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Read, Learn, Grow Together
Articles on child development, parenting and early support from our developmental paediatricians.
The Beginnings of Language Development
While an infant is not ready to talk at such an early stage, he is however equipped and ready to soak in all the things you want to tell him about conversations and language. These early interactions will help develop his language and social interaction capabilities. Most…
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Language & literacy1 min readLimericks for Preschoolers
Limericks to teach alphabet sounds to preschoolers is a good idea. This can be done with lots of gestures, fun and can be very enjoyable to young kids. One can use a props, pictures and actions to make it fun. I remember a child who was rolling with laughter when he heard Lion…
Play & activities2 min readPlaying with babies and toddlers
Babies and toddlers love to play with their parents and other care givers, brothers, sisters and grandparents and even the maid. Young babies show their eagerness to play through vigorous kicking, cooing, wide eyes, and big smiles. Toddlers may tug at your clothes or the neck…
Language & literacy1 min readEarly Literacy Skills for Infants and Toddlers
Creative development and foundation for reading and writing starts with fun activities from as young as 6 months old child It involves supporting play with wide range of toys and other materials and providing opportunities and to sharing thoughts and feelings through variety of…
Development2 min readWho is at fault; Parent or the child?
Temper tantrums are negative behaviour a young child indulges in when he or she cannot get what they want. It is usually seen in toddlers and young preschoolers who cry, yell, throw things, kick, punch and bite. Children often think these actions will help them to get what they…
Baby care & health1 min readNo to Solid foods before 6 months of age - Feeding Guide
FEEDING GUIDE FOR YOUR CHILD It is advisable not to give solid foods till your baby is 6 months old unless your physician advices you to do so. Solids should not be started before 6 months for the following reasons: Breast milk or formula provides your baby all the nutrients…
Development1 min readTeach your Child to say "Thank You"
Puppy Scorpio learnt to say “Thank You” Scorpio, the little puppy was always busy playing around the house. He loves to play with the pussy cat next door. They both were very good friends. The cat would come every day with its kitten to play with Scorpio. Both would have lots of…
Autism3 min readDifference between ordinary and autistic stimming
Stimming can be a clue for you to watch out for developmental disabilities in your child Stimming is self-stimulatory behaviour which is also known as stereotypic behaviour in layman’s term. Even adults engage in stimming behaviour by biting nails, twirling hair, pacing around…
Play & activities4 min readgames for 3-4 year old children
How to keep your toddler entertained and happy when you are traveling long distance Given a choice of taking a herd of wild bulls for grazing or traveling with one 3-4 year old long distance, I am sure many parents would go with the herd of bulls rather than the toddler. When…
Play & activities3 min readGames while travelling with a 2-3 year old
Games while travelling with a 2-3 year old Games that will keep your child entertained during long hours on road There is no boredom when a 2-3 year old child is running around, but boredom sets in for the child as soon as there is no chance of running around. All the hell can…
Language & literacy2 min readImportance of letter knowledge in early childhood
Importance of developing alphabetic awareness in your child to felicitate learning It is not enough for your child to recognize all the letters of the alphabet, in both capital letter and lowercase form, and to know the names and sounds of each alphabet before entering school.…
School readiness3 min readIs Your Toddler Ready For Kindergarten
When Namita tested positive in her pregnancy test just 2 years into marriage, she failed to identify her emotions. Though happy with the news, she was quite apprehensive about managing her career with the new arrival into her life. After thinking it over and a detailed…
Language & literacy2 min readNarrative Skills
Tips to develop narrative skills in preschoolers At times you may find it very difficult to follow what your toddler is saying even when the words are coming out clear. What may have gone amiss here is that your child may not be able to tell you about the event as it has…
Language & literacy2 min readPhonological Awareness
Early phonemic awareness will help your child to learn to read, write, and spell more effectively Spoken language is highly important for the success of the students in all areas of their lives. To understand the spoken language well, parents have to create phonological…
Language & literacy2 min readReasons To Make Reading Bedtime Stories A Habit
