Bollywood Actors Date Of Birth

STOP NOTICE NOTE: AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BOLLYWOOD INDUSTRY

by with 2 Comments Bollywood

This morning, I had an interesting conversation with my son. It was about Stop, Notice, and Note, an interesting reading guidepost that they were discussing at his school. The guidepost states that while reading a book if the reader notices a word, an event, or something else happening over and over again, the reader needs to stop, notice and note the event. It might give them a clue about something important that is happening in the story. It might also tell them more about a character and his personality trait.

I explained to my son that today this is a valuable signpost for various events in our personal lives too. It is always a good idea to stop and think about something that is happening in our lives. If some event specifically is repeating itself, then we certainly need to take notice of that. There is a valuable lesson in that event hiding somewhere amidst all the apparent mess. It is so much easier to make excuses for the event. And it is definitely harder to think about it without getting swayed by the emotion. But that is the need of the hour!

Every action that we take in our lives has a consequence. It first starts out small. It only affects us directly in the beginning. But it would be foolish to think that it is only affecting us. It starts with us and then slowly transports itself to the immediate neighborhood. And before we know it, it is out there in this enormous world. It happens so quickly that we can’t see it happen. And because we can’t see it happen, we think it didn’t happen. So, we set ourselves free. We think, “This is my life! I get to make the choices as it only affects me!”

And that’s when we need to stop and think if it is truly only affecting me? This leads me to the members of our Bollywood industry. The media circus that has been revolving around them for the past few years is an example of an event happening over and over again. I’m not here to judge them. I don’t know who is into what in the industry. I have nothing to say about who is nepotistic or who is into drugs or who is not. I get that human beings reside in the Bollywood industry, pretty much like every other industry. I believe that these humans are just as flawed as any other human on this planet. I get that!

And yet, an event is occurring over and over again. People from the Bollywood industry are getting accused of various things. A pattern is repeating itself and the world is witnessing it. Another thing that is being repeated is that any time someone from the industry is being accused of something, someone from the industry rises in their defence. It seems like a positive thing that someone in trouble has an army of supporters standing up for them.

But, I have a question for those supporters. Are you absolutely one hundred percent sure that they are innocent? Are you telling the world that the entire world is just out to get the Bollywood industry? Are you confident that every single person accused is squeaky clean and has no part in what they have been accused of? And then there are those supporters who feel that it is no big deal. Some have even claimed that other major countries in the world have not been successful in curbing this degrading event. Everybody does it, so if people from the industry do it, what is the big deal?

The big deal is that people from the industry are in the limelight. They are in a position of power. They can sway the public in any direction that they want. And when those people pick this path, they sway an entire generation to move towards that path. We do not live in isolation. We are all a collective entity. And those in the movie industry have the most power to move this crowd. You are not doing anyone any favor by supporting them, especially if you are not absolutely one hundred percent sure that they are innocent.

I do not know what is happening to the Bollywood industry. I have no right to judge anyone, whether they are from the industry or not. But, I do know this …what goes around comes around. I may not have great faith in the human justice system, as it is after all made by humans and can be flawed. But I have full faith in the justice of Karma. I believe that you only get what you have sent out into this world. It may even be that you were not even aware of what you were sending out. But the laws of Karma have a very clear view of it. And no one can escape it.

Today, I send out my thoughts of prayer for humanity in general, and more specifically to the people from the Bollywood industry. May you stay sane through this turmoil.

May you Stop, Notice, and Note. An important life lesson is being played out in front of you. Wake up and pay attention! Learn your lessons and grow or ignore it and perish … the choice is yours!!

 

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How to Teach Your Kids to Be Independent Self-Starters

by with No Comment Parentingworld changers

All parents want what’s best for their kids. No matter how many parenting books you read, though, it might feel impossible to determine if you’re giving too much guidance or too little. Too far in either direction has the potential to diminish a child’s sense of independence and ability to self-motivate. These are some general rules that any parent can live by to ensure their child’s future is bright and promising.

It’s the Effort That Counts

It’s often tempting to focus on results rather than the work that went into them in this output-driven world. As a parent, it’s your job to pay attention to how hard your child is working, regardless of whether they succeed or fail.

Stick to a Schedule

Children are already going through enough with the growing pains of physical and mental development. It’s all the more important for them to be eating and sleeping at regular times. In a chaotic world, this regularity makes at least those simple things certain.

Play Is Important

An overworked lifestyle is all too common in the modern professional world. If a child isn’t encouraged to dive into fun recreational and extracurricular activities, they’re sure to lose the passion for work done in the classroom. Hard work pairs best with hard play, providing kids a place to explore feelings and roles outside of their regular daily life.

 

Let Them Make Their Own Mistakes

Although it’s hard for any parent to do, you have to let your kids stumble and even fall sometimes. When a misstep can become a teachable experience, it’s probably in your child’s best interest to let them work it out on their own. It may be hard, but shielding your child from all negative experiences will only make it harder when they’re faced with adult-sized consequences later on in life.

Praise Specific Things

It’s easy to tell your child that they did a good job at something, but sometimes praise has to go deeper than that in order to be effective. It can be as simple as noticing that she or he got an excellent grade in a subject they were struggling with, or it can be complimenting specific qualities of a project they completed.

Focus on Schooling

Many young independent self-starters attend private schools, like the Delphian School. These types of schools can give your children even more responsibility, which teaches them to be a self-starter and will help them in their lives down the road.

Having the skill to be a self-starter pays off in education and careers. Use the above tips to help your children develop this valuable skill while they are young. 

 

 

 

How to Teach Your Kids to Be Independent Self-Starters

Portrait of caring young father and baby boy enjoying car transportation with child seat

Road Trips with your Babies : Tips To Help Things Go Smoothly

by with No Comment ParentingTravel

When your baby arrived, it was without a doubt one of the happiest times of your life. But while you’ve been busy getting adjusted to having your new little family member around the house, you may have given little thought to what will transpire once it’s time for your baby’s first road trip. To make sure things go smoothly, here are a few things you can do prior to hitting the road.

Pack the Night Before

Before the big day arrives, make it a point to pack your car the night before your trip. Along with your stuff, always pack plenty of diapers, baby wipes, and other supplies you’ll need during the trip. By doing so, you won’t have to waste time during the morning trying to hurry around and get everything in its proper place, which can set the stage for your baby to be cranky during the excursion.

Have a Smooth Ride

Since this will be your baby’s first road trip, the last thing you want is for your car to have mechanical issues once you are on the highway. To avoid this scenario, get your car checked over by your mechanic prior to your trip. One of the best things you can do is get a new set of Nissan tires for your vehicle since new tires will give you a smooth and safe ride as you and your baby cruise down the highway together.

Build-in Time for Breaks

If your road trip will be somewhat long, you should definitely plan some time to take some rest breaks along the way. While giving you a chance to stretch your legs, it will also let you and your baby get some fresh air, something to eat, and have the chance to have some quiet time together.

Bring a Friend Along

While your baby will naturally be great company during the ride, you may want to make it even more fun and relaxing by asking one of your best friends to come along for the ride. Not only will this give you someone else to help you out with your baby, but it will also allow you the chance to have some adult conversation during the road trip.

Pack Activities for Your Older Kids

Your older kids may get restless. This would be the perfect time to pick up books and small games or dvds to pick up for the trip.

sparkles of joy activity book

Even though you may be nervous about your baby’s first road trip, there’s no need to worry. If you have a friend with you, make plans well in advance, and know your car is in great shape, this road trip will be one you’ll always remember.

 

 

 

bday rwc

How To Make Your Child’s Birthday Memorable

by with No Comment BirthdaysCelebrationsParenting

When it comes to your child’s birthday, you want everything on that special day to be absolutely perfect. Whether your child is a toddler, pre-teen, or is approaching adulthood, it’s still important to you that they realize just how much you love them on their special day. If you want to make your child’s next birthday one that will be memorable for years to come, try these fun tips.

The Balloon Surprise

An especially fun activity to do with younger kids is to use a balloon surprise to get their birthday off to a great start. To do so, wait until they have fallen asleep the night before their birthday. Once you’re sure the coast is clear, enter their room quietly and scatter balloons all around the room. Upon waking up the next morning, your child will have a room full of color.

A Special or Unique Breakfast

You could start your child’s day off with cereal or eggs as they may normally start their day, or you can create something a little more unique and special for your child’s birthday. Something like kaiser buns with cream cheese and egg may be a great way to make the breakfast memorable. It’s delicious and will give them the energy they need for the day of festivities. Plus, you could make a tradition out of it so it’s something they look forward to each year.

Let Them Decorate Their Birthday Cake

If you plan on giving your child a birthday cake, then you can make the day more memorable by allowing them to decorate their cake. With so many types of frosting, sprinkles, and other goodies available, your child will have a blast creating the perfect cake for their party.

A Treasure Hunt for Gifts

Instead of simply handing your child their birthday presents, do a treasure hunt for the gifts. By turning the gift-giving process into a game, you can add a level of fun and suspense by leaving clues inside and outside your home, turning it into a combination treasure/scavenger hunt. For added fun, put some physical activity challenges into the hunt, such as having them climb a small tree or something else to locate their gifts.

Give Them a Birthday Letter

Giving your child a birthday letter will be something they are sure to cherish as they get older. When writing this letter to your child, don’t hold back on highlighting those special moments from the past year. Whether you tell them how proud you are of the grades they got in school, how they handled a particularly stressful situation, or how much it means to you to see them growing up to be a fantastic person, it’s a sure bet this letter will become a treasured possession. If your child doesn’t know how to read yet, this is an amazing opportunity to read it to them to be even more personal.

