December 22

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Outdoor activities for kids

The pandemic has affected everyone badly. The worst effect it has on the outdoor activities for kids. The kids have had the worst hit in this pandemic. The kids have been in closed doors for almost 9 months now and this has affected their growth. The effect on development has been both mentally, physically and emotionally. 

As a mother of a 2 year old child, I would definitely suggest to go out and have some sporty time with your child. I also do understand that Corona has restricted the outdoor activities for all of us. However, going out for a while in the park to play or just for a walk with your child is good. Do take necessary precautions like wear a mask, take sanitizer with you, don’t let your kid touch anything in the park and maintain social distance. If you don’t feel comfortable in the park, take your child on the terrace or your balcony for some sunshine. 

Activities Kreesha and I enjoy while out in the park:
  • Bat & Ball:  The simplest form of cricket for young kids  is not just fun but also a good physical activity. It stimulates the quick responsiveness among kids and enhances their physical capabilities. 
  • Catch & Throw: Simple catch & throw of a ball helps children to strengthen their hands grips and improves concentration. 
  • Running: Since Kreesha loves to run, we often do short runs when in park to move our legs a little extra. 
  • Admiring surroundings: Kreesha loves birds and nature. During our park visits she loves to watch squirrels and birds around and play with them. She even feeds them. This is also good for kids as it makes them humble and modest. 

I am not saying, you should take your child in the park only. But do take your child outdoors once in a while to make them more connected to nature and themselves. The importance of outdoor activities for kids cannot be explained in this one article. Next week I will be back with the detailed article on the critical developments a child undergoes when outdoors. 

Love,

Wonder Mom

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December 18

Tomato Carrot Soup – Winter Special

Tomato Carrot Soup

We all love winters, don’t we? But this year, the season has witnessed the lowest temperature in last few years. This sudden drop in degrees may cause a little inconvenience. The dropping temperature and the chilly winds are sure to make us all uncomfortable. The toddlers and kids are sure to feel much more uncomfortable in this cold. So, in this freezing cold, here is a quick recipe of Tomato Carrot Soup which is not only just healthy but also good to taste. 

Nutritional Value:

91 gms Tomato contains:

  • Calories: 16g
  • Fat: 0.2g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Carbohydrates: 3.5g
  • Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugars: 2.4g
  • Protein: 0.8g

100 gms of Carrot contains:

  • Calories: 41g
  • Water: 88%
  • Protein: 0.9 grams
  • Carbs: 9.6 grams
  • Sugar: 4.7 grams
  • Fiber: 2.8 grams
  • Fat: 0.2 grams

Ingredients for Tomato Carrot Soup:

  • 6 medium sized tomatoes (sliced)
  • 2 large sized carrots (chopped)
  • Small Cinnamon stick
  • Salt to taste
  • Dash of black pepper
  • Fresh Coriander

Recipe

Add sliced tomato, chopped carrots and cinnamon stick with half a cup of water to a pan and bring to boil. Cook on simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off the flame and let it cool. Using a blender / Mixer blend the mix. Sieve and remove seeds, if any. Cook for two minutes, add butter and serve hot with coriander topping. 

Nutritional Value of Tomato Carrot Soup:

Servings Per Recipe: 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories53.9
Total Fat0.7 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat0.1 g
Cholesterol0.0 mg
Sodium197.3 mg
Potassium525.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate12.1 g
Dietary Fiber3.1 g
Sugars1.7 g
Protein1.9 g
Nutritional Value of Tomato Carrot Soup per 200 gms (Per Serving)

Love,

Wonder Mom

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December 15

Take Care of babies during winter

Take care of babies in winters

Winter is the most loved season of all. We all love the cool breeze and non sweaty weather. However, the season also brings in the difficult situation for kids. It becomes crucial to take care of babies during winter. Babies tend to get affected by the cold winds and the chillness in the weather. So here I am sharing a few things I took care of during the first winters of Kreesha. 

