Page 8 – Raising World Children

Importance of Teaching Kids about Minimalism

November 2, 2020

by Shalini Tyagi with One Comment Empowerment Environment Mindset Parenting planet Teenagers Voices

Have you read ‘Confessions of a shopaholic’ or watched the movie, maybe? This book is not only entertaining but to me it provided the assurance that I’m not a shopaholic. As someone who started handling shopping since my early teens, I often reflect on my retail habits and wonder if I have crossed into the obsessive shopper zone.

I was brought up in a family that believes in the minimalist approach to life, mostly. One of the first lessons that was imbibed in me is “don’t waste food” and you will not find on my plate more than I can finish. While growing up “buying what you can consume” was the mantra most people lived by. Then came the retail boom and shopping was the next best thing after cricket in India.

Why do I want to talk about this in the middle of a pandemic? 2020 has been a year of many firsts. This year has literally stopped the world in it’s tracks and made us question ourselves “how much do we ACTUALLY need?” A balance of needs and wants.

WHO IS A MINIMALIST:

In simple terms a person/s who do not go beyond their needs and keep their spending to a minimum is a minimalist. A simple lifestyle of many minimums.

If you realize you don’t need a horde of clothes and repeating your outfits or shoes is responsible behaviour, then you might qualify for the term.

A few days back, I came across a documentary on waste management. The presenter climbed a hill of rubbish, consisting of all kinds of items that get discarded, used and even unused. He questioned “how would you feel if I tell you that on an average you produce this quantity of waste on a yearly basis?” I felt bad.

Imagine, if one person can produce that much waste, a big percentage of it not getting recycled, what can a planet full of people produce? At the rate we are going, the ramifications will be huge!

I’m not a minimalist, far from it. Even though having never been a part of the “not-cool-to-repeat-outfits” movement, I too have been guilty of consumerism at times. Clothes still waiting to be worn, shoes never broken into. Episodes of impulsive buying are the major contributors to that hill of rubbish. I still believe in Gap Kids but now with some self-restraint.

Some might mock a minimalist as being a miser, but there is a huge difference between the two. A person who does not believe in wastage is not a miser.

WHERE TO START:

De-clutter.

It’s the very first step. If you have not worn it in the last six months you will not wear it, this is the honest truth. Donate what you can, it has many benefits. You make room, you help people without spending more and the mental satisfaction is huge.

Make kids a part of it because when kids donate they learn to let go and get rid of useless clutter, which might be of use to someone in need. The attributes of kindness and help strengthen their moral fiber. Children perceive material needs by what they observe. Being more mindful of our consumption habits teaches them to be more responsible.

Further, the minimalist way of spending goes a long way to help in general. Who are we helping? Practically everybody. First, you save your own money and sometimes the guilt of spending more than you intent to. You help those with less spending power than you. As we know it is all supply and demand, the more I spend the more demand I create and prices surge.

The most important are the environmental implications. Less waste is generated as you use what you buy, to it’s full potential. Most of what is produced impacts the planet in varying degrees, be it air pollution or killing the water bodies.

Even after trying our best there are some indulgences we can still be accused of. For me, it’s the gadgets that are my connection to the world. But now when I upgrade, I recycle the used ones responsibly or donate to those who really need them.

I collect books and never have the heart to donate those, as many to me are like old friends I keep revisiting. Though, I try to buy mostly at garden sales but a better solution is needed.

While shopping something never to be compromised on is nutrition. Healthy and fresh food should always be on the top of your priority list. You don’t have to eat fancy but always eat well.

In all honesty, even the pandemic has not deterred the shopping spirit, the mode is now online. To cut back here is an idea, add items you want to the shopping cart and sit on it for 24 hours. A day mostly cures you of the love for unnecessary pretty things and then buy what you need. Also we need to stop falling for the “it’s on sale” gimmick and not bulk buy. It might be on sale but it is still costing.

We cannot renounce all our habits at once but we can try to gain some middle ground. Minimalist or not our planet deserves a more cautious approach in terms of material consumption and waste generation. One small step at a time, if we try to cut back those hills of rubbish might get smaller.

Share with us the steps that you can take towards the minimalist approach?

Empowering Girls AND Boys to be Durga

November 2, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Empowerment Feminism Self identity

Diwali is almost knocking at the door. Navratri and Durga Puja are festivities that transcend the barriers of religion. It’s an expression of happiness, creativity, spirituality, and above all empowerment. But wait, did you want me to say empowerment of women/girls only? After all, that’s the stereotypical idea that has been associated with these festivals for aeons.

If we consider ourselves to be progressive, moved by information disseminated through the ever-evolving news mediums, we know by now empowerment is not the territory only for women or girls. Men and our little boys need empowering just as much.

Navratri, after all is the celebration of not only the triumph of female power but essentially of good over evil. During the days of Navratri, we celebrate the ‘gunas’ (the virtues); Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva that are prevalent in every human being. Our body is, essentially, a healthy amalgamation of all these gunas in the perfect balance.

Rajas Guna is the energy and passion that drives our life towards activity, the desire to achieve, be ambitious, and to strive ahead, the excess of which could subsequently bolster greed, selfishness, and self-pride. Tamas Guna on the other hand, symbolizes passivity and ignorance, too much of which almost leads to delusion and lethargy. And lastly, Sattva Guna is about being content, happy, being prudent, and poised. Our lives revolve around striking the right balance of all these virtues. Now tell me, are these attributes specific to any gender? Our little girls and boys – everyone needs to imbibe in themselves these traits and the onus is on us to teach them these, for building a well-rounded and grounded personality.

I ask, what does Durga mean to you?

For me, Durga is the embodiment of fearlessness, righteousness, decisiveness. When I was a little girl standing in a puja pandal looking at the Durga ‘Pratima’ (idol), awestruck by the fierce determination in her eyes, I had one question for my mother every year. What do I need to learn from her? Her words still ring in my ears, “You should learn to be passionate about your dreams, be resolute about what you think is right and stand up for that. If your ambitions call for delving into uncharted territories do not hesitate and come to the foreground and spring into action if a situation warrants so.”

Is that not what Devi Durga did? Emerging from the role of a consort of the Shakta (the god), the Shakti (the goddess) becomes the all-pervasive power on sensing danger. I don’t know if you did, but I was a child who was ever amazed at how a few idols had a benign expression and a few were rearing with rage. Mom to my rescue here too! She explained the Soumya roop (kind and happy posture) and Rudhra roop {anger posture} co-exists in the same person and it’s the healthy balance of the two that shapes a person.

These values and principles lay the foundation for the making of a resilient, independent, passionate, and conscientious identity. The need of the hour has always been to assimilate the morality and life lessons that the festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja teach us, and that’s irrespective of gender! All would agree, that these are the life fundamentals and we strive to inculcate these in our children.