Whether you do one of these activities or all of them, your child’s birthday will be more memorable than you ever thought possible!

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Science as a Solution to Problems in Folk Tales

by with No Comment BooksEducationKids Stories

In most folktales, science never plays a role. The characters’ problems take place because they don’t understand the world around them. Understanding the world means thinking like a scientist. Scientists analyze events; they  look for cause and effect. And they make changes to prevent repeating mistakes. A scientific attitude can make the
difference between being frightened and feeling confident. A scientific approach to life enables people to learn and adapt, rather than live in fear. Perhaps, science could be used as a solution to some folktale problems.

In the original folktales, Chicken Little felt something land on her head and became frightened that the sky was falling. Goldilocks became frightened when the Three Bears found her sleeping in their house, after she had eaten their porridge and broken their furniture. The Three Little Pigs were afraid that the Big Bad Wolf planned to eat them.

What if Chicken Little did an experiment to find out if the sky was falling? What if Goldilocks knew how to repair the things she broke? What if the Three Little Pigs knew how to build wolf-proof houses? And better yet, what if they knew how to make good use of all that huffing and puffing?

Do you ever wonder how folktales would come out differently if the protagonists knew some scientific principles?

Let’s Think about Science in Folk Tales

Chicken Little thought the sky was falling because an acorn fell on her head. Her friends all went to tell the king this scary story. But on the way to the King’s palace, Foxy Woxy caught them and tricked them – because they didn’t know about foxes or how to avoid their foxy tricks. But what if Chicken Little was a scientist? What if her friend Henny Penny liked to do experiments? What if their other friends, Goosey Loosey and Turkey Lurkey did experiments, too? And what if they discovered how gravity works? Could they use their new knowledge to defeat Foxy Woxy? Would Chicken Little become the next Sir Isaac Newton?

Goldilocks walked into the Three Bears’  home while they were out for a walk. She ate their porridge. She broke their furniture, and then she slept in one of their beds. She’s just a child. Maybe she didn’t know better. But what if she knew how to cool the hot porridge? What if she knew how to use a screwdriver to repair the chair she broke? What if she left the Three Bears’  home better than she found it? And best-of-all, what if she could help Baby Bear with a problem, when the bears came back from their walk?
Knowing how to use the six simple machines can make a real difference in the quality of life.
Goldilocks could become a welcome guest in the Three Bears’ home.

In the original version of The Three Little Pigs, only one pig knows how to build a wolf-proof house. Suppose all three of the little pigs had been to architecture school and all three built safe sturdy wolf-proof homes? Then, when the wolf came by and did his huffing and puffing, he couldn’t blow any of their houses down. Still, none of the three pigs could go out of their houses, because without walls and a roof to protect them, the wolf could eat them. In this situation, safe houses aren’t enough. The pigs still need more science. Now we have three
hungry pigs and one hungry wolf. And none of them are going anywhere to solve their mutual problem. But there’s still all that huffing and puffing to deal with. That huffing and puffing has to be good for something. Can our story characters use the huffing and puffing to make food for them all to eat? Can it enable them
all to become friends?

Folktales present characters with problems they need to solve…

Often the solutions in the original stories are violent. Violence is not something we want to teach our children. Violence is not a good solution to life’s problems. Wolves shouldn’t get to trap foolish animals, just because they made a mistake and thought the sky was falling. Goldilocks shouldn’t be chased away from the Three Bears’  home as if she was a criminal. And that hungry wolf shouldn’t become stew for the three little pigs to eat. Peaceful solutions for these problems do exist. Science can provide us with answers.
Chicken Little and her friends can discover how gravity works.
Goldilocks can learn to use the six simple machines to fix what she breaks.

The Three Little Pigs can figure out that what seems to be a problem is often just a resource out of place. That huffing and puffing can be used to grind wheat and feed them all. I’ve created a series of Science Folktales. All of them have peaceful, productive solutions. And readers can learn some scientific principles as they watch the
characters solve their problems in ways that benefit everybody. A scientific attitude prevents the need for violence, and opens up new peaceful solutions to once scary problems. You can probably think of folktales that you would like to see have happy endings, solutions that are mutually beneficial for all the characters.

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and the Science Folktales series, which includes Chicken Little Investigates, and Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart. She is also co-author of Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants, the Nessie’s Grotto series. Her forthcoming book from Dreaming Big is Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium. She has been married for 54 years, has two children and four grandchildren.

Lois’s Books are:

Chicken Little Investigates
Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans (a retelling of Jack and the
Beanstalk)
Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines
Little Red, The Detective (a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood)
And soon to be published:
The Fairest of the All (a retelling of Snow White)
Saving the Gingerbread House (A retelling of Hansel and Gretel)
Is That the Wrong Egg? (A retelling of The Ugly Duckling)

science folktales

Lois’s website is HTTP://www.LookUnderRocks.com

Lois’s Books Are Here on Amazon


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Struggle of Mental Health in South Asian Families

by with No Comment CareCovid19EmpowermentHealthMental HealthNew ParentsParentingSelf identityTeenagersUncategorizedVoicesWomenworld changers

There is so much advice dished out to kids, everyone has a wise word without a thought to it’s impact on a child’s mental health. This is specially true in South Asian families like mine.  One of the best pieces of advice given to me by my father is  “people treat you with contempt often to hide their own insecurities”.

Mostly, I have recalled this whenever I cannot understand someone being mean without a reason. There are people you know fleetingly, and their bad behaviour can be discounted as a flaw in their own selves.

Then there are those, who are closer to you and have a repeated negative pattern in their behaviour. It affects your mental health and brings to mind the pertinent questions

  1. Is this mental abuse?
  2. Have we been normalizing mental abuse in the name of bad behaviour?

People have been facing so many demons lately, the pandemic taking toll on mental well-being and an uncertain future.  When something so devastating is unfolding, important issues like children’s mental health tend to slip through the cracks.

With stay-at-home orders and lock downs in place, many people including kids, are forced to live their reality of abuse without means to escape.

In a toxic situation, physical abuse is like a writing on the wall – it can be seen or felt and as a result there is a better chance of addressing it. Whereas, mental abuse being equally damaging, hides behind better layers.

Even though mental abuse directly impacts a person’s mental health – leaving deeper and often lasting wounds. The abuse might go unnoticed, not just by the world but also by the person enduring it.

SOUTH ASIAN FAMILY AND MENTAL HEALTH:

When mental health is discussed, often children are considered immune to these issues.

There is a basic difference between “I’m good enough” and “I’m better than others”. One is an assertion of one’s own worth, other is a degradation of another’s worth and needs to be checked . We have to teach kids to not oscillate between the two. Rather than over-confident or self-doubting kids, we need to raise our children believing in their own worth.

Now where does family come in when talking about mental abuse? It does and many with mental health issues will vouch for it. At times, family is your first stop to a child’s damaged self-esteem and low trust issues.

Coming from a culture of extended families, I can affirm for the number of times a child can feel stifled and worthless. Often in our family system, judgement and criticism are overlooked in the name of loving care.

Most families work on the concept “children do not get insulted or feel insulted.” Figure this. In our part of the world children are cared for, fed and educated but mental health is a non-issue.

What a child might feel can best be described as “living under a microscope”. Growing up over-critical of self and others. This scrutiny varies between children depending on their gender too, but that is a topic for another day.

MENTAL ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH:

If anyone is belittled or forced to feel bad about themselves by way of behaviour or words, it accounts for mental abuse. This is a simplified definition and how I perceive it owing to my experiences.
It might not feel as bad as physical abuse with no visible scars, but the effects are lasting and at times worse.

A parent abuses a child, verbally or otherwise, and makes the child believe it to be his/her own fault, by making the parent mad. This is a classic example of mental abuse resulting in the child’s self-confidence taking a major hit. The repercussions are lifelong – anything that goes wrong in life is accompanied by self-guilt.

In a household, an abusive partner blames the other partner for anything being wrong in the relationship. Anybody using emotional blackmail and playing mental tricks to control the other person in the name of love.
This is all mental abuse in its day to day form and children notice and remember. They might normalize all this in their future relationships.

mental health south asian families

WHAT CAN BE DONE:

I’m talking here about taking steps and trying to break the chain. I might not have identified mental abuse as a child but I can do better for my kid.

Any child being subjected to mental abuse directly or indirectly (witnessing it) is bound to be affected by it. So we need to “break the chain”.

First, identify it. If you are in a position where you feel degraded or belittled constantly, question it. Ask yourself “Is this normal?”

“Do I deserve to be disrespected?”

If you don’t like the answers, think about “What can I do to change this?”

Look for help, ask for it. If you feel safe talking to the person responsible, approach them or go to people you can trust. Take some action because if you have children witnessing, you are preparing them to accept a life of mental abuse.

As for children. We as parents might snap at times when the child is just being a child and I do not fault any parent for it. What I insist on is, if you feel you are in the wrong – apologize.
Talk to the child about your situation and how they must be feeling. Make them understand the concept “it’s just a bad day not a bad life.”

Creating a loving environment might just not be enough. A child needs a safe space where they can be themselves and have a voice. Without the fear of being judged, they should be allowed to make mistakes and learn.

Do not be censorious with children, not on their physical attributes nor on their mental strength. Don’t be quick to comment on other people’s sexual orientation in front of children, as they might feel compelled to hide their own identity.

Comparison between kids is never constructive criticism. It never helps.

