Tantrums can be downright frustrating

Tantrums are the trademark of the toddler. They're equally common in boys and girls and usually occur from age 1 to age 3.Even the most good-natured toddler has an occasional temper tantrum. They're a normal part of development. Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. Toddlers are also trying to master their world and when they aren't able to accomplish a task, they often use one of the only tools at their disposal for venting frustration — a tantrum.
Several basic causes of tantrums are familiar to parents everywhere. The child is seeking attention or is tired, hungry, or uncomfortable. In addition, tantrums are often the result of kids' frustration with the world — they can't get something to do what they want.
The best way to deal with temper tantrums is to avoid them in the first place, whenever possible.
Make sure your child isn't acting up simply because he or she isn't getting enough attention. To a child, negative attention is better than no attention at all. Try to establish a habit of catching your child being good ,which means rewarding your little one with attention for positive behavior.
Try to give toddlers some control over little things. This may fulfill the need for independence and ward off tantrums. Offer minor choices that will make him/ her happy and satisfied.
Keep off-limits objects out of sight and out of reach to make struggles less likely to develop over them. Obviously, this isn't always possible, especially outside of the home where the environment can't be controlled.
Distract your child. Take advantage of your little one's short attention span by offering a replacement for the coveted object or beginning a new activity to replace the frustrating or forbidden one. Or simply change the environment. Take your toddler outside or inside or move to a different room.
Set the stage for success when kids are playing or trying to master a new task. Offer age-appropriate toys and games. Also, start with something simple before moving on to more challenging tasks.
Consider the request carefully when your child wants something. Is it outrageous? Maybe it isn't. Accommodate when you can.
Know your child's limits. If you know your toddler is tired, it's not the best time to go grocery shopping or try to squeeze in one more errand.
The most important thing to keep in mind when you're faced with a child in the throes of a tantrum, no matter what the cause, is simple and crucial: Keep cool. Don't complicate the problem with your own frustration. Instead, take deep breaths and try to think clearly.
Hitting and spanking don't help; physical tactics send the message that using force and physical punishment is OK. Instead, have enough self-control for both of you.
First, try to understand what's going on. Tantrums should be handled differently depending on the cause. It's a different situation when the tantrum stems from a child's being refused something. Toddlers have fairly rudimentary reasoning skills. Ignoring the outburst is one way to handle it — if the tantrum poses no threat to your child or others. Continue your activities, paying no attention to your child but remaining within sight. Don't leave your little one alone, though, otherwise he or she may feel abandoned on top of all of the other uncontrollable emotions.
Kids who are in danger of hurting themselves or others during a tantrum should be taken to a quiet, safe place to calm down. This also applies to tantrums in public places.
Older kids are more likely to use tantrums to get their way if they've learned that this behavior works. Once kids are school age, it's appropriate to send them to their rooms to cool off. Rather than setting a specific time limit, parents can tell them to stay in the room until they've has regained control. The former option is empowering — kids can affect the outcome by their own actions, thereby gaining a sense of control that was lost during the tantrum.
Remember, tantrums usually aren't cause for concern and generally diminish on their own. As kids mature developmentally and their grasp of themselves and the world increases, their frustration levels decrease.

How to use television in the healthiest way?

Television is one thing that keeps us from doing the things we want to do with our children. No matter what kind of educational programme they are watching, it’s very important to think about the precedents you are setting when you introduce television to your child. Pediatricians worldwide recommend no television or very little television for young children. Most parents raise self- entertaining child. Instead consider spending quality time with your child and consider teaching your child how to use television in the healthiest way.

Few parents want their children to grow up couch potatoes or television monsters. If they want them to read, play, get exercise and have hobbies, they should practice and teach planned television watching. Turn the television on only when you have a specific program or show to watch, and then turn it off.

Children want to be with their parents. Move television into a less central part of the house, so that collective viewing is more difficult. Remember the possibilities of radio, music, or even books on tape for diversion. Save your own TV-watching until after the child has gone to bed.

Television uses little of your brain. It can be soothing to an over-tired or ill child. But use television for specific purposes or make the family fun special.

While your child watches television, most of the brain is inactive. He is not moving, talking, feeling or exploring or using his senses. It could be improved, if you watch along and expand on what is happening conversationally. You can neutralize at least some negatives of television watching.

It inhibits language development. Even the better shows rely on visuals at the expense of talk. Kids who are used to television may have a hard time developing their communication and language. Having it on permanently in the background can hinder listening skills. There's evidence that children's social skills don't develop as well if they have less chance to play and interact.

Research has pointed to late-night television viewing as a prime cause of disturbed sleep. Winding down with a familiar story is best at bedtime.

If possible, show your child commercial free television channels or videos. Television introduces your child to the world of commercials and the hard sell.

Television takes away time that families could spend talking, learning, being together. Treasure your family time.

It is unrealistic to say 'don't watch at all', but sensible discussion of limits should be encouraged. Try to limit television to no more than half an hour a day for the under-twos and an hour a day for three to five-year-olds. Managed and in moderation, television can be helpful to young children's language and emotional development.

The Little Artist

Today, I pulled out the art supplies for my son. The messy ones that I had kept inside the cabinet. As I watched him work, I was struck by his imagination and skill. He sloshes paint and water around. He is happy with the process. He portrays himself and his family and friends, both real and imaginary. He draws and colours flowers and animals, nature and toys. He produces many paintings and declares each of them so damn good he doesn't know which one is the best. Sometimes, it’s crayons, other times it’s water colour or acrylic or pastels or sketch pens that this little artist uses. Sometimes he would be trying out finger painting or imprinting .At times he uses brush and at other times, it will be a straw or a stick or something else.

One day, he was explaining why he has used different colours for his paintings. “Only if I use different colours, people will buy my painting mama”. The high messiness quotient is worth his enjoyment and interest.

There are certain days he gets bored with drawing and painting and develops interest in joining the dots or listening to stories. When I introduced him to paper mache, he loved it. We both have made few things like a mask, a bow for him, a tribal art painting, a pen stand, few bowls, etc. He also liked making a photo frame, a basket and a letter holder from ice cream sticks. He proudly walked around telling everybody, when he made a Christmas tree card and decorated it beautifully. He took it to his preschool. He also made cards for his grandparents. He creates something for his friends, parents and grand parents to give as gifts.

Finding enough alternate activities that fit our budget, busy schedule, energy level as well as the attention span and abilities of our child isn’t easy. But with little innovativeness and interest, one can see lot of things available at home and around, which could be used as a child artist’s tool or medium. Much of the fun lies in experimenting, adapting, and trying the unexpected. These type of activities not only teach you about your kid’s capabilities, and interests, but also about your own. These activities also entertain and
educate a child and themselves.

Watching the child take an activity in a new and creative direction is indeed one of the great joys of parenthood. There is no right way to play. Whatever the child determines is the course of action.