Why Cognitive Skills Are Important For Children

The memory of a person has an ability to learn and process new information. This capacity to adapt and understand new things which could include a high level of perception to certain information or understanding written data, could vary from person to person. Such an ability to interpret and process certain notion is termed as Cognitive Skill. Every individual has his or her own level of capacity to cognitive functioning which usually develops during the childhood. At an early age children are more adaptive in learning new skills and functions. As compared to an adult, a child can absorb and analyze information to greater levels. And hence learning to improve cognitive skills for children is very important at an early age.

Six Important Cognitive Skills

- Memory.

- Attention.

- Processing.

- Perception.

- Mobility.

- Logic and Reasoning.

Need of Cognitive Skills for Children

In today's competitive world nothing is easy. Not even for children! The competition starts right at the school level and continues to rise every single level. Smart kids make their way through but certain children cannot always work up their way to the top. This is where the development of cognitive skills for children comes handy. The development of cognitive skills not only helps in a child's progress but it also improves other key areas pertaining to his or her academics such as  learning, attention span, memory  and perception. A child with improved cognitive skills can grasp and comprehend way better than other children. And this evaluation of information by a child works in a positive manner in his or her  overall development.

Teaching Cognitive Skills to Children

Every parent dreams about their child's excellent academic and social growth. They wish their child grow smarter and do well in his life. As every plant needs regular dose of water, sunlight and good care to grow, so does children. Certain cognitive skills such as perception, concentration, memory, logical thinking, and thought process needs proper learning as these skills need to be taught.  Every single parent out there should be aware of this fact that cognitive skills need to be 'taught' . For example, a child may pay attention in the class but still be unable to focus or concentrate on the words he is been taught. And concentration is one of the important cognitive skill a child needs to learn to perform well academically.

In the similar manner, no progress could be achieved from a child who has problem in recalling what he had learnt. If a child has a habit of forgetting what is been taught to him, then it is important to work in this area by teaching cognitive skills which would benefit  in improving his memory.  Not just teachers but even parents need to play an important role in this matter. At an early age children can learn these cognitive skills and absorb way better than adults. And hence it is important to empower a child to grow smarter by sharpening his cognitive skills.

Finest Example of Presence of Mind - Whistler in the Class

Presence of mind is a state of mind where one can stay calm and yet manage to deliver. Sharing one of the story from the net that relates to it. The tile of this story is 'Whistler in the Class'!

A Professor started his class on a very serious topic. The moment he turned towards the blackboard, one of the students whistled. He turned, looked at the class and asked the whistler's name. No one answered.

The Professor peacefully kept the Pen in his pocket saying: "Lecture ends here. I'll tell you a story to utilize the remaining time". Everyone became interested. "Yesterday night I tried hard to sleep, but it was miles away from my eyes, so I thought I'd better get petrol in my car, which will save my time next morning and might induce sleep. After having my tank full, I started roaming in that area, enjoying the peace of a traffic free ride. Suddenly, in the corner I saw a girl who was as young and beautiful as the clothes she was wearing. Out of courtesy, I turned my car towards her and asked if I may be of any help. She asked me if I could drop her to her home, she'll be very obliged, to which I agreed.

She sat in the front seat with me. We started talking, and to my amazement she was very intelligent, had control on many topics which many youngsters don't. When we reached her address, she admitted my courteous nature and behavior and accepted that she had fallen in love with me.I also admitted her intelligence and beauty and that I've also started liking her. I told her about my job as a professor in the university. The girl asked my number, which I gave her willingly. Then she asked me a favor, to which I couldn't have denied naturally.

She said that her brother is a student in the same university, and asked me to take care of him, since we'll be in a long relationship now. I asked the name of the student. She said that I'll recognize him with one of his very prominent quality, He whistles a lot! All eyes in the classroom turned towards the boy who had whistled.

The professor said: " Young man, I didn't buy my Ph.D in Psychology.. I earned it”.

20 Eco-friendly Tips to Help Save the Earth

In simple ways and methods we too can lend our hand towards saving our Planet Earth from destruction. Each one of us can come up with some contributions towards helping save our beautiful planet. This can be done with easy and smaller ways. But these easy and simple ways will definitely have a big impact towards saving our environment. Here are some ways you can help and protect planet earth.

20 Eco-friendly Tips to Help Save the Earth

1. Fix the Leaking Tap

Wasting water is one of the critical problems that need to be taken care of. We know that there is not much drinking water left on our planet. Many houses ignore the problem of leaking taps which is one of the major causes of water wastage. So first and foremost that you can do is get a plumber and fix the leaking taps in your house.

2. Use Energy Efficient Light Fixtures

Energy efficient light bulbs have several advantage over traditional light fixtures. They use 30 to 50% less energy. They last 10 times longer than the traditional light bulbs. The energy efficient light-bulbs save your money in a big way. So replace those traditional light-bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs and save energy which in turn helps saving the earth.

