Mustafa Lokhandwala

World Energy Conservation Day is celebrated on 14th December globally to highlight the importance of energy consumption and its use in our day-to-day life, its scarcity and its impact on sustainability of global eco systems. Celebrate this World Energy Conservation Day with your entire family, including your tiny tot. Here are ideas which you and your kids might enjoy: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Make an activity chart for kids on how to save electricity i.e by Turning off light , turn off TV , limited use of water and wastage.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Energy Bingo – perfect for kids between 4-8, the bingo game has a selection of images such as showerheads and appliances, of which kids can tick off if they’re not on.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Word Search – you can either create your own, or you can find word search in our App4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Encourage kids to draw and colour in pictures based on World Energy Conservation Day theme.5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plant a Tree Plant - Plant a tree or at least a flower plant with your child this Day and celebrate the day by taking a step towards saving our environment. Happy World Energy Conservation Day!

World Energy Conservation Day&nbsp;is celebrated on 14th December every year.

World Energy Conservation Day

Dr Ajab Primuswala

If your child is laughing without any specific reason or if (s)he is talking, crying or staying silent way too much without any understandable reason, this might indicate that your child is unable to understand what is going on in a particular situation. When children have insecurity of being judged as someone who cannot gauge what is going around in his/her space, they react in a way in which people around them are not able to catch the fact that the child is not understanding anything happening around him/her. From the child’s perspective, (s)he feels, "Come on! I don’t get it. Why do you want me to understand everything”. They choose not to be vocal about how they feel. So they keep reacting in odd ways. Sometimes children are scared and think "If I go say that I don’t understand this and ask again, my parents will get angry and scold me.” You need to analyse the scenarios in which your child laughs too much. Ask your this question - Is this situation particularly funny and laughable or is my child just acting odd because of (s)he lacks understanding of the situation? If you feel that your child lacks understanding, talk to them in private and ensure them that you are there to understand them and not mock them or be angry at them. Reassure them that if they don't feel right about anything, they can come to you and talk to you; there will be no judgements. If things are out of control and you cannot help manage your child's behaviour, you should consult a child psychologist who can help you solve this problem by taking steps in the right direction.

Pay attention to the situations in which your child laughs too much; this will help you to understand the problem better.

When a child laughs too much

Ravina Sewani

World Emoji Day is observed on 17th of July every year. Emojis have now long been used by people to describe their emotions on a digital platform. Take this day as an opportunity to help your child understand their emotions. Here are a few activities which you can do with your child on this day: <ul><li>Paper plates as Emojis: Paint the paper plates as different emojis - happy, sad, confused, thinking, crying, laughing, annoyed, etc. Stick a popsicle stick at the back of the plates. You can now ask your child to raise the emoji plate corresponding to the feeling you describe. This is how it should go:</li></ul>"When (name of your child) feels sad, what does (s)he look like?" To this, your child should raise the paper plate that is painted with a sad emoji. Replace "sad" with the emotions your child is familiar with, this will help your child better express themselves.<ul><li>Emoji Bookmarks: Take a rectangular piece of thick craft paper and draw and paint emojis on them. This can be used as a bookmark by your child or you can let your child gift this to someone close to them.</li><li>Emoji Hair clips: Get sponge craft material to make emoji shaped hair clips. Make them with your child. Your child will love to wear them all the time.</li><li>Emoji Coasters: You can get the coaster bases and paint them with your child in their favourite emojis. Let them use them for their daily cup of milk/tea/coffee.</li><li>Show your kids a poster with different emojis. Help them understand that all emotions are healthy, even the negative ones. Teach them that it is okay to feel several emotions at one time.</li><li>Take this day as an opportunity and tell them that even you feel emotional at times. Share your emotions with them. When they see you expressing, they will express themselves too.</li></ul>

World Emoji Day is observed on 17th of July every year.

World Emoji Day

United Nations (UN) recognises International Day of Families every year on 15th of May. It is also known as Global Family Day. UN considers family is the basic unit of society. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues related to the families and to increase knowledge about the social, economic and demographic processes that affect them. (Source - UN) Celebrate this International Day of Families with your entire family including your tiny tot(s). Here are a few family bonding activities which you and your kids might enjoy: Clean it out: Give the house-help some rest for a day so that they too can celebrate this day with their families. Take the household chores upon yourself and divide the work among the family members. Some can cook, some can do the gardening, some can do the laundry, some can clean the dishes, and some can mop the floor. There is nothing better than household chores that bonds the family together. This way your kids will learn to help you will learn cleanliness and hygiene. Drawing, Colouring, and Painting: Colours are always fun. Creative art like drawing and colouring works as a therapy for mental health, be it kids or adults. Choose a colouring or painting books for you and your child and start creating. You can also check out "What I like about your Picture" activity on our application. Musical chair: It is an age-old game but works wonders every time you play. What better day to play this group activity with your family! Put on some music and have fun. You can also have a fun freestyle dance at the end of this game. Board Games: Board games require patience and a lot of analysis. Take out that monopoly or ludo board and go on, play with it. Picnic time: You can organise a one-day picnic for your entire family. It can really be just at your nearest park. Nothing is as much fun as a picnic with the family. (This might not be a good option amidst the ongoing pandemic but if you have a backyard you can plan it there!) Movie Night: Frankly, who does not enjoy a fun movie night with lots of snacks and desserts?! “Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.”— Anthony Brandt Happy International Day of Families to you!

