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10 Home Remedies for Baby Acne
No parent loves to see red spots and bumps on their little one's skin. Baby acne, also known as neonatal acne, happens to babies after two months of age. Normally, it subsides on its own, but if you want to treat your little one at home, you can opt for home remedies. Home remedies are ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Plus, they're cheap and readily available too. Read on for effective baby acne home remedies.
Natural Remedies to Cure Baby Acne
Here are 10 natural remedies that you can try on your baby:
1. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Unrefined organic coconut oil or extra virgin coconut oil soothes and moisturises your baby's skin. Simply apply a few drops to the affected areas four times a day until the acne clears up. Coconut oil is completely natural and perfect for those red bumps.
2. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the best baby acne remedies; simply because you can find it in your kitchen and in every grocery store around you. Just mix it with water and apply it to the affected areas to notice a difference. It dries the skin naturally and cures acne like a charm!
3. Breast Milk
Breast milk is the ultimate elixir for baby acne. Take some breast milk in a bowl and dab the cotton ball in it. Apply it to the affected areas.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar kills skin bacterium and soaks up unwanted oils and dirt from the skin. Avoid using concentrated vinegar, since it burns the baby's skin. Dilute 1 part vinegar with 10 parts water. Dip some cotton into the mixture. Now gently dab on the affected areas. If you're not sure how your baby reacts to vinegar, try applying it on another part of the body instead of the face (like the inner wrist that's affected by acne) and see whether that area turns red or gets inflamed, just to be safe. Avoid applying, if that is the case.
5. Honey and Lemon
Honey and lemon naturally cleanse and nourish the skin. These ingredients work on delicate skin, too. Mix honey and lemon in equal proportions and apply it to the affected area for healing acne naturally. Leave it for about 25 minutes and rinse with warm water to complete the treatment.
6. Diet
If you're a nursing mother and want to cure baby acne, change your diet. Stop eating sweet or sour foods, and cut down on dairy products. Eliminate oily foods and aim for foods like kimchi, kefir, and miso. Avoid citrus fruits as well.
7. Chemical-Free Detergents
Wash your baby's clothes with chemical-free detergents. That's because chemical detergents may stick to clothing and worsen the acne. Also, pay attention to the material you're putting on your little one.
8. Sandalwood Paste
Sandalwood paste can treat tiny acne spots on the skin. Just mix one part sandalwood paste with two parts of mustard oil, and apply on the acne-affected areas. Sandalwood is known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an unconventional, yet an effective cure for acne and pimples. If there's acne on your baby's body, arms or legs, then oatmeal will work best. Avoid using oatmeal near your baby's eyes. Take 1/3 cup of oatmeal and blend it into a powder. Add this powder to lukewarm water in your baby's bathtub. Let her soak herself for about 8-10 minutes. Gently pat your child dry with a soft towel later.
10. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder is popular for treating baby acne and diaper rashes due to its cooling effect and because it helps in maintaining dry skin without clogging the pores. Double check the label to confirm whether the drying ingredient in the powder is talc or cornstarch. Sprinkle a little bit of talcum powder onto the palm of your hand, and rub it gently on your baby's acne-affected face. Use your fingertips for best results. Make sure your baby doesn't inhale the powder since that's harmful.
Precautions and Tips
Here are a few precautions and tips you should follow to prevent the acne from worsening:
Avoid using chemical detergents. Alcohol-free baby wipes are also recommended.
Layering clothing on your young one traps heat and causes the sweat to build up, thus worsening acne.
Don't give your baby oily or junk food.
Don't apply topical ointments or over-the-counter medications on your baby.
Do not let your baby rub or touch the acne-affected areas. Cover your baby's hands to prevent this.
If the pimples get filled with pus, consult a paediatrician.
Bathe your baby with lukewarm water. Avoid using soaps and shampoos.
Wipe your baby's face with a clean cloth dipped in warm water, after every meal.
Don't use lotions or creams on your baby's skin.
Dry your baby's face with a soapy washcloth using circular motions. Avoid scrubbing since it aggravates the skin.