3. Turn Off your Computer at Night

Many have the habit of keeping their computer on even when not in use, especially during nights. Turning computer off during nights can help you cut down a lot on electricity bills.  Unless you want your computer to perform any overnight task, it is advisable to turn it off during night. It helps in energy conservation and thus to save Mother Earth. This also helps your computer to perform better.

4. Use a Pressure Cooker

Using a pressure cooker is the best way to save time and energy. With pressure cooker the cooking time reduces which also ensures less use of energy. When we cook our food in a pressure cooker, the escape of steam is lesser than a regular cooking pan. Pressure cooker uses up to 70% less energy than other cooking appliances. It thus reduces fuel bills and carbon emissions. One more advantage about cooking food in the pressure cooker is the food cooks quicker and tastier.

5. Stop Wasting Food

Some of us are fortunate to get good food and some are not. But those who have a lot of food at their disposal waste most of it. Wasting food not only reduces the amount of food available on the planet but also contributes to the wastage of the natural resources. It also effects the energy conservation. In a way food wastage impacts the Planet Earth in a big way.

6. Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

Before buying or replacing electrical appliances such as dishwasher, washing machine, microwave ovens, air-conditioners etc for your house, try and learn more about these appliances. Check whether these electrical appliances are energy-efficient and are made in sustainable ways. Such energy-efficient electrical appliances would not only protect the environment but also reduce your energy use and in turn lower your electricity bills.

7. Stop Using Plastic Bags

One of the most important way to save our planet is to completely stop the use of plastic bags. Plastic serves a serious threat to the environment. Disposing plastic poses a risk for animals and birds as well. Hence it is important that we stop using plastic bags right-away. Even if a shopkeeper gives us a plastic bag to carry our shopping items, we should be able to say no. Carry your own cloth bags or jute bags for shopping.

8. Reduce Use of Paper

Gradually we have come to a point where we realize that this planet of ours is turning into a big dumping ground. In an effort to clean our house, we dump almost everything on this big, giant dumping ground without giving it a second's thought. And that includes paper too. Hence to make a difference and save our planet, try to reduce use of paper as much as you can. This can be done by reducing use of book-prints, making use of digital prints, implementing cost-saving paper reduction program and recycling paper.

9. Donate Old Books

Instead of throwing away books, donate them to libraries or anyone who may find them useful. This especially can be done with study books. Poor students who cannot afford study books can make use of such books and would definitely be thankful. If you have unused pages that can be reused, try to bind them and make diaries or recycled notebooks out of it.

10. Grow Your Own Food

You do not need to be a farmer or have a farm to grow your own food. But you can try to grow some food items like vegetables, herbs, fruits within your kitchen window, terrace or balcony for your regular use. This can be done on a smaller scale and on organic terms. This way you know what you eat is good enough for your consumption and safer for your health. Some food items that can be grown include chilies, herbs, tomatoes, brinjal, coriander, curry leaves and so much more.

11. Shorten Showers

One way to save water is by shortening the time you stand below a shower. Shower bath can be relaxing but they do waste a lot of water. So try to shorten your shower timings or better - take a bucket bath.

12. Recycle and Reuse

This is the best way one can help Planet Earth. What we can do is reuse and make use of most of the things that we think we do not want anymore. Such as plastic cups which can be used as plant pots or pen holders. Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste that we dump on the earth. This can be done by redecorating and recycling a used product to turn it into entirely new product. Such activity can be fun and help us make the environment cleaner and much better place to live.

13. Borrow, Don't Buy

This may not be something that many prefer, but it is an ideal way of saving our planet. We can borrow books from our friends to read instead of buying a whole new one which may be responsible to cut down a tree to create. We can borrow study books from senior kids for our younger kids. We can borrow dresses which our elders outgrow into. Even if you don't wish to wear them, you could borrow and donate it to those underprivileged kids who can make the most of it. Few borrowed items which your family or friends do not want anymore can be recycled to make something new. This way we can make use of the most of it and help our planet earth.

14. Turn Off The Switches

Whenever not in use, make sure you turn of all the unnecessary switches. Many of us have a habit keeping lights and fans on, even when they leave the room. Switches to ovens, television, chargers, computers, speakers are left on even when they are not in use. We should pay attention to such details by checking out and turning them off if unused. This way you play a major role in energy conservation.

15. Start a Compost Pile

Composting is very planet friendly and can benefit your gardens a lot. If you reside in a building, introduce the idea of a compost bin where all the household kitchen waste and garden waste can be composted to make a organic fertilizer. This can be used to enrich your compound gardens as well as individual plant pots. Vegetable scrapings, used water, rotten food, dried leaves, grass etc can be added to this compost bin on a regular basis to create rich and eco-friendly fertilizer.

16. Use a Clothesline

Instead of using a clothes dryer, one can use a clothesline to save our planet. Use of clothesline not only helps save energy but reduces energy bills and saves money. With enough humidity, clothes that are hang on clothesline dry in no time.

17. Plant Trees

One of the most important and easy way one can help the planet from degradation is by planting trees. We know how important trees are to the planet to stay healthy. It is not just about the health of the planet but our health too which is at risk. The only way both can be taken care of is by growing and maintaining lots and lots of trees.