All of the above may feel as small day to day slip ups but have lasting affect on mental health.

You can question my authority on the subject of mental health. I have none in the professional capacity but I’m sharing this as a parent and someone ready to work for improvement. I’m sure all the fellow parents out there will have something to add to this.

Do let us know your thoughts on the subject so we can try to work towards better mental health collectively, not just ours but all the families that surround us.

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Books Promoting Multilingualism – Free Every Month

by with No Comment BilingualkidsBooksKids CornerMulticultural

Yayyy, it’s the first of the month…so it’s time for some FREE reads!

We have teamed up with other authors to offer our books (eBooks version) for FREE to download on the first of every month. Also, all of my indie books will be available for FREE…so do check them out!

How to grab your FREE copy:-

  • All our eBook versions will be available for download on the first day of each month.
  • To download, you need an Amazon account and the free Kindle app installed on your tab/phone/computer.

Get our READING TRACKER here.

Check out the list of books here:-

 

BOOKS for PARENTS

Raising the Global Mindset

25 thought leaders from around the world come together to bring you the first step in antiracism education. 35 easy to read chapters that are broken into sections that create mindfulness around -Understanding the Multicultural Family, Building Acceptance, Difficult Conversations, Language Learning, Celebrating Diversity.

Expand your horizons by Raising YOUR Global Mindset with real life stories and strategies written for the multicultural parent, by the multicultural parent.

Download it here.

 

 

 

 

How to Raise Confident Multicultural Children

How to Raise Confident Multicultural Children is an insightful parents’ guidebook to raising a confident, bilingual, and multicultural child. It includes practical tips and ideas from diverse professionals of mixed ethnic backgrounds who are bilingual/trilingual/multilingual themselves. The reader will find full chapter contributions by by Dr. Ute Limacher-Riebold, Dr. Brigitte Vittrup, Dr. Mary-Pat O’Malley-Keighran, Rita Rosenback, Lisa Ferland, Brian Vassallo, Tamara Yousry, Yui Mikuriya, Elisavet Arkolaki.

Download it here.

The Toolbox for Multilingual Families

The Toolbox for Multilingual Families is aimed at parents who are raising their children with more than one language, and are looking for activities to foster their children’s understanding, speaking, reading and writing skills in all their languages, no matter if they acquired them from birth or added them later on.

The authors have selected 123 activities and games for 0-15+ year olds and adults – that can easily be adapted to different languages, to all levels of fluency, and are suitable for two or more people. The descriptions are short and easy to follow. The activities and games in this Toolbox don’t involve electronic devices and only those in the reading and writing section require a minimum of tools (paper, pen, glue etc.)

Download it here.

 

Strong Roots have No Fear

 

 

Multi-award winnnig author Aditi Wardhan Singh, an Indian American writes about challenges every parent faces in our ever evolving world. Aditi has put together her best work from years of writing about growth mindest that is positive and culturally aware.

Royal Dragonfly Winner in Parenting Books
Top 10 Finalist in Global Author Academy Academy Awards

The greatest gift you can give a child is a confident identity.

Download it here.

Children’s Books

 

Happiness Street 

A young girl reflects on her memories of a summer spent by the seaside with Grandma. Through art and painting, she gets to express various emotions while processing her feelings in an empowering and creative way. Young readers will delight at the charming watercolor paintings and will take a trip down memory lane where thoughts and emotions are expressed in color. The story ends on a positive note, with the promise of coming back at Grandma’s.

Download in English – click here
Bilingual Albanian and English – click here
Bilingual Czech and English – click here
Bilingual French and English – click here
Bilingual German and English – click here
Bilingual Greek and English – click here
Bilingual Italian and English – click here
Bilingual Polish and English – click here
Bilingual Brazilian Portuguese and English – click here
Bilingual European Portuguese and English – click here
Bilingual Russian and English – click here
Bilingual Spanish and English – click here

Cousins Forever

Cousins Forever is a beautifully written and illustrated book that captures the special relationship that cousins share. When one of the two families moves abroad, the two cousins do not let the distance come between them. They talk often about their friends, animals, different seasons, and outdoor activities, via video chat. With new words and languages being part of their everyday life, the two girls come up with a fun, painting game, the “Word Swap”.

A lovely tribute to the unique friendship of cousins. Parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents can share this book with little ones who are just beginning the lifelong journey as cousins together. Close friends are family also, so if you don’t have an extended family, your child’s best friend may also be referred to as a cousin.

Download in English – click here
Bilingual Chinese and English – click here
Bilingual Danish and English – click here
Bilingual Dutch and English – click here
Bilingual French and English – click here
Bilingual German and English – click here
Bilingual Greek and English – click here
Bilingual Italian and English – click here
Bilingual Japanese and English – click here
Bilingual Korean and English – click here
Bilingual Maltese and English – click here
Bilingual Brazilian Portuguese and English – click here
Bilingual European Portuguese and English – click here
Bilingual Russian and English – click here
Bilingual Spanish and English – click here
Bilingual Turkish and English – click here

The Children of Slowville Book 1: Bilingual (English & French)

Two stories with hand-painted watercolour illustrations about nature, animals, friendship, kindness, diversity for children aged 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

First story “Day out at the Farm”: The children are going to visit the local farm today and they will soon see that Suzy, the farmer, has a very busy job!

Second story “Mrs Rose and Her Pigeon”: Mrs Rose knows the children very well, she regularly meets them at the old people’s home where she’s a resident. Today, the children come to cook and eat with the residents, but something unusual will happen…

“The Children of Slowville” is a series of bilingual books (English / French) with beautiful values to share with our children: respect for nature, kindness to others and compassion for animals.
Book 1 – download it here. Book 2 – download it here.

Qui a pondu l’œuf? (Exploring Nature) (French Edition)

Find out what animals lay eggs in this entertaining picture book for toddlers, pre-schoolers, and early readers! Kids will love guessing which animal laid each egg as you read this book together! Download the French edition here.

 

There it is! A bilingual search and find book 

Kids learn languages easily through play, games and fun challenges.

Ideal for bilingual or expat families, language teachers (both English and French/German teachers) and children learning a second language.

◆ A book they will pick over and over again as it has many things to discover. Over 160 words in each language improves their vocabulary and helps with language acquisition.

◆ Real-life images of objects they see in their everyday life encourages them to join the conversation and develop their communication skills.

Learning English and French/German through play is possible with a search and find book full of fun topics: home, food, animals, colours, numbers, clothes, instruments, toys and many more! Bilingual French and English – click here
Bilingual German and English – click here

Happy within

Happy within is a children’s book that will help children from around the world learn, appreciate self-love and embrace diversity.

The message of the book is to help provide children with the support and confidence to be happy with themselves and within their own skin. No matter where in the world they are from, whether the race, the background, etc. The book includes a diverse range of characters with the message that we should all love ourselves and support one another to be the best we can be.

It is a positive children’s book teaching them to be proud of themselves, proud of who they are and of their uniqueness. Only through self-love and believing in oneself it is possible to be happy within.
Bilingual French and English – click here
Bilingual German and English – click here
Bilingual Italian and English – click here
Bilingual Japanese and English – click here
Bilingual Brazilian Portuguese and English – click here
Bilingual Spanish and English – click here

Fly, Little Bird! – Flieg, kleiner Vogel!: Bilingual Children’s Picture Book in English-German with Pics to Color

The little bird loves the sky. He tries to fly but can never fly up more than a few feet. He is too afraid. So he watches the other birds fly into the sky and leave him. But then something strange happens… Read how the shy little bird overcomes his fears.

Here’s what makes this book special:

  • Each line is both in English and German
  • The story is simple and suitable for early age learning
  • Introduces concepts of problem-solving, cooperation, and teamwork.
  • All the illustrations are original, creative and super fun
  • Plus, there are EXTRA PAGES for coloring and drawing at the end of the book
  • AND SO MUCH MORE!

Download it here.

Amelie at Grandma’s – Η Αμελί πάει στη γιαγιά: Children’s Picture Book English-Greek (Bilingual Edition)

A well-written and beautifully illustrated bilingual children’s book in English and Greek, written by Agatha Rodi, a Greek author, and columnist at The National Herald.

Amelie at Grandma’s is a children’s book in English and Greek that captures a young girl’s trip to her grandma’s village and the sights and sounds that fascinate her. Amelie gets fully occupied with the activities happening there. She enjoys being with the chickens, roosters and pigs, the trees, and the birds. She is impressed with the beautiful flowers, enjoys eating homemade biscuits and cupcakes, and loves feeding the crumbs that fall to the birds. She enthusiastically does a bit of gardening and carries the essence of the village in her keepsake box when she leaves.

Perfect for all children ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and up depending on their level in the target language. Most suitable for Pre-K, grade 1, grade, 2, grade 3. Download it here.

Me enseñaste a querer: You Taught Me Love (Spanish Edition) (Colección Con AMOR)

There’s nothing quite like the love a mother and child share. 

This bedtime story for kids ages 3-7 can be enjoyed with a parent or grandparent over and over again. The perfect gift for new parents, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or a birthday.

After reading this book with their daughters, mothers often buy it for their own moms—spreading gratitude and love across all generations. Download it here.

Zac el Zorrillo aprende a pedir perdón: Punk the Skunk Learns to Say Sorry (Spanish Edition)

Punk the Skunk liked to tease. Normally, his teasing was harmless. But what happens when his teasing goes too far?

