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An Insight Into the Beautiful Bond Between a Father and Daughter
Fathers and daughters have a unique bond. Women who have a good relationship with their fathers are lucky enough to look back at their fond memories when they grow up. Having a good relationship with her father not only shapes a girl's childhood experience but also influences her behaviour towards other men later in life. If a girl’s father is erratic or completely absent by nature, then it creates a feeling of low self-esteem in her, and she might have trouble trusting men in general. Therefore, every parent should appreciate and understand the importance of a father’s role in the life of a girl.
Why is the Father-Daughter Relationship Important?
Building a father-daughter relationship at a young age is an essential aspect of a girl's psychological adjustments. Being emotionally attached to her father benefits a girl throughout her life. Here are some reasons why a strong bond between the father and daughter is crucial:
Fathers are role models. They lay a foundation of security, trust, and love.
Daughters tend to judge all the other men who come into their lives later based on the example their fathers set for them.
A girl develops confidence and self-esteem if she has a good bond with her father.
When a father gets involved in his daughter's education, she tends to do better as compared to girls whose fathers never get involved.
Girls have a better career because of the early influence of their fathers. They become more successful and achievement-oriented.
A loving father makes his daughter feel good about herself as he helps her during every stage of her life.
How Does a Father Influence His Daughter's Life?
Every father-daughter relationship goes through three different phases. Some are difficult while others are easy and fun, but they are all important.
1. When She is a Child
Also known as the 'hero dad-princess daughter phase', this first phase is easy and fun. During this phase, the daughter is the darling little princess, and the dad is her superhero. At this age, the father influences the daughter in the following ways:
Mental and Emotional Development
During the early stages of the girl’s life, the involvement of her father helps in her emotional and mental development. Children who are attached to their fathers are better at finding solutions to general problems. They also show less anxiety and withdrawal behaviours when they are close to their fathers.
A Sense of Security
Feeling secure is important for a girl as she grows up. It enables her to thrive in a relatively safe environment if she knows that her father is watching out for her. She also develops self-confidence and is free of inhibitions.
2. When She is a Teenager
This is a tricky phase. The daughter might start rolling her eyes at everything her father says, and it is not a very enjoyable phase for the father. In this situation, relationship problems may occur between a father-daughter. This phase starts when she is 11 years old and ends after she turns 21. This stage might get a little confusing for the father, but he must not forget that she is trying to figure out herself and the world. Many fathers prefer to step back a little and help her raise her self-esteem.
Moral Guidance
The father’s connection and communication will help the daughter make the right decisions. A father should provide stability and moral guidance to his daughter because this is the time when she is surrounded and tempted by bad influences.
Body Image
Having a good relationship with the father will help the girl make healthier choices in life. She also will have increased confidence.
Confidence
Fathers who are affectionate towards girls provide them with a sense of self-worth. Inability to deal with conflicts with their fathers or the absence of a father eventually leads to low self-esteem in girls.
Education
Girls are more likely to get straight A’s when the father is involved in academics. They also have better intellectual functioning and verbal skills.
3. When She is an Adult
Also known as the world’s greatest dad-adult daughter phase, this is the best phase. In this phase, both can understand and communicate with each other. This is the time when a father can guide his daughter in her career, marriage, and love.
Career
Fathers help their girls solve problems, think logically, become goal-oriented, and competitive. A father helps her follow her dreams and pushes her to believe in herself.
Romantic Relationship
Daughters learn more about relationships by observing their father’s actions and behaviour. They judge men based on the standard their father sets. Happy marriages are connected to a warm parent-child relationship. If the parents have marital problems, the girl tends to be insecure, anxious, and aggressive.
Ways to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Daughter
A girl is generally closer to her mother, which is why it is essential to build a father-daughter relationship at a very young age. Some ways are listed below:
When She is a Young Girl
Here's what you should do to strengthen your bond with your daughter when she is a child:
When she is a baby, respond quickly to her cries. Hold her, sing and talk to her as much as you can.
No matter how small it is, when she achieves some task, compliment her. If she is not able to complete a task give positive feedback.
Perform many activities together, especially sports.
Get involved in her projects, school work, and exam preparation.