Even though acne outbursts are completely normal, you can do a lot to make the phase easy for your baby. Try out the above home remedies for quick relief. Be patient; it'll be a while before those acne bumps disappear. Read more
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Consuming Ginger and Ginger Tea While Breastfeeding
After giving birth to your baby, you can't simply go back to your old eating habits. You will still have to make healthier choices for the well-being of your baby. What you eat and drink while breastfeeding will be passed on to your baby through your breast milk, hence you will have to pick the healthy stuff. And if you are looking to increase your breast milk supply, obviously, your first-line option would be natural remedies such as ginger or ginger tea. Ginger is no doubt a power food and offers various benefits, increasing breast milk supply being one of them, but is it really safe to eat fresh ginger or consume ginger tea while breastfeeding? Find out!
Is Consuming Ginger and Ginger Tea Safe During Breastfeeding?
Consuming ginger or ginger tea is said to be absolutely safe while breastfeeding. However, it should be consumed in moderation; daily intake of ginger tea should not exceed 2-3 cups. And if a woman has had a lot of blood loss during delivery, she should avoid ginger completely.
Does Ginger Change the Flavour of Breast Milk?
If you eat something with strong odour while nursing, it will penetrate into your breast milk. The smell of ginger may get into your breast milk. But if your baby stops feeding the breast milk, it could be because of the smell of the ginger.
Benefits of Consuming Ginger and Ginger Tea While Breastfeeding
Although ginger and ginger tea makes the breast milk smell, it has some benefits too. Listed below are some of the benefits of drinking ginger tea while breastfeeding.
1. Helps Increase Breast Milk Supply
As ginger has lactogenic properties, it ensures effective milk flow. Consuming fresh ginger or ginger tea can increase the supply of milk during the nursing stage.
2. Helps Provide Relief From Colic to a Baby
Our saliva contains the digestive enzyme amylase and ginger contains another digestive enzyme zingibain. These two enzymes combine and reach the child through breast milk and provide relief from colic to a newborn, by helping him pass the trapped gas.
3. Helps Treat Digestion Problems in Nursing Moms
Ginger has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years and for good reasons. During the nursing phase, it can provide relief from digestion-related issues, constipation, and more. Consuming ginger or ginger tea also helps with vomiting and nausea in the breastfeeding phase.
4. Helps Boost Immunity
This medicinal herb is known to boost immune strength and fight infections that cause cold and cough. A woman's body tends to be weak after delivery, but eating ginger can help. During the breastfeeding phase, consuming ginger on a regular basis (in moderate amounts) can enhance immunity. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties also help in warding off infections and inflammations.
5. Keeps the Body Warm
Consuming ginger also has a warming effect on the body. Eating ginger or drinking ginger tea in the breastfeeding phase will prevent nursing moms from contracting a cold and cough.
6. Helps Reduce Bloating
Ginger dispels gas, thus helps reduce bloating too. It also helps in absorption of nutrients and in eliminating waste from the body.
Side Effects of Consuming Ginger While Nursing
As you know every coin has two sides. Ginger sure has many benefits, but it has its share of side effects too. Listed below are some of the side effects of eating ginger while nursing:
Women who have had a considerable amount of blood loss during delivery should refrain from taking ginger for the first few months after delivery. In such a case, she can run the risk of haemorrhage.
Prolong and too much use of ginger could result in a scaly and itchy rash which appears first in the face.
It can cause heartburn, diarrhoea, and mouth irritation.
In some cases, it can even result in an increase in blood pressure and heart palpitation.
Since ginger is said to clear out toxins from the body, it can cause allergies.
Too much intake of ginger by a nursing mother could result in bloating of the stomach and the baby becoming too gassy and irritable as a result.
Ways to Consume Ginger
There are multiple ways in which ginger can be consumed, such as:
1. Ginger Tea
This hot beverage is a favourite among many. Drinking ginger tea (with or without milk) works as a saviour when someone is down with the flu, cough, or cold. Ginger tea will make your body warm, bring down the cold, and relieve nasal congestion.
2. Pickled Ginger
Pickled ginger no doubt tastes delicious but it also provides relief from motion sickness. It is also said to cure digestive problems and thus can be consumed after a heavy meal. You can enjoy it in your nursing phase after consulting with a doctor.
3. Juice of Ginger
A spoonful of ginger juice mixed with honey and a little warm water can keep your immune system healthy. It helps with a sore throat but of course, while nursing, it is best that you take it after checking with your doctor!
4. Grated Ginger
You can use grated ginger in soups. It gives more taste to the soup and is a sure-shot way of curing cough and cold.
5. Ginger Paste
It is a common ingredient in almost all the Indian curries. It enhances the taste of the dish and makes it more appetizing.
