Suja Dinesh, Author at Raising World Children

How Do We Teach Kids to Accept Differences

We live in a vast and diversified world. It’s mixed with unique cultures, personalities, opinions, objectives, and it’s undeniable; we are always learning something apart from what we know on a daily basis. As we all know, little ones are the fastest learners.

And it’s also true that they would develop the same thinking process as their parents do. So the process of teaching our child starts from us. What would you ideally want to see in your child? A simple attitude and smart thinking because knowledge would anyways be an input during their academics in school.

We need to teach our children the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong along with appropriate social behaviour.

Imagine a situation; we take our kids to a park. And they see children there with different skin complexions. And it wouldn’t be of any surprise if they ask us with immense curiosity why his/her friends look different from him/her. Even when it comes to various religious aspects, everyone has their own way of worshiping God and how do you explain that. Below are the few key points that should be kept in mind while you’re communicating to your child about such crucial topics.

Don’t shush them

When kids ask you any sensitive questions, don’t stop them. In private or public. Ask them to continue talking about it. Instead, even ask them what they think about. But by restricting their questions, we might be putting in a wrong thought process. They probably might think that their question was not appropriate or they were wrong asking in the first place. This might lead to a decrease in their curiosity levels. At that age, they should have a good learning process and shouldn’t be denied it any minute.

Talk as much as you can

You might be busy with your professional life. But this is the only golden period you get to bond with your kids. Don’t stop listening to them. Ask for their opinions, correct them and again ask whats their thought about this particular topic. Judging anyone around is not a mistake, but it’s important not to make their first judgement as to their final one. They need to learn the art of mingling with as many people as possible and always have a positive vibe.

Consume diverse content consciously

Movies and other sources of entertainment are always direct influences on our kids’ minds. In fact, we prefer showing them so that they can learn faster. So why not we opt for more movies that help highlighting such issues and it would be easier to understand these concepts. But be careful to show them age-appropriate shows. Maybe animated is more preferable. These topics may not be essential to understand at first glance but understanding it in the right way is important.

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Yes, we are unique, we all look different, we talk different languages, and we need to teach our kids to see these things as different cultures, but everyone should be treated the same. Maybe someone might need a wheelchair to move around, some can be blind, or perhaps some may not be mentally stable enough like we are. But it’s not their fault. We should be able to teach our kids that ‘it’s ok’, not everyone is fortunate enough, but we don’t have any rights to judge them. Instead, teach them how to approach these people and make them feel better. Teach them how to deal with such situations and always have a smile on their face.

Like I already said, a kid’s thinking process is just the photocopy of their parents’. So before we teach them something, we should be aware of what opinions we have. Everyone can’t view the painting with the same opinion, but we can always appreciate the efforts.

And teach them the art of accepting, show them the art of appreciating and not just pointing out mistakes and differences.

Why I gifted my daughter “GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS” !

When it comes to celebrating children’s birthday, every parent wants it to be extra special. But, it doesn’t mean the birthdays have to be celebrated by throwing a lavish party or presenting expensive gifts. It’s all about things we do to make our child feel loved and valued.

My little one turned four this May month, and we wanted to make this occasion a momentous one. But, this time, we put the idea of throwing a birthday gathering on the back burner. Instead, we concentrated on an excellent gift that should stay with my daughter forever.

Trying to Raise a Self-Reliant Kid:

With the present world’s climate, raising independent, confident kids is day by day becoming a tough task. Additionally, being an Indian, raising an independent girl is never easy, let alone to make her understand her worth.

When all the other external factors, including media, influence your little one’s mindset to make them feel worthless and they need someone to rescue and protect them, you have to put on a serious fight against the society to make your girl understand her worth. It’s like you are against the world fighting an invisible war in raising your kid to be self-reliant.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls:

However, this thought never stopped generations of women from doing it. What would be the guaranteed way to show your girls to embrace her self worth than sharing stories of some great inspiring women who made a positive impact on the world and still remind us “there is hope”. To make this possible, I decided to gift my girl a book written by Elena Favilli “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls”, -100 tales of Extraordinary Women.

I have been eyeing on this for more than a year. However, I was waiting for the right moment to give my little one the book. As she is four now, it’s an ideal age to introduce kids about the concepts of self-value, struggles, obstacles, failures and success, and this book would be the perfect choice to teach all those ideas.

