I am sure we all agree that diet and physical development are directly linked. But how many of us have a strong opinion that a child’s behaviour and food are closely linked too?

The discussion about the rise in number of children who are struggling with learning, behaviour or social problems is becoming common these days. Has it crossed your mind that food intolerance could be what these children are suffering from? Well then you are on the right track because food intolerance and a child’s behaviour go hand in hand. Before we deep dive into this discussion let us understand what is meant by food intolerance. To put it in simple words: food intolerance appears because a person is unable to digest that specific food. One of the most common food intolerance is lactose and now known cases of Gluten intolerance are also on the rise.

Such intolerance can cause many unpleasant symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation basically symptoms that everyone would want to avoid. But those are just the physical symptoms other symptoms could include irritability, depression, anxiety, and inability to concentrate. Experts opine that food intolerance tends to appear more when toddlers start their formal school.

Being a teacher as well as a parent of a toddler, I try to figure out how to best navigate this issue in kids so that everyone is able to learn in a safe space. Here I share the result of my experiments with managing food intolerance. Parents and teacher might find these tips handy when they need to support kids with food intolerance/insensitivities.

The rise of awareness:

I have always believed “Knowledge is power”. I prefer to educate my children in the classroom about food intolerance. Identifying and eliminating foods that a child is sensitive to is very important. I read food labels of whatever food item I bring into the classroom and I tell my children to do the same when they bring food items in the classroom. More related seminars, more awareness can help in fixing healthier diets that cater to individual needs. Reading labels and understanding food intolerance risks can help children to understand the significant role diet can play.

 

 

A Teacher’s perspective:

As a teacher I make sure that I’m always aware of my students’ medical background. I want my classroom to be a space where everyone can express their ideas and learn in a supportive environment, then it’s essential that I consider my students’ medical needs just as seriously as their academic needs. I always encourage my children to be mindful of each other’s needs and to be careful for themselves as well as for their friends in the classroom.

How can parents help?

By teaching children, the danger of sharing foods and explaining how some foods can be harmful to others. Parents have mastered the conversation about “stranger-danger,” now we can add another social awareness to the list. Secondly, Scheduling time to talk to your child’s teacher about concerns and clearly communicating advice you may have throughout the year, especially if anything changes in your child’s medical history. This will help to provide safe environment not only in the classroom but also in the schools which provide day care facilities.

This quote truly fits in my classroom: “a healthy outside starts from the inside”. What do you think? Following these simple steps, helps me to maintain a safe environment for my children during the school. I hope these steps will help educators and parents to handle such food issues among children so that our children can be healthy and happy.

 

Life is busy! Between work and life responsibilities, the days pass us by in the blink of an eye. Many parents worry and complain that their kids don’t listen to them. Well yelling, nagging or punishing are no alternative. It only harms them and we also lose your peace of mind. Look at it like this- If we are on phone and the other person can’t hear us- don’t we try at our end so that the other person can hear us? This is exactly what we need to do when it comes to our kids; we need to know how to talk to make them listen.

• Don’t use authoritative tone- How do we feel with bossy manager or colleague? the same applies with children. If there is anger on our face when we speak to our child, there is a possibility that we will get a negative reaction. We can always ask them to clean the room or to set the study table but in a neutral tone without any force or statements like ‘You never listen to me!’ or ‘How many times do I have to tell you the same things!’. Some days you might have to clean your room or set your study table and tell him with love once in a few days.
• Use logical reasons to convince:  Instead of using anger and authority we can ask ourselves if what we want our child to do is necessary. Do we have a valid reason to insist on our child’s passivity, besides “because I said so”? Is it a “need” or a “want” (our want)? If it is not a real need find an agreeable alternative. Your force may work immediately, but soon they start arguing back.
• Stop finding faults:It will worsen the situation instead of improving, so always speak positive and encouraging words. The words we speak, last for a lifetime and install beliefs. Always encourage the positive side of a child and ignore the negative side. When they make mistakes, guide them in a positive, supportive way just like when they fell as toddlers and we supported them
• Respect: It’s not only for grownups, always speak with respect about your child in front of her friend or any third person. Respect your child as an individual, she has her own likings and choice. If in any case you need to scold, scold without spoiling your facial expression, keep it pleasant and scold.
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings freely with you– Conversation is very important; it helps the child to blossom. Like when they say ‘My friend teased me today’, don’t jump to a conclusion of whether the other person was wrong, nor start giving advice like ‘Those who get teased easily people tease them only’. Rather make a sad face and try to find details by asking questions in calm voice. Avoid giving any solution or conclusion, let him derive one. It will help them grow into confident people and establish a bond too.
• Let them decide, but guide them through questions: Give them the freedom to make as many decisions as   reasonably   possible. There is a possibility that you won’t agree with their decisions, but instead of saying they’re wrong, ask them questions. Ask your child why they want to do things this way or what they feel about the outcome. Help them identify possible negative results, and ask them if they can change their decisions to prevent them. Always give them reasons, not commands, when you want something to be done.

 My goal is to raise independent and well-adjusted children. I believe that for a strong relationship there has to be a strong bond of understanding. If we can bear these simple but key factors in mind, we will raise children who are self-reliant and possesses sound judgment. Plus, we will be able to enjoy a lifetime of closeness with them.

The first few lines I am told are very important but as I begin to write, the first few lines decide to
play truant and I find myself at the mercy of the capricious eye of the reader who admittedly must
feed the beguiling media mammoth with its attention. Without a doubt the written word turns pale
as it makes inane attempts by advocating vocabulary development and the ability to impress future
employers to grab its previously monopolized arena. The eye is the king if you can rule the eye you
can rule the guy. It is for the king I write for he the mighty one listens to all and reserves judgement
until all the cards are on the table.
The word I speak of is not the impostors we meet every time we look at mushrooming screens that
have become the death bed of many well -loved words. I speak for the word that draws its breath
from the state of humanity. The word that lives in dusty collections, that feeds on the musty smell of
brittle yellow paper with dog ears and most of all I speak for the word that can start a journey into
uncharted waters -to places no one has gone before. Sounds like a trick? Even if it is, falling for it is
recommended or how else do you plan to shape your humanity without Scheherazade – the story
teller of One Thousand and One Nights, without the anguish of little Pip or the giddy pastoral
adventures of Tom Sawyer, without the loss and gain of Saleem Sinai? Pick up that book find the
field of golden daffodils open your inward eye and lead a new life every minute, experience a new
emotion, peep into yourself and discover new crevices to fill and most importantly find a way to
know yourself.
I believe my cards are on the table it is time for the eye to speak or should I say read?

At the Millennium School, we are committed to nurture the inherent talent and potential of each and every child. Being The Best schools in Gurgaon 2020 we want to shape the leaders of tomorrow by creating lifelong learners, who have a strong sense of values.