Meet her friends and help them organise a get-together party.
When She is a Teenager/Adult
Here's how you can bond with your teenage daughter:
Invest time in your daughter. Spending ordinary time with her would help you two bond.
Take her for a drive, just the two of you.
When she is a teenager, privacy and space are essential. Therefore, give her some space but always make sure that she knows you will be available if she needs you or when she gets into trouble.
Trust your daughter.
Sharing your emotions with her will help her share hers with you.
Always give positive feedback and talk encouragingly. Criticising her will decrease her confidence and self-esteem.
Pay attention to her when she is with you. Show interest in her problems and life. Be sensitive.
Set some ground rules but grant her with the right amount of freedom.
Ways to Fix a Broken Father-Daughter Relationship
It's never too late to bond with your daughter. Don't forget that she was once your baby girl.
Healing starts when you share your emotions with others. So share your pain or feelings with her by talking/writing to her.
Every individual has the power to control everything in his or her life. So, you should not let the past decide your present and future.
Get candid with her. She was not responsible for your absence, and she needs to know that whatever happened was not her fault.
Talk to your daughter and let her know how much you missed her. Ask her about how she coped up with your absence.
Give her confidence. Assure her that you will not leave her again and will be there for her.
Give her some time to accept the reality and have patience. She might not accept you at the moment, but you can win her confidence with your perseverance.
Effects of a Father's Absence on the Daughter
Reasons like legal separation, divorce, death, or incarceration can separate children from their parents. But sometimes, the busy schedule of the father can make the daughter feel the same way. His absence can have numerous effects on the overall well being of the girl. Girls without a father could be deprived of confidence, attention, and self-worth.
The absence of a father creates a void in the daughter's life, and others try to influence her attitude and actions. Such girls often allow people to define them and could exhibit attention-seeking behaviour without even realising it.
The absence of a father might jumpstart puberty because it triggers hormonal changes in girls. This reason along with so many behavioural problems could be one of the reasons why girls without fathers have early menstruation or teenage pregnancies.
Girls tend to seek the help of their fathers in their academics, especially when it comes to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects. Girls without a father figure might have less interest in these subjects, and this might discourage them from pursuing a career in mathematics.
Fathers tend to bond better with their sons than daughters. However, with a little more understanding, fathers can feel very comfortable with their daughters and bond better with them too.
Also Read:
Tips on How to Be a Good Father
Role of Father in Child Development and Well-Being
Effects of Bad Parenting on Children Read more
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Common Reasons for Not Conceiving & Other Infertility Issues
Almost every couple dreams of building a family. They dream of bearing a child and nurturing it with the best of their abilities. However, at times, medical or lifestyle reasons can hinder the process and stand in the way of conceiving. This article will provide in-depth knowledge of the reasons why one may not conceive.
Major Reasons for Not Getting Pregnant
If you have been trying unsuccessfully for a while and the thought of “why am I not getting pregnant” disturbs you, here are some of the possible reasons behind the problem:
1. Lack of a Healthy Sex Life
Surprisingly, this is one of the main reasons for not conceiving. The timing of intercourse should be such that it is 1 to 2 days before the fertile period of ovulation. It is not enough to just enjoy the act during this window but rather enjoy it every other day. Too much or too little is cutting it too close. While too much sex can lead to burnout and a loss of interest in intercourse during the fertile period, too little sex can also lead to missing the fertile period as you may not always be able to correctly assess when you are ovulating.
2. Being Nervous during Intercourse
If you are not enjoying the act, then your body is stressed and will not go through the natural processes. Somewhere, there may be a glitch, and your body will end up not desiring the act and negating it. It is important that you enjoy and let your instincts take over.
3. Being Stressed
When a body is stressed, it seeks rest and a way to relax. Intercourse, being a physical process, hinders this desire of the body. Rather than relaxing it, it makes you more irritable and exhausted. Under such circumstances, the body is in no condition to receive and aid in growing a baby in the uterus.
4. Using the Washroom Soon After Sex
It is natural to feel the need to wash up once you are done or just relieve yourself. It is important, however, that you don't rush into this but rather stay in bed for a minimum of 20 minutes. This gives the sperms enough time to stay in your uterus and swim up to find the egg. It increases the probability of multiple sperms reaching the fallopian tubes where the egg is located and fuse with it. If you are running into the washroom soon after sex, the sperms have no time to reach the egg but rather are pulled out of the body due to gravity and during the wash.
