappear.
7. Fuller’s Earth
Fuller’s earth has healing properties. Fuller’s earth has many amazing components to it. In fact, it is rich in magnesium, quartz, calcite, and dolomite. Since it is a natural element, there are no side effects. It also works as antiseptic. You can mix with it rose water and apply it to the child’s skin where there are rashes. Once the paste is dry, wipe it off with cool water.
8. Honey
Honey has quite a few properties that heal baby rashes in a short time. You can apply honey sometime before you take your baby for a bath.
9. Oatmeal
Another very useful grain that will help your little one during this time is oatmeal. Apart from all the amazing elements that can be found in oatmeal, it is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Oatmeal also has the property to reduce itching of the skin, and this, in turn, will help your little one heal and feel better soon.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is truly a magical plant. It is rich and filled with an amazing component which actually heals and cools down the skin. If you find your baby struggling with rashes, you can apply a little aloe vera gel to the affected area. You can do this just before your baby takes a bath. Aloe vera is safe and can help fight the irritating feeling that comes with the rash.
Little children are prone to a lot of little difficulties mainly because of the delicate skin that they have. However, when you find your child struggling with it, you can do something about it and help. Prickly heat rash home remedies for babies is always the best option.
When it is too hot and sweaty, your little one must be feeling really irritated. Rashes on adults itself are something that bothers all of us. So when it comes to children, it is just worse. You can follow any one or more of the items listed above as they are quite safe and do not have any side effects. One more thing you need to do is make sure that your baby is safe and protected from the heat waves from the sun.
Keep your child in a cool temperature as it really helps in avoiding and spreading of heat rash. Even when you go out in the open, make sure not to be directly under the sun for too long as it can cause heat rashes and it can also make things worse. Try and avoid clothes that are too tight and warm. Allow the baby's skin to breathe as this will help them be relaxed and feel better.
Also Read: Diaper Rash in Babies Read more
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Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 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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An Insight Into the Beautiful Bond Between a Mother and Daughter
The relationship between a mother and daughter is special. A mother's love for her daughter cannot be described in words. Some things are hard to say, but it can be felt. The bond between a mother and daughter is strong, and the mother-daughter bonding can start at an early age. However, sometimes, the relation between a mother and her daughter may get a little complicated.
On some days, you might go shopping with your daughter and have fun or just sit with her at home and listen to her when she tells you about her big dreams and future plans, but there will also be days when your daughter would not listen to you or disobey you. At that time, you might feel that your relationship is falling apart, but deep down you'd know that your daughter loves you. Yes, in her teenage years she might behave a little strange, but she will come around. And it is during these years that you will have to work hard on your relationship.
Why is a Mother-Daughter Relationship Important?
The relationship that a girl shares with her mother can affect her sense of self-esteem, self-worth, sense of identity, and her ability to make friends. Children who are encouraged and praised (healthy praise, of course!) by their parents grow up to be confident individuals. If a child is not appreciated by her parents, she may seek validation from others.
When a girl is in her teenage years, she usually looks up to her mother. Her mother is her role model and she wishes to be like her. She gets her perfect image of a woman from her mother. But the relationship between a mother and daughter can go through many ups and downs. Many things can derail the harmonious relationship between a mother and her daughter. Temperaments, personality, experiences, hormones can all affect their relationship. Whatever may be the cause, it can be worked upon.
How to Build and Maintain a Strong Bond with Your Daughter
Here are some ways to help you improve your bond with your daughter:
1. When She is a Little Girl
It is important to forge a strong connection from the very start, i.e., soon after the birth of your daughter. Some things to keep in mind are as follows:
Breastfeed Your Daughter
By breastfeeding your little angel, you can develop a strong bond with her. The release of oxytocin hormone (the love hormone) during breastfeeding makes the mother fall in love with her baby even more, and this only helps in improving the bond between mother and daughter. Breastfeed your daughter in the first six months of her life. You can also enlist the help of a trained nurse to assist you with the task. Also, hold and cuddle your baby as much as possible to make her feel loved, comfortable, and safe. If you are unable to breastfeed your baby for some reason, try to maintain skin contact with her. Skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her child also strengthens the bond between the two.
