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Showing posts with the label Parents Ahoy

Kitchen Tales

A tale to help teach kids the art of cooking.

Picture Quote: Today's Mom

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Buying Toys For Kids

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I was clearing the children's toy cupboard yesterday evening. It was like going down the memory lane. Most of the toys had been bought since the time my elder child was born (she is now about to turn eight!). And yes, these are coming in handy for my younger one as well (though further additions have definitely been made!). That's when I realized toys have had a big role to play in enhancing developments in my children. I had learnt as a student of Psycholog that play is one of the finest approach with regards to assured development in children. But sometimes, parents do end up either giving too little toys or going overboard.  So, here are my general guidelines, that I keep in mind, while buying age specific toys for my kids. I have included the general abilities you can notice in that particular age as well as their appropriate toys. Of course, it goes without saying that you need not buy all specified toys. You can choose according to your budget and most important, yo

Family Dosa

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Had taken the kids out for a treat. As usual their choice of cuisine popped up. One wanted noodles while the other wanted a chole bature. It was as they squabbled I realized that this had become a routine affair. We went out, ordered food based on individual choices. Sometimes we finished the laid out food, on some occassions have got them packed only to be left in the refrigerator or have left them right there thoroughly  embarrassed to have gone overboard. I decided to put a stop to their tiffs and ordered a four feet family dosa instead. It was an impulsive action and my kids definitely thought that their old lady was going crazy. They were mighty miffed. One complained why I hadn't ordered what she had wanted. The other one had a disgusted look on her face and refused to talk to me. When the literally lengthy dosa appeared, their anger turned into surprise and wonder. "How in the name of God are we going to finish this???". The other one simply said "Oh my God!

Aroma

      Our sense of smell is the only sense that sends information directly to the brain. Of the twelve nerve endings that enter the brain, only the olfactory or sense of smell passes stimuli to the brain unfiltered. There are certain odours that increase the ability to learn, create and think. Other aromas boost attention and learning. Mental alertness can be increased by using peppermint, basil, lemon, cinnamon and rosemary. In order to promote relaxation and calming effect, use lavender, chamomile, orange and rose. Ideas for Using Aromas to Build Brain Power 1. Design cooking activities to release aromas that increase alertness. 2. Use scented playdough. 3. Encourage kids to use scented markers for writing and drawing. 4. Add cooking extracts to tempera paints and ask kids to make scent-sational paintings. 5. Use potpourri. 6. Provide hand lotions by the sink for children to use after washing their hands. 7. Make scratch and sniff pictures. 8. Play florist.

Abilities And Related Toys

      Toys have had a big role to play in enhancing developments in children. In fact, play therapy is a recent approach towards treating children. Here goes the general guidelines while buying age specific toys with added information. I have included the general abilities you can notice in that particular age and appropriate toys. You need not buy all specified toys. You can choose according to your budget and most important, your child's likes and dislikes. BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS Abilities 1. Visual focus develops and infant follows objects with eyes. 2. Learns to turn to see where sounds come from. 3. Tries to grasp objects. 4. Discovers feet by bringing feet to mouth. 5. Begins to sit with support. 6. Rolls, rocks and loves to be bounced. 7. Begins to recognize familiar people and objects. 8. Imitates simple movements. 9. Begins to smile at faces. 10. Listens to voices and may imitate sounds. Appropriate Toys 1. Hanging toys or mobiles 2. Soft Blocks 3. Simple Rattle