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Excessive Blinking of Eyes in Children
It is difficult for parents with little medical knowledge to identify health issues their child may be facing. While the symptoms of fever and cough are easily noticeable, the same cannot be said for excessive blinking.
What Is Excessive Eye Blinking?
Blinking is how our eyes protect themselves from the strain. A child blinks 3 - 17 times per minute on an average. Anything beyond this is considered excessive blinking and could be a sign of discomfort or an eye problem. Excessive blinking can be due to a range of reasons – anything from a facial tic to extreme dryness in the eyes.
Causes of Excessive Eye Blinking
Your child may be blinking excessively due to:
Tics
Facial tics can cause excessive blinking. Tics are muscle spasms that affect the muscles in and around the eyes. Short-tempered children are prone to facial tics. If this is the case, talk to a child psychologist about your child's behaviour.
Near-Sightedness
A common reason for excessive blinking is near-sightedness. Visit an eye specialist and get your child’s eye checked.
Allergy
If your child is blinking too much, has watery eyes or excessive discharge around the eyes, it could be an allergy.
Dryness
When your child suffers from extremely dry eyes, she may develop excessive blinking and burning/itchy eyes. Make sure your child doesn’t rub her eyes if this is the case. Doctors usually prescribe teardrops or hydrating eye drops to help ease the irritation.
Strain
Eye strain can cause excessive blinking. Reading in low light, too much time spent looking at a screen and lack of sleep can cause strain.
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychological condition that affects many children but often goes undiagnosed. This psychological condition can also cause excessive blinking or facial tics.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a bacterial infection in the eyelids. It is one of the causes of excessive blinking in children.
Diagnosis of Excessive Eye Blinking
Most conditions that lead to excessive blinking can be diagnosed through a routine physical examination. If the reason is an imbalance of power, your child may need glasses. In case it’s a psychological issue, your child may need to visit a therapist for regular sessions.
Treatment for Excessive Eye Blinking
There are a number of ways to treat excessive blinking eyes in children. Based on the diagnosis, the different treatment options include:
Hydrating and anti-inflammatory eye drops
Glasses
Psychological therapy
Antihistamines
For more treatment plans and information, contact an ophthalmologist.
How To Prevent Your Kid From Excessive Blinking
Here are some tips you should consider:
Protect Her Eyes
Using protective eyewear will guard your child's eyes against dust, sunlight and other irritants.
Prevent Dry Eyes
Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent dryness in the eyes by stimulating the tear glands and reducing inflammation.
Manage Stress
Help your child manage academic stress with activities like meditation, relaxation techniques and yoga.
Adopt a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle
Make your child eat nutritious food, and drink plenty of water. This will help to maintain her eye health.
Keep Her Eyes Clean
Tell your child to wash her eyes frequently with clean water, especially when she has come from outside.
Pay Attention to the Lighting
Ensure your child always reads, watches TV or works on a computer in a well-lighted room.
Let Her Get Adequate Rest
Ensure your child sleeps for 8-10 hours a day.
Monitor Her Screen Time
Monitor the time your child spends watching TV or your mobile.
Allow Her to Play
Make sure she gets some exercise.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Excessive blinking in children is not fatal. If you spot these signs, take your child to a doctor immediately:
Your child rubs her eyes frequently.
She struggles to open her eyes after waking up in the morning.
She squints her eyes to read something within arm’s length.
Her eyes are often red.
Your child blinks more than 17 times per minute.
Your child loses her temper frequently.
She tends to panic and can’t sit still if everything in the room isn't organised.
Children should undergo an eye exam every 3-4 months. If your child wears glasses, visit your eye specialist and get a new pair every 3 months.
Don't panic if you notice excessive blinking in your child. Whether it's mild or severe, follow your paediatrician’s instructions and monitor your child closely for changes. You should neither self-medicate nor attempt to diagnose her by yourself. Don't miss the doctor’s appointments and follow their instructions to the T.
