Featured Guest, Author at Raising World Children

Canva - Group of People Sitting on Stairs

What Teenagers Want Every Parent to Know

As a teenager myself, I have some prime expectations from my parents, which I am sure are common to most of the teens today.

Successfully raising a ‘teenager‘ is no simple task. It requires a lot of patience, time and attention. I often refer teenagers as “Whiskey in a cup” because of how complex yet manageable they are. Every parent aims at raising their children into happy adults, who are capable of having the best that life offers them.

Here I have listed for you some of the things that teenagers want every parent to know.

Give us your Love, not your thoughts

Teenagers are full of spirit, they possess their own dreams and yearn for a nourishing environment that helps them grow. Trust their capabilities and do not impose your incomplete dreams on them. All we want, is to grow individually and become the person we are meant to be. We want our parents to stand strong, while we shoot through towards our future.

Hear us out

We have so much to talk about, right from our first crush to our stupid lengthy assignments or about the fights we’ve had or the betrayal stories. Sometimes we need no advice nor any guidance but all we need is a listening ear. We want you to become our ‘go to’ person.

Express love, Appreciate us often

We realize your immense love for us but a gesture from your side really makes our day bright. Having love for us and not showing it, is as good as wrapping a present and not giving it. Sometimes we can plan a day together to do our favourite things or maybe you could write me a letter; we just want things beyond normal conversations on the dining table.

Try not to criticize our actions

We know the importance of an elder correcting us when we go wrong, but if it isn’t done in the right way it may just lower our spirit. Do not correct us in front of our extended family or peers, we feel insulted and it negatively impacts our relationship. Also, do not criticise us too often, we expect your encouragement in all our endeavours.

Answer our questions

No matter how silly, inappropriate, stupid or serious it may sound, please ensure that you have cleared the doubt that arose in our bustling mind. It avoids our dependence on an improper source to find the answers we are looking for.

Keep a track of our mental health

Unfortunately, a lot of teens suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. As teenagers, we want every parent to know that merely praying for our mental health isn’t sufficient, empathize with us. We require you to keep a track of our mental health by communicating with us everyday, this helps us navigate our negative emotions and find better solutions.

We don’t need a superman to save us from difficulties, we want to face them. So we aspire to be strong enough to stand for or against whatever and whenever, alone or together.

Mansi Lisha Pinto, a 18 year old who is currently pursuing a career as a Chartered Accountant. Her passion for writing started during her school days and developed thereon, from winning small competitions in School to Writing plays for the College. You may read her content on Instagram @she_writes_18 or contact her directly at pintomansi@gmail.com

5 Lessons From A Mom with a Kid out of the Country

A mom’s job is unpredictable, and sometimes, you are forced to parent from afar if your kid is outside the country. The following are five parenting lessons for a mom in your situation.

1. Communicate Purposefully

Communication becomes much more important in this situation. It’s easy to forget carving out some time to communicate with your beloved child, but you have to. Create that expectation so that your kid does the same for you. When you are apart, predictable patterns of communication helps you feel close and establish a new sense of normalcy.

You have a lot of ways to communicate with each other, like through the phone, video calls, or through regular texts. On top of that, you also try to make it a point to send each other physical gifts. There’s something special about receiving something in the mail from your kid, and your kid’s going to love getting stuff from you.

2. Be Open-Minded

One thing you might not see coming is your kid’s mindset changing. Travel does that to a person because you get exposed to all sorts of perspectives and cultures. A lot of parents overlook how attached they are to some things they’ve grown up with and get a strong reminder when their kid says something that challenges their worldview.

You are going to have to set that aside. Allow your kid to grow and to become the person he or she was meant to be. Allow yourself to see what your child is seeing. If you don’t quite understand it, then go ahead and ask because it doesn’t hurt to learn from your kid.

3. Take an Interest

As a parent, you should take an active interest in the things your kid is doing abroad. If your child tells you about something peculiar or something he or she finds interesting, be sure to follow up. Do some research and find out more about it. Figure out what was interesting about what your kid mentioned.

If you show your kid you appreciate the conversations you two have, then your child will appreciate it. This might feel like homework, but this is an important step. You don’t want to feel disconnected simply because you can’t keep up with him or her. You do not need to become an expert, just have some working knowledge.

4. Learn to Trust

Your son or daughter is not going to be with you, and you won’t hear from your child some time. When you have to parent from afar, this raises a lot of red flags, and you’re probably going to feel a little uneasy. This feeling gets quite powerful, especially if your kid misses a call, text, or video call with you.

Don’t give in to that feeling. Do your best to trust that your kid is making the right decisions. Try not to interrogate your child, and trust that you raised a kid who is going to do right by you and by him or herself. Your kid is going to explain things if he or she needs to, if not, just relax and be present in the moment.

5. Special Welcome

Your kid is going to return at some point, and you have to make sure the return is a special one. Maybe your kid is in college but gets time off, or maybe your kid is in the marines and he or she has been given a chance to go back home. You need to put your feelings aside as a college mom or a marine mom, and make sure your kid’s return is special.

Ask your kid what kind of visit he or she wants, and try to give that to your child. As a mother, especially one that hasn’t seen her kid in a long time, it is hard to let your kid take the wheel, but you have to. There’s a lot that your child wants to do, but you are definitely in his or her plans, so don’t pressure your child too much.

These are some important lessons moms need to keep in mind when they have to parent from afar. This might be a little strange, but your kid’s life has taken him or her to new worlds, all thanks to you.

Article by Becca J. Meyers

Black and White Filtered Image Beauty Hair Facebook Post(1)

Explore the Muslim Culture with 10 Colorful Children’s Books

Eid Mubarak to all our friends celebrating. May Allah fulfill all your wishes and may the coming year be blessed. We thought this would be a good time to help you talk to your kids about the Muslim culture, specifically Ramadan and Eid

Here are great books that you can order now and keep having a conversation about diversity within your family.

You can check out the below articles to learn about the meaning of Ramadan and how it is celebrated.

Understanding the Significance and Blessings of Ramadan

Ramadan – A Time for Reflection, A Time For Community

7 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Ramadan

Sweeten the Festival of Eid al-Fitr with Cookies Around the World

Tell me more about Ramadan

Enjoy with your little one a unique and creative journey that will introduce her/him to one of the five pillars of the religion and offer your child a positive perception of the Islamic holy month of mercy, the Ramadan. A must-have children’s story that shouldn’t be missing from any family’s bookcase.

This Islamic story has been thought and written for children born and raised outside of their parents’ country of origin (i.e.: European and Muslim American, etc.), to help them understand the notion of Ramadan in a simple and fun way, mentioning that Ramadan is a lot more than simply not eating and drinking from dawn until sunset.