Things to Remember Before Consuming Ginger Tea While Breastfeeding
Ginger tea is, of course, a common beverage, but while breastfeeding there are certain things you should consider before consuming it:
Always remember that tea contains caffeine, even if it is ginger tea, so limit your intake.
Stick to 2-3 cups per day. Too much of ginger tea may make your and your little one’s stomach bloated and gassy.
Do not drink ginger tea just before breastfeeding your baby. The caffeine may enter your breast milk making the baby fussy and deprived of sleep.
Women who have suffered a significant amount of blood loss while giving birth should avoid taking ginger.
How to Make Ginger and Honey Tea
Ginger and honey tea is a delicious concoction that helps soothe a sore throat and clear the phlegm. Ginger ale is also somewhat similar in taste. Both ginger honey tea and ginger ale while breastfeeding is absolutely safe but should be taken in moderation. Here's how you can make this tea.
What You Will Need
Freshly grated ginger - 1 tbsp
Honey (pasteurized, if possible) – 1 tbsp
Fresh lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Hot boiled water – 1 cup
How to Prepare
Take some grated ginger in a cup.
Pour hot water into it.
Cover the cup with a lid and let it remain so for 5 minutes.
Strain it into another cup.
Add honey and stir.
Lastly, add lemon juice.
Your ginger and honey tea is ready.
Not many are aware of the benefits and side effects of consuming ginger while breastfeeding. Although it has been used as a spice in cooking food and as medicine since long, it should be consumed in moderation, especially while one is breastfeeding.
Also Read: Drinking Green Tea during Breastfeeding Read more
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Bad Dreams during Pregnancy - Reasons and How to Avoid
Dreaming is a normal phenomenon, and most of us dream when we are fast asleep. However, sometimes these dreams may not be happy or positive ones. Instead of dreams, some of us even have nightmares. Just like dreams, this is also very common. But if you have nightmares during pregnancy, it may become a cause for concern. Let us find out what may cause nightmares during pregnancy and also learn various ways in which you may keep such experiences at bay, in the following article.
What Are Nightmares and Are They Normal during Pregnancy?
The human mind is very complex, and it keeps storing memories in it. Many studies are going on to understand and interpret the human dreams. However, no substantial proof has been found that clearly states why we have certain kinds of dream. But it has been observed that these ethereal images that you see while sleeping may be a result of your thoughts, memories, anxieties etc., and may pop up in your mind in the form of a dream or nightmare. When it is a positive or happy experience, it is termed 'dream', and when it is a negative or disturbing experience, it is termed 'nightmare'.
If you are pregnant, then you must be thinking if nightmares are common during pregnancy or not. Well, there is no doubt that your body goes through many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and sometimes these changes lead to various kinds of disturbances in your sleep. Hence, these disrupted sleeping schedules and sleep-patterns may make you more prone to having nightmares.
Reasons for Nightmares during Pregnancy
Following are some of the reasons which may lead to nightmares during pregnancy:
1. Changing Hormones
It may sound a bit strange, but your changing pregnancy hormones may make you have nightmares. This may happen because of the hormone called cortisol. The level of this hormone starts increasing as you become pregnant and it may reach its peak during labour. This particular hormone may be responsible for triggering that part of your brain that may make you see weird or scary images during sleep. Hence, you may have nightmares.
2. Anxiety
It is extremely normal for a pregnant woman to feel anxious. There are so many reasons to be stressed about during pregnancy. For example, you will be concerned about your baby’s health and well-being, the birthing process, your health, etc. But stressing or being anxious won't help. Anxiety issues may affect your sleep and result in disrupted sleep. This may lead to negative thoughts and emotions, which may culminate into nightmares.
3. Sleep Issues
If you face sleep issues during pregnancy, you are likely to have nightmares. The occurrence of sleep issues is due to changing hormones, increasing weight, pressure on your abdominal region, etc. And all these problems may increase your chances of waking up at night and thus may lead to sleep troubles. Therefore, you may have more chances of having nightmares in the second trimester of your pregnancy.
If you forget these nightmares after waking up, then it is not a problem. However, if you reminisce about them, it may lead to stress and anxiety. Any kind of stress or anxiety is not good for you or your unborn child. Therefore, you may have to look for ways and means to control your negative emotions and feelings that make you experience nightmares in the first place.
