<ul><li>Make sure to get your child fully checked before the winter starts.</li><li>Make sure that all heating appliances like geysers &amp; heaters are in working condition.</li><li>Adequate warm clothing is essential but makes sure to NOT over-dress your baby as it can be extremely uncomfortable for him/her. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Always remember to make them warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.</li><li>Give warm water baths to your child. Make sure that there is a balance between the bathroom and the bedroom temperature so that your child does not get uncomfortable after the bath.</li><li>There should be no gusts of cold winds when you are bathing your baby.</li><li>Give adequate necessary vitamins and nutrients essential for proper growth to your child.</li><li>When riding/travelling in a car, make them wear thin, snug layers rather than thick, bulky coats or snowsuits.</li><li>Use sleep clothing for babies like warm one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets instead of loose bedding like blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, and sheepskins as they are a cause of suffocating deaths.</li><li>If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be thin and tucked under the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby's chest.</li><li>Prevent cold and flu by getting kids to:</li></ul>-Use soap and water: Washing their hands frequently will reduce the spread of germs.-Cover their mouth: Sneezing or coughing into the bend of their elbows also helps prevent the spreading of germs.-Get immunised: Keep vaccinations current, including the flu shot.<ul><li>Include soup in your baby’s diet. A healthy soup in cold weather will keep your baby warm.</li><li>Maintain your own hygiene: Make sure to wash and sanitise your hands before you attend to your baby every time. You need to stay healthy so that your child does not catch any infections because of you.</li><li>Use a Humidifier: When using a heating apparatus during winters it could rob the room of water vapour, making the air dry as well as your child’s skin. Hence, install a humidifier in the room so that the moisture levels are maintained.</li><li>Make use of a moisturiser for your baby as your little one's skin will be extremely sensitive and the harsh atmosphere of the winter can make it dry. Opt for skin creams or moisturisers that are made for the baby’s skin.</li><li>Protect your child from hypothermia. Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy.&nbsp;Speech may become slurred.</li><li>If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call for an emergency at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him/her in blankets or warm clothes.</li><li>Another thing to keep your baby safe from is frostbite. Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen.&nbsp;This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose.&nbsp;They may become pale, grey and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that his/her skin burns or has become numb.</li><li>If you suspect frostbite, bring the child indoors and place the frostbite parts of his/her body in warm (not hot) water. Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten noses, ears and lips. Do not rub the frozen areas. After a few minutes, dry and cover the child with clothing or blankets. Give him/her something warm to drink. If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.</li></ul>

Taking the right precautionary steps before the arrival of any season will keep your baby safe and healthy.

Winter Precautions for Babies

Taking the right precautionary steps before the arrival of any season will keep your baby safe and healthy.

Precautions for Babies During the Winter Season

It's trickier to keep babies safe in monsoons, but taking care of a few important things can make it alright: <ul><li>Make sure that your baby’s clothes are dry and warm. Clothes often remain cold and damp after a wash in the monsoon. Clothes that remain damp can result in your baby catching a fever or cold. It is also best to opt for breathable cotton fabrics and avoid synthetics that may cause rashes.</li><li>Monsoons are always accompanied by several insects and germs like flies, fungus mosquitoes, etc. Hence the chances of babies falling ill also increase during monsoons. To keep your baby free of these, ensure that you and everyone else handling your baby should stay clean. Keep an eye out for nappy rash - change diapers regularly and apply a good diaper rash cream.</li><li>Disinfect your home and surroundings too regularly to keep germs away. Unclean surroundings can harbour many disease-causing insects and pests, as well as bacteria.</li><li>Monsoon brings with it malaria and dengue causing mosquitoes. To prevent your baby from catching these diseases, it is best to use bed nets or mesh windows. You can also use mosquito repellent creams for your baby after consulting with a doctor. There are also liquid, card and coil repellents available that are safe and effective against mosquitoes.</li><li>It is best not to take your baby out during monsoons, especially when it is raining. The humidity and the change in temperatures might lead to your baby catching the flu. If you have to take your baby out, make sure that your baby is covered correctly and completely dry throughout your outing. If you go out, avoid dirty areas with puddles and mud. Ensure that you are not taking your baby to crowded places as it’s easier to get infected with people around. When you take your child outdoors, keep wet wipes handy to ensure your baby stays clean all the time.</li><li>Some infants are allergic to specific pollen and allergens. Make sure your baby is kept away from these during the rains. If you notice any rash, redness or other symptoms, consult your doctor immediately and get it checked.</li><li>Check your house for dampness, leakage before the monsoon arrives. Get them fixed if there is a problem. Check for fungus or moulds around the house. Secure the loose electric wiring, if any. Clean the drains and keep bathrooms hygienic</li><li>Always feed freshly prepared food to your baby in monsoon as food tends to spoil quickly in monsoon.</li><li>Since you can’t always find clean water when you’re outside, make sure you carry a small bottle of sanitiser and use it to clean your hands whenever handling the baby.</li><li>Many doctors recommend getting a flu booster shot when the monsoons are around. Make sure your baby gets all his/her shots before the monsoon.</li><li>Since a baby is primary indoors in monsoon (s), he doesn’t need a daily bath. Two to three times a week, and especially around humid times, can give your baby relief from the heat as well. If your child has been outside, definitely give him a nice warm water bath.</li></ul>