Then, how is Durga only about women empowerment? Every little boy and girl out there should be empowered to steer through their battles being gutsy and graceful, be dynamic and spirited in leading their lives, imbibe the virtue of patience, empathy, and forgiveness. Just like our very own ‘Maa Durga.’

So every girl and boy, shout out loud, ‘I am a kind soul and a brave heart, I am Durga.’

Hey all, I am Ananya. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a Master’s in Strategic Communication in 2018 I took to freelancing. Currently, I freelance as a SEO Writer. Writing blogs on travel, lifestyle, wellness, and food is my jam though I would love to write a campaign critique on any given day! I write blogs, articles, and sales web copies for websites. And when I am not fretting over a delivery deadline or running errands, I am probably trying to keep up with my ‘always-so-energetic’ 5-year-old girl or indulging in a bit of self-love on the elliptical at Planet Fitness or arranging furniture around the house for my Instagram home decor page YellowPoppyLife. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a MBA in Marketing, from India.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Children

November 2, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Uncategorized

Many children, aged three and younger, experience separation anxiety. The term refers to a state of fear and nervousness. This occurs when a child is separated from their caregivers or parents. This is common and usually goes away. According to a study, if separation anxiety impacts children above 6 for over four weeks, they might have developed an anxiety disorder. This is a severe form of separation anxiety. It is estimated by a WebMD research that at least 4% to 10% of children experience a separation anxiety disorder. This statistical analysis includes boys and girls.

Read on to learn more about separation anxiety in children and how positive parenting can help children with their stress.

What is Separation Anxiety?

A lot of early anxiety in children aged three and less is normal! As children grow up and learn to steer the world and people, they need to be assured that everything is safe. This is why they cling to their caregivers and cry. It is their way of expressing their fear and telling them that they want to be comforted. Considering how young they are, it makes absolute sense. They do not know how to protect themselves. Naturally, they look up to their parents or caregivers for comfort and protection. They need their caregivers to respond to their call of distress and tell them that everything is fine.

What are the Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Children?

The first symptom of separation anxiety disorder, also known as SAD, is a refusal to sleep alone. In older children in grades 2 or 3, they might have repeated nightmares about being separated from their families. When children with separation and anxiety disorder see their parents or caregivers leaving home to run errands, they throw tantrums.

Public tantrums and crying are also common signs of separation anxiety. Their fear includes the possibility that their caregiver might leave them even when they are at home. Children who are going through this phase also worry that their caregiver or parents might not return home. They excessively worry about getting lost and refuse to go to school.

Children with separation anxiety often complain about stomach and headaches. They are fearful of being left alone, which causes muscle tension and physical aches. However, there is no need to panic. Most of the children get through this phase just fine. The anxiety can peak at different times and subsidize at others, causing parents and caregivers to stay at home.

Parents can be obliged to remain in the room if their children are crying. The best way to handle such a situation is with the use of encouragement and balanced validation. As a parent, you will want to teach your children that it is okay and capable of handling the separation. You might want to tell them that you are there for them and that they are strong and courageous enough to take a brief separation.

How Positive Parenting Can Help Reduce Separation Anxiety

When you start noticing the symptoms of separation anxiety, you can take the following steps to ease the process:

Positive Encouragement:

You can start to practice separation by leaving your child with a caregiver or babysitter for shorter periods. Doing so will help your child cope with a brief break by getting used to them. As you continue the brief separation practice, make sure to keep encouraging your child by gradually increasing the separation periods’ intervals.

In the case of toddlers and babies, ensure to schedule the separation periods after having fed them and after they have had their naps. This is because babies and toddlers are prone to experience separation anxiety when they are sleepy or hungry.

The Importance of a Goodbye Ritual:

This step applies to children of three years or older. Rituals are a sure way to generate reassurance. Goodbye rituals do not necessarily have to be complicated. A simple wave through the window can also work. The trick is to keep things short and to-the-point so that you can leave without making it a big deal. Going without stalling or turning it into a big deal is more uncomplicated. Your child will know that you will return and that everything is fine.

A successful goodbye ritual includes a promise that you can make to your child that you will return at a particular time. This will also boost your child’s confidence that they are brave enough to handle a short separation from you. Nonetheless, it is crucial to follow through with your promise and return at the promised time.

Keep Surroundings Familiar:

If you are hiring a babysitter to watch after your child during the separation period, make sure to keep the surroundings familiar. This will keep your child at ease. You can do so by asking the babysitter to come to your house and look after the child. When your child has to move to new surroundings, you can encourage them to take their favorite toy or a familiar object with them.

Canva - Photo of Family Sitting on Floor While Reading Book

Teaching Your Children the Importance of Morality

November 2, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Uncategorized

As a society we’re faced with a great many challenges. One of the aspects of our humanity that helps us to navigate challenges is a solid sense of morality. Wherever our morality is derived — whether from a personal set of ethics, social expectations, or religious doctrine — it tends to help guide our actions in ways we consider to be positive.

One of our responsibilities as parents, guardians, and mentors is to instil in the next generation a strong sense of values. That said, while subjects such as telling the truth may seem basic, knowing how to effectively teach morality to children is not always simple. The practicalities of morality in the real world can be laden with grey areas and subtle applications.

So, what’s the best approach to take when imparting ethical ideas to your children? What tools and devices can help strengthen this aspect of their character? How do we tackle the sometimes quite complex nature of morality?

Use Supportive Resources

Chances are, your first foray into teaching children about morality is simply telling them an act is right or wrong. However, they’re likely to follow this up with questions that might well be difficult to answer. Indeed, children may well find elements of these lessons difficult to grasp and retain, if they are just being lectured — this is difficult enough for us as adults! It’s certainly in your best interests to use resources that support the information you’re trying to impart.

Books will always be one of the most versatile and accessible tools at your disposal here. Certainly, there are books written around specific moral subject matter, and others present situations that raise questions of ethics. The key in either case is to seek out entertaining and informative stories. For younger children, pop-up books can be particularly effective because these books use images in a novel way that encourages engagement and interactions. The Color Monster is an excellent example of a pop-up book that uses interactive imagery to reinforce how our emotions affect us and our actions.

Alongside books, it’s also okay to use movies and TV shows as supportive resources. Build a book collection that allows you to respond to teachable moments. The point in either case is not to seek to have the resource do all the heavy lifting. Use them as conversation openers and examples. Ask your child how they thought a character should have acted and why, share with them your own takes about why an action was right, wrong, or in a grey area.

Incorporating Play

As any professional teacher will tell you, trying to keep kids’ attention on a subject by simply talking at them for any significant period of time is a recipe for disaster! They get bored easily, and are more likely to tune out from the great moral lesson you’re earnestly attempting to pass on. But this boredom can also serve a vital purpose. It gives them license to explore ideas, engage with more physical and creative activities, and grow as people. When the talking has begun to grow old, you can harness their boredom by incorporating activities that help solidify the lesson.