The need of care during winters

Newbies need much more care and continuous supervision before they are able enough to take care on their own. However, the winter season demands extra care as the dropping temperatures stimulate various infectious bacteria and viruses which may affect their skin, body and overall health. The immune system witnesses a drop as the body has to continuously function to keep vital organs working well. This continuous functioning burns out most of the body energy leaving it hard for the immune system to function well. 

Various problems babies suffer from during winters

Winters bring in the season of cold, cough and flu. The cold breeze and dropping temperature enhances the spread of virus affecting almost anyone in a matter of time. As parents, we all make sure to take care of babies during winter. The common winter diseases are:

  • Bronchiolitis
  • Influenza
  • Croup
  • Rhinovirus
  • Breathing Problems

Symptoms to look for

Cough and cold are very common during winter and you might not need any medical assistance for the same. Home remedies are good for basic cold and cough (Speaking of personal experience). But if you notice any of these below mentioned symptoms, consult your pediatrician immediately.

  • Severe coughing with vomiting
  • Trouble breathing – child may take small breaths or gasp
  • Makes wheezing sound while sleeping or after coughing
  • Feels fatigue
  • May encounter chest pain
  • Runny nose, fever, cough along with headache

How to take care of babies during winter

I understand that every parent has their own pattern of parenting and caring for their kids. I am just sharing my personal experience, what all helped me when Kreesha was young. 

Humidifier is the need of hour

The winter season brings with it dryness in air as well. Using a humidifier in homes helps to maintain the room’s moisture level and helps in easy breathing. Also, if you are using room heaters, a humidifier helps to maintain the babies’ skin moisture level. Since, we were using heaters so we used to put a wet towel in the room to maintain the moisture level. (I did not want to put money in any electrical device)

Body moisturizer is must even for babies

Babies’ skin is very delicate and sensitive which can further be dried up with the harshness of the winter season. Using a baby cream or a lotion rich in shea butter and milk cream is good for babies’ skin. I used to moisturize Kreesha’s skin with Almond oil / Desi Ghee + Camphor. The desi ghee and camphor mix also helps keep the baby warm. 

Avoid Soap / Shampoo regularly

Using soap or shampoo on the kid will only make the skin dry and drier. Regular bathing is good, however applying soap daily will harm the skin, so try applying (Milk Cream + Gram flour (besan) once in a week. This will not only moisturise your baby’s skin but also smooths it out. 

Regular Massage helps

Regular body massage helps stimulate blood flow in the body and triggers immunity of the baby. Various baby massage oils are available in the market, however, during winters I personally preferred massaging Kreesha with Heated up Desi Ghee. Just a gentle reminder, keep the room warm while massaging your child. 

Do not over cover your child

Covering your kid with caps, jackets, gloves and socks might restrict their body movements. Instead keep the clothes minimal with cotton or muslin to avoid body rubs. Try putting on warm inners with a cotton t-shirt and pyjamas / leggings. Cotton socks and gloves are a good option to cover your child with. While sleeping try avoiding heavy blankets rather use a soft light blanket with warm night dress. Putting on socks and gloves while sleeping might risk the brain health of the child. Keep the room temperature optimal to sleep comfortably. 

Love,

Wonder Mom

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December 8

Stages of Child Development

Stages of Child Development

Being a new parent, I studied a lot before my delivery about the various stages of child development milestones kids achieve during their early years. I also made sure to pay due attention to my child and help her achieve the milestone smoothly. Trust me, it is not easy. Sometimes, it used to haunt me when Kreesha did not meet the desired milestone. But gradually, I felt it’s ok as every child has different capabilities and is different in their own way. 

What are Milestones?

The both behavioural and physical stages of child development age 0 – 3 years as they grow. The below mentioned stages of child development have been validated by American Academy of Paediatrics. 

