Children and Television

Children between the ages two and 11 spend an average of one full day per week watching television. This is a very familiar scenario in many Indian homes today. With both parents away at work, in the urban, middle class families this trend is very common. Even when parents are at home, watching television is still the favoured family pastime. Research shows that on an average, a typical Indian household has the television set turned on for about seven hours each day. Kids and teenagers between six to 17 watch three to four hours of television a day. Watching television is a passive event. Children and adults remain completely immobile while viewing televisions. Most of these viewing experiences are quiet and non – interactive. Children absorb millions of images from the television set depending upon his choices.

What are the guidelines for watching TV?

Here are some of the guidelines to help you judge what kind of programmes will be beneficial for your children.

Television is fine when it deals with:

 

• Promotion of creativity and critical thinking
• Engages children to think and ask questions
• Encourages positive behaviours
• Encourages your child to read
• Reinforces the values that are important to you
• Inspires them to learn more
• Helps them to appreciate other cultures
• Entertains your children

Television is a problem when:

 

• Exposes children to violence as a means of problem solving
• Occupies too much of your their time
• Introduces subject matter that is not appropriate for children
• Allures children to buy different products
• It might promote negative behaviours

Can TV be a worthwhile teacher?

Moderate amounts of television viewing may be beneficial for the child, depending entirely on the type of programmes the child is watching, and the kind of supervision they are getting from their parents. Television can teach a child about the world and about people that they may not have access to. There are quite a few interesting as well as very informative programmes on television. A well – guided television viewing increases the general vocabulary of the child, provides the opportunities for them to learn about all kinds of things, which helps them in making choices regarding the area of interest. They get exposure to a wide range of activities that they may not get a chance to encounter. Television is probably the most effective of all media that aims to create social awareness.

Some tips for balanced viewing:

 

• Work together to keep a time chart of your child’s activities, including television viewing, homework, and play with friends. Then discuss what you believe to be a balanced set of activities.
• Set a weekly viewing limit. At the beginning of the week have your child select programmes you approve fit for watching.
• Encourage planned viewing. Have programme choices in mind before turning the set on so that it does not hamper their studies.
• Remember that children learn from their parents. If you watch a lot of television, the chances are that your child will also develop the same habit.
• If you want to improve the quality, look for the programmes that are designed for your child’s age group.
• It is very important to balance entertainment with other activities for the all round development of your child.

How is television linked to violence?

The risk of viewing any form of violence on television is that the child learns to behave in a violent manner. However viewing television violence does not necessarily cause a child to act in a violent manner, but can contribute to promoting a view that violence is common and acceptable in everyday life.

Research done study the effects of brutality in television programmes
on aggression in children, showed that the group of children who were exposed to violent television programmes exhibited a noticeably greater degree of aggression towards their toys and other children. On the other hand, the group that was not allowed to watch violent programmes displayed less aggression.


What should parents do?

It is important that parents limit the hours that a child watches television, besides censoring what he watches. Television should not be allowed to interfere with meal times and sleeping hours. Parents should work out a timetable for watching television with their children. This should reduce the need for parents to constantly nag their children about watching television.

Television need not be viewed solely as a negative force. It has its advantages. Even if a child is watching a good educational programme, he will not learn as much if he is watching alone. If he is watching with another child or an adult who makes comments or asks questions about the programme, this will help the child to develop new ideas. Children who are interested in a particular programme may be motivated to read more about the subject of these programmes or question adults about it.

Parents have to resign themselves to the fact that television is here to stay. So they just have to learn to deal with the problem.

 

10 safety Tips for those living alone

 

 

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1.Keep personal information personal -


Do not give out your mobile number or address to strangers. This thwarts unwanted visits or calls from people with dubious motives. Request to be de-listed from bank directories and club lists.
   
2.Answering the doorbell? Stay alert -


A peephole is a must, as is a security chain attached to the door. Home deliveries should be attended to at the door, so keep your money ready before opening it. Apply the same rule to ALL strangers.
   
3.Observe your surroundings -


When choosing a home to rent, make sure the path to your home is well lit. Report non-functional streetlights in your society and ensure that fused bulbs in your building are replaced instantly. Dark places can encourage crime, so watch out.
   

4.Be an alert traveller -


I never wear headphones while travelling late; it cuts me off from the outside world and may give the impression that I am not alert, making me seem vulnerable.

- If you are using public transport, avoid discussing personal details on the phone. Be watchful about being followed and take a self-defence course if possible. While driving alone, lock yourself up in the car and don't ever give lifts to strangers. Bipin Doshi, an executive producer with Sahara One who often travels late, has a useful tip: "Don't let the cab driver take a 'shortcut' through unknown lanes and be more careful if he has been chatty along the way."