I was so delighted to order this book and this book had tales of 100 women who overcame the hurdles and got to be an inspirational person now. I truly believed that if my girl can understand some inspiring women’s life journey, their struggles and their labour they have put into overcoming those hurdles, she can genuinely believe that she can overcome anything.

About The Book:

As you would have already guessed from the title, this book is all about inspiring women who have fought for their rights and who have succeeded regardless of their struggles and hurdles. This book also reminds that, we can achieve in whatever thing we put our mins to irrespective of their age, origin, status, family background, etc., Passion is all that matters.

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Each tale is about one page, and in each page, they have highlighted an inspirational quote from the woman. They have used a brilliant illustration, with the picture of each woman on the story page.

This makes the book more colorful and enjoyable. It’s an excellent read for adults too. This book is also a great way to teach cultural aspects as women mentioned here are from a different origin. It’s a crisp opportunity to introduce her to the other countries on our globe.

Unfortunately, the title suggests it’s a book for girls. It’s a fabulous idea to inspire young girls to show them how powerful they can be. But the stories are fascinating and inspiring for also the boys to read.

Gift Set of All Books

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And more importantly, its good to show boys that they can imagine women as Presidents, Scientists, Athlete and Formula One Race car driver.

I think despite what my daughter may face as she grows up, there will be at least one story to which she can relate to and overcome it as the woman she inspired did.

Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls – It’s a book of fairy tales with a difference: all the stories are true.

Have you read Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls? Follow the creators for more information.

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30 % Discount This Summer.
Grab it for a Quick Summer Read Now!

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The Secret to Teaching Children to Cope With Big Feelings

Do you know reading stories helps children coping with feelings? Stories play a vital role in developing a child’s imagination.

Using stories you can introduce new ideas into their world. From a realistic story that talks about kids and animals to fantasy stories that talk about other planets, ogres and trolls, children’s learn to visualize it in their own way.

Stories are also useful for teaching more complex ideas, such as the importance of sharing, manners and the passage of time. And what’s so great about learning through stories is that there’s no actual teaching involved at all, they learn from simply reading the story naturally.

Rewriting Authentic Tales to Happy Endings:

Storytelling is one of the best ways to teach compassion to kids. There is no safer way for a child to learn compassion and empathy than through a book. But unfortunately, some children’s books have taken a serious turn in rewriting the authentic tales to happy endings.

There is no more gingerbread boy that gets eaten up by the fox. Happy or sad whatever the ending may be, it was perfect for the story. That’s why they were classics. Rewriting them and changing the endings kills the interesting aspects of the story.

Books, where the conflicts are always resolved with a happy ending doesn’t reflect with the range of human experience. When we share only the happy ending stories with kids we are setting up our children for false expectations of life.

If stories are all happy or idealized there is no way kids could actually experience the whole range of emotions. Trimming details and changing the ending doesn’t help your kid in any way. It actually does the opposite of hiding them from actual human experience.

At the same time, we have removed all the deadly monsters from the book, we have intensified some of the children’s movies with violent graphics and visuals.

Kids get too much exposure to what they are not supposed to know. So, story reading is again a safe place where you can read the story aloud and you can skip if the details are too intense. It’s their safe haven where they can learn about the world, new ideas and their tough emotions.

Sad Endings Teach Coping with Feelings

Happiness is a great feeling and it’s easy to cope up with. But what about fear or sorrow. Kids should feel all the emotions. No kid can cope up with a bad feeling at the moment he experiences it. Stories with sad endings are one of the safest ways to make your kids experience such emotions and slowly teach them how to cope up with such feelings.

When kids can relate to the story they read they can feel deep emotions. Fiction based on real-life characters can also help kids with their own life experience – it shows them how diverse the world is, how unique the people lives are and that some people’s lives are vastly different to theirs. Stories that contain feelings can help kids understand and accept their own feelings.

It helps them understand that there are other kids that are in similar situations who feel the same way and they are not alone.

Kids see the world in black and white. Reading a sad story with a wicked villain awakens their innate sense of justice where they try to change the situation by helping the needy. Sad stories can develop their critical thinking by making them analyze the story. Stories that talks about struggle and conflict encourage kids to develop social-emotional skills.