Many parents and grandparents who have made bedtimes stories a for their toddlers a habit have a reason to rejoice since knowingly or unknowingly they have established a routine which helps in development of the toddler to a great extent. Today, many professionals are pointing…
Development3 min readThe Crumpled Bed-sheet
When 4 year old Aryan made bed for himself, his mom had to supress the deep urge she had within herself to smoothen them and make them tidy for her baby to sleep in. Thankfully, she was now aware that re-doing what her child has done was one of the biggest parenting mistakes she…
Play & activities5 min readTraveling With Toddlers
How to make your weekend holidays entertaining for your family In today’s hectic and monotonous work life, more than children, it is parents who look forward to a good weekend getaway for rejuvenation and relief. Unfortunately, the getaway can become worse than the hectic…
Play & activities3 min readImportance of Play in an Early Childhood
All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy. . . Those of you who have not paid much attention to above verse, better sit up and be serious now, since play is an important part of not just childhood, but throughout our lifetime according to research. All that little activities of…
Play & activities5 min readA Guide for Traveling With Toddlers :)
In today’s hectic and monotonous work life, more than children, it is parents who look forward to a good weekend getaway for rejuvenation and relief. Unfortunately, the getaway can become worse than the hectic Monday, if your toddler is bored and frustrated. It has become…
Language & literacy3 min readWarning Signs of a Language Communication Developmental Delay
Like every other milestone, children learn to speak at different time intervals. If a child has not spoken their first word until 18 months, then it is considered that the child has a language delay. A language delay can be classified as the following: Inability to speak first…
Baby care & health5 min readHow Much Should Newborns Sleep a Day
Sleep is a natural need of our body and is crucial for the development of the brain during early childhood. Babies need 12-18 hours of sleep during the first few months after birth. Your baby's sleep revolves around being hungry, needing a diaper change, or your love and…
Baby care & health4 min readList of Most Common Newborn Problems and How to Deal With It?
You hold your little bundle of joy in your arms and make yourself a promise to look after her for eternity. Well, the promise soon turns into a challenge that brings out the parents in us! Let us understand these immediate challenges you could face after bringing home your…
Autism2 min readMyth and Facts on Vaccines and Autism
MYTH My child doesn't need vaccines because no one gets certain diseases anymore. FACT These diseases still exist, even if they are rare. MYTH If so many other people are vaccinated, my child doesn't need vaccines. FACT Yes, they do. Relying on actions of other parents to…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readWhat Are The Best Potty Training Methods?
As we know it’s a daunting task to potty-train a child. Parents often spend so much time worrying about potty training and deliberating over the best way to do it. So have a look at a few training methods: Introduce the Potty: There's a wide range for the age when children have…
Language & literacy7 min readHow Early Does A Toddler Start To Speak?
what age should a child start talking? As with other skills and milestones, the age at which kids learn language and start talking can vary. Many babies happily babble
Play & activities2 min readActivities for Babies till 3 months of age
Babies at this age express their feelings of comfort, discomfort joy and unhappiness in their surroundings. The following activities will help you understanding your child and help them manage their environment. Babies at this stage are trying to develop control over their head…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readFew tips on how to ensure children remain attentive in class
To begin with I have always found speaking loud, shouting, screaming etc generally makes the children or even adults to follow the tone. Keeping a check on the tone is very essential. One can be audible and yet be clear when in the classroom. For e.g., to bring back a child’s…
School readiness3 min readHow to enhance learning in a preschooler
A young child’s brain is a chaotic jungle of neurons getting
Language & literacy4 min readStory of Ajay in a day care centre
Ajay was a year and 6 months old was taken to a day care centre as his mom had to go back to work. His mother spoke to a lady in charge and left. Ajay looked for his caregiver who soon left him to see another kid. He was scared as he saw some older children screaming and pushing…
Play & activities4 min readActivites for Infants
The foundation for learning starts from a very young age. The first point is to know that the child enjoys the activity. The second point is the activities should be age appropriate and the child should participate in doing this. Third child learns from adults whom they trust,…
Behaviour & parenting2 min readHow much of screen time to children?