Set a Routine
Spend some time with your daughter daily. Plan special weekend trips or getaways with your daughter. This will strengthen your bond. You can play dress up with your daughter, comb her hair, or brush her tooth while she is young - all these activities will bring you two closer. In case your daughter tries to imitate you, let her. Take it as an opportunity to model good behaviour. Also, encourage her to love her imperfections and try to find good in the negative things.
Express Your Affection Openly
Express your affection to her openly. If your daughter does something good, let her know that you are proud of her. This shows how much you love her. Nurture your bond with your daughter by sharing hugs, cuddles, and kisses. For example, you can incorporate extensive cuddle time during bedtime. These physical acts of love may teach your daughter to freely demonstrate and accept affection.
Share Your Experiences
The greatest gift you can give your daughter while she is young is your time. Take out time from your schedule to focus and spend some time with her to let her know that you value her as an individual. Make her feel special by sharing your joys and sorrows with her. Also, involve her in household chores from an early age to develop a sense of responsibility in her.
2. When She is a Teenager/Adult
When a girl is in her teenage years, it can be a difficult time for her. A daughter needs her mother the most in her teenage years and also when she gets married. Here is what you will need to remember when your daughter becomes a teenager:
Be There for Her
Adolescence can be a difficult phase for your girl because, at that time, she will try to find her identity and will struggle to cope up with the various physical and emotional changes she will go through. Make sure you provide her necessary guidance and support, and hear her out. Do offer her advice, but don't command her as she might become rebellious. Just listen to her concerns and try to channelise her stress or anger positively.
Respect Her Feelings
Honour your daughter’s boundaries. As much as you may prefer to be with her, if she desires some 'alone time', give that to her. On some days, you might make mistakes too. Be a bigger person and own up to your mistakes. Simply apologise and make amends. Respect her individuality and allow her to explore her inner worth and interests without inhibition.
Talk to Her Freely
Talk to your daughter about various worldly issues. You can share your pearls of wisdom while going shopping with her or while cooking meals. As a teenager, she may feel insecure about her body. Help her accept and be proud of her body. Talk to her about relationships, character traits like faith, integrity, perseverance, and courage. Let her know that these are the values she will need the most in her life. Empower and equip her with all your wisdom and life experiences.
Keep Realistic Expectations
As parents, it is normal to have certain expectations from children. But it is important to be reasonable. Remember your daughter is a separate individual who may have her dreams and aspirations. Give her space to grow and blossom by giving ample support and love.
It is a mother who educates her daughters about different things. It is a mother who teaches her daughter how to handle and carry herself in this world and how to deal with different sets of people and sail through various walks of life. A mother is the first friend of her daughter, who guides her throughout lives. If you have a daughter, make sure you be there for her always and support her in all walks of life.
Also Read:
Beautiful Mother-Daughter Relationship Quotes
How to Solve Mother-Daughter Relationship Conflict
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Olympiads: Are We Becoming Over-Ambitious Parents and Making Them a Prestige Issue?
Now a day, children come home from school, gobble-up their lunches, and promptly swap their school bags for tuition bags, leaving the house for another couple hours of studying. Are we becoming over-ambitious and ruining our children's childhood and future by burdening them with Olympiads?
Gone are the days when the typical post-school schedule of a primary school student involved gulping down lunch so he could quickly change out of his uniform and join his playmates for a fun-filled evening of playing ball till his legs ached and the mother's throat went dry from trying to call him indoors. Now a day, children come home from school, gobble-up their lunches, and promptly swap their school bags for tuition bags, leaving the house for another couple hours of studying and burying their heads in books.
Numbers are large, competition is fierce, and we parents are coping with this by making it worse for our children. What else can we do? If our children have to survive this race, they have to have an edge, an upper hand compared to their peers. One of the ways many parents are trying to ensure this is by enrolling their children into competitive exams, the latest growing craze being that of Olympiads.
