Introduce novelty in activity, in tools, in words, in tasks, in colors, and shapes. Anything that looks new and fun filled is apt to be attractive to children and motivate their interests. Whenever children feel their own inner attraction to something, they are motivated to know it, explore it, spend time with it, and value it. While self-motivation provides a …

My friend Roma was very disappointed. She could not breastfeed her baby due to low levels of lactation. If your problem is related to your inability to feed due to sore or cracked nipples, try massaging edible oil or ghee on it. This will soften the nipples and will make you get used to your baby’s suckling. Also try to …

One of the first steps in encouraging healthy self-esteem in children is to establish good relationship with them. Persons in relationship are ultimately what the world is all about. Relationships which are mutually loving and caring, honest and supportive create an atmosphere for healthy human growth. This chapter’s eight principles for nurturing self-esteem in children focus on building such relationships. …

The extent to which we know and understand our  child reflects our parenting skills. To develop a good rapport with our child, we must not only hear what he says but listen to him and understand his needs. Be approachable. The child should not feel that you’re trying to brush him off when he approaches you. If tired, angry or …

As parents, we are all concerned about our children’s future. In fact, we all do our best to help them achieve success. No doubt, helping them acquire good academic qualifications is important, but it is equally vital that we inculcate certain invaluable life skills in our children that will ensure their success in every sphere of life. To develop these …

Why, asked the Little Bear. Because… answered Papa Bear. Answering the little one’s questions should be an important part of every adult’s agenda. For, that is the only way he can learn. All children have two wonderful resources for learning – imagination and curiosity. As a parent, you can make your child aware of the environment around by leading him …

Trust is important in building self-esteem. When my stepdaughter Rita, aged eight, stayed with us during our first summer, it was a difficult time for her because her mother was moving their family (Rita and her older brother and sister) to another city, and Rita would be leaving many of her friends behind. She seemed generally grouchy and out of …

Cramps in the calf muscle, thigh and feet are common during pregnancy. They usually happen at night in the last trimester. The pain shoots down from the calf to the foot, making the calf muscles taut and very painful. They may feel tender for several hours or even for two to three days, making walking difficult. Do not worry. Muscle …

About five percent of children are left-handed. You can notice it even at a few months of age, when the baby uses one hand more than the other to pick up his toys or while playing or trying to put something in his mouth. By the age of one year, the left-handedness becomes quite definite. Left-handedness seems to run in …

Lolita’s son is three years old. He is very fussy about his food and spits it out if he is forced to eat. Lolita introduced her son to chewy food only when he was 15 months old, much after he cut his first teeth. She often wonders if there is a connection between delayed weaning and her son’s food habits. …