Monsoon Precautions for Babies | Tips & Precautions

Monsoon Tips and Precautions for Babies

Children should be trained for swimming after the age of 4 years because that is when they are developmentally ready. Swimming Essentials to be kept handy while going swimming with your child:<ul><li>Swimming costume</li><li>Towel</li><li>Shampoo and Shower gel</li><li>Hair clips and bands</li><li>Swimming Cap</li><li>Goggles (Swimming Glasses)</li><li>Armbands</li><li>Swim nappies (if required)</li><li>Tan lotion</li></ul> Children are often quite excited about water, but do consider these water safety basics when you are in a pool with your child:<ul><li>Keep a continuous watch on kids; this is mandatory everywhere - in a bathtub or in a swimming pool.</li><li>Check the quality and strength of the tubes that your child is using.</li><li>Don’t be pushy. If the child is too scared, take them out of the water and try again later.</li><li>If the child is learning to swim, an adult should swim at arm’s length (close to the child).</li><li>Children should be away from the pool when adults are not around, never leave the child unsupervised.</li></ul>

Swimming pools can pose some danger so it's better to take precautions. Children should be trained for swimming and taken care of while about basic water safety rules.

Swimming Pool essentials for kids to make their pool time safe

Swimming pools can pose some danger so it's better to take proper precautions.

Safe Swimming Pool Essentials and Considerations for Children

A few things said in haste messes up a child's brain and have a considerable 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 that could damage your child(ren) mentally. Sometimes parents are not aware that their actions affect their child(ren) negatively, and sometimes parents overlook it and justify their bad behaviour due to their stress. Here are a few practices which you should avoid telling your child(ren): Pick these up right now. I don't want you leaving a mess like that again.Instead, say:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;It's OK not to know some things. Here, I will help you out. You're a bad kid.Instead, say:&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Example: Eat dinner, or else you won't get your dessert.Instead, say:&nbsp;How about you take a healthy dinner quickly so that we can all enjoy dessert together?&nbsp; Stop being shy.Instead, say:&nbsp;You can come to say hi to your aunt when you are ready. You should set a good example for your brother.Instead, say:&nbsp;Your brother looks up to you; you're such a good role model. Wait until your father/mother gets home.Instead, say:&nbsp;You're grounded because you said a bad word. I will never forgive you.Instead, say:&nbsp;What you did was not acceptable, but we can look past it and move on if you think the next time. I'm ashamed of you.Instead, say:&nbsp;Although I feel bad about what you did, I love you for who you are. Don't worry; everything will be OK.Instead, say:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;Let's do it together!" Don't cryInstead, say:&nbsp;I know you're sad, and it's OK to cry. It's OK to let out your emotions. Let me hug you. If you don't clean your room, you're going to be in big trouble.Instead, say:&nbsp;When your room is clean, then you may go out to play. Family finances aren't your business.Instead, say:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;I'm surprised and was not expecting this to occur. Come here, NOW.Instead, say:&nbsp;It's almost time to go. Do you want one minute or two? Because I said so.Instead, say:&nbsp;Explaining why you feel a certain way about something. We can't afford that.Instead, say:&nbsp;We're not going to buy that because we're saving our money for more important things. Don't talk to strangers.Instead, say:&nbsp;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:&nbsp;You need to listen to your parents. Don't be greedy!Instead, say:&nbsp;Would you please be kind and share your toys with your friend? Who taught you this? (about mischief)Instead, say:&nbsp;Why did you do that? Look at this lovely girl.Instead, say:&nbsp;I love you. You can do this too. I do everything for you.Instead, say:&nbsp;We do things for you because we love you, so please do for me. Do I have to tell you this 100 times?Instead, say:&nbsp;I've told you this before, but could you please. That's only for boys/girls.Instead:&nbsp;Say nothing at all. Try your best at raising gender-neutral children. You live under my roof, so you follow my rules.Instead, say:&nbsp;You know the household rules. Please stick to them. That's how I was raised.Instead, say:&nbsp;I don't think it's a good idea to do [ ]. Even my parents used to tell me that [ ]. You're just like your mother/father!Instead say:&nbsp;I’m not happy with [ ] because [ ]. I told you so.Instead, say:&nbsp;I'm sorry to hear about [ ] ... let this be a lesson. It's just a little white lie.Instead, explain to them that it's OK to use white lies to be polite and not hurt someone's feelings. Explain to 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 showing emotions is weak. To show emotions is only human. Why can't you be more like your sister?Instead, say:&nbsp;I don't quite like this behaviour of yours. Do you think we can work on it? If you 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:&nbsp;Everyone has their fair share of fears. We appreciate that you shared your feelings with us. We promise we 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 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 going to get fat/skinny.Never attribute a child's identity to their looks. You make me so mad.Calm your anger down, and then talk to your child(ren).&nbsp;Instead, say:&nbsp;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 considerable impact psychologically, like low self-confidence, self-doubt, anxiety and so on

