Tips For Pool Safety

Most children love water by instinct. They love to splash during bath times, they love to float their toys and paper boats in the water and long story short: kids LOVE water!

But with the mercury rising, cooling off with a dip in a pool isn't the only thing that we parents need to cater to. We need to protect the little ones from the sun, take care of their skin and make sure they're safe in and out of the water at all times.

Here are some recommendations for trips to the pool:

1) If using a public pool, try and go at a time when there are less people thereby giving your child enough time and space to have fun in the water. A lot of kids get scared when they get splashed or dislike it when a whole lot of water is dumped on them; although they love to be the ones who splash others.

2) Remember to use a water-resistant sunscreen for your child unless it's a covered or indoor pool.

Not only do they tan they can often get sun allergies from being out in the hot sun too long.

3) Whether it's a public pool or a shared-by-some pool, the chemicals used to clean the water are not beneficial for tender skin for prolonged periods of time. So a good bath and scrub with warm water and a disinfectant like Savlon or Dettol goes a long way to keep scabs and other skin rashes at bay.

4) Kids need to be hydrated even while in the pool. Keep a bottle handy and make sure your child drinks enough water.

5) Try and keep a gap of about 30 minutes or so between pool time if following a big meal. Kids can either vomit from all the jumping around they do or get cramps in their tummy if they get too active immediately after a meal.

6) Keep the hair covered since the chlorine and other chemicals in the water can lead to hair becoming rough over a point of time.

7) Most important- when a preschooler enters a pool without an adult present, he or she needs a well-secured swimming vest. Arm floats can come off and small children can often slip through the swimming tubes/rings and suddenly panic if they find themselves falling, even in shallow water.

Keep your kids safe while in the pool and out and have a happy, splashy summer!

Image courtesy www.123rf.com

Summertime Foods: A Quick Look

Disclaimer: The views presented in this blog post are solely of the author and not on behalf of The Learning Curve, Vashi.

Parents are requested to keep an eye out for food allergies et al while deciding their child's daily diet.

Moms often have a set pattern of gripes and whines (yes, we whine too) and one on top of our list is about our child's eating habits or lack thereof. My kid doesn't eat veggies! My child doesn't like milk. My child always wants junk food from KFC...the list is as varied as each child and his or her likes and dislikes. But as parents and as people who have grown up from similar tough little tykes in the past, we know
it's ESSENTIAL to get some food into those little tummies. Good food that is. But the problem always comes down to this: How do I get my child to eat?

With summer looming over most of India, it also becomes essential to get our children to get the kinds of foods which are easy on their systems in terms of digesting and what will keep them cool as well.

My experience as a mother of an almost first-grader is this: keep it colorful, take their inputs while making it and try and make it fun for them as much as possible. The preschoolers especially tend to be pretty choosy in terms of what they allow in their mouths wrt food but sadly the inedible stuff ends up there with frightening regularity!

When giving your child fruits, present it colorful bowls with cutlery they will have fun using. Make sure to spend on good brands that have a good finish to it rather than just go for showy stuff that doesn't hold up with multiple washes.

Fruits are always a good idea but unless your child is used to more texture in their foods, giving them a plate of fruit salad might not work out the first time around. Since children prefer things they can pick up with their fingers and usually prefer the sweet to the sour, drizzling a bit of honey on bite-size pieces of apples works well.

If your child takes forever to eat their banana and ends up squishing it in their hands rather than eat it, you can blitz a banana with some milk and make a yummy smoothie or shake and add honey rather than sugar to sweeten it.

Same with fruits like chickoo which kids often declare to be "yuck" but a bit of chickoo blended with chocolate milk (milk made with bournvita/complan/horlicks or any drinking chocolate) becomes a delicious Chickochoc Shake which they'll probably ask for again and again.

And if you would like your child to eat more fiber, you can always opt for fun sandwiches made with whole wheat bread and all the veggies you'd want but cover it with a bit of cheese to see the smiles appearing on the little faces.