Also Read: Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Babies & Kids Read more
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Consuming Apricots During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and nutrition go hand in hand, and a mommy-to-be needs to monitor the food she consumes during pregnancy. What to eat and what not to eat may become a battle for you during pregnancy. Diet during pregnancy should be rich in vital nutrients such as iron, folic acid, protein, calcium, and iodine, and apricot is a fruit that is power-packed with these nutrients. Do you have apprehensions about adding this wonder fruit in your pregnancy diet? We shall discuss in detail about how to effectively add apricots in your pregnancy diet and get maximum benefits from them.
What Are Apricots?
Apricot is a fruit that belongs to the category of drupe fruits (which can be eaten raw as well as in dried form). This fruit is a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin A, C, and E, and eating apricots during pregnancy is good for you and your baby.
Are Apricots Safe for Pregnant Women?
Yes, it is completely safe to eat apricots during pregnancy. Apricot belongs to the Rosaceae family (cherries, peaches, plums, almond, etc. also belong to this family), and this fruit could be added to your pregnancy diet for its immense health benefits. You can safely consume 1 to 2 kernels in a day. However, it is imperative to wash the fruit thoroughly (if eating in raw form), to get rid of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Health Benefits of Having Apricots During Pregnancy
There are many health benefits of consuming apricots during pregnancy; some of which are as follows:
1. Helps With Constipation
Apricots are a rich source of fibre and thus eating them during pregnancy can help overcome constipation. They also help in improving digestion during pregnancy.
2. Helps in Treating Anaemia
Apricots are rich in iron and copper. These nutrients are very effective in increasing haemoglobin and thus help in preventing/treating anaemia during pregnancy.
3. Helps Maintain Eye Health
Apricots are a good source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is beneficial in improving eye health. Eating apricots during pregnancy takes care of your eye health.
4. Helps in Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
Apricots are effective in keeping blood sugar levels under check. By controlling the blood glucose levels, you are less likely to suffer from gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
5. Good for Your Baby
Consuming apricots during pregnancy is also good for your baby. The presence of folic acid in apricots helps in the prevention of congenital disabilities such as spina bifida in newborn babies. Apricots are loaded with essential nutrients which are beneficial for foetal growth and development.
6. Good for Your Skin
Apricots can do wonders for your skin. Adding apricots to your pregnancy diet will be good for your skin and make your skin glow.
7. Helps in Lactation
Apricots are not only useful during pregnancy but are also effective in improving milk production post-pregnancy, in lactating mothers.
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots also have immense health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming apricots during pregnancy:
Dried apricots have high potassium content that can be effective in treating swelling experienced during pregnancy.
Dried apricots are a good source of natural sugar, glucose, and fructose. Consuming dried apricots helps in preventing pregnancy craving for sweets.
Dried apricots can be consumed during pregnancy to take care of your digestion issues.
Dried apricots are rich in calcium. Consuming them during pregnancy helps in foetal bone development.
Dried apricots are effective in dealing with heartburns experienced during pregnancy.
Risks and Side-Effects of Consuming Apricots While Pregnant
Taking a balanced diet is essential during pregnancy. It is crucial to consume everything in moderation. The same rule applies for apricots also. Though apricots have many health benefits for a pregnant woman and her baby, there are also risks or side effects that may arise after consuming apricots:
Consuming unripe apricots may cause discomfort and gastric problems in a pregnant woman.
Apricots may cause allergic reactions. Apricots contain sulphur dioxide, which may cause a reaction in women who are allergic to sulphites. Women who have sulphur sensitivity should be careful while eating apricots.
The tip of the apricot fruit contains amygdalin, a chemical which may upset your system. It is recommended to consume apricot after removing its tip to get the maximum benefits out of the fruit.
How to Eat Apricots During Pregnancy
While apricots can be eaten as fresh or dried fruit, there are many ways you can include this delicious fruit in your diet. If you are a fan of smoothies, soak some apricots and figs and blend them with milk and ice cubes to make a healthy smoothie―it will keep the hunger away. You can also add sliced apricots to breakfast bowls like porridge, oats, or cereal to start your day with a nutritious meal. Don’t forget to wash and de-seed the fruit before adding it to your food.
