Striking the Right Balance: How Much Screen Time is Appropriate for Your Child?

screen time for kids

Author: Dr.Amit Gupta MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN

Consultant: Paediatrician & Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital, Noida  

In today’s digital age, screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. As parents, we often find ourselves grappling with the question of how much screen time is suitable for our children. In this blog, Dr. Amit Gupta, a Senior Consultant at Motherhood Hospital, sheds light on this important topic and offers guidance on striking a balance between screen time and healthy development.

Understanding Screen Time

Screen time refers to the amount of time a child spends engaged with electronic devices such as televisions, smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles. While these devices offer numerous educational and entertainment opportunities, excessive screen time can have negative effects on a child’s physical, mental, and social well-being.

Age-Appropriate Guidelines

It is important to establish age-appropriate guidelines for screen time to ensure your child’s overall well-being. Here are some general recommendations.

Infants and Toddlers (Up to 2 years):

Screen time should be avoided for infants under 18 months, except for video chatting with family and loved ones. For toddlers aged 18-24 months, limit screen time to high-quality educational content and co-viewing with a caregiver.

Preschoolers (2-5 years)

Limit screen time to a maximum of 1 hour per day of high-quality educational programming. Encourage interactive and engaging content that promotes learning, social skills, and creativity. Maintain a consistent daily routine that includes a variety of activities such as outdoor play, reading, and imaginative play .

School-Aged Children (6 years and older):

• Establish clear rules and boundaries regarding screen time.
• Limit recreational screen time to 1-2 hours per day.
• Encourage a balanced approach by incorporating physical activities, hobbies, social interactions, and homework into their daily routine.
• Engage in open communication with your child about responsible internet use, online safety, and the importance of setting boundaries.

Tips for Managing Screen Time
Screen time guidelines for children

Set Screen-Free Zones

Designate specific areas in your home, such as bedrooms or mealtimes, as screen-free zones to encourage face-to-face interactions and quality family time.

Screen Time as a Reward

Use screen time as a reward for completing homework or engaging in physical activities. This helps reinforce the idea that screen time is a privilege and not a default activity.

Co-View and Discuss Content

When your child is engaged in screen time, watch or play with them. This allows you to monitor the content, promote critical thinking, and engage in discussions about what they are watching or playing.

Be a Role Model

Children often mimic their parents’ behavior. Set a positive example by managing your own screen time and demonstrating healthy media habits.

Encourage Alternative Activities

Provide a range of stimulating activities such as reading, outdoor play, art, music, and sports to help your child develop diverse interests and skills.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, managing screen time for children is a challenge faced by many parents. Dr. Amit Gupta, a Senior Consultant at Motherhood Hospital, emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between screen time and other activities that contribute to a child’s overall development. By establishing age-appropriate guidelines, setting boundaries, and providing alternative activities, we can ensure that our children’s screen time remains beneficial and does not overshadow other crucial aspects of their lives.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to promote a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle for our children. Encourage open communication, monitor content, and prioritize quality time spent together as a family. By fostering a balanced approach to screen time, we can help our children thrive in the digital age while ensuring their overall well-being.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Noida that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Amit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

Fostering Social Skills and Friendships for Your Child

Social skills development in children

Author: Dr.Amit Gupta MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN

Consultant: Paediatrician & Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital, Noida  

Social skills and friendships play a crucial role in a child’s development and overall well-being. As parents, it’s essential to support and guide your child in building healthy relationships and nurturing social skills. In this blog, Dr. Amit Gupta, a Senior Consultant at Motherhood Hospital, shares valuable insights and practical tips on how you can foster social skills and friendships for your child.

Encourage Positive Communication

Effective communication is the foundation of healthy relationships. Dr. Amit Gupta recommends the following strategies to promote positive communication skills in your child:

Active Listening

Teach your child the importance of attentive listening when others are speaking. Encourage them to ask questions and respond thoughtfully.