A good story with mixed emotions teaches kids that life can give both beautiful and awful things. It’s OK to feel hurt, it’s OK to feel scary. The more we teach our children about these emotions and feelings when they arise, they can cope up with the real world.

Sad Ending stories where the main character dies might absolutely upset some kids. Children take some time to cope up with the character loss. But it is a great way to connect with your kid. There will be too many “why” questions to understand such loss.

Sometimes it is simply an expression of sorrow. Use this opportunity to teach them that it’s OK to feel sad and show them how to cope up with overwhelming sad feelings like talking about it and hugging the loved one, etc..,

As a parent, you know your child better. So, always know your audience and think ahead before starting a read story. Make sure the story you read is age appropriate, not too scary for your kids and doesn’t have any detailed violent illustrations.

Share Stories That Resonates With A Full Range Of emotions:

We all want our child to be happy in an idealized world where everyone’s a friend. It is so tempting to raise our kids in such a world where all the conflicts are resolved with a happy ending.

But, that is totally unrealistic and its an adult expectation. Kids are always kids and it is our responsibility to let kids experience the full range of emotions and to prepare them to cope up with those feelings when they arrive.

Stories are the safe place to make them experience all those feelings especially the bad ones like sadness and fear. Sharing good stories that fascinate with new ideas, spooks with silly monsters, create wonders with an adventurous hero, elicit giggle with foolish characters and awakens justice with a wicked villain all have a place in child’s world.

Are you willing to take this journey with your kids ? Share this post with your friends.

Sindhuja Kumar is a proud mom and a lifestyle blogger living in Connecticut, USA and origin from Tamilnadu, India. She is happily married and nothing excites her more than being a mom. She blogs to keep herself sane, more or less writing about positive parenting adventures, DIY Craft tutorials & scrumptious recipes that empowers every mom and woman to stay inspired and living an elegant life in a creative way. Check her work @ PassionateMoms.

What Maayeka Really Means To An Indian Girl

Raising my Indian Daughter Differently

The Indian value system is quite complex. On the one hand they have great core values like parents always standing by their children in every life situation and promoting joint family living situation. On the other hand every Indian Daughter is subconsciously taught that our contribution to society is valuable only in the context of wife and mother.

Being from a moderate yet conservative family, My life was not an exception., My parents tried their best to raise me well by providing for my many needs. I was happy with the choices they made for me.

To their credit, they tried to keep themselves update with the ever changing society norms. I was blessed with a perfect family with full of love and joy but there was always a subtle criticism involved when it came to some of my behavior and attitudes.

Even the best parents will yell at their daughters if they are sleeping past 9 a.m, laughing out so loud or being to social in the crowd because they think it is not appropriate.

” What will your future in-laws think of you and the way we have raised you “ was a frequent lament!

My Story

When the marriage topic was began for me at age 23, I felt I was in a different world altogether. I saw a completely different side to my mother. There are other families where getting married gets discussed when the daughter turns 21. I guess it’s fine, at the least you were be free for 21 years, sort of.

Yes, my in-laws are so sweet and caring and I never felt feared being myself around them. Initially though I cared for them because “in laws are your own family now. They come first and should get all the love and respect the second you become a wife. “ Thank god after some days I realized they really deserved it all for treating me like a daughter.

It’s like they were not only worried about society but also the future family I was going to get married. Our story is not unique though and unfortunately, many girls get influenced by this thinking. There are other families where getting married gets discussed when the daughter turns 21. I guess it’s fine, at the least you were be free for 21 years, sort of.

Raising My Indian Daughter Differently

Girls are taught to take up as little room as possible in this world, not just physically, but also in the way they speak, laugh and assert themselves. When I had my daughter I decided to parent her differently.

- If my daughter wants to play cricket in the street with boys, if she loves to climb trees or to laugh loudly or be boisterous, I will never stop her. I will trust my kid forever.
- I will wish to stand by her side in all situations. I will not accuse her of bringing shame to my family whenever she does something unreasonable.
- I will never ask her to put her passions and dreams on the back burner for getting married.
- I will not ask her bear a child within the so-called time limit of 28 years.
- She will be valued for the same reasons as every son for their intelligence, strength, creativity and passion.