Points to Remember
It is good to eat apricot as a dry fruit during pregnancy; however, it is important to remember the following points before adding it to your pregnancy diet:
It is recommended that you eat apricot along with your breakfast, or as a mid-morning or evening snack to get the best benefit.
It is best to eat apricot in its dried form or ripened form. Unripe apricots can cause severe discomfort and gastric problems during pregnancy.
It is recommended that you eat apricots in moderation (2-3pcs/day) as over consumption may prove to be harmful during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor before adding apricots to your diet, to know if you are sulphur allergic.
Apricots have many health benefits, and it is safe to eat this fruit during your pregnancy. However, one must exercise caution and not go overboard in consuming apricots during pregnancy. If you experience uneasiness or other symptoms after consuming apricots, it is suggested that you seek medical help. You are recommended to get in touch with your doctor or dietician before you add or remove any food from your pregnancy diet.
Also Read: Eating Cashew Nuts during Pregnancy Read more
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The Ultimate Clothing Checklist for Your Newborn
You did it, Mommy! You fought hard and brave, and your little one is finally here! You’re about to embark on a very special journey, filled with a lot of special moments that you’ll only get to live once! We’re sure you are going to be clicking a lot of picture in the process, so – don’t you want your precious angel to be absolutely ready at all times? We are talking about your baby’s wardrobe!
Clothing Essentials for Your Newborn
There are lots of things you’re going to have to buy, now that your baby is here. Appropriate baby gear, feeding supplies, hygiene products, toys, clothes, all make up the newborn shopping checklist. This article will take care of one of your baby’s most basic need – clothes.
Here are the clothing items you will need for your baby’s first year:
1. Onesies & Rompers
Onesies and rompers are the first things that you should buy for your newborn. They keep your baby covered head to toe, wrap her up safely, and protect the delicate skin all over her body from most external factors that can harm her – dust, heat, cold, rain, etc. What’s more, they are the easiest thing to put on and take-off and pose no choking hazard.
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2. Sets & Suits
One of the biggest delights of dressing a baby is how everything can be colour-coordinated, or as we like to say, “matching-matching”! So make sure you pick up cute sets and suits for your baby.
Look for colour or pattern coordinated tops and bottoms for your baby boy. For baby girls, you can look for matching pyjamas to team up with her frocks!
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3. Tops & T-shirts
While buying these, consider the different weather conditions your baby is going to be exposed to. Accordingly, look for sleeveless, half-sleeved, as well as full-sleeved t-shirts and tops.
Look for some that are winter-friendly and made of warm materials, and some that are summer-friendly.
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4. Pyjamas & Leggings
Pyjamas and leggings are the most versatile item of clothing, and you definitely need at least a couple of pairs of these in your baby’s wardrobe. They can go under skirts and frocks for girls, they can double-up as sleepwear, and they are comfortable in all kinds of weather!
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5. Skirts & Jeans
Jeans are no longer only a boy-item – it is a piece of clothing that has rendered itself to the unisex section! So feel free to pick up jeans for your baby – irrespective of whether it is a boy or a girl!
As for your precious baby girl, won’t a skirt look cute on her cute little booty? You can either look for a set that comes with a matching t-shirt or top, or you can mix and match with any of the t-shirts and tops you’ve already picked for her.
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6. Nightwear
While picking nightwear for your baby, make sure you pick the perfect size to avoid a suffocation and/or choking hazard. The pyjama set should be neither too tight nor too lose and should make the baby feel warm enough to ensure long and undisturbed sleep.
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7. Woollens - Sweaters, Sweatshirts & Jackets
Come winter, you’re going to need a whole set of clothes to keep your baby warm! Even if it isn’t winter, nights can get cold enough for you to consider putting a sweater on your baby. So make sure you buy warms sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets.