5. Smoking or Drinking
Smoking or drinking greatly reduces your ability to produce germ cells (eggs in the females and sperms in the males). Smoking or drinking pulls down the body's ability to produce healthy germ cells.
6. Working Out Too Hard
When you subject yourself to strenuous workout routines, the uterus goes through a lot of pressure, and this disrupts the natural cycle and lowers the chances of a pregnancy. You can continue your routine but not as extensively. Jog at a lower speed than usual or do a cardio work-out but with fewer repeats and strain.
7. Not Hydrating Yourself Enough
Water flushes out all the toxins in the body, keeps you fresh, and regulates the metabolism to function perfectly. Not being hydrated enough can interfere with your ability to conceive.
8. Medical Conditions
There could also be medical conditions behind problems in conceiving. Either of the individuals in a couple could be affected by conditions that could cause trouble getting pregnant. A few of the factors have been named in the table and discussed in detail in the article.
In Males
Sperm morphology, semen diseases, hormonal imbalance, diseases, previous surgeries, genetic factors, etc.
In Females
Irregular periods, low number of eggs, hormonal imbalance, anatomical abnormalities, previous surgeries, genetic factors, etc.
Causes of Infertility
A couple is considered to have primary infertility only if they are unable to conceive naturally after trying for a year. As mentioned earlier, infertility could be due to various reasons. These conditions can be diagnosed by an andrologist (male) or a gynaecologist (female) and can be corrected accordingly.
In Men
Male infertility happens when:
They produce sperms which are morphologically abnormal
They produce a low number of good quality sperms or produce non-motile sperms
Genetic abnormality leading to sterility
A sexually transmitted disease (STD) which has caused abnormality
Lifestyle problems
In order to understand where the problem lies, your doctor will subject you to a physical exam, and ask you personal questions about your sex life, eating habits, and various other questions. In case the need arises, they will ask you to undergo a semen and sperm analysis test. Based on the results, further specific tests will be done.
1. Physical Examination
The doctor checks for any abnormalities in the sexual organs. For example - undescended testicles (a condition where the testicles have failed to enter the scrotum after birth. This could hamper the sperm production), tumours, and abnormal growths which hamper the proper functioning of the organ
2. Hormone Evaluation
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. This regulates the growth and production of sperms. If the body has an abnormal level of this hormone, sperm production does not follow the normal cycle.
3. Sperm and Semen Analysis
This test checks for the number of sperms, number of motile sperms, the morphology of sperms, amount of semen present in one ejaculate, and consistency of the semen. If these differ from the normal grade, various other tests are done to pinpoint exactly what is causing the issue.
4. Anti-Sperm Antibodies
In some cases, the body makes abnormal antibodies which attack sperms once ejaculated. These antibodies kill the sperms and do not allow them to penetrate and fertilise the egg.
5. Varicocele
This is a common condition which occurs mostly in the legs of those who continue to stand throughout the day. Veins swell up and cause obstructed blood flow leading to muscular damage to that area. This also occurs in the veins present in the testis. A varicocele in the testis lowers the sperm quality. This condition can usually be reversed.
6. Tumours
Tumour growth in the reproductive tract can damage the functioning of the system. These malignant tumours can affect the glands that release the sex hormone, affect the production of cells, or obstruct the passageway. Sometimes, this condition can be corrected through chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy may also cause the organs more damage, and the germ stem cells may acquire genetic flaws.
7. Abnormal Sperms
There are various factors that affect sperms, rendering them abnormal and losing their ability to fertilise an egg.
Oligozoospermia
In this case, there is a lowered level of sperm production. On a broad spectrum, this condition is caused due to hormonal anomaly, poor health, or anatomical irregularity.
Asthenozoospermia
This is a condition where the sperm motility is hampered. Sperm cells need to be highly active and motile in order to swim through the vast distance to reach the egg cell and fertilize it. If these sperms are "lazy" or not active enough, they are unable to do so and fail to aid in pregnancy.