18. Shop Wisely

Shopping plays an important role in our efforts towards saving our planet. What we shop and how we shop has a huge impact on our contributions towards saving our planet. Buying less plastic and carrying reusable shopping bags works in a positive manner. One has to put a lot of thought before buying certain items to make sure you are not cheating yourself as well as your planet. Reduce use of plastic-wares and disposable items. Instead opt for recyclable and reusable items. Do not buy things if you are not going to use them immediately.

19. Volunteer to Cleanup Drives

Do your bit to save your planet and be proud of it. Volunteer in cleanup drives and help clean the areas around you. This will not only make your planet clean but would make you feel proud of yourself. Sign up with society cleaning drives or NGOs for a weekend task and spend some time cleaning your surroundings.

20. Educate Others

If you as an individual alone can make a difference by doing your bit, imagine what would be the result if many follow your path. This can happen only when you don't keep your knowledge to yourself and educate others. Start by talking to people in your society or office and make them realize the importance of these steps they can carry too for saving the planet earth. Make them realize the importance of energy conservation, recycling, reusing and inspire them to do their bit. Initiate a cleaning drive or a tree plantation drive within your neighborhood. These efforts of yours will never go wasted and would benefit all of us in the near future. 

15 Best New Year's Resolutions List

Another fresh new year is here...

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt and fear,

To love and laugh and give!...

.... I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!

                    -  William Arthur Ward

A resolution is one way to improve yourself in someway or be beneficial for someone or even an opportunity to do wrongs right. With the onset of New Year it is very important to give a thought to each and every little decisions that would affect your life. New Year Resolution is also about -


- Fulfilling an unfulfilled promise.

- To complete an incomplete goal

- To remember a forgotten path.

While bidding goodbye to the year that is slipping from our hands, we can welcome the coming year making resolutions that reflect the change - not just around us but within us too! Name it a trend or even a tradition, but New Year Resolutions should be part of your celebration list. New Year Resolution is all about walking an extra mile or taking that extra step towards a Happy New Beginning.

Thus to add a fun quotient to your existing dull life or even to pledge new goals for a better life; here is a New Year's Resolution List that could help you consider some tricky, funny or on a serious note; aspiring goals for a promising year ahead.

15 Best New Year's Resolutions List

1. Lose Weight

This most common new year resolution sounds easy but is way too practically difficult. No wonder this resolution is started with much enthusiasm which dies out in just a couple of days. If you plan to look upon failed resolutions from the past, you may find this one resolution topping the list. A little encouragement from family and friends as well as a little determination can help you achieve this goal.

2. Forgive and Forget

Let bygones be bygones! And this is the resolution you may wish to be part of your list. This resolution may sound preachy but if followed can make your life a bit easy and stress-free. This resolutions helps you in nurturing emotions and fostering relationships. It helps to level down your stress levels and forget all the bad things that could bring sourness in healthy relationships.

3. Get Organized

Oops... It is applicable to most of us! This resolution is more of your mom's hearty wish rather than a resolution. But getting organized or even taking one step towards it would have a great imapct on your everyday routine. By being organized one would actually save lot of time, energy and be stress-free.

4. Learn Something New

This new year, try to learn something new! This could be anything - any skill, a language, a sport or just a new approach. Learn anything new that you always wanted to or wished to learn. Trying something that you failed in past at with a new perspective would also help. This resolution could be worth trying.

5. Remember Important Dates

Make life easy for you and special for people around you by making it a point to remember important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, get-together etc. Keep tab on your brain functions or get yourself organized with Google Calendar which helps you to remember all those important dates.

6. Be Thankful

This should be a resolution  for life! 'Thank you' is such simple words which could make other's life magical in their own way. Yet for many these words are difficult to express. Saying thanks and being nice to someone out of the blue should top your resolution list.

7. Make New Friends

It is possible that you may have loads and loads of friends on social networking sites, but this new year maybe it is time to make some new, real and genuine friends. Consider this as a task that would make you much merrier. And instead of going for a pretentious virtual makeover for you online avatar, maybe you would enjoy a dressy evening with bunch of real friends with whom you can share some great time and real feelings.

8. Spending More Time With Family

Spending time is an absolute luxury which not all of are fortunate of. With busy work schedules, we have very little time to spend with our family and loved ones. Nowadays family time is more often treated as an occasional get together. But that should not be it! Spending time with family should be one of our top most priorities and we should try to enjoy it as part of an everyday routine.

9. Read More

Rote-learning has become a major stigma to education. It does not offer real insight in learning as compared to reading. Reading provides us with insight and understanding into various important subjects. Hence instead of mugging up those lessons, it is time to read more and get a thorough perception of a subject. Also with reading you get wiser, knowledgeable and informative. If you are out of practice with reading, it is better to start slow and steady.

10. More of Yoga and Meditation

Adding a daily dosage of yoga and meditation in your daily schedule is the best way to relax your mind. Add yoga and meditation in your resolution list and enjoy the benefits. Yoga energizes your body and meditation plays its part of refreshing your mind. A combination of both yoga and meditation in your New Year resolution list would allow you to live your life in 'peace' rather than 'pieces'!

