Month: July 2025

The first concept on my website is Know Yourself.
Dr. Dan Siegel in his book, MindSight, talks about the wheel of awareness, explaining how to use mindfulness to focus our attention to cultivate knowing your own self. This is very important because when we are fully aware of our feelings while addressing issues with our child, we are in a different space! a space of calm energy, which has much better outcomes. We must be aware of our thresholds of patience, tolerance, flexibility, openness, and acceptance. These assets hold us in a good place. It is like having a firm foundation to be able to give and to understand. There are many ways to strengthen these qualities, some of which are practicing mindful breathing, self compassion, and many more. Not only education experts but doctors, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist and research on Epigenetics and
Neuroplasticity is clearly proving that you can make changes by expanding the field of awareness and insight with different practices, like breathing, tai chi, yoga, body scans, and many more. When we have a deep understanding of ourselves we have stronger relationships with the most important people in our life, including our child.

“Foods and moods “ an article I read years ago and regular visits to a nutritionist taught me how food impacts the brain and the body. Recent studies have proved that there is a close link between the gut biome and neurons. As a parent, you owe healthy eating habits to your child. It is important to get fully informed about healthy eating, read the nutritional labels and understand what they mean, know the right portions, have knowledge about different food groups, learn some cooking skills and involve your child every step of the way so that they have a healthy relationship with food. In a podcast on nutrition, registered dietitian and education specialist , Gina Wimmer, says that babies who are above the average body weight at birth are at a greater risk for developing diabetes, obesity, etc.

Therefore, it is important to establish healthy eating habits and set a routine for physical activity early on in life. Lifestyle matters , “little bites for healthy lives “ is a very important choice for parents to make for themselves and for their little ones. Pediatric registered dietitian , Cynthia Scott shares a supportive and practical guidance on common pediatric nutrition, like when to start solids, what to serve, how much to serve, how to handle picky eaters and why variety in food matters. Experts on Nutrition say that the best way to raise strong happy and healthy children starts with “what on their plate. “ Use the foods super powers and turn meal times into a joyful time “ one bite at a time”. Just remember that vegetables, whole grains, proteins and fats are slow energy foods, keep learning about the nutritional value of different food groups and serve your child from all food groups, be mindful and respect the taste buds, offer choices to your child . You will notice there are no tantrums and less fussing and everyone can enjoy that precious meal time.

When you think about it, your best relationships are based on how you use your words to communicate with others. It does not mean you have to agree or praise the other person all the time, but it does mean how you choose your words when expressing descent with an adult or if you were to redirect your child. This brings me back to the first concept of my website, Know Thyself because when you are fully aware of your own thresholds, you are better able to manage triggers with young children. These triggers come frequently throughout the day, specially during transitions, meal time, nap time and bedtime but by being aware and by being mindful of yourself you can have complete agency of choosing your words wisely . With mindfulness a lot can be accomplished. First of all , it is best to understand the pull and push between autonomy and conformity.
The human brain is designed to push autonomy over conformity. Your child is not “being bad “when they push for their way, the best approach is, I work with you you work with me. You will reap many benefits from this approach. Also make it a practice to pick your battles . You will notice that when you establish an energy field and space with kind and thoughtful words, guidance and redirection will be easier and smooth.
You will notice there will be more cooperation and compliance from your child. Good communication always leads to success. Here are a few examples of how positive words can be used.

1. It’s lunchtime and we will be putting our things away in five minutes.
2. What would you like to put away first the blocks or the books?
3. I will appreciate if you try some beans
4. We will be reading only two books before bedtime. You can choose both the books.
5. you can go pick out your pajamas you would like to wear for bedtime.
   
   Note, the point here is that if you use positive words, there will be less friction less arguments and less tantrums.