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TEENS - Drug Abuse & Addiction

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World Health Organization defines drug addiction as follows: “Drug addiction is the state of periodic or chronic intoxication detrimental to the individual and to society, produced by the repeated consumption of a drug (natural or synthetic). Its characteristics include (1) an overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means (2) a tendency to increase the dosage, and (3) a psychic (psychological) and sometimes physical dependence on the effects of the drug.” This is emerging as a challenge that requires immediate attention and policy intervention from Indian government.  Young generation is the premise to build future of the nation and if current generation is deeply immersed with such addiction, nation will be deprived of productive human resources in the future.  Teens who abuse drugs may have a greater risk of developing an addiction when they grow adults. Drugs have a more drastic effect on children and teen

Five Most Crucial Points to Consider while Planning Career

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Selecting a Career is not just about selecting a subject stream or courses or deciding about taking a job.  Career selection is more about acquiring knowledge, Skills and right behavior to spend life with. Your career will define your identity “Who you are” and will direct rest of your life. It’s our decision today which will make our life Joyous or Miserable, organized or misleading, satisfactory or unacceptable. Let’s see how to get it correct and certain  1. Differentiating/ Understanding Career Path, Career Milestone and Career Destination  Research data shows that most of the students make career decision at least 3 times till they pursue post graduation. First at Class  10 th   to decide the subject stream, second time after class 12 th  for selecting courses and third time after Graduation either for choosing a job or choosing a post graduation courses. Though decision at each stage is critical but if someone fails to choose right stream after 10 th , he/she will

Tech 'N' Toddlers

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Too much of anything is not good and this also stands true about exposure of Media available today to kids. I have been receiving numerous queries from parents in this regard: What shall be the permissible limit to play video games? To which extent shall we allow our kids to watch TV How to differentiate their viewing of educational videos from entertainment videos?   Good part about this problem is that parents at least started realizing that problem exists. Let's  discuss how to address this issue. Rules for TV watching: 1. Separate Viewing from Chewing: If you allow your child to watch television while eating meal, it might make your child become heavily dependent upon it. Research shows that the particular combination of eating while watching something is a strong motivator to get your kids hooked to TV. 2. Decide What is allowed to be watched: Children can easily hook upon a movie or a TV series that aren't meant for them. This is why it is

Art of Praising your Child

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Parents usually understand the need of praising child. But most of them don’t have much idea about the effective manner, timing and frequency of praising chid.  Studies and literature also have different opinion about this.  Some experts recommend that we shall praise freely and lavishly, on the other hand few warn not to overdo the applause. Both of the opinions seem correct as experts have strong premise to prove their argument. First set of experts says it’s very important to praise children as it;  encourages them to improve keeps them     motivated boosts their self esteem and confidence helps get right behaviour repeated   Second set of experts warn not to praise too much because; child will find it difficult to judge his/her work accurately the more praise children receive, the more they rely on adult evaluations instead of forming their own judgments they afraid to take risks and try new things for fear of not always being on top. it can also lead t

"Will rules make my Child rebel?”

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Usually Parents ask me this question when we discuss about having rules and discipline in their Child's life; "Will rules make my Child rebel?” My answer to this question is NO Rules are one way to let your Child know you care. Many kids admit that when their parents are ‘strict’, it’s “for their own good.” Most grown up  kids appreciate having rules even when they protest your rules and authority.  Key to place rules is " Have Rules that Make Sense" It's important to understand which all rules shall be placed and how these shall be placed. Categorize rules in two parts; Firm Rules Flexible Rules FIRM RULES   Some rules are firm and not to be changed whether your Child agrees with them or not. These rules are understood by both parents and Child.  Use firm rules when: Physical or Emotional Health and Safety is at stake The Family’s Values are at stake FLEXIBLE RULES   Some rules are open for discussion and can b

Understanding and Managing ADHD

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WHAT IS A.D.H.D….???? (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Symptoms ADHD used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, it was renamed ADHD and broken down into three subtypes, each with its own pattern of behaviors: 1. An Inattentive type, with signs that include: Ø   inability to pay attention to details or a tendency to make careless errors in schoolwork or other activities Ø   difficulty with sustained attention in tasks or play activities Ø   apparent listening problems Ø   difficulty following instructions Ø   problems with organization Ø   avoidance or dislike of tasks that require mental effort Ø   tendency to lose things like toys, notebooks, or homework Ø   distractibility Ø   forgetfulness in daily activities 2.  A hyperactive-impulsive type, with signs that include: Ø   fidgeting or squirming Ø   difficulty remaining seated Ø   excessive running or climbing Ø   difficulty playing quietly Ø   always seeming