Essential tips to teach new skill sets to a child

We all need a passion to survive. The passion to fly a kite, the passion to bake bread, the passion to create a thing, the passion to pursue life, life skills to the best of ability.

Passion towards learning new skills in life depends on the attitude towards adapting new skills. The 5 essential key points to teach a child to have a better perspective towards learning.

5 essential tips to help a child learn new skills sets and life skills

Observation

The child has a mind of his own. He may make an abstract clay dough art or he might collect those little matchsticks to create a tower, your observation helps him to hold on to the abilities in a better way.  The child imitates steps from dancing competition or repeats lyrics, his skills should be monitored regularly.Here the power of observation comes up, exploration and learning comes as a consecutive spin-off. Observation of the child gives you an edge and a better view of assessment of the child’s skills and talent. Observation is the first step to understand a  child.

Appreciation

We as humans thrive on good words, better words, and Best words. A child has a natural tendency to blossom completely  if he has words wrapped in  appreciation. Display of appreciation through gratitude works marvel.  Those golden words of concern, care, thankfulness goes a long way in developing his skills and abilities.

Simple phrases to use in daily life

• Thank you so much
• It is wonderful, how do you do it
• I wish I could make a rainbow like this
• You are a star

Helping hand

A nodding head, a helping hand, inquisitiveness in the child’s passion makes the child venture into new territories without inhibitions. Confidence and assurance helps the child to experiment, explore new things in better ways.

Talking it out

A child learns most of his skills by listening and communicating. To talk out, to communicate, to discuss, to understand and to help the child to explain often accelerates the first step of exploration.  A child feels secured to discuss about his ideas, chisel it with the help of parents and also get exposure to learn the skill in a better way either at home, through school, at a specific learning center or through teachers.

Positivity

Positivity is the robust step to encourage, inculcate, stimulate and chisel a child’s talent, skill set, passion and bring out the best.  A negative or despised look, words, action, reaction, expression goes a long way as a positive, considered, well cared expression. It paves the path for future behaviour and confidence.

oF fOOTBALL AND pINK SHirts-Gender stories untold

We are born as individuals; gender is a derived term, socially constructed sex. The society has created a web of notions with regard to the male and female gender.  The basic pattern of our thoughts have eventually been shaped with the instructed motif...freedom of expression was not a primal   ingredient  while  the behavioural pattern developed  over the years.

The stereotypical or the stereotypes are the norms of assessing a gender. The very archetypal syndrome which is expected from a specific gender is ‘ thankfully’  a borrowed one  with a lot of deviance and anomalies, variety does not find a place, everything is subjugated to pre conceived notion derived, set rules. Talking about third world countries, the progress is still on a lower graph but yes in urban India, people have started to think. That surely lays the first stone

 Few observations -Parent's story from the shelf

• ·        My son cried a lot while watching a movie
• ·         My daughter is obsessed with mechanical gizmos’
• ·         My brother loves to cling with soft toys
• ·         My daughter loves it when she does not use make up
• ·         My son plays with utensils; he has no eyes for other male specific toys
• ·         My daughter loves black and blue
• ·         My son says he would paint his wall pink
• ·     My daughter is football frenzy, she has those hysterical outbursts while watching a match
• ·         My son, he  never takes the pain to turn on the sports page...weird na

These goes on, the rhythm somewhere sets a different tone for the conventional social class. But what is norm, who sets the benchmark. The yardstick to delineate what is right for the other is according to a specified barometer.

Each one of us have  varied spectrum of thought mechanism.... are born with multidimensional behavioural  skills and  have a   natural tendency towards life. Is it right to turn the steering according to the social perception and mould natural efficacy?

So, next time try to think as a liberal parent....the boy might have an eye on the pink shirt on the shelf...or the little girl rightfully approves her tanned skin after a rebellious football match..

The gender story is so well constructed by us....can we ever come out of that armour...rightfully...ever?

