How To Keep Your Brain In Shape

How to make your brain work more productively? Here are 10 popular ways to keep your brain sharp.

1. Physical activity

Physical exercise does not only keep muscles in tone, but also has a positive impact on the overall health of the brain, because intense movements improve the blood supply to the muscles and brain. Exercises when the head is below the heart are particularly effective (such as yoga postures).

2. Drinking water instead of coffee

Many studies show that a morning cup of coffee does not stimulate brain activity but on the contrary, makes people dumber! But if you replace it with a glass of water, the feeling of cheerfulness will be much longer. Drinking water on an empty stomach activates the entire gastrointestinal tract, and, in contrast to the hot, strong coffee, it doesn’t irritate mucous membranes, which in turn gives a sense of cheerfulness.

3. Scents can help focus

As a rule, people do not recognize smells well, which in fact help focus and give courage. Specialists advise to use aromatherapy scents of basil, rosemary, lemon balm, thyme, rose and lavender in situations where the focus is particularly needed.

4. Tranquil environment

It is no secret that in a tranquil environment, any work (especially mental work) is significantly easier to do. However, a quiet environment is a rarity in our society. But if you learn to focus on the bright side, it will certainly increase your productivity.

5. Puzzle solving

An effective workout for the brain is the solving of puzzles, crosswords, word games which in the case of illness even help restore damaged cognitive abilities.

6. Watching TV reasonably

Many people not without reason believe that TV dulls the mind. But if you do not watch all the stupid shows and serials and choose TV programs wisely, then you can learn a lot of informative things.

7. Looking for information online

There are many studies that confirm that the process of looking for relevant information online makes brain work the same or even more than when reading a book. So do it more often, and do not forget to ask the right questions.

8. Healthy nutrition

The surest way to clear the mind and is the well-known “healthy diet” consisting of vegetables and fruits. And, of course, sometimes you can treat yourself to sweets. However, the fact that the human brain needs glucose does not mean you have to eat much sweet.

9. Herbs

Herbs known today to the official medicine and not only, such as ginseng, significantly improve the cognitive abilities of the person and increase stress tolerance.

10. Everlasting learning process

If even the most capable and talented brain is not actively used, it will quickly lose its capabilities. Therefore it is necessary to constantly make the brain work, which can be achieved by doing the following activities: learning foreign languages, painting, cooking, etc. 15-minute cognitive activity every day will be more effective in preventing the degradation of the brain than any medications.

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10 Ways to Raise a Good Kid

1)  Model Compassion
Compassion means identifying and sympathizing with others' emotions and needs. Help your child see what it means to be compassionate. Volunteer to help those in need. Open doors for others. If you see your child doing or saying something hurtful, ask him, "How do you think that made him feel? How would you feel if the situation were reversed?"

2)  Take a Walk in Another Person's Shoes
Empathy means to feel what others are experiencing. Understanding others' joy and suffering helps us care for them. Help your child understand what others are going through. As you read books and watch movies together, ask him what he thinks various characters are feeling and thinking.

3)  Show Tolerance and Respect Differences
Tolerance allows us to understand and accept different cultures, beliefs and points of view. Be open to differences and teach your child to celebrate diversity. If your child comments on someone dressing, explain that people often wear clothes that reflect their culture or home country.

4)  Be a Person of Your Word
Honesty means telling the truth to others and ourselves. Owning up to our mistakes and admitting the truth can help others. Demonstrate honesty for your child by practicing it yourself. Discuss what honesty is and what honesty is not. Teach him that honesty should be practiced with kindness. Tell your child to avoid saying something mean even if he thinks it's the truth.

5)  Promote Fairness & Equality
Fairness means equal treatment and opportunity. Standing up for others' rights and playing by the rules shows respect and responsibility. Talk to your child about how he thinks fairness is demonstrated in a family, with friends and in a community. Ask him, "Have you ever seen someone be treated unfairly? What did you do?"

6)  Be Kind to Yourself and Others
Self-respect is earned by showing compassion, honesty, fairness and humility towards others and oneself. Boost your child's confidence by praising his good qualities. Ask him, "What does it mean to respect yourself? How do you show respect for yourself?"

7)  Build Character by Being Responsible
Responsibility means taking ownership of one's behavior and actions. Help your child understand how he has control over his actions. Discuss examples of how his actions influence what happens next. Explain that growing up means taking responsibility by helping around the house and taking care of siblings.

8)  Encourage Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is practicing the control to create and follow through with a plan. This means developing the patience to deal with emotions in a healthy way and delay gratification (for instance, finishing up homework before playing outside). Help your child set and reach realistic goals: Break larger tasks into smaller parts, then encourage him to pick a task and set a deadline.