Speaking Gently: Things you should never say to your child

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

Things You Should Never Say to Your Child

“There is no gift a parent can give his child that is better than good manners.”“Respect your children and talk to them with good manners and a likeable method.”"Whoever wishes that his children are safe from disinheritance, he should help them perform good deeds.”“The best gift from parents to their children is education and upbringing.”&nbsp;“Play with them for the first seven years of their life; then teach them for the next seven years; then advise them for the next seven years.”&nbsp;“May Allāh have mercy on the person that helps his child in doing good.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“Love children and be kind to them."&nbsp;“Treat your children fairly, treat your children fairly.”&nbsp;&nbsp;"The best thing a father provides to his child is good manners and ethical training.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“May Allah bless the parents who trained their children to behave justly with them."&nbsp;“Kiss your children profusely, because every time you kiss the child, Allah will advance your position in Heaven by one stage."&nbsp;“Maintain justice among your children in gifts, just like you would like them to be just with you in goodness and affection.”&nbsp;“Like your children and treat them with affection and kindness. When you make a promise to them, you must keep it, because children consider you their sustainer.”&nbsp;“Respect your children and give them a good upbringing that Allah blesses you."&nbsp;“Anybody who called a child, saying that he would give him a certain thing, and did not give it, speaks a lie.”&nbsp;&nbsp;“Never beat the children if they cry. Fulfil their needs. Because, for the first four months of the life of a child’, its cries are a witness to the Existence and Unity of Allah, Almighty."

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Hadiths On Parent-Child Relationship. The most basic and necessary manners that teach us how to raise a child. 

Prophet Muhammad Hadiths On Parent-Child Relationship Part 1

Parent-child Relationship is one of the things that is the most sacred thing in the world. Hadiths by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) related to this beautiful relationship will tell us its importance.

Prophet Muhammad Hadiths On Parent Child Relationship Part 1

Helping your child to cope with moving anxiety:<ol><li>Prepare your kids by proper information beforehand.</li><li>Let them ask questions and answer patiently.</li><li>Answer them honestly and be prepared for a variety of reactions.</li><li>If the place you are moving to a new place, take your child there and let them explore the new place.</li><li>Encourage their opinions and participation. For example ask them which plants they would want in their new house.</li></ol> Helping your child cope with stress:1. Stop over scheduling their day:Limit your child’s activities as per his age. 2. Make sleep a Priority:See that your child has enough sleep, let there be quiet time in the afternoon where they can read, or listen to music, rest and relax. 3. Teach them how to listen to their body:Consider asking them questions about how they feel whenever you see their energies are going down. This way they also stay aware about his body. 4. Prepare your kids to deal with mistakes:You can prepare them by narrating your own experiences of how you made mistakes and how you deal with it, how you solved it or handled it calmly. They always model you. 5. Limit the use of technology:Set time limits for using phones or watching television or playing video games. Overuse of technology makes child irritating. 6. Schedule relaxing activities:You can also enrol your child for music, painting, sketching, swimming or yoga classes as per his choices and preferences. 7. Get help:Any time you feel that your child looks over-stressed and none of the things are helping, take expert advice and consult a counselor.