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8. Inner Wear
Innerwear includes vests, petticoats, and undies. You might wonder if a newborn needs undies. However, any paediatrician will tell you to give your baby some diaper-free time, as a precaution against rashes. At such times, it would be best to put on a light cotton panty. Panties also come in handy while trying to potty train your baby. As for vests and petticoats, using one for your baby make it easier to layer up or layer down as per the weather.
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9. Caps & Gloves
Caps are required in every weather: to keep the sun away in summer, the rain away in monsoon, and the cold away in winters. As for gloves, they have multiple uses – from preventing your baby from accidentally scratching herself, to preventing thumb-sucking, to keeping her hands warm in winter.
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10. Socks
It is not advisable to put shoes on without socks, and so make sure you buy socks for your baby. Sometimes, it might be a good idea to use socks indoors too, especially when it gets cold.
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11. Party-Wear
Why should your little one miss out on the fun? Buy a couple of fancy outfits for your baby for any family function or party that is coming up in the near future. However, it is advisable to shop for the occasion, instead of for the wardrobe – if you don't see any function coming up in the near future, why buy an outfit your baby will very quickly outgrow?
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12. Footwear
No outfit is complete without proper footwear! Make sure you look for the correct size that neither crams your baby’s tiny toes nor slips easily off her feet!
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Some General Tips for Buying Clothes for Newborns
Shopping for clothes for babies is trickier than that for adults. There are a number of things you need to watch out for. Keep the following tips handy:
No labels: not only are labels irritating, but they can also rub against and harm your baby’s soft and delicate skin! Look for clothes that have no labels, or make sure you rip the label off using a ripper once you buy the clothes.
Skin-friendly fabrics: It is best to pick clothes made of natural fibres (cotton, silk, etc.) instead of going for synthetic and coarse fibres that may harm your baby’s skin.
Irritation-free hemlines: Sometimes it is not the fabric, but the stitching and/or hemlines that can irritate the skin, especially near your baby’s private parts and under the arms. Check the clothes for soft hemlines.
Low maintenance clothes: You are going to be busy doing a thousand and one things for the baby, and the last thing you want is clothes that are high-maintenance. Look for clothes that can be washed easily and require minimum after-care (in terms of ironing, dry-cleaning, etc.).
Watch-out for elastic: Buying clothes with elastics (any kind of bottoms, panties, etc.) can be tricky too. So, make sure you check the strength of the elastic – it should sit lightly on your baby’s body, and not dig into her skin or pinch it in any way. Also look for broader elastics as against narrow elastic – narrow ones dig in deeper into the skin.
Button-down versus close-necked: Even after your baby is born, her skull is still quite soft. Any kind of excessive pressure can actually mould her head! So opt for button-down tops instead of close-necked ones, at least for the first few months.
Easy on the pocket: Yes, that frock would make your angel look like she descended straight from the heavens into your lap, but if it is going to burn a hole in your pocket, skip it! Remember that your baby is going to keep growing out of things – sometimes, faster than you’re prepared to cope with! – and it makes no sense to invest a fortune in just her clothes!
So there you are! Buying those miniature versions of clothes that you are mostly used to seeing in adult-size is a delightful experience that is bound to take the stress and tension away! So go ahead – loosen up those purse-strings, and get ready to dress your baby! Read more
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Daily Routine for Kids - Importance, Chart and Tips
A big challenge that parents today face is the lack of routine in the life of their kids. Be it school days or holidays, kids don’t seem to do anything on time as they have too many distractions with technology seeping into every part of their lives. It is very important to cultivate a habit of following a routine to help kids cope with changes in their lives. A routine sinks in a basic level of discipline in their lives and keeps them both mentally and physically engaged. It also challenges them to complete tasks within a stipulated time frame, so they know the importance of time management.
Children who have followed a predictable routine are well equipped to deal with the changes and rise up to the occasion as the edifice to their existence is well-structured. It is, however, important to balance strictness and rigidity in following a routine. It could kill their sense of joy and freedom and destroy their childhood. Parents who incorporate too much routine and structure in the lives of their children eventually destroy the native creativity and spontaneity of the child.