This Muslim book uses Islamic concepts coming from the Quran (Qur’an) and explained in a way that is easily understood by kids.

Rashad’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr

Most of the books put out are for non-Muslim kids to teach them about a “different” culture/religion. That is how this book is. The family in the story is Muslim but throughout the book there are teaching blurbs.

It’s a cute book with cute illustrations. Rashad just learns/tells about Ramadan and Eid and how he celebrates it. It is different in that most of the Muslim books for English speaking audiences feature South Asian families.

The Gift of Ramadan

Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. She tries to keep busy throughout the day so she won’t think about food. But when the smell of cookies is too much, she breaks her fast early. How can she be part of the festivities now?

This is such a lovely story that shows not only the beauty of Ramadan but that there’s more than one path to success. It is relatable, authentic, and heartwarming. The illustrations are gorgeous and I am in LOVE with this beautiful multiracial family. Perfect for every Muslim home and for anyone who values diverse, representative books for their little ones.

Ramadan (Celebrate the World)

Learn all about the traditions of Ramadan with this first book in the brand-new board book series Celebrate the World, which highlights celebrations across the globe.

In the ninth month of the year, when the first crescent moon rises in the sky, it’s time to celebrate Ramadan! In this lovely board book with illustrations from Rashin Kheiriyeh, readers learn that Ramadan is a time to reflect on ourselves, to be thankful, and a time to help others.

Let’s Celebrate Ramadan & Eid

Maya, Neel and their famous pet squirrel Chintu fly to India for yet another fun adventure. This time, they get to experience all about Ramadan including the vibrant markets of Chand Raat (night of the moon), the famous Jama Masjid, the delicious food, the exciting Eidi gifts and even a trip to volunteer at the local shelter.

Each book is written with a mission of helping RAISE MULTICULTURAL KIDS or helping kids CONNECT TO THEIR ROOTS.

Hasan and Aneesa Celebrate Eid

Eid al-Fitr is here and Hassan and Aneesa are helping to decorate their house before the celebrations begin. On Eid they will wake early to wash before performing a special prayer outside. After the prayer, it is time to celebrate with friends and family.

The Hassan and Aneesa series is designed to introduce young children to a range of Muslim places. They are colourfully designed and simply written and will guide children through a range of new experiences.

Lailah’s Lunchbox – A Ramadan Story

Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.

This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days.

The Story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad: Ramadan Classics: 30 Stories for 30 Nights

he first title in the Ramadan Classics series, “The Story of the Holy Prophet Muhammad” is written for children and young adults in the West to read over the Islamic month of Ramadan. Families can read the daily chapter together and discuss the beautiful personality of the Holy Founder of Islam, and take away lessons that will last a lifetime. Order now to receive before Ramadan!

Goodnight Stories from the Quran

Goodnight Stories from the Quran is the answer to every child’s longing to hear a good bedtime story. It contains a careful selection of thirty-three magnificent Quranic tales retold in age-appropriate language. A simple text and fabulous colour illustrations, which bring the narratives vividly to life, make the message of the Quran more meaningful for children. The book offers a special dimension to these wonderful goodnight stories, and acts as a foundation on which to build a growing knowledge of the Quran.

blur-board-game-business-challenge-278918

Ultimate List of Board Games for a Growth Mindset

While we try to get our kids reading and learning, it’s so important to teach them while having fun. It’s so easy to teach them life concepts and simple lessons in math, strategy, sportsman spirit and more for a lifetime of success, if we only remember to spend the time in the presence of each other.

If you do get any of the below games, do let us know how you enjoyed them and any other games we should keep adding to the list.

Stratego

The classic game of battlefield strategy. Command your Army, devise plans using strategic attacks and clever deception. Be the first player to capture the other Army’s flag to win! For ages 8 and up.

Othello

This Classic Game Of Strategy Takes A Minute To Learn, A Lifetime To Master. Award winning game that is great for the entire family.

Catan

The incredibly popular, multi award winning civilization building board game of harvesting and trading resource. Players control their own civilization and look to spread across a modular hex board in a competition for victory points. 3 to 4 players, 60 minutes, ages over 10.

Tickets to ride

A fast-paced, award-winning board game. Connect iconic North American cities and build your train routes to earn points. Players must compete to grab the best train cards and routes before their opponents. Ticket cards challenge you to plan ahead and connect two faraway cities for additional points. 2 to 5 players, 60 minutes, 8+

Mastermind

Fast, simple strategy game – one of the best-selling games of all time. Players take turns setting and solving secret codes. More than 2,000 possible combinations make the game different every time it’s played. 8+ years.

Scotland Yard

Hunting Mister X on the streets of London! Easy to learn, fast paced and intense! Every turn is exciting. Perfect for family game night. Ages 8 and up 3-6 Players. Playing Time: 30 minutes

Otrio

Players compete to line up three pieces of the same color my similar size; in ascending or descending order; or within the same space. Playing Otrio encourages players to cultivate their reasoning, strategizing and critical thinking skills. Otrio is made for 2-4 players aged 6+.

Photosynthesis

FAMILY OR ADULT STRATEGY GAME: This 2 to 4 players nature inspired game can be enjoyed by parents playing with their children as well as adults, also plays very well as a 2 players abstract board game. Best recommended for ages 8 & Up

Risk

Take over the world in this game of strategy conquest, now with updated figures and improved Mission cards. In the Risk game, the goal is simple: players aim to conquer their enemies’ territories by building an army, moving their troops in, and engaging in battle. On the battlefield, anything goes!

Connect 4

Classic Connect 4 game is disc dropping fun. Choose yellow or red discs. For 2 players. When you get 4 discs in a row you win. For ages 4 and above.

Battleship

This is the classic game of naval combat that brings together competition, strategy, and excitement! With convenient portable battle cases and realistic looking naval crafts, Battleship game puts players right in the middle of the action. Ages 7 and above.

Chess

Chess has to be one of the base games to teaching a child to think ahead and before acting. Great for a kids ages 4 and above.

Jenga

Pull out a block without crashing the stack to win at Jenga. It takes skill, strategy, and luck. Challenge yourself or play with friends

Sequence

Exciting gameplay that’s easy enough for kids and challenging for adults!Play a card from your hand, and place a chip on a corresponding space on the game board – when you have five in a row, it’s a Sequence. Each player or team tries to score the required number of five-card sequences before their opponents. Perfect for 2-12 players, aged 4 and above.

Clue

In this suspenseful game, players have to find out who’s responsible for murdering Mr. Boddy of Tudor Mansion in his own home. Ages 8 years and up. For 2 to 6 players.