Tips to Avoid Bad Dreams while Pregnant
If you are looking for ways to prevent the occurrence of nightmares during pregnancy, here are some suggestions that may help you. Take a peek into the following tips and minimize the occurrence of bad dreams during pregnancy:
1. Try to find out the reason
Believe it not but knowing the reason that may have caused a bad dream may help you in dealing with it. You need to understand why you may be having such negative thoughts. It could be because of health issues, fear, worries, or other such issues that may bother you during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the same and get over your fears and worries.
2. Take charge of your health
If you suffer from any health ailment during pregnancy, it may make you tense and worried. You need to understand your condition and also learn about various ways to effectively cope with it to have a healthy and hassle-free pregnancy. Eat good food, take enough rest, and have an active lifestyle. This will keep you upbeat during pregnancy and keep health problems at bay. If you exercise, eat well, and follow your daily schedule, you will fall asleep quickly and have a peaceful sleep. And thus the chances of a nightmare would reduce.
3. Think positive and be happy
Your state of mind has a lot to do with the kind of dreams you may have. If you remain positive and happy, it will keep negative feelings and thoughts away from your mind which will ultimately prevent the occurrence of bad dreams at night.
4. Sleep well
The importance of 'rest' during pregnancy cannot be undermined. You should have at least 7 to 8 hours of interrupted sleep at night. A well-rested body means no stress or tension, which in turn makes you happy and keeps you away from any negative thoughts and emotions.
5. Do not snack late night
You may have unusual food cravings at the wee hours during pregnancy, but don't give into those weird cravings. If you like, you can much something healthy before going to bed. Anything that you eat just before dozing off may not get digested easily and thus may lead to heartburns, nausea, or other digestive problems. These problems may hamper your sleep and thus lead to negative emotions.
6. Be realistic
Sometimes no matter how hard you and put sense into things, your mind fails to understand the logical aspects of it. The same may hold true in case of nightmares, too. All said and done, nightmares are nothing but your interpretations, and they may not be true, so why worry? Don't stress yourself by thinking about it. Let it go, however, if you have the same dream regularly, talk to your doctor about it.
7. Meditate
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to calm your mind. No matter how hard your day was or what negative thoughts crop in your head, all you have to do is, sneak out few minutes from your schedule to meditate a couple of times in a day. Plan one session right before you retire for the day so that your mind is calm and relaxed.
8. Relax
Relaxing your mind and body during pregnancy is important as stress and anxiety is not good for the health of your baby and for your health too. The best way to relax is exercises, yoga, meditation, listening to music, reading a good book or doing what you like. You can also spend some time with your friends or family members to unwind after a hectic day. Talking to your loved ones is also one of the best therapies that helps soothe your mind.
If you incorporate the above-mentioned tips in your life, you can get a good sleep and relax at night. However, it is important to understand that dreams whether good or bad are just the manifestations of your mind, and you may have no control over it. Therefore, if you struggle with sleeping because of recurrent nightmares, seek medical assistance at earliest.
Also Read: Meditation during Pregnancy: Benefits and Techniques Read more
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Retroverted Tilted Uterus During Pregnancy
The uterus is a pear-shaped, hollow organ where the foetus grows during pregnancy. This organ nurtures the baby throughout the duration of pregnancy. A healthy uterus is, therefore, a prerequisite for the healthy growth and safe delivery of the baby. Sometimes, physical anomalies may affect the uterus affecting pregnancy and childbirth. One of these conditions is a retroverted uterus. Read on to all you need to know about this condition.
What is Retroverted Uterus?
The uterus in a woman is usually in a straight, vertical position in the pelvis. Some women may have a tilted or a tipped uterus where it is tipped or tilted backwards inside the pelvis. The uterus is called retroverted when in such a condition.
How Common is It?
It is not uncommon to have a tilted uterus. Around 20% of women have a retroverted uterus. Although the condition itself is not associated with any health disorder, it can have painful symptoms or be an indication of any underlying health disorder.
Causes of Retroverted Uterus
There can be several causes which may lead to a retroverted uterus in women. The causes include:
The problem of a retroverted uterus can be genetic where the woman is born with a tilted uterus.
During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges, the ligaments which hold the uterus in place become weak or lose their tension resulting in a tilted pelvis pregnancy and a retroverted uterus. The uterus returns to the normal, forward position after delivery in most cases, but may at times fail to do so.
The uterus can slip into a retroverted position after menopause as the oestrogen levels dip. This weakens the ligaments which hold the uterus in place giving rise to this condition.
Health issues such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause a retroverted uterus. These health conditions can cause the formation of scar tissues inside the abdomen and move the uterus out of position.