In times of stress, it is important to let your child know that you are there for them.

Helping a child cope with stress

Ravina Sewani

When a part of the body is injured and blood from the damaged capillaries, with no place to go, gets trapped under the skin, forming a red or purplish mark called as a bruise. Bruises can happen for many reasons, but most are the result of bumping and banging into things. Fortunately, the mark isn't permanent. How long do bruises last?<ul><li>Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes the colour as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The colour of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is:</li><li>When a child first gets a bruise, it is reddish as the blood appears under the skin.</li><li>Within 1 or 2 days, the haemoglobin changes the colour to bluish-purple or even blackish.</li><li>After 5 to 10 days, the bruise turns greenish or yellowish.</li><li>Then, after 10 or 14 days, it turns yellowish-brown or light brown.</li><li>Finally, after about 2 weeks, the bruise fades away.</li></ul> Who gets bruises?Anyone can get a bruise. Some people bruise easily, while others don't. Bruising depends on several things:<ul><li>Toughness of the skin tissue</li><li>Certain diseases or conditions</li><li>Whether your child is taking certain medications</li><li>Elderly people bruise easily as the blood vessels tend to become fragile as people get older</li></ul> Treating a bruise:<ul><li>Apply a cold compress to your child’s bruise to help slow down the blood that's flowing to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues. It also helps keep the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply cold to your child’s bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for a day or two after the bruise appears.</li><li>If you are using ice instead of a cold pack, wrap it in a cloth or a towel and place it on the bruise; don't apply the ice directly to the skin.</li><li>To reduce swelling and bruising, elevate the bruised area above the level of the heart. If the bruise is on your child’s knee, make them lie down on a couch or bed and prop their leg up. This will help prevent the blood from pooling in the area because more of the blood will flow back toward your heart. If your child keeps standing, more blood will flow to his/her bruised knee and the bruise will be larger.</li></ul> Minor bruises are easily treated, but talk to a doctor if:<ul><li>A bruise isn't improving after 2 weeks.</li><li>Bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.</li><li>A bruise is swelling and is very painful for your child.</li><li>If your child can't move a joint or if they have a broken bone.</li><li>The bruise is near the eye and your child has difficulty moving his/her eyes or seeing.</li></ul> Prevention:Bruises are kind of hard to avoid completely. Make your there are no pointed furniture in the house to limit bruises for your child.Make them wear protective gear when they are playing sports, riding a bike, inline skating.

When a part of the body is injured and blood from the damaged capillaries, with no place to go, gets trapped under the skin, forming a red or purplish mark called as a bruise.

Bruises in children

Palak Vyas

The common parameters to keep in mind while selecting a diaper is price, practicality, size, ease of usage, eco-friendly, scented/unscented, baby’s response, and a cloth or disposable. Keeping in mind a few points can clear your confusion which brands or what type of diaper should you prefer for your baby: <ol><li>Do not buy first diapers in bulk. First of all try handful of brands and experience what fits your child best and is it comfortable or not. Is it budget-friendly? Once you are clear, bulk buying is cost-effective. Also, keep in mind the size and weight of your baby and his/her growth while bulk buying.</li><li>Diaper should have maximum absorbency. This depends on a chemical ingredient called super absorbent polymer, which is used in almost all kinds of diapers. It is considered to be safe and non-toxic.</li><li>Ensure the diaper fits your baby perfectly because different brands although mentioning the same size may have different fittings. Keep in mind the baby’s size and weight before selecting any diaper. The material should be soft and should conform to the body nicely. Avoid diapers that are stiffer and leave gaps.</li><li>Edges and seams should feel seamless to avoid skin rashes and irritation as baby’s skin is very sensitive.</li><li>While you research, you also come across green diapers. These diapers claim to have undergone chlorine-free processing, use renewable resources, minimal packaging and use biodegradable materials. If the above measures and points comply with these ones, there is no problem in using them.</li><li>Another good option is a cloth diaper. They need to be washed and dried. They don’t come in wide sizes but have adjustable pins and straps.</li><li>You can also select from scented and unscented products. Scented diapers are considered safe unless your baby is hypersensitive to fragrance. If you want to avoid a few more chemicals, opt for unscented ones.</li></ol>

Diapers affect the mood of your child if they are not comfortable in them.

