Childhood overweight on the rise- tips for parents to overcome it

 I have always been a fat child and I still   blame it on my genes- “its hereditary you see”. But today you look around and in general children across are overweight. Recently Mrs. Iyer owner and centre head of a renowned playschool in South Delhi shared a newspaper article confirming that the number of   children with weight concerns has continued to rise over the past two decades.

Research shows that children become overweight for a variety of reasons. Yes genetic and medical reasons are factors too, but the most common cause (and something that we parents should worry about) is lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors!
Agreed that overweight and obese children are   at higher risk for having health conditions and diseases, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But overweight children are at an even higher risk of being bullied and teased around by their peers’ hey are also more likely and actually do suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem. The effects of this may take a toll into adulthood too, shared Ms. Ruchi counselor with a reputed preschool at South Delhi.

A bit alarming isn’t it? And do we as parents take this as a wakeup call?  Now the question is how can I help my overweight child? We are all aware of the probable actions to be taken. But are we present to them? Below are a few suggested tips to guide you and child through this phase.
1. You:  Okay my child is fat /overweight. As parents it is important that you don’t get overwhelmed with this fact. Be sensitive to your child's needs. Do not criticize. We may not be present to what the child is facing each day. How he/she may be coping with the mocks and jokes from classmates and peers.  Discuss with him/her on the benefits of a healthy life. Understand them too and their concerns. Children's feelings about themselves are often based on their parents' feelings about them, and if you accept your children at any weight, they will be more likely to feel good about themselves. Be supportative

2. Stay active: Today, many children spend a lot time being inactive. Ensure that physical activities become are a part of the child’s daily routine. Yes the child may be hesitant initially, but keep enrolling and encouraging him. Introduce child to a variety of activities walking, biking, dancing, badminton, football or swimming. Let him/her understand and thereafter choose what they like best. This also becomes an opportunity to meet and make new friends and socialize. Help the child understand the benefits of being physically active/ staying active. Reduce sedentary time

3. Eat healthy: Encourage healthy eating habits. Make small changes in your recipe and make his favorite dish healthier Small changes can lead. Remove the rich calorie temptations.
4. Small portions : There is ample on the table. Don’t fill the child plate all at once. Serve them a small portion and when though they may ask for more. Serving more and forcing child to finish it all leads to child gaining weight over time. Let the child understand his/her body clock. He/she is able to judge their appetite and express it too.  With small servings you are also able to introduce child to variety of food items too.

5. Screen time: Restrict   the Childs screen time.  Limit gadget accessibility and its usage. These makes the Childs life sedentary, prevents children from doing physical. Set a routine for the child, setting time for all their daily activities from sleep, playtime, homework and TV too. Routine is not regimenting their life but helping them to understand that there is a time and pattern for everything. It brings in a sense of discipline.

6.  Role model: Parents are the role model for their child. Children tend to imitate and learn from parents only. Don’t expect child to follow a disciplined life when the same is not practice or a culture at home. He /she just won’t be able to do it. Focus on and gradually change their family's physical activity and eating habits. Living healthy is good for all! Lead by example. If your children see that you are physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of their lives.

 “He / She look fat” is not an appropriate way to approach this concern. Probably the child needs to tone down, he may need to get active, he make need to change his /her eating habits, the child may be facing some medical concern. The best person to determine whether or not your child is overweight is your   doctor, suggested Mrs. Oberio centre head of a renowed preschool in South Delhi. Be patient and sensitive and supportive and guide your child towards a healthier life.

Courses & Competitive Exams for Class 10th Students

Students after class 10^th examinations are often caught in a dilemma for next step for further studies. Their next course or study stream should be dependent on their aptitude, likes and dislikes and interests areas. While there are certain courses for which they need to take entrance exams,  for others, they can take direct admission on the basis of their class 10^th marks. Most common and popular courses   after class 10^th are: 

·         Science for your higher secondary if they want to go for majors in the subjects such as Physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, computer science, pursue BTech, etc. 