Symptoms of Tilted Uterus When Pregnant
Women may or may not experience symptoms related to retroverted uterus. However, the major symptoms of the condition are as follows:
Dyspareunia – Women with this condition can experience severe pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Dysmenorrhea – Tilted uterus can also cause severe pain during menstruation (before and after pregnancy).
The pain experienced in both the above cases is because of the pressure placed on the rectum and ligaments around the tailbone by the tilted uterus.
Women may also experience general symptoms like:
Infection in the urinary tract.
Pain and difficulty in using tampons.
Lower back pain, especially during intercourse.
Lack of control over bowel movement and urination. This condition is known as incontinence.
Although rear, infertility can also be one of its symptoms.
If any of these symptoms persist for long period of time, you should consult your doctor and get diagnosed for a retroverted uterus.
Can it Affect the Pregnancy?
Generally, the uterus corrects its position between 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. This minimizes the risk of pregnancy and labour. Tilted womb and getting pregnant can get complicated if the uterus does not move into the correct position before delivery. Although rare, this can result in a miscarriage. You should let your doctor know about the tilt of the uterus at the very beginning.
Can a Retroverted Uterus Prevent Pregnancy?
Trying to conceive with a tilted uterus should not hinder or prevent pregnancy. A retroverted uterus is linked to infertility only after all other possibilities that can lead to infertility have been ruled out. Trouble in getting pregnant due to a tilted uterus is rare.
How is Diagnosis Done?
A simple pelvic examination or an abdominal ultrasound by your doctor can identify a retroverted uterus. In case you experience any symptoms related to this condition, you should seek advice from your doctor and get tested for the condition.
Treatment
On getting pregnant, the uterus will move forward into the correct position and will not need any treatment. In case where the uterus does not correct itself, or if the position needs to be corrected before pregnancy, a simple surgery will help reposition it. Repositioning of the uterus will provide relief from menstrual pains and pains that are experienced during sexual intercourse due to a tipped position of the uterus.
What are the Other Ways to Reposition a Tipped Uterus?
Apart from correction by surgery, the uterus can also be repositioned by the following methods:
Knee Chest
This is an exercise which will help to reposition a retroverted uterus temporarily. This exercise will not be helpful if the changes have occurred after delivery as a result of pelvic infections, fibroid tumours or endometriosis.
Pessary
A pessary is a plastic or silicon device which is placed in the vagina in order to reposition the uterus temporarily. A pessary is used as a temporary solution only as prolonged use of the device may lead to vaginal infections.
Changes That May Happen to a Tilted Uterus After Pregnancy
The position of the uterus after delivery depends on various factors such as the weight gain, and the stretching of ligaments. The uterus may or may not settle in an upright position, but the good news is that the position is not going to affect future pregnancies in any way.
Is There Any Prevention?
There is no way to prevent retroverted uterus especially if the tilt is genetic and present by birth. However, since diseases and infections such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause tilted uterus, they should be treated at the earliest after discovery.
A retroflexed uterus during pregnancy does not pose a risk to the baby or to the pregnancy itself and in most cases; the uterus corrects itself as the pregnancy progresses. Hence, any surgery to correct the backward uterus in pregnancy may not be necessary.
Although the retroverted uterus does not impact pregnancy in most cases, it is important to be aware of the condition and consult your doctor about the possible complications it can lead to during pregnancy. A retroverted uterus can be corrected by means of surgery to provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with it. In cases where the tilted uterus is as a result of any infection or disease, it is important to get the infection treated at the earliest.
Also Read: Inversion of the Uterus - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Read more
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11 Proven Remedies to Lighten Dark Underarms and Go Sleeveless Worry-free
If you've been pushing your arms to your sides because of dark underarms, stop right now. Just say goodbye to deodorants, harsh chemicals and hair removal products as they make your armpits discoloured and unattractive. Adopt home remedies for dark underarms and there, flaunt your best sleeveless outfits with ease!
Are your dreams of playing beach volleyball in a sleeveless swimsuit still waiting to turn true? If you have been concerned about your darkened armpits, or are embarrassed to lift your hands in public, then these underarm whitening remedies will surely do the trick.
How to Get Rid of Dark Underarms- The Natural Way
Here are a few common kitchen ingredients that can work magic, and make those dark underarms bright and beautiful again!