[bctt tweet=”Indian girls are taught to take up as little room as possible in this world, not just physically.” username=”contactrwc”]

If the parents like us don’t see our son and daughter as equal then how will the society see and treat our girls equal? Especially during the marriage phase, I don’t want to intimidate my daughter and make her feel that her husband’s family are so different and she have to convince them in each situation. I need to teach her what marriage is all about and how lovely it is to be getting married and taking care of the family. Naturally she going to be an endearing daughter in law.

I want her to know self-love is the best thing she can do to herself. It is the greatest love of all. To show respect to everyone and their feelings regardless of their age is a basic quality she should never give up.

With these values she will surely grow to be of strong character. What else do you think I can do differently to empower her?

Sindhuja Kumar is a proud mom and a lifestyle blogger living in Connecticut, USA and origin from Tamilnadu, India. She is happily married and nothing excites her more than being a mom. She blogs to keep herself sane, more or less writing about positive parenting adventures, DIY Craft tutorials & scrumptious recipes that empowers every mom and woman to stay inspired and living an elegant life in a creative way. Check her work @ PassionateMoms.

Make Your Own Craft Stick Puzzle

Summer is a fun time filled with activities for kids but still, we are bound to hear ” I’m Bored” from kids time to time. Especially when its raining or need to stay in the home, you absolutely need some activities to keep the kids busy. But, don’t worry we got you. What can be the best way to entertain kids than indulging them in some puzzling activity? Craft Stick Puzzle is a simple yet creative DIY project. With a little help, these can be completely made by your kids. Not only the making process is fun but also arranging and playing with it makes it extra fun. These are also a great way to teach colors and shapes for preschoolers and toddlers. Let’s get started.

Supplies you need:

Craft Sticks or Popsicle sticks
Washi Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Kids paint

Method:

Arrange the craft sticks adjacent to one another forming a canvas.
Paste the sticks to a paper using washi tape to make sure the craft sticks stay in place.
Now trace and simple shapes or objects and start coloring it.
Once the paint is dried completely, remove the washi tape carefully.
Viola!!! Your instant DIY Craft Stick Puzzle is ready.

I hope you liked this project. Please share the puzzle sticks you have created. Also, if you have any other fun summer crafts that you have made with your kids share with us in the below comment section.

We would love to hear from you. Make this and show it off! Email it to us at contact@localhost or upload it on social media and tag us. @passionatemoms,@raisingworldchildren. We would feature the best ones on OUR platform for the world to see!

How to make a Paper Octopus | DIY Kid’s Crafts

It’s almost summer and its a perfect time for DIY projects, especially that the kids are going to be always home. So let’s dive deep with this cute Paper Octopus Craft that’s absolutely fun to make.

This is a simple craft activity that you can do with your kids at home or make this with your class at school or kindergarten. The cheerios that we glue on to the octopus tentacles make the octopus more real and cute. Let’s get started.

DETAILED VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE

Supplies Needed:

Construction paper of different colors
Pencil
Scissors
Glue
Googly Eyes
Punch hole
Cheerios
String

Method:

Take any two construction papers and fold it into a half, trace and cut the octopus shape as shown in the video.
Now using them as a template cut another octopus shape from the other two construction paper. But this time make sure the tentacles are faced with a different angle. Watch the video for more clear information.
Paste all the octopus shapes together aligning one after another.
Cut the paper into an oval size shape and paste onto the octopus head. Paste the google eyes over the oval-shaped paper.
Fill all the sides of the octopus head with round color papers of different sizes.
Using a punch hole create some round shaped papers and paste it all over the tentacles with a regular gap.
Once dried, paste the Cheerios onto the tentacles in the gaps between punch hole papers.
Punch a hole in the head of the octopus and add a string to hang it or play with it.

That’s it! A cute adorable Paper Cheerios Octopus is ready to have fun with. Isn’t it a great paper craft idea? Let me know what how much do you like it. If you have created a different version of this, feel free to share with me.

Fingerprint Keepsake Canvas Art | Craft for Preschoolers

Keepsake crafts are a great way to save the fond memories to look back on. This fingerprint keepsake canvas art is a perfect DIY craft to treasure your little one’s fingerprints! A simple canvas can be turned into a masterpiece with some painty little fingerprints of your little ones! Isn’t a cute keepsake craft for babies, toddlers and preschoolers which can be treasured forever.

