children
Children: Our most valuable natural resource.
Yogic Concepts About Food and How You Can Apply Them to Baby Foods
8Yes, Yoga is not a food science in itself, but it does offer some prescriptive insight into food and its connection with our physical, mental and spiritual health. Just like Ayurveda, which is another interrelated brand of Vedic knowledge, Yoga too stresses internal and external purification through emphasis on diet, nutrition, exercise, hygiene and spiritual connect. Yogic food concepts emphasize clarity, calmness and overall well-being rather than giving micro rules of what one can and cannot eat or placing strict dietary restrictions. So as International Yoga Day 2024 fast approaches, we thought of looking at all the yogic concepts about food and how new mothers can apply them to the food they offer to their babies and toddlers. Breaking down the foods we eat: According to the philosophy of yoga, food can be broken down into 3 categories according to their gunas or properties, namely sattva (foods that inculcate purity and balance), rajas (foods that offer energy for activity and passion) and tamas (foods that promote lethargy and inertia). These properties act on our minds and do, the tenets of yoga speak of these: • Since Sattvic foods are considered light, pure and vital, they should be included in daily or regular meals as they promote peace, harmony and clarity. Examples of sattvic foods are fresh vegetables and foods, nuts, seeds, milk, whole grains and legumes. • Since Rajasic foods stimulate energy levels they need to be consumed in moderation, and at times when such energy levels need to be maintained. Over-consuming these can cause restlessness and at times even aggression. Examples of rajasic foods are onion, garlic, stimulants such as tea and coffee, and even spicy foods. • Since Tamasic foods are known to deplete energy and cause dullness, heaviness, negativity and sluggishness, they must be completely avoided if possible. Examples of tamasic foods are meats, fish, refined sugars, processed foods and even fried foods. • Yogic tenets actively require moderation in diet or mit ahaar, a core yogic principle since it stresses on eating enough food to nourish the body, not enough to give in to cravings and cause harm. • Yogic science stresses eating only until one is about 75% full, eating only the freshest, most seasonal, most local foods and choosing whole foods at all times, Not just this, but food should also be consumed without distractions (such as phones and televisions) so that every bite can be taken slowly and savoured to ensure bodily cues are received as nature intended. • Since yoga is built on the principles of ahimsa or non-harm, the science also promotes vegetarianism. So, the question now is whether (and how) new mothers can apply these basic yogic principles when they plan their baby’s meals. Applying yogic logic to baby foods Since yogic food concepts just provide a general guideline or framework for healthy eating, new mothers need not be rigid or strict with them. They should try to inculcate all the basics that fit their logic when it comes to feeding their babies and toddlers. So here are some pointers that seem logical to all moms when looked at from a nutritional standpoint. • As yogic insight states, offering your baby the freshest, most local foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables is always a good idea and makes the most logical sense in terms of nutrition. • Whole grains, especially local whole grains, also make logical sense. Especially grains that are part of India’s rich food history, such as millet. • Sticking to sattvic foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and milk also make for a wholesome, nutritious diet for overall wellbeing. According to these, giving your baby wholesome sattvic meals featuring fresh fruits, milk, vegetables and local grains should be the most beneficial for your babies and toddlers. Since fresh food is valued greatly, fresh homecooked meals such as millet purees, fruit and vegetable purees or even dal khichdi are perfect early baby foods. But if fresh home-cooked meals are not always possible, the next best thing could be ready foods that are preservative-free, clean label and true to the ingredients they claim to have, such as the trusted and super-healthy baby meals offered by Mother Nurture in India, using quality, local Indian ingredients. https://www.mothernurture.in/collections/all
By Mother Nurture2 years ago in Families
Create Happy Birthday Songs with Names in 2024: Make Birthdays Extra Special
Birthdays are a time for celebration, joy, and showering loved ones with appreciation. While a heartfelt card and a thoughtful gift are always appreciated, there's something truly special about a personalized touch. This year, ditch the generic "Happy Birthday" and surprise your special someone with a birthday song with their name!