1. Lemons
This natural cleanser removes pigmentation, dark spots and effects of tanning. So, why not use it as an armpit lightening agent? With antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties for extra points, the acidic nature of lemon exfoliates dead skin cells and lightens dark underarms to perfection. Rub a wedge of lime (smeared with honey or yoghurt for added effect) on the dark areas beneath your arms and wash off after ten minutes. Apply oodles of mild moisturiser to prevent drying of treated areas.
2. Cucumbers
The skin lightening traits of cucumber go a long way in the treatment for dark underarms. Add a few drops of lemon (for removing dead cells) and turmeric (for preventing discoloration) to freshly made cucumber juice, or let this cool veggie go solo. Alternatively, cut large rounds of cucumber and rub your underarms when watching TV, lounging or reading a book. This is a proven remedy for dark underarms; just give it a week or so to show results.
3. White Baking Soda
One of the proven home remedies for dark underarms includes white baking soda. Use a smooth paste of baking soda with water to unclog pores, remove dead cells and kill germs to keep you smelling fresh all through the day. Simply apply a small quantity of the paste, leave on for a few minutes, gently scrub, and wash off with cold water. Pat dry and use a moisturizing agent to keep your armpits softer and brighter than before.
4. Potatoes
If you are concerned about the side effects of using lemon (that’s acidic in nature), go for the much milder bleaching properties of a potato. This is an effective, natural underarm whitening agent. Use finely sliced potato roundels and rub your underarms for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off all residue with lukewarm water. You may grate a large sized potato, extract its juice, and apply the same for equally good results.
5. Saffron and Milk
Saffron shows you how to lighten dark underarms, albeit the expensive way. Mix a few strands of saffron with two tablespoons of milk and apply directly to your armpits. Best left overnight and washed off in the morning, this effective remedy promises to give you smooth, bright and silky underarms.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is our go-to multipurpose ingredient! Mix turmeric powder with honey and milk, and apply it to your underarms. Wash it off within an hour.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel will gently exfoliate, nourish, and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Massage the gel gently on your underarms.
8. Papaya
Cut a ripe papaya and rub it on your underarms directly. Papain, an enzyme present in papaya has skin lightening properties, so rub away!
9. Tomato
Tomato is known for its lightening and de-tanning properties. Rub a slice of raw tomato on your underarms and massage it into the skin. Wash it off after half an hour.
10. Coconut Oil
Another Indian (particularly, South Indian!) favourite, coconut oil contains Vitamin E that can help lighten the underarms. Massage the dark skin with the oil and wash off later.
11. Orange Peel
Grind dried orange peels into a fine powder and mix it with rose water and milk. Apply this paste on your underarms for some lightening action!
With the right solution for dark underarms in your bag, you can safely buy those alluring tank tops and sleeveless dresses that you have been denied of so long. Yes, your armpits need not be veiled anymore!
Read more
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Why Kids Lie And What To Do About It?
When you catch your kid lying for the first time, it is normal to feel betrayed and disappointed. While lying is considered as bad behaviour, it is a normal part of growing up in children. Moreover, white lies, which are said in order to be polite, can be an important social skill in kids.
However, if you find your child lying to you often, it is important that you do not feel frustrated. Instead, you can use positive reinforcement methods to encourage them to tell the truth.
Why do Kids Lie?
Kids aren’t born with a moral code that distinguishes between right and wrong. This is learned behaviour. Through interaction and examination of their environment, they gradually learn these codes of conduct. Since their cognition and understanding of the world is also in the process of development, they may lie for various reasons at different ages.
1. To Avoid Getting into Trouble
One of the most common reasons why kids lie is to avoid getting punished. If they understand that there are consequences for breaking a rule or not doing what they were supposed to, it is likely that they will lie instead to avoid being punished.
2. A Response to Peer Pressure
Children may also lie in order to feel like they fit in better with their friends. This is often done in order to impress friends.
3. To Get What they Want
If you tell them that they would be given something after completing a certain task, they may lie in order to get the reward. They may even lie to avoid doing the chore.
4. Too Many Restrictions
If there are a lot of restrictions imposed on the kids and they are asked to give details of everything that they do, they may feel trapped. Such kids are likely to lie to in order to have the independence of enjoying normal things.
5. To Avoid Hurting Other’s Feelings
Some kids gradually learn to say white lies in order to seem polite and not hurt others. Telling their aunt that they love the gift even if they aren’t very fond of it is one such white lie. Most kids learn this either after being told to do so or out of consideration for others feelings. This may lay the edifice of certain social skills in kids.