- Ruchika Agarwal, an art director who has been living in Mumbai on her own says, "I never share taxis with strangers at night and always keep my cell phone charged while on the move. I also carry pepper spray. I may sound paranoid, but I don't there's anything wrong with being concerned for your safety."

If a situation arises, remember the eyes are the most vulnerable part of the body, so attack a predator there. The neck and knees are the next two sensitive areas. You may be weaker than your predator but, if you make some smart moves, you can escape.


5.Keep friends, colleagues and family informed -

Make sure they all have your home address. Keep a friend's number on speed dial. If possible, alert one or two friends about your late night schedule so they can raise an alarm if they can't reach you for a while. If you are travelling out of town, keep your family and friends informed, and call them when you get back.
 

6.Secure your home -

Make sure to lock your door before stepping out, even if it is for just five minutes. Get a good branded lock and fix new ones when moving into a new place (with the permission of the landlord, of course). This will ensure that previous tenants can't sneak in.
   
7.Be careful with your keys -

Keep car and house keys separate. I make it a point never to give my bunched house and car keys to valet parking attendants at clubs. These keys can easily be duplicated, while your address can be obtained from your car's licence plate. Also, while duplicating your house keys, stand and get it done yourself instead of coming back to pick it up later. Ensure the key-maker is not making two sets. Do not hide keys under the doormat, over the ledge of the door or in the garden, and never leave them with security guards at your housing society.
   
8.Hiring house help? -

When you move into a new place, do not hire the first maid who walks into your house or one willing to charge the least money. Talk to the neighbours if possible. Hiring a maid referred by a trusted neighbour could be your best bet. It is also a good idea to register her details with the nearest police station.
 

9.If you get locked out -


Keep a duplicate set of keys with a friend who lives nearby. You could also keep a pair in your office drawer, which must be kept locked. If your landlord lives nearby, you can borrow his or her copy for an emergency, but that means you need his or her number on your cell phone.
 
10.Going out of town? -


Shut all windows and doors, switch off all lights and electrical appliances. You could consider keeping the lights at the entrance on, to illuminate possible hiding places around your house. Avoid leaving keys behind with neighbours not well known to you. The bottom line is, be smart and you stay safe.

I am pregnant. Can I...

..wear high heels?

The old wives tale "Don't wear high heels when you're pregnant" is often trotted out when a heavily expectant celebrity, such as Jennifer Lopez - who gave birth to twins recently - steps out in sky-high Jimmy Choos. But it's just a myth.

There is no health reason why pregnant women can't wear high heels. People often warn against it but there's no medical reason to back that up. The only health risk would be tripping up or rolling over in heels - pregnant women have a change in their centre of gravity, so they're a bit more wobbly on their feet.

Just be extra careful and don't wear heels you're not used to.

VERDICT: YES

..exercise?

Newly-pregnant Nicole Kidman has been photographed working out recently. So is the fitness-mad star putting her baby's health at risk? No, not at all. It's perfectly okay for pregnant women to exercise. In fact, it will boost their health and help them get back in shape after the birth.

However, there are a few precautions. First of all, you should only do what you're used to doing. If you usually do aerobics and weights, then carry on. But don't start a new fitness regime once you're pregnant. Avoid running – your baby will be taking lots of the calcium from your body, so running will have even more of an impact on your joints and bones when you're pregnant.

Tennis, horse riding and cycling should also be avoided for safety reasons. But you can walk, swim or do low-impact aerobics as much as you like. Just make sure you tell your instructor, if you have one, as soon as possible and stop if you feel uncomfortable.

VERDICT: YES

..drink alcohol?

Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz caused a storm last year when she said she had no problem with pregnant women drinking alcohol after three months.

Health departments around the world are for women to avoid alcohol while they're pregnant. On balance, if a light, infrequent drinker, in general good health, drinks to the point of drunkenness on one occasion, the risk is small.

VERDICT: NO

..smoke even once?

An American reality TV star recently admitted to smoking throughout all three of her pregnancies. And the star, who is currently pregnant with her fourth child, is still puffing away. Some doctors often advise: 'If you're more stressed about not having a cigarette then you're better off just having one'.

But even one fag can have an effect. You should never smoke during pregnancy. And here's why: for every cigarette you smoke while pregnant, the blood flow to your baby gets reduced by 15 per cent, causing its heart rate to go up. It's simply not worth the risk.

If the pregnancy is unplanned and you're a smoker, then get help immediately.

VERDICT: NO

..eat fish or cheese?