Compete Tutorial here

Supplies needed:

6×6 Canvas
Kids paint
Peel and stick Countertop sticker or any sticker
Any paper
Scissors
Pencil

Method:

Collect all the materials mentioned above. Now take a peel and stick countertop sticker and cut it into a size of the 6×6 canvas.
With a help of any paper trace and cut a heart shape from the 6×6 countertop sticker as shown in the video.
Now carefully peel the sticker and paste onto the canvas.
Choose your desired colors up to 3 and help your kid to do the fingerprint painting on the canvas that is not covered by the sticker.
Let it dry, sometimes you can leave it for overnight.
Once the paint is dry, carefully peel the sticker from the canvas.

Viola! you have an adorable keepsake fingerprint painting to treasure forever. I am sure this works as a great gift for your loved one’s birthday, mothers day, fathers day and valentines day too. Do you have any other idea for a keepsake craft? Share with me in the below comment section.

Origami Mini Heart Photo Frame- DIY Fridge Magnet

Origami Mini Heart Photo Frame is a perfect project for kids (and beginner grown-ups, too!). This makes a beautiful last minute gift for Mother’s day too! Haven’t got time to get your mom a gift? Just grab a paper and make this photo frame and gift her with a favorite pic in it, Voila! Addition to this adorable paper gift, paste a magnet in the back side of the frame and make it as a fridge magnet. Wouldn’t be a great idea to record your happy memories in the kitchen?

DETAILED TUTORIAL HERE

Let’s get started with the supplies you need:

12×12 cm square patterned paper or origami paper
Glue Gun
Magnet button
Mini square photo

Method:

Take a 12×12 cm square paper and fold it all the side to create crease all over the paper.
Now carefully fold the paper and make the photo frame as shown in the video.
Once done, place a square size pic inside the frame.
To make it as a fridge magnet, paste a button magnet in the back side of the frame.

That’s It! A cut photo frame plus a fridge magnet is ready! I am sure this simple yet creative craft will be a great addition to your craft adventures.

How To Make An Easy Mother’s Day Card

Does your mom love Tea? Have you been looking for some creative card ideas to compliment your mom on this mother’s day? Then you’ve found the perfect happy Mother’s Day card for her! This tea homemade mothers day card may not feature a real tea, but it reminds her of how Tea-rrific she is.

DETAILED VIDEO HERE

Let’s get started with the supplies you need:

Egg carton
Cardstock Paper
Patterned paper
String
Marker
Paint
Glitter glue or Chenille stem
Glue gun
Scissors

Method:

Take a cardstock paper and fold it in half to make a card. Now paste a patterned paper on the cardstock paper as shown.
Cut the separate egg holder from the recyclable egg carton and cut the half to make a cup shape.
Now paint the half cup with any desired color.
Paste the half cup to the card using a glue gun.
Now trace and cut a tea bag from a patterned shiny paper and paste it to the card as shown in the video.
For the teacup handle, you can use either glitter glue or chenille stem.
Finally, add your love note and gift your mom.

Yay! There is your beautiful yet creative homemade card. I am sure this will remain a special gift to your beloved mom.

How To Make A Kid’s DIY Canvas Painting For Mother’s Day Card

Waited until the last minute? Looking for a fun and easy card or keepsake for your kids to make for Mother’s Day?

Then you are in right place.

This sweet DIY canvas art is simple to make and great for children of all ages! With a simple rose stamping, you can make mom feel extra special with a beautiful bouquet canvas art for your mom or your grandmother. They make wonderful keepsakes and will be treasured for years to come! Let’s get started with the supplies you need.

FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE:

Supplies Needed:

Lettuce head
Kids paint
Chenille stem
Satin ribbon
Any decorative embellishment
Glue
Scissor
Marker

Method:

Pour some kids paint in a palette and dip the lettuce head on the color and make the rose stamps on the canvas.
For the stem, use a chenille stem and glue it to the canvas. I used hot glue gun which is not advisable for kids to do alone. Adults can help this part.
Create a bow from a satin ribbon and paste it to the stem. You can use any embellishment to decorate the bow.
Add a personal touch to this bouquet art by making leaves from your little one’s thumbprint.
Finally, add your love note.