Importance of Establishing Daily Routine for Children
A child’s brain needs constant engagement, stimulation and challenge to be groomed into a well-rounded personality. Establishing a routine should be restricted to performing the daily chores of one’s life and leave some time of the day as unstructured to help kids gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Structure and routine should be enforced to help kids take control of themselves, adopt constructive habits to be able to adapt to different situations in life. Here are other benefits of a daily routine.
1. Eliminates Power Struggles at Home
Routine works well in eliminating power issues at home as you don’t need to constantly monitor your child’s activities. (brushing, napping, turning off the TV, meal times). You can avoid constant nagging which helps to not portray you as the bad one.
2. Increases Cooperation from Kids
A routine encourages kids to cooperate and reduces stress and anxiety in the house. Everyone is aware of the flow with each activity completed without any chaos
3. Helps Kids Become Responsible
When kids learn to brush their teeth, pack their bags, do their homework and eat their meals without constant reminders, it inculcates a sense of responsibility in them. They eventually like the fact that they are in charge of themselves. They become competent and don’t rebel.
4. The Concept of “Looking Forward” to Exciting Activities
Kids learn that they will get to enjoy certain activities like going to the park or for a playdate only if they finish their routine chores on time. They manage their time to win some extra time for fun activities.
5. Establishing a Schedule
A regular routine establishes a schedule which works in clockwise precision and helps children fall asleep sooner.
6. Increases Bonding
Incorporating some moments of love and affection with your child will motivate them to do complete their tasks. Snuggle up to them before going to bed or even a tight good morning hug helps you connect at an intuitive level building security and cooperation in your relationship.
7. Helps Parents Find Consistency in Daily Life
Parents who skip routines or trade it off for settling a dispute often find themselves burdened. But when everything is fixed, healthy expectations are floated around and eventually the household runs smoothly.
8. Manage Discipline Issues, Stress and Anxiety
Working parents are often faced with stressful situations with their kids displaying lack of discipline and disregard for rules. But with a routine established, things could work predictably adding a bit of calm to the stressful times.
9. Kids Know What a Day Looks Like
A fixed routine helps kids to know what a typical weekday or weekend would look like. So they are not thrown off guard which induces a sense of security and reduces stress.
10. Reduces Arguments and Discussions
A routine saves you from having length arguments, discussion and justifications for completion of tasks. Your kids will focus 100% on brushing their teeth before breakfast as that is what is expected.
Things to Keep in Mind While Setting Daily Routine for Kids
A structured family life is definitely very re-assuring and research has proved that a scheduled lifestyle leads to a healthy life. But there are certain things that we need to keep in mind while setting a routine for kids. We need to work around the following:
1. Build a Routine that Suits Your Child
A routine should be built around times kids wake up, eat and sleep, so that it comes naturally to them to follow it.
2. Keep Your Expectations Real
Realistic timelines should be set with enough “waste time” for children to adapt to the pattern.
3. Incorporate Everything
Don’t forget to add extras to the routine that your family has, like chore time, personal conversations with each child in case of more than one kid, school clubs and classes.
4. Night-time Routine Should Help Prepare for the Next Day
Ensure night time routine includes preparation for the next day- packing bags, sorting out sports equipment, arranging school clothes to save time in the morning. Get your child to help you with these things as per their age.
5. Get Your Family’s Opinion About the Routine
Get input from all your family members and care givers to sort the routine out. It will help if you take your child’s suggestions into consideration as they may involve themselves in following the routine too.
6. Outline the Objectives of the Routine to Your Family
When you start with the routine, make sure you talk your entire family through it step by step. This reinforces the information and automatically triggers the action within a few days.
7. It is a Team Effort and Includes Your Spouse Too
Remember to have a rota for sharing duties with your partner so that kids know that both parents are equally involved and enthusiastic about sticking to the routine and appreciate the benefits.