Expressing Feelings

Help your child identify and express their emotions appropriately. Encourage open dialogue about feelings and provide guidance on how to communicate their needs.

Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Teach your child to understand and respect others’ perspectives. Encourage them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes to develop empathy.

Provide Opportunities for Social InteractionFriendships and social development

Engaging your child in various social settings and activities can foster social skills and create opportunities for building friendships. Consider the following suggestions

Playdates

Arrange playdates with other children of similar age. These interactions allow your child to practice sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts.

Extracurricular Activities

Enroll your child in extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, or clubs. These settings provide opportunities to interact with peers who share similar interests.

Community Events

Attend local community events or join parent-child groups to expose your child to diverse social environments and encourage interaction with other children.

Teach Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution

Conflict is a natural part of relationships. Dr. Amit Gupta suggests teaching your child essential problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

Active Problem-Solving

Teach your child how to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. Encourage them to find mutually beneficial outcomes when conflicts arise.

Negotiation and Compromise

Guide your child in understanding the importance of negotiation and compromise in resolving conflicts. Help them find win-win solutions that consider the needs of all parties involved.

Assertiveness and Conflict Resolution

Teach your child to express their thoughts and needs assertively while respecting others. Encourage them to seek compromises and resolve conflicts through open and respectful communication

Be a Positive Role Model

Children often learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Dr. Amit Gupta emphasizes the importance of being a positive role model

Demonstrate Respect and Kindness

Model respectful and kind behavior in your interactions with others. Show empathy, active listening, and problem-solving skills

Teach Healthy Boundaries

Help your child understand the importance of personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. Encourage them to communicate their boundaries effectively

Foster Inclusion

Encourage your child to include others and make everyone feel welcome. Teach them the value of diversity and acceptance

Support Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is vital in building and maintaining healthy relationships. Dr. Amit Gupta suggests the following strategies to support your child’s emotional intelligence:

Emotion Recognition

Help your child recognize and label emotions, both in themselves and others. Encourage discussions about different emotions and their causes.

Emotional Regulation

Teach your child strategies to manage and regulate their emotions effectively, such as deep breathing, counting to ten, or taking a break.

Problem-Solving and Coping Skills

Equip your child with problem-solving and coping skills to handle challenging social situations. Encourage them to seek support from trusted adults when needed.

Conclusion

Fostering social skills and friendships is a vital aspect of your child’s development. Dr. Amit Gupta emphasizes the importance of encouraging positive communication, providing social opportunities, teaching problem-solving and conflict resolution, being a positive role model, and supporting emotional intelligence. By incorporating these strategies into your parenting approach, you can help your child develop strong social skills, build meaningful relationships, and navigate the complexities of social interactions with confidence.

Remember, every child is unique, and the journey to developing social skills may vary. If you have concerns about your child’s social development or need further guidance, consult with a paediatrician or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Noida that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Amit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

How to Foster Your Child’s Development and Learning at Home

Learning Activities for young children

Author: Dr.Amit Gupta MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN

Consultant: Paediatrician & Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital, Noida  

As parents, we play a crucial role in shaping our children’s growth and development. The early years of a child’s life are particularly important, as they lay the foundation for future learning and success. While formal education is vital, the learning that takes place at home is equally significant. In this blog, Dr. Amit Gupta, a renowned Pediatrician and Neonatologist, shares valuable insights on how parents can actively encourage their child’s development and learning within the comfort of their own homes.

Create a Stimulating Environment:

A conducive learning environment at home can greatly enhance a child’s cognitive and emotional development. Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of providing age-appropriate toys, books, and games that engage your child’s curiosity and imagination. Consider setting up a dedicated play area where your child can explore and learn through hands-on activities.

Foster a Love for Reading

Reading is an excellent way to promote language development, enhance vocabulary, and spark a love for learning. Dr. Gupta advises parents to create a regular reading routine, incorporating storybooks, picture books, and interactive reading sessions. Encourage your child to ask questions, discuss the story, and explore new concepts through books.