11. Contributing For a Cause

Taking up an issue or playing a major role towards a cause could help you play the part of a wonderful human. Starting this year, try and contribute towards any cause you feel closer to and feel better about yourself. One can always be charitable and make a difference without contributing financially. Just taking up social causes such as helping the society or nature in your own special way.

Learn more about How to make a difference by contributing to a cause

12. Appreciating Others

Appreciating other's efforts may sound to be an easy task, yet it could be daunting to others. It gets quite sticky when it comes to praising someone for their efforts. This emotion of appreciating others can be difficult for human beings as it clashes with their egos. But if a person takes a little time to express a heart-felt appreciation towards someone it would really boost that person's passion and purpose towards the efforts. So this new year, get going with the effort to recognize and enjoy a person's value and goodness.

13. Work Towards Punctuality

Punctuality is one of the entrant of the resolution list which is added and then forgotten. Punctuality is one such task we all unable to keep up with. Though being punctual could actually help us to achieve more, yet it is something we fight hard at. So this year make it a resolution to work towards making a right entry and be punctual for our own benefit and success.

14. Care to Share

Sharing with others brings such happiness to one's life. The ability to share is more like giving a gift to not just others but to oneself. If you can share something with people and make them smile then why not! One of the best things that one can share with others is happiness and empathy. Even sharing some time with people who need it the most helps.

15. Quitting a Bad Habit

Every one of us has some bad habit or other. It could be anything from smoking, drinking, stealing, nail-biting, shopping etc. We know a habit is bad when it starts to bother or affect us negatively. And we also realize that it is high time we quit it but we can't. This new year let us take that one step forward towards quitting whatever bad habit we have. Lets work towards trying to do it less and less and thus bringing it to an end. Let us make a resolution which makes us proud when we finish it and tick off out of our list. 

Key To Make Successful New Year Resolutions

New year is all about new beginnings. The month of January brings with it new hope and optimism for all of us. It presents us an opportunity to assess our life and to reflect on how the year has passed. The new sense of optimism that builds kicks some renewal energy within us, which keeps us going with new vigour and strength. This vigour and optimism leads us to create New Year Resolutions which make a grand appearance but weaken just in a few days to follow. Resolution is defined as a firm decision about to do or not to do something. And hence New Year Resolutions are planned by most of us to make such firm resolve over certain things only after a deep think over. Resolutions are planned only when one is convinced about four things -

1. The belief of bringing a change for oneself.

2. The determination of not making excuses.

3. Complete focus on the results.

4. The reasons for making such resolutions for oneself.

Purpose of New Year Resolutions

Resolutions are planned and implemented because they can bring in change. Resolutions can help you lead to self development. They could work as new beginnings and could give a complete new goal for your life. Resolutions can help you achieve success by helping you in improving your situations. They could help you think over on how you wish to see yourself in the near future. This self assessment can help you come up with a plan that can work positively on achieving goals you are determined to achieve.

Key To Make Successful New Year Resolutions

Let the Resolutions Be Realistic

The first and foremost key to make resolutions is that they are realistic. You cannot make plans that are miraculous. Making resolutions that are far way from being realistic can work in a destructing way. You cannot plan on something that is just not real. The resolutions that you plan on should be achievable for you. Hence before making resolutions give a reality check.

Let the Resolutions Be Motivating

When you make New Year Resolutions, make sure that they motivate you. Do not let your resolutions frighten you. The resolutions you make should not be daunting at all. If you are frightened by the task placed ahead of you, there is very little chance that you would try to attain it.

Work Towards Your Resolutions

Dreaming and planning resolutions is easy; but the most important task lays ahead. Your resolutions are successful only when you make them work. Being firm on your decisions and working towards the goals you set are the only way you could bring success in your resolutions.

Learn from Your Past Resolutions

This is not the first time that you are planning on making resolutions. You have done this earlier many times whenever a new year headed. But you failed most of them. So the best way to make your resolution work is to figure our what went wrong with your previous resolutions. Once you realize your drawbacks and reason for failures, you could make things work with your current resolutions.

Maturity Helps Bring Success in Your Resolutions

When we look upon ourselves from past we laugh at times on our foolishness and about all the crazy mistakes we did earlier. We realize how each passing year has made us more mature and responsible. This realization helps us to work in a better manner towards attaining our goals and to exploit the changes around us. This maturity helps us enhance as a better individual that we were in the past.

Trying New Things at the Beginning of the Year

Though a person can stay motivated and implement on finishing his goals throughout the year, yet beginning of a year is the time when we are actually enthusiastic about the whole idea. It is the special atmosphere that gives momentum to the whole idea of making resolutions and making it happen. Hence trying out new things or gaining new experiences at the beginning of the year could be a total spiritual experience in it's own.

Self Examination Can Help Bring Success in Your Resolutions

One of the best ways of making this new year resolution work better than your last year's resolution is through self examination. Self examination is a process where you review your past year and question yourself on your abilities and capabilities. This is how you can help yourself in becoming a better person in future. Question yourself and learn where exactly you stand in terms of realizing your dreams and goals.