Sorry

Practice counting and sportsmanship in race for the finish. Great game for kids aged 5 and above.

Tsuro

An award winning game that is fun for any experience level, easy to learn & quick to play. Use strategy & luck to stay on the path to victory in this light & entertaining game. Family Strategy Game: The board changes every time you play the game, making it uniqueand fun for adults and kids. Players are challenged to create and travel the Path as it builds before them. For 2 to 8 players game . 15 to 20 minute to play

Pandemic

Pandemic is a cooperative board game in which players work as a team to treat infections around the world while gathering resources for cure. 2 – 4 years , 45 mins of game time.

Fibber

2-4 Players encouraged to think out of the box. Noses Keep Growing As Players Keep Fibbing!

Quick cups

This exciting new board game combines the adrenaline rush of speed-stacking cups with color pattern matching. Quickly rearrange your 5 differently colored cups to match each card! Fun for the whole family while inspiring critical thinking for all ages. Kids can learn strategy, expand their imagination, or just have silly fun at home or on the go.

Game of Life

Kids’ top career choices included in this gam. Now kids can live out their dream jobs, make their own decisions, and go on fun adventures in this The Game of Life game. For 2 to 4 players. Ages 8 and up

Hedbandz

Perfect game for the family. Guess what’s on the card of the person with the band. Great for kids aged 4 and above.

Blokus

Perfect strategy game for the whole family – less than a minute to learn with fun challenges for all ages! Ages 5 – 15 years.

Stomple

The strategic marble stomping game. Outwit your opponents by stomping their marbles before they stomp your opponent. Outmaneuver by leaving their stomper trapped with no escap. A great game for 8 and above.

Canva - Two Children Wearing Surgical Masks

Helping Kids Build Resilience During Covid 19

The world is an uncertain place right now. News channels are full of gloom and doom. At this time, it is more important than ever to help kids make sense of the world around them. They hear snippets of the news or adult conversation and connect the dots on what are scary topics. Internalizing negative thoughts may lead to undue panic in these growing minds.

How then can we step in to steer them towards a more productive thought process? My mantra has always been, ‘Be aware, not fearful’ which I learned from my parents and the way they handled every situation.

My family started self-quarantine on Friday, March 13 and at the time of writing this piece, are 5 weeks in. Week 1 was spring break so the kids had a 24/7 party in my living room with movies, shows, snacks, toys, what have you. Week 2 was when reality hit. Balancing work and homeschool felt next to impossible. I was done for the day by 3pm daily and quickly realized this was not sustainable.

Online schooling began in week 3 – a structured curriculum with deliverables felt easier to navigate. I liked the predictability and the fact that I could do the bare minimum on schooling and still feel like I was taking care of everything important. On the other hand, I felt bombarded by the zillion resources for kids activities that required them to be in front of screens. That was where I applied the brakes!

The idea that kids would use screens as babysitters and educational resources on top of activity time was much too much. I wanted to focus on spending time with them playing board games, taking walks, throwing around a frisbee, practicing archery, and playing tag. And staying positive and light.

Speaking of, what is resilience? It is your capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. We are living in a changed world, where we are staying safe at home, playdates/parties happen over video chat and ‘going out’ is fast becoming a foreign concept. No early rising for school or work, no rushed days, no strict bedtimes. Schedules have loosened (not abandoned).

In the midst of all these changes, it is important for our kids to feel secure and know we will all be fine; we are fine. Guiding our kids through life’s challenges while expressing our love is what they need now, and it’s how we build resilience and strength in them that will last.

Safe, not stuck: Talk to your kids about the world and happenings in an age-appropriate manner. Emphasize we are staying safe at home and keeping others safe by not leaving the house.
Help, not hinder: Grow compassion in their minds. Explain how the elderly are at high-risk. Find ways to help out in your community whether it’s through making masks or thank you cards for frontline workers.
Physical distancing is not family distancing: Teach them the importance of family time. Revisit old memories. Set up video calls with family in other cities or countries.
Connect, not isolate: Help them stay connected with their friends through phone calls, chalk notes on driveways or even a distant hello from the car to the porch.
Time is a gift: Remember, time is a resource. Utilize this gift well and spend much needed one-on-one time with your kids. If you have more than one child, take a walk with each child on different days and hear them talk their heart out – give them undivided attention and you will discover a whole new side to them.

Keep your optimism alive. Make plans for the future. Let the kids choose their next travel destination and ask them to research the culture, food, currency and specialties. Decades later, when your kids look back on this time – the pandemic 2020, they will remember the epic fun, the squeals of excitement, the peals of laughter, the never-ending game nights, the joys of staying home – not the misery of feeling stuck at home.

Born and raised in India, Aditi is now an honorary Texan after spending over a decade in Dallas and Austin. She is married to her high-school sweetheart and has two magical kids – her son (2009) is her calm, sweet sunshine, while her daughter (2014) is her exciting, gorgeous storm! Working in Marketing and PR, she enjoys being steeped in creativity all day long. Crafting is her passion and she is the proud owner of a Cricut. In her leisure time, Aditi loves organizing, reading, writing and soul-searching!

Canva - Danbo Figures Separated by Glass

Reassessing the Custody Agreement When a Situation Changes

In a perfect world, no one ever needs to think about who gets custody. Unfortunately, even the happiest of couples find themselves wanting a divorce. And when children are involved, things can get messy fast. However, it doesn’t need to be that way. Though many things can impact an initial custody agreement, not everyone knows what to do. Here is how to reassess the custody agreement when circumstances change.

Try to Reach an Understanding With the Other Parent

In many cases, child custody is settled in court. This is usually due to one of the parents not wanting to comply. However, there are a few cases where both parents understand and agree to change custody. If possible, try to talk to the other parent about changing custody. Explain that it’s what is best for the child. If you’re unable to reach an understanding, then you’ll have to go to court.

Reasons Why a Custody Change is Necessary

There are various reasons as to why a custody change needs to happen. Ranging from the child being in an unhealthy environment, unemployment or they’re just not content with the other parent. Here is a list of other potential reasons why there may need to be a custody change:

– The parent wants or needs to move away

– The parent is abusive towards the child

– The child’s needs are neglected

– The child wants to be with the other parent

– The parent’s income can’t pay for the child

Find a Lawyer

If going to court is the only way to resolve the issue, you need a lawyer you can trust. Look up your local law firm services who specialize in child custody. Not all lawyers practice family law, so you need to find one who does. If possible, set up a consultation where you can discuss your case. Weigh the pros and cons of each lawyer before ultimately making a decision.