Selecting the right diapers for your baby

Dr Ajab Primuswala

<ul><li>Stealing is something which a child does out of curiosity.</li><li>May be the child is picking up just simple things like stationery which is very attractive to them. They don’t know what stealing is but if they like something, they pick it up and keep it for themselves. They don’t understand that the particular thing is not possessed by them so they cannot take it home.</li><li>If you find some unknown objects in their bag, just simply go and ask them about where did they get it from. If they say it was one of their classmates’ or if they start giving any explanations, make them sit and talk to them in a very calm manner.</li><li>Do not get aggressive and scold them. Instead tell them, “It does not belong to you. If it does not belong to you, you cannot bring it home. If you need anything of this sort, you come home and ask us, we will get it for you. Don’t make it a habit of picking up things from wherever you like.”</li><li>Stealing is a concept which we understand. As a young child, they don’t understand this; it is just a simple behaviour where they feel, they just liked something and took it away. They do not understand the concept that this doesn’t belong to me or how can I take when it is somebody else’s thing. Be verbal, make them understand and explain to them what stealing is and what are the consequences of stealing.</li><li>For example, explain to them that if they continue with stealing as a habit even after growing up, they might end up in jail.</li><li>This is just making them learn about what exactly they are doing is not a behaviour which is socially acceptable and is considered to be wrong.</li><li>Don’t start getting aggressive on them without explaining. If it becomes a continuous behaviour even after explaining, then you need to get it checked that what pleasure they are getting out of this habit.</li><li>Keep a check on your child if this turns out to be a continuous habit. Make them understand that they will have to face consequences because of this. Do not tell them that they will be punished but for example, if the child has picked up something from someone, make it a point that they go to that person, return the thing in their hand the next day and apologise for the same.</li><li>This will make them realise that this is something they cannot do however hard they like it.</li><li>Children learn what is appropriate and what is not through proper guidance. If any action or behaviour is appropriate, (s)he will be appreciated and would be found guilty for inappropriate action.</li></ul>

Children do not understand the concept of "stealing" so instead of dealing with this situation using your anger, it is better to sit with your child and make him/her understand why they should not be doing this.

Dealing with child's habit of stealing things

Following a particular way of living and following a healthy lifestyle can sure lead to raising a happy and emotionally balanced adult. Things what we learn in childhood stay with us forever. So investing time in raising a happy child is worth it. 1. Teach gratitude:When parents show gratitude, their children grow up more enthusiastic, joyful, interested and engaged in the world around them. Teach them to be thankful for every small and big thing in life. Teach them to be thankful to nature, parents, resources, family, toys, meals, their beautiful body and everything around them. 2. Help your child to handle their emotions:Allow your child to feel all the emotions. Happy, sad, mad, crazy, messy, frustrated, annoyed or whatever. Encourage your child to label his/her feelings and express them verbally. 3. Teach them to be hopeful and patient:When your child is unable to do his/her own thing, they tend to get frustrated. For example, when they are trying to tie shoelaces by themselves. You can tell them its okay not to know things and they can learn at their own pace. Ask them to try again and be there for them when they try. This is how they learn to handle frustration with hope and patience. 4. Allow unstructured, unhurried time:Do not over-schedule your kid’s time with activities. They need their time to play. It is that time when they learn, invent, create and daydream. Allow your child to play by her/him and at her/his own pace. 5. Follow your child’s interest:Get to know your child better and ask about his likes, dislikes and interests. If you follow your child’s interest he is going to shine in that activity and he would be thankful for your support. Be accepting in whatever hobby or activity your child decides for him/herself. 6. Create Routines:Daily rituals and routines are some of the most basic ways to instil a sense of security. Like family meals, bath and bedtime, family swimming lessons, jogging, cycling together, and joining yoga classes as a family. Such routine can build up bonds between families and the child feels loved, wanted, safe and happy. 7. Give undivided attention:Communicating with them, giving undivided attention is a vital part of happy bonding with your child. Teach them to build meaningful relationships. Set an example. Whenever they try and approach, put aside your phone; switch off the TV, if you are watching. 8. Set reasonable boundaries and attainable goals:Whenever you set any limit for your child, keep their age and personal nature and behaviour in consideration. Every child is different, their pace is different and their capacities are different. Accept them wholeheartedly and set their goals and limits accordingly. It should be reachable and attainable for your child. 9. Focus on the process:Like if you have set a goal of a certain result in the school; focus on their hard work and efforts, focus on the learning process and not only on their results. Sometimes the desired outcome doesn’t come in the first go. But don’t forget to appreciate their efforts and encourage them to be better next time. Make them feel you are there in their failure and success both. The feeling of parents supporting their children is the most secure feeling for the child.