9)  Encourage Good Judgement
Good judgment requires careful decision making. Remind your child to think about the consequences of his actions, reason through feelings and facts, and consider impulses before acting on them. Discuss difference scenarios with your child and brainstorm what the best course of action would be in each situation. ("If your friend asked to copy your homework, what would you do?")

10)  Do the Civic Duty
A responsible citizen cares for his community and actively works to help the greater good. Model good citizenship to your child by spending time in his classroom, volunteering with the elderly, donating items for those in need and voting in local elections.


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Ways To Handle A Spoilt Child

Self-centered behavior, demands of instant gratification of material wants (not needs), tantrums on failing to get what they want, attention seeking behavior, manipulation by making you, the parents, feel guilty, etc., are some of the characteristic traits of a spoiled child.

A spoiled child is the product of overindulgent parents, who assume that money can substitute for their time and attention towards their children, or sometimes you just cannot say, "No!", because you 'love your child so much'! It can really break your heart, to refuse something to someone you love more than anything else in the whole wide world, and you also have the best intentions at heart, when you buy things for your children. But the problem arises, when the child has not been taught the value of these things, or if these things have been given to him too easily in spite of the child displaying less than satisfactory behavior lately.

In such a case, the child begins to take these things for granted, and even begins to expect them for no particular reason, and you end up spoiling your child, because you didn't predict/expect this. You are dealing with a spoiled child, and you have to do this in the best possible way, to avoid guilt trips, fits of anger, tantrums and the like.

Here are a few tips to help you.
1) Keep Your Temper in Check
First and most important, is to keep your temper under control. Shouting at your child is not going to get him to listen to you, and it will simply increase your stress levels. Keep your voice even, and when your child begins to increase his/her voice, firmly tell them to lower their voice. If they refuse to listen to you, do not stand and continue listening to them. Ignore their behavior, and tell them you will listen to them only when they are ready to talk reasonably.
  
2) Start as early as Possible
As soon as it dawns on you that your child has been manipulating you lately with tears and by laying guilt on you (which you probably take knowingly or unknowingly), the alarm bells should go off in your head. STOP NOW! Do not indulge your child unnecessarily, give him whatever he wants just to stop him from disturbing you in the middle of something important, or simply to stop his crying, tantrums, or whining! All this tells your child that a little crying, yelling or complaining will get him what he wants.
  
3) Reward Good Behavior
Better than punishing bad behavior, is to reward the good behavior displayed by your child. Punishing bad behavior will tell your child not to do certain things, but rewarding good behavior will also inculcate good habits in children and tell them what kind of behavior is nice, reasonable, and good. Decide on a particular thing, for e.g., if you think your child has too many toys, instead of scolding him every time he asks for another toy, explain to him how he cannot possibly play with more than a couple of toys at a time. But that doesn't mean that you give him other material things, ALL THE TIME. Most of the time, words of praise, hugs and kisses, etc. should be enough. Only once in a while, give rewards in the form of material possessions. You do not want him to end up thinking that it is a replacement scheme, where he can trade one thing for another!

4) Set Limits on Purchases
Ask your child to maintain a list of all the toys, gadgets, clothes, etc., that he owns, along with the number of each of those things. Ask him to keep adding to that list every time he gets something new. Every time you head to the supermarket or a mall, ask your child to make a list of all the things he wants. Then ask him to refer to the previous list and decide whether he actually needs (NOT wants) all the items on his list. Decide how many items he is going to be allowed, and set limits for your child BEFORE you get to the store and tell him very strictly that at no cost is he going to get anything else. 

5) Ignore Unreasonable/Unruly Behavior
When you have set limits, and then mutually agreed on following them, do not entertain any unreasonable behavior from your child. Do not lose your patience either, because he is only a child and he is bound to be tempted with all the 'wow' things he sees in the malls! But firmly tell him to stick to his part of the deal, and if he really wants the new toy/gadget, then add it to the next list. If he refuses to listen, simply ignore his whining and crying. When this happens a couple of times, he will realize that tears/threats/guilt-laying no longer work on you, and eventually stop resorting to such techniques.

6) Teach Them to Value and Earn Things
Once in a while, sit down and talk to them. I mean, really talk! Tell them about under privileged kids, orphans, teach your child to count the ways in which he is lucky instead of complaining about what he doesn't have. Once in a while ask him to help with the housework and give him incentives after he has done the work! Like maybe give him a book, if he has taken out the trash, cleaned the car or mowed the lawn. This will also teach him to appreciate the value of things since he has worked hard to earn/ deserve them! He will definitely treasure them more and take care of them without being told to do so... What more can you ask for, right?