Teratozoospermia
This term refers to morphologically hampered sperms. If there are any damages to the structure of the sperm cell, it gets naturally aborted or the viability gets drastically reduced.
Azoospermia
This is where the semen contains no sperms. It has varied forms, most of which can be medically corrected.
Pretesticular
In this case, due to hormonal imbalance, the testicles do not receive a healthy dose of testosterone to produce sperm cells.
Testicular
Here the organ itself is abnormal, damaged, or the sperm production is fully absent or not up to the optimum level.
Post-Testicular
In this case, sperm cells are produced but are not ejaculated into the semen. The main underlying cause is due to an obstruction or absence of a tubule. This condition is pretty rare and can be surgically corrected.
Leucocytospermia
This condition defines a semen sample which contains a high number of white blood cells. There are cases of asymptomatic conditions which have an increased production of white blood cells in the semen. According to research, this could be due to an unhealthy lifestyle or an actual bacterial infection. Rarely, sperms from such samples have had a high probability of fertilization during artificial reproductive techniques but when it comes to the archaic way, such samples have been associated with borderline infertility. The condition can be fully reverted to antibiotic treatment.
Aspermia
Here, men experience a "dry ejaculate" where the semen with the sperms is not released from the penis but reverts to the bladder. This happens due to retrograde ejaculation or an obstruction. Both of these can be surgically corrected.
Necrozoospermia
This is a condition where the sperms are non-motile. It refers to dead sperms in the ejaculate.
8. Retrograde Ejaculation
In this case, the ejaculate moves back into the bladder instead of exiting through the penis. This occurs either due to a previous pelvic surgery or when the vans deferens (tube connecting the testis to the penis) is missing because of a genetic condition.
9. Obstruction
There can be an obstruction anywhere from the testes till the penis, and this does not give a clear passage for the sperms to move out.
10. Problems with Sexual Intercourse
This occurs due to various reasons such as:
Erectile dysfunction - The erection is not maintained for a sufficient amount of time
Premature ejaculation - Where the orgasm is reached before semen and sperm cells are mixed
Anatomical anomalies - Where the parts of the anatomy are not how they are supposed to be
Physiological or relationship problems that interfere with the act
11. Celiac Disease
It is basically a digestive disorder due to sensitivity to gluten. One of the symptoms happens to be infertility. Adopting a gluten-free diet can reverse the condition.
12. Certain Medications
Some medications can disrupt sperm production and lead to infertility. A few of them are -
Testosterone replacement therapy
Long-term anabolic steroid use
Cancer medication
Certain antifungal medications
Some ulcer drugs
13. Prior Surgeries
Infertility could be a side-effect of surgeries previously undertaken by the individual. These can always be corrected through another corrective surgery. Some of the surgeries which could lead to such an effect are -
Inguinal hernia repairs
Scrotal or testicular surgeries
Prostrate surgeries
Cancer surgeries on testicular or rectum
Vasectomy
14. Idiopathic Infertility
In common terms, this refers to a condition where the causal factor cannot be pinpointed to a particular trait or a missing element.
15. Genetic Anomaly
Due to some genetic factors, men are rendered sterile. The chromosome gets silenced or it goes missing or in some cases a microdeletion in the Y chromosome causes the testis to produce abnormal sperms. This being a birth defect has no cure or treatment course.
Certain environmental factors can also bring about infertility in males. These factors influence the traits with a force equal to that of genetic characters. Some of these are -
Exposure to industrial chemicals can lead to low sperm count. e.g.: Benzene, Toluene, etc.
Radiation or X-rays cause DNA damage leading to abnormal cells which are killed inside the body.
Increased temperate can kill the sperms in the testicles.
Prolonged exposure to fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides like nitric oxide reduces sperm motility and viability and impairs the ability of the sperm to penetrate the oocyte. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (commonly called DDT) affects sperm count.
Low-grade plastics can enter the body when used to store food, get mixed in the bloodstream, reach the male reproductive system, and affect the sperm count, motility and viability.