Things what we learn in childhood stay with us forever. So investing time in raising a happy child is worth it.

Raising a happy child

When an insect flies into your child’s ear, it is possible that it might die while inside the ear. But it’s also possible that the bug might remain alive and try to burrow its way outside of your ear. This can be painful, irritating, and worrisome. If the insect is alive, the buzzing and movement of the insect is loud and painful. The insect inside the ear causes:<ul><li>Inflammation</li><li>Irritation</li><li>Bleeding</li><li>Infection</li><li>Redness</li><li>Swelling</li><li>Discharge from the ear, including blood or pus</li><li>Damage to the eardrum</li><li>Hearing loss</li></ul>Apart from insects or flies, babies and young children are known to put small objects in their ears like candy and beans. Treatment:<ul><li>If an insect has entered your child’s ear and if it is alive, kill it before you try to remove it. To kill the insect, put a few drops of warm (not hot) baby oil or vegetable oil in the ear. Tilt and gently shake your child’s head to dislodge the bug. Remember to not use this method for anything other than an insect, and don't use it if your child is in pain, the ear is bleeding, or if (s)he has tubes in his ear.</li><li>Using a cotton swab or other probing object can push the insect farther into the ear and potentially damage the middle ear or eardrum. So, never use those.</li><li>If the insect is dead, you might be able to remove it by flushing it out of the ear by using water and a syringe.</li><li>If you are worried that you cannot do this on your own, immediately rush to the nearest doctor or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.</li><li>The doctor will use an otoscope to peer within the ear and determine if it is an insect or not. They may use tweezers to grab the insect and remove it from the ear. Alternatively, they may use gentle suction or flush the ear canal with warm water and a catheter. Children may need to be sedated during this process.</li><li>Your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics if there’s severe damage done to the ear canal of your child.</li></ul>

Apart from insects or flies, babies and young children are known to put small objects in their ears like candy and beans.

Insect flying into child's ear

You can use simple day to day activities and conversations to teach your child maths in an interesting way: <ul><li>Teach your child numbers and then counting numbers: Each child learns at his or her own pace and they can learn it through different activities and ways. There cannot be comparison between two kids. You can use objects which we use in our day to day life. Like use buttons, pennies, books, fruits, cars, toys, blocks, chalk colours, etc. Ask them to count apples, oranges and bananas; this will widen their vision of counting and correlating different objects.</li><li>Play math games: Maths can be a fun subject to learn when you correlate and incorporate it into your daily activities. You can ask them various questions in general so it doesn’t feel like boring study time but make it a part of conversation.</li><li>Frame easy questions that revolve around his/her world: such as how many soft toys do you have, let's arrange them in a line and count. When you buy veggies ask him/her to count money for you. If you are to give 20 rupees you can ask him/her to give you 2 notes of 10 rupees. Keep it as simple as you can in the beginning. Ask him/her to bring spoons for all the family members at lunch. Ask them to show you six fingers of their hands.</li><li>Cutting cakes and pizzas: While cutting cakes and pizzas, you can teach them division, addition and subtraction too. They can learn the concept of halves and fourths and eighths. You can ask them how they can share a cake equally into all four members of the family and introduce the concept of division. You can add two halves and show them how it becomes one. Likewise you can keep experimenting and see what goes fine with your child.</li><li>Flash card: Once you have taught them counting you can make flash cards. Keep the question cards with you and give them answer cards. For example, you have a card showing 2+2 and they will show you a card with number 4.</li><li>Make maths a daily activity: Incorporate it into your routine. Ask questions while communicating with them.</li></ul>“How many lights are there at this signal?”“How many trees are there in our backyard?”“Can you tell me the number of doors and windows in our house?”Likewise keep framing simple questions.