Set New Resolution Goals For Yourself

As you realize that the beginning of a year is the perfect time to set new challenges and goals!  This is the time when you are full of optimism and positivity which can help you attain those set goals. Setting goals that are new to you can bring a little challenge to your resolution plans. Such goals can actually breathe oxygen in your New Year Resolution. Such goals that give you strength to continue along your plan in spite of many difficulties and challenges could be worth it.

A New Perspective on Old Failures

Sometimes the only difference between a success and a failure is the one chance to try it out again. Some resolutions that you failed to achieve in the past could be worth giving one more shot this year. Looking at your failures with a new perspective could prove out to be a turning point in converting your failure into success. 

How to Tackle a Comprehension Passage

One of the best tools aimed at assessing a child's reading and communication skills as well as his understanding of the language, a comprehension passage plays an important role in school papers and assessments. A child is judged by the way he tackles the comprehension passage and answers the questions followed. A comprehension passage comprises of either a prose passage or a poem passage which is followed by multiple questions either factual, evaluative or interpretative. While answering those, a child exhibits his command over the language and thus gets assessed. Once you understand how exactly you should handle the comprehension passage, then there is no stopping you. Few outlines to be followed and then just go on dealing with it effortlessly.The English passage question and answers are much more easier to deal with if you learn how to tackle them correctly. Lets learn few tips and tricks about answering comprehension questions strategy.

How to Tackle a Comprehension Passage

Read the Passage

First, most important thing one should do is quickly yet carefully read the passage. Few students start answering right away without even giving a glance to the passage. This can be a big mistake and then the answers may just go wrong. So it is advisable to read the passage carefully. Time constraints call for quick reading but see that you are thorough and understand the passage well. In case of a poem passage you should read it a couple of times just to get the idea.

Read and Understand the Questions

Once you are done reading the passage, have a look at the questions and try to understand them. Read the questions carefully and get a gist of it.

Go Back to the Passage

Before you start answering, get a quick look at the passage and try to connect the questions with it. Try and locate the answers that you are seeking by combing through the passage. This will facilitate your answering process as you would know the exact location of the answers.

Start Answering

Now that you know where the answers are start answering the questions. Be precise and to the point. Try and answer in simple sentences and avoid complex sentences as much as possible. Answering comprehension questions strategy is to try to write short answers and yet be concise.

Give a Proper Title

A comprehension passage always asks for a heading. So before giving a heading or a title to the passage survey the passage once again. Try to focus on the dominant theme of the passage and then develop an ideal heading based on it.

How to Fight Depression Naturally

Most of us suffer from depression at some point in our lives. The feeling of trapped in my head can be due to depression. It could be mild to moderated depression, a result of stresses in life or even some incidents that can affect us beyond limit. Depression is a serious problem and shouldn't be ignored. It is said that pill-popping and prescriptions to anti-depressants have risen over the last decade, But mind you, this pill popping doesn't actually work for everyone. And for the rest of those who are benefited with anti-depressants, experience various side-effects such as anxiety, insomnia and restlessness among others. Always remember anti-depressants only take care of the symptoms and not the cause of the problems. Hence it is advisable to look for natural alternatives which would help you overcome depression and dark thoughts that usually flood your mind and also prevent the development of mental disorders. Let's learn how to fight depression naturally.

Working Out

It is commonly known that exercise can improve your mood and make you feel better. Exercising releases endorphins which is actually a make-you-feel-good chemical. Regular exercising offers a feeling of achievement which can boost self esteem. Exercise in any form; be it hitting a gym, yoga, dancing, jogging, weight lifting etc would be good. Practice of yoga is highly recommended to fight depression as the breathing techniques can help calm mind and help one feel better.

Being Outdoors Help

Being outdoors definitely helps to fight depression naturally. Research has suggested that one feels better being outdoors rather than indoors during depression. People suffering from depression usually try being indoors ending up being a couch potato. Taking a walk, exercising outside, going for a jog, gardening are some of the activities that can immensely help to combat depression. A stroll in the park amidst beautiful greenery is just the thing that works wonders for the disturbed state of mind.

A Good Balanced Diet

People suffering from depression go frenzy with food. Either they eat less or they just gorge. But when they gorge they prefer foods ladden with fats and salts. Foods such as chips, crisps, icecreams, chocolates, aerated sugary drinks become part of their diet. This further worsens the problem. Just eating some fresh fruits or vegetables can actually uplift our mood. Try including fruits, dry fruits, whole grains, cheese, eggs, fish (omega-3 rich fishes such as mackerel) etc in your daily diet. This will help in mood boosting.

Brighten your Mood

Do anything that brightens and improves your mood. Get a massage, it helps reliving the tension and improves mood. A deep body massage helps relax your muscles and releases tension. This indeed brightens your mood. Listening to songs that make you happy also brightens the mood. Spending a day shopping with friends cheers you up. Having lunch with people you enjoy spending time with can indeed brighten your mood. Starting a day with a smile can brighten your mood.