For a child, recognizing mistakes can be hard. Saying I’m sorry can be even harder. Help your child learn this valuable social skill with Punk the Skunk. Parents, counselors, and teachers will love that the valuable life lessons in this book are taught in such a fun way that kids won’t even realize they’re learning.

It’s never too early to talk about these important social skills:
Showing empathy
Dealing with bullying
Being a true friend
Recognizing when you’ve done something wrong
Saying sorry
Forgiving others when they’ve apologized
Forgiving yourself when you’ve made a mistake

Caleb el Castor calma su ansiedad: Brave the Beaver Has the Worry Warts (Spanish Edition)

A calming story for bedtime, the classroom, or therapy to help children understand their worries and calm their anxious minds. For ages 3-9, preschool to second grade.

Brave can’t help but worry. But when he worries too much, his heart races and his stomach aches. When it gets really bad . . .
POP!
. . . the worry warts start popping up too!

What’s a brave beaver to do? Can Brave set aside his fears to save a friend who is in trouble?
Download it here.

Serafina Soars

Serafina is a Eurasian Eagle owl – one of the largest birds in the world. However, she is very shy; One day the sound of music encourages her to take a flight from her cozy den. This one flight makes her want more…and soon she is discovering magical wonders of her native southern Spain she had never known.  Serafina Soars is sure to captivate young nature lovers and inspire shy children to take flight themselves.

Download it here. Download Serafin Vuela in Spanish here.

What Is Your Favorite Color? / ¿Cuál Es Tu Color Favorito?

What Is Your Favorite Color? is a bilingual English-Spanish book intended not only to teach ten colors in both languages, but also to show children that everything around us has color. It aims to engage them in their daily environment and help them discover our colorful world. Download it here.

DLee’s Shapely Imagination: A Bilingual Story

DLee’s Shapely Imagination is a book written by Award-Winning Author, Diana Lee Santamaria. It features the characters DLee and her cat Mr. Mustache. This is a bright, bold and engaging story that teaches children shapes, the uniqueness of each, in a fun and playful way. Written as a bilingual book with the English and Spanish translations on the same page, this is a whimsical story with vibrant illustrations and rhyme. Download it here.

Omar, al jaguar: (Nuestra Fauna) (Spanish Edition)

Winner of the Moonbeam Awards (Conservation category), International Book Awards (Educational category), and KidsShelf Books cover award, this is a story that encourages us to embrace diversity and care for our environment. Omar, is a lonely jaguar looking for friends to play with. He encounters some animals that invite him to be their friend but he refuses because he thinks these buddies don’t look like him. Thus, they are not fit to play together. Later on, he realizes that they have more in common than he thinks and that being different can be an advantage after all. Download it here.

Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World

Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America who changed the World highlights 11 women from Latin America who excelled in science, sports, the arts, journalism, politics and more. Some notable women featured include Mexican painter Frida Khalo, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Rigoberta Menchu, Grammy-winning musical icon Celia Cruz, and renowned pilot Hermelinda Urvina. The true biographical stories of these outstanding women are presented in rhyming verses. Additional educational resources are offered at the end of the book, including a bibliography reference page. .Recommended for children ages 5-8, grades K-3rd. Download it here.

Unicornio Jazz: Spanish Version

This is the Spanish version of Unicorn Jazz based on the original Unicorn Jazz.
This is a delightful unicornio book for Spanish book for learners, spanish book for kids, baby spanish books.
Download it here.


La Orquídea de Aurora (Spanish Edition)

Aurora, a beloved mom to four young children, is determined to create memories with them in her childhood home in Rincon, Puerto Rico. One year, she plants an orchid with her children and spends the summer teaching them to tend to it in the hopes that it would grow into the beautiful plant she knew it could. As the days, weeks, months, and even years pass, Aurora teaches her children patience as they wait for the flowers to bloom. This heart-warming tale based on a true story shows how the thoughtful guidance of a loving mother could teach patience while leaving a lasting and beautiful impact on those around her. Download it here.

 

 

This is a great opportunity to grab these wonderful books promoting multilinguism and have your kids read some fun and interesting books too. Don’t forget to share this with your family, friends, neighbors, WhatsApp groups, Facebook friends, etc.

If you are a teacher or educator, feel free to share our books with your students.

Also, it would be GREAT if you can leave a REVIEW on Amazon post reading the books. Your review can put a smile to an author’s face or make them write better.

Don’t forget to grab our SCREEN FREE ACTIVITY GUIDE FOR CREATIVE THINKERS FOR YOUR KIDDOS , Before your leave ….

pallavi3

Raising Mindfulness – Diverse Reading Challenge

by with No Comment BooksKids Corner

Summer is upon us. This means we are all looking for books to help our kids raise their level of mindfulness via books. This diverse reading challenge around mindfulness provides you not just with ONE book but each book is a part of a series of books that all empower children to be mindful, empathetic, kind, confident and build a strong value system while providing a global view.

Buy them via the links provided or find them at your local library. You can even make a request to your local librarian or add a book request on your library’s website.

Read through the books and track the books via this handy pdf to keep track of all your summer reading. Make sure to download our Holiday Activity guide for reading comprehension activities that go along with ANY book list.

You can download our reading tracker here – CLICK HERE

Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps

by Srividhya Venkat

On Sundays, Varun has his karate lesson, and his sister Varsha heads to dance school with their grandfather. One weekend, Varun reluctantly accompanies his sister to her lesson. Bored of waiting, he peeks into the classroom, and almost immediately, he is fascinated by the rhythm and grace of bharatanatyam, a dance from India that Varsha is learning to perfect. Varun tries a few moves at home in secret because…well, boys don’t dance, do they? His grandfather is not so sure. Will Thatha be able to convince Varun to dance in his footsteps?

Find ALL books by Yali Books here.

 

I Can Handle It

Kids learn well through repetition, and simple easy to ‘get’ language. Your children will incorporate the mindful mantra I Can HandleIt almost immediately after reading this book!

Positive self-talk is incredibly important for improving and maintaining mental health and the mindful mantra books are a way to plant that positivity right into a child’s head! Help your child learn to handle difficult emotions along with Sebastien, and provide a tool for lifelong confidence.

Check out the MINDFUL MANTRA SERIES

 

by Argyro Graphy

Bentley the hippo has a dream to go to the moon. As his journey begins, he runs into a silly monkey, Jaxon, who thinks throwing bananas is sharing. Bentley’s goal is to inspire children to do better, be kinder, accept and respect each other regardless of size, color, shape, gender or religion; and to help those that face other difficulties and challenges. Without “preaching” Bentley teaches children valuable lessons. Bentley’s bubbly personality inspires children to be curious as to what will happen next in this 5-book series. Get ready to fall in love with Bentley.

Check out all the Hippo Books

 

 

Cami and Wyatt Have Too Much Screen Time

by Stacy C. Bauer

Cami and Wyatt love their screen time. Watching movies and playing games on their tablets is so much fun! But are they missing out on other things? And are their family and friends feeling ignored? Screen time addicts of ALL AGES will find this book relatable and funny. Parents in particular will appreciate the gentle suggestions that inspire and empower kids to power down. Join Cami and Wyatt in the third book of the Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too series, as they try to break this bad habit and find their way back to the real world.

Check out all the Cami and Wyatt Too Books

 

 

by Pridhee

Help your children learn numbers 1-10 in Hindi in a fun way! Based on the old Hindi rhyme “Ek Tha Raja Ka Beta”, this is an interactive board book with lift the flaps and pull tabs that will keep the children captivated.

 

by Jasmine Paul 

Do you wish your child could be more responsible with money?

Kass budgets her money carefully and expects her brother Joey to do the same. But Joey spends every dollar he earns. When he realizes he hasn’t saved enough money to pay for something he’s been dreaming about, Joey must either learn to budget or risk giving up his dream.

A Boy, A Budget, and a Dream helps teach financial literacy and money management to children ages 4-8 in a fun and easy to comprehend way!

by Sunita Shah 

Hanuman Chalisa was composed by Sage Tulsidas in the 16th century in Awadhi language. (that’s over 400 years ago). Hanuman is a devotee of Lord Rama and one of the well-known characters in the Hindu epic “Ramayana”. Hanuman is Hindu’s original super hero, the monkey god. Hanuman Chalisa holds a special place and importance in the Hindu religion as it highlights Hanuman’s unique qualities. There are forty verses praising Hanuman, each line has been translated by The Jai Jais for children to easily understand. Chanting the Chalisa creates positive energy and vibrations. Children who recite the Chalisa, will be filled with wisdom and strength. Sometimes children try to do things that can be challenging or tricky, and can cause them to become sad or frustrated. Praying to Hanuman can help children accomplish difficult tasks. He can bring peace and happiness to their minds, and achieve well being.

From the series – The Jai Jais Legend Series

I Love BOBA!

by Katrina Liu

“I love BOBA!” is a colorful rhyming picture book inspired by the author, Katrina Liu’s, love of boba. With the bubble tea craze happening worldwide, it’s hard to believe that there isn’t a children’s book out there that celebrates this spectacular drink! This 36 page picture book features whimsical and fun illustrations that include so many amazing reasons why boba is so great! As if you need a book to convince you!

Cousins Forever

French Edition by Elisavet Arkolaki

Cousins Forever is a beautifully written and illustrated book that captures the special relationship that cousins share. When one of the two families moves abroad, the two cousins do not let the distance come between them. They talk often about their friends, animals, different seasons, and outdoor activities, via video chat. With new words and languages being part of their everyday life, the two girls come up with a fun, painting game, the “Word Swap”.

