DEEP

Too much of anything is not good and this also stands true about exposure of Media available today to kids. I have been receiving numerous queries from parents in this regard: What shall be the permissible limit to play video games? To which extent shall we allow our kids to watch TV How to differentiate their viewing of educational videos from entertainment videos?   Good part about this problem is that parents at least started realizing that problem exists. Let's  discuss how to address this issue. Rules for TV watching: 1. Separate Viewing from Chewing: If you allow your child to watch television while eating meal, it might make your child become heavily dependent upon it. Research shows that the particular combination of eating while watching something is a strong motivator to get your kids hooked to TV. 2. Decide What is allowed to be watched: Children can easily hook upon a movie or a TV series that aren't meant for them. This is why...

Parents usually understand the need of praising child. But most of them don’t have much idea about the effective manner, timing and frequency of praising chid.  Studies and literature also have different opinion about this.  Some experts recommend that we shall praise freely and lavishly, on the other hand few warn not to overdo the applause. Both of the opinions seem correct as experts have strong premise to prove their argument. First set of experts says it’s very important to praise children as it;  encourages them to improve keeps them     motivated boosts their self esteem and confidence helps get right behaviour repeated   Second set of experts warn not to praise too much because; child will find it difficult to judge his/her work accurately the more praise children receive, the more they rely on adult evaluations instead of forming their own judgments they afraid to take risks and try new things for fear of not always bein...

Usually Parents ask me this question when we discuss about having rules and discipline in their Child's life; "Will rules make my Child rebel?” My answer to this question is NO Rules are one way to let your Child know you care. Many kids admit that when their parents are ‘strict’, it’s “for their own good.” Most grown up  kids appreciate having rules even when they protest your rules and authority.  Key to place rules is " Have Rules that Make Sense" It's important to understand which all rules shall be placed and how these shall be placed. Categorize rules in two parts; Firm Rules Flexible Rules FIRM RULES   Some rules are firm and not to be changed whether your Child agrees with them or not. These rules are understood by both parents and Child.  Use firm rules when: Physical or Emotional Health and Safety is at stake The Family’s Values are at stake FLEXIBLE RULES   Some rules are open for discussion and...

WHAT IS A.D.H.D….???? (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Symptoms ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, it was renamed ADHD and broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors: 1. An Inattentive type, with signs that include: Ø   inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities Ø   difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities Ø   apparent listening problems Ø   difficulty following instructions Ø   problems with organization Ø   avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort Ø   tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework Ø   distractibility Ø   forgetfulness in daily activities 2.  A hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include: Ø   fidgeting or squirming Ø   difficulty remaining seated Ø   excessive running ...

Our teens are looking for a place to hang out. Be a good sport about it. Have some healthy snacks around for them, let them play their music and make yourself available. You'll be surprised how many of their friends might need a listening ear. If this makes you really uncomfortable, it's your house and you have the right to enforce your rules. HOWEVER, be aware that this won't help the situation in any way. It WILL make them feel that you do not trust or respect them. Open communication is always a better approach.

Treat your child with honor and respect at all times. Constantly screaming at a child will damage their emotions and cause them to be insecure as adults. No one (including yourself), likes to be belittled. Discipline yourself to never belittle, mock or talk-down to your child. Respect their opinions and ask for them. When it's just the two of you riding in the car, turn the radio to their favorite station. If they like sports, go out of your way to get them involved and go to their games. If they are musical, pay for lessons and go to their recitals. If they win any awards, make a big deal out of it and take the whole family out to dinner in their honor. These are easy, fun things you can do for your teen that will cement a life-long healthy relationship between the two of you

At this crucial time in their lives, they're looking for someone to understand what they're going through. We all need understanding, but your teenager needs it a lot more than you can possibly imagine and he/she needs it to come from you. When they come home, stop what you're doing (no matter how important you think it is) and give them your undivided attention. Look them in the eye, discipline yourself to stay focused on them and what they're saying not  on what you're going to say, and guard your response to them. It's often been said that people need others just to listen. They generally don't need you to fix their problems for them (they'll figure that out for themselves), but rather they need someone who'll listen and empathize with them. This is what your teen needs from you. And if you don't give this to them, believe me, they'll find someone who will.