Nothing is as good as Music

Music is known to benefit our souls at emotional levels. Music heals thy soul! Music helps brain to relax and helps beat insomnia caused due to depression. To beat depression a little deviation is necessary. What better than music! Learn a musical instrument or attend musical workshop or give a shot at singing. Singing your heart out can remove the depressed feelings stuck inside your soul. Attending musical workshops will remove you from isolation and help you fight depression.

Take up Reading

Books are man's best friend and friends is what you need to combat depression. One just has to discover the healing power of books! Reading books of great authors actually inspire you and help you to cope up with life and its suffering. We relate to literature someway or the other by relating to personalities or characters of a book who delve in same situations as we do. When we read how this character fights all the barriers and fends for himself, we are motivated to come out of our difficult situation.

Adopt or Foster a Pet

They love you without a single selfish bone in their body. No expectations and loads of love in return! That's what love of a pet is all about, especially dogs. Nobody knows how actually it happens, but yes it does. Adopting or fostering pets can help you fight depression naturally. You may just forget about the anti-depressants! Loving a pet and getting loads of love in return can be a effective drug-free therapy where a person suffering from depression will engage himself in a joyful session with the adorable pets. Joining groups that care for animals, volunteering in fostering activities for abandoned pets  or animal shelters can take all the heaviness from your mind and make you happy beyond boundaries.

Talk about it

The best way to fight depression is by talking about it. What one needs during such time is a good listener. Talking about our problems and discussing them makes us feel as if some weight has been lifted from our shoulders. Then we start to relax. So talk to somebody whose company you prefer. Call you best buddy who would feel your pain. If you don't wish to talk to anybody in particular then write about it or else blog about it. Pour your heart out in some way or the other.

Thus take a step forward towards fighting depression naturally and everything else will fall into it's place perfectly.

How to Avoid your Child's Disobedience

Disobeying is in our blood, wouldn't you agree to that! We ask ourselves, have we been the obedient kind? Our kids somewhere in their part of growing up get this trait from us. It's not something we ask them to learn from us. Our children pick and learn from daily observation - observing us! So this is how some children accidentally learn disobeying from their parents. It is also a behavioral trait that a child can develop in it's adolescent stage due to mental repression of their feelings.

How to deal with a disobedient child

- First we ask ourselves! Would it be right to spank or verbally abuse a child for disobeying? Is anger the right weapon to handle your child's tantrum. Is yelling back or punishing a child the right approach to reinforce obedience. Should we be taking a child's disobedience  personally and act accordingly. No!! certainly not.

- It takes a lot of patience on the part of parent to act as a responsible parent. First all we need to do is deal with this situation with patience and calm.

- Finding the actual reason behind child's disobedience could be the first step that you take to tackle it. Why is your child behaving so can help you answer a lot of questions and also help find solution.

- If the disobedience of your child comes from his curiosity then all it needs is good reasoning and patience to deal with the situation. Help them by providing solutions and answers to their curiosity.

- If a child is confused then clearing their confusion helps. Talk to them! Let them know the rights and wrongs.

- Tantrums can be the worst behavior trait a parent would wish to handle. A moody child needs to handle with loads of patience and calm. Try to divert their attention to change thier moods. Be calm and reasoning while doing so.

- Provide attention to your child. In order to avoid your child's disobedience spend some quality time with them so they don't go seeking your attention by being disobedient. Make it rule - in spite of your busy schedule, you will spend few hours of your day or maybe weekends with your children. Let your children know how much you love them.

- Don't encourage a child's disobedience during primary stages. Don't give into their unnecessary and unworthy demands every now and then. Teach them discipline.

- Don't punish your children every now and then. Be firm on decision you make if you think they are right for them. Certain instructions or rules should not be changed even for once. Any threat which you don't intend to follow shouldn't be made.

- Set an example. If you wish your child to follow rules, see that you too follow the same. For example, If you ask a child to eat vegetables but he doesn't see you eating them. Or you ask your child not to watch television while eating food but you watch. How do you expect a child to obey in such cases.

- At times a child disobeys because he feels his behavior is right. In such cases providing a little legroom or space helps. For instance a child would learn to obey if he experiences certain things, other then following your instruction out and out. 

Why do Children Disobey

It hurts as parents, that our children disobey! We always wanted to inculcate good habits and practices in our children and all the outcome that we get for our efforts is disobedience from them. This is definitely not what we expected! So why should this even happen, and that too to us. Where we went wrong! Imagine the anger and frustration that built up within us at their disobedience or the embarrassment they cause to us in front of others. A child may tend to obey but this can happen only after a parent is is on the verge of exploding after repeating their commands over and over.

Should we really worry about our child's disobedience

Disobedience is said to be a natural tendency for children at an adolescent stage. But if a parent ignores a child's disobedience at this levels then maybe you are making a clear statement to your child that it is okay to disobey. Consistent disobedient behavior cannot be encouraged by parents.We need to get to the bottom of the problem for why a child is behaving so.

Causes of child's disobedience

- Children usually wish to do things their parents don't want them to do. This could be about anything viz.choices about food, clothing, studies or following certain rules such as following hygiene, going to bed early, watching television while eating, behaving well in front of guests etc.