A lovely tribute to the unique friendship of cousins. Parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents can share this book with little ones who are just beginning the lifelong journey as cousins together. Close friends are family also, so if you don’t have an extended family, your child’s best friend may also be referred to as a cousin. Available in 18 languages.

Check out all the Other multilingual books by Elisavet

Little Cat Feels Left Out

by Dori Durbin

What is so special about Mr. Fuzzby? He can’t possibly be a better best friend than Little Cat… right? Is Little Cat being LEFT OUT?

Little Cat sets out on a mission to learn what makes Mr. Fuzzby tick. But what she discovers about true friendship will surprise children and parents alike!

Friendships can be tricky, help your child see them in a new way! If your child has ever struggled with disappointing friendships or feeling LEFT OUT, then this book is for you both! Help your child identify behaviors of good friends, ways they can be even better friends, and that no one ever has to FEEL LEFT OUT!

With relatable, child-like animal characters and comical illustrations, “Little Cat Feels Left Out” will engage and elate even the youngest of readers. Be prepared to read it again… and again!

Check out the The Little Cat Feelings Series

My Sister’s Super Skills

by Lauren Mosback

David is having a rough day…but his emotions are no match for his older sister Lily, who swoops in to save the day with some super skills! When Lily observes her brother feeling frustrated, sad, and irritable, she quickly shows him some helpful tips and tricks to help him feel better. And though David might not feel like jumping up and down for joy at that very minute, he soon learns that an improved mood is just a few actions away. Will Lily’s super skills be enough to save the day?

Fred the Super Saves the Mangroves

by Pina Bird

Fred’s new adventure takes you on a trip deep into the mangrove forests of Australia. While taking in all the beauty of this new habitat, Fred discovers that the forest is at risk and needs immediate help. How will Fred and his friends save the mangroves? Join the adventure and find out what they learn about the mangrove forests.

From the series – Fred the Super Series

A Curious Boy Named Jeff: Based on Jeff Bezos’s Life

by Kay B

Jeff is a very successful person. He runs his own company called Amazon. Amazon helps people buy and sell anything using the computer and internet. So, how did Jeff become successful? What is one value that has helped him? BEING CURIOUS!

Jeff likes to read, ask questions and observe the world around him. He discovers new things every day and every day he works to help makes peoples’ lives easier. We always teach children about remarkable people of the past. But what about those in the present? What can children learn from them?

Little Kids’ Big Lessons series focuses on successful, inspirational people of today, and highlights a key value that has helped each one of them achieve their success. The first book of the series is about Jeffrey P. Bezos, founder of Amazon.

From the series – Little Kids’ Big Lessons Series

I Love Masala Me

by Nikita Gupta

Joselyn and Amit are children that belong to two worlds, and two different but beautiful cultures. Growing up, they could choose to assimilate into American culture completely, or they could choose to embrace their multicultural heritage. They both decide to celebrate the richness of their multicultural (Indian and American) identities. This book is a celebration of culture and multicultural identity through food from chicken nuggets and chicken pakora, to cheese curds and paneer tikka, etc. Find yourself immersed in a delightful children’s book that explores the gift of being a masala or a multicultural child, all while you enjoy learning some Hindi and English too. I love masala me is a simple story that encourages children not to shun being different but to love it. In today’s diverse and divisive climate, self-love, acceptance, and inclusion are of the utmost importance, and what better way to convey this message than through food.

Sparkles of Joy

by Aditi Wardhan Singh

Empathy comes from knowledge.

Caleb, a new neighbor, joins a Diwali themed play date. Will Riya and her friends be able to make Caleb feel comfortable?

Explore Diwali, Christmas Hanukkah , similarities and differences. Find out how cultures around the world sparkle in different ways. Enjoy this fun story that takes you around the world, written by multi-award winning Author Aditi Wardhan Children.

The Sparkling Me Series books are ideal for elementary aged kids, preschoolers and teachers. Conversation starters, a Diya making activity and a resource guide come with this book.

Check out all the books in the Sparkling Me Series

Download our FREE ACTIVITY GUIDE to make the most of THE holidays.

Includes Reading comprehension exercises, boredom busters and creative thinking work sheets.

CLICK HERE TO GRAB IT NOW

References:-
www.goodreads.com
www.amazon.com
www.googlebooks.com

 

Two parents helping their kids with moving out and moving in.

How to Make Moving Cross Country with Kids Easier

by with No Comment ParentingTravel

Packing everyone into the car to move across the country isn’t easy, especially if your family includes children. Before your moving out day arrives, try following a few of these methods to keep everyone calm, comfortable, and collected.

 Make Moving Cross Country with Kids Easier

Pack an Activity Bag

Every parent in charge of a road trip needs a bag full of fun activities, tasty snacks, and emergency items to help clean up in case of a spill. Start by grabbing a few things like word puzzles, small toys, and books that aren’t too big to carry around. Then, improve your kit with individually-wrapped snacks like fruit rollers, small bags of trail mix, and similar items. Finally, your kit should probably also include sanitizer wipes, water bottles, first aid solutions, and anything else you might need on the go. Keep your bag underneath the passenger’s seat, and pull it out anytime you need to improve the mood during your moving out journey.

Provide Charging Solutions

Staying entertained in the modern day is as easy as keeping your devices turned on. Your kids probably each own a cell phone, game system, or similar item. Before the trip, find out what kind of plugs or batteries each of their devices needs. Make it your job to bring backup batteries, charging adapters, and anything else that will help your kids stay online. During the trip, keep an eye on battery levels – you don’t want someone to run out of power when you won’t be able to stop for several hours.


Prepare the Backseat Environment

The backseat of your car should feel like a mini oasis where your kids can relax and unwind until the trip is over. There are several things you can do to make this area more comfortable. First, start by cleaning the car thoroughly before the trip and making sure that everything is in working order. Consider dimming the light and adding privacy with basic car window tinting; that way, your little ones will be able to nap uninterrupted. Finally, provide a trash receptacle and access to things like water bottles, hand wipes, and snacks.

 

 

Keep the Mess to a Minimum

Kids build up messes easily, but that doesn’t mean they actually enjoy dealing with them. Do your kids a favor and keep the backseat clean during the trip. Whenever the whole crew gets out of the car, take a moment to throw away trash, wipe up crumbs, and place items back in their respective bags. Once or twice throughout the trip, use a car wash vacuum cleaner to remove the evidence of backseat snacking and provide a fresher environment. With a little effort, you’ll be able to give your kids the feeling of a clean and classy vacation instead of a stuffy move-out road trip.

Happy kids are usually quieter and calmer while they’re en route. As long as you keep everyone clean, fed, entertained, and well-rested, your moving out road trip should go off without a hitch.

 

Make Moving Cross Country with Kids Easier for all.

How to Make Moving Cross Country with Kids Easier

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Simple Tips to Make Traveling with Family Easier

by with No Comment Travel

Are‌ ‌you‌ ‌planning‌ ‌on ‌travel‌ing ‌with‌ ‌your‌ ‌family‌ ‌this‌ ‌summer?‌ ‌Do you need easy tips for the same? There‌ ‌are‌ ‌a‌ ‌number‌ ‌of‌ ‌things‌ ‌you‌ ‌will‌ ‌need‌ ‌to‌ ‌do‌ ‌in‌ ‌order‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌the‌ ‌trip‌ ‌a‌ ‌safe‌ ‌and‌ ‌easy‌ ‌one.‌ ‌These‌ ‌handy‌ ‌tips‌ ‌will‌ ‌keep‌ ‌you‌ ‌fully‌ ‌up‌ ‌to‌ ‌speed‌ ‌so‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌can‌ ‌get‌ ‌there‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌hurry.‌ ‌Keep‌ ‌them‌ ‌in‌ ‌mind‌ ‌as‌ ‌you plan‌ ‌your‌ ‌next‌ ‌fun-filled‌ ‌family‌ ‌summer‌ ‌vacation‌ ‌trip.‌ Here are easy tips to traveling with family.

Easy Tips to Make Traveling with Family Easier

 