Newborn – 3 Months
  • Enjoys tummy time and pushes arms, lift and holds head upwards
  • Opens and closes fists and moves hands to mouth
  • Hands and legs movement to express excitement
  • Lying on back attempts to hold the toy / object placed above their chest, tracks toy sidewards movement with eyes with head positioned centrally
  • Calms down upon rocking, friendly touch and soft sounds
  • Enjoys various body movements
  • Responds to sound or voices with smiles
  • Stares faces and makes eye contact
  • Expresses various needs (hunger / tiredness) with variant cries
  • Coos and smiles
4 months – 6 months old
  • Able to sit with hand support
  • Rolls back to tummy and tummy to back
  • Able to stand with support
  • Reaches out to toys while lying on tummy
  • Lying on back holds feet with hands, uses hands to transfer toys
  • Starts using both hands to explore objects
  • Stays happy when not hungry or sleepy
  • Is used to with environmental sounds by now
  • Carefully listens and respond to words
  • Makes consonant sounds while babbling e.g. ba, da, ta
  • Tries and express various feelings and emotions
  • Love sound making toys
7 – 9 months old
  • Able to sit without support and reach out to toys without falling
  • Swiftly changes position from tummy to sitting or back and vice versa
  • Begins to crawl
  • Starts elbow pushing and head movement while enjoying tummy time
  • Head movement to track objects while sitting with more body control
  • Uses thumbs and finger to pick objects
  • Tries to imitate other during play
  • Starts enjoying bounce and rocking movements
  • Enjoys a variety of movements – bouncing up and down, rocking back and forth
  • Explores an object with both hands and mouth
  • Starts turning pages of a board book
  • Learns the amount of forces needed to pick certain objects
  • Examines the surroundings and toys with context to shape, size, texture, feel and comfort level
  • Is an environmental scanner and enjoys while in different positions
  • Makes use of more sounds and babbling while communicating
  • Identifies familiar objects and people when named
  • Recognizes sound of their name
  • Likes to participate in two way communication
  • Follows and understands regular commands with gestures
  • Responds to familiar words
  • Uses simple gestures to communicate e.g. No, yes, 
10 – 12 months old
  • Pulls out furniture to move along
  • Able to stand alone and make independent steps
  • Able to maintain balance while in sitting position and throwing objects
  • Claps hands
  • Able to put objects in a container with wide opening
  • Uses thumbs and Index finger to pick things up
  • Enjoys music
  • Calls out mama or dada
  • Understands the command “Come here”
  • Uses long gibberish sentences in social communication
  • Knows and says few word
  • Pays attention to your vision and pointing
  • Responds to “no”
  • Uses hand gestures to communicate
  • Might be ready to start self feeding with utensils
  • Enjoys a greater variety of smells and tastes
13-18 Month Milestones
  • Able to walk independently
  • Can pick up toys while squatting
  • Able to stack two objects in hands
  • Helps with getting dressed/undressed
  • Has a regular sleep schedule
  • Might be able to use 5-10 words
  • Able to combines sounds and gestures
  • Tries to imitates simple words and actions
  • Is able to consistently follow simple directions
  • Builds interest in pictures
  • Is able to identify 1-2 body parts when named
  • Able to understand around 50 words
  • Easily responds to questions
  • Sometimes repeats words heard during conversations
  • Able to points at familiar objects and people in pictures
  • Understands prepositions like “in” and “on”
  • Is able to respond to yes/no questions with head shake/nod
  • Can hold and drinks from a cup
19 – 24 months old
  • Being able to use at least 50 words
  • Tries consistently to imitates new words
  • Is able to name familiar objects and pictures
  • Able to understands simple pronouns 
  • Should be able to identify 3-5 body parts 
  • Able to understand new words quickly

By 24 months:

  • Begins to use 2 word phrases
  • Uses simple pronouns (me, you, my)
  • Understands action words
  • Uses gestures and words during pretend play
  • Follows 2-step related directions e.g. “Pick up your coat and bring it to me”
  • Enjoys listening to stories

Love,

Wonder Mom

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December 3

Hop Along Your Child

Hop Along Your kids

“Hop a little, jump a little, skip a little, slide a little” a nursery rhyme almost every toddler loves to dance on. So, why not hop along your child and be a child again? Hopping helps kids to develop stronger leg muscles and enhance dynamic balance among kids. 