By Birthday Songs with Names 2 years ago in Families
Going on holiday to grandparents' house
In a small town surrounded by green hills, there is a house which is a favorite vacation spot for the grandchildren in the family. The house belonged to their grandfather and grandmother, a white wooden building with a red tiled roof that looked so beautiful in the middle of a flower garden. Every time summer arrived, Aisha and Adam, two enthusiastic brothers, couldn't wait to visit their grandfather's house. and their grandmother. They always looked forward to the moment when the family car entered the path leading to the house, decorated with wild flowers that grew abundantly along the side of the road. When they got there, grandfather and grandmother happily welcomed them. Grandpa, who always smiled broadly with his long white mustache, immediately hugged them tightly and said, "Welcome, my sweet grandchildren!" Meanwhile, grandmother, who always wore a brightly colored apron, immediately offered the delicious food they had prepared. The first day at my grandparents' house was always spent exploring around the village. Aisha loved following grandfather when he went fishing in the small lake behind the house. They would sit together on the edge of the lake while enjoying the silence of the morning which was only decorated by the sound of small birds chirping.Meanwhile, Adam prefers to help his grandmother in the back garden. They will walk among rows of colorful flowers that attract butterflies to land. Grandma would teach Adam how to care for plants and pick fresh vegetables to cook together. In the evening, after a delicious home-cooked dinner, they would gather around the fire in the living room. Grandpa would sit in his rocking chair and tell stories about his adventurous childhood in this village. Aisha and Adam were always transfixed listening to the stories, often laughing merrily at their grandfather's behavior when they were young. One sunny afternoon, grandfather took them around the village on his old bicycle. Aisha and Adam rode behind grandfather, feeling the summer breeze brushing their faces. They passed green fields, lush small forests, and a river that flowed fast in the middle of the village.On their last night at their grandparents' house, Aisha and Adam decided to have an evening picnic in the backyard. They brought blankets and snacks prepared by grandmother. Under the light of the full moon, they sat together under a large tree that provided shade, telling stories and laughing together. However, not all moments went smoothly. One morning, it rained heavily, hindering their plans to play outside. Aisha and Adam were a bit disappointed, but grandma quickly found a solution by inviting them to make cakes in the kitchen. They were both given mini chef hats and protective clothing, and began mixing the dough happily amidst laughter. When the day to return home arrived, Aisha and Adam felt sad about leaving their grandparents' house. They promised to return soon next summer, hugging grandparents tightly before entering the family car. They brought home beautiful memories and stories that they will keep in their hearts all year long. Grandparents' house is not only a place for vacation, but also a place full of love and unforgettable memories for Aisha and Adam.After everyone is done on holiday we go home. and prepare ourselves for tomorrow when we go back to school and return to our activities. Cheer up friends, always think positively to live life wait for my next story. I will always share stories with you. with interesting stories. support me okay? With your support, I am very enthusiastic and will make more stories in the future. Thank you very much for listening to my story. bye
By Agus Susanto2 years ago in Families
Single mum's Plight.
At 31, Sarah felt like her life was a never-ending cycle of regret. She had always dreamed of becoming a successful businesswoman, but fate had other plans. With no opportunities knocking on her door, she found herself stuck in a dead-end job, struggling to make ends meet. To make matters worse, she was a single mother, raising her 5-year-old daughter, Emily, on her own. The father had long since abandoned them, leaving Sarah to bear the burden of parenthood alone. Sarah's days blended together in a haze of monotony. She worked tirelessly, only to come home to a small apartment that seemed to shrink smaller with each passing day. Her dreams of a better life seemed to slip further away with each passing day. One day, as she was walking home from work, she stumbled upon a flyer for a local community college. They were offering free classes for single mothers, and something about it resonated with Sarah. She felt a spark of hope ignite within her, and she knew she had to take a chance. With Emily in tow, Sarah attended her first class, nervous but determined. The instructor, a kind-hearted woman named Ms. Thompson, took Sarah under her wing, recognizing the fire in her belly. For the first time in years, Sarah felt like someone believed in her. As the weeks went by, Sarah thrived in the program. She discovered a talent for graphic design and began to see a new path unfolding before her. With Ms. Thompson's guidance, she started taking on small projects, building a portfolio, and eventually landing her first real client. The sense of accomplishment was intoxicating, and Sarah felt like she was finally breaking free from the shackles of regret. Emily, too, was thriving, proudly showing off her mother's designs to her friends at school. As the months passed, Sarah's business grew, and she began to see a glimmer of the life she had always wanted. She and Emily moved into a new apartment, one with a backyard and a view of the sunset. The small victories added up, and Sarah realized that she was no longer living a life of regret. One evening, as they sat on their new couch, watching the stars twinkle to life, Emily turned to Sarah and said, "Mommy, you're the best. You make me feel like anything is possible." In that moment, Sarah knew that she had found her true purpose – to be a beacon of hope for her daughter, and to show her that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always a way forward. Sarah's journey was not without its challenges, but she had finally found her footing. She was no longer the same woman who felt trapped by her circumstances. She was a single mother, yes, but she was also a business owner, a designer, and a force to be reckoned with. As she tucked Emily into bed that night, Sarah smiled, knowing that she had finally found her way out of the darkness and into the light. She was living proof that it's never too late to start anew, and that with determination and hard work, even the most unlikely of dreams can come true. Looking at the past, she realized there was no need for the countless suicide attempts and drug abuse.