Yay! A beautiful bouquet Canvas Art gift is ready to surprise your Mom or your Grandmother for this Mother’s day. A great alternative to an easy Mother’s Day card. I am sure this will remain a special gift to them.

How To Make DIY Popsicle Stick Canvas Gift | Mother’s day Craft For Kids

This post is strictly for the kids and dads. If you are a Mother please look away! This is a perfect one of a kind craft that you could create and gift your Mom for this Mother’s day. This is an easy project for anyone to try but you need a little patience for the glue and paint to dry. Let’s get started with the supplies you need.

FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE

Supplies Needed:

Popsicle sticks
Kids paint & Brush
Egg carton
Glue
Chenille stem
Construction paper
Scissors
Black Marker
Buttons

Method:

Take a construction paper, apply some glue and start pasting the popsicle sticks adjacent to one another and wait until its dry.
Now paint the popsicle canvas with your desired colors and let it dry. Mixing of any two colors gives a great look.
Meanwhile cut the tiny compartments from the egg carton and make them into small flowers as shown in the video.
Go creative and make your flowers colorful. Make sure the color you chose go well with the popsicle canvas.
Once the flowers are dry paste the buttons in the center to make it look more appealing.
For the flower pot and the sun, take a construction paper, trace and cut it out the shape.
Now its time to decorate our canvas! A glue gun works best here (which is not advisable for kids as it is very hot. Make sure you have an adult to help with a glue gun.)
Paste the egg carton flowers to the canvas on the top position as shown. For branches and leaves use chenille stem. At the bottom of the branches paste the pot and sun on the top as shown.
Using a black marker write your love note to your mom. That’s It! your cute Mother’s Day Keepsake Gift is ready to surprise your mom.

I am sure your Mom will certainly love this wonderful DIY keepsake gift.

How To Make A Pin-less Paper Pinwheel That Spins

Paper Pinwheels are one of the simplest DIY craft kids could make with very little supervision. As an added feature how about, we make some pinwheels which are totally “PINLESS”. Yeah, you read it right. The tutorial below is a Kid’s Safe Pinless Paper Pinwheel which could absolutely spin.

DETAILED VIDEO HERE

Detailed Description:

Supplies Needed:

Any patterned paper or recycled paper – Square size
Glue Stick
Paper Punch
Scissors
Paper or Plastic Straw
Chenille stem

Method:

Take a square piece of paper and fold it to find the exact center and punch a hole.
Now cut the paper diagonally halfway through, make sure you don’t reach the center.
Next punch every second corner of the paper, as shown in the video and start folding in the corners.Using the glue stick, paste all the corners together. Make sure, the holes are all lined up.
For the stem part, take a plastic straw and cut a small piece from it and keep aside.
Cut a circle shaped paper from cardstock paper and poke a pin on it and put through the chenille stem through the hole. Roll one end of the chenille stem so, it doesn’t come off from the cardstock paper.
Now bead the pinwheel and also the small piece of the straw along with the cardstock paper.
Make a small cut in the bigger piece of the straw and put the chenille stem through it as shown in the video.Put a knot at the end so that pinwheel stays in place.

That’s It! A pinless yet spinning Paper Pinwheel is ready!!! With these pinwheels, your kids could enjoy the extra outside hours with so much fun.

Not All Expats Accept the Melting-Pot Lifestyle

It was in the summer of 2014 that we first decided to move abroad from India. I know it was going to be a tough yet interesting journey. The real challenge is not just surviving but adjusting to the lifestyle and cultural differences. I was fighting the stereotype that was embedded in my mind about me and the American people. But nothing stopped me and I was ready enough to step on the grounds of another culture.

My First Out-Of-Country Flight Experience

The flight was long and most importantly I had to travel alone. It was a different experience and I was quickly distracted from homesickness, thanks to the little TV screen with all recent movies. It was a 30-hour journey, (From India to Kuwait, Kuwait to London and London to Chicago) yet I survived with a smile on my face. Actually, it was a moment of surprise that I managed out- of- my- country journey without showing any fear in my eyes. I was silently applauding myself. The pleasantries while greeting and all the “hello ” with the flight attendants and the immigrant officer made me feel that I have already developed the worldliness within me.

Trying To Connect With New Place And People

When I reached my apartment I had no connection with it. The scenery outside my window has changed, the 365 days warmth are no longer in place. The impact was huge but I didn’t give up. I began my search seeking ways to blend in the multicultural society striking a conversation with anyone I see, at least a “Hello”.