   

Men are not Aliens from Mars, neither Monster from ‘Lala land’ and I am not a Feminist

When we were growing up, we did not have social media with us neither the strong social platform. There has been a leap, many say in our thoughts, in our upbringing, our society and our parenting or just that the media has started glaring too much with their search for content. There might also be a graphical change in the societal morale and value quotient. The men of our society going haywire with devious instinct? The women folk keeping aside the conventional tag ‘Your fault’?  It goes on.....I might not be the right person to dig on to the reason.Or the women of our times have started being their own self, just the way they should have been, free spirit, an un-tangled identity, a human. Some say that's where the hue and cry is. Women have become "Feminists"...that's what they say.

The crowded bus, the abusive uncle, the creepy cousin, the uncanny boss, my slightly revealing 
dress, the skirt line, the fact that I was attractive, the fact that I wasn’t, the fact that I was submissive, the reality that I spoke too much, the truth that I smiled back, the notion that I was single, my age, my face, my anatomical graph, my social status, my cultural background, my gender....Do they speak without my knowledge? Or they display invitation cards? I never knew that. They don’t ask for joy rides, a lift, a consoling touch, a pat on the back.

The child, the teenager, the middle aged and the old-Did everyone  evoke a half naked alien plunging, grooving, prying for his victim in the darkness, in the broad day light, at a corner, even without the corner, in the streets, at the gathering, the road, the club, the hospital, the school, the temple and even at closet of the home.

I still believe in humanity.

My daughter grows up to be a teenager, I hold her fingers show her the blue sky, the better grass, the greener pastures, the heaven, the butterflies, the roses and then I drop the idea; take the plunge, the flight to the ground.

Words of wisdom-From Mummy

• Masked faces might have a familiar smile.
• Touch does not always mean pure love. IT COMES IN MANY SHADES

• ‘No’ has no submerged undertones. IT IS SIMPLY A ‘NO’
• The face, the cleavage, the legs are simple biological extensions. Invitation cards look different
• Either it’s “Yes "or a “No” there wasn’t a disclaimer written “Read between lines”, fantasies are cooked up stories of perverted minds.

Harsher laws, severe punishment, stronger action and off course a few things beyond the law. 
Men are not aliens from Mars, neither monsters from ‘Lala land’ and I am not a feminist.

 I don’t know why I write this article, may be as a  writer, as a Blogger, as a Mother or just as a Human Being, my right to express,  my choked up feelings, my blocked up apprehensions and that dilemma to teach my daughter about life, men, feminists and aliens.

pic -Google Images

Published   -https://www.mycity4kids.com/ 

I could not talk about that to her

My little girl sat on the chair just at the corner of the door, family was shattered; we had no other option but to take our 10 year old with us. I had no place to keep her, she was holding my hand, and I had uttered a few words about the sudden demise of one of our loved one (a very close relative) I fumbled, I searched for better words, my mind scattered to gather the perfect way to tell her about the most harsh reality but I could not, I have always found the best words to adorn my writings but at that moment it was emptiness. 

I found it quite painful to escape her roving eyes; I was desperately seeking for answers because as an adult even I tried to seek explanations. I clinged to her, caressing her soft hands and took her to the remotest corner of the room, that scattered corner of the room where she would not see tears, shattered hearts' and the truth of human existence (May be I was a fool to even think so) I yearned for that little space in that chaotic corner; I had all the intention of breaking away from the truth.

I gathered all my wit to deviate her attention but at the end of the day I had to face her, I had to tell her, I had to share with her, I had to counsel her, life absolutely spoke of hurdles everywhere and as humans we try to seek logic or try hard   to elude the reality but was it feasible?

There are times when events or occurrence does not manifold the way we assume, truth always stood there but it was never plugged in us, may be each one of us desired to evade it. Death, an absolute truth, it stood there always behind us, beside us, with us but the very concept of even discussing it amongst ourselves is shattering.

Life unfolds itself in its own wavering ways, the future is fickle, life is uncertain and when death strikes the door...the baffled mind is absolutely ragged, the aftermath appalling resulting in depression, distress and severe mental, psychological and   behavioural dilemma.

As an adult we have our own healing mechanism, external and internal adaptable skills to withdraw and expunge from the memories with time but the whole concept of accepting death as a child or an adolescent is a very intricate process.  Proper counselling and enlightenment can heal and rehabilitate. It could be that little puppy or the neighbour’s uncle or may be someone as precious in our own family, death is inevitable. As the child realizes the truth of not being able to see the most beloved ones as he or she used to do in past, it challenges the basic life pattern. The initial set back of not finding the person nearby, of spending hours, days, months in a hopeless, disconsolate state is in itself depravation to basic human need. There could be a few things which could help a child regain the elemental confidence in life, in happiness, in joy, in assurance, in spirits...the very basic will to live....to live happily.