6. To Get Attention
Kids who tell tall tales may be trying to get their parents’ attention. Kids with a vivid imagination may also lie to make their stories more creative.
When does a Child start Lying?
Children may begin to lie as early as around 2 years old. Since their language skills are still developing and they aren’t able to recognize the difference between reality and fantasy, they may not understand moral importance of telling the truth. Although, lying may start very early in children, the reason for lying changes as their cognitive skills and understanding of the world develops.
Children under the age of three lie in order to avoid punishment or to avoid doing something that they don’t enjoy. If they are asked about a mistake, they may bend the truth or outright lie in order to avoid being reprimanded or punished. They may even be reacting to your tone when you ask them if they did something wrong. If you sound angry, it is likely that they will lie in order to avoid that anger. Punishing these toddlers for lying may have no effect as they are usually not able to wrap their heads around why they are being punished.
Between the ages of three to seven, kids are often unclear about the distinction between reality and fantasy. This is when you may notice them telling you about imaginary friends and getting creative with their lies. They may even insist that this fantasy world is real.
Kids between the age of eight to twelve understand what it means to lie. They may often test what they can and cannot get away with as they lie. This is when you can expect lies regarding homework or work that they do not want to do. At this age, lying tugs their conscience and they begin to feel guilty for having lied.
Once children enter their pre-teens and teens, they tend to lie for various reasons which may include not wanting to be reprimanded, peer pressure (desire to fit in), etc. At this age, they are completely aware of the repercussions of their lies and understand that they have a choice.
Helping your Child to Stop Lying
If you catch your child lying, it is important to react appropriately in order to not scare them further into lying. Here’s what to do if your child lies to you.
1. Stay Calm
If you react aggressively when you catch your children lying, it is likely that he will repeat it again in order to avoid your anger. Instead, talk to him in a calm and composed manner. This encourages him to avoid lying or come clean the next time.
2. Understand the Reason:
Find out why your child is lying. You can ask him directly once he’s admitted to lying. You may find out that there’s a reason behind his lies. He might’ve been scared of the repercussions. You can even initiate this by asking him if he was scared of telling the truth. If you find that your kid has bragged about things that he hasn’t done, he may be suffering from low self-esteem.
3. Explain that it is Wrong to Lie:
If your child broke something or made a mistake calmly tell him that mistakes are common and they happen. However, lying about it isn’t acceptable and that he needs to take responsibility for his mistakes. This will help them understand that the next time they wouldn’t need to lie to cover up a mistake.
4. Avoid Asking Questions that will lead to a Lie
Instead of asking your child if he’s done his homework, you can ask him when he plans on doing it. This will give him the chance to tell you his plan rather than cooking up a lie.
5. Appreciate Honesty
If your child comes clean about a lie, it is important that you appreciate him for it. If you react negatively even when he has opened up to you, there is a chance that he will not do it again to avoid your anger.
6. Avoid Punishment
Don’t punish your child if you find that he’s lied. This is especially true for younger kids as it may impact his emotional health. Instead, use positive reinforcement and praise him for accepting that he’s lied.
7. Limit your White Lies
Kids need good role models to look up to. They learn a lot of behaviours from their parents as you are a yardstick to how they perceive the world. Hence, it is important that you do not lie in front of your kids. This also means, not lying on the phone about where you are or other little lies that are considered acceptable to adults. Also, limit telling too many white lies. Although it is important for your child to learn them as he grows older, it can give him mixed signals about what kind of lie is acceptable. Rather than assuming that your child will find out eventually, try limiting your white lies until your child has a clear understanding of why these white lies are being told.
8. Bond with your Child
If your child has been lying to get your attention, make sure that you spend quality time with him. The first few years of development are crucial in helping set his moral compass right. It also tells him that you are available if he needs to speak to you about anything.
In kids, lying starts as something that is innocent; but if not checked at the right time, it can grow into something more serious that can affect them in the future. If you find that your child lies to you often, stage an intervention and talk to them calmly. Explain to them that lying is wrong and has its consequences. It is also important that you build a comfortable relationship with your kid which allows him to reach out to you without any fear. In case your child lies pathologically, seek professional help. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
6 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
6 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
58 mins ago
Q. In my growth scan doctor found that 2 round cord has been partly around baby necks. Is there any problem with this. will I get normal delivery?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
56 mins ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
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