‌Make‌ ‌Sure‌ ‌to‌ ‌Plan‌ ‌Everything‌ ‌in‌ ‌Advance‌ ‌

Are‌ ‌you‌ ‌planning‌ ‌to‌ ‌go‌ ‌to‌ ‌a‌ ‌special‌ ‌destination‌ ‌this‌ ‌summer?‌ ‌You‌ ‌may‌ ‌be‌ ‌looking‌ ‌forward‌ ‌to‌ ‌a‌ ‌fun‌ ‌week‌ ‌or‌ ‌two‌ ‌of‌ ‌outdoor‌‌ ‌‌tent‌ ‌camping‌.‌ ‌If‌ ‌this‌ ‌is‌ ‌the‌ ‌case,‌ ‌it’s‌ ‌a‌ ‌good‌ ‌idea‌ ‌to‌ ‌get‌ ‌all‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌details planned‌ ‌out‌ ‌well‌ ‌in‌ ‌advance.‌ ‌This‌ ‌is‌ ‌a‌ ‌move‌ ‌that‌ ‌will‌ ‌save‌ ‌you‌ ‌a‌ ‌great‌ ‌deal‌ ‌of‌ ‌time,‌ ‌effort,‌ ‌and‌ ‌money‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌long‌ ‌run.‌ 
‌
For‌ ‌example,‌ ‌you‌ ‌may‌ ‌be‌ ‌traveling‌ ‌during‌ ‌a‌ ‌time‌ ‌of‌ ‌urgent‌ ‌pandemic‌ ‌restrictions.‌ ‌Since‌ ‌these‌ ‌are‌ ‌apt‌ ‌to‌ ‌recur‌ ‌at‌ ‌unknown‌ ‌intervals,‌ ‌it’s‌ ‌a‌ ‌good‌ ‌idea‌ ‌to‌ ‌keep‌ ‌up‌ ‌to‌ ‌date‌ ‌with‌ ‌current‌ ‌travel‌ ‌conditions.‌ ‌You‌ ‌should‌ ‌also‌ ‌check‌ ‌daily‌ ‌to‌ ‌see‌ ‌if‌ ‌the‌ ‌destination‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌and‌ ‌your‌ ‌family‌ ‌wish‌ ‌to‌ ‌travel‌ ‌to‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ ‌open‌ ‌during‌ ‌this‌ ‌particular‌ ‌period.‌ 
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You‌ ‌should‌ ‌also‌ ‌be‌ ‌sure‌ ‌to‌ ‌stock‌ ‌up‌ ‌on‌ ‌all‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌various‌ ‌items‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌will‌ ‌need‌ ‌in‌ ‌order‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌your‌ ‌trip‌ ‌a‌ ‌pleasant‌ ‌one.‌ ‌This‌ ‌means‌ ‌getting‌ ‌plenty‌ ‌of‌ ‌snacks,‌ ‌first‌ ‌aid‌ ‌supplies,‌ sunscreen,‌ ‌bug‌ ‌repellent,‌ ‌drinks,‌ ‌and‌ ‌anything‌ ‌else‌ ‌you‌ ‌may‌ ‌need.‌ ‌The‌ ‌time‌ ‌to‌ ‌gather‌ ‌up‌ ‌all‌ ‌of‌ ‌these‌ ‌items‌ ‌is‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌weeks‌ ‌before‌ ‌you‌ ‌plan‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌your‌ ‌trip.‌ 
‌

Use‌ ‌Apps‌ ‌to‌ ‌Make‌ ‌Reservations‌ ‌Easier‌ ‌

Another‌ ‌crucial‌ ‌way‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌can‌ ‌make‌ ‌your‌ ‌trip‌ ‌a‌ ‌much‌ ‌easier‌ ‌experience‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌ ‌for‌ ‌you‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌the‌ ‌maximum‌ ‌use‌ ‌of‌ ‌a‌ ‌whole‌ ‌slew‌ ‌of‌ ‌handy‌‌ ‌‌travel‌ ‌apps‌.‌ ‌These‌ ‌apps‌ ‌have‌ ‌been‌ ‌specially‌ ‌designed‌ ‌in‌ ‌order‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌all‌ ‌of‌ ‌your‌ ‌arrangements,‌ ‌such‌ ‌as‌ ‌motel‌ ‌or‌ ‌flight‌ ‌reservations,‌ ‌easier‌ ‌to‌ ‌finalize‌ ‌and‌ ‌keep‌ ‌track‌ ‌of.‌ ‌
You‌ ‌can‌ ‌use‌ ‌apps‌ ‌in‌ ‌order‌ ‌to‌ ‌shop‌ ‌around‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌best‌ ‌prices‌ ‌on‌ ‌motels,‌ ‌airline‌ ‌fares,‌ ‌gas,‌ ‌food,‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌thousand‌ ‌other‌ ‌conveniences.‌ ‌You‌ ‌can‌ ‌also‌ ‌use apps‌ ‌to‌ ‌book‌ ‌your‌ ‌stay‌ ‌at‌ ‌your‌ ‌destination‌ ‌of‌ ‌choice.‌ ‌Using‌ ‌these‌ ‌handy‌ ‌apps‌ ‌helps‌ ‌you‌ ‌plan‌ ‌out‌ ‌the‌ ‌best‌ ‌time‌ ‌to‌ ‌make‌ ‌a ‌trip‌ ‌with ‌your‌ ‌family.‌ ‌They‌ ‌are‌ ‌great‌ ‌at‌ ‌helping‌ ‌you‌ ‌save‌ ‌money too.‌ 
‌
Above‌ ‌all,‌ ‌these‌ ‌apps‌ ‌are‌ ‌here‌ ‌to‌ ‌help‌ ‌you‌ ‌plan‌ ‌your‌ ‌trip‌ ‌down‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌last‌ ‌detail.‌ ‌You‌ ‌may‌ ‌wish‌ ‌to‌ ‌use‌ ‌a‌ ‌particular‌ ‌site’s‌ ‌camping‌ ‌facilities.‌ ‌However,‌ ‌you‌ ‌may‌ ‌also‌ ‌wish‌ ‌to‌ ‌customize‌ ‌your‌ ‌particular‌ ‌vacation‌ ‌package‌ ‌so‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌aren’t‌ ‌charged‌ ‌for‌ ‌hunting‌ ‌or‌ ‌fishing‌ ‌facilities‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ don’t‌ ‌care‌ ‌to‌ ‌use.‌ ‌Apps‌ ‌let‌ ‌you‌ ‌customize‌ ‌your‌ ‌experience.‌ 
‌

Choose‌ ‌the‌ ‌Best‌ ‌Route‌ ‌to‌ ‌Travel‌ ‌

One‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌most‌ ‌important‌ ‌things‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌will‌ ‌need‌ ‌to‌ ‌keep‌ ‌in‌ ‌mind‌ ‌during‌ ‌the‌ ‌course‌ ‌of‌ ‌your‌‌trip‌ ‌is‌ ‌the‌ ‌route‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌will‌ ‌take.‌ ‌This‌ ‌is‌ ‌extra‌ ‌important‌ ‌because‌ ‌you‌ ‌may‌ ‌be‌ ‌traveling‌ ‌during‌ ‌a‌‌time‌ ‌of‌ ‌pandemic‌ ‌crisis.‌ ‌You‌ ‌want‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌sure‌ ‌that‌ ‌the‌ ‌path‌ ‌that‌ ‌you‌ ‌take‌ ‌to‌ ‌your‌ ‌vacation‌ ‌spot‌ ‌is‌‌primed‌ ‌to‌ ‌keep‌ ‌you‌ ‌free‌ ‌of‌ ‌any‌ ‌infection‌ ‌hot‌ ‌spots.‌
‌
This‌ ‌is‌ ‌all‌ ‌the‌ ‌more‌ ‌important‌ ‌if‌ ‌you‌ ‌are‌ ‌going‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌making‌ ‌the‌ ‌journey‌ ‌by‌ ‌car.‌ ‌You‌ ‌want‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌‌sure‌ ‌that‌ ‌the‌ ‌route‌ ‌you‌ ‌take‌ ‌keeps‌ ‌you‌ ‌well‌ ‌clear‌ ‌of‌ ‌dangerous‌ ‌areas.‌ ‌You‌ ‌don’t‌ ‌want‌ ‌to‌ ‌have‌ ‌to‌‌pull‌ ‌over‌ ‌to‌ ‌use‌ ‌the‌ ‌restroom‌ ‌in‌ ‌an‌ ‌area‌ ‌where‌ ‌a‌ ‌curfew‌ ‌has‌ ‌been,‌ ‌or‌ ‌is‌ ‌about‌ ‌to‌ ‌be,‌ ‌imposed.‌‌This‌ ‌will‌ ‌put‌ ‌unnecessary‌ ‌stress‌ ‌on‌ ‌your‌ ‌family.‌
‌
If‌ ‌you‌ ‌are‌ ‌flying,‌ ‌be‌ ‌aware‌ ‌of‌ ‌any‌ ‌restrictions‌ ‌that‌ ‌may‌ ‌be‌ ‌in‌ ‌place‌ ‌regarding‌ ‌the‌ ‌area‌ ‌you‌ ‌will‌ ‌be‌‌arriving‌ ‌in.‌ ‌Make‌ ‌sure‌ ‌to‌ ‌know‌ ‌all‌ ‌of‌ ‌these‌ ‌rules‌ ‌in‌ ‌advance‌ ‌so‌ ‌that‌ ‌your‌ ‌safety‌ ‌is‌ ‌not‌‌compromised.‌
‌

Keep‌ ‌Safety‌ ‌First‌ ‌in‌ ‌Your‌ ‌Mind‌‌

Traveling‌ ‌with‌ ‌your‌ ‌family‌ ‌during‌ ‌the‌ ‌summer‌ ‌can‌ ‌be‌ ‌a‌ ‌great‌ ‌experience.‌ ‌But‌ ‌you‌ ‌will‌ ‌need‌ ‌to‌‌keep‌ ‌safety‌ ‌first‌ ‌on‌ ‌your‌ ‌mind‌ ‌at‌ ‌all‌ ‌times.‌ ‌Make‌ ‌sure‌ ‌to‌ ‌carry‌ ‌your‌ ‌masks, sanitizer, first‌ ‌aid‌ ‌kit‌ ‌and‌ ‌phone‌ ‌with‌‌you‌ ‌in‌ ‌case‌ ‌of‌ ‌trouble.‌ ‌Take‌ ‌all‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌routine‌ ‌and‌ ‌special‌ ‌precautions‌ ‌that‌ ‌the‌ ‌situation‌ demands. This will keep you safe on your summer trip.‌
easy tips traveling family
Taste of the World

Explore These Popular Snacks Around the World

by with No Comment FoodMulticultural

The world loves to snack, so what better way is there to celebrate diversity than food? From European chocolate goodies to spicy nuts or savory meat snacks, here are 10 popular snacks around the world, from 10 different countries.