In a week I realized Americans are great greeters and they are just being polite. Unlike us Indians who mostly take time to start a conversation with strangers. It shattered my hope of being accepted into their tribe. It was hard to interpret another culture’s friendliness.

Thanks To the Open minded People:

But in a month I had American neighbors who loved my exotic spicy Indian food. From that moment onward my experience was totally different. I realized American are open-minded, they love and respect other cultures, heritage, and even fashion. I can still see American people complimenting me when I wear a Saree.

Being an expat, building the social circle among the locals was bit scary. But the native people made it so easy for me. Thanks to their welcoming nature. Realizing that some people just do things differently in name of culture or practice I started to love these differences. If we were all the same, life would be boring for sure.

Living abroad was one of the most profound undertakings I made for myself. Not just a job or a house I moved, it was more than that. Not to mention the parenting struggles I had to go through alone with no elders’ support. Still, I believed there are many expats who could help me go through this journey. But I was surprisingly wrong. Of course, everyone’s experience is different and unique and mine was little bitter when I had to move to a different state.

Multicultural Vs Melting Pot Lifestyle:

I had this illusion that my expat living was under control as I had some American neighbors and strangers who could help me in a grocery store when my kid throws a tantrum. I realized it was an illusion when I actually met some expatriate from India who had already been living here and mostly settled. Yes, blending inside their tribe was a real challenge.

The group was huge and they already had their own ideologies and melting pot lifestyle. A melting pot is a society where all of the people blend together to form one basic cultural norm based on the dominant culture(American culture). Living a melting pot lifestyle is a sole decision of any expatriate. But expecting the same from every expat is not acceptable.

I don’t want to offend anyone, I just want to voice my opinion. Yeah, I had some great Indian friends who accepted me as I am and respected my values when I first landed. But the next move to a different state taught me a different lesson. I am not a melting pot lifestyle person and I believe in multiculturalism. I love to meet new people and respect their lifestyle but still, carry on with my own family traditions.

But, when I realized Indian expatriates don’t see me one among them, I felt very bad. I was judged for following rituals like fasting, for wearing salwar and saree instead of western costumes, for staying vegetarian on Saturdays, etc..,. Most importantly my confidence was shattered. But nevertheless, for me, with my years of experience in dealing with and being able to read Indians, it was hard to interpret the Indian expatriates. For the sake of having friends in this expat world, I was ready to give up my values and beliefs and get on with their melting pot lifestyle. I know it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. But when I thought through the whole idea I felt like losing my originality.

Made My Decision Of Not Giving Up My Values:

I believe in traditions and that’s what makes us whom we are. I love wearing both traditional and western costumes but what is most important is my comfort. The decision of what I am wearing for a particular place or event is solely mine. You don’t have a say in it unless or until its awkward.

I don’t want my kid to be a pushover who could give up her cultural values but embrace it. I want her to respect other cultural values but not judge them based on a tradition or practice they follow. When I constantly strive to raise my daughter encouraging her to hold on to her own values, dreams and her inner beauty no matter what, how could I possibly give up my own values?

I honestly believe not all expats from India are judgemental over the newcomers. There are many people who are welcoming and helpful enough to hold the hand in the initial days of settling. And I really appreciate them. My thoughts are with the ones who are not.

Dear expatriates, you are not making it easy for people who want to live in a multicultural society.

We all stay here in the search for the sense of belonging but you make it harder by judging us. Melting pot lifestyle is not bad but at the same time, you should respect other people’s decision on how they want their lifestyle to be and yet consider them as your friends. We all live in one world with different cultures around. Let’s Embrace it.

Share this post with other expats to raise awareness about the boxing of people and how to avoid it!

How To Make DIY Paper Butterflies

These paper butterflies are just awesome. Isn’t it amazing how a single square sheet of paper can be turned into something as beautiful as these paper butterflies? This is a perfect craft to do with your kids which you can use it as a wall decor too. Let’s get started with the supplies you need.