By Anoyla Novel2 years ago in Families
Understanding the Effects of Divorce
Divorce is a significant life event that affects individuals and families in numerous ways. Understanding these impacts can help in navigating the transition more smoothly. Here's an in-depth look at the emotional, financial, and social effects of divorce.
By lahsen ezahouani2 years ago in Families
My Father's Wings: A Journey Through Mountains
My father was born in the Develi district of Kayseri in 1954, and after working as a teacher for a while, he became a school principal and continued this duty for thirty-five years. He is a person who knows all the schools in Develi, the principals of the period, some teachers, the employees of the provincial and district national education directorate… in short, everyone in Develi, whom everyone knows, respects and loves very much. He was not only a school principal, he touched every life and left a mark. Even walking on the road with him is difficult because a greeting awaits you at every step and an acquaintance at every corner.
By Alparslan Selçuk Develioğlu2 years ago in Families
Happy as Larry! ... Angie's Antics
Larry sure took us by surprise! Something went seriously wrong with our tried and tested Cyclone Alert System! Dad — our Weatherman — dropped the ball! It was his job to ring us up and alert us of the next tropical cyclone heading our way in Far North Queensland. We rarely bothered watching television and neglected tuning in to the News on the radio. Internet was slow, expensive and patchy at best. We lived our lives under a rock — as far as current affairs were concerned. Delightful days…except when a cyclone loomed without adequate warning or preparation time.
By Angie the Archivist 📚🪶2 years ago in Families
Golden Hours of Childhood
Flipping of pages was heard. Moments later, a laughter enveloped the room. She suddenly feel reminiscent of her childhood. Her mind then wandered on that day. On the time of the day where the sun is about to set, children are gathered in the front yard, waiting for their friend to go out. As soon as she step out from the house, they started to run and shouted, ”Ikaw ang taya! (You are the tagger!)” At this time of the year, children enjoys the smiling sun and the long vacation they usually have. As soon as the sun starts to hide, they will come out to play their favorite games. However, as pandemic arrived and surged in the country, children has been locked up in their houses. Because of that and because of some people who grew up fidgeting their gadgets, the games that children played back then, started to fade. Let us go back as we unfold the lessons each game taught us, which we never knew would come in handy in the life we'll live years after. Children of the succeeding generations might miss how to play Patintero that taught us how to guard our bases properly, prevent someone from escaping and move fast as the wind for one’s team to win. Agility and excellent teamwork could result to a win in this game. Patintero, is a game often played outdoors. This game involves two teams. One of the teams would be the “it”, they will stand on the perpendicular water lines in the middle. The other team will be the runners, they have to avoid getting tagged or trapped by the “it” and should be able to cross without getting caught. Once the “it” team catches a runner, even if it is only one of the runner team, the functions of both teams would be reversed. Tumbang Preso, taught us how to be cautious and protective of what we possess. This game is about protecting the pamato, which is commonly a shoe or a slipper. Once the pamato is thrown and the can moves away from its place, the one who threw the slipper should run as fast as he can to go back to the starting point or the point where they threw the slipper, or else he will be the new prisoner. To be keen and attentive is what Tagu-taguan, or widely known as Hide and Seek, taught us. This game involves at least two participants. There would be an “it” who would try to find the other participants who hid in different places. If ever placed as an “it”, one must have keen eyes to spot the people who hid just like how we keenly review every document we submit, may it be for academic purpose or for work. However, one should also be attentive, because your friend might have deceived you by hiding on their own homes. Our strategic and competitive spirit was ignited by Siyato. Hitting the wood placed on a small hole is the highlight of this game. The player from the first team would try to hit the wood as far as he can to score bigger point while the player from other team would try to catch the stick hit by his foe, in order to nullify the scored point. The winner is decided based on who gained bigger points more, on each team. Sipa, Philippines' former national sport, enhanced our focus on things. Sipa, also known as Sepak Takraw, is a game that uses a washer which the player should prevent from reaching the