Role playing can be really useful here. Kids are often keen to act out their fantasies, and you could introduce scenarios that offer moral dilemmas or insights into behavior. Don’t make it dull or forced, but give your child a chance to see how situations can arise, and how to approach them.

For kids aged around 6 and over, table top role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons or No Thank You, Evil! provide a fun way to confront your children with difficult ethical situations, and talk through how and why their character is making certain decisions. Perhaps more importantly, they provide a safe forum to demonstrate what the consequences of immoral actions can be.

Sports have also long been an excellent medium of teaching children morality. We often use the term “good sportsmanship” when talking about conduct, but what we really mean is a moral and fair approach to our play. Sports provide us with a set of rules to observe, and you can use these to demonstrate how — just like in real life — they are not in place to restrict our enjoyment, but to ensure everybody gets an equal chance to thrive.

Lead by Example

Incorporating play and utilizing books are good routes into teaching children about morality. However, these pale in comparison with your influence as their parent. Children are always watching you, taking mental notes from your example on how to behave, and using it to inform their worldview. You can’t take a “do as I say, not as I do” approach to morality with kids; you have to walk the walk.

Obviously, this starts with paying close attention to the choices you make in their presence, and how your choices might be perceived by them or contradict your previous lessons. If you intend to hold them to a high moral standard, you must exhibit this yourself.

However, this doesn’t mean to say that you need to always act in a morally “perfect” manner. You’re human, after all! Involve your children in your ethical dilemmas, talk to them about events that have happened during the day, how you acted, and how you could have made better choices.

You can’t underestimate how important it is for your children to see you as an ethically flawed person. This shows that while it’s important to set high standards for ourselves, it’s also okay to fail as long as we learn from it. Invite them to let you know, when they think you’ve acted in a way that is contradictory to your lessons, and start a discussion.

This approach to morality encourages an open dialogue between you and your kids. They will have difficult moral issues themselves in the years to come, and they’ll feel more able to ask for help or guidance.

Conclusion

Our kids are taking their first steps into a world that is filled with moral dilemmas. It’s important to approach this difficult area in a way that both demonstrates practical application, and asserts that mistakes will be made. By teaching children about morality with a variety of tools, you can not only impart advice but also forge a stronger bond.

Jori Hamilton is an experienced writer living in the Northwestern U.S. She covers a wide range of subjects but takes a particular interest in covering topics related to child development, parenting, and health and wellness. To learn more about Jori, you can follow her on Twitter.

What Parents in the Digital Era Need to Know

November 1, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Addiction Empowerment Mental Health Parenting Technology

As parents in this digital era, there’s no avoiding to digital technology. So the best you can do, when it comes to your kids, is navigate it with care, oversight, and lots of communication. For instance, focus on positive reinforcement for good behavior, as much or more as you penalize choices you’d rather they didn’t make.

Learn about the media your kids are consuming and the platforms they use, and make choices about when it’s better to share a good old-fashioned board game for family time, than to watch a movie.

Above all, remember that they are learning from you, so make sure you know enough to guide them through digital options and that you have your own habits in check. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make decisions.

There’s a limit to healthy screen time

There is so much media available online to help you teach your children about every topic imaginable. They can experience new countries and cultures through videos and photos, and they can learn about math and science via online programs. There are educational games galore and sites for creative expression, for all ages.

But being in front of a screen can have a negative effect on children. Excessive screen time has been linked to sleep loss and diminished fine motor development, as well as changed brain development (more on that later). And all screen time is not created equal: watching videos is less engaging than video chatting with grandparents, for instance. One removes opportunities for connection, while the other creates them.

Make sure you know what the guidelines are for your child’s age group and be discerning in what you set them up to do on a screen.

You’re a model, whether you intend to be or not

Observational learning, in which children behave as they see others behave, is an inherent part of childhood development. So it’s important that as you teach your kids how and when to engage with screens, you’re setting a good example. Otherwise, your message might not get through. Don’t want your kid to eat in front of a video?

Make sure the TV is off during meal time. Trying to make sure your child doesn’t get too attached to video games? You might need to check your own behavior and make sure you’re not spending a lot of time playing your own favorite game. Another way to model healthy behavior is to engage in screen activity with your kids, whether that’s watching TV or playing a game.

While doing this, you can talk with them about what they’re seeing and demonstrate good etiquette in playing games with others.

Tech use changes the brain

Screen time affects kids at every level: behavioral, physical, and neurological. A recent study used testing and MRI scans with 3-to 5-year-olds to investigate what effects screen time has on developing brains.

The researchers found that lower levels of literacy and language skills were associated with higher screen use, as well as lower “white matter integrity,” which refers to the brain’s communication network. And an organization concerned with children’s use of digital technology, 5Rights, discussed the issue of the addictive nature of games and apps that results in a reward loop involving dopamine to keep kids playing. This kind of neurological effect suggests that changes need to be made to game design, but as parents, you can interrupt it by limiting the amount of time your kids spend playing games and setting a schedule.

Kids need help

There’s no going back: digital technology is here to stay, and kids are going to want access no matter what you say. Instead of focusing on restrictions and limits, try finding the ways you want your kids to engage digitally and focus on those.

Teach them about related skills, such as empathy, which can prevent cyberbullying and lead to more positive online social interactions, and critical thinking, which can help them be more discerning in what they choose to consume. To support your children in building healthy screen time, you’ll need to get comfortable with these technologies and platforms yourself, which may not sound like an easy proposition. But you can use some of the same tools they do to learn how to navigate the digital world. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll be able to guide them.

With digital tools available everywhere, you need to be proactive in deciding when, how much, and with what your kids will engage. Remember that not all screen time is equal: some is more socially connecting, and some is more isolating. Do your own research about movies, apps, and games while deciding what you want to guide your children toward.

Morgen hails from the beautiful mountains of Utah. She writes about a variety of topics, from business to travel to technology. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her baking in the kitchen and traveling the globe. Check out more of her work at https://hendersonmorgend.contently.com/.

We All Have Sacred Spaces

October 14, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Books Review

When I received the book We all Have Sacred Spaces for review, I was extremely pleased as to it’s diverse nature. I am Hindu. But I visit churches, mosques and gurudwaras with the same reverence that I do any temple. This book, We All Have Sacred Spaces is a wonderful introduction to children around the world, for parents who don’t have access to visiting sacred places locally.

It was wonderful to get a glimpse into Buddhist temples and Jewish synagogues, which I have never been to.

The author has done a great job of representing cultures around the world through each aspect of the places of worship and the meaning behind them. I love how she has tried to incorporate so many religions. It makes it a wonderful resource for parents and teachers alike. When we want to teach our kids to build a world of joy together, we want them to know what they are accepting.

Also, the respect in one’s eyes for all these sacred places increases drastically once you understand the meaning behind what each one represents.

I specially loved the glossary behind the book to explain the many words in the book that may be unique to people who are unaware of what they mean.