There are so many studies about pregnancy diets these days that it is confounding to believe all of them. If recent ones are to be believed, pregnant women should avoid oily fish, and they've been warned off soft cheeses for years. Disproportionate amounts of fish shouldn't be eaten during pregnancy and neither should camembert or blue cheese, because of the listeria risk. Raw fish and shellfish are also a no-no because of the food poisoning risk. Many of them around Mumbai come from questionable sources. Also, pregnant women should limit their intake of swordfish and tuna because of the mercury content which can be harmful to unborn babies. Many food authorities suggest women have just two portions of oily fish a week.

VERDICT: NO

Pregnancy and a career

Pregnancy is a unique experience. It is also a period when the woman needs to take maximum care of her health under expert medical supervision.

Although working outside the home is a personal decision taken by the parents-to-be, there should be certain things that should be kept in mind to ensure safety for the mother and the baby.

Should the mother work?

Most working women do not immediately stop working as soon as they come to know of their pregnancy. The question remains here whether they should continue to work or not. Another confusing issue that most women face is the dilemma about when they should stop working. Though there is no hard and fast rule regarding this, most women stop some time in their last trimester depending on their comfort.

Some professions which may be harmful to the mother and the baby are:

• Industries where the mother is exposed to very loud sounds
• Factories producing harmful chemicals, fabrics or where conditions of smoke and dust prevail
• Strenuous sports like athletics
• Jobs involving irregular shift timings.

How can stress be relieved at work?

Though all stress reducing mechanisms are essentially the same, pregnant women should take extra care. If it is possible, the pregnant woman should ask for a change in her department. If that is not possible, some of the following measures can be taken:

• She should take frequent breaks to rest in order to avoid fatigue.
• If the job requires sitting for long periods of time, she should get up periodically and take a short stroll.
• While sitting, a comfortable chair should be chosen which also takes care of the mother's posture. She should put her feet on a stool so that swelling in her legs does not occur.
• Deep breathing and light exercises may help.
• Listening to light music may also be helpful.
• She should drink plenty of water throughout the day. This not only helps to keep the skin healthy, but also ensures that swelling does not occur.
• Clothing should be loose and comfortable to allow passage of air.
  The amount of work should be kept manageable and some fixed timings should be maintained.

What are the provisions for maternity leave?

Every organisation has provisions for a specified period of time that is designated as maternity leave. This may vary form 3-6 months and is usually a paid leave. However, though leave may be granted, most women may have to undergo subtle discrimination once her colleagues come to know that she is pregnant. Thus, it is a good idea to tell the immediate supervisor about the pregnancy. This makes it easier to dispel any doubts or misunderstandings between the employer and the employee. In India, usually a maternity leave is for 12 weeks and the employer pays for the leave. In case of a miscarriage, a woman is entitled to 6 weeks paid leave from the day of the miscarriage.

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

The Central Government passed the Maternity Benefit Act in 1961 which extends to the whole of India, and to every establishment belonging to the government – industrial, commercial or agricultural. It provides for certain benefits which are granted to a woman during her pregnancy. Also she cannot be dismissed from service on account of her pregnancy.

The maximum permissible period of maternity leave is 12 weeks, with 6 weeks leave to be taken before delivery and 6 weeks immediately after the child is born. A woman can ask for light work before she goes off on leave. The employer cannot reduce her salary in this scenario. The maternity benefits can only be withdrawn if the employee joins some other organisation during that time.

 

 

7 reasons not to mess with a child

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"
******
A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales. The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small. The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale. Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible. The little girl said, "When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah". The teacher asked, "What if Jonah went to hell?" The little girl replied, "Then you ask him".
******

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's work.. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, "I'm drawing God." The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or loo king up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."
******

The children had all been photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the group picture. "Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, He's a doctor.' A small voice at the back of the room rang out, "And there's the teacher, She's dead."
******

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said, "Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.. " "Yes," the class said. "Then why is it that while I am standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?" A little fellow shouted, "Cause your feet ain't empty."
******

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and posted on the apple tray: "Take only ONE. God is watching." Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile of chocolate chipcookies. A child had written a note, "Take all you want. God is watching the apples.

 

 

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.

The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen. In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor. Would a C-section be required?

Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born. But she was in very serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St.Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inched by.

The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst. Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their house for their new baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral. Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. I want to sing to her, he kept saying.

Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids are never allowed in Intensive Care.

Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not.If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive.She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket. The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of here now. No children are allowed."

The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line.

"He is not leaving until he sings to his sister" she stated.

Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing.

In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray."

Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael,"

Encouraged Karen with tears in her eyes. "You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away. " As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr.

"Keep on singing, sweetheart."
"The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms". Michael's little sister began to relax and rest, healing rest, seemed to sweep over her. "Keep on singing, Michael." Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my sunshine away..." The next, day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home.