A kid's mind is innocent. What he sees, he believes. If he sees that his tantrums are being rewarded, he will continue to do so, whereas if he sees that it is not an effective way to get things, he will eventually tire of them and stop. Also, keep a check on your behavior. Next time you are buying something for your child, because you couldn't take him to the movies, or got caught up in work and could not host a party for his birthday, stop yourself. No amount of toys or other things can ever make up for the time that you don't spend with him every day, and no parent can be so busy that he can't spend at least an hour with his child every day, or even every other day. In a child's world, Love is spelled T-I-M-E. Give that to your child, and you will notice the changes! Ping your blog HostGator promos

Children Bad Habits. How To Break Them.

Humans are creatures of habit. Our behavior patterns, developed over time, “program” us to follow predictable routines everyday. Your children, too, are developing their own habits and routines - some of which may be undesirable or downright harmful. As parents, it is important for us to take an interest in our children’s habits. By understanding the nature of habits and by employing some habit-breaking strategies, you can help your child break bad habits.

At first children are quite conscious of the behaviors that they exhibit. As the behaviors continue in frequency, they become more involuntary and become habits. Habits develop due to factors including imitation, positive reinforcement, and/or anxiety or tension relief. The best tool for parents wanting their child to discontinue a habit is patience.

If parent wants the behavior to cease, the following techniques are often effective.

1) Talk Frankly With Your Child
Don’t just insist that your child discontinue the behavior. If your child is unable to see how refraining from the behavior is beneficial to him or her, your efforts will be futile. Talk about the behavior with your child and him/her why you think it should be avoided. Also let him or her know what positive things can be done to get your attention and to relieve nervous energy.

2) Use Behavior Shaping
Pick a time of the day in which the child normally would not exhibit his or her behavior and stay close by. During this period, reinforce successes and call attention to setbacks. When your child has become successful during these periods, set a new goal for a different time of day. This technique is effective in helping your child gain confidence that he or she can be successful.

3) Lead by Example
Children learn by modeling, so be sure not to engage in a behavior (smoking, for example) that you don’t want your child to imitate. You can also show how sincere you are by offering to discontinue a negative habit of your own.

4) Make a Public Commitment
Encourage your child to announce to grandparents, family friends and teachers that he or she is planning to break a habit. With support, it is always easier to resist an urge.

5) Use Positive Reinforcement
Show your appreciation for your child’s effort and determination. If your child becomes discouraged, focus on past successes. Keep any doubts and frustrations to yourself. When desired behaviors occur, immediately reward your child with praise, recognition, approval, attention or additional privileges.
  
6) Teach Your Child To Relax
Nervous habits, such as nail biting, increase under stress. Practice slow breathing exercises with your child and teach him or her to use positive self-talk whenever feelings of nervousness or stress occur.

7) Be Patient
Habits are not developed or broken overnight. Change occurs in gradual steps. Begin by aiming to reduce the number of times a habit occurs each day and then slowly progress toward extinction of the habit.

Habits aren’t called habits because we engage in them when we feel like it. Rather, they are behaviors that have a tendency to control us. Because habits are developed over time, it is important that parents are mindful of the behaviors that their children exhibit. Ignoring them won’t make undesirable behaviors go away. But if you employ the techniques listed here, you’ll be better able to equip your child with good habits and help him or her from slipping into a routine of bad ones.

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Reasons Why A Child Lie

As children grow, suddenly we parents are confronted by the fact that our child has learned to lie. The child who, till then, would come rushing to tell every little thing he does, has suddenly turned naïve. Research suggests that some children are capable of lying in a deliberate attempt to deceive by age four, and perhaps even earlier. But at this age it is not taken as a problem but as a passing phase.

Many a time it is difficult to know whether the child is lying. There are no consistent methods to know if a child is lying just by observing him. Sometimes one gets a clue from their expressions or when the story is too unbelievable or inconsistent. Since all children lie in childhood and only few of them grow up to be dishonest, it can be safely stated that most of them would be fine. In spite of this it is an important stage where parents have to be alert and handle this situation that carries in itself the potential to influence the child's future with deft care.

Parents need to analyze the type of lie and the underlying reason behind a lie. Children usually lie to protect themselves, to get something, which couldn't be gotten otherwise, to appear more important or to meet expectations. Here parents need to assess whether they are too strict with the child or whether they are proving a wrong role model by themselves lying before the child. They should be gathering more information about the situation before reacting'
How parents could contribute in creating a more conducive atmosphere:

1. Parents tone of voice should not bait a child to lie.
2. Set an example by telling the truth.
3. Appreciate the child when he tells the truth.
4. Build closeness, openness and trust in relationships instead of focusing on the misbehaviors.
5. Let children know they are unconditionally loved.
6. The child should understand that lying will not be accepted and the reasons why.
7. Build and help maintain the conditions for positive self-esteem.

Some lying is more deceitful and deliberate here the child needs to be demonstrated parents disapproval in no uncertain terms. The child can be punished by either withdrawing privileges or by time out techniques. Discussing with the child the consequences of lying and dishonesty will also help him to grow into an honest adult. Children must be made aware that failures are opportunities to learn so that they won't believe that failures are bad and need to conceal their mistakes With a little attention, lots of love, and a no-nonsense approach most problematic children will learn to avoid the need to lie.