 

Here are 10 Different Snacks from Around the World

South Africa

South African’s love to munch on J&M Biltong, a type of beef jerky but different. It’s made from a variety of meats including beef, ostrich, and wildebeest. The centuries-old method of massaging the meat cuts with vinegar and spices, then drying it naturally makes for a tasty snack.

The Netherlands

The Dutch are fond of Stroopwafels, a cookie version of the breakfast waffle. They were first made and sold only by bakers in the South Hollan city of Gouda during the 1800s. You’ll find them everywhere in the Netherlands today. They’re made by pressing two thin layers of dough in a waffle iron and then filled with a caramel syrup sandwich style.

Switzerland

The tiny country of Switzerland is famous worldwide for more than its chocolate, but one snack you’ll only find inside Swiss borders is the Migros Appenzeller Biberli, a soft-baked gingerbread cookie filled with marzipan (alone filling). Once only baked for holidays, they can be bought at Migros, the nation’s largest supermarket chain all year long. Best of all, since the chain is a co-op, they’re baked by locals.

Australia

Arnott’s Tim Tams are recognized all across the planet, but they were first made by the Huntington bakery in Sydney, Australia, and the Aussies consume 45 million of them every year. Tim Tams are made of two chocolate malt biscuits with a cream filling and covered in more chocolate. Get them in dark chocolate, white chocolate, mint, and caramel.

Scotland

The Scots relish their teatime, and all across Scotland, you’ll find Tunnock’s Teacakes – tiny cookies topped with a dollop of meringue and dipped in chocolate. The teacakes are the invention of the company’s CFO, Boyd Tunnuck who first made them in 1960. However, the Tunnock Bakery has been a Scottish legend since 1890.

India

You may have noticed that Cashew Nuts are often used in Indian cuisine either as a garnish or made into a paste to use in curries. But for snacking, the nuts are coated with a mix of Indian chili and other spices. You can get them from roadside stands or in markets packaged as Hot & Spicy Cashews by the Laxmi company.

Iceland

Skyr, a low-fat dairy product is proof that Icelanders like to snack healthy. Similar to Greek yogurt, it has probiotic milk cultures native to Iceland. It comes in cups and in yogurt-familiar flavors like strawberry, blueberry, and vanilla.

Japan

In Japan, Onigiri Rice Balls are stuffed with different fillings and wrapped in seaweed. These treats are sold at 7-Elevens across Japan and are as common as the U.S. Slurpee. The fillings include salmon, chicken, turnip wasabi, and grilled beef kalbi. Store managers manage the inventory so that the snacks all always fresh. Go on for more snacks around the world.


Korea

A snack called Honey Butter Chips became wildly popular on the Korean Peninsula in 2014, so much so they became hard to find. Competitors jumped on the bandwagon for the sweet and salty snack market and came up with honey mustard flavored Nongshim Sumi Chips. The tangy and sweet wavy potato chips quickly outsold Honey Butter Chips. They’re sold in Korean convenience stores.

Mexico

Those who are fans of Flaming Hot Cheetos will love Takis, their Mexican cousin. Takis are even hotter and crunchier and come in varieties such as Lime and Salsa Brava and Hot Chili Pepper. They’re sold in convenience stores and supermarkets all around Mexico and are super cheap at only five pesos which is equal to about 28 cents.

Jamaica

When traveling in the Caribbean you will be sure to make a stop in Jamaica and this wonderful island country has a great deal to offer as far as cuisine. The most popular Jamaican snacks are Chanchitas Banana Chips and jerk seasoning. This take on a traditional snack can be great for the waist line as the bananas and plantains they come from are all natural.

Of course, the best way to enjoy these tastes of the world is by traveling to the country they’re native to. But thanks to the Internet and worldwide shipping, some of these popular snacks can be enjoyed right at home.

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Milo the Albino Dino – Real Friendship Begins with Acceptance

by with No Comment Body PositivityBooksBullyingDiversity

I am so glad I was lucky enough to grab an ARC copy from the author. What a treat! Milo the Albino Dino is a MUST read for EVERY SINGLE CHILD who may think they are different, which is, let’s face it, us all. It is so important for kids to learn early how to be kind and empathetic. To stand with those who may need us, just because they may be alone. Also, that every single kid has their own unique qualities. This is such a heart warming tale, my kids had me read and re-read it to them multiple times. Thank you to the author for sharing this with us.

With colorful illustrations and vivid story telling, this book is a beautiful addition to any library.

At RaisingWorldChildren.com, we believe in building diversity and inclusion early and we are proud to support the message of this book to reach as far and wide as we can.

No child should ever feel that they are different just because of how they look. It is so essential that every kid knows that they have unique qualities that make them stand out from the crowd by their character and not how they look. Our favorite part of the book HAS to be when Milo uses his best quality to help his friends in the simplest way possible.

Every person can be helpful to others, no matter the age, or stage. A truly remarkable story for every kid!

It would be ideal for any elementary aged kid 3-10.

Book Description

Milo is having a tough time at school. The other kids won’t play with him because he’s an Albino. The longer this goes on, the sadder and lonelier he feels.

When he tells his mom what’s going on at school, she suggests he find a new friend like him. Soon, Milo is on an adventure of a lifetime searching for another Albino dinosaur. After learning about his journey, a few friends join him and discover what genuine friendship, kindness, and acceptance means.

Milo the Albino Dino teaches young children about awareness and acceptance. This book teaches children how a first impression doesn’t represent who a person is on the inside and how to form friendships without bias.
*The book includes a bonus interactive section at the end.

**It’s perfect for children between the ages of 3 and 8 years and recommended by teachers for home-schooling.

Grab the book now – Amazon       /        Author’s Website

About the Author

Tech Marketer by day and writer and musician by night, Dolev has written many short stories. After his first child was born, he started focusing on children’s books, as he gets regular inspiration from his kids. Their imagination takes him back to when he was a kid, connecting between unrelated things and blending them into a story. As a parent, he tries to use that same method and reply it back to kids, each time with a different message that will help them overcome the obstacles of life they have to cope with.
Dolev resides in North Carolina and has a wife and two kids. Read a review for his first book, Far Beyond the Sun, on our book section :
His next three books are in production now:
Painting on a Weasel
Even Monsters Need to Go Potty
My Neighbor Has it All! – About materialism and joy of life
milo the albino dino
Image : via pexels

Get Your Kids Involved With Volunteering

by with No Comment Activism

Getting kids involved with volunteering can be easy. You just need to show them how they can make a difference.
Below are four tips to get your kids into it.

Help Your Kids See Other People’s Needs

Get your kids to start volunteering by showing them how many needs others have. Tell them about the homeless and those who don’t have food on their tables. Share stories about children their ages who don’t have the same kinds of advantages as they do, or tell them about the elderly who are lonely in nursing homes. The more you help your kids understand the needs of others, the more willing they will be to volunteer.

Volunteer Together as a Family

The best way to get your kids involved in volunteering is to do it together as a family. Go to the nursing home to visit those who are sad and lonely or pack up bags of food for those in need. Do yard work at someone’s house or find another project that you can tackle as a family. It will feel nice to do something good together.

Find Ways for Your Kids to Use Their Talents

When you want to get your kids interested in volunteering, you need to find a way for them to feel useful doing it. If your kids enjoy writing or drawing, then get them to volunteer by sending cards or letters to those who are lonely. Check out various charities to see what kind of help they need. Figure out what your kids can do best and get them involved with the right charity so that they will feel good about their contribution.


Make Volunteering a Regular Thing and Make It Fun

Make volunteering as a family a regular thing. You can set a good example to your kids by being willing to give some of your time. Find the right charity to give to, such as Give 2 Kids, and work with it as often as possible. Get your whole family involved and have some fun volunteering. Make it a tradition to go out for ice cream afterward or do something else fun together, so that volunteer days will be a good time with your family.

Get your kids involved in volunteering, and they will feel good about themselves. Your whole family can make a difference for those in need. Find the right charity and start giving back.

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Understanding Colourism Better to Deface it’s Hold on our Future

by with No Comment ActivismBody ImageBody PositivityBullyingColorism

Colourism, it’s complicated. There are blurred lines, or perhaps blurred shades would be more appropriate.  So, allow me to start with its dictionary definition.

colourism

(US colorism)

Pronunciation /ˈkʌlərɪz(ə)m/

NOUN

abstract noun

“Prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group”

Added to the Oxford Dictionary in June 2015

Those with darker skin experience prejudice or discrimination, while the fair skinned individuals enjoy a form of ‘white supremacy’. Colonialism and white supremacy are long gone but they left behind a dark obsession – the obsession for fairer skin, which plagues the minds of millions daily. In the non-white world, ‘fair skin equals beautiful’ is the widespread belief. The two terms in the Indian community are, in fact, interchangeably used.

One question that is often asked: what gave birth to colourism? Can we really just put the entire blame on colonialism? I don’t believe so. I believe colourism planted its seed from the time when the Aryan race (fair skinned & light eyed ) invaded India a few thousand years ago, pushing the Dravidians down south. Fair skin then became associated with power and wealth. Add to this the Indian caste and class system, and then colonialism and you get a notion so deeply embedded in the mindset generation after generation that only a mass revolution can reverse it.