DETAILED VIDEO TUTORIAL

Accordion Style Paper Butterfly:

Supplies Needed:

Square Paper
Scissors
Chenille stem

Method:

Cut the square paper into two halves.
Take one of the paper and fold it in the ends as shown in the video.
Now fold the paper in accordion style starting from the middle of the paper.
Take another piece of paper and turn it vertically to fold it in accordion style.
Now join the two folded papers using the chenille stem and leave the ends long enough to form the antennas.
Now carefully expand the papers to form the butterfly-like appearance. That’s It! you have your paper butterfly to decor your wall.

Origami Butterfly:

This is an easy craft and a perfect way to introduce origami to your kids.

Supplies Needed:

Square paper
Scissors

Method:

Create a number of folds across the center of the square paper as shown in the video.
Now, open out the paper and you should have folds crisscrossing the square in a star.
Now using the diagonal folds as a guide, you will need to push each side inwards where the diagonal fold is to create a triangle shape. (See video.)
Fold the half of each curved tip side and fold it inwards towards the middle crease.
Now flip the paper and fold the pointy tip behind and bring it up to peek about 5mm over the top edge. Fold that 5mm tip down to overlap the main part.
Now bring the two curved points back down to the front to make a crease in the center, to keep everything in place and finish off the butterfly shape.

That’s It! It’s so easy you can’t stop at one. Make a whole lot and have fun.

How To Make DIY Paper Basket – Easter Craft For Kids

Here is an easy Easter Craft video tutorial for kids. DIY Paper Easter Basket is a perfect addition to any Easter celebration. They are so simple yet adorable to make. This cute, homemade Easter basket filled with mini favors will bring a smile to your kid’s sweet faces. Let’s get started with the supplies you need.

Embed Link:

Supplies Needed:

Construction Paper (2 different colors)
Stapler
Glue stick, Glue gun (optional)
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Patterned paper
Mini cotton ball

Method:

From each paper cut long strips of paper of equal size. Make sure you have 8 strips of each color paper.
Arrange any one color paper strips horizontally near to one another and paste the one end using any tape. I used washi tape (it’s easy to peel off later with no damage to the papers).
Now place other color paper strips vertically over the horizontal strips as shown in the video.
While placing it, paste the strips to make sure it stays in place.
Once the “Paper Mat” like shape is formed, carefully peel the washi tape from the paper strips.
Now apply glue on the end and paste it together. Staple the pasted end.
Repeat the steps on all ends. You have a lovely paper bowl.
Now to make it more like a basket, again cut two color strips and paste it connecting the two ends to form a “handle”. Your Paper Basket is ready1!.
To give an easter feel to your basket, trace and cut a cute bunny from a patterned paper.
Paste the mini cotton balls on the bunny and paste it on the basket as shown in the video.
That’s It, your cute Paper Easter Basket is ready to be filled with mini favors!!!

DETAILED TUTORIAL

Let us know what’s in your Easter Basket? We would love to hear from you! Also, if you have a favorite Easter project, craft or activity that you like let us know.

Don’t shush them

Talk as much as you can

Consume diverse content consciously

Don’t judge a book by its cover

Trying to Raise a Self-Reliant Kid:

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls:

About The Book:

Have you read Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls? Follow the creators for more information.

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Rewriting Authentic Tales to Happy Endings:

Sad Endings Teach Coping with Feelings

Share Stories That Resonates With A Full Range Of emotions:

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My Story

Raising My Indian Daughter Differently

Supplies you need:

Method:

Method:

Compete Tutorial here

Supplies needed:

Method:

DETAILED TUTORIAL HERE

Let’s get started with the supplies you need:

Method:

DETAILED VIDEO HERE

Let’s get started with the supplies you need:

Method:

FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE:

Supplies Needed:

Method:

FULL VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE

Supplies Needed:

Method:

DETAILED VIDEO HERE

Supplies Needed:

Method:

My First Out-Of-Country Flight Experience

Trying To Connect With New Place And People

Thanks To the Open minded People:

Multicultural Vs Melting Pot Lifestyle:

Made My Decision Of Not Giving Up My Values:

Dear expatriates, you are not making it easy for people who want to live in a multicultural society.

Share this post with other expats to raise awareness about the boxing of people and how to avoid it!

DETAILED VIDEO TUTORIAL

Accordion Style Paper Butterfly:

Origami Butterfly:

Supplies Needed:

Method:

DETAILED TUTORIAL

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Grab it for a Quick Summer Read Now!