Know Your Rights

When it comes to child custody, you need to research your rights. Each state follows a different set of rules, so make sure that you’re in your legal right to make the request for child custody revision. You also need to back up any claims with proper documentation as well. When it comes to child custody cases, even reassessing and finding alternative solutions doesn’t need to be ugly. The key is doing your homework first prior to going to court.

Custody cases are hard, both on the parents and the children. If you’re going to be heading into a custody battle, make sure you are careful with your kids in how much news you give them at once, how you phrase things, and ensure they have the psychological support they need.

Old School Ways to Connect with Step Kids

For those of you with children, you need to know which hobbies will help you bond the most with your children. And this especially is important for those of you with step kids. To help you connect with step kids, here are five old school hobbies you all can enjoy.

1. Coin Collecting

You have all kinds of cool coins you and your family can collect. And these coins can one day be worth a good bit of money for your family. You also can find coins that relate to your stepchildren’s specific interests.

To get started you want to make sure you have all of the needed coin collecting supplies. This will make the experience even more enjoyable. And no matter your budget, you can find a way to afford this.

2. Cooking and Eating Out

Food is a great way to create quality time and connect with step kids, and you have all kinds of options. You could start by having your step kids help with the preparation of meals. And you could even have them begin to take over some ownership of meals. Not only are they developing essential skills, but they also have something they can take pride in doing.

And don’t forget to make family outings to restaurants a family priority. Make sure you all get to enjoy new restaurant openings. Be also certain to take your stepchildren to restaurants that serve their favorite foods.

3. Playing and Watching Sports

If your step kids love sports, then you must try to show interest in that. Even if you are not athletic, you should make sure your children have the chance to play sports. Of course, you have school and community recreation teams they can join. And if you are a sports expert, you can participate even more by coaching their sports teams.

For those of you who have stepchildren who are not athletic or show no interest in sports, you can still head out to watch sporting events. Consider, for example, America’s favorite pastime, baseball. When you head to the ballparks, you do more than just watch the game. Ballparks today include all kinds of entertaining features you can enjoy without having to be a huge sports fan.

4. Home Improvement Work

Outside of your home and inside of your home, there are all kinds of home improvement projects you can enjoy. And if you can find a way to involve your stepchildren, then even better. Not only will they be spending bonding time with you, but these are skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Of course, there is housecleaning and yard work they can do with you. But you also could ask your step kids to help you with more in-depth tasks. Maybe you all could update your backyard with a DIY backyard kitchen. Or, you could see if your stepchildren will help you create a new media room inside your home to watch TV shows and movies and to enjoy gaming systems more.

5. Camping and Fishing

Everyone can benefit from spending some time in the outdoors, and the same can be said for you and your step kids. Maybe you should schedule some time for you all to go camping at a state or national park. You can find primitive camping, and you can even find glamping experiences. So no matter how comfortable your family does or does not feel in the outdoors, you can find a setting that will work for everyone.

And even better, you should try to schedule in some fishing while you are out camping. Fishing is not only a tried and true old school hobby enjoyed by many, but you will also be spending even more quality time with your step children. If you decide to head out for a camping and fishing excursion, you can go at it alone or you could book an organized outing led by an expert.

You need to make sure you are spending quality time with your stepkids, and one or more of the above suggestions will help you. You just have to make this a priority. Don’t put it off. You will notice immediate benefits. When you connect with step kids, you will help your family for years to come, too.

Join the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Cancer is a difficult diagnosis for anyone, but for children, it is especially devastating. Even when we can’t provide medical help or caregiving support, there are things we can all do in the battle against childhood cancer.

Donate

For busy people with stable incomes, one of the simplest ways to support awareness of this worthy cause is to send a check to support a child cancer donation charity. Any amount will help. There is no obligation to keep donating on a regular basis. Just send a monetary donation through the mail or post it electronically at a secure online charity website. You might want to specify what your donation should go toward, such as research or home health care, if options are provided. Otherwise, trust the charity to put the money to good use.

Volunteer

Some of us have extra time that we want to use for meaningful purposes that help others. Donate your time at a child cancer center or hospital department. You don’t need special skills; many volunteers deliver mail or flowers, help with registration or direct guests to their destined location, or answer phones. You may be able to volunteer from home by doing phone work or assisting with mailings. As with money, you don’t have to pledge a certain amount of time every week or month. Just help when you can, and it will be greatly appreciated.

Participate

Many children’s cancer organizations sponsor major events once a year to raise awareness and request contributions. Fundraisers include silent auctions, ornate dinners, volunteer recognition events, athletic competitions, and other activities that bring caring people together for this special cause. You can sign up for events like these to either help with setup and cleanup or register to enter one of the competitive activities or fundraiser options.

Organize

Depending on your level of interest, you may be able to work with a local children’s cancer charity to organize an awareness or fundraising event. Start by contacting friends and family members to see if they are interested in helping. When you have a firm list of several individuals, contact the charity of your choice and ask about arranging an event to sponsor a child or contribute overall to the organization.

Whatever efforts you are able to make will help to battle childhood cancer and the toll it takes on children and their families. Give some thought to where your skills or interests can be best put to use and contact the children’s cancer charity of your choice.

A Guide to Indian Weddings

Chances are you may have seen vibrant pictures from Indian weddings. What do you think of, when you picture an Indian wedding?

Bright colors, dancing, singing, henna, festivities spanning several days, elaborate rituals and traditions, all of the above and more. Growing up as an Indian-American, I was always mesmerized by Indian wedding festivities. Traveling to India occasionally for family weddings, I fully enjoyed taking part in the various celebrations, and would relish any opportunity I had to dress up in full Indian attire.

However, it was not until many years later, when I actually had to plan my own wedding, that I understood the significance of the various ceremonies. I also came to appreciate first hand that Indian weddings are considered a union of two families, and therefore many of the customs involve both families.

The summary below is a general overview of customs that are common throughout India. It is important to note that India is actually a very diverse country, made up of several subcultures and each region has its own traditions.

Ganesh Puja – this is a religious ceremony that commences the Indian Hindu wedding rituals. It is a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles and bestower of good luck. It is typically done at home with the couple, and close family and friends in observance. The ceremony blesses the couple and assures that the wedding can be performed without any hindrances.

Pithi/Haldi Ceremony– this is a ceremonial bath that usually takes place separately in the bride/groom’s homes. A paste of turmeric, sandalwood, and gram flour is made and applied to the bridge/groom’s skin. Turmeric is considered auspicious in Indian customs, and signifies purity and fertility. It also has an aesthetic purpose, and is believed to provide a beautiful glow to the skin. At the end of the ceremony, family members typically bless the bridge/groom. The bride will often wear yellow on this day, to represent the color of turmeric.