This mother recommends- tomato and cucumber sandwiches with cheese spread and a slice of cheese in between. Grill it and serve it up in small pieces which little hands will keep grabbing at.

Make a single slice of personal pizza with ketchup and a cheese slice and grill it in the microwave or on the stove and serve it up...no more worries about the greasy stuff your local pizza places serve up. And if you want yummy fun for the whole family why not serve paav bhaaji? Barring karela (bitter gourd), every single veggie works very well with and the kids love the butter paavs and eat their fill.

So go easy this summer...on you and your child's tummy and have fun with big juicy slices of watermelon and mangoes and keep your tot healthy and happy!

Image courtesy www.pixabay.com

Indoor Activities And Their Benefits

We all know pretty much at length about the benefits of outdoor play activities: running, jumping, skipping et al. But with the mercury rising, we need to often perforce keep our kids, especially the little ones, indoors. And boring as it may get for them, it's not only necessary but important to try and teach them some activities which can be done alone and some with another person present.

At The Learning Curve, Vashi; we try and inculcate all sorts of good behavior into the children given in our care. We also encourage a lot of creative expression while they play and learn. More often than not in preschoolers, the creativity comes out while they are engaged in solitary activities; even if it is making mischief.

Here are some of our recommendations for your children:

1) Unless the child in question is an infant or toddler, the molding clay isn't an accessory youhave to withhold from your child. The instructions normally say 3 years and above, but plenty ofmothers find that even with the non-toxic variety of dough, kids either spit it out after an initial taste or eat it with little to no ill-effects.

The advantage of the dough is mainly in it's texture and soft quality and bright colors. It's easy for small hands to shape and turn into familiar and new objects. From snakes to circles to dragons...the dough lends wings to their imagination and also aids in their gross motor movements viz the squeezing and squishing and in their fine motor movements i.e. the shaping and more detail-oriented final product the dough takes in little hands. And with more local players getting into the game, we don't have to worry about buying just the costly foreign molding clays/doughs alone.

2) Washable colors- there are plenty of affordable markers which can be used on glass and the walls and don't limit your child's creativity while limiting your cleaning up and frustration levels.

Drawing is one activity most children take to and use to express their thoughts and feelings when they are unable to articulate it properly and completely.

3) Building Blocks- Not just a toy for little boys, blocks help your child in focusing on specific objects, enhancing their concentration and creating new structures. The blocks also enhance their gross and fine motor movements and give the children a sense of accomplishment when the finish building.

4) Animal figurines- these small to large figurines are made of washable materials and help the children learn all about the world around them. From the cow to even the extinct dinosaurs, the figurines bring out the element of pretend play in our kids and also help demonstrate how much they know or have retained from the various things learnt in school and home.

There are plenty of other toys that can be given to small children that are age-appropriate. But before you rush out to buy anything that isn't in your kid's toy chest, give they options of things already at home. Chances are they've been observing us the way we've been observing them and will end up aping one or the other close family member and show us what their little eyes and ears have picked up!

Summer Holidays: Pain or Pleasure

While we were growing up, the summer holidays were probably the one thing we all looked forward to on the school calendar, friends and foes alike. It didn't matter if you were a goody-two shoes front-bencher or secretly passing notes or eating your lunch in the last bench; the thought of summer holidays united children like nothing else.

But as parents and caregivers, especially ones who also work outside the home; the thought of summer holidays can be not only quite vexing but also pretty tough to manage. And this is why-

Throughout the year we only have a handful of miscellaneous holidays to deal with when we have to juggle with keeping the children occupied for the full day and our usual chockablock schedules. But during the summer months, we have a huge number of consecutive days and weeks where we not only have to keep the kids busy but productively so.

The weather and temperature doesn't always make it easier on us to plan the kind of activities the children might want to engage in and their usual routine goes for a toss; often leading to frustrated parents and bored and whiny kids.