It’s now become an omnipresent notion and this is how it still prevails:

  • Within the Indian community, without your knowledge, your colour is discussed by family members even before you are born. Expectant mothers are bombarded with tips on the foods to eat to have a ‘fair’ baby, a classic tip being a daily dose of milk with a pinch of saffron. Imagine, even the food being fed to you in your mother’s womb screams colourism. And when you are out, while your curious little mind is observing everything around you, feasting on colours, your family members are busy expressing their relief (or concern) on your colour. Such is the grip colourism has on everyone. Colour is so casually and overtly discussed in the Indian community, it may as well be on your birth certificate.
  • Then, as you start to grow up, you encounter the following comments on a daily basis. You find yourself either growing immune to them or succumbing, tirelessly finding ways to ‘fix’ your colour.

‘Don’t go out in the sun, you’ll turn kaali (black).’

‘You shouldn’t wear black if you have dark skin.’

‘You’re pretty for a ‘dark’ girl.’

‘You should apply my homemade body scrub to help ‘improve’ your colour.’

‘Have you tried the fairness cream? It’s really good!’

  • Finally, it is the fairness creams that give colourism wings. Feasting on people’s complexes is a multibillion dollar industry focused on selling ‘fairness’ in a tube. And thanks to Bollywood (the Indian film industry), celebrities endorsing fairness creams make selling them a piece of cake. There’s also something to be said about Bollywood not having a single A-list actress who is anything less than gori (fair).

Following George Floyd’s death in 2020 and global protests against racism and colourism, big brands such as Unilever acknowledged their social responsibility and changed the name of their iconic ‘Fair & Lovely’ cream to ‘Glow & Lovely’. Prior to that, for nearly 4 decades, advertisements of various fairness creams went as far as to say ‘use the cream to attract the man of your dreams’. May I add, Glow & Lovely is still endorsed by a very fair Bollywood actress, as though dark skin is incapable of glowing. So, the name change is really just a terrible attempt at fulfilling their social responsibility.

Dreaming of fairer skin is out in the open. No more a secret! No more shameful. In fact, dark skin is seen as undesirable. The way society sees it, if there are so many remedies to attain fairer skin, why wouldn’t you take advantage of them? Result: the cream ends up as an essential item in the shopping basket of millions.

Make no mistake, though. It is predominantly females who are expected to strive for fairness. Tall, dark and handsome. These traits make men highly desirable. The equivalent for women is ‘fair and lovely’. Ironically, it’s the tall, ‘dark’ and handsome men who settle for nothing less than ‘fair’ female partners.

This dichotomy has given birth to sexism in colourism, to engrained complexes en masse in women. Yes, fairness creams exist for men too. However, for the vast majority of them, ‘improving’ their colour is mostly a cosmetic desire. For women, it becomes implicitly necessary. Because if they don’t, they will ‘struggle to find suitable partners’ is what millions are told every year.

Having lived in Japan for nearly a decade, I discovered that the concept of skin whitening through creams and lotions is prevalent there too. Mostly for females, of course. ‘White skin covers seven flaws’ is a popular proverb every Japanese woman is familiar with. This proverb is passed down from one generation to the next in a hushed manner. Colour is not discussed as brusquely, as it is in India, however skin whitening products from a company called Bihaku were available extensively (until recently). In fact, it didn’t just stop at face creams. Whitening body lotions and soap bars were sold with the face cream.

In 2016, I came across a similar Snail Extract Whitening Cream in Thailand, readily available in every corner shop. Again, for women.

What’s important now is not when and where colourism started, but how and why did the notion become sexist, for pretty much the entire non-white world? Women go through immense pressure to strive for fair skin. Sexism in colourism is a double whammy for women.

Did I mention colourism is complicated? Turns out, it is…only for women in most communities where colourism is prevalent.  Yet another ‘ism’ for women to fight as though other ‘isms’ weren’t enough.

Is that fair? Pun very much intended!

A computer science engineer by way of background, my passion is writing. This passion emerged a few years ago, when I noticed the lack of representation in children’s books, driving me to launch the Dev and Ollie series of picture books. The books have been very well received in schools and libraries all over the world. I was awarded the Asian Women of achievement award for Arts & Culture in 2016, and invited by Her Majesty to Buckingham Palace for the UK-India Year of Culture in 2017. Last year, triggered by the BLM movement, I started writing my memoir based on my journey through colourism from the age of six. I have just completed the 1st draft of The Black Rose, and am immersed in the laborious task of editing. To instigate change, I am prepared to take the risk of exposing myself to the world. You can connect with me – Insta: @theblackrose.book |FB: @theblackrosebook

 

 


 

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Ramadan – How is it Different Globally During Lockdown

by with No Comment RamadanReligion

Ramadan, the blessed and most beautiful time of the year for Muslims is here. But do you realize the difference this lockdown period makes to Muslims around the world?

A month…when Muslims all around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
A month…when the whole family comes together for the ritual breaking of the fast called ‘Futoor’ (Arabic) or ‘Iftar’ (Urdu).
A month…when mosques all around the globe are full of worshippers.
A month…when most Muslim households are lit in the early hours of the morning, to take the pre-dawn meal called ‘Suhoor’ (Arabic) or ‘Sehri’ (Urdu).

Ramadan 2020 was unlike any other Ramadan ever! Most countries were in lockdown due to the Corona virus pandemic, so mosques were closed and gatherings were not allowed. It was perhaps the first time in the lifetime of billions of Muslims that they did not go to the mosques to pray. Late night congregational prayers called ‘Taraweeh’, which takes place only in the month of Ramadan, were not being held. Community Iftars at the mosque were cancelled. Public gatherings were banned.
And a year later, with the entire world facing a surge in Covid cases, we are back to square one. And let me tell you why all of this makes a big difference to the Muslims observing Ramadan around the globe.

Taraweeh Prayers – when the community comes together!

When I got married and began going for the Taraweeh prayers with my husband’s family, I remember it was at the mosque where I met most of the in-law’s friends, and their daughters and daughter-in-laws. After the prayer was over, we would meet and greet each other in the mosque compound. Some of the ladies I met were those who I would meet or see only once a year…during the Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan.

ramadan lockdown

It was almost like seeing someone’s growth curve once a year – some came back the next year married, some with babies, some kids grew into teenagers, and some women came back with more wrinkles than the previous year. It was always wonderful to catch a glimpse and smile back at someone, who you would see for just one month in a year. Indians, Pakistanis, Kuwaitis, Americans, British, Sri Lankans, Egyptians, Turkish, Filipinos, Somalis…it was such a great feeling to see them all come together under one roof for the same purpose – to worship God!

Community Iftars at the local Mosque

Another thing that is so relevant to the month of Ramadan is the community Iftar (breaking of the fast) at the local mosque. Most mosques conduct daily or weekly community Iftars, which are sponsored by local businesses, organizations, charities or families. People assemble at the mosque and sit in rows, with food laid out in front of them. And this is a great test for patience!

A typical Iftar meal consists of some dates, fruits, buttermilk or sharbat, savory fritters (Pakodas), chickpea salad (Chana Chaat), dumplings in yogurt (Dahi Wade), soup and a rice dish with gravy. More than the adults, its the children who look forward enthusiastically to community Iftars. For the kids, the Iftar meal box is equivalent to a ‘surprise bag’; they just can’t wait to see which fruit is inside, what flavor juice did they get, and if the snack given on that day is their favorite or not.

At the time of dusk, the Maghrib prayer is called, and everyone breaks their fast with dates and water first. After breaking the fast, people stand in congregation to pray. Such Iftars are a great way of teaching the kids and youth community work – they learn to serve food to all, give out water, clean up after, and tidy up the mosque before leaving.

Iftars for family, friends and neighbors – a time to bond over food!

Ramadan is a time of togetherness – a time to eat  together and a time to pray together. Most people look forward to meeting their near and dear ones over Iftar gatherings. Family, friends, neighbors – all invite you over in turns and then it’s your turn to invite them over for Iftar! Every Iftar gathering has a variety of foods and some specialties too.

Also, Iftar gatherings are most loved by women because it gives them a break from their own kitchen. Imagine the happiness of not cooking and just being served delicious food…it’s a priceless feeling! Unfortunately, most women must have forgotten what this feels like because the pandemic has left them with no other option but to cook and serve, due to the ban on all gatherings.

Realizing the TRUE ESSENCE during Lockdown

Congregational prayers, community Iftars, family gatherings – Muslims around the world may be missing it all BUT the one thing the pandemic has taught us – is to be grateful for what we have, no matter what situation we are in!

When Ramadan was approaching last year, most Muslims were dwelling in the thoughts of how it would be? Initially, there was a feeling of sadness as most of us knew that we may me missing out on a lot of the usual Ramadan activities and rituals that we grew up doing. Yet, no one would have imagined it to be so different…so much better actually!

ramadan lockdown

Due to the complete lockdown, people were working from home, and children were off from school as well. This gave people more time to read and reflect upon the Holy Quran, to increase their prayers, to collectively do acts of worship with their immediate family members. Suddenly, everyone had so much more time on hand to do a multitude of acts of good deeds, versus the usual being stuck in traffic, trying to get home in time for breaking the fast, having lack of time and sleep, long working hours while fasting, etc.

Being in isolation and away from the distractions of the world helps one realize the true essence and importance of what they have. It teaches us to be grateful for our blessings and assess our needs over our wants. And this is why we often say “Alhumdullilah”, which translates to ‘Praise be to God’ or ‘Thank God’. We must be thankful to God at all times because we may not know what is in store for us or what is good for us. But God’s plans are always better and we must have trust in what God wills for us.

This year once again, most Muslims around the world will experience a Ramadan in lockdown. But they shall look forward to entering this blessed month with the HOPE of increased time for worship and more opportunities to gain multiple rewards. In sha Allah!