8. Offer Rewards as an Incentives to a Tough Task
If you find any hurdles in a particular activity, try to tackle it with reward and appreciation. Night time routines are generally tough as kids are fatigued and a little irritable. Add a reward box to the existing chore in the chart to act as an incentive.
9. Ensure it’s Seen
Most important stick up a chart where it will be visible and they can refer to it.
Sample Daily Routine Chart for Children
It is extremely difficult to juggle several things as a parent and one could do with a head start on how to implement a daily routine for children. The chart below gives you a template to record the routine activities that your children need to do in clockwise precision and settle into a routine. The chart includes basic activities that are a part of a child’s life and you can add your bits as appropriate. Post this daily routine schedule for kids on the refrigerator or an accessible place for them to work through.
TASK
TIME
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Waking Up
Brushing
Exercise
Bath
Dressed to school
Play time after school
Homework time
Help with household chores
Dinner time
Put toys away
Night time brushing
Prayers and Good Night greetings
This chart is not the perfect one and is just an indicator of how you could draft yours around your lifestyle.
How to Encourage Your Kids to Follow Daily Routine?
It is daunting to get into the flow of daily routine activities for kids both for you and them. It is very important to drive home the importance of following the rules and work diligently. It is easy for your child to lose motivation and focus in a day and it is not their fault. A few tips to keep their momentum.
Ensure to Set it Up Properly
Encourage your kids to be involved in setting the routine by asking them to stick the chart and read out the contents.
Use a Friendly Demeanour
Infuse enthusiasm by reminding them every morning in a cheerful disposition. Lecturing will certainly not help.
Set the Momentum
Set the pace by staying with them during the tasks at the beginning for a couple of days.
Review
Make sure to review the checklist every night before you go to bed to create a sense of accomplishment.
Appreciation
Don’t forget to praise them for their effort and achievement as they tick off a task.
No amount of emphasis on the importance of routine will suffice to highlight the benefits. But it is certain that once kids are used to one they will instinctively follow it all the way through to emerge successful in future.
Also Read:
Stages of Child Development
List of Good Habits to Teach Kids Read more
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Why I Hate Cinderella
And why should children be kept away from such fairy tales
When I was a kid, I had to participate in a fancy dress competition. Like my other girlfriends, I, too wanted a fairy tale princess attire for myself. But as luck would have it, by the time we reached the shop, all the costumes were sold out. The shop-owner held a mucky wig in his hand, saying that is what is left. And my father, who is never to call it quits, took it and I participated in the event as a sweeper!I hated all the princesses from that day on.And all the protagonists of the many fairy tales that I have read in my childhood.One thing which strikingly is common and comes right at your face when you read them is the beauty. All these ladies are beautiful to their bones. The story keeps accentuating the fact around every corner. Not a speck of ugliness has ever touched them. And there it is — the first seed of inferiority is sown.Looks.Somewhere, the small brain of a child, who reads the story, interprets that external beauty is immensely important. If I am not beautiful, I am not good enough. I am something less.This beauty does not stop at the epidermal level. No way, Sir. It goes much deeper. The lady also has a very kind soul; so kind and pure, even the birds and animals around can sense that and help herein her chores! Not an iota of anything bad has brushed past her. Not the slightest shade of grey.That is what it is meant to convey—the picture of a perfect lady. Love and kindness, almost dripping out of her.Cinderella could never have even dreamt of disobeying her stepmother. A naughty blotch of stain on her mother’s dress or a deliberate speck of leftover on the dishes. An innocent cut in the sisters’ dress while sewing nor a simple feigning of sickness.Something. Anything.Never, not once, is there a citation of her saying NO. That I will not.Message- never stand up for yourself.She had to be so perfect, so obliging and so dutiful.And there lies the ulterior motive. Raise ‘good’ girls.Why were these stories told?When a little girl hears this story, she relates to Cinderella. And hates the stepmother and stepsister. Mentally she has made a table of Dos and Donts. The actions of Cinderella check in to the Dos side and the cruel actions are featured on the other.Next time she does something, she relates to whether it is like Cinderella or like the sisters and she has a moral compass ready with her guiding her to make the ‘right’ decisions. Leaving her without any