Encourage Imaginative Play

Imaginative play is a powerful tool for fostering creativity and cognitive development. Dr. Gupta suggests providing open-ended toys like blocks, dolls, or art supplies that allow your child to express their imagination freely. Join in their play occasionally, fostering a sense of connection and promoting social skills.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations
Child development stages

Effective communication skills are crucial for a child’s overall development. Dr. Gupta recommends engaging in meaningful conversations with your child, actively listening to their thoughts and ideas. Encourage them to express themselves, ask questions, and share their daily experiences. This not only enhances their language skills but also nurtures their self-confidence and self-expression.

Incorporate Learning into Daily Activities

Transform everyday activities into valuable learning opportunities. Dr. Gupta suggests involving your child in age-appropriate household tasks, such as sorting laundry, counting items, or helping with meal preparation. This allows them to develop fine motor skills, learn about sequencing and organization, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Limit Screen Time

In today’s digital age, it’s crucial to strike a balance between screen time and other activities. Dr. Gupta advises parents to set reasonable limits on screen time and prioritize activities that promote physical, social, and cognitive development. Encourage outdoor play, family interactions, and imaginative play as alternatives to excessive screen time.

Support Exploratory Play and Experiments

Dr. Gupta highlights the importance of allowing children to explore and experiment in a safe and supervised environment. Provide opportunities for sensory play, such as sand, water, or playdough, which stimulate their senses and encourage scientific thinking. Engage in simple science experiments that introduce basic concepts and ignite their curiosity.

Emphasize the Power of Play

Play is the foundation of a child’s learning journey. Dr. Gupta stresses the significance of unstructured playtime, where children can freely explore and follow their interests. Avoid excessive academic pressure during early childhood and let their natural curiosity guide their learning experiences.

Conclusion

As parents, we hold the key to unlocking our children’s potential. By creating a nurturing and stimulating environment at home, we can actively encourage their development and love for learning. Dr. Amit Gupta advises incorporating a balance of play, reading, conversations, and meaningful activities into their daily routine. Remember, every child is unique, so observe their interests and strengths, and tailor your approach accordingly. Together, let’s embark on a wonderful journey of learning and growth with our children.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Noida that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Amit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

How to Monitor Your Child’s Developmental Milestones

Milestone tracking for children

Author: Dr.Amit Gupta MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN

Consultant: Paediatrician & Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital, Noida  

As parents, it is natural to be concerned about our child’s development and whether they are meeting their milestones on time. Tracking your child’s developmental progress is an essential part of ensuring their growth and well-being. In this blog, Dr. Amit Gupta, a Senior Consultant at Motherhood Hospital, shares valuable insights on how you can assess and monitor your child’s developmental milestones.

Understanding Developmental Milestones

Developmental milestones are a set of skills and abilities that children acquire as they grow. These milestones can be categorized into different domains, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development. It is important to remember that each child develops at their own pace, but tracking their progress can help identify any potential delays or concerns.

Familiarize Yourself with Typical Milestones

Dr. Amit Gupta advises parents to familiarize themselves with the typical developmental milestones for their child’s age range. While every child develops differently, understanding the general expectations can help you identify any potential concerns. Milestones can include rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking, speaking their first words, and more.

Observe and Interact with Your Child

Child growth and development

One of the best ways to monitor your child’s developmental milestones is through observation and interactions such as –
• Engage in meaningful playtime with your child. Encourage activities that promote physical, cognitive, and social development.
• Pay attention to your child’s responses, including eye contact, smiles, babbling, and attempts to communicate.
• Notice how your child moves and explores their environment. Are they reaching for objects, grasping toys, or attempting to crawl or walk?
• Monitor their interactions with others, such as siblings or peers. Do they engage in reciprocal play and demonstrate basic social skills?
• Keep Track of Milestones.