Mehndi Ceremony– Prior to the wedding, the bride and female attendees will typically have a mehndi (henna) artist come and apply mehndi in intricate designs on the hands, forearms, feet and legs. The bride typically has the most extensive and elaborate mehndi, sometimes taking several hours to complete. Common folklore is that the deeper red the bride’s mehndi turns, the stronger the bond between husband and wife. As a fun wedding game, the mehndi artist will often hide the name of the groom in the bride’s mehndi for the groom to find.

Sangeet/Garba – this is a musical night that takes place the night before the wedding. It is a joint event attended by both sides, and allows both families to enjoy singing and dancing to celebrate the couple. It is an “informal” night that allows both families to meet and greet.

Baraat– this is the groom’s procession, whereby the groom makes his way to the altar, followed by all his family and friends. The groom typically rides on a decorated white horse, with family and friends singing and dancing along the way.

Shaadi/Wedding ceremony– the specific rituals in the wedding ceremony vary from region to region. Often, a Hindu wedding begins with the bride and groom exchanging flower garlands (jai mala). A priest will then light the ceremonial fire (agni) in the center of the altar. The couple will walk around the fire four to seven times depending upon which region of India they are from (mangal phera). Each circle represents a pillar of happiness, namely duty, prosperity, love and spiritual salvation. After that the couple will take seven steps, symbolizing seven wedding vows, and they will be officially married. The groom will then apply a red powder (sindoor) to the bride’s hair partition, and tie a gold and black beaded necklace (mangal sutra) around the bride’s neck, symbolizing that the woman is now married. The couple will seek blessings from the priest and family members. For the wedding ceremony, the bride will often wear the color red.

Reception- similar to an American reception, this is a party to celebrate the married couple after the official wedding takes place. All family and friends can provide their congratulatory wishes.

Indian weddings take place over several days. Attendees typically dress in bright colors. White is usually avoided, as it is the color of mourning. Black is also considered inauspicious and generally not worn. In general, Indian weddings are very lively and meant to be a celebration of life through food, song, and dance!

My vivid childhood memories of Indian weddings actually inspired me to write a children’s book, Bindiya in India. It tells the story of a young girl who travels to India for the first time to meet her family and attend an Indian wedding. If you’d like to introduce your child to Indian weddings, please check out the book, coming fall 2020!

Monique Chheda, MD is a dermatologist living in Maryland. She has been married for four years and has two young children. Becoming a mother inspired her to revive one of her hobbies, writing. Wanting to pass on her Indian culture to her children, she found a scarcity of children’s books that allowed Indian-American children to connect with their heritage. This prompted her to write her own children’s book, Bindiya in India. Her hope is that through literature, she can share India’s rich culture and language with the next generation. Website: mangoandmarigoldpress.com/bindiyaindia, drmoniquechheda.com Instagram: @mkchheda

Body Positive Children’s Books That Build Confidence

So rarely talked about and yet one of the biggest insecurities adults have. Wouldn’t it be nice to nip these issues early in life?

Building a confident body image early for children is so important for:-

Confidence
Prevent Bullying
Stand up to Bullying
Avoid hurtful remarks
Build Empathy

Here is a list of books that would certainly teach your child to have a healthy outlook towards their appearance.

How Our Skin Sparkles

Do you have friends who look different than you?

It is overwhelming how many insecurities we carry within our selves, specially as children of the world. How Our Skin Sparkles is a book of empowerment through acceptance, of self and others. This is a wonderful addition to the library of someone 5-10

Guy Stuff – The Body Book for Boys

From hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to shaving, acne to voice changes, and everything in between. With tips and facts from a real pediatrician, this book will provide you with the answers about your body’s changes. A great book for kids 9+

The Care and Keeping of You

With all-new illustrations and updated content for girls ages 8 and up, it features tips, how-tos, and facts from the experts. Girls will find answers to questions about their changing bodies, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. And once she feels comfortable with what’s happening, she’ll be ready to move on to the The Care & Keeping of You 2!

I Like Myself

Perfect for little ones aged 3-6, high on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont’s joyous rhyming text and David Catrow’s wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful–and straight from the heart.

Luna and the Magical Owl

Luna And The Magic Owl is an essential read for every woman, young and old. There’s no doubt it will help shape and nurture a generation who are often torn down for not looking a certain way. It’s important to embrace self-love and body positivity to encourage a healthy self-image.

I Am Enough

This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Stand Tall

Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn’t mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart. But then Molly Lou has to start in a new school. A horrible bully picks on her on the very first day, but Molly Lou Melon knows just what to do about that.

I’m Gonna Be Like Me

Celebrate liking yourself! Through alternating points of view, a girl’s and a boy’s, Jamie Lee Curtis’s triumphant text and Laura Cornell’s lively artwork show kids that the key to feeling good is liking yourself because you are you. A book to rejoice in and share, I’m Gonna Like Me will have kids letting off some self-esteem in no time!

You Are Special

The little wooden people called Wemmicks scurry about their days doing what they always do: sticking gold stars on the pretty and talented Wemmicks or gray dots on those who make mistakes. But now the stickering is all the more important. The Festival is at hand. That means that the envied Most Stars Award and the dreaded Most Dots Award are about to be given out. And poor Punchinello is sure to be a shoo-in for the Most Dots.

Body Book

A must-have book for girls looking for straightforward advice about their changing bodies and growing up. There are answers to questions about everything from shaving, vocal changes, bad breath, smelly feet, braces, and acne, to school, sports, girls, friends, family, and more.

Short or Tall Doesn’t Matter At all

Whether it’s your size, weight, color, voice, the way you walk or even how you giggle and snort. We’re all somehow different, but kids can be mean and know how to trigger those pain points! Through an inspiring tale about the sun and the moon and how everyone no matter how different they are has unique traits and skills, this real life story shows parents and kids alike what is really important in life – like having a good heart and turning bullying into new friendships.

I Love My Nose

Whether your child is big, small, short or tall, THIS fun and interactive book guides children through the many reasons why they should love their unique and amazing bodies and engages them in kid-friendly positive self talk! Appreciating what our body does for us is a great first step to building a great positive body image and self esteem.

It’s Okay to Be Different

The book features the bold, bright colors and silly scenes that made Todd a premiere voice for emotional discussions in children’s literature. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence–and it’s never to early to develop a healthy self-esteem.

