Rainbow Kiddies

In this podcast, we’re going to be discussing Erikson’s Development Stages and how they relate to child development.

This podcast is going to provide you with some valuable information about child development. It will also tell you how to best support your child during each stage. So, if you’re looking to learn more about child development and how to support your child through various growth stages, then this podcast is for you!

Though there are many theories that explain child development, the one I found most useful was Erikson’s Psychosocial theory. This podcast explains every important stage in a child’s life using this theory – infancy, early childhood, preschool, school age and adolescence (teenage). Further, it also gives a quick glimpse of the adult stages. This podcast will also guide you on how to support social and emotional development of a child right.

Unless there is an issue, children’s mental development and growth does not get discussed generally. Physical development is what takes up most of the discussion space. It is important to understand that the former is equally important too and parents can do the most in ensuring their children’s healthy mental development also.

At several junctures in our life we end up wondering why we are the way we are. While all of it is not easy to explain, most of it is. Listen to this podcast to understand more.

Read our article on this topic to know more about child development (psychological or mental)

The post Child Development and Growth – Parents can be their Best Help! first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Listen to this podcast to understand how to build assertiveness in yourself and in children. Part 1 of the podcast was meant to help you understand more about the different types of communication styles and why assertive communication is the best of them all. We had also spoken about the benefits of being assertive and how important it is for a successful and happy life. Meanwhile, in part 2 you will get to listen about how to nurture assertiveness in yourself and your children, or any child for that matter.

As already discussed in part 1, assertiveness is a communication skill. Also, like any other skill it gets better with practice. Every human at any stage of life needs this skill to lead a happy and fulfilling life. So, why not be your child’s guide in this process of nurturance and growth?

Read our full article on how to become assertive here.

Also read about our books on assertiveness, emotions and gratitude and get a suitable gift for your little one today. These books will help children learn how to use assertiveness in different situations, understand different emotions and feelings, and to start practice gratitude at a very early age.

Lastly, but most importantly, be their role model. Children tend to learn most from their parents, teachers and caretakers. They also consider them their best role models, even though they might be unaware. So, get yourself on the train to appropriate assertiveness levels. Trust me, your kids will definitely follow suit. If not, help them learn the skill. Every human at any stage of life needs assertiveness to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Be your child’s guide in this process of nurturance and growth. Hold their little hands and help them prosper. Maybe our parents never did this for us due to lack of awareness back then. So, this could be your chance to make up for it now!

The post How To Nurture Assertiveness In Children? – Pt. 2 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Listen to this podcast to understand how to build assertiveness in yourself and in children. Part 1 of the podcast will help you understand more about the different types of communication styles and why assertiveness is the best of them all. We have also spoken about the benefits of assertiveness and how important it is for a successful and happy life.

Assertiveness is a communication skill. Like any other skill it gets better with practice. Every human at any stage of life needs assertiveness to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Be your child’s guide in this process of nurturance and growth.

Read our full article on assertiveness here.

Read about our books on assertiveness, emotions and gratitude and and get a suitable one for your little one.

The first and most important benefit of assertiveness is little or no social anxiety because you are self-aware and expect positive responses. Another one is less chances of being depressed or stressed because by being assertive our needs get fulfilled. This can lift our spirits.

Greater self-esteem is a benefit too – we validate our perspective by expressing them to others and by honoring our own needs. This can make us feel good about ourselves. We can control our own lives rather than let someone else control it, which would be the case if we are passive. Building and maintaining relationships also becomes an easy task for assertive people because they tend to respect each other. They openly express their needs and tend to be elaborate and empathetic.

Meanwhile passive people could get caught up in toxic relationships and get stuck in them due to their submissive nature. They could face and also get impacted by bullying in school, family, workplace, etc. On the other hand, aggressive persons can be really stressful to handle in any relation, whether it be at home or at work.

While some kids are naturally assertive, some are more towards the passive (shy, timid, withdrawn), or aggressive (competitive, coercive, resistant) spectrum. Assertive kids tend to be accommodative, engaging, initiators, collaborative, industrious, integrative, cooperative, and compromising when required. There is always a way to build these qualities in kids as they grow up.