What Are Olympiads?
Olympiads are a kind of competitive exam, held across schools, to tap exceptional students with the best of potential, talent, aptitude, and IQ. These exams are conducted for three main reasons:
to challenge and motivate the brightest students from around the world
to urge more and more children to take up a career in pure science (with the view of improving the quality of research being carried out at national and international levels)
to assess the different methods of schooling around the world
The Original 'International Science Olympiad'
The earliest of Olympiads we know about are a group of competitions collectively known as the International Science Olympiads. To be selected to compete in the International Science Olympiad, a student must first qualify in the National Science Olympiad, which is held across all schools in a country.
Typically each participating school first holds a screening round to select its best students, who are then sent to participate in the National Science Olympiad, following which they may stand a chance to compete internationally.
The International Science Olympiad consists of the following different individual Olympiads:
The 12 Different International Science Olympiads
The International Mathematics Olympiad
The International Geography Olympiad
The International Physics Olympiad
The International Linguistics Olympiad
The International Chemistry Olympiad
The International Junior Science Olympiad
The International Biology Olympiad
The International Earth Science Olympiad
The International Philosophy Olympiad
The International Olympiad in Informatics
The International Astronomy Olympiad
The International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics
Why Are Olympiads So Popular Among Parents?
Participating in and winning any kind of competition – be it a simple gully cricket match, or the World Cup – is one of the best feelings in the world. Competitions award merit, performance, excellence – quite literally, the best in a human being.
However, it takes a lot to be chosen as the best of the best. And so the chances of a student decrease as the number of participants increase. Think about it: what is the chance that a random student will turn out to be not only the brightest student of his school, but also his city, state, country, and probably one of the brightest students in the world?
It might hence be understandable that: a lot of pride is associated with a child qualifying at any of the Olympiad levels. Hence most parents now-a-days want their children to participate in Olympiads.
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Mother of 2 songs aged 6 and 8, Gunjan Chaudhari believes, “It's good for them to know what competition is like at a young age.” Shail Kapur, who conducts private tuitions for English Olympiads, says, “It helps with comprehension skills, grammar and vocabulary.”
Along with that, other reasons why parents urge their children to participate in Olympiads are:
Parents view Olympiads as a 'training ground' for future competitive exams.
Qualifying in an Olympiad gives children extra benefit while applying for further studies. Many instituitions view qualifying Olympiads as a 'good to have' achievement of their prospective students; it is also believed that some preferentially extend admissions to such students.
Parents also think Olympiads promote such skills and abilities as critical thinking, analysing ability, etc.
Our current schooling pattern does not conduct any kind of exams until the last couple of years of schooling (since we are currently following the 'continuous assessment' pattern). This leaves parents clueless about their child's true potential and aptitude for a very long time, and they view Olympiads as a chance to do just that.
Finally, it has been claimed that Olympiads can act as a great morale booster. According to Bangalore-based programmer Vikash Anil of Olympiad Helper, “Even when students don't win, their confidence grows.”
Why Are SO Many Olympiads Coming Up?
While the intention of Olympiads may be quite honourable and noble, a lot of private sector companies are now exploiting parents' sentiments in order to reap huge profits, and make money off young children giving up their play-time for practice time in order to ace these exams.
For the above discussed reasons, more and more parents are urging their children to appear in Olympiad exams each year. As a result, many private sector companies are starting their own 'Olympiads' and luring students and parents alike with such rewards as watches, tablets, prize money, and educational trips abroad.
So why do parents still want their children to appear for these private Olympiads? Because more number of Olympiads means more number of chances for their child to prove himself, and make his parents proud. And who doesn't want to be the proud parent of a smart, intelligent young child?
The Vicious Circle
In order to further commercialise this opportunity and exploit this sentiment, most private Olympiads have their own unique syllabus for the exam. They then offer custom made practice books. As a result the training material for one such private Olympiad may not be good enough for another. So if you want your child to participate in 3 different private Olympiads, it means you might find yourself buying 3 different sets of training materials – which may include text books, workbooks, practice books, multimedia material, and lots of other things.