inkling of grey areas.Mission accomplished.Moving ahead in the story, there is always a stepmother/stepsister/witch ( again a feminine character!) so cruel to our Lady, that it brings you to the brink of killing her yourself.And since we are on the topic, just posing a passing thought. Why is the bridge always falling, kids tumbling down the hills & breaking their heads, and eggs falling from walls in our rhymes? But, will bottle this for some other day.Coming back to our lady. She always needs some rescuing from that evilness and is always so helpless, in need of support. Typical damsel in distress.And rubbing salt to the injury, cometh the charming Prince.It was never a woodcutter, or a farmer, or even a rich boy. Always had to be a Prince.Cinderella possibly couldn’t just dance her heart’s fill that night and let the prince see her in her real form. Maybe the prince still would have married her.Rapunzel never tried once to get out herself. Chopped off her hair and used it as a rope and escape.No, not happening. It has to be the Prince.What about teaching our children to try themselves?And all the stories end in marriage. Happily ever after. Leaves you with the impression that marrying is the ultimate aim. And marrying a prince — my my, nothing like it. No one wants to know the other side of the story.Stories are a wonderful medium to teach our children the things we want them to think about and eventually practice. The onus of teaching them to tell good from bad lies on us. Keeping this in mind, we have to choose our stories with care.Children need to learn that there will be bad days and the best person to rely on is yourself.Yes, you can take help. The help can be a girl or a boy (or an animal)and, most importantly, you don’t necessarily need to marry the help!!I am grateful for newer versions of stories like Merida, Maleficient, Moana, and Frozen. Girls have better role models to look up to. Characters who are not picture-perfect beautiful, have freckles and untameable hair, and yet are beautiful in their own way. When thrown a challenge, they don’t wait for a charming Prince, they pick up their skirts and fight. They fall and scrape their knees but they keep fighting.That is what I want my daughter to read and learn.So, I never told her those fairy tale stories and was happy when later one day she came up to me and asked- “Mama, why did Cinderella not say anything to her stepmother?”I knew I had chosen the right stories for her.FYI- I won the fancy dress competition that day. Read more
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Breastfeeding - The Best Feeling of Motherhood
“A child gives birth to a mother,” the famous saying by Dr. Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, is true in every possible way. It is with the child that a mother is born; the baby teaches the mother to be caring and strong. In my case, my child taught me patience, perseverance, and breastfeeding.
Though breastfeeding is a natural process for all mammals, it is an acquired skill with time, patience, and coordination. For me, breastfeeding initiation was a long journey I had paid the least attention to during pregnancy. I believed that it was a talent that would naturally come to me as it happens with the rest of the mothers.
Post-delivery, an issue of flat nipples surfaced while we were in the hospital. The nurses told me to pull nipples with a reverse syringe - the process hurt me bad. Moreover, my baby could not latch, which again brought the shape to flat. However, I was hopeful that the problem would solve once I reached back home.
At home, the latch issue persisted; however, I was determined to breastfeed my baby, so I ordered a manual pump as the breasts got painful. The secretion of breastmilk took me a whole lot of time and effort. Then, though heavy on the budget, I ordered an electric pump that saved my efforts. However, I was still missing quality time with my baby while breastfeeding.
As the days passed, feeding the baby with a bowl and a spoon became difficult, so I had to start with bottle feeding. Then, I came across a breast-shaped bottle with a slow flow. This made it a little easier to transition to nipple shield with the help of a lactation expert.
After a few days, suddenly, there was a miracle! The nipple shield of the bottle was still to be cleaned and to calm my crying baby, I held him close to my breast. After around 2 months since my baby was born, that was the first time my baby was breastfeeding directly. That very moment I realized breastfeeding is the best feeling, and all my efforts were worth it.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
17 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
10 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
10 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. 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
9 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
9 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
8 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. 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
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