·         Commerce, if they want to pursue high studies in Business Management, Economics, CA/ CS, etc. 

·         Humanities or Arts, if they want to pursue higher studies in Creative fields or languages, explains a senior career counselor at one of the best senior secondary schools in Faridabad.

However vocational career options is also available for those  who want to take up jobs after 10^th/12^th class . Vocational courses, basically focus on practical knowledge which offer career opportunities right after schooling through training and development of skills. There are few popular courses such as – Jewellery Designing, fashion designing, interior designing, safety and cyber laws, fire safety, etc. Also, senior career counselors at few best schools in Faridabad explain that there are different institutions run by Government of India, private aided and local bodies who offer vocational courses too. One usually secures a  Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma after completing six semesters after Class 10^th or 12^th, says a career counselor at one of the top senior secondary schools inFaridabad.

Then there are other options, like ITI (Industrial Training Institute) course, polytechnic course and KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana). Students who want to pursue a technical course at a lower cost can go one of the ITI programs. Polytechnic courses are basic engineering technical courses after 10^th. There is another benefit of these courses. Students pursuing polytechnic diploma course can laterally move into the second year of technical degree (like BTech) course through a competitive exam, advised a tenured career counselor at one of the best schools in Faridabad. KVPY is a National Program of Fellowship in Basic Sciences started by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. When one clears the entrance exam, a student can get admission into a five-year integrated master program at the Indian Institute for Science Education and Research.

Students also have the option of appearing in the Top Competitive examinations after class 10 to 12

• National Interactive Math Olympiad (NIMO)
• National Talent Search Examinations (NTSE)
• SilverZone Olympiads
• National Biotechnology Olympiad (NBO)
• International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
• National Standard Examination in Astronomy (NSEA)
• NSEJS - National standard examination in Junior science
• Zonal Informatics Olympiad (ZIO)
• National Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE)
• International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO)
• International Olympiad of Science (IOS)
• National Science Olympiad (NSO)
• National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)
• Technothlon

5 Tips for Parents to Bridge the Generation Gap with Teenagers

As soon as your child enters teenage years, you start hearing the so-called ‘generation gap’ phrase a lot. As a parent of a teen, we often are involved in exchanges that leave us with a feeling of déjà vu’. The feelings start cropping up that we experienced in our teenage years with our parents, the change is that the boot is on the other foot now. Such exchanges sometimes target your bond that you share with your teenager, explains a Principal of one of the top schools in Delhi. Every generation has their own psychology, sense of style, conduct and existence, expression of emotions and ideas and so on, very often it is the different generation that gives rise to conflicts. However, it can be reduced if we agree to follow a rational agreement.

Let us find out ways to bridge with generation gap divide, as observed by teachers of top schools form the list of schools in Delhi:

1. Open Communication: Communication is a very important ritual in every family. You should always know what going on in the life of your children and other family members. Especially, with teenagers sometimes conversation becomes arguments and you may not like the ideologies of this current teenage generation; however, let's make it a habit of not breaking the rules of politeness even if the discussion involves conflicting ideas, suggests a veteran teacher of one of the top schools in Delhi. We need to be respectful to our teenage kids in order to get the same respect from them. This also reduces the generation gap and open communications which reflects that you are open to their ideas as well and they will always talk to you freely. 

2. Receptive: Well it is not an overnight job. Keeping an open mind always shows that we are educated and modern people who welcome different ideologies and culture. However, when it comes to our own home, we tend to control everything and make our own set of rules and values. Such an attitude will only result in bringing conflicts between you and the younger generation. So, in order to bridge this gap, we need to be receptive to what they have to say as a family culture. Accept and appreciate the   different points of view , advice a senior child psychologist at one of the top schools from the list of schools in Delhi. 