Keeping Track of Developmental Millstones

Maintaining a developmental milestone tracker can help you monitor your child’s progress effectively. Such as:
• Create a simple chart or use a milestone tracking app to record your child’s achievements.
• Note the date when your child reaches each milestone, and any observations or concerns you may have.
• Refer to reputable sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or World Health Organization, for guidance on typical milestones for different ages.
• Communicate with Healthcare Professionals
• Regular communication with healthcare professionals is crucial in assessing your child’s development.
• Attend scheduled well-child visits, where healthcare providers will evaluate your child’s growth and development.
• Share any concerns or observations with your pediatrician or healthcare professional during these visits.
• Be open and honest about your child’s development, as it helps professionals understand the full picture and provide appropriate guidance or referrals if needed.

Trust Your Parental Instincts

As a parent, you know your child best. Dr. Amit Gupta emphasizes the significance of trusting your instincts. If you notice significant delays or regressions in your child’s development, seek professional advice and guidance promptly. Early intervention is key in addressing developmental concerns, so trust your instincts and consult a healthcare professional if you have any worries.

Conclusion

Monitoring your child’s developmental milestones is an essential aspect of parenting. Dr. Amit Gupta advises parents to familiarize themselves with typical milestones, engage in observation and interaction, maintain a milestone tracker, communicate with healthcare professionals, and trust their parental instincts. By actively monitoring your child’s development, you can identify any potential delays or concerns and seek appropriate support if needed. Remember, each child is unique, and developmental timelines may vary, but early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in their overall well-being and future success.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Noida that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Amit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

Effective Strategies for Managing Tantrums and Behavior Issues in Children

Positive parenting strategies

Author: Dr.Amit Gupta MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN

Consultant: Paediatrician & Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital, Noida  

Dealing with tantrums and behavior issues can be challenging for parents, but it’s important to remember that these are a normal part of a child’s development. Understanding effective strategies to manage and address these issues can help create a more harmonious environment for both the child and the family. In this blog, Dr. Amit Gupta, a Senior Consultant at Motherhood Hospital, shares valuable insights and strategies to handle tantrums and behavior issues with empathy and positive discipline.

Ways To Stay Calm During your Child’s Tantrums

When faced with a tantrum or challenging behavior, it’s essential for parents to remain calm and composed. Children often mirror the emotions of those around them, so maintaining a sense of calm can help de-escalate the situation. Take deep breaths, speak softly, and avoid reacting impulsively. Remember that your child is still learning to regulate their emotions, and your calm presence can be reassuring to them.

Identify Triggers and Anticipate Needs

Tantrums and behavior issues often have underlying triggers. Observe your child to identify patterns and common triggers such as hunger, fatigue, or transitions. Anticipating and addressing their needs before they escalate can help prevent tantrums from occurring in the first place. For example, ensure your child is well-rested, offer healthy snacks, and provide a predictable routine.

Parenting: Establishing Boundaries and Discipline

Setting clear boundaries and consistent discipline is essential for promoting positive behavior. Establish age-appropriate rules and expectations, and communicate them clearly to your child. Reinforce positive behavior with praise and rewards, while also implementing appropriate consequences for misbehavior. Consistency is key in helping children understand expectations and develop self-discipline.

Empathize and Validate Feelings

Tantrums often stem from frustration, anger, or an inability to express emotions effectively. Show empathy and validate your child’s feelings by acknowledging their emotions. Use phrases like, “I understand you’re feeling upset” or “I see that you’re frustrated.” This helps your child feel heard and understood, which can reduce the intensity of their emotions and facilitate a quicker resolution.

Provide Distraction and Alternative Choices

When a tantrum is about to erupt, distraction can be a helpful technique. Offer alternative activities or choices to redirect their attention and diffuse the situation. For example, if your child is upset about leaving a playground, suggest a new game or engage them in conversation about something they enjoy. This diversion can help shift their focus and ease their distress.Behavior issues in children

Parenting: Teaching Children Emotional Regulation and Problem-Solving Skills

Helping children develop emotional regulation and problem-solving skills is crucial for managing their behavior effectively. Encourage them to use words to express their feelings and provide age-appropriate strategies to calm down, such as deep breathing or counting to ten. Teach problem-solving techniques, such as brainstorming solutions together or using “I” statements to express their needs.

