Obesity in adults is a condition affecting more and more people throughout the world every year. While some cases can be linked to genetic malfunctions or other medical conditions, the fact that childhood obesity is also on the rise gives credence to the belief that much of the problem could be resolved through a change in childhood eating and exercise habits.

Parents should monitor the weight of their children and check with the family paediatrician during routine visits. He’ll tell you how your child’s weight compares to his height, and to other children of the same stature. Don’t panic if your child seems a bit overweight during the first few years of life; it’s actually quite normal.

If your child shows signs of higher weight to height proportion, consult a doctor or nutritionist who can help you develop an eating plan to maintain the child’s current weight. This way, his body will level out naturally as he gets taller and more developed. If he is already leaning toward obesity, some weight loss may be necessary. However, never put young children on a weight loss diet without the advice of a doctor.

The eating plan you’ll be working with should be a well-balanced diet including all the major food groups. While you may not want to deprive our child from eating fast food like McDonalds and KFC, ensure that you do not encourage them to take such food all the time. However, don’t go over board and completely eliminate things like fat, sugar, and red meat.  All these things, just like fruits and vegetables, contain essential nutrients a child’s body needs to grow properly. Moderation in all the food groups is the key.

Finally, the importance of physical exercise cannot be emphasised enough. The human body is naturally programmed to store unneeded food calories as fat for later use. A child who is largely inactive will gain weight quickly as his body doesn’t need all the calories he takes in. Daily physical activity goes a long way in preventing obesity.

If your child seems to hate everything that you prepare, there are some things that you can do to make mealtimes more enjoyable and help to get some nutritious food into your child.

Let your child participate in the preparation of the meals. This is a good opportunity to teach your child to cook and let them help in making the foods that they will eat. When they feel as though they have helped prepare their meals, they may be more likely to try the foods when it is time to eat. Allow your child to taste as you go so that they can add ingredients that make their food taste better. Be careful to not allow them to eat Family meal times can be very difficult for parents and children when there is a picky eater at the table. too much while preparing the meal or they may not be hungry by the time the food reaches the table.

Try some kid friendly recipes. There are plenty of cookbooks out there that give recipes for foods that kids typically enjoy. Many of the foods that you regularly make can be made kid friendly by changing the way the foods are presented. Fun shapes for some standard foods helps children enjoy their meals much better. When your child is having fun they are more likely to eat more food during meals.

A lot of parents try to force foods on their children that they do not like. While you can insist that your child tries something before they determine they don’t like the food, you shouldn’t try to force a food on a child who has already tried it and determined that they just don’t like it. Kids have tastes just like you and it is possible that they don’t enjoy the same foods that you do.

There probably isn’t any student in this world that hasn’t been told about the virtues of reading and how important it is for us all to inculcate this habit in our daily curriculum. In today’s day and age, when electronic media has completely dominated the markets as well as seeped into our lives, do the hardbound and paperbacks hold as much charm as they possessed earlier? Unsurprisingly, books have totally become obsolete, or at least that’s what the modern generation thinks.

It is a good idea to read out to children when they are very young. At this age, choosing books with lesser words and more of pictures is better. Don’t try forcing children to read a particular type of book. Let them form an interest and then gradually introduce what you think is right. Forcing a child will not yield positive results. Most children resist doing the thing they are forced to do.

Having a reading time when the whole family reads also helps. It is a good idea to buy books of your child’s favorite cartoon character. This way, you will keep them happy and interested as well as meet your objective quite easily.

A book allowance in addition to the other pocket money encourages a child to invest in books. Suggest books and authors to your child. Children follow by example, so would consequently read what their parents read. Frequently hit the library, local book store or magazine store with your child. Let him get into the habit of feeling books around him/her. Also establishing a corner for the child’s books is a good idea to foster a feeling of ownership and pride.