But a summer holiday is a universal truth along with the one where being a parent means hardly any rest (mentally or physically) till the offspring are off to college. And to deal appropriately with a tough situation needs a bit of planning and then you are good to go!

Whether a woman is a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) or a working mother, choosing a summer camp for a child, especially a smaller one, is practically a necessity. Smaller children need activities that help regulate their routine and keep them from getting cranky or hyper and at the same time, not stop the process of useful learning that they've picked up from their schools.

A good summer program usually includes music and dance, art (drawing, painting,moulding, sculpting), outdoor sports and often a kiddy splash pool.
A good month or even a few weeks of these activities help the children adhere to the routines formed while going to school regularly, help build up their appetites and tire them out enough for a good night's rest. An added benefit is also increased opportunities for socializing since children from all over the neighboring areas might enroll at the same summer camp.

Contrary to popular belief- kids don't usually like to run amok. They do like company however, so story telling time, a quick field trip to zoos, nearby libraries and parks keep them entertained and also give them a lot of things to think about.

Trying to keep a small child entertained can be tough. A lot of them aren't able to articulate it when they are bored and how they might want to have some fun. Giving them a variety of things to choose from results in a lot of fun not only for the tots but for their care givers as well.

Bring your child(ren) to The Learning Curve, Vashi. Give them a memorable summer holiday and watch them learn while having a gala time. It's Fun in the Sun during summers for the kids at TLC!

See you all soon!

Images courtesy:http://www.kidactivities.net &

www.google.com

Over Indulgence

“The greatest gifts that you can give your child are roots of responsibility and wings of independence. “Denis Waitley
Fostering independence and being responsible is easier said than done. But that doesn’t give us a right to do it all for our children. If a child isn’t given an opportunity to do, how will they learn?
It’s a messy thing, children doing things on their own. They take a long time, our patience is at its minimal and the cleaning up after is, well, frustrating. I become this control freak, eager, to meddle (that’s right meddle), get in their way of figuring it all out.  This meddling is what we mothers love to call ‘love’ - a mother’s love.
 Let’s all wake-up and smell the coffee here and realize it’s not love. It’s fostering a dependence, which grows as they grow up. If we think that independence is a sudden occurrence, like when they reach a certain age they will do it all by themselves, then we can’t be more wrong. It all begins with baby steps, steps that unstable, wobbly and filled with mistakes. But isn’t that the very essence of learning.
We, mothers are so eager to help that we take this basic life-skill away from our children; the joy of being responsible and independent in thoughts and actions. The wide choice in self-help section in the book stores is a testimony that adults are still trying to learn how to ‘Do It All Themselves”. These are the adults who got smothered by ‘mothers love’.
Human beings of all ages want to be able to communicate with others, to challenge themselves, to do important work, and to contribute to society. This human nature at its best.
This desire is especially strong during the time when the child who has been observing all kinds of important activity around her has finally mastered the mental and physical skills to stand up, walk, use her hands and participate in real work.
Children have always shown us their interest in li being independent by pretending to cook and clean, taking care of a doll, carrying out adult conversation etc. When given a chance, they would much rather be doing the real work of the family and community, instead of pretending.
A child would prefer to remove dust from a dusty shelf, help fold laundry, take part in preparing real meals, rather than pretend to do these things with toys.  The ‘maid culture’ in our cities is the greatest hindrance to fostering independence. Also the mindset of ‘boys’ shouldn’t be doing this work. But wouldn’t you prefer that your husband helped around the house a bit more……just asking. I would definitely like my husband to participate more in household chores, set an example for the little boy or the little girl in the house. Didn’t the whole India’s Daughter documentary question this mindset of Indian men?

To support these skills we can give ample opportunities in everyday life.