This is perhaps the most debated question among doctors and parents today. It is alarming to see that many mothers feed their young kid as old as 6 months with either a mobile phone with some program; most mothers say they are playing educational nursery rhymes, or a program as…
Baby care & health3 min readTransition to solid food - Feeding Guide
INTRODUCING SOLID FOODS: As I have mentioned in my previous blog (No to Soild Food before 6 Months) transition to solid foods are appropriate after 6 months of age. I have tried to address some of the common questions families ask me about how to introduce solid foods. WHAT…
Play & activities3 min readComfort Toys
Transitional Toys or Objects in your Child’s Life Infants and toddlers often have a comfort toy or blanket, which becomes a part of their body. It goes where they go, sleeps with them and the child may actually go through separation anxiety when the comfort object is taken away…
Language & literacy3 min readEarly Literacy Skills For Your Child
Six Specific early literacy skills THAT WILL become the building blocks for later reading and writing for your child Parents begin to panic about academics when the child enters high-school and does not bring in good grades. But, that is not the right age or time to put stress…
Play & activities3 min readGames For 5 year old
How to keep your 5 year old child engaged during travel? If you go back just a few decades, you would recall how children played in the neighbourhood with their friends, filling their surrounding with laughter. Today, we seldom see a five year old outside. Children are stuck…
Language & literacy4 min readHelping children with language delay
How can you help your child overcome language delay – Tips and suggestions Sumitra was worried about her child. He was 3 years old, yet he spoke very little and hardly said few common words. She was advised by her Paediatrician that there was no need to panic. He could improve…
Autism7 min readTips For Initiating Communication in Children with Autism
Typically, parents eagerly wait for their child to say the first word and learn communication. When it comes to parents who have a child with autism the learning has to be both ways. For the child to communicate back to them, the parents and caretakers of the child will have to…
Baby care & health2 min readMake Your Home Infant Friendly
I was at Nursing Home for my regular check-up for pregnancy when suddenly chaos set in without any warning. A Maruti Van skid into the parking lot with people rushing in wailing loudly. At first, I could not understand what was happening, but then I saw this lovely infant,…
Baby care & health3 min readOral Hygiene – Start Early
Nipping teething problems in the bud Some parents wonder whether they should take utmost care of the milk teeth of their toddlers, since they fall off after few years. The truth is that parents should not even wait for the teeth to emerge before they start taking care of oral…
Language & literacy2 min readPrint Awareness – Increasing Letter knowledge
Making your child understand that those line on the page are actual words of communication With years of reading and understanding the print, we do not understand how difficult it is for a child to make connection between some scribbled lines in a book to actual things in real…
Development3 min readStuttering in Toddlers
Stuttering is common in children aged 2-5. Do not panic. More often parents panic at the first sign of stuttering exhibited by their toddler. It would be a relief for them to know that stuttering in toddlers is more common than they know. Parents should notice that their toddler…
Development3 min readThe treasures of childhood
Why toddlers hoard obejcts When you have a toddlers at home, it is always safe to check all the pockets of their clothes before you put them in washing machine. You may never know what they may have collected that day. It could be a piece of small chalk from school or a beetle…
School readiness4 min readUnfold Learning In First Three Years
Early language and literacy skills for infants and toddlers during their early developmental years Today, research supports the belief that it is important to help young children be ready for school with effective early literacy and learning skills strategies at home so that…
Language & literacy3 min readReasons To Make Bedtime Stories A Habit
Many parents and grandparents who have made bedtimes stories for their toddlers a habit have a reason to rejoice since knowingly or unknowingly they have established a routine which helps in the development of the toddler to a great extent. Today, many professionals are pointing…
Development3 min readWarning Signs of Developmental Delay
As mothers, you prepare for the rigorous process of childbirth, follow all types of do’s and don’ts, and then it hits you that your journey has only just begun with the birth of your little bundle of joy! As you admire your creation in your arms, a lot of questions pop in your…
Baby care & health3 min readWarning Signs of a Hearing Problem in a Baby
Hearing is a very important aspect of very child’s overall development as it helps the child learn and understand its environment. Hearing impairment of any kind can lead to lack of language skills. Hence is necessary to identify the problem as early as infancy. Hearing problems…
Development7 min readWhat is fine motor and gross motor skills ?