International Day of Families is celebrated on 15th of May every year.

International Day of Families

United Nations (UN) recognises International Day of Yoga every year on 21st of June. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the positive effects of yoga on body, mind, and soul. Take this day as an opportunity to develop the habit of yoga in your child. Here are a few simple yoga asanas kids can do:<ol><li>Tadasana or Mountain pose</li><li>Utkatasana or Chair pose</li><li>Balasana or Child pose</li><li>Anand Balasana or Happy Baby pose</li><li>Bhujangasana or Cobra pose</li></ol> You can also do pair yoga poses with your child:<ol><li>Partner Breathing exercise - carry out deep breathing exercise with your child. This will help you bond on a spiritual level.</li><li>Partner Tree pose - this is a normal tree pose but just with you and your child holding hands.</li><li>Baby Whale pose - this is a normal cobra pose but with your child on your back. You might want to try this only with very young kids.</li><li>Double Downward-facing Dog pose (Adho mukha svanasana) - this is the same old downward-facing dog pose where your child does this pose and you do the same pose over your child.</li><li>Double Easy pose - this is a normal easy pose with a twist. You need to first sit in this pose and then your child too sits in the sme pose but on your lap.</li></ol> You can also check out our individual articles in the application on different yoga poses with their benefits. Explore the yoga poses under "Exercise" category. Happy International Day of Yoga to you!

International Day of Yoga is celebrated on 21st of June every year.

International Day of Yoga

A few things said in haste messes up a child’s brain and have a huge impact psychologically like low self confidence, self doubt, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Throughout your parenting journey, make sure you are not saying things or acting out in a way which could damage your child(ren) mentally. Sometimes parents are not aware that their actions are affecting their child(ren) negatively and sometimes parents just overlook it and justify their bad behaviour as a result of their personal stress. Here are a few practices which you should absolutely avoid telling to your child(ren): Pick these up right now. I don’t want you leaving a mess like that again.Instead say: I don’t like this mess you are leaving. Can you please clean this up when you have time? You should know better.Instead say: It’s okay to not know some things. Here, I will help you out. You’re a bad kid.Instead say: Can you tell me why you behaved/acted in such a way? I feel it wasn’t right, is there anything you want to talk about? Or Else. Example: Eat dinner or else you won’t get your dessert.Instead say: How about you take a healthy dinner quickly so that we can all enjoy dessert together?&nbsp; Stop being shy.Instead say: You can come say hi to your aunt when you are ready. You should set a good example for your brother.Instead say: Your brother looks up to you; you're such a good role model. Wait until your father/mother gets home.Instead say: You're grounded because you said a bad word. I will never forgive you.Instead say: What you did was not acceptable but we can look past it and move on if you are thoughtful the next time. I'm ashamed of you.Instead say: Although I feel badly about what you did, I love you for who you are. Don't worry, everything will be OK.Instead say: Mom and Dad are always nearby and we're going to set up a plan in case of emergency. Here, I'll do it.Instead say: Let's do it together!" Don't cryInstead say: I know you're sad and it's okay to cry. It's okay to let out your emotions. Let me give you a hug. If you don't clean your room, you're going to be in big trouble.Instead say: When your room is clean, then you may go out to play. Family finances aren't your business.Instead say: Finances are how we make and manage money, and when you like, we will teach you what we know. I'm disappointed in you.Instead say: I'm surprised and was not expecting this to occur. Come here, NOW.Instead say: It's almost time to go. Do you want one minute or two? Because I said so.Instead say: Explaining why you feel a certain way about something. We can't afford that.Instead say: We're not going to buy that because we're saving our money for more important things. Don't talk to strangers.Instead say: What would you do if a man you don't know offers you candy and a ride home? OR If anyone makes you feel sad, scared, or confused, you need to tell me right away. You should listen to adults.Instead say: You need to listen to your parents. Don't be greedy!Instead say: Would you please be kind and share your toys with your friend? Who taught you this? (about a mischief)Instead say: Why did you do that? Look at this lovely girl.Instead say: I love you. You can do this too. I do everything for you.Instead say: We do things for you because we love you so please do [&nbsp;] for me. Do I have to tell you this 100 times?Instead say: I’ve told you this before, but could you please… That’s only for boys/girls.Instead: Say nothing at all. Try your best at raising gender neutral children. You live under my roof so you follow my rules.Instead say: You know the household rules. Please stick to them. That’s how I was raisedInstead say: I don’t think it’s a good idea to do [&nbsp;]. Even my parents used to tell me that [&nbsp;]. You’re just like your mother/father!Instead say: I’m not happy with [&nbsp;&nbsp;] because [&nbsp;&nbsp;]. I told you so.Instead say: I’m sorry to hear about [ ] ... let this be a lesson. It’s just a little white lie.Instead explain them that it’s okay to use white lies to be polite and not hurt someone’s feelings. Explain them the fine line between lies and little white lies. Man up. / Be a man.Never disregard your son's feelings. Don't teach them that to show emotions is weak. To show emotions is only human. Why can’t you be more like your sister?Instead say: I don't quite like this behaviour of yours. Do you think we can work on it? If you really loved me, you wouldn’t do (this/that).Don't teach them that love needs to be proven all the time. Love comes without ifs and buts. I wish you'd never been born. / I hate you.No matter how angry you are, this is the worst thing to say. You would be scarring your child. Why can't you do anything right?Instead say: What's the barrier? Is there anything I can help you with? I don't believe you.Instead say: This comes as a shock for me. But I am sure you can tell me the whole thing. There's nothing to be afraid of.Instead say: Everyone has their fair share of fears. We appreciate that you shared your feelings with us. We promise wee will work on this together. You're lazy/stupid/selfish.Never label your child. Never. Your friends don't do that.Comparison will never bring any positive change. Accept your child for who they are and appreciate them. You should have done better.Praise them for their achievement. Do not over expect. You don’t know what you’re talking about. / You’re too young to know what you want.Often times children know what they want or how they feel. Saying this will show your distrust in their feelings. You’ll never be able to do that.Instead encourage and push your child to do better, of course without any comparison. You’re so fat/skinny or You’re gonna get fat/skinny.Never attribute a child's identity with their looks. You make me so mad.Calm your anger down and then talk to your child(ren). Instead say: We will talk about this after a while when I am in the right state of my mind. Impact of such phrases on children:<ol><li>Antisocial behaviour</li><li>Poor resilience</li><li>Depression</li><li>Aggression</li><li>Lack of empathy</li><li>Difficulty in relationships</li><li>Self doubt</li><li>Lack of self confidence</li><li>Anxiety</li></ol>