Lets strike a conversation

Let’s talk- The beauty of birth, of existence, of relationships, of life and in between the biological reality.

Lets speak  in a better tone- Let’s not preach and teach, let’s just take the normal tone, in our own very way, being over flowery or trying to be overtly positive would again spur abnormal inquisitiveness

Let’s just start on with conversation- About how life evolved, how it progresses.

Let’s counsel on life- We can do absolutely nothing about this phenomenon, man is bound by such conditions, helpless, a spectator. A mere mortal most of the times in life, at the mercy of fate but it’s always good to counsel on life. We still go on; live life just the way, choice is what stays with us. Acceptance becomes the most difficult word but we have to go on.

It can be the most compelling situation to “teach death” but at times life itself abounds us with a lot of these compelling situations unknowingly, unwillingly we are just left with a void, a silence, a vacuum.

But a bit of positivity, a dose of counselling and the right kind of conversation can help our dear ones eradicate many mental and behavioural ailments. It surely can leave a better understanding in the young hearts.

“Nature vs Nurture”-decoding it in my way

The duality of everything in this universe makes it more intriguing and ofcourse more questionable. Nevertheless that calls for an extensive and expansive research of inquisitive minds. The day we receive the parenting crown, our natural curve for learning, observing and exploring gets a new dimension. The “

Parents curve” or may be “Parents are the new kids on the block” The child is the stimulator.

The reason for choosing up such a topic, few days ago I was going through an article “How heredity and environment affect the process of growth and development" Quite an interesting topic as I have a 10 year old and each day I unleash new traits, unveil unique versatility in her character as she grows, every day  is a new day till her growth gets the stagnation certificate but behavioural pattern or development is an ever evolving saga which would be shaped by environment.

Environment, experience and training plays a vital role apart from the genes inherited. My research was based on the findings that my 10 year old was not inclined towards music at all but her genes had musical hypersensitivity. We have enrolled her to music classes as she has the right pitch and her humming spoke of melody or may be an ardent ambition of musically inclined parents....whatever ;) The training starts, The “Nurture” story begins here. The battle between the “Nature and Nurture”

Now coming to the topic- I was transported to the very popular concept - the variance in thoughts between exponents of the two schools- The behavioural approach and the genetic research module “Nature vs. Nurture. Nature is hormone based behaviour. Nurture is the way the child is brought up, it is the sum total of environment and experience.

We as parents not always have an understanding of the terms scientifically but our perception, our scattered knowledge and natural understanding often put these theories in conventional frame through which it is easier to draw a conclusion.

The physical attributes of the child is such a trait which we naturally attach to our genes...me and my husband literally have done a microscopic survey on heights. Maternal grandparents to paternal great grandparents the list has been long ;) It’s not necessary to a have a finely wired knowledge of genetics to observe the common place events which naturally point out the impact of genes. Height, eye colour, the muscle contour, athletic genes, jubilant personalities, multiple personality, intelligentsia, slow learners and even psychopath’s all have genes as contributor.

Nurture or environment has its own glory-My daughter has an exercise schedule everyday as we believe that her height might escape the wrath of genes with a bit of muscle push and pulls, that is where the “nurture “ aspect assimilates.

Modern day behavioural psychologist opines that nurturing plays a vital role in the overall personality development of a child. Here the genetic or the hereditary concept is not always considered as vital to human development. I have a common friend who was blessed with twins, both grew up to be similar in many traits but there were a few significant traits which were gradually being visible in one of the child, she was more of an extrovert in character, the other one would shy away in a crowd, there was also a stunning inclination towards music in one of the child but the other one had an athletic aptitude. The musical trait is definitely an endowment from her mom who herself is a trained singer, but sports was the last thing to be in their basket not even in remotest family lineage showed any inclination...her husband being a doc, had his last high jump session in one of his annual school sports event,  the very complexity lies here.