Finally, when these training materials alone don't help, private tuitions come to the rescue, adding to the expense in terms of both money and time.
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In spite of this, the number of students participating in these private Olympiads keeps on increasing each year. In fact, Kamal Kishore, CEO, The Silver Zone Foundation, has estimated that almost one million students participate in the Silver Zone Foundation's Olympiad each year. He also added, “We even have students from abroad.”
In fact, so huge is the participation that Silver Zone Foundations makes 50% of its profits from book sales alone, and a huge chunk of the rest from exam registration fees.
Are So Many Olympiads Really a Good Idea?
There is no one straight answer to this question. Olympiads, in theory, sound like a brilliant idea. However, as parents, more and more of us are losing sight of why Olympiads are conducted in the first place. There are a number of serious considerations we are missing out on, and this is impacting our children.
Parents are making Olympiads a prestige issue
We have become so obsessed with ensuring that our kids excel in academics and ‘do us proud’ that we overlook how their childhood is becoming more stressful and high-pressure by the day. When we become overambitious as parents and turn Olympiads into a prestige issue, we basically rob our children of their best years and force them to shoulder larger than life dreams.
For example, the International Science Olympiad is held with the view of discovering the brightest students from across the globe – the ‘diamonds’. However, mining for diamonds is very different from artificially compressing carbon in a lab to convert it into a diamond, and that is pretty much what private Olympiads are forcing parents to do to their children. Olympiads are forcing us to pressurise our children, for the reward/pride of 'owning a diamond'.
The Ill-Effects of Olympiads
Children are spending unreasonable number of hours studying.
They are being burdened with the pressure of performing well in these exams – a pressure that is often too high and unhealthy for their young minds and bodies.
They are also being introduced to peer pressure and 'competition' in a very negative and ugly light.
Olympiads in turn are completely negating the Education Board’s move of 'continuous assessment', which was made with the view of eliminating stress from the lives of young minds.
Whats worse is, the age at which children are being compelled to take these exams keep dropping with each passing year. Children as young as 5 or 6 years old are being sent away to tuitions right after school gets over. Many educationists are condemning this.
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Mr. T. R. Subramanian, Director, TRS IIT Classes, thinks, “Class VIII upwards should be ideal. Many a time it is due to parental pressure that children in the primary classes take these exams. (...) A child should enjoy studying.” This goes hand-in-hand with the age set by the International Science Olympiads, which are conducted for high school students only.
Are we considering how children react to failure at Olympiads?
The claim that Olympiads actually make children 'more confident' cannot be readily accepted. While a lot of good outcomes are possible from Olympiads, it is also true that all students will not react positively, or rather constructively, to 'failing' at Olympiads.
Some students take criticism on the face of it: they will realise that the critique has been made on their work and not on them, and will be able to internalise it and respond in a positive way. They will show an improvement in their performance; they may even show elevated levels of focus and determination.
However, this kind of behaviour reflects an innate maturity that not all children are born with. Most children react negatively to criticism. For most people, it takes experience and age to develop the maturity required to understand that a critique is not to be taken personally.
WATCH: Exam & Performance Pressure: An Open Letter To Parents
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While the former category of students can be motivated by criticism, the later will only sink further into self-doubt, self-loathing, and deep feelings of inadequacy. Same is the case with disappointment, disillusionment, and all other negative feelings and emotions attached to 'failure'. Not every child is going to come out feeling confident for having attempted the exam; more number of students are going to come out feeling miserable for having failed the exam.
Are we looking at the bigger picture of how Olympiads impact students from different backgrounds?
Not only that, these private Olympiads are also taking a toll on the different education boards, compelling them to raise their standards of education. As most Olympiad-participating students hail from urban areas, changes are being made to elevate the standards of schooling in government and rural schools, in order to create equal opportunity. In turn, more and more students are being urged to give up their 'childhood' and appear for the exams each year, which is as depressing as it is cruel.