A few things said in haste messes up a child’s brain and have a huge impact psychologically.

Things to never say to your child

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on 2 April every year, encouraging the Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome throughout the world. Find cool activities for your kids, family to observe the occasion and boost support for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Find a walk in your region and Organize a team with your family and friends to raise money for autism research and awareness programs.2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Guide and Teach your child, Especially Younger ones about the importance of Autism Disorder and showing empathy to all people.3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Puzzle pieces are the symbol of autism. Create painting the pieces in primary colours.&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You'll find several puzzle piece crafts for Autism Awareness on Pinterest, including wreaths, picture frames, garlands, and necklaces.5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By reading a story about Autism awareness, you can help them remember to be kind to everyone and lookout for people who are different. Help your child organize an anti-bullying campaign and Gather some friends. Create awareness in honour of Autism Month. World Autism Awareness Day ! Also Explore <a href="@@SURFACE@@_Autism health concern" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Autism health concern</a> in our Bee App.

World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on 02nd April every year.

World Autism Awareness Day

Children's day is celebrated on November 14 all over India as a tribute to India's First Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. He was lovingly called Chacha Nehru by kids across the country. He always believed the children should be given the utmost love and affection, as nurturing them and raising them in the right way would determine the future of Country.&nbsp;Based on children and their interests, you can plan this day to have a lot of fun with your children and make this day a memorable one for them.&nbsp;Below is the list of fun ways to celebrate on children's day.&nbsp;1. Treasure hunt activity - You can hide something exciting and ask children of your society to make two groups and find the treasure.2. Tongue Twisters - This one gets the maximum laughs for sure! You can explore tongue twisters in our application.3. Plan a Surprise Picnic - Children love to spend any particular day by going on a picnic. Pack some fun activities for your children so that they have the ultimate fun and enjoyment.4. Dress up in Children's Day Theme - Dress up like Pandit Nehru and spend time with children of your society or visit an orphanage to help children out there.5. Have a Movie Party - Call some of the friends of your children and plan out a kid's movie party and make some popcorn and enjoy the day with your children.6. Plant a Tree Plant - Plant a tree or at least a flower plant with your child this Children's Day and celebrate the day by taking a step towards saving our environment.7. Make a Cake Together - Let your child decide the flavour and involve her when making a cake. Invite her friends so that she has a full lot of fun together.&nbsp;With so many ideas, One thing that is most important here is that celebrating Children's Day means spending time and sharing love with children. Happy Children’s Day to you! Also Explore <a href="@@SURFACE@@_Tongue Twisters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tongue Twisters</a> , <a href="@@SURFACE@@_Special days" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Children's day stories</a> &amp; <a href="@@SURFACE@@_Songs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kids songs</a>

Children's Day is celebrated on 14th November every year.

Children’s Day

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.&nbsp; There are a lot of ways to encourage your child's creativity; this Aids Day. Find some fun activities to celebrate and create awareness with your tiny tots:1.&nbsp;This World AIDS Day, help raise awareness (and money) in your school or college to help fight HIV.2.&nbsp;Prepare Red Ribbon badge with your child and ask them to distribute them in friends, family and society for creating awareness.3.&nbsp;Create a large poster with a red ribbon to fill with friends signatures. You can do this in your house, in your local park, in your society.4.&nbsp;Organize a short story film on youtube based on Awareness on AIDS with your children. World AIDS Day!

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