The post How to Nurture Assertiveness in Children? – Pt. 1 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Listen to this podcast to understand how preschoolers think and learn. Further, understand their perspective and stages of toddler development (cognitive) and milestones.

Preschool age is a time when children are learning to see and understand how things work. They are learning to think more logically.

Their perspectives and ways of thinking are taking shape and developing faster than you think. In this podcast, we’re going to explore the benefits of pretend play for preschoolers. Pretend play is an important part of development for young children, and it can help them learn about social interactions, problem solving, and more. We’ll also take a look at some of the reasons why preschoolers love pretend play, and how it can help them learn and grow. After watching this video, you’ll know why pretend play is such an important part of preschoolers’ development!

While engaging in pretend play children are trying out new ideas they learnt, applying them and imagining possible impacts. This is a very important part of their cognitive development. When they are interacting with a character they have created, if you see them making any obvious mistakes, please chip in and correct them so they do not have the wrong ideas engraved in their brains. This is also a good time to start helping them with assertiveness techniques. Help them be more logical, to expect positive responses, be respectful, and kind. Also teach them to honor their own needs and that of others in a nice way.

Read the full article on preschooler cognitive development here.

The post How do Preschoolers Think and Learn? –Know their Perspective first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Do you have a child who seems to be angry all the time? Do they seem to have no control over their anger? Listen to this podcast and learn how to help your child overcome angry feelings and aggressiveness issues safely and effectively.

Aggressiveness in children is a rather tricky topic. Firstly, parents or caretakers should work on their own anger issues and management. This will further help them help their children better. Secondly, it is important to understand that anger is an emotion like many others and it is very important to acknowledge this emotion as well. Besides anger, there are several other emotions like jealousy, embarrassment, selfishness, etc., which get called out as negative emotions.

I have even heard some caretakers say things like, “I do not want to see you angry again”, “Getting angry is not good”, etc. These approaches are not really helpful. Caretakers or parents use such tactics when they do not understand the emotion, its origin or its impact. It is very important for parents to understand that there is nothing bad about these emotions. Moreover, is perfectly normal to have all of them. What is important is to acknowledge these emotions when they come. These are universal and natural emotions after all.

Read the full post on anger and aggression management for children here.

The post Aggression and Anger In Children – How To Manage? – Pt. 2 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Do you have a child who seems to be angry all the time? Do they seem to have no control over their anger? In this podcast, we are discussing aggression and anger in children and we will also help you understand how it works.

Aggressiveness in children is a rather tricky topic. Firstly, parents or caretakers should work on their own anger issues and management. This will further help them help their children better. Secondly, it is important to understand that anger is an emotion like many others and it is very important to acknowledge this emotion as well. Besides anger, there are several other emotions like jealousy, embarrassment, selfishness, etc., which get called out as negative emotions.

I have even heard some caretakers say things like, “I do not want to see you angry again”, “Getting angry is not good”, etc. These approaches are not really helpful. Caretakers or parents use such tactics when they do not understand the emotion, its origin or its impact. It is very important for parents to understand that there is nothing bad about these emotions. Moreover, is perfectly normal to have all of them. What is important is to acknowledge these emotions when they come. These are universal and natural emotions after all.

Read the full post on anger and aggression management for children here.

The post Aggression and Anger In Children – How To Manage? – Pt. 1 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

In this podcast, we talk about screen time and its impact on children. We also share some recommendations for parents/ caregivers, and talk about the appropriate content types and screen time for each age group.

So, are you wondering how much screen time your children are getting? Or, how to make sure screen time is actually helping them? If yes, then this podcast is for you! We will also talk about the different impacts of screen time on children, and give you some recommendations on how to raise kids who are healthy and happy, without spending too much time in front of screens.

Read the full post on screen time and its impact on children here.

Keep sleeping areas/ bedrooms free of screens as far as possible. Ensure that co-sleeping families keep screens away in bed or during bedtime. The blue light emitted from screens can impact melatonin production in the body and affect sleep quality.

Parents can use active and restrictive mediation to moderate screen time and internet usage of children. Active mediation is when parents explain to their children about pros and cons of screen time. Restrictive is when parents can create house rules to check/ control screen usage. A healthy combination of both these strategies can be used to manage children between 6 to 18 years of age, depending on their nature and personality.

