These little miracles growing up under our own eyes are the cause of our greatest happiness but can also be the source of our deepest pain and just as we need acceptance and love, they also need to know they are loved and accepted. There are two main things a parent must provide for his child and these will leave …

The sounds that emanate from the dentist’s clinic in our neighbourhood are the regular ones – of the drill, spit vacuum and water being sprayed on teeth. But those sounds are often drowned by children’s giggles. This must be our desi version of Patch Adams, I thought. Even my little niece enjoys her visits to the doctor. In fact, this …

Feeling kicked that your 20-day-old daughter smiled at you? Actually she did not. Her cheek muscles just happened to move for no reason and you happened to be in her line of vision. Don’t be disappointed, it will be this way till your daughter learns to control her movements. In the first two months of her life, her movements will …

Your daughter scarfs down peanut butter sandwiches on weekends, but the ones she totes to school come home uneaten. Your son adores snacking on baby carrots but begs you to pack Pringles in his lunch box. What gives? To young students, school lunch is less about food than about socializing. “The cafeteria is one of the first places they experience …

The cry of an infant is a signal to the world for help. Learning to distinguish between these signals is part of the process of learning to be a parent. Most of the time babies cry because they are hungry. The golden rule for the breastfeeding mother is to put the baby to her breast whenever the baby cries. And …

Children growing in self-esteem manifest many changes: they look more grown-up, more in control of themselves, more poised and self-confident. Generally, they seem more outgoing, even walk straighter with their heads up instead of looking at the floor. Relationships with peers often improve markedly, and so does their school work. Telling children the signs of growth you deserve in them …

Common signs of teething are drooling, gnawing, biting, and general fussiness and irritability. Your child may feel slightly feverish at times, but no further serious illness should be attributed to teething. He needs more cuddling because of his discomfort, he may wake up more often at night and may want to sleep next to you. All this is part of …

Teenage years for any individual is a difficult and a delicate period. This arises because teenagers begin to develop their own individual identity, experience biological and physiological changes, face peer pressure, become aware about their sexuality etc. And this is often a major period of worry for parents to deal with their teenage children. During this time, effective communication with …

Everybody wants to be a winner. Jumping up and down, yelling, clapping hands are all gestures that we do when someone wins or does well. Rewarding success with trophies, money, and gifts are just some ways society celebrates a winner. It’s very normal that most parents want their children to win and be successful. What is not normal is for …

Growing up is not always fun, frolic and laughter. There comes a time where children may have to witness family fights and separation, serious illnesses, and at times, even death. Calamities that can disrupt the normal routine of their lives. Parents often shield their children from sad news for as long as possible, not realizing that this protective shield may …