However, the biggest hurdle in this approach is the fact that due to their limited financial resources, government school can rarely afford good teachers and teaching aids/materials that are required to teach a higher quality of syllabus. In turn, instead of bridging the gap, this approach is only making the gap wider – without proper teachers and/or teaching aids, students in government schools cannot learn and perform to the best of their abilities, and as a result perform more poorly in exams than before, because the syllabus is tougher still.
Are we choosing the right Olympiads for our children?
And finally, let’s not forget that these private Olympiads are not even close to the original Olympiads! In the words of Anwesh Mazumdar, national coordinator, Science Olympiads, “(Olympiads should) pursue nobler goals of intellectual inquiry.” In fact, Mazumdar is of the opinion that these private exams should not be called 'Olympiads' at all. “The International Mathematical Olympiad is the real deal, but Science Olympiad Foundation, a private organisation, has an exam called the International Mathematics Olympiad. Parents are misled and even the international organisers are concerned.”
What You Can Do As a Parent
Being a parent in today’s dynamic, commercial and material world is not easy. If nothing else can count as 'proof' that Kaliyuga has arrived, the commercialisation of education and knowledge sure can and should. It is indeed a pity that we are chasing 'recognition', rather than 'excellence' and 'merit' for our children.
However, you still can save your child from the rat race by choosing whether or not you allow him to be a part of it in the first place. Here are some essential pointers to keep in mind when considering Olympiads for your children and/or preparing them for the same:
Encourage your child on his pursuit of knowledge, but do not attach sentiments of 'pride' to this pursuit. Knowledge should be pursued for its sake, and not for any other ulterior motive.
Ask your child if he would want to participate in such an exam. If he shows willingness to do so, make sure you don't turn it into an ego-battle for him.
How your child reacts to 'failing' at these exams will depend largely on how you react to it in the first place. Be more accepting, understanding, and forgiving of your child's failures, in exams, sports, or life.
Focus more on the learnings of an experience, rather than its outcome.
Taking the above diamond-carbon analogy forward, try and realise: your child is gifted, has potential, and will be successful in life, irrespective of whether he is a diamond or carbon. Diamonds may be precious, but carbon is priceless too: carbon gives us food, fuel, and so many more things. There is no such thing as a 'good', or a 'poor' child. Realise this, embrace this, and empower yourself and your child with this knowledge.
As a parting thought we would like to leave you with this Einstein quote:
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” - Albert Einstein
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/are-competitive-exams-boon-or-bane-to-children/article2474834.ece
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/olympiads-the-new-status-symbol-for-parents/articleshow/56041451.cms Read more
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You are a mother too so what you did not breastfeed
My story I am mother too is based on my personal life experience. Things I have gone through when I failed to breastfeed both my babies. My story is dedicated to all the mothers who where unable to breast feed their babies despite their constant effort. Our society only applauds efforts of mother who breastfeed their child and relate it to the most precious experience of motherhood. We celebrate breastfeeding day yes it very important for a child to get breast milk but what about mothers who were unable to breastfeed are they less or don't have they right to celebrate their feeding experience. Milk in any form be mother milk or formula milk it is the most important source of nutrition to our little one. Mothers like me always feel guilty that they were unable breastfeed but so what we equally love our little one so does a breastfeed mom does.
My struggle started after I gave birth to my first baby boy everyone was so happy seeing the little bundle of joy but soon I realised my biggest physical disability yes I use this word because breastfeeding is such a integral part. I had inverted nipples or in simple words flat nipples which made my little one unable to latch. So I got highly disappointed and sad from core of my heart that I failed at the very first step. I still remember I asked the nurse what will my child drink now she calmly told me don't worry we will sort this out and mean while we will give him formula milk. I asked further how she said we will give him with spoon but soon I thought what if he chokes but my husband told me they are experienced enough to Handel the situation.Then in the evening I was allowed to meet family members who have come to see me and the baby.The first question everybody asked did you feed the baby I said no next question why not my husband explained them but not convinced by effort they said how can this happen you must have not tried properly .I assured them I will try again and then everyone started their breastfeeding experiences that how easy and best way it is to feed your baby. I was listening to everyone with my head down. I could only see my husband understanding what I was going through and every advice others where giving was hurting me from within because nobody except my husband understood what I am going through.