Have media free zones and times for everyone in the house. Read, play, draw or do some other activity with your children. Ensure that your children engage in at least an hour of physical activity every day. Get them to sleep for at least 8 to 12 hours (depending on the sleep requirements for their age).

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (2016). Media and Young Minds. Policy Statement.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (2016). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Policy Statement.

The post Screen Time, Impact On Children, Easy Hacks For Parents first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Depression is often thought of as a health issue in adults only. Firstly, let us understand that depression is an equally prevalent issue in children also, especially adolescents. In this podcast we talk about ways in which you can help such children. We also talk about how to help children with suicidal thoughts or ideation.

As is in the case of many other health issues, families can help and support children through their tough times here as well. If let to worsen depression can have long lasting repercussions on children and adults.

It is only natural for anyone to feel sad occasionally.  Children are no different either. Get your child to sit down and talk it out with you, no matter how small or big the feeling might be. You never know if a small sadness can grow into something bigger in the long run. So, make it a point to keep yourself free for a while everyday. Discuss their day, thoughts, ideas and feelings with them.

Most of the times it will be difficult for parents or caretakers to understand if a child is going through depression. Contact a healthcare provider for help if you see a child being:

Seek immediate help if the child is having suicidal thoughts or showing such behavior.

Doctors might do necessary check-ups to rule out any physical problems. Several physical ailments have symptoms similar to that of depression. It is also common for such children to have other related health issues like anxiety, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), eating disorders, etc. So, the doctor might assess your child for these conditions. This is to ensure that they get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Read the full post on depression and suicidal tendencies in children here.

Note to listeners: Please note that the contents of this channel are for informational purposes only. It cannot be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Approach a mental health professional (therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist) or other qualified health provider (family physician) in your area for proper evaluation, examination and timely treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have watched on our channel.

The post Depression In Children, Youth – Know, Love, Support – Pt. 3 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Depression is often thought of as a health issue in adults only. Firstly, let us understand that depression is an equally prevalent issue in children also, especially adolescents. In this podcast we talk about the causes and risk factors for depression in children and youth. We also talk about causes and risk factors for suicidal thoughts.

As is in the case of many other health issues, families can help and support children through their tough times here as well. If let to worsen depression can have long lasting repercussions on children and adults.

It is only natural for anyone to feel sad occasionally.  Children are no different either. Get your child to sit down and talk it out with you, no matter how small or big the feeling might be. You never know if a small sadness can grow into something bigger in the long run. So, make it a point to keep yourself free for a while everyday. Discuss their day, thoughts, ideas and feelings with them.

Read the full post on depression and suicidal tendencies in children here.

Note to listeners: Please note that the contents of this channel are for informational purposes only. It cannot be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Approach a mental health professional (therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist) or other qualified health provider (family physician) in your area for proper evaluation, examination and timely treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have watched on our channel.

The post Depression In Children, Youth – Know, Love, Support – Pt. 2 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.

Depression is often thought of as a health issue in adults only. Firstly, let us understand that depression is an equally prevalent issue in children also, especially adolescents. In this podcast we talk different types of depressive disorders and their signs and symptoms. We also talk about ideation of suicidal thoughts.

As is in the case of many other health issues, families can help and support children through their tough times here as well. If let to worsen depression can have long lasting repercussions on children and adults.

It is only natural for anyone to feel sad occasionally.  Children are no different either. Get your child to sit down and talk it out with you, no matter how small or big the feeling might be. You never know if a small sadness can grow into something bigger in the long run. So, make it a point to keep yourself free for a while everyday. Discuss their day, thoughts, ideas and feelings with them.

Read the full post on depression and suicidal tendencies in children here.

Note to listeners: Please note that the contents of this channel are for informational purposes only. It cannot be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Approach a mental health professional (therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist) or other qualified health provider (family physician) in your area for proper evaluation, examination and timely treatment. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have watched on our channel.

The post Depression In Children, Youth – Know, Love, Support – Pt. 1 first appeared on Rainbow Kiddies.