3. Embrace :  Once you are open to their view embrace the changes that they bring. Accepting your teen's view as a propagator of the new generation is worthy of maintaining goodwill and harmony in your relationship, says a senior psychologist at one of the top schools in Delhi. Take time and adjust your teens perspective and accepting the small decisions that they make. It can instill great trust and self-confidence in them, that in turn, will develop their trust in you and bridge the generation gap.  

4. Privacy: Becomes their confidante and a trusted friend. Respect their privacy and don’t intrude in their space. It is the most precious thing that you can do for your growing teenager, as they are also facing significant changes and going through a lot at this stage. So, finding a confidante and a true friend in you is most appropriate. They must realize that no matter how things go, you will be there for them supporting them, says a senior teacher at one of the top schools in Delhi.

5.  Quality time  : Spend quality time with them. Take them out on a vacation or a short road trip. This will strengthen their relationship with you. Fix a day when he/ she can spend an entire day with you. Take him/ her out for shopping and allow them to voice his/her views. Take care of their likes and dislikes; do not impose your decision on them. Get to know them better and make them see your life and respect your views as well. Show them that you are more than parents and can be trustworthy friends as well, suggests a senior teacher at top schools from the list of schools in Delhi. This will reduce the generation –gap when they actually witness that generation-gap is an illusion it is actually the uniqueness of different values and cultures. 

It is a not an overnight journey but a long mission. The generation gap does not arise due to a difference in age; it is because of ego clashes and attitude problems between the generations. The thumb rule is to be open and accept the changes in the society and evolve with it. All the best!

5 Super Surprises to Look out When Your Child Grows Up

Life is full of surprises. It is not an exception as a parent. Let’s find out few surprises that are to come along the way as our child grows and learn new things from surroundings.

1. She is now too big for your lap 

There will be a day when you won’t be able to take your child on the lap and sit comfortably anymore, says a child expert at one of the most popular nursery school in Dwarka, Delhi. We often take our little babies on our lap to watch a film or while reading a book, etc. Then suddenly one day they grow too big for our lap. This is the time to realize that your child has grown to a toddler and ready to be more independent. This feeling is little sad but you can still cozy up in bed and have those bear hugs, etc. 

2. He may want time alone 

Slowly your child will start playing happily alone. You may not witness your child standing outside the door waiting for you when you are inside the bathroom. The times will disappear when you would have to rush and check if everything is fine when suddenly you experience an unusual silence in the house. You will slowly have to see that your grown-up boy will go into his room and shut the door behind him. This might be a bit of heart-wrenching experience but we would have to get accustomed to it, as it is a part of their growing-up process. They need to feel independence for better development, explains a senior child psychologist at one of the top schools in Dwarka Delhi.   

3. He teaches you

While you may not be able to remember where you put the keys and what you gave to grandma last Diwali, your boy will now take the charge of keeping the house keys safe and remind you of your stuff. Now, when you see his notebooks and lessons you may now have forgotten all about those topics from your school, explains senior faculty at one of the top schools in Dwarka, Delhi.   

4. Insinuate you

There could be times, unfortunately when our growing child may say things that they don’t really mean. We need to be prepared for such situations when they say that they hate you. They might also retort and say how 'mean' we are or how 'embarrassing' we are. There can be other daily honesties that are hard to hear. The best way is to be prepared beforehand and keep calm and explain to them that sometimes we need to be simply kind and it’s not nice to say things that might be hurtful to others, advise a senior child psychologist at one of the top nursery school in Dwarka, Delhi. 

5. Times of pride 

There can be times when your child will push through their childhood fear and make it through. For example, perhaps sleeping in the dark or being in the dark for long may scare them but we might witness them making through the night alone. Be prepared for such surprises, advise senior faculty of top schools in Dwarka, Delhi. 

Things change and change is the law of nature. Your clinging toddler may not always be like that. Your shy boy may become a tall football player full of exuberance and confidence. You little girl may become the most outspoken and confident of the lot. They might be totally dependent on us today but we have to prepare them for their future. Once it happens their dependency on us become less. Learn to evolve with the times. Enjoy when it is still there. Happy Parenting!

