Does your child’s smile light up your life?

Yes of course it does.

Do want to see your child smiling and laughing all the time?

Of course you do.

Every parent longs to have a happy child. It is heart breaking to see children sad and annoying to see them sulking. But as much as parents hate it – those are the expressions they most frequently encounter.

So what is the recipe for childhood happiness? Why does your child not look happy even though you are doing ‘everything’?

What should you do?


1.       Be happy yourself

Yes you want smiles to greet you whenever you turn to look. But how often do you smile?

Moods are contagious!

If annoyance, irritability and worry – are all that your face displays all the time, that is what you will find reflected in your child’s face.

Remind yourself to smile. Laugh whenever you have a chance. And remember that nothing ever got better by worrying about it.


2.       Encourage children to build relationships

“Don’t cry – I’ll get you one – just for you”

Have you heard yourself saying that every time you’ve found your child in conflict with another child or even yourself for something?

It may not really be the right thing to do.

Affluence is isolating. The more ‘things’ one has – the less one needs ‘people’. When there are more things – there are fewer conflicts – but that means fewer interactions as well. And therefore fewer relationships.

‘Relationships’ are what truly bring happiness. It is important to learn how to build and maintain relationships.

Teach children qualities like kindness, sharing and empathy that will help them in this.


3.       Allow children to express their emotions

In the adult world emotions need to be kept safely wrapped up in attractive if fake smiles. But the kiddie world is different.

The rules and decorum of the adult world cannot and should not be applied to children.

Children are emotional creatures and need to express their negative emotions as openly and immediately as their positive emotions. It is wrong to expect children to internalize and put a lid on their negative emotions in order to exhibit ‘perfect’ behaviour.

It is difficult for children to stifle their free flowing emotions and it causes them stress that they cannot handle.


4.       Do not overschedule your child’s life

Inventing, creating and day dreaming is what childhood is all about.

When you find - “Hurry up – don’t waste time” becoming the key phrase in your conversations with your child – you can be sure that things are on their way to going horribly wrong.

Hurrying children, herding them from one class to another – and compelling them to live within the rigid structure of what needs to be accomplished on a particular day causes damaging childhood stress and intense unhappiness.


5.       Do not pressurize children to perform

 Constantly harping on performance and focusing on end results builds anxiety. When you teach your child that happiness hinges on success – he / she is constantly hounded by the fear of failure.

It is very important to emphasize the importance of effort and not performance.

Children need to be taught that real happiness comes from ‘doing’ – from ‘being able to do’.

 They need to realize that success is a by-product of unrelenting effort. And that each step of the effortful journey that paves the way for success - should be celebrated – not just the arrival at the destination.  

Your child will a child only once.

Be yourself – let your children be themselves – keep childhood unfettered – bask in the sunshine of kiddie smiles.

Quiz time

 Do you know that bugs can be present even in food that is not visibly spoilt?

 Do you know that many of these invisible bugs can cause food poisoning?

 And do you know that just following a few ground rules while cooking and eating can ensure that you never suffer from food poisoning?

If you don’t – it is time to find out.

Food Poisoning is ugly

Bugs can contaminate any food that is not properly cleaned, cooked and stored. You can get food poisoning when you eat or drink something with these harmful bugs in it. Stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea and less frequently fever headache and body ache follow which can lead to dehydration and exhaustion.

Looks are deceptive

Food that is contaminated by food poisoning bugs will not necessarily look or smelled spoiled. Food spoiling bugs cause decay which is visible. These bugs are different from the bugs that cause food borne diseases. The bugs causing food poisoning can be present in food that smells and tastes good and so it is vital not to abandon the golden rules.

Kitchen rules you should follow

Whether you cook yourself or employ someone to cook for you, ensure that the “Clean, Cook, Chill and Separate” mantra is diligently followed.

 Clean

Wash everything thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, using the toilet, changing a diaper or touching a pet animal. Also clean all raw food and chopping boards thoroughly.

Cook

Cook everything for long periods to ensure that no area remains raw. When reheating and cooking ready to eat food, heat until the food is steaming hot. Inadequately micro waved food breeds food poisoning bugs. 

Chill

Chill everything that is perishable (including eggs) in a refrigerator that is functioning well. Food left on counter tops for long periods is dangerous as are perishables stored beyond 4 days. When defrosting, defrost in a refrigerator or in cold water – never at Room Temperature. If you are using the microwave, cook the defrosted food immediately.

Separate

Never mix raw and cooked food as bugs can easily move from raw to cooked food. Also use separate chopping boards and knives for vegetables and meat.

When shopping, use plastic bags to separate the raw meat, poultry and seafood from other groceries in your shopping cart. Their juices must not come into contact with other food.

Stay healthy – stay safe.