Model Positive Behavior

Children learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Be mindful of your own behavior and reactions, as children often mimic what they see. Model positive behavior, including patience, empathy, and effective communication. Show your child healthy ways to manage stress and frustration, as they are more likely to adopt these techniques themselves.

Conclusion

Managing tantrums and behavior issues requires patience, understanding, and a proactive approach. By implementing the strategies shared by Dr. Amit Gupta, parents can create a supportive environment that fosters emotional development and positive behavior in their children. Remember, consistency, empathy, and effective communication are key elements in handling tantrums and behavior issues successfully. With time, patience, and a loving approach, parents can help their children navigate these challenges and grow into emotionally resilient individuals.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Noida that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Amit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

Age-Appropriate Activities and Toys for Your Child: A Comprehensive Guide

Child development activities

Author: Dr.Amit Gupta MBBS, MD, KGMC, PGPN

Consultant: Paediatrician & Neonatologist Motherhood Hospital, Noida  

As parents, we are constantly seeking ways to engage and stimulate our children’s growing minds. One effective approach is to provide age-appropriate activities and toys that cater to their developmental needs. In this blog, Dr. Amit Gupta, a renowned Pediatrician and Neonatologist, will guide you through various stages of childhood, from ages 3 to 8, and recommend activities and toys that promote learning, creativity, and overall development.

Fun Activities for Toddlers

Age Group: 3-4 Years

At this stage, children are curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world around them. Here are some age-appropriate activities and toys for this age group:

Building Blocks: Colorful blocks help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities. Encourage your child to build towers, bridges, or simple structures.

Puzzles: Start with simple puzzles featuring large pieces and gradually progress to more complex ones. Puzzles enhance cognitive skills, shape recognition, and hand-eye coordination.

Pretend Play: Provide dress-up costumes, dolls, kitchen sets, or toolkits to foster imaginative play. This activity encourages creativity, language development, and social interaction.

Art Supplies: Offer washable crayons, finger paints, and large paper to encourage self-expression and fine motor skills. Engage in art activities together to bond and boost creativity.

Interactive Activities for Preschoolers

Age Group: 5-6 Years

Children in this age group are becoming more independent and developing their own interests. Here are some suitable activities and toys for them:

Board Games: Introduce age-appropriate board games that involve counting, matching, and strategy. Games like Snakes and Ladders, Memory, or Candy Land promote social skills, critical thinking, and turn-taking.

Musical Instruments: Encourage your child’s interest in music by providing simple instruments like drums, xylophones, or recorders. Music enhances coordination, listening skills, and emotional expression.

Reading and Storytelling: Read aloud to your child and provide age-appropriate books to foster a love for reading. Encourage them to tell their own stories or act out favorite tales.

Sports and Outdoor Play: Engage your child in physical activities like riding a tricycle, kicking a ball, or jumping rope. Outdoor play enhances gross motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness.

Toys for different age groups

Fun Preadolescent Activities

Age Group: 7-8 Years

Children in this age group are gaining more confidence in their abilities and are ready for more complex challenges. Consider the following activities and toys:

Science Kits: Explore their curiosity with science kits that include experiments, microscopes, or models. This promotes scientific thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.

Construction Sets: Provide building sets like LEGO or magnetic tiles to encourage creativity, spatial skills, and logical thinking. Children can create their own structures or follow instructions for more complex designs.

Strategy Games: Introduce games that require planning, decision-making, and critical thinking. Chess, checkers, or Sudoku are excellent options to enhance cognitive skills and strategic thinking.