Many children dread maths. But with a few interesting steps, your child can learn mathematics in a fun way.

Making mathematics interesting for kids

Choosing a caretaker or nanny for your child can be a little tricky thing. You are looking for your own substitute. You want someone to take care of your child as well as you do because you are putting your child in their care when you cannot. Here are some tips to select nanny on the basis of must have qualities you look for in an ideal nanny:<ul><li>She should love company of children.</li><li>She must have a basic understanding of child development.</li><li>Must be energetic.</li><li>Patience is the key with children. She should not easily get angry.</li><li>She must be safety conscious.</li><li>Should have good communication skills.</li><li>Should be flexible to adapt situations she faces.</li><li>Should be highly responsible.</li><li>Should be reliable and trustworthy.</li><li>Should be respectful of both the parents and the child.</li><li>Should have sound judgement, so as to take proper decision in the absence of parent and in emergency.</li><li>Should be organised.</li><li>Must be self motivated and have strong morals.</li><li>Should have no&nbsp;criminal record.</li><li>She should be someone who can bring positive difference in the lives of children under his/her care.</li><li>She should be trained to be a nanny.</li><li>Nanny, who is mentally healthy and has no serious or communicable disease. In short, she should be mentally, physically, emotionally stable and healthy.</li><li>Above all, she should be willing to want to be a nanny. She should love her work.</li></ul>

Choosing the right caretaker for your child is difficult but not impossible.

Choosing a nanny for your child

Children have a more delicate skin than adults so burns and scalds affect them severely. Burns and scalds are not the same. Burns are caused by dry heat, for example, by an iron or fire. Scalds, on the other hand, are caused by wet heat, for example, hot water or steam. Burns and scalds cause:<ul><li>Red or peeling skin</li><li>Blisters</li><li>Swelling</li><li>White or charred skin&nbsp;</li></ul> Burns are of 3 levels - first, second, and third degree burns:<ul><li>First degree burns are mild causing pain and reddening of the skin. Second degree burns cause redness, swelling, pain, and blistering. Third degree burns cause white, blackened, or charred skin that may be numb.</li><li>First degree burns can be treated at home. Second and third degree burns need medical attention immediately.</li></ul> A few things to keep in mind before treating burns at home:<ul><li>If the source of the burn is electrical, do not touch your child. First turn off the switch.</li><li>If the source of the burn is anything hot or due to any chemical, remove the agent and run cool water over the burn.</li><li>If your child's clothing is on fire, make them stop running, cover their face, drop them to the floor, and extinguish the fire with a blanket. If your child is old enough to understand instructions, ask them to stop walking/running, cover their face with their hands, drop to the floor, and roll on the floor to put the fire out.</li></ul> Treating burns and scalds at home:<ul><li>Soak the burn in cool (not cold) water for at least 15 minutes. Do not use ice.</li><li>If there is any clothing attached with the burn, do not peel it. Cut the extra clothing around it.</li><li>Cover the burn using a clean cloth or an antibiotic ointment.</li><li>Do not pop any blisters.</li><li>If your child is experiencing pain, ask your child's paediatrician to prescribe medication for the pain.</li></ul> Preventing burns:<ul><li>Kids are curious by nature so it is up to parents to take proper precautions which will prevent injuries from burns and scalds. Here are a few things to keep in mind:</li><li>Keep the water temperature for bathing young children between 37 to 38 C.</li><li>Do not leave kids unsupervised in the bathroom or kitchen.</li><li>Keep hot drinks and handles out of reach of children.</li><li>Never carry hot things when holding children.</li></ul> Call the doctor if:<ul><li>The burned area is charred or white.</li><li>Electric shock or chemicals caused the burn.</li><li>The burn is on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a joint.</li><li>The burn covers 10% or more of the body.</li></ul>

Children have a more delicate skin than adults so burns and scalds affect them severely.

parenting concerns parenting concerns

Parenting issues are a part of the everyday parenting journey. Following article(s) might help you with your concern(s).

Helping a child cope with stress

Bruises in children

Selecting the right diapers for your baby

Dealing with child's habit of stealing things

Raising a happy child

Insect flying into child's ear

Making mathematics interesting for kids

Choosing a nanny for your child

Burns and Scalds

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