Celebrate Your Body

Covering everything from bras to braces, Celebrate Your Body goes beyond other puberty books for girls, offering friendly guidance and support when you need it most. In addition to tips on managing intense feelings, making friends, and more, Celebrate Your Body has even more than other puberty books for girls, showing you what to eat and how to exercise, so your body is healthy, happy, and ready for the changes ahead.

I Don’t Want Curly Hair

All Curly Haired Girl has ever wanted is straight and luscious locks, but when she meets a little girl with the smoothest, silkiest hair, who says all she’s ever wanted is spirally, squiggly hair, they are BOTH confused! Don’t Want Curly Hair! It is glorious new picture book for little people who always want what they can’t have! From the brilliant Laura Ellen Anderson – illustrator of the bestselling Witch Wars series.

Sulwe

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

Her Body Can

Her Body Can is a book of poetic self-love and body positivity declarations for all young girls. Its aim is to encourage our young girls to create a reality for themselves in which they love themselves and their bodies for exactly who and what they are, instead of learning to judge themselves and hate their bodies for what they are not. Our girls should know that their bodies are absolutely amazing and CAN DO incredible things—and that their worth is not measured by anything except how big they love themselves.

Check out more BOOK LISTS for kids to build a global growth mindset.

Real Advice from Moms for Moms during Lockdown

These are unprecedented times. We all are feeling overwhelmed but so few are talking about how hard it is for us. As always, we internalize and try to hide behind our schedules, kids, commitments and need to stand brave. It’s so important to share what we are going through and what’s working for our benefit. Here are some moms talking about what helps them through their struggles.

The New Normal

Something that helped my mental state enormously & came from a licensed psychologist:

Act as if THIS is the new normal. Make all your plans based upon the way things are, right now. That way, if plans are able to change when things open back up, that’s a great plan to have, but you’re not constantly dealing with disappointmnets. Put things on the calendar like you would if we were going out – family game night! Buy a special game or two but don’t open it until that planned day – same with a family movie night.

I changed my mindset to this, and I brokethrough the ambiguity freeze I was in. My anxiety has settled a good bit. I’m finally able to work again.

Ronda Bowen

Small Changes Help

I have introduced my elder daughter to my complex art materials, which I earlier didn’t because they needed more care. This way I have managed to trigger curiosity in her to paint more often, learn new art forms and also become responsible at the same time as I am sharing my precious collection with her. This way I’m also reiterating the importance of sharing and entrusting trust. She has become more warm towards her younger sister now. We both have been creating lot of art stuff at home and out of waste materials like boxes, cartons, aluminum foils and even toys that they don’t play with anymore. This way she is learning to look at any waste material as potential raw material to create something unique. I enjoy her ideas now where she comes up with fun projects.

Recently, we have been improving our home decor by making small changes with the help of the little one. We ask her for decorating ideas so that way she gets involved and also learns to organize things. There is never a right or wrong age to learn the importance of decluttering and that’s what I have been trying to do these days with my little ones.

My daughter loves to dance and due to the lockdown she isn’t going for her ballet classes. We discussed with her teacher to send dance videos for the students to practice at home. We try and emulate the steps along with her so that she remains motivated to dance. Honestly, I love looking silly in front of her because I can never move like she does. To see her giggle under such stressful times is heartening ♥️.

Leena Asnanie

Ease Up on Technology for Homeschooling

Here’s my opinion on homeschooling.. Yes no one’s asking, but am saying it anyway.. NO.. just NO.

With a toddler screaming his head off because I wouldn’t let him tear his brother’s schoolwork and a pre-tween (an 8 yr old who thinks he’s a teen in making with all the cool attitudes and slangs, hi fives his dad but still wants to snuggle and likes sloppy kisses from his mom), I would rather sit down and watch Karan Johar movies over and over (pun intended). Homeschooling and getting schooled (on EVERY single thing!) was not on my mind when the lockdown started. I genuinely believed, I would impart my worldly knowledge to my beloved son and may be bring enlightenment. How naive was I? Which planet was I in, when all these apps were created?

For someone who had not held an iPad, not had a Twitter or Instagram account, relied on a single baby app, spoke only through Facebook and Whatsapp before lockdown, it was a technology shock!

Here I was, learning to navigate through Popplet to Kahoot to class dojo with the help of my son, how ironic! With the constant trivias on technology and new techniques and his questions that always start with “Did you know?”, made me wonder truly, I really didn’t know!!

Don’t get me started on SIRI, she replaced me slowly and steadily with her ever ready enthusiasm and vast knowledge. My trump card…SNACK!! ( very mom’s mind voice!!).

Mathangi Murali

Take Time to Relax EVERY Day

If we get time to relax a bit at regular intervals, we can even work for 12 hours on a stretch. Trust me on this. Working women might agree that taking 2 coffee/tea breaks in working hours and chatting with colleagues will boost their productivity. If you are a stay at home parent, I agree that there is one or the other task which keeps cropping up always but take a 15-minute break just to sit and watch TV or to read a book or to take a power nap. This keeps you active for the remaining time of the day.

Any creative art can de-stress our brain. So try any creative art that you enjoy at least once a week like painting, singing, dancing etc. Even playing sudoku or singing karaoke with friends is a fun way to de-stress. Many women feel relaxed by cooking and decorating their houses. Crochet, quilling, photography, craft making etc. – there is a lot to research on. Whatever it is that makes you relaxed, try it and implement it.

More tips on productivity by Mahathi Ramya here.

Unplug to Ditch the Judgemental Jerries in Your Life

We all know them. The people who have opinions about everyone and try to force them on others. Sometimes ‘Judgemental Jerry’ is a family member or a coworker.

Adjusting to this new normal is stressful enough without the input from others, who are not trying to help or be positive. Every mom needs to cut negativity out of her life.

Listen, social media is a great way to connect with friends and family as well as just chill and laugh. But sometimes it can be toxic. It can feed your fear and anxiety, and it can cause people to argue back and forth with each other.

If you feel like social media is not serving you in a positive way, it may be time to take a break or get off all together. And that unfollow button is there for a reason – I’ve used it quite a bit these days.

Every mom needs to unplug from people and things that don’t lift her up.

This and more things Every Mom Should Avoid During Lockdown by Diedry Anothony

Get the Kids Involved and Helping!

Speaking of variety, give kids options to choose from. As I have mentioned in my book multiple times, we want to encourage our children to become problem solvers and good decision makers. How will they do so, if we do not give them the room to make the decisions.

The options can range from what topic would you like to study to book to read or thing to do or board game to play. Kids need options to choose from.

Which brings me to making sure your kids are helping around the house. Yes, it is hard to do and be consistent but it is very important for their overall development and your own sanity. Have a family meeting and decide what each child can and will be doing. Take turns, pick your own thing to do, get incentivized. But make sure you delegate jobs around the house.