Controversies, research and analysis propound this subject, Nature vs. Nurture. During early years philosopher Immanuel Kant explained that human cognition is an out spur of genetics and heredity but on the contrast philosopher Locke believed human mind is just like a sheet of blank paper, nurturing, training and the overall environment shapes, outlines the human mind.

The research continues and we as parents with our own trial and error methods measure the  impact of genes by analysing our forefather’s  in one hand and on the other hand simultaneously compile, create  and nurture the left over with the best of our abilities,  creating a perfect blend of “Nature and Nurture”

Image C@Google

Extra smiles comes in " Premium Pants" now

This Post is written for the Pampers#SoftestforBabySkin organised by  Blogadda.

The baby wanders around with his smile, his feet chasing those toys. I look back at him, console myself, smile back and then start off with my day. My smile has a unique sense of relief, of comfort, of peace. Thanks to Pampers premium care Pants. The baby is all in safe hands.

This is because I had this great opportunity to be a part of the launch  as a Parenting Blogger.

I was super excited to be a part of the launch event.

The launch event was organised by Blogadda

Venue- Vivanta by Taj Hotel

Place-New Delhi

Time-4-6

Host and eminent guests

softest moments

Had my excitement quotient a bit high as I was going to be a part of the  the prestigious launch, what more did I desire as a Mommy Blogger.

What I looked for as Mommy

What I looked for as a Parenting Blogger

As a mother all I was looking for is something different from the mundane, from the ordinary, from the routies. Something which every Mom desires for her baby, the best, the best from the rest.  For me my baby’s comfort is the most important aspect of my motherhood.  At the end of the day as a mother I  try to seek those little things which makes my baby smile, be happy, sing a tune and  eradicate what exactly makes her pale, sad or kindles her annoying spirits. 

There were bad days of rashes, but with the launch of the product and and preview of "Pampers Premium Care Pants"I really could see my daughter smiling and wandering around freely, sleeping with angles and waking up with fairies.

The Event

Exclusive Preview of the “New PampersPremium Care Pants’-Softest Diaper Pants ever, soft as a Mother’s Touch #SoftestforBabySkin 

What these Premium Pants would offer- The unique quotient

The Launch, the experiment 

The eminent personalities in the event

Actress & Celebrity mother-Tara Sharma

Child sleeps consultant-Ajita Gopal Seethepalli

Pampers R7 D Expert-Dr .Wising Long

Actress & Television presenter-MandiraBedi

Why is softness and dryness an important aspect in skin health among babies?

Skin health among infants is considered as  an important aspect in baby health & hygiene.Soft and dry diaper accentuates overall development and growth in a baby. A happy baby has a thousand smiling moments. A happy skin creates a smart child.

Ajita Seethapalli said – “The importance of a good diaper (in terms of softness, dryness and fit) should not be underestimated. Babies have to be physically interacting with their environment in order to learn and understand it. Diapering baby in soft and dry pants like pampers premium care can be a great way to help enable uninstructed exploration, giving him the giggling feeling of freedom you both love”

The Pampers panel and their expert researchers demonstrated with an experiment showcasing  Pampers Premium Care Pants as one of those joy kits which promised soft touch better and in a smarter way. 

Tara  Sharma and Mandira Bedi shared their experiences as mother's, the challenges they faced and how Premium Soft and dry Pampers helped them to overcome those hurdles.

My "pampering" moment

Ajita Seethapalli narrated how softness played a major role in baby’s over all development by creating a perfect environment for sleep. A baby undoubtedly performs better if he or she feels a senses of dryness, his overall activities narrates a better performance in every sphere.

A happy baby has a better mental, cognitive and physical growth than a restless and cranky baby.

Scientist & R& D expert Dr Wising Long promised that these premium care pants promised 12 hours dryness by an experiment indicating colour change.

The event concluded with great applause and cheerful faces. As a mother I could not hold on to my happiness when I was presented with the unique kit which had these miracle wonders.

The  launch  event and the preview of Pampers premium care pants  soaked away all my worries , absorbed my irritation with the magic spell of smoothness and softness ...it surely would make our bond more stronger.

Images-from the event

Thanks for a wonderful evening. "Pampers" pamper Mommies too