Coding Toys: Introduce basic coding concepts through age-appropriate coding toys or apps. This promotes logical reasoning, problem-solving, and introduces them to the world of technology.

Conclusion

Engaging children in age-appropriate activities and providing suitable toys is crucial for their overall development. As a Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Dr. Amit Gupta emphasizes the importance of promoting learning, creativity, and social skills at each stage of childhood. By understanding your child’s interests and abilities, you can create an enriching environment that nurtures their growth and sets the foundation for lifelong learning.

Remember to prioritize safety when selecting toys, supervise playtime, and encourage a healthy balance between physical activity, screen time, and creative play. By incorporating these activities and toys into your child’s daily routine, you are fostering their intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced super specialists backed by the latest in infrastructure and facilities. We have the best Paediatricians in Noida that consists of a team of paediatric specialists that cater to all the needs of children, across age groups, and provide the best care for your child’s development.

Do take an appointment with the best child care hospital in Noida at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life.

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Amit Gupta, please book your appointment here.

Ways To Support Your Child During A Doctor’s Visit

Ways to help kids feel comfortable and safe at the doctor's visit - Motherhood India Hospital

Medical appointments are full of unpredictable moments.

Medical procedures may be invasive to our bodies and cause pain. this mixture will be enough to make significant stress for a toddler. As parents, you may notice that your child shows fear, intense crying, anxiety, and tantrums within the lounge or during a process.

Preparing Your Child for the Doctor’s Visit

If you dread taking your child to the doctor, here are ways to stay in mind to assist your child through a doctor’s appointment.

Provide Information: Never underestimate the facility of preparation. Children will begin to stress a couple of doctor’s visits from the instant they’re told they’re going to be going. Because children are excellent at diving into their imagination, they may create endless possibilities of what might happen. instead of letting your child sink into the worst of their fears, attempt to provide information that may help ease their worries.

Allow Movement: Children who are stuck in fear will usually don’t have any ability to stay still. Instead, they’ll be crying, kicking, pushing, trying to show away or exploit the doctor. When children behave in this manner, it’s common to do and restrain or hold down them down. Because movement may be a natural response created by fear, preventing the movement can be more stressful for the kid. instead of holding down your child, validate their feelings and help soothe them to a more calm state.

Addressing Any Concerns or Fears Your Child May Have

Include Soothing Objects: most youngsters feel attached to a special object. for a few children, this could be a blanket, a toy, a stuffed animal, an image or a bracelet. Bringing your child’s comfort object to the doctor’s office is very helpful, allowing your child to actively use their soothing object moments after they feel overwhelmed.

Following Up and Providing Continued Support After the Appointment

Nurturing Doctor: one in every of the simplest ways to defuse fear in children is thru kindness. While you’ll be the best source of support for your child, remember that you simply don’t seem to be the sole adult within the room.

How Often Does My Child Need A Wellness Visit?

How to Prepare Your Child for a Wellness Visit - Motherhood India Hospital

What Is a Wellness Visit for Children?

Some people might imagine a doctor’s appointment as an event when someone is sick or hurt. While these are valid reasons to go to the medical provider’s office, proactive appointments are important too. Regular checkups help the doctor to gauge the child’s health and development. During the visits, the doctor might even see a priority that otherwise wouldn’t have come to light. It is easier for the doctor to make any wellness treatment if required. A wellness checkup keeps the kid up thus far with vaccinations and also helps keep parents attentive to any physical, mental or emotional concerns.

The Benefits of Regular Wellness Visits for Children

Starting at age 5, children should have a wellness visit at the paediatrician’s or family doctor’s office once a year up until age 18. Doctors might want more frequent visits from children with certain health conditions like diabetes, cognitive difficulties or genetic disorders. From birth, parents must get regular check-ups of their children done. As an example, during the primary year of life, doctors recommend checkups every two to 3 months.