In Women
A woman’s body needs to be in good health in order to conceive since it has to undergo the physical changes to nourish a growing, healthy baby. Thus, your health needs to be checked if you are having problems in conceiving. Some issues women face may be because of the following reasons:
Ovulation problems due to hormonal imbalances, tumours or cysts, eating disorders, thyroid gland problems, excess weight, stress or extremely brief menstrual cycles
Pelvic inflammatory diseases, endometriosis or fibroids, scar tissue or adhesion
A previous ectopic pregnancy, previous birth defects, etc.
All these factors affect the working of a woman's body towards a healthy pregnancy. The main factors that contribute to causes of infertility in females are -
1. Disruptive Menstrual Cycles
In this case, the cycles are either too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular, or not occurring. Under such conditions, a mature egg is not being released for pregnancy to occur.
2. Ovulation Disorders
This is related to the above disorder. This condition persists due to either of the factors stated below -
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Due to hormonal imbalances, an egg is not released but rather persists inside the ovaries in the form of fluid-filled cysts.
Hypothalamic Dysfunction
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutanizing hormone (LH), which are produced in the hypothalamus, are responsible for regulating the growth, maturation, and release of an egg every month. If there are any disruptions to these hormones, the proliferative stage gets disrupted.
Premature Ovarian Failure
This is a disorder where the premature eggs are lost in the ovary without ever maturing due to an autoimmune disorder, genetic factors, or hormonal causes.
High Levels of Prolactin
A high amount of prolactin in the body reduces the production of oestrogen which is responsible for the maturation and proliferation of eggs. This could be caused due to a medication or an anomaly in the pituitary gland.
3. Tubal Infertility
This condition refers to a physical obstruction or damage to the fallopian tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus. Fertilisation occurs in these tubes after which the zygote travels down into the endometrium. Some of the reasons for this problem are:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or any other STD can cause inflammation of these tubular cells leading to a blockage
Previous surgery in the abdomen or the pelvis
Pelvic Tuberculosis
This is a bacterial pelvic infection. Once the bacteria infect the lungs, it reaches the bloodstream and gets transported to various parts of the body. Fallopian tubes form the perfect area for these bacteria to reside. This causes inflammation and blocks off this segment of tissue from various other forms of response from the body.
4. Endometriosis
This is a condition where the tissue growth occurs in sites other than where it is supposed to grow. It tends to outgrow into the surrounding area. Upon correction through surgery, the healing process leaves scars. These scars, if in the fallopian tubes, tend to block them. If in the uterus, they can disrupt the implantation of a zygote in the endometrium.
5. Uterine or Cervical Causes
Several factors can disrupt the process of implantation or increase the chances of miscarriages.
Fibroids or tumours in the uterus which can block the fallopian tubes
Endometriosis scarring
Uterine abnormalities present from birth
Cervical stenosis: where the uterus is narrow and cannot support pregnancy
Inability to produce the optimum amount of mucus which aids in the travel of sperms into the fallopian tubes
6. Not Enough Healthy Eggs
A woman is born with a particular number of eggs in her ovaries. As she ages, these eggs mature every month and get reduced in number. If there are not enough premature eggs present in the body, the chances of pregnancy reduce drastically.
7. Chronic Medical Illnesses
These conditions are those which persist in the body for a long time and disrupt the functioning of the other organ systems in the body.
Chronic liver and kidney diseases impact the functioning of pituitary glands leading to infertility.
Cystic fibrosis causes the production of thicker cervical mucus which makes it harder for the sperms to penetrate the cervix and enter the uterus.
8. Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid problems can cause unintentional weight loss leading to no ovulation.
9. Chemotherapy
Due to the reverberated chemical factors in the body, the eggs get affected and are killed off in this duration. Women can freeze their eggs before undergoing chemotherapy so as to implant them after for a pregnancy.
10. Lifestyle
Different factors of your lifestyle greatly influence your fertility.
Age: After the age of 30, follicle loss increases, resulting in a lower number of good quality eggs.
Smoking: This damages the fallopian tubes and the uterus. The risk of miscarriages and chances of an ectopic pregnancy also increase.
Weight: An increased or decreased BMI greatly influences your body's ability to support a pregnancy.
Alcohol: It decreases healthy egg production.
11. Diabetes Mellitus
It has been observed that women with Type 1 Diabetes have an increased risk of delayed puberty, menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, low number of live births, and early menopause.