This book is a great diversity and inclusion resource for multicultural families everywhere.

Ideal for kids aged 6 – 12 in my opinion.

Value based reading –

This book is sure to bring up some wonderful conversations with your children about how the world is different than us. You can download our diversity and inclusion activity book to help build more conversation around acceptance and anti racism.

ORDER YOUR BOOK NOW !

We All Have Sacred Spaces – Book Description

Ever wonder about the inside of an Islamic mosque or a Sikh gurdwara? Ever wonder what the first worship spaces were like? Do you know which religions usually require removing shoes or wearing head coverings? Travel around the world and explore the ins and outs of sacred spaces from seven of the world’s major faith traditions – all in one volume. The similarities and differences might surprise you!

About Rev. Dr. Vicki Michela

My absolute favorite activity is helping kids explore the beautiful places and profound practices associated with the world’s religions. It really is the perfect way to combine my training in cognitive development and my interfaith spiritual practice. Yep, I have a Ph.D. with dual specialties in neuroscience and cognitive development, and I worked as a Psychology professor at a small college outside of Asheville, NC for over a decade.

Then, I developed an interfaith Sunday School curriculum for kids age 3 through 8th grade at Jubilee Community Church, also in Asheville, and became an ordained Minister of Education a few years ago. Now, I enjoying sharing what I’ve learned with kids (and adults) of all ages! Our books are geared to families, teachers, and churches interested in improving religious literacy, promoting religious pluralism, and facilitating a deeper understanding of the world around us. Thanks for being a part of this amazing journey!

You can connect with the author below –

Website: Faith Seeker Kids

Linked In: Vicki Garlock

Social Media:

Twitter = @FaithSeekerKids

FB = FaithSeekerKids

Instagram = @FaithSeekerKids

Children’s Books about Hair Loss

October 1, 2020

by Minali Bajaj Syed with One Comment Body Image Body Positivity Books

Hair loss can be super embarrassing for many, be it through natural causes, cancer or alopecia. It is wonderful that there are so many books today that help build confidence and empathy within children, about being body positive in a variety of ways.

September was Alopecia Awareness month and we were honored to come across these books that not only raise awareness about hair loss and how it feels, but also help kids build empathy and inclusion within, for those who may be suffering.

Click on some of our favorite hair loss book covers to explore this condition with your kids –

NOWHERE HAIR

The little girl in NOWHERE HAIR knows two things: Her mom’s hair is not on her head anymore, so therefore it must be somewhere around the house. After searching the obvious places, the story reveals that her mother, although going through cancer treatment, is still silly, attentive, happy and yes, sometimes very tired and cranky. She learns that she didn’t cause the cancer, can’t catch it, and that Mommy still is very much up for the job of mothering. For any parent or grandparent, NOWHERE HAIR offers a comfortable platform to explain something that is inherently very difficult.

My Hair Went on Vacation

This story is about Rosie, who lives in Chicago.
Within three weeks she lost all of her hair and asked, “Where did it go?”
Rosie loved to rock the bald, without even skipping a beat.
She happily wore sunscreen—not even a hat!—in the summer heat.
At bedtime, Rosie would tell her own stories with a smile on her face.
She’d imagine her hair going on magical adventures all over the place.
From a young age, Rosie loved herself and was not phased by her look,
So her mother decided to share her spirit to teach others through this book.
Come on this adventure with a confident bald girl,
Who tells us ”Bald is beautiful!” as she smiles with a twirl.
We hope this book can inspire you to love others as they are,
And to love yourself every day, whether your hair is near or far.

The Girl With No Hair: A Story About Alopecia Areata

Kelly looks back at her years of learning to live with alopecia areata, a disease which causes hair loss. This light-hearted story follows her from diagnosis as a small child, to coping with the social and emotional implications of her condition, to gaining the understanding and acceptance of her peers and teachers.

Who Are You?: Ella the Enchanted Princess

In a beautiful kingdom, hidden beyond the Enchanted Forest, lived a young princess named Ella. She was different from other princesses, Ella had no hair. She often tries to hide her head with scarves and headbands and doesn’t like looking into mirrors. Ella always dreams of one day exploring beyond the majestic doors of the castle. However, to do that, she must pass through the Grand Hall, but there are so many dreaded mirrors on the walls. These mirrors are the guardians of the castle, and will not let anyone pass unless they are recognized.

Join Ella on her first adventure through the Grand Hall! Why don’t the mirrors know Ella, and what will she have to do to leave her room and explore?

Mum, where is your hair?

Join a curious child search here, there and everywhere, for their mother’s hair. Every page is an illustration of an imaginative adventure, taking the child on a fun journey to realise that their mother’s hair loss is nothing to fear.

The rhyming magical storyline features fairies, animals, mermaids, and pirates. The colorful illustrations and repetitive sentences are perfect to be read aloud or with children, allowing the audience to quickly become absorbed and familiar with the sentences.

Dad’s Bald Head

Pete’s dad has very little hair to comb. And what he does have looks a bit, shall we say, scraggly? Every day Pete tries to help him neaten it, but every day the hairs pop right back up. Well, this dad has had enough! One day while shaving, Dad just keeps . . . on . . . going. He shaves off every single one of those scrawny, scraggly hairs.

Pete isn’t sure what to think of his new, bald Dad. He looks like an egg, or a kickball. Not a Dad. As Pete’s parents help him to embrace this shiny, new, bald head, young readers will recognize the challenge of dealing with changes, big and small, in their own lives.

Shreya’s Very Own Style

“Shreya’s Very Own Style” is a story about self-love and acceptance. Though Shreya is a champion on the soccer field, the coolest scientist at her school and dances like a star, she just can’t seem to figure out how else to style her hair. After all, how would she explain the patches on her head with no hair at all?

Cyberbullying During Virtual Schooling

October 1, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Bullying Racism

With most children across the country out of school full or part time due to the pandemic, parents should be able to rest easy, knowing that school bullies won’t be lurking in the hallway or at the lunch table.

But sadly, that’s not the case. Even though youth aren’t physically at school, bullying can still happen. This year, they’ll be on the other side of a computer. A click away at all times.

While new data has yet to offer insight into just how much cyberbullying has skyrocketed, parents of children who are remote learning are feeling the pain. Now, bullying has taken a shift to much more serious topics, including masks, coronavirus, politics and social justice.

With the changes 2020 has brought, one thing has remained constant: being bullied is a traumatic experience for kids. With these strategies, parents can provide comfort and support when they need it most.

Tell them they did the right thing.

Kids are often reluctant to report cyberbullying in fear they will lose their computer or device. Praise your child for coming to you, but resist the temptation to ban them from online access (which can also isolate your child from supportive friends online).

Validate their feelings.

Listen to your child, tell them you hear them and that the way they are feeling is completely understandable. Be an active participant in the conversation while also providing a shoulder to cry on.

Assure them it isn’t their fault.