Motors skills are the ability of a child to use her muscles. Let us try to understand motor skills further, in detail. Motor skills are categorized into Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills. Fine Motor skills involve the use of smaller muscle group like those of the fingers wrists…
Autism6 min readCan an autistic person sense that they are autistic?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many…
Autism3 min readHow to Manage an Autistic Meltdown?
A meltdown is a difficult situation to handle for most parents because they occur when the child becomes stressed out, upset or over stimulated. When a child with autism has a meltdown, it is equally stressful for parents. Therefore, it is important to develop an effective way…
Autism7 min readFamous People with Autism
Many individuals with autism are talented and make unique contributions to the world. There are many famous people throughout history that have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The diagnoses of ASD among celebrities have been recorded from public statements or…
Baby care & health1 min readWonder foods for moms and babies
Legumes - include lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, soybeans and peanuts. Legumes are excellent plant-based sources of fiber, protein, iron, folate (B9) and calcium, all of which the body needs more of during pregnancy. Folate, one of the B-vitamins (B9), is very important for…
Development3 min readChild and Caregiver Bonding
Bonding is the forming of a mutual emotional attachment between the caregiver and the child. In a way it is giving unconditional love by the parent to the child. It helps in the child developing a sense of security and in establishing emotional intimacy and in helping children…
Behaviour & parenting2 min readHelp your child set learning goals
Parenting doesn’t end ever even when the children grow up. It is a continuous process. We have to devise methods to help our children attain their goals, in a best possible manner which is easy for the child and relaxing for the parents too. How can we achieve this? Here are few…
School readiness5 min readTools for learning
The natural way for a child to learn is through play. For children play and learning go hand in hand; they will benefit from learning situations that are enjoyable. By using building blocks, working with jigsaws and threading toys, and matching colours, textures and shapes,…
Baby care & health4 min readWhat to look for in a crèche for a young infant and toddlers
The family fabric in India has undergone a sea of change especially in the middle class urban society. There are more and more working women and no longer the luxury of having grandparents to look after the infant and toddlers are available. Therefore children are sent to baby…
Development3 min readWell begun is half done
Well begun is half done? How many of us realise that this holds good for how we nurture our children in their formative years of infancy. I am sure you want your child to grow up to be a confident, happy, responsible, and friendly, be good in studies, be innovative so on and so…
Baby care & health3 min readBest Nutrition for New Born
GOOD NUTRITION FOR YOUR BABY Appropriate and healthy feeding of your baby is very important during the first year of life. More growth occurs during the first year than any other time in your child’s life. For the first six months, breast milk or formula is all that is needed.…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readChild's Imaginary Friends - Developmental Perspective
Malhar’s imaginary friends and how they help him to manage his emotions Malhar’s parents mentioned an incident, which, if looked into carefully, opens up a Pandora’s Box in Child Behaviour. One weekend they were enjoying a classical piano concert with a friend at home with…
Behaviour & parenting3 min readDisciplining Toddlers
How much discipline is too much/too less? Toddlers are known to throw tantrums and dissolve into puddle of tears at the drop of hat, likewise they can wring out tears from their parents eyes as well. At times they can just be so irritating that the caretakers may have to bring…
Language & literacy3 min readEarly Vocabulary Skills
Early Vocabulary Skills is the best available predictor of later academic success of your child Every mom and dad wish and pray thousand times that the first words that comes out of their baby’s mouth be their name. The joy of hearing the first ‘mama’ ‘dada’ ‘papa’ or ‘amma’ can…
Play & activities8 min readGames While Traveling With Children
Dear parents I’m sure you all have been travelling quite often, especially on the weekends when you are with your family and children. It’s obvious that children do not want to stay at home. I appreciate that they require and yearn your time and company to grow in a wholesome…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readHow to Direct Your Child’s behaviour