1. Care of the self (dressing, undressing, bathing, combing etc.)
2. Care the environment (cleaning, washing, gardening etc.)
3. Movement (pouring, squeezing, twisting, sorting)
4. Development of social reaction (greeting, offering, accepting, apologizing, thanking)

For fostering the growth of gross motor muscles the simple activity of sifting rice and salt is an excellent activity. The sensory experience and concentration that a child exhibits are worth the mess. For the child, it is too much fun.
Mix a bowl with rice and salt. In a tray arrange this bowl with a sieve (chhallni), two empty bowls and a spoon. Demonstrate the activity by scooping a spoonful of the mixture and pouring it in the sieve. Hold this sieve over one of the empty bowls. Shake the sieve a bit as the salt sifts through. Keep the talking to minimal.
As a follow up a child can further pour the sifted salt or rice in another container.
Before doing this activity make sure the child is well fed, or he will mouth the salt and raw rice.

Meanwhile enjoy this cute video from Sesame Street.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq-pn3nQRhA

Please leave us a comment if would like more such activities which are simple and don’t break a bank.

Two words, one finger

The psychology of a child is completely different than that of an adult. The neural pathways are still in the formative stages.
The more positive inputs, better the child’s mental make-up. This mental make-up calls forth the development of values in the child. These values are what make an individual and hence the nation. Education is a means to uplift humanity.
Children absorb everything in their surroundings; words, music, smell, attitudes, anger, harsh words, religious mannerisms etc. Isn’t that how they learn to talk?  No one really teaches them. It’s almost laughable to say it’s automatic. It’s a spontaneous acquisition of culture.
The child is his own teacher. They learn everything that crosses their path. They keenly observe, minutely listen. They are always learning. That.….for me is formidable, being around a child. I try my best to do my best.
Greatest development is achieved during the early years, so it goes without saying that taking greatest care becomes imperative. If this is done, the child doesn’t become a burden, but a marvel of nature.

Almost every parent cringes when the child uses foul language. It’s embarrassing and we do everything in our power to undo the damage. Most of the times, all our efforts fail. The following pointers might help to deal with ‘colorful’ language and behavior.

1. Almost every undesirable behavior and language is rooted in a need for attention and power. Spend some quality time with the child. Maintain eye contact with the child and not the phone.
2. For younger children, it’s a game of giggles to say words like ‘bum’.  Teach the younglings the appropriate names for body parts and use them conversationally to remove the excitement of using those words.
3. Bollywood songs, advertisements during the World Cup, internet usage, TV are all breeding grounds for words which are offensive. The children don’t really understand them, but use it due to constant exposure. Monitor the content that your child sees and listens.
4. Be very clear about what words are okay and not okay in your family. “You may hear other kids say it, but it’s not okay in our family.”
5. Most parents over-react to these normal utterances. That’s where the child scores, in your reaction. Don’t over-react as it guarantees that they will use the word or behavior again.
   
6. As parents, sit together and decide how ‘you’ will react. You can’t make a child stop using profanity. You may try, but you really can’t. Instead, decide what you will do. Let your child know that you will turn around and walk away when you hear foul language. Walking away is not letting the child get away. It asserts “I deserve to be treated with respect”. Actions are definitely louder than words.
7. A simple idea of a black star for every bad word and a gold star for a good word is enough to nip this behavior at the bud.  You can even use smileys: sad one against a good one. Reward the child immediately for a desirable behavior. Reward with a hug, a kiss, a story, not in material things. The smileys or the stars are an important lesson in teaching consequences without harming the child’s self-esteem. Punishments like hitting on the mouth may give you quick results, but are harmful in the long run. And remember, they will use it on someone else.
8. And of course, watch your language. Speak respectfully with everyone, but more so with your child.
9. If swearing and foul language becomes more frequent and increasingly offensive, it’s time to dig deeper and determine what’s really behind the behavior. 