After everyone left I asked the nurse is there any way I can give breast milk to my baby she said you can express it in a bowl and we will feed him I agreed to her instantly and asked for a bowl she provided me one and started expressing milk with hand it was very painful because my breast have become hard and heavy with milk and it was paining like hell but to come out of the guilt that I cared nothing and expressed and expressed milk. Day and night I was just expressing The nurse asked me to take rest as I had c section but the guilt got deeper and deeper. I still remember the nurse came with broken syringe and placed that on my nipple and pulled it hell broke on me it was so painful but she did not stop I was crying but she said bear the pain you will be able to feed your baby I said ok I will bear it all for the sake for breastfeeding but every effort of mine failed. I got discharged from the hospital and real nightmare started as I did not know how to feed with spoon. But I thought I will give it a try but my baby chocked and I agot frightened to the core seeing him like this and due to this my mother told feel guilty you are doing best so don't worry and opt for bottlefeed but again everyone started how I am unable to breastfeed some asked me to tie my nipple with thread hard so that it comes out some asked me continue to pull it out with syringe I did all but failed and failed badly Everytime.
Then my husband took a stand and ask everyone to stop bothering me and requested she is a mother too and will do best for her baby. I realised yes I am a mother too so what I was not able to breastfeed I will always do best for my baby I will give both the best upbringing best nutrition best morals everything will be best. So stop regretting and celebrate your motherhood. Read more
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Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a delicacy from Kashmir. It literally means ‘Red Lamb’ and derives its name from the redness of the dish, thanks to the Kashmiri chillies used in the recipe. The dish is hands down mouthwatering and tastes best with naan or steamed rice. Enjoy with a dash of lemon juice.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
40-45 Minutes
Ingredients
1 kg lamb chopped into medium size pieces
4 tbsp oil
1/2 cup curd
4 whole cloves
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
3 pods black cardamom
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder (available in stores)
a pinch of turmeric powder
1 tbsp dried ginger powder
1 tbsp fennel powder
Salt to taste
a pinch of asafoetida
Method
Step 1
When buying the lamb, choose the shank or the shoulder part for best results. A kilo of lamb should yield about 8 to 9 pieces.
Step 2
Wash the meat and place it in a colander for all the water to drain out. Use a clean dry cloth and pat the moisture out.
Step 3
Let the meat marinate in a bowl of curd for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4
Now in a large pan. Heat oil and fry the marinade and the meat together. Add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, coarsely ground cardamom and black pepper. Stir fry the meat.
Step 5
It is important that you fry the meat till the oil and curd separate into two layers.
Step 6
Now, add Kashmiri red chilli powder, salt, sugar, turmeric powder and constantly stir for about a minute.
Step 7
Add water, ginger powder and fennel powder. The fennel will thicken the curry.
Step 8
Stir well and let simmer on low heat for about 30 to 45 minutes till the meat is cooked well and the gravy is thick and red.
Step 9
The cooking time depends upon how tender the meat is. Enjoy hot with rice.
Nutritional Information
Calories
611 K cal
Proteins
171.9 g
Fats
32.3 g
Carbohydrates
4.5 g
Cholesterol
227 mg
Sodium
1370 mg
Potassium
909 mg
*For frying, add approximately 10 grams of fat per serving at 9 Kcal/gm of fat. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. can I take gevocet m during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Please check with your doctor they will be able to confirm whether you can take this medicine or or not as a Dr who have a fair idea and they will know for what thing you are willing to take this medicine so whatever doubt you have associated there be able able able to clear it up for you
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. can I take zanocin 200 during breastfeeding
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 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
3 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
2 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
3 hours ago
Q. iam 33 weeks pregnant now
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
2 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
1 hour 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
22 mins ago
A. please consult ur gynae asap.
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