More tips for staying positive and organized by Aditi Wardhan Singh

15 Unique Adventure Chapter Book Series Kids LOVE!

If you have a kid like mine who has a certain kind of liking for books, ie fantasy and adventure, below books are perfect. Remember, you can get most of the below books on

Kindle Unlimited, which is available for 1.99 for 3 months now.

Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas

Full of laugh-out-loud moments, danger, excitement, and nonstop action, Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas is sure to strike gold with kid readers. This funny, action-filled series is perfect for adventure-loving fans of Indiana Jones and James Patterson’s Treasure Hunters!.

Ranger’s Apprentice Series

The international best-selling series with over FIVE million copies sold in the US alone!

They have always scared him in the past – the Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now 15-year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice. Here is the fantasy adventure that launched the Ranger’s Apprentice series, an epic story of heroes and villains that has become an international phenomenon. Perfect for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Below is the Book 1

John Flanagan Complete Ranger’s Apprentice Series 12 Book Set.

Magic Tree House Series

Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books. The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system!

Boxcar Children

One warm night four children stood in front of a bakery. No one knew them. No one knew where they had come from. Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans. Can they find a home where they can stay together as a family? Quite old fashioned, exciting, lovely stories, well written in a simple and easy to read format. My 6 year old son was delighted to be reading a proper book with chapters, understanding it all and not needing very much assistance with any of the language. A great find to encourage a love of reading.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Bestselling series takes the art of being wimpy to a whole new level. Let’s face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg’s father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other “manly†? endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father’s efforts to change him. Greg and his family and friends, who make the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books a must-read for middle school readers, are back and at their best in this hilarious new installment of the series, which is sure to please current fans while attracting new ones.

Piper Morgan

In this charming new chapter book series, eight-year-old Piper Morgan is adjusting to a new home and all the new places and faces she meets along the way, as she and her mom look for the perfect place to plant their feet. But during Piper’s debut as a Little Explorer, her high kicks and pointed toes don’t go quite as planned—and after causing a dance disaster, she has to prove to everyone—especially queen of the Little Explorers, Lexie—that she belongs in the spotlight.

Whatever After

When Abby – plus her three best friends – land in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they are ready to follow the Yellow Brick Road to find their way back home. But they’ll have to acquire some brains, heart, and courage along the way to avoid the Wicked Witch of the West…and will they get to meet Dorothy? This second Special Edition is longer and packed with extra magic!

Ariol

Graphic novels for kids. If you’re from the neighborhood, you surely know ARIOL, the little blue donkey with round glasses. He’s fulfilling his greatest dream today: being invited to Petula’s, the young cow he’s secretly in love with. But the obstacles are mounting! Petula’s dad, a fearsome bull from the South, and Petula’s big brother, a sixteen-year-old calf raised by his mother, do their best to run interference. Will Ariol make it to Petula’s room, at the end of the hallway on the right, to play Thunder Horse and Princess Filly?

Aru Shah – Pandava Series

Best-selling author Rick Riordan introduces this adventure by Roshani Chokshi about twelve-year-old Aru Shah, who has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?

Black Lagoon Adventures

Introduce your early readers to the original Black Lagoon stories, and give your independent readers a thrill with the chapter books in the Black Lagoon Adventures. Both the original series and the spin-off, written by Mike Thaler and illustrated by Jared Lee, feature the central character of Hubie, a new student who enters a haunted elementary school and faces menacing monsters, fierce animals, and bullies. These fun-filled, spooktacular titles by Thaler, who has written more than 250 books for children, are perfect for young readers with monster-ous imaginations.

Wings of Fire

My son’s favorite these days, it is A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation! The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy — a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice. Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war.

Weirdest and Weirder

With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Perfect for reluctant readers and word lovers alike, Dan Gutman’s hugely popular My Weird School series has something for everyone. Don’t miss the hilarious adventures of A.J. and the gang!

A-Z Mysteries

Z was just the beginning! With A to Z Mysteries® Super Editions, chapter book readers keep on collecting clues and solving mysteries with Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. Now with over 8 million copies in print, this classic kid-favorite series is back with a bright new look! Welcome to summer camp for detectives! The kids can’t wait to spend a week following clues and learning about the science of crime solving.

Half Upon a Time

Life’s no fairy tale for Jack. After all, his father’s been missing ever since that incident with the beanstalk and the giant, and his grandfather keeps pushing him to get out and find a princess to rescue. Who’d want to rescue a snobby, entitled princess anyway? Especially one that falls out of the sky wearing a shirt that says “Punk Princess,” and still denies she’s royalty. In fact, May doesn’t even believe in magic. Yeah, what’s that about? May does need help though–a huntsman is chasing her, her grandmother has been kidnapped, and Jack thinks it’s all because of the Wicked Queen . . . mostly because May’s grandmother might just be the long-lost Snow White. Jack and May’s thrillingly hilarious adventure combines all the classic stories—fractured as a broken magic mirror—into one epic novel for the ages.

Five Kingdoms

Adventure awaits in the Five Kingdoms—come and claim it in this start to a new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series. Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when a spooky haunted house turns out to be a portal to something much creepier, Cole finds himself on an adventure on a whole different level.

Defiant or Disabled? Understand Your Child’s Tantrums

When your child has a tantrum, you may assume that they are just being troublesome. However, if the tantrums are happening regularly or past a certain age, it could be a sign of a larger problem. The child could be frustrated at the world around them. Here are 5 ways to understand your child’s tantrums better.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a disorder common in children that causes them to lose focus and get restless. When forced to sit still while feeling this way, it can cause them to become extremely frustrated. They may start to get out of hand when they aren’t allowed to explore on their own. They may need additional breaks when doing something.

Communication Disorders

Some children aren’t able to communicate their feelings as well as other. They may have physical problems saying certain words. This in itself can be problematic. They may also just have a limited vocabulary or feel unheard. It’s good to help your child by getting them a speech therapist. You can also help by being patient when they try to speak. You can also make a point to stop and listen when they try to tell you something.

Autism Spectrum

Some children fall on the Autism spectrum. These children can have issues with communication like above. They may also have behavioral issues and emotional issues as well. The first step is to verify if your child is actually on the spectrum. To do this, you should go to a behavioral health clinic to get advice from the professionals.

Brain Development Delay

A tantrum can actually be a sign of a brain development problem. The brain simply might not be developing as quickly as the other children. In some cases, the child’s brain may never develop quite as much as the other children. This can cause frustration for the child.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis. These children are more than just moody at times. They may have multiple tantrums a day for multiple days in a row. They may also have extremely long tantrums. This can be a sign of trouble in the future, so you want to tackle the problem right away.