There’s still a stigma attached to bullying that somehow a child brought it on themselves. Tell your child that under no circumstances did they choose to be targeted.

Remind your child that they are not alone.

Were you bullied as a child, or do you have friends or family who went through a similar situation? Articulate those stories to your child so they can see that unfortunately, they are not alone (but by no means does it make bullying right).

Restore their confidence.

Pick out some of your child’s best qualities and tell them how it makes them special. Above all, tell your child that they are loved, worthy and deserving of the best opportunities in life.

After supporting and comforting your child — the first and most important step — you can then work on putting an end to cyberbullying.

Put the cyberbully on block.

Work with your child to block any messages from the bully.

Document and save.

Collect evidence of bullying incidents by taking screenshots of hostile interactions.

Report the behaviour to your child’s school.

If the bullying situation involves classmates, let the teacher and/or administrator know. Most schools now include cyberbullying in their school’s code of conduct.

Flag the incident online.

Many school-related programs and apps have a safety page for ways to report and block another user for cyberbullying. You can also report the behaviour to your ISP.

Seek professional help if your child seems distressed or withdrawn.

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that can have extreme consequences for your child. If you notice he or she is acting differently, contact a mental health provider.

While there is no “one size fits all” approach to talking to your child and taking action regarding cyberbullying, it’s best to keep the lines of communication open with your child so they feel comfortable coming to you for support and advice. School may look a little different right now, and so does bullying, but we can show our kids that it still isn’t okay — in any format.

First published on scarymommy.com

Lori Orlinsky is a multi award-winning children’s book author, freelance writer and marketing director who lives in Chicago. Lori is the mother of two little ladies who are small but mighty. Lori is certified by the CDC in Bullying Prevention and Response Training, and is an Ambassador for the National Bullying Prevention Center. At 5″1, she wishes her children’s picture book “Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All),” was around when she was growing up. Lori’s books are published by Mascot Books.

Training Yourself to be Content in Any Situation

October 1, 2020

by Aditi Wardhan Singh with No Comment Mindset

My glass is always full. There’s no place for MORE to come in.

Today, I said “No” to an amazing project I would have loved to be a part of. It broke my heart but as a mother, wife, editor, self publishing coach, blogger and author, MY glass has NO more room in it.

When we talk about health, we always miss talking about the mental till of what we all do.

When my son was born, I was depressed. It took me a good 27 days to realize the joy of being a mother. To come back to feeling myself. And no one was close because, well, they meant to give me the space a new family would need.

Today, 12 years later I know that I suffer from anxiety and have to FREQUENTLY course correct to positivity and what brings me to myself. I love being in a state of contentment than joy, since happiness is fleeting. I choose to be content in any situation!

Being content in any situation is however an emotion that one must develop. Without it, the fear of missing out can quickly lead to negative traits.

I have spoken in length in my book #strongrootshavenofear about my struggles growing up as an immigrant child, and the importance of giving each child their OWN value system and identity.

I can only hope my children know that the health of your heart and being begins with the small things that give you joy like coffee, a good read and time to yourself….

All of which need you to know WHO you are. And be okay with it!

Remember, look for contentment, not happiness. Steer back to your inner self for what matters. How do you teach yourself to do this?

Give yourself time to process the setback/failure/overwhelm.
Look at the perspective from a birds eye view.
What is it about US that we need to accept about what just happened.
What can you do about the situation next?
What is the good that came out of this situation?
Look at your life as a whole once again and what you have that you appreciate.

People think I’m a positive person. I’m not. I’m an anxious, impulsive, saying yes to everything, overwhelmed person who has trained herself to constantly find the silver lining. The project I said no to gives me MORE time to work on my books.

The time I have saved gives me more time to give to my kids. There is always a silver lining in the situation you are in.

For a positive outlook and contentment within, we need to only train ourselves to constantly look for the silver lining. Accepting ourselves as who we are. Understanding that our situation is unique to us and for no one else to get out of, but us.

A Few Tips On Raising Dyslexia Awareness

October 1, 2020

by Josephine O'Brien with No Comment Dyslexia Education Learning Difficulties Parenting

October is Dyslexia Awareness month in Australia. Dyslexia is defined by Oxford Languages and Dictionaries Online as “a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence.”

Where the term Dyslexia came from:

The word Dyslexia itself, according to the March 2018 edition, volume 31, The Pyschologist, was invented by the German Professor and Opthamologist, Rudolf Berlin, over 130 years ago. Dyslexia comes from the English prefix dys- meaning difficult, and the Greek lexis meaning word. So it means “Difficulty with words”.

The technical definition as explained by AUSPELD:

“The definition of dyslexia recognised by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), AUSPELD, the NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) and DSF suggests that dyslexia is:
Neurobiological,
Characterised by poor reading accuracy and/or fluency,
Often associated with phonological (and/or orthographic) processing difficulties,
Unexpected in relation to the amount of effective instruction and intervention provided, and
A contributing factor to low levels of vocabulary and general knowledge, as well as poor reading comprehension.”

Let’s talk about Dyslexia:

That is not a small definition but it definitely removes any room for confusion. Dyslexia was always presented to me as a reading and eye issue. Well, I am here to tell you that is one nasty-little-myth! (Many other myths have been corrected here with Dekker Delves into Dyslexia’s article about Riding the Dyslexic Unicorn to the land of myths!)

Although, if you suspect your child is having reading difficulties it is a good idea to have their sight and hearing tested. A new pair of glasses – see an optometrist! Discovering my daughter and son could not read the blackboard was not very helpful to their learning journey. Somehow they passed the starting school eye check!

Now, where was I… oh, yes! Sight issues are not related to dyslexia, it just makes reading harder before you start to deal with dyslexia.

The Facts:

The Australian Dyslexia Association reports that approximately 10% of the Australian population is affected by dyslexia. Unfortunately, when they consider figures from other English speaking countries across the globe they believe this figure, when undiagnosed cases of dyslexia are taken into account, may be as many as 1 in 5 people in Australia.

Recently in Australia, a phonics check has been set up for all grade 1 students in the hope that children with learning difficulties may be identified before they leave the lower primary years of school. This year in New South Wales, Australia, will see the ceasing of the Reading Recovery program to be replaced with science and evidence-based programs using decodable readers and explicit synthetic phonics lessons.

This past month the Five From Five, AUSPELD and Learning Difficulties Australia announced “The Primary Reading Pledge”. Their goal is:

“To reduce to near zero the number of children who finish primary school unable to read by providing primary schools with the resources and training to provide effective assessment and intervention.”

Further details can be found on their webpage.

What are the signs of dyslexia?

If you think your child may be having difficulties with reading or spelling, what should you do? What are the signs it is more than your child needing help with homework?