- Disobedience usually happens on certain domains where it feels good to disobey. Children also disobey when they are curious about certain reasons. They wish to know why they should do what they are told  to do.

- What feels like disobedience to parents can actually be a right behavior for the child. They themselves too feel right about their behavior and hence disobey their parents.

- Confusion over certain matters can also lead a child to disobey. Often a child doesn't have an idea of how to react or behave on a particular set of rules laid to them by their parents which leads to disobedience.

- A child tends to grow up with his own personal identity or we could put it as he gets his own understanding about his personal identity.  A child grows with his own perception and wisdom. This leads a child to choose or decide things for example, say clothing or particular activity like growing hair, gelling or styling hair etc, that he assumes is good for him or looks good on him. When a parent objects to such behavior, a child could disobey.

- Mood tantrums of children are not new to parents. A child can be moody at times and this definitely affects his behavior. At times when a child can be found cheerful and in matter of minutes turn cranky and stubborn. This stubbornness can lead to disobedience.

- Children are attention seekers, They want and expect their parents to pay attention to them or to spend time with them. In today's world it gets difficult for parents to provide quality time to their kids. Lack of attention can lead to disobedience in children.

- Family feuds and constant arguments between parents can disturb a child mentally. A child being unaware of reasons for why his parents argue; gets confused and this confusion can constantly worry him. If the child is left alone with such worries and none attention is paid to him by parents, then the mental disturbance caused by such reasons can lead to disobedience.

Importance of Obedience in Children

One of the most important keystone of our society is obedience. Obedience is essential for a child's individual as well as social life. Without obedience, there would be void and what would exist is turbulence, disorderliness and rebellion. Obedience is essential for the betterment of human society. It is not only necessary for an individual's private as well as social life but comes handy in all dimensions of life.

Obedience in Children

A child must obey his parents. A student must obey his teacher. A disobedient child shows signs of being spoilt. On the contrary child who obeys may actually shine bright in his future. In the similar manner, obeying teachers portray respect for them. A student exhibits good behavior as well as manners.

To Obey or not to Obey

Obedience is fundamental essentials of life. But it can be damaging when it causes physical or mental distress. One needs to understand the perfect balance between obedience and submission. One should obey only if he believes in it, not because he is expected to. An obedient child should also know when, where and whom to obey. For this a child should understand what is right and what is wrong. When a child is unable to make such a difference then he is submissive to bullying. Blind obedience is bad. When disobedience makes you feel oppressive then it's time you question yourself - are you doing the right thing? Blindly following rules which one is forced to follow is not being obedient. Letting autocrats and dictators bully you is not obedience.

Role of Parent and Teacher in Teaching a Child being Obedient

It is the duty of a parent or the teacher to explain the child the importance of obedience and the right way to do so. A child should be taught to understand the difference between what is right and what is wrong, whom to obey and whom to disobey. Obedience in the correct sense may take a child to great heights, help to excel in studies and indeed lead him to a brilliant future ahead!

Disadvantages of Summer Camp

Summer Camp are meant to be an instrument of fun, frolic and education for kids. At least that is the idea, for which we send our kids to summer camp. But it's not necessary that summer camp agrees with every kids that participate in them. A summer camp can have it's own benefits as well as drawbacks. What you thought would be a fun experience for your kid may turn out to be an unpleasant episode or even a nightmare for your child.

Disadvantage of Summer Camp for Kids

1. A summer camp if not organized well can often be an uncomfortable experience. There could be certain issues such as uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, lack of hygiene, unavailability of basic requirements such as food and drinking water, lack of proper ventilation etc. This can really be an unbearable experience for kids, who would want it to come to an end and may never enjoy their summer camps.

2. The organisers of summer camps already plan ahead day to day activities for kids. If your child is not use to physical exertion he or she may feel exhausted throughout the day if no breaks are provided. It is the duty of an organiser to ensure that kids get enough rest so that they enjoy their summer camp by not making it too hectic for them.

3. A child can injure himself during various adventurous activities. It is hence important that safety precautions are taken care of by the organisers.

4. Summer camp is a place where a child meets new friends. Now this is really important for a child's development. But if a child has no knowledge of what is good influence and what is bad influence then there is a possibility that your child may expose himself to bad company or involve in activities which can be harmful for him. When a child is at your disposal, you as parent take certain decision for him such as what is right and what is wrong; whom to talk and whom not to. It is necessary that you involve your kids in such decisions so that they also understand what is good and what is bad for them.

5. Summer vacations are welcomed by children but not by all parents. Some parents unwelcome the idea of kids being home whole day disturbing their schedule; especially working parents. Hence such parents consider summer camp as a tool for sending children away from home. This way they get to keep their troublesome kids away from disturbing their schedules.

6. Parents usually enroll their kids to summer camp without actual perception of where their child's interest belong. In such cases a child who is not interested in certain activities such as adventure sports or other such learning skills may be forced upon to attend such camps.