What to expect
At the wellness visit, the doctor and other medical staff members will take the child’s vital signs. The doctor also will measure height and weight to work out the progress the kid has made. The doctor will conduct a physical examination of various organs of the child such as eyes, ears, mouth, nose and other internal organs. These visits are an opportunity for the parent to debate any behavioural or developmental problems the kid has.

Common Concerns and Questions About Child Wellness Visits

Some people may wonder why such annual appointments are necessary, especially if the kid looks healthy. A wellness visit will give the doctor a more in-depth study of the child’s health. Things that aren’t obvious to the mom and pop may become apparent to the doctor.

6 Life Skills Your Toddlers Should Know And Develop

Life Skills Your Toddlers Should Know And Develop - Motherhood India Hospital

Self-Care Skills: Teaching Toddlers to Take Care of Themselves

Life skills go hand in hand with development and may help your child succeed later in life. Discover the superior essential life skills your child should know and ways to include them in your daily routine.

What are the foremost critical skills for kids to learn?

1. Focus and Self-Control: Children thrive on schedules, habits, and routines, which not only create a sense of security but also help children learn self-control and focus. Talk together with your child about what to expect daily. Organize your home so your child knows where to place shoes, coats, and private belongings.

2. Perspective-Taking: Puzzling over another’s point of view doesn’t come naturally to most kids, but it will be developed. Discuss characters’ feelings and motivations within the books you read.

3. Communication: Children need high-touch personal interactions daily to create healthy social-emotional skills, including the flexibility to grasp and communicate with others. While the pace at which they develop these skills may vary, children must find out how to “read” social cues and listen carefully. They have to consider what they need to speak about and therefore the best thanks for sharing it.

4. Making Connections: True learning, says Galinsky, occurs once we can see connections and patterns between seemingly disparate things. The more connections we make, the more sense and meaning we make of the planet.

5. Critical Thinking: We board a fancy world within which adults are required to research information and make decisions about myriad things each day. One of the simplest ways to make critical thinking is thru rich, open-ended play.

6. Taking over Challenges: One every of the foremost vital traits we can develop in life is that resilience being able to tackle challenges, recover from failure, and keep trying. Children learn to require challenges once we create an environment with the correct amount of structure not such a lot being limiting, but enough to create them feel safe.

Integrating Physical Activities For Toddlers Into Your Schedule

Outdoor Activities to Keep Toddlers Engaged and Learning - Mother India Hospital

Physical activities are just as important as any other thing, in your toddler’s life for general health and well-being. Any routine is simpler to accept in the early stages of development; once it becomes an essential part of your child’s way of life, they are more likely to stick with it. So you should integrate play-based activities that combine physical activity with your child’s interests and abilities.

The Importance of Physical Activity for Toddlers

Lack of physical activity in young children can lead to a number of health issues including undesirable weight gain or excess body fat, high blood pressure, and problems with bone health and strength, from a young age.

On the other hand, getting children moving at an early age has several advantages, like improving their fine and gross motor abilities,  improving their sleep, and it also helps them in school by making them have a higher attention span.

Incorporating Physical Activities into Daily Routines

Walk: Begin with an easy activity; walking, and believe me your toddler is going to love it. Their balance, coordination, and even muscular development will all be improved. Additionally, strolling on grass is a wonderful method for children to develop a connection to nature.

Dance: Everyone loves dancing irrespective of their age, and so will your little one. Your toddler’s coordination and balance will also improve as a result of dancing, which also promotes the release of serotonin, the feel-good hormone.

Musical hide & seek: This game is where you play music on a phone while keeping it out of the kids’ reach. The kids and you can then search together to determine the source of the music. The toddlers will enjoy and move in this activity.

Hop & Jump: Hoping and leaping are excellent workouts to burn off excess energy, whether they are done on a play mat or a trampoline. It can take the place of a full-body warm-up and will assist your kids to get more energized for other activities.

Freeze dance: Play music so that youngsters can dance but they have to remain still whenever the song is paused. Kids will enjoy dancing, and they’ll also learn self-control techniques.