Some signs may be:

Reading at a rate that does not correspond to your child’s large vocabulary.
Spelling may not make sense.
Letters are not well-formed.
Your child holds a pencil like a lifeline, and
Once their pencil is in hand it appears they have totally forgotten the topic.
Rhyming does not make sense (e.g.. asking quite seriously “Do cat and dog rhyme?” after a 20-minute lesson about the words that rhyme with cat.)
Their teacher will often report them sitting quietly in class or acting the clown to avoid the task.
Your child may have no idea they were shown the task the previous day.
Reading aloud is a major struggle and they avoid it.

AUSPELD has further details available for parents of children with learning difficulties.

What do I do now?

If your child shows any of the above characteristics, firstly talk to your child’s class teacher. See if they are experiencing the same issues at school as working on the after school homework.

If so, your school most likely has a counselor to help navigate evidence-based reading support. If this does not appear to be making any progress it is time to talk to your child’s doctor or paediatrician.

The first steps will be:

To have your child’s eyes checked, in case they need glasses, and
To have their hearing checked, in case they need hearing aids.

The next step needs to be discussed with your doctor. Sometimes they will refer your child for an assessment with a psychologist. Sometimes an Assessment may be organised through the school, ADA, or SPELD.

The final course of action is evidence-based instruction in a systematic synthetic phonics class. Many are available based on either the DiStar (Direct Instruction Method), for example, “ Teach Your Child To Read In 100 Easy Lessons program” (Engelmann, Haddox & Bruner, 1983)” or using the Orton Gillingham method of instruction.

Following please find two lists of Approved programs, prepared by Dyslexia Victoria Support (DVS), that meet the scientìc and evidence-based criteria for intervention for students with Specific Learning Disabilities.

Thank you so much to Heidi Gregory from DVS for your assistance and for supplying the memes for this article.

Useful Contacts:

AUSPELD https://auspeld.org.au/

https://auspeld.org.au/2020/08/06/primary-reading-pledge/

Australian Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaassociation.org.au/

Code Read Network https://codereadnetwork.org/

DSF – Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation of WA (Inc.) https://dsf.net.au/

Dyslexia Support Australia https://www.facebook.com/groups/DyslexiaSupportAustralia/

Dyslexia Victoria Support https://dyslexiavictoriasupport.com/

Five from Five https://www.facebook.com/fivefromfive/

International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/

Learning Difficulties Australia https://www.facebook.com/LearningDifficultiesAustralia/

Reading Rockets https://readingrockets.org

SPELD NSW www.speldnsw.org.au

Spelfabet https://www.spelfabet.com.au/

Stealth Dyslexia Support https://www.facebook.com/groups/1826837860905655

https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/the-inside-track/2015/03/04/stealth-dyslexia-how-some-dyslexic-students-escape-detection

Supporting Multilingual Children with Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, etc.)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/305597537177222

Understood https://www.Understood.org

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

Google Oxford Languages and Dictionaries Online.

The British Psychologist Society. (March 2018). The Psychologist. Volume 31. A brief history of dyslexia. Kirby, Phillip.

https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-31/march-2018/brief-history-dyslexia

Dekker Delves into Dyslexia. Riding the dyslexia unicorn to the land of myths. https://dekkerdyslexia.wordpress.com/2018/05/19/riding-the-dyslexic-unicorn-to-the-land-of-myths/

Remind Yourself That “We are Still in a Pandemic”

October 1, 2020

by Aditi Wardhan Singh with No Comment Anxiety Mental Health Mindset Women

Someone asked me, “What’s your best way to get through virtual schooling and all that’s going on in this pandemic?”

I replied, “We simply need to remember that This is a Pandemic. We are just making the best of everything. People keep hoping for normalcy but that is never going to happen in these situations. The resistance to change and adaptation is the real cause of unrest.”

Let’s face it! Virtual schooling is not anyone’s first choice. It’s almost impersonal and the kids don’t get to physically meet friends. We all know there is only so much a child can learn through a screen.

But here’s the crux of why the older generation feels the burn the most. We adults don’t get any time to do our own thing, let alone breathe. It’s hard on the kids, yes but I think it’s harder on the adults.

For months and months, we have been together. The four of us! And while I have loved being with the kids, I have missed my life before. Corona free, guilt free, worry free.

The anxiety was overwhelming during the time leading up to the school deciding on virtual learning. I knew that is what I would choose, no matter what the school decided but let’s not confuse helplessness for willingness. I would be lying if I said that I am happy the kids are home 24/7. After all, it means I have lost all my me-time that I had dreamed of, when the kids would be at school.

That time in which I was going to better myself, work harder of my writing career, maybe get a job too.

My daughter had just joined kindergarten. She hasn’t even experienced a full school year. I haven’t experienced more than a few months of being at home alone, with both my kids in school. That bliss that I dreamed of has fallen through my grasp.

I miss going to Panera bread, enjoying a sandwich and working on my books. I miss my impromptu coffee dates with friends. I miss having the no responsibility feeling for a few hours a day.

And now that we are in virtual schooling, I can see a lot of what I had imagined to be true. There have been technological issues, signing out of class by mistake, not to mention the kids running to me as soon as I think they are settled in and now I can work. No matter where I am in the house, I have to keep my ears tuned to the kids waiting for them to shout out to me.

It is all extremely overwhelming. I miss a lot of what was before and feel saddened by what I seem to have lost. Something that has no quantitative value. It is a feeling of despair that overcomes me, every now and then. And it’s most scary when I start worrying about not knowing when this situation will end.

And yet, I am remind myself of the importance of looking at this as a – ‘glass as it is’ situation.

Are we anxious? Yes. Will there continue to be hiccups? Yes. Are we going to try look at this as an opportunity for personal growth? Yes!!! But even if we didn’t, and just barely got through with a reluctant smile, that’s fine too.

It’s been hard and it may just get harder. But we will all get through this too.

I didn’t think I would live through a war (Gulf War). I did! I never thought I would have an arranged marriage. I did! I didn’t ever think I would live in USA. I did! I never thought I would become a writer and publish books. I never thought I would choose the path to entrepreneurship and work from home. I did! My whole life I thought I would never have a dog. We adopted one last November and have adapted to our family growing.

I never thought we would spend almost 6 months just almost just my family and here we are.

This is after a lifetime of challenges I never thought I would have to go through. Humans adapt to any life!

When I was out of school of 6 months during the Gulf war, my mother didn’t make me study or take classes to “fill my time. “. I kept myself busy while my mother was busy with a 6 month baby and worrying. There were bombs exploding around us at times so my mental & creative growth was the least of her concern. All my parents cared about was keeping us safe and healthy. We had food, clothes (well! I didn’t even have that when I went to India with just what I had on) … and a comfortable place to live.

Many of you will disagree with me that this situation is not comparable to a war. I beg to differ. Just because it doesn’t tick all the boxes, doesn’t mean it has not made us all feel the same anxiety. We have all oscillated between doubt and fear. Hardly ever admitting to ourselves the extent of our own anxious, knee jerk behavior or reactions. It’s hard for adults to put themselves first, let alone admit to feeling sad about not being able to put themselves first.