Importance of understanding how children respond to rewards and punishments It was the American Behavioural psychologist B.F. Skinner who brought to the notice of the world the effect of both positive and negative reinforcement in children. Even though parents knew that children…
Development3 min readThe Truth Behind Terrible Twos
One moment your toddler is an angel putting her dolls away after playing with them, the next she is drowned in the pool of her own tears for some silly reason. Welcome to the world of Terrible Twos. Children are demanding, whining, crying, frustrating and confusing throughout…
Autism3 min readManaging Autism At home
Autism is not curable, but that does not mean it is not Treatable Parents are devastated when they hear the world autism, more than anything else the reason could be that they do not understand the term at all. We cannot blame the parents here, because, even though medical…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readPacifiers – Your child’s early friend
What should every parent know about pacifiers Once the baby starts wailing out loud, people around will confuse the mother with suggestions that she should give pacifier to the baby, whereas others would suggest that it would be completely wrong to do so. The new mother, who is…
Language & literacy3 min readPrint Motivation- Love Of books
Let your child enjoy reading for better learning Print Motivation, one of crucial early literacy skills, builds interest in and enjoyment of books and reading in a child. In today’s world of technology and multimedia, parents wonder whether it is necessary to create love of…
Development3 min readTackling Natural Separation Anxiety In Toddlers
Though there is something called separation anxiety disorder in children, not every anxiety, clinginess, tantrums or crying when the loved person is out of sight is abnormal behaviour. In fact, it is natural for a toddler to feel anxious when the caretaker is out of sight and…
Development3 min readThe zone of proximal development
Know when to help and when not to help your child Lev Vygotsky, a Russian socio-cultural psychologist observed that there is a fine line dividing the developmental areas of children, differentiating an actually achieved level performance and the one that can be achieved with the…
School readiness3 min readIs your baby ready for preschool?
In today’s world where both the parents are working, parents are eager to send the child to pre-school as soon as possible. Some parents have a tough choice to make when the enrollment for the pre-school starts after the summer. Do we send our baby to preschool this term? Shall…
Baby care & health3 min readSocial emotional development: 3 Things every Baby needs!
Emotional need and learning of your baby begin as early as in your womb. The social and emotional development of the child begins at a very young age when they discover and experience different emotions and relations as they interact with the environment around them. Early…
Development4 min readWarning Signs of a Physical Developmental Delay
As mothers, we prepare for the rigorous process childbirth, follow all types do’s and don’ts and then it hits you that your journey has only just begun with the birth of your little bundle of joy! As you admire your creation in your arms, a lot of questions pop in your mind. You…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readHow to Handle Child Tantrums?
Imagine a situation when you are at a mall and your little one throws a fit out of nowhere? Sound familiar? Yes indeed, a temper tantrum is an inevitable part of childhood! It's a natural occurrence. The only thing you need to do is stay calm and try to understand why. It's not…
Behaviour & parenting4 min readHow to stop baby from sucking the thumb?
Thumb sucking is a common behaviour exhibited by infants. It is mostly an inbuilt reflex in infants that help them breastfeed. Other than breastfeeding, infants use this reflex to self sooth and make themselves comfortable. It starts mostly at birth and continues till age 4. In…
Autism3 min readHow to Stop Flapping Behavior in Autistic Child
Certain autistic children have stimulatory repetitive behavior known as stereotypic behaviour or stimming. In children with autism, this usually refers to specific behaviors that include hand- flapping, rocking, spinning, or repetition of words and phrases. Here are few concepts…
Behaviour & parenting3 min readHow to Potty Train a Stubborn 3 Year Old Child
Potty training for a 3 year old child should be a must because the child is old enough for preschool, where diapers aren't usually allowed. This would be a challenging task to most of the parents. So here are a few steps to make your child interested in potty training: Step-1:…
Behaviour & parenting3 min readAre Children Growing Up Too Fast These Days?
Knowledge is a powerful tool in the hands of man. Knowledge can both help and hurt people, build and destroy relationships and help determine right from wrong. Because of its power, children are taught to seek knowledge at a rapid pace, which could lead to both a revolutionary…