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How To Cope With A Rebellious Son

Anyone raising a boy needs to remember the toddler years when the word "no" was frequently uttered by your toddler boy. It was a natural and even expected part of that developmental stage. The "no" you hear now might be louder or seem a bit angrier, but pushing the boundaries is as normal with your now-older son as it was when he first was toddling about.

Maybe you are thinking that your son is pushing too many limits. What do you do?  Give him the freedom he needs to discover his personality. Otherwise, take a parent-as-coach approach with your son as he sails through some tough waters.

Here are a few things to keep in mind with your rebellious son:

1. Choose your battles.   

Sometimes parents need a reminder. In your own mind, know what the real and absolute limits are for your son's behavior. If everything he does is wrong, soon he will know that you have no idea what are your true boundaries for him. Learn to pass on the trivial things. Hair length, clothing and music choices are among the items that you should pass on. His tastes will change as he grows older. In his own good time, he will most likely abandon things that are really foolish.

2. Interfere with life-threatening activities.

Keep a close eye on his activities and get involved when know he is engaged in life-threatening behavior. Shoplifting, prescription-drug abuse and improper use of an automobile are a few of the areas where you will need to intervene. You might be screamed at when you step in. Remember that yelling alone cannot hurt you and his biology makes him ready for a shouting match up if you give him one. A good rule about arguing is to remember that the louder your son becomes, the lower your vocal volume should go.

3. Is his behavior a veiled attempt to communicate?

In a boy whose brain is still forming, rebellious behavior may be a cover for another need. Is that annoyed, defiant boy in front of you using anger or lethargy to cover for his pain? Ask him if you any suspicious. Are his friends mistreating him? Is he struggling with a physical issue such as acne, depression or physical developmental delay? Ask the questions and wait for the answer, which may take days. If he knows you are open to non-judgmental discussion, he will most likely come around. Keep the door open and be sure he knows you are ready to listen and help.

4. Don't be concerned about the opinion of others.

As a parent, you need to do what is right for your children in your particular situation and circumstances. While you might seek the counsel of your own trusted mentors, the opinions of your extended family, in-laws, friends are really are not important. Do not sacrifice the mental health of your son by responding to what "they" think.

Likewise, if your son has moved from simple rebellion (that is, it just makes you uncomfortable) to life-threatening behavior, seek out professional help. You are not alone in your frustration with your son. Parents have struggled with the fun and frustration of raising a boy. Do not take his rebellion personally but consider this part of his life as a discovery journey.

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How To Get Kids To Listen

Getting kids to listen can be a little tricky, especially if you don't spend a lot of time with children in the first place. The truth is that they can be very unpredictable - docile one moment and then running away from you in the next. A lot of them think that every day's just a game and honestly, who can blame them? They're kids.

However, there are ways of getting kids to listen without necessarily having to chase them all around the house. Read on to find out how!

1) Catch Them in a Good Mood.
When children are in a good mood, they're very sweet even if a bit mischievous. As long as they're happy, they're more likely to listen to you. Trying to talk them when they're having a tantrum or when they're upset is like talking to a brick wall. All they'll think about is how unhappy they are at the moment.

2) Say What You Mean.
Getting kids to listen doesn't work the same way as getting adults to listen. Adults need long sentences and explanations before they become convinced of something. Kids, on the other hand, need a more direct approach. Avoid going around in circles. Instead of rambling on and on about how they're lucky to have a family and how they would feel if the situation were reversed, just tell them that teasing their kid brothers and sisters is wrong and that they shouldn't do it again. They already have a short attention span as it is. In their case, the more direct to the point you are, the better your chances of getting your message across.   


3) Listen To What They Have To Say.
Do to other people what you want others to do to you. It's as easy as that. If you don't take the time to listen to what the kids have to say, then how can you expect them to listen to you?  

4) No To Violence.
No matter how much you want to get kids to listento you, you should never resort to violent means. Shouting and calling kids names won't get you what you want. Hitting or pinching them won't do the trick either. You might intimidate them at first, but it won't be long before they start fighting back. 

5) Avoid Lecturing Them.
Don't start your conversation with a lecture. Lecturing was our parents' way of getting us to listen. And to be honest, that didn't end up well for a lot of people.

Today's method is much more recommended. It involves you talking to the kids about what it is they've done in a manner that aims to encourage self-learning than self-loathing. The conversation is now two-sided. The kids hear you out and you hear them out.

Learning how to get kids to listen to you can be quite tricky, especially if you haven't had a lot of experience dealing with them. Don't look down on them and they'll be more willing to lend you an ear. You might be surprised, but most kids these days are more insightful and more capable of handling responsibility.