Woman's Day Magazine called it The Miracle of a Brother's Song.

The medical staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God's love.

NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.

Life is good. Have a Wonderful Day!

 

MONTHLY GUIDE FOR PREGNANCY

MONTHLY GUIDE FOR PREGNANCY

 

 

Learning you are pregnant is a joyous occasion. For the next nine months, you will go through many changes. Although each woman's pregnancy is different, this month-by-month guide can help you plan for some of the changes that may occur.

·  Month One, Two, and Three ·  Month Four ·  Month Five ·  Month Six ·  Month Seven ·  Month Eight ·  Month Nine

Month One, Two, and Three

Your Body By the end of the third month, you may have gained several pounds. You may feel very tired due to hormonal changes. Plan to get extra rest, sneaking in naps when you can and slow down. You should feel more energetic by the end of the third month. You may need to urinate more frequently now. This is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, and again right before your baby is born. For greater comfort, start wearing loosely fitting clothes. See your health care provider by the second month to confirm your pregnancy. Regular check-ups will be scheduled for your prenatal care. "Morning Sickness" Nausea sometimes occurs early in pregnancy and usually goes away after the third month. Although it is called "morning sickness," it can happen any time of the day or night or you may never experience nausea. Your Diet Calcium, Fruits and Vegetables and Water Calcium is very important for both you and your baby's bones and teeth. An easy way to include calcium in your diet is to eat and drink pasturized dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and bran cereal to make sure your bowel movements are regular. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Your Feelings Talk to your partner about how you are feeling. Ask for help, especially if you are tired. During this time you may be feel overweight and clumsy. Remember the extra weight is preparing your body for pregnancy and breastfeeding. During pregnancy, it is common to have mood swings in your feelings about sex. It is not harmful to have sexual relations during pregnancy, but check with your healthcare provider about sexual activity during this time.

Month Four

Your Body You may notice that you have more energy. Nausea and fatigue may stop. You may also notice that your belly looks larger because the baby has grown. Your Diet During pregnancy, your need for iron increases. To be sure you get enough iron, eat meats, leafy green vegetables, whole grain breads, dried fruits and beans. Childbirth Preparation Classes Childbirth classes should begin in month seven. Register now since classes fill up early.

Month Five

Your Body Changes in your circulation require that you to stand and move often. Continue to do this throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. Your breasts may begin to leak a yellowish fluid called colostrum in preparation for breastfeeding and you may begin to feel the baby move during this month. Your Diet Be sure to eat food rich in Vitamin C. Your body does not store Vitamin C, so it is important to get a fresh supply every day. Good sources of Vitamin C are oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes. Choosing a Health Care Provider for your Baby Before you are admitted to the hospital to the hospital, you need to decide who will care for your baby after the delivery. This is a good time in your pregnancy to start looking for a health care provider for your baby if you have not already chosen one. Talk to your friends and ask them if they are happy with the health care provider who cares for their children. Many pediatricians and family care physicians will meet with you before your baby is born and let you interview them. It is a good idea to select someone that close to where you live!

Month Six

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Your feet may swell during the latter stages of pregnancy. Putting your feet up may help reduce any ankle swelling. Shop for wide, comfortable shoes, preferably with a flat heel. Your Diet You may crave certain foods or find that other foods smell or taste bad, even if you like them before you were pregnant. If this happens, try to find substitutes that provide the right nutrients. Hospital Pre-Registration If you have not already pre-registered at the hospital you will be delivering at, this is a good time to do so. Check with your health care provider or call the hospital directly for pre-registration information.

Month Seven

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. You may tire more easily. Again, ask for help. If you work, try to work shorter hours or a more flexible schedule if possible. Rest when you can. Your Feelings Mood swings and increased irritability are common during the last three months of pregnancy. Be sure to discuss your feelings with your partner. Childbirth Preparation Classes Begin childbirth preparation classes with your partner. These classes provide useful information on labor and birth, and what to expect.

Month Eight

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Increases in frequency of urination, backaches, anxiety, heartburn, and shortness of breath occur at this time. Shop for larger maternity clothes, if necessary. You will be growing quite a bit these last few weeks. Your Diet What you eat is still important. If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking something warm and lying on your side with pillows to support your body. Taking a warm shower before bed also helps to relax you and make you sleepy.

Month Nine

Your Body You may gain 3-4 pounds this month. Your stomach may change shape as the baby begins to position itself for birth. It may be easier to breathe now, but you may have to urinate more often. Get plenty of rest! Hospital Stay Make arrangements for your hospital stay. Keep important phone numbers and papers close by. Pack your bag for the hospital, and plan how you will get there at different times of the day or night. Make sure you have everything you will need when you come home from the hospital, such as food and diapers.