If your child has a disorder causing tantrums, the first step is to get a proper diagnosis. Talk to a professional today to learn what might be causing the problem and how you can help it.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys Tennis and spending time with her family.

Making Unschooling a Way of Life for My Child

I armed myself with global degrees which gave me the privilege of accumulating knowledge and exposure over the years. My heart was filled with pride for being able to have achieved what many aspire to do and felt lucky and grateful too.

It should have made me happy and very successful in every aspect of my life, but the result was contrary.

My accolades and degrees surely got me the job and a respectable position in the society and family. It gave me the confidence as a young woman to take on the world and be independent in many aspects, yet something was amiss. The constant churning within me was always seeking for something more.

It was only when my daughter was born the journey of witnessing my inner truth and transformation began. As every parent, I was also concerned and worried about academics and the the school she may join.

However, being an educationist I was aware of the merits and de-merits of the system, and was conscious of it’s impact on children’s growing up years. The two roles pulled me in different directions and led to the search for alternatives within our society; and the best suitable option for us as a family. I discovered novel systems of Waldorf/Homeschooling/Unschooling and started exploring the education world.

I invested my time researching online, talking to people in the community, reading books on such topics and upgraded my understanding on the subject. The term Unschooling baffled me as much as it excited me and I investigated further into the terminology. I started reading profusely about it on the net, joined various Facebook pages of Unschooling/Homeschooling, TED talks, podcasts and many more resources to guide me through. I started finding answers to the dilemmas within me but they also added to the confusion. As parents we are plagued with self-doubt at every step of the journey as we want to give the best to our children.

However, we decided to march along and discussed extensively as a family, living through our fears. We discovered help groups in our vicinity, gained experiences which supported our belief system further.

Now, as an unschooling family we had the freedom to paint our canvas with a riot of colours. But, with freedom comes responsibility and we were very much aware of the same. Rejecting the available academic boards, not sending her to school what were we thinking and what was next?!

Even with the right kind of support there were numerous questions hovering around, not just within us but from the outside. The neighborhood, extended family overwhelmed us with their fears too, which were valid and kept us on our toes. How will we instill discipline if everything revolved around the child, what about her social skills, how will she learn to read/write and the list continues.

Observing our daughter grow and unfold as any other child of her age, helped us settle down with our feelings slowly. It has essentially been a journey through peaks and valleys of reassurances and doubts. During her play dates, the inevitable comparison between children emerged. However, when we saw our daughter know/learn the same concept of colors maybe a month later, our fears resolved.

This is when we realized an important fact of moving forward lay in overcoming our conditioning, and leave the rest to time. Gradually, we have witnessed the immense need from her to learn and know more from her environment. She chooses to read the books at her will and asks us to do the same when she feels, her curating different objects from wooden blocks comes from what she hears/observes in her environment. The varied age group from uncles/aunts, help workers and everyone she comes in contact with forms her source of developing social skills.

Unschooling is a way of life, a space to be! As parents we had to find and create ways to make our daughter’s learning process fun. With the knowledge that a child is born with instincts to learn we guided her journey by providing the essential instruments to learning. We discovered ways for her to acquire life skills without books and an organization.

To give shape to our thoughts I initiated a group of unschoolers (The Tribe) who would meet twice a week and engage in activities which were led by the children themselves. Free play and allowing sensory development through interaction with nature and peers served as a solution to begin with. Travel within the city and beyond gave us wings to fly and connect with families who believed in the same philosophy. We found our larger family in the wider world too.

It is a child centered journey for every family, observing life closely. We believe in developing life long skills and competence to live it through. It does not talk about competing with others but focusing on self accomplishment and confidence. Each family may have their prescribed definition of growth and success and may follow essential steps to accomplish that.

Though, we exist as a minority group across the country, yet it is heartening to see the force grow rapidly. There are several organizations based on principles of democracy, allowing the child to be, make mistakes and learn, follow their passions instead of fitting into a mold for all. Places like Bengaluru, Pune take the lead with initiating such communities with Mumbai and Delhi following suit. In a country like India, which is obsessed with degrees and certificates “An Unschooling Expedition” may appear to be a mirage but a reality for many families like us. We are committed to a holistic growth of our daughter through the journey of Unschooling with the biggest unlearning of letting go of our worries about the future.

As an out of the box approach, it is an effort to savor their innocence for a longer period and see them grow into happy individuals.

Ashita Narang Gautam is a mother to a 3 yo unschooler, residing in Mumbai, India. An arts based therapy practitioner and special educator by profession, at the moment a full time unschooling mom. I indulge in writing blogs for the unschooling group, The Tribe(created for my daughter and others). I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts on unschooling/education, going for walks, listening to music and my time in silence-meditaion (whenever possible).

Create a Roadmap for Ivy League Oriented Teens

Students who plan to attend Ivy League schools likely around know that they have a great deal of work to do and a sometimes difficult road ahead of them. However, you still need to provide these youngsters with a solid map. Failure to do so could mean that they become seriously overwhelmed or that they miss important steps in reaching their goals.

Speak with Advisors

Gaining professional advice specific to your children’s individuals goals is imperative. For example, you could speak with your children’s guidance counselors about the specific schools that they want to attend and how their current portfolio is looking in terms of getting into those schools. You should also look for opportunities to meet with advisors at the universities.

Prepare for Standardized Exams

Know what standardized exams the universities that your children are applying to prioritize. If your children have already taken the exams, you then have an idea of where they starting from in terms of scores. Many districts and local libraries offer classes to help students earn better grades on these exams. You can also purchase books so that your kids can practice more when they are at home.

Choose the Right Classes

Helping your teenagers to navigate what classes to take is an important part of the plan. While you don’t want them to feel overloaded with extremely difficult courses, they also need to demonstrate that they can handle the workload of Ivy League institutions. Enrolling in some courses for college credit or classes designated as advanced placement is certainly wise. College Prep High School students are trained to think ahead in their education. Think about having them enroll in classes that are directly attached to their intended majors or fields of study.

Bolster the Portfolio

Chances are that virtually all applicants to Ivy League schools are going to have high grades. Good grades aren’t enough by themselves to get your children into these institutions. You also must encourage them to have a balance in their lives. For example, participation in volunteer opportunities and joining clubs or team sports could help to bolster their chances of acceptance into an Ivy League university. You want to encourage your children to stand out from the other applicants.

Your children might feel as though they want to give up at points. Another pivotal role that you will play is encouraging them not to give up. Remind them of the successes that they have had along the road so far in order to help them build motivation to continue on the journey.