Stop a Child from Arguing

Understanding 'expression of opinion' and 'arguing' is very tricky. There is a very thin line of difference between the two. A child who knows what he/she wants and knows how to stand up for what they think is attractive; however, there is nothing sweet about a child who picks-up an argument at the drop of a hat, explain a tenured faculty member at one of the reputed schools of Noida. We all have witnessed situations where simple conversations can blow up out of proportions and turn into an argument. This can be draining, negative and disruptive for individuals and unhealthy for a family. So, the question here is how to stop your child from arguing?

Nipping the argument in the bud is not necessarily always a herculean task, says a senior counselor at one of the schools of Noida. The three things that you should strictly follow when dealing with an arguing child, as per observations made by faculty members in one of the popular and top school of Noida:

• Be open and ready to hear them out.
• Be understanding and open to reconsideration about a rule or decision, when you think it could be given a second thought.
• Stick to ‘NO’ when you think is it important.

Let’s find few easy ways to put a stop to this annoying behavior:

1. Set examples and do not argue

Be a role model. They should not experience you arguing at all. Also, make it clear and a rule that arguing will not get things done. Do not give in to their proposals if they express it in an arguing tone. Put across your point that they will never be able to get a negative into a positive if they persist on arguing, recommend many senior faculty members and expert counselors at many top schools of Noida.

2.  Be  affirmative
3. When you really find something annoying and want them to get that done, do not use statements such as ‘can you please put your toys away?’ or ‘can you please put the plate in the sink?’ Make more affirmative statements and be firm .Children need to follow the house rules. Ensure that they understand that it is their duty and not an obligation to behave properly, advise a senior counselor and child psychologist at one of the top schools of Noida.

3. Do not force

Arguments happen most of the time when we expect them to do just as we want. Give your children options for doing chores that they like, ask them to do two tasks from five tasks that are required to be done. For example, ask them if they want to help you set the table for dinner or take the trash out, take the meal for the dog or your kitten or mend their room sheets, etc.

4. Explain

Ensure that they understand that you appreciate them when they put across their point of view, while arguments are about two people constantly trying to one-up each other. So, explain them clearly the difference and tell them it is not appropriate to pick a fight over unnecessary issues, recommends a senior psychologist at one of the popular schools of Noida.

5. Acknowledge

Children learn through rewarding and getting rewards for every good thing that they do can enhance their performance and eagerness to learn manners. Every time they behave politely or make a polite request rather than picking up an argument, appreciate them and reward them.

It is important that your child knows what’s acceptable and how to approach you or elders and make a request for a certain thing that they want and you are not obliged to give in. Educate them how to make a request and that it needs to be made in private and appropriately. Happy Parenting!

The 3 C’s - Ways to Foster Kindness among

 One of the key elements to make a caring and healthy classroom is to encourage students to show kindness and social gratitude towards each other. Faculty in best senior secondary schools in Gurgaon informed upon studying recent readings of global educational research work that students who demonstrate such behavior achieve great academic success, have more friends, and develop a better social relationship and enhanced interpersonal skills.
With the beginning of the new academic session, you may  as a teacher implement new  classroom management tactics that  would make your classroom a warm and safe place to learn, says a principal in one of the top schools in Gurgaon. The “3C’s”-  few research-based tips that you as a teacher may implement in your class to help nurture  kindness among students in  , as recommended by a senior faculty of one of the top schools in Gurgaon:

-         Communicate:

Students are more likely to show kindness and display caring attitude when they feel a sense of belongingness with other students in the class and the teacher. It is observed by senior faculty members in top schools in Gurgaon that students when they are more connected to their teachers and peers, show empathy and give healthy competition to others. Greet them every day as they enter the classroom and instill a sense of belonging. Use a warm, welcoming, and positive tone of voice. Children’s caring and kindness increase when they are a part of a sharing and caring classroom and the most important feature of such as classroom is a smiling teacher. You should model kind and caring speech to have a happy effect on students, slowly they also tend to behave like you with each other, explains a senior teacher at one of the best senior secondary school in Gurgaon.