ground once tossed. Depending on how many kicks the player did without the “sipa” falling, the winner would be decided. On the other hand, our flexibility and endurance was tested by Chinese Garter. This game sometimes uses a Chinese garter which led to the game's name or tied rubber bands as a replacement to the Chinese garter. Commonly, the participants are divided into two teams. The players would decide who would jump first and who would hold the garter. In this game, two people from the other team stand on both sides to hold the garterand the members from the other team would try to cross it by jumping and leaping. This game has levels, it starts on the ankles until the garter reach the top of the head of the poles. Flexibility can be very useful in this game especially if the garter goes higher than you, for the players are allowed to do cartwheels. Whenever you are the mother, you should have great endurance. In that way, you’ll be able to bring your team back once they die from a certain round. The next game is a matter of luck and a little bit of calculation skills. Unlike the games presented above, this is often played indoors. Sungka uses an oblong-shaped board that consists two rows of seven small bowl often called, “bahay” and two separate stores on each side. Often, the game goes as the first player starts to distribute the stones from one of the houses, moving clockwise. In the distribution of the stones, the player should include her store on the pits she'll put her stones is, while passing by the store owned by her opponent. In order to win, one must have more stones on her store than her opponent. The game only ends when the small pits are emptied. Indeed, mathematics plays an important part of our life, even back then. Luksong Baka tested our flexibility just like how Chinese Garter did. This is played outdoors with an “it” acting like the cow, bends his/her body from the lower level to the higher level in which the “it” is standing. The players who are not the “it” should cross the “it” without touching even a small part of the “it”. If the player touched the “it”, he/she would be the new “it”. Even then, music played a big part on our lives. This game enhanced our ears to be attentive, focused and on the beat. Bahay-kubo, a game named after a Philippine folk song. It involves four people that is divided into two groups. Each group should come up with different clapping routine. After coming up with the routine, the opponents While singing bahay kubo, the pairs would face each other and perform the routine. However, as the song reaches the middle part, the pairs are required to play the routine made by the other pair. Tempting the “it” to catch the player going down is the highlight of this game. This tested our patience and resembled how we are easily tempted with things. Langit-lupa is a game often played outdoors where there are low level stairs. In this game, the ground where the “it” is in, is called Lupa while the higher level ground where the players stood is the Langit. If the player goes down from Langit, which is the safe zone, he will be chased and tagged by the “it” and soon, he’ll be the new tagger. This game taught us how to givean opportunity a go at times and back down when we think it’s not the right time yet. Indeed, all these games we had been used to playing long ago, did not only made our childhood, memorable and fun, it also taught us different lessons that we may apply in the reality where we are no longer a child who can cherish every moment like it was the last. We did not know it would be like this when we dreamed of growing up fast back then. Nevertheless, it was worthwhile being a child. We may have different views about our childhood. We may have taken different paths that led us here. However, I wish all child in this world can experience how beautiful those golden hours had been to some. Children living like a child is ephemeral thus, they should be able to cherish it like how we enjoy watching the sun set in the golden hour these days, where we used to play freely long ago. Now that we are experiencing pandemic, it’s heartbreaking to see that some children have been robbed of the childhood they should be enjoying because of the virus. Hopefully, someday, they could go out freely and mingle with their friends again. Gasping for air, the children lined up to stare the sun slowly going down and the sky slowly turning to black. They were freely resting from the tiring games they played and enjoying the view when one of their friends has been called to go home by her mother.She bid goodbye to her friends and shouted, “Bye! Bukas ulit! (Bye! [Let’s play] again tomorrow!)” Her smile faded as soon as she came back to her reality. She closed the album and put it back on the cabinet. She smiled nostalgically. She’s no longer a child, but a lady who should work hard to reach her dreams and provide for her family who needs her.
By Jamaica Elcano2 years ago in Families