12. Coeliac Disease
This is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten in the diet. Non-gastrointestinal symptoms of this disease are observed to be late puberty, menstrual irregularities, and a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
13. Drugs/Medication
The drugs used to treat diseases also have the ability to cause infertility. A few of them are:
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
neuroleptic medicines (used to treat psychosis)
spironolactone (a medicine taken to reduce fluid retention)
14. Stress
This is a factor that mostly results in a hormonal imbalance which leads to irregular periods.
15. Xenohormones
These are substances present in the environment which are absorbed by the body through the skin. Once absorbed, they decrease the level of progesterone which reduces fertility. These substances are mostly present in car exhausts, plastics, pesticides, emulsifiers in soaps and cosmetics, etc.
16. Prolonged use of Birth Control Pills
The birth control pill (also prescribed for fertility issues such as PCOS or endometriosis) has been linked to fertility issues in some women.
17. Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained infertility is where the cause is never found. It could be due to several minor factors or a culmination of factors present in both individuals of a couple.
18. Genetic Factors
This is where the genes encode for abnormal anatomy, abnormal hormonal levels, etc., leading to sterility in an individual.
Health and Other Causes of Infertility
1. Drug Abuse
Anabolic steroids which are taken to increase body mass have been observed to shrink the testicles and lower sperm production
2. Alcohol Use
Alcohol lowers testosterone production which causes erectile dysfunction and sperm production
3. Emotional Stress
Stress hampers the normal hormonal cycle which in turn affects the sperm production
4. Wearing Tight-Fit Clothes
This has also been linked to problems in fertility due to reduced sperm production
Fertility Tests
Fertility tests help identify the issues that could be triggering problems in conceiving. They must be taken by both the man and the women if conception is taking time. Here is a list of the tests you may need to go for if you detect any signs that you can’t get pregnant.
1. For Men
These tests are used to image the anatomy of a man to deduce the anomaly present.
Semen analysis
Tests for sperm abnormalities, sperm count, sperm number, sperm mobility
Hormone tests
Test for testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin
Urinalysis
Test for presence of white blood cells indicating infection
Vasography
X-ray exam to determine blockage or leakage of tubes
Ultrasonography
Exam used to detect blockages in the reproductive tract, prostrate duct, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts
Genetic testing
A DNA analysis to determine any genes causing infertility
2. For Women
These female infertility tests are used to image the anatomy of a woman to deduce the anomaly present.
Ovulation testing
Detects the surge of ovulation-inducing hormones to analyze a menstrual cycle
Hysterosalpingography
Detects the abnormalities in the uterine cavity. X-ray contrast in injected and observed under X-ray exposure
Ovarian reserve testing
Detects the number of good quality eggs present in the ovaries
Hormone testing
Hormones related to ovulation, pituitary and thyroid are checked
Laproscopy
Invasive technique where using a thin incision an optical tube is inserted to clearly view uterus, endometrium and fallopian tubes
Ultrasound
Uterine and fallopian tube anomalies are deduced. This test may be conducted if the woman is ovulating but not getting pregnant
Genetic tests
A DNA analysis to determine any genes causing infertility
How Long Can I Try to Conceive Before Seeing a Doctor?
The duration for which you should try to conceive before consulting a doctor depends on your age. If the mother is less than 35 years old, the couple should speak to a doctor after 1 year of trying, but if she is older, it is advisable to see a doctor after 6 months of trying.
Advancements in science and applied medicine have resulted in synthesizing techniques of treatments to solve the above issues. If you are facing problems in conceiving, consult your doctor to get help through these rough patches.
Also Read: Fertility Treatment - Assisted Reproductive Technology Read more
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Your Toddler's Growing Mind Awareness in Language
Parents want their children to grow into balanced individuals with impeccable social skills. However, what they don't realize is that a toddler's social and emotional development milestone begins at a very early stage. Understanding this can help parents bring up their tots to be more sociable.
How often have you looked at your toddler and prayed for him to grow into a socially balanced individual? However, if you thought that social skills begin developing only when a child joins school, think again. Children can understand the thoughts and emotions of the people around them from a very early age.