-         Conditions :

Offering students chance to practice kindness in the class is one of the most effective ways to promote pro-social behavior in students. Give them situations and chances to help each other For example, make them work in a cooperative environment or in groups. Give them tasks that would require interacting and assist each other, and make sure everyone is scored on the basis of group performance and not individual performance, advice senior psychologist in one of the top schools in Gurgaon.

-           Cue

Many researchers explain that even a subtle image of two people looking and interacting with each other, who are from different race and community, develop a sense of belongingness and also encourage kindness among students. Hang posters in classrooms  of people interacting and helping each other . These are visual cues that prove to be very beneficial which make students believe that this is the kind of culture that you expect out of them and slowly they value and maintain this behavior even outside the classroom, explains veteran teachers at one of the best senior secondary school in Gurgaon.


Develop a feeling of belongingness in your classroom to encourage kindness and caring behavior among your students. Try it yourself and find the difference. All the best!

Teach your child to be respectful

Let’s be realistic here, if you ask kids to leave the playpark you are unlikely to get a respectful response from them. So being realistic about the kind of responses you get, most of the time, is essential before you start teaching them to manage their emotions, says a child psychologist at one of the best schools in Delhi. Teaching children to manage their emotions is a long process; however, the process should start early, says a veteran teacher at one of the top schools in Delhi.
One of the ways is to set a good example as your child looks to you (parents and teachers) to imbibe traits. Let us see more tips and ways to teach a child to be respectful:

1.   Be their role model 

One of the best ways is to be a role model for the kids to watch and learn. Behave in the way you would want to be treated. Treat them with respect and listen to them without interruptions and make them believe that you are most interested in listening to them.   Don’t forget to treat others in the most kind and considerate manner. Your child watches and learns from you, recommends a senior faculty and psychologist at one of the best schools in Delhi.

2. The golden words

We all remember the “Golden Words”. Good manners are shown through little gestures and simple words such as ‘sorry’, ‘please’, ‘thank you’, etc.   Set a good example by saying these words to them whenever they do something for you.  Make it a culture  to treat everyone respectfully, says a senior faculty in one of the top schools in Delhi.

3.   Acknowledge

Do not focus on their inaccurate and disrespectful behavior, instead focus on their good manners . Also, do not forget to praise their friends or peers when they behave in a certain way that impresses you, says a senior psychologist at one of the best schools in Delhi. Praising them with phrases such as ‘Good boy!’ or ‘what a nice gesture!’ or ‘Thank you for waiting for your turn…’ in the class by a teacher, is a very interesting and effective way to make them realize that it’s something that your liked and they might imbibe this quality.Never give a big reaction to a disrespectful or bad behavior, otherwise they might indulge in the same the next time they want your attention, says senior psychologist and counselor at a top school in Delhi.  Instead of reacting to them, it is advisable to take your child to a quite place and educate them about the right way and the wrong way that too politely but show your scorn. Educate them with proper verbatim such as, “Dad/Mom, please can you play with me now?”

4. Be realistic 

It is important to keep in mind all the time that it’s natural for your child to test your boundaries sometimes. When you are not prepared or realistic you may feel frustrated. Remember a child can disagree with you, it does not always mean that they are simply being rude. Don’t expect them to be polite and kind all the time; however, its upto you to educate them how to put across their scorn in a positive and well-mannered way.

 Discuss any situation with the child their behavior when you both are in a clear state of mind and calm situation. You also need to acknowledge their feelings first and then only you can teach them the proper way. Be consistent with what you teach them and make sure you remind them every time they forget. All the best!