And that’s what we all need to remember. We make the most of the situation we are in. We are human, so are the kids. It’s okay if the kids slide a little. It’s okay if those kids aren’t getting A+’s . If they aren’t taking a lot of extra classes or clubs after school. Yes, it is difficult to process because often we want the world for our kids, but it’s also important to remember we first want them to be safe.

All we all want is to make sure we make the best decisions for our kids to keep them safe and healthy.

Whenever you get frustrated or angry or feel hopeless, remember your why. Remember that we are all just trying to make the best of a weird situation. Hanging tight. Waiting for the storm we are in to blow over.

Kids have been troopers so far. The fact is, they are much more resilient than us. All they need from us is, to have a positive outlook to take their cues from. So take those deep breaths moms and dads. Have patience and have appreciation for every single person whose helping your kids have a semblance of normalcy.

So, whether you feel the glass is half full or half empty, remember to be grateful for the water that is there. It is what it is, till we get through it and then it becomes a memory to cherish.

10 Ways to Build the Mother Daughter Connection

October 1, 2020

by Featured Guest with No Comment Body Positivity Feminism Mindset

All mothers want to connect with their daughters as often as possible. Therefore, it’s important to have a special bond with your daughter – from her childhood to adult, and so on. Creating connective moments with your daughter will remind you to slow down and enjoy spending time with her, and just being there for her. Here are 10 ways you can build the mother daughter connection.

Make Eye Contact

“It’s important to give your daughter plenty of attention,” says Brooke Gutteridge, a relationship writer at Australia 2 write and Writemyx. “That means looking at them – making eye contact with them – as you talk to her, and interact with her.”

Laugh

It’s good to laugh every so often. So, why not do it with your daughter?

Laughter helps relieve stress and other storm clouds (i.e. arguing, dealing with conflict, etc.). Tell jokes or funny stories. Get silly. Laugh.

Snuggle Time

Sometimes, we all need to have a good snuggle. Therefore, snuggling with daughter can be magical, and can strengthen your bond with her.

Playful Responses

Sometimes, your daughter might complain or whine about something. Instead of snapping back at them, or getting annoying, why not try a playful response or two? Chances are, they’ll respond to those responses with the same attitude, thus winning them away from negativity.

Small Moments Matter

There’s a time-long saying that one should appreciate “the little things in life.” The same is true, when you spend time with your daughter. Whether it’s a good laugh, going to the mall with them, doing dishes with her, etc., all of that matters. Acknowledging these small moments can help you reconnect with your daughter, and to strengthen the mother-child bond.

Friendly Competition

Like playing games? You like a little competition? So does your daughter! So why not challenge her to minimal competition. Whether it’s playing a board game, having a pillow fight, or any other fun game. The ultimate goal is to have fun with your child.

Just Listen

Sometimes, your daughter will need your special attention. She might be going through something, but she’s afraid of how you might react to it.

Therefore, it’s important to be a good listener. Listen to what your daughter has to say, and stay cool about it. This allows her to release all the tension that she might be feeling, as she pours her heart out to you.

Be Supportive

As you become a good listener, you must also be supportive.

As her mother, you must be her anchor, and give her a warm loving spot to come and cry on. This tells her that her feelings are okay by you.

Let Her Teach You

“Many times, parents can learn from their children; you don’t have to be the only teacher in the home,” says Alexandra Brady, a lifestyle blogger at Brit student and Next coursework. “Therefore, every once in a while, do a little role reversal, so that she can show you some of the things and hobbies that see likes to see and do. This helps you build trust with each other. Before you know it, your daughter will be more open to showing you how to do certain things like putting on makeup, or how to work social media like Instagram.”

Show Affection

Affection is more than just kissing and hugging your daughter, you can spice things up in that department. Hugs and kisses in the morning, or when saying goodbye for school or work can make your daughter’s day. These kinds of physical affection lets her know how much you love her.

Conclusion

As you can tell by now, it’s essential for mothers to build a bond with their daughters. This special bond allows you to be in the loop, as your daughter grows up, and might have children of her own. Although every mother/daughter relationship may differ, it’s still important to make sure to keep that bond strong, because ultimately, mothers and daughters can be the best of friends, before anyone else. And, even if you have a busy schedule, there’s nothing wrong with setting aside time for your child, because chances are, she’ll thank you for it.

More ways to connect with your child here on our Magazine.

As you read through these 10 points, see which ones are right for you – reinvent some of these, if you’d like – and have fun with your daughter!

Michael Dehoyos is a writer and editor at Thesis writing service and Coursework writing service. He is also a contributing writer for various sites and publications such as Coursework help. As a content marketer, he helps hundreds of companies improve their marketing strategies and concepts.

henley-design-studio-XbZgARqXROc-unsplash

When Your Child Wants More – Raising Non Materialistic Kids

August 31, 2020

by Aditi Wardhan Singh with 11 Comments Education Empowerment Mindset

I just saw a video where Sudha Murthy talks about how her son wanted to take his friends for birthday party to 5 star hotel and she told him instead, we can pay off our driver’s children’s school bills. How about a Samosa and Frooti birthday party? She went on to talk about how it made them both a better person. It’s all about raising our children to be non materialistic kids in the over all scheme of things.

This reminded me of the time my son said he wanted to take all his friends for a Nerf Gun party as he had recently been to one.

I LOVE celebrating everything. Which means for a good 9 years, I have done my best to make the kids’ days special in the most STRESS FREE way possible but by year 10 in all honesty I am done! I would love nothing more than outsource the celebrations but that wouldn’t be enough for him.

I know when he asked he wanted me to invite ALL his friends. He not unlike me, likes to surround himself with all his friends when he can. I told him, if we go there I can afford only two three of your friends. How about we call all your friends home instead and then he and I spent two weeks planning and prepping for his birthday.

We went from creating a Nerf gun party at home with a whole maze created to a simple Lego/Pokemon party because it ended up being bad weather to have an outdoor party.

HE did everything for his party. From sending invites to deciding food to putting up decor to planning the games and he had a BLAST! All within the budget we had finally decided.

Now there’s nothing wrong with having LAVISH parties. But when your situation does not allow it, a child should also be able to adapt their expectations to having a stressfree and economical party.

I’m glad for those days for that showed my daughter also that it’s okay to have a different kind of party. Which made THIS year’s Corona driven HOME celebrations special in their own way.

We did our first online shopping together, built her a bedazzeld fort as a surprise, pampered her with small presents all day, had a virtual bday party and a few of our closest friends came to visit in the evening for a social distanced 15 min each meet up. And it was still perfect!

That doesn’t mean both of them wouldn’t have LOVED to have a traditional birthday party.

But them willing to adjust and be happy with the little makes for life long personal growth of unexpected surprises. Raising non materialistic kids means being stronger within.