Importance of Summer Camp for Kids

Source: Google

What is Summer Camp

Summer camp is an ideal platform for learning basic skills and enjoying summer holidays for kids. It is an important requirement for every kid to learn new opportunities and to embark on new adventure. A summer camp is a perfect tool for a child to get past the boredom and make summer more entertaining and interesting. Summer camp exposes a child to an adventure which can be fun and educational. Though I didn't turn out that lucky enough to enjoy this one time experience of my life, I made sure my kid had it all. Way back then summer camp weren't an established and verified concept! But today thanks to this boom of communication and media, we get to know loads of things happening around us.

Why Summer Camps are important 

Summer Camp is a big explosion of entertainment, education and fun. Children are known to undergo a massive  positive change after attending these summer camps. This change in children is in context to their confidence, behavior, learning capabilities, fear and knowledge. One can say that summer camp is like a stepping stone for kids to be more passionate, demonstrative and assertive. Additionally a child learns the most important lessons in life and that is self dependence and self confidence.Every child needs to embark on this journey at least once in his childhood days.

Benefits of being part of summer camp for kids

Boosting a Child's Self - Confidence

A child who is always dependent on their parents for most of his daily chores, starts doing it on his own at summer camps. Though he may not be kind of perfect carrying these chores alone yet he tries something he hasn't done before which builds assertiveness and boost self confidence in a child. Not only this evolves his personality but also blossoms his character.

Learning to Adapt

Our kids get too comfortable around home and sometimes it gets difficult to make them adjust to different surroundings. They have such comfort level built up which makes it difficult to accommodate to new surroundings with parents around. A little out of their comfort zone and a child can throw tantrums. But this can definitely change as it's here summer camp comes handy. Here a child comes out of his comfort level and readily adapts to new surroundings and rules. Summer camp organizers fix their own set of rules which are to be followed by kids.

Making New Friends

One of the most enjoyable benefit for a child who visits a summer camp is to make new friends. Kids get to meet new people, new friends and this broadens their horizon.

Learning to Share

Due to nuclear families nowadays with one kid per family, sharing is a concept least known to kids. Every child wants to have it all! With stay in a summer camp, where not just a kid has to share his accommodation, but also often his personal belongings. Like sharing toothpaste, even first aid, snacks or even clothes. A child also learns to share his experiences, stories and adventures with other kids. This may open up a child to new knowledge and broaden his horizon.

Learning to Socialize

Summer camps may help a child to come out of his introvert nature and be more communicative. Summer camp is usually aimed to plan and organize such activities which can help a child to participate and be expressive. Teaming up with kids of same ideas and perspective helps a child to express and open-up. This can be positive development for kids, especially those who speak less and keep it to themselves.

Developing a new Hobby and Passion

Various activities are held out in summer camps. These activities may include adventure sport training, sports, drawing, dancing, singing, nature trails, bird watching, treasure hunts, writing, story telling etc. This could be a place where a child may come across one such activity that enthralls him to such an extent that he may just take it as a hobby. It could be anything such as a passion for photography, a liking to treks,  an interest in writing or bird watching. Few kids also take up to certain sports which they never played or enjoyed before. You never know!

Thus parents should understand what a summer camp can do to their kid's potential. A few days away from you amidst nature may just work positively for your kid as it would brush his talents and do some good for his overall growing up process.
So let your child embark on a journey which can be fun, adventurous and a great learning process. Enroll your child in a summer camp which agrees with him and helps him to boost his potential.

Safety Tips for Children in the Kitchen

Most kids enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. It could just be anything right from simple nimbu paani to making an omelette. Be it a girl or boy! cooking can be enjoyed by both of them. Cooking can be really fun in kitchen for our young chefs provided they follow certain rules.

Top Ten Kitchen Safety Rules for Children

1. First most important thing is adult supervision. Never attempt cooking in kitchen without your's parent's presence. Let them handle the chores which can be dangerous such as cutting, chopping, steaming, frying etc...at least until you master them.

2. Second important thing is hygiene. Make sure that before cooking or handling food, you wash your hands very, very clean.

3. While prepping in kitchen it is possible that your hands get dirty or sticky, in such case wash hands again before continuing. Keep a kitchen wipe or cotton napkin handy.

4. Before trying to experiment with your recipe, make sure that the utensils you use are clean as well. We don't want germs in our food, do we?

5. Before you begin your cooking quest, try reading and getting well versed with the recipe you plan to make carefully and repeatedly. Make sure you have all the ingredients and utensils ready and handy.

6. Once you have finished using the ingredients, put them back in place. Your mom should get her kitchen clean and tidy, the way she keeps it!

7. If your recipe involves handling hot dishes, it would be a good idea to let your parents help.

8. Use of ovens and microwaves can cook food easily and deliciously. But if you won't be careful, then there chances of getting scalded. So it's necessary that you ask your parents to guide you.

9. If you are really interested in cooking and experimenting in kitchen, start with easy recipes. Learn from your parents the use of various utensils and gadgets. Learn how to handle them.

10. Before becoming a skilled chef, try and help your mom in prepping. Constant practice makes one perfect.