(Researched and written by Shivani Pujar)

Tears to Cheers

Parents hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever and they strive to fill this tiny heart with love, courage and compassion. The very spine of a child’s well-being depends on this bond.
The gurgling laughter of our child tugs our heartstrings into a happy tune. The tears though, they break it into a million pieces.
The tears could be from a booboo, a snatched toy, a scolding, an imaginary monster, nightmares, costumed characters, stranger anxiety or separation from the mother. While some tears are wiped with a hug and kiss and some with encouragement, there are some fears that need more understanding, compassion and strategies.
We teachers, find ourselves meeting the parents halfway through separation anxiety. Often, the miniature fingers are loosened to be held in our hands. We would like to empower those miniature fingers.

What is normal anxiety?

Some nervousness or anxiety or worry occurs in the face of a new or stressful situation. It’s a primal instinct to preserve, which is how our ancestors survived. We, the adults know this, but do the younglings know this? They depend on us for know-how on dealing with fears and anxiety. It’s a part of growing up; heck it’s a part of life.
It’s imperative therefore, that we equip the future generation with the tricks and tools to deal with fears that lurk in the dark alleys of the young minds.

Anxiety Red Flags

• Easily distressed in a new situation.
• Repetitive reassurance question, ‘what if’ concerns, inconsolable, won’t respond to logical arguments.
• Headaches, stomach aches, regularly too sick to go to school.
• Anticipatory anxiety, worrying hours or days ahead.
• Disruptions of sleep, frequent nightmares.
• Excessive time spent consoling child about distress with ordinary situations, excessive time coaxing child to do normal activities – hygiene, meals, homework.

Causes

Genetics, learning/modelling and environmental factor play a role in causing anxiety.

• Genetics: Genetics may determine the overall vulnerability to anxiety. Children may be born more sensitive with lower distress tolerance. Genes affect how different cells in the body’s alarm system or fight or flight response operates.
• Learning/Modelling: Children learn how to act and react significantly based on the ‘models’ in their world (parents, teacher, friends, siblings, etc.). Research has shown that children of anxious parents have anxious personalities. 
• Environmental: Some situations can be anxiety producing, especially those that disrupt the child’s sense of structure and order in their world (parental fights , divorce, deaths in the family, hospitalizations, moves). In addition it is common for some children to have anxiety during specific transitions like start of kindergarten. Many children make it through these periods without incident. Other children may go through a brief period of adjustment including clinging and increased sensitivity. When this reaction is prolonged or does not end, then the children need treatment.

Help is here!  
Parents can facilitate a child’s successful adjustment to a new challenge by:

1. Being accepting of the child’s concerns.
2. Listening to the child’s perceptions, and gently correcting the misinformation.
3. Patiently encouraging a child to approach a feared situation one step at a time until it becomes familiar and manageable.
4. Telling and preparing the child regards any change. Telling them we will be visiting anew place today and we will make new friends. This way the child is ready to step out of his boundaries and knows that something new is to take place.
5. When kids are stuck in the spin of worry, it is tempting to simply reassure them that they are fine, but then they wonder, if everything is fine, why do I still feel so scared? Rather than reassuring, if we teach kids how worry works, they can challenge and outsmart the worry themselves. This worry wisdom gives kids a sense of power which they can challenge and outsmart themselves. Through stories parents can help their children cope with their fears. There is a story called The Kissing Hand. Telling such stories have known to help children cope with their fears.
6. Telling and preparing the child regards any change. Telling them we will be visiting anew place today and we will make new friends. This way the child is ready to step out of his boundaries and knows that something new is to take place.

Classroom environment

Anxious children perform best in calm, supportive, but organized classroom. An ideal situation is a teacher who maintains authority positively, using reason and respect rather than fear of punishment. Speak to the teacher regards your child that will enable her to create an environment conducive to make your child feel comfortable. Usually schools are equipped with toys, music and fun activities. Speak about these to your children. Show photos of the school or visit the school with your child to get him/her familiar with the surroundings.

(Researched and written by Shivani Pujar)