Teaching Kids About Finance is Not Just About Money

Talking to kids about money is so hard but these simple ways go a long way in making them understand the value of how much you end up paying for what.

Reward Kids With Special One-on-One Time – Did your child behave especially well in a demanding situation, or complete a tricky project or tough chore? Instead of rewarding her with the latest branded toy, treat her to a shared experience that’s more special than regular playtime, say a visit to a museum or a day hike and picnic in an area you’ve never visited.

Be Careful With What You Say – You can’t expect your kids to put ideals above iPhones and other swag unless you walk the walk. While it may seem harmless to comment enviously on a neighbor’s new Beemer or a friend’s designer shoe collection, try to resist—at least when your children are in earshot.

Teach Kids to Pay It Forward – Your child will start spending more time thinking about what others need and how he or she can help, and less time thinking about his own, often fleeting wants. Raising non materialistic kids depends on gratitude.

Limit how much stuff you give – Abundance is good… up to a point. After a while, your possessions become plain items you toss around with no meaning. Think about whether they need the latest learning tools or the best toys (they usually don’t).

Limit and deconstruct advertisements – If your child sees advertising, deconstruct the message and encourage conversation. Let her know ads are trying to sell items, and discuss the ways they’re doing so. Talk about the smiling kids, the fast toys, bright colors and big text—all techniques advertisers use to get kids to like their stuff.

Encourage gratitude and giving – Gratitude reminds children how much they’re blessed and thwarts the desire for more stuff. If your child has toys and clothes galore, remind her how thankful you are and for how much it took to give her these.

When she receives gifts, focus more on how cool it is that Aunt Jane thought of her when she gave her a new play set. Discuss how loved she is by the people who showered her with presents.

Raising non materialistic humans is an important aspect of living a multicultural life.

Books for Helping Children Build a Growth Mindset

Improve Your Teacher Communication During Virtual Learning

August 31, 2020

by Aditi Wardhan Singh with One Comment Education

We are in a new world. Everyone is doing the best of a horrible situation. It would be unfair on anyone’s part to expect things to be normal or not give lee way for errors bound to happen. This is why it is more important now than ever to take an inward look and improve your parent teacher communication during virtual learning.

Sujata ma’am (kindergarten)
Prashant Sir (Physics)
Mrs. Gil (English)
Mrs. Galhotra (Hindi)
Guruji (Kathak)
My Masi (Maths)

Over my first 20 years, these are teachers who left a huge impact on me. For a child to succeed, they need to know the teacher believes in them.

And for that to happen the teachers need to know that the parents support them.

These days I see so many parents “trying” varied ONLINE classes like toys in a store. Kids have to be exposed to a million things and different teachers only because of how much exposure we “feel” we need to give them and we want to see what one teacher provides vs another.

The truth is, NOT a single child can do a good take away from ONE class, specially virtual learning. Building a learning relationship takes time.

You need to give the relationship time to build and interview the teachers’ methodology before committing you child to it. Coz HOW they will teach is all that matters ..

You already know your child and what kind of teacher will be a good fit. A chirpy one, strict, understanding or one that gives positive reinforcement constantly etc…

That apart, “questioning everything teachers do” and “getting your child special attention” is another thing. We need to trust teachers and go to them only when there is an issue…

I hope the coming year, you give the teachers a LOT of leeway specially as they try to tread waters they have never been in before and as humans too, need time to adapt.

Ways to help your child better connect to a teacher –

💞 Talk to them about listening ears.
💞 Have them repeat to you right after class what happened during
💞 Have a proper system in place with the teacher where you take feedback and improvement
💞 Talk to kids often about virtual ways to be respectful the home and teacher
💞 Listen in on the class so you can help your child later but do NOT interfere DURING

Help them help our children.

parent teacher communication virtual learning

Here are ways YOU can teacher communication during virtual learning –

Let teachers know you respect their boundaries.
Ask teachers how they prefer to be contacted.
Let teachers know how your child did last spring.
Share with teachers what you are seeing at home.
Ask for extra support for a child who is struggling.
For sensitive conversations, use the phone.
Share family circumstances that are affecting your child.
Tell teachers what’s working (not just what isn’t).
Acknowledge and have empathy for the challenges teachers are facing.
Accept that you will have to make up for spaces left by virtual learning.

The pressure on educators this fall will be immense. This is uncharted territory for everyone, but teachers, especially those who will be doing both live and remote teaching, are working hard under a tremendous amount of stress. Let them know how much you appreciate their efforts. Something as small as dropping a note, or sending a “thank you for all your hard work!!” text can let teachers know their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

🤔 Do you remember you’re favorite teachers ? What are ways that you can think of to support the teachers in your life?

Go here for more ways to help empower your child’s education.

Have You Taught Your Kids How to Ask for Help?

August 31, 2020

by Aditi Wardhan Singh with 2 Comments Empowerment Mindset Social Skills

This is the hardest truth. Asking for help is NOT a weakness but it is hard. For many many reasons. I had very few people step up to help me or be kind, growing up and a lot of people who “help” always EXPECT. This made asking for help a liability.

Used to be a time when I used to say no to even offered help (still do) because there are always stings attached BUT even now asking for a “favor” is just not possible!

The many reasons why someone would hate asking for help is –

Hearing NO when asking for help.
Feeling let down when help is not offered.
Dealing with the expectation of helping in return.
Losing the right to say No when asked for help.
Getting a job done not to our satisfaction.

Over time I had to unlearn and start asking for help. For the simple reason that everyone asks for help anyway. By me not asking for help, I was setting a precedence of being better than others because I was never obliged to them. More than that, it’s just exhausting doing everything.

As for things not being done to my satisfaction, I ask my kids to help around the house all the time. Do they do anything right the first time? Absolutely not. Do I make them help anyway. Yes. Someday they will learn.

As for older people not doing things the way I like. Well! It’s a life we are all living with our own experiences. Of course everyone’s help is going to look different.

Asking for help is possibly the biggest kindness you can do to yourself. Yes, people might say no but if they say yes , the weight lifted off your shoulders is incredible …

And here’s why we need to teach our kids this early.

Because they need to know that asking for help doesn’t mean a relationship depends on the favor being offered or taken. That saying or hearing NO is not a big deal. Because, sometimes, many times, things don’t go our way and THAT is okay.

How does one teach kids early to ask for help?

💞 Offer it when you see them struggling and insist that they take it.
💞 Teach them to be okay with asking and hearing no.
💞 All help given or taken doesn’t HAVE to have a a return help.

Beyond self care, knowing how to do this practically enables children to be emotionally stable.

To grow into humans that can take the emotional hit of a no or a job not done exactly how we want. Let your kindness be karma. It will come back to you.

It is a behavior they need to develop early. 💪💞 Let them know how to ask for help before they drown in a world that is hard, really hard. Harder than doing the simple thing of asking for help.

Here are more ways you can empower your kids daily.