Workshop for parents

• Discipline

We all feel it is joy to see well mannered but always doubt whether we are using the correct disciplining techniques or not. Understanding normal patterns of development would help parents in setting realistic expectations from children. There are positive solutions to most of the difficulties faced by parents while disciplining children.



• Intelligence

In this age of cutthroat competition being intelligent would help your child to be ahead of the others. But that does not mean you need to make your child a bookworm. There are various simple and fun-filled techniques, which can be introduced to very young children also. It would also tell you about your child’s interests that can be further developed to help him/her excel in the respective field.



• Nutrition

Along with love, care and good education, nutrition is equally important for the holistic development of children. In dual-earner nuclear families parents hardly find any time to cook and tend to rely on fast food and fried stuff, which is not very healthy and has only fats and carbohydrates. A balanced diet is very important for proper growth as well as brain development of children. Introducing healthy food from young age familiarizes them to all tastes and they don't back fuss later.



• Early child stimulation

Early years (birth to 3 yrs) are the foundation for later years of life. They are very important for children's growth and development as almost 80% of brain development happens during these years. Stimulation provided during the early years help children to reach their maximum potential.



• Self-help skills

As children grow older they need to become more independent and should be taught age-appropriate self help skills. This would make parents more relaxed and children feel more confident about handling day-today activities, which in turn develops good self-esteem in them.



• Handling transitions

Whether it is a new work place or a new day care, transitions are difficult for children as well as adults. Being mentally prepared and enthusiastic about a new setting makes one feel more relaxed. Investing enough time for a transition makes the child feel more secure. Spending a few days with the child at the preschool/ day care will instill trust in the child that you would come back to pick them up.



• Schooling options

You can find a play-school, Montessori school and even a primary school in almost every street these days. How do you decide which one is good for your child? Factors like affectionate and trained teachers and emphasis on experiential and creative learning are important. One also needs to look at fee structure and the traveling time for the child. You also need to decide whether you want to put the child in a mainstream or an alternate school.



• Day care options for working mothers

Once the maternity is over women do feel anxious about joining work again and the uneasiness increases if there is no adult caregiver to look after the baby at home. A good day care near the workplace makes it easier for them to resume work as they feel that the baby is in safe hands. A safe, hygienic place with loving care givers are some of the most important points to be kept in mind while looking for a day care.



• Choosing children's literature and toys

Literature and toys not only keep children busy, but also introduce them to basic concepts that they should acquire in the early years. Books and learning materials should be age-appropriate, so that they are not bored of it easily and don’t find it too challenging also. Through books and toys children can also be taught to take are of their own materials which would give them a sense of responsibility.



• Handling guilt of being a working woman

As a working woman you might be often thinking whether you are giving enough time to your child or not. But for home-makers also it is not practical to be with the child all the time; there are enough household chores to look after. Moreover research indicates that children in day care setting are better socially adjusted compared to other children. Therefore it is more important to spend quality time with the child rather feeling guilty of being a working woman.



• Handling family conflicts effectively

Conflicts are not new to any family, only thing some new issues might arise with the coming of a child. Couples should understand that the child is there because they are in a relationship. So they need to nurture their relationship and also look after the needs of the baby. Communicating their feelings to each other and taking equal responsibility of the child is the first step towards maintaining a healthy balance in the relationship.



• List of recommended reading

...coming soon