What the Development of "Theory of Mind" in Early Childhood Means
The theory of mind is a concept where children start relating to other people around them as distinct individuals with needs, thoughts and feelings of their own. They also learn to understand different situations in a better way and also start expressing their feelings accordingly.
Social Cognitive Psychology: What You Need to Know
1. Understanding Other Individuals
It’s believed that babies can actually understand the feelings and intentions of their mothers and other people around them, based on the inflection in their voices and the expressions on their faces. As a toddler's language skills develop, he can even make out what other people are trying to convey. He also begins understanding that his needs and feelings are not the only ones that matter; people around him too have feelings and thoughts that can even be influenced by his deeds. This acts as the foremost step of importance of social cognition in young children.
2. Differentiating Personal Thoughts
Have you ever seen your toddler using a block as a car during his play hours? This is known as pretend play and demonstrates his ability to differentiate between real things and his thoughts. It’s a great way to develop social cognition. With time, as his language skills improve, this ability becomes more pronounced and he’ll be able to speak about the different aspects of this pretend play.
3. Make-believe Thoughts
When your toddler sees a cookie jar, he believes that it contains cookies and nothing else. However, if you store something else in it and show it to him, he might be taken by surprise, at least initially. But, this can actually help him understand that things may not always be the same as he believes.
Improving Theory of Mind Skills
Sooner or later, mind skills develop in every toddler. However, early development of these skills can help them grow into smarter and more expressive individuals. Talking to them about the world around them and pointing out different thoughts and feelings is the best way to do this. Children with older siblings develop these skills sooner by observing them. Encouraging your toddler to pretend play can also help in enhancing his social cognition and language skills.
Now that you know what theory of mind is all about, make sure you do your bit to enhance the skills in your toddler. With guidance and encouragement, he’ll be more attuned to what others are feeling. Read more
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Top 16 Parenting Strategies to Handle ADHD Child
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a condition which can cause a child to struggle with social interactions, have trouble with organising or following even simple directions. These kids are also in a state of activity constantly, which can get overwhelming for a parent. You can discuss ADHD with your child's doctor and create the plan that works best for your child.
The key to handling a child with ADHD is patience and understanding. It can be easy to get upset over the constant temper tantrums, but with some help and tips, you will be able to cater to the needs of your child successfully.
How to Handle A Child with ADHD - 16 Parenting Tips
Here are a few ADHD parenting tips that could be helpful when parenting a child with ADHD.
Stay calm:
Losing your cool over your child’s temper or anger can only make the situation worse and drag the conflict longer. The best way to go about it is to diffuse the tension with calm words and actions. If your child is protesting against homework, don’t scold him to do it, instead tell him that you understand it isn’t pleasant for him and assure him with a pat on the back or a touch of his shoulder. Do not punish him out of anger or disappointment.
Be honest about the condition:
Speak to your child about ADHD and help him understand that it is a part of him. Also, try to tell him that he can control it with the right practices. It is important that your child understands that he has a problem which can be managed with his help and your support. This disarms him and engaging him in conversations to discuss solutions to any problem that he may have become easy.
Help your child discover his strengths:
Since children with ADHD are unfavourably compared with their peers, they may develop low self-esteem and even go into depression. You need to encourage him to find what he loves doing. Children with ADHD are very bright when they are passionate about something. You will need to help him identify it and give him the chance to excel.
Stop being overprotective:
All children, even ones with ADHD, need to learn to do things independently of their parents. You cannot solve all their problems for them each time. Allow your child to figure out a solution to an issue he is facing. Instead of instructing him about what he should do, ask him what he could do.
Organise a schedule:
Children with ADHD lack organisational, planning and execution skills. Hence, it is essential that you create a routine and give them a specific time to wake up, eat, play, do homework, etc. You can make a chart or a calendar with the schedule and keep it within your child’s view. For younger children that cannot read, you can use images and drawings to show instructions.
Set house rules:
Make a chart with the rules and write down the consequences of breaking those rules and place it where your child can see it. It is important that you provide them with a set list of expectations and consequences so that they can anticipate disciplining if they stray.