What is hopping?

A rhythmic skill in continuity which needs body balancing while taking off and landing on feet / foot repeatedly.

What age should your toddler start hopping?

The ideal age for hopping is considered to be 3+. However, some kids might start hopping as soon as they start jumping. Hopping is slightly difficult than jumping as it involves more muscle strength and body balancing skill. 

How to train your child to hop?

To train your child to hop, you have to hop along your child. Seeing you hopping around the child would make efforts to try hopping and moving out of their comfort zone. You can start training your 2+ old toddler for hopping. 

Start with basic skills required:

  • Bending leg upon landing
  • Take off requires straight legs
  • Landing and take off to be on the ball of the foot
  • Maintaining body rhythm
  • Head and back to be stable
  • Arms to bent and swing in forward direction
  • Hopping on both left and right leg

Teaching hopping to your child

  • Start with one leg balancing. Stand on one leg and get your child to try the same.
  • Show your child the ball of foot and practice along the skill to push off while taking off for a hop.
  • Make sure your child has focused and stable upper body
  • Bend the arms and swing forward

Signs to know your kid is ready to learn hopping

  • Your child has started balancing on one leg
  • Swinging arms backwards while trying to take off in forward direction
  • Use of toes while taking off

Benefits of Hopping

  • Age appropriate physical and motor development.
  • Development of advanced sense of balance.
  • Effective co-ordination between your kid’s brain and muscles.
  • Development of good body control.

Love,

Wonder Mom

Category: Fun Activities | LEAVE A COMMENT
December 1

Let your kids help you

Let your kids help you

Do you let your kids help you in daily household chores? Well Kreesha is about to be 2 years and she has already started helping me in the daily chores. Some parents may counter that we should not be asking our little kids to help us in household chores. They may say we are privileged enough to afford helpers in the house and need not ask any help / assistance from our kids. 

To all those parents who think by not asking to contribute to the household work, they are protecting their kids; I would like to say, sorry boss, you are wrong. Kids who help their parents and family in the household chores are more sorted in their lives.  

From my personal experience, I can say that kids helping in household chores learn:

Early Age Skills
  • Life Skills: Your kids ain’t gonna be kids always. They have to move out one day from their comfort zone. For that, it is best to impart some of the basic life skills in their upbringing such as, laundry, budgeting, cleaning, cooking, etc. There is house help available everywhere these days, but it is good to know these basics so that when needed your child is not dependent on others. 
  • Responsibility: Home is the place where a child learns sense of responsibility. When a kid is regularly assigned some basic chores, it helps them learn responsibility. The kids also take pride in believing their importance and contribution to parents and family. 
  • Self Reliance – Assign some tasks which affect your kids directly, for example, organizing toys, cleaning their room, picking up their used plates, etc. This will help them be self reliant.
  • Teamwork – The importance of teamwork and being the productive member of one, is the basic life lesson a child learns at home. A child understands that family members are a team; accountable to each other and the consequences of the tasks done by them are to be borne by all. These lessons help the child develop strong teamwork skills for later life. 
Young Age Skills
  • Self Respect – When kids contribute their little in the daily chores or in general help their parents out; it enhances their self confidence. Kids start respecting their parents for their efforts.
  • Strong work ethics – Rewarding your child for the task well done inspires the child to perform best at their school. It also enhances their will power to perform outside once they are teens.
  • Planning – Participating in chores can help young kids develop planning and time management skills. The variant activities like housework, school deadlines as well as their social lives help them set priorities. 
  • Strengthens bond – Working together as a team, we help each other which helps us strengthen our bond as a family. 

Love,

Wonder Mom

Category: Experiences | LEAVE A COMMENT