Make sure that you are understood:
When you give any directions to your child look at your child and speak clearly and calmly. You can also break the directions into smaller sentences to ensure that they are better understood. If the task is complex, try not to give too many directions and be sure to praise him when he completes each step.
Be positive:
Your child may have spent the whole day being told what he is doing wrong. So, it is important that you recognise and praise him for any task he completes properly, no matter how little the task.
Ensure that an adult is with your child at all times:
Children with ADHD tend to be very impulse and hence need proper adult supervision at all times. Do not leave your child unattended at any point. Also, pay attention when your child interacts with his friends or peers. Children with ADHD struggle with social skills and may find it hard to understand social rules. Don’t allow any hitting, yelling or pushing during playtime. You can also reward good behaviour.
Help him with his school activities:
If you notice that your child moves about at his own pace in the morning while getting ready for school, ensure that you give him enough time to get dressed and eat a healthy breakfast. You can also lay out his clothes on the previous night and keep his school bag ready to speed up things in the morning.
Encourage participation in sports:
Since kids with ADHD have a lot of energy and find it hard to stay still for long, you should encourage them to take up physical activities where they can expel this energy, streamline their movements and learn some skills. Individual sports or groups sports like basketball that require the player to be in constant motion may be best for your child. You can also sign him up for martial arts or yoga where he can learn mental control and improve his concentration as well.
12. Ensure that he sleeps well:
Lack of sleep can be detrimental can cause attention problems for most of us, but even more so for children with ADHD. Children with ADHD require as much sleep as their peers without the condition; however, due to overstimulation, they may find it hard to get quality sleep. Hence, you will need to establish a strict sleep routine and set an early bedtime. It is also recommended that you limit his screen time and not provide him with any caffeine. You could also use some relaxing music and aromas in his room to help him sleep.
Don’t judge your child’s character based on his actions:
Children with ADHD usually behave the way they do because they cannot control their actions. It is important that you address the problem without building resentment towards your child or calling him names like lazy, hyper, etc. This can make his self-esteem drop. Instead, you could sit down and discuss the negatives of your child with him, make him understand the problem and ask his suggestion to solve it. The more he is involved in this process, the better the outcome can be.
Anticipate situations that can be potentially explosive:
The best way to avoid a negative experience is to anticipate any conflicts that may arise. This is especially important if your child is in a social setting. Establish a consistent behavioural intervention if you notice a situation that can turn bad. You may want to politely tell him that you need him to come with him and then discuss the problem with him and arrive at a solution.
Ensure that your partner and you are on the same page:
When it comes to kids with ADHD, it is essential that while enforcing any behavioural interventions, you and your partner are consistent in your actions. Lack of consistency in the approach to discipline and motivate your child can cause a lot of problems. Your child needs to see you as a united force.
Seek support:
You don’t have to go through the process of taking care of your child alone. You can always look out for support groups that offer ADHD children help for parents and families. You can see a counsellor who will be able to talk to your child and provide you parenting suggestions in order to diffuse any tension that may arise as a result of the condition.
ADHD is a mental condition and is likely caused by a faulty brain chemistry. It is imperative that you do not blame yourself, the child or anyone else for this condition. This is an essential ADHD advice for parents that can go a long way in managing the condition. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is best if you get all the information you can about the condition so that you know why your child does things a specific way or reacts the way he does.
Handling a child with ADHD can be overwhelming, but don’t let that stop you from taking care of yourself. If you are stressed and tired, calmly handling your child will be difficult. Hence, take time to de-stress whenever possible.
Don’t forget that despite the condition, your child is a wonderful person. He may have his shortcomings, but he will have his strengths as well. Recognise them and celebrate your child.
Also Read: ADHD in Toddlers Read more
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. hi have one question
LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5
what it mean??? and should I start intercourse
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
6 hours ago
A. since you are right follicle is 18 mm yes of course you can start with your intercourse for conception as in 1 to 2 days
their maybe rupture of the follicle by which your sperm should be present there for conception
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why baby vomit
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. for babies less than 6 months may not be a problem. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
5 hours ago
Q. i am 35 weeks 3 days pregnant... my ultrasound report shows that "fl and hl are shorter compared to bpd"... is this anything to worry
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
needs proper follow-up for this
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
5 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
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