It is important that once children are old enough they read not only books but magazines and journals as well. Subscribing to a magazine that the child enjoys will build an excitement in him/her to read more. Many children are not as enamored by stories as other children may be. Encyclopedias and child magazines are a good option in this case. If your child has a hobby, encourage him to read more about it. Also if the family is engaging in some activity like a holiday then ask your child to read up about this place. And finally, discuss with your children what they have read, share knowledge and encourage them to talk to their friends about what they read.

Bringing up a child seems to be getting tougher and tougher with every generation. Gone are the good old days when parents had full control over what their child ate, played, read, where he or she spent most of their time, generally what exactly the child was being exposed to. Today, we live in times when technology has made it both easier and safer to keep a check on your child. This dichotomy exists because of the discrepancy in the parents’ perception of their child’s knowledge and the child’s actual degree of understanding which lets him or her be either influenced by technology, or to manipulate technology to trick their parents into a false sense of normalcy and security.

The World Wide Web is an important tool to explore the world for the child. This can be an educative and entertaining mode of gathering information. Or it can turn into the biggest source of unwanted, dangerous or downright sleazy material if you are not careful. The implications of letting the other side of the World Wide Web take a hold on your child’s brain in the early formative years are terrifying. Therefore, it is necessary to keep a certain amount of check on what your child is up to when he or she goes online. Here are a few tips:

1. Teach your child the values and respect that you want her or to imbibe. The internet is powerful, but a well laid moral foundation will certainly go a long way in determining the reaction of your child if and when he or she is exposed to something which may not sit too well with you. Do not blame the internet totally for the moral dents that your child’s character may develop in the absence of parental guidance.
2. The computer should be kept in an open area, not in the privacy of the child’s bed room. The living area, hall or lounge is a good place to keep the computer in where you can be in the same room where your child is surfing the net, and still not look like you are being nosey.
3. Write down important safety rules on a piece of paper after discussing the same with your child. Thereafter, tape this piece of paper somewhere close to the computer so that the child is able to look at it all the time while he or she is online.
4. Discourage your child from disclosing personal information to friends that he or she makes online, and tell her or him the reason for the same, explaining about privacy, misuse of information and related risks in simple and gentle words.
5. Teach your child about the use of good passwords. Tell them how important it is to not reveal their passwords to anyone, however good a friend that may be.

As a last resort, you can install software that will let you know the various websites that your child has been visiting.

Gifts for Mom:

1. Belli Gift Sets: Belli is the world’s safest skincare line available to address the specific issues of pregnant women, new mothers and babies. The line is divided into three parts: Pregnancy, Motherhood and Baby. www.belliskincare.com

Motherhood Essentials Kit: Belli’s Motherhood Essential’s kit helps ease the transition into healthy, preventative, long-term skin care routines. The kit contains everything new moms need to restore and reclaim her body. Four hero products formulated with proven ingredients that quickly deliver results. Retail Cost: $29.99

2. The Little Bra Company features a line of sexy, comfortable and stylish lingerie for smaller-proportioned women that make women feel beautiful and sexy at any size.

During the holidays, women pile on layers upon layers of clothing to stay warm during cold winter months. But sometimes bulky sweaters cover up a feminine silhouette and women (especially small-busted women) are left searching for ways to feel sexy and beautiful underneath all the layers. The Little Bra Company’s red-hot Luciabra and panty set is the perfect gift to spice up the holidays and keep women feeling hot despite the cold weather. RRP : $56.

3. Luxe Beauty Brand, Votre Vu: A luxurious skin care brand that brings the best naturally-based skincare solutions to the U.S. market and beyond. www.votrevu.com

On Holiday Gentle Body Scrub: Key to relaxation for moms who “need a break.” This natural treatment will virtually transform any environment into sumptuous, infinitely soothing mini-vacation. Its gentle glycerin base leaves skin feeling soft, never oily, and its natural extracts help to moisturize and smooth skin while you exfoliate. Retail Cost: $35.

 4. Hobo Handbags from Yak Pak – Leading fashion trade WWD has published that “classic hobo handbags” are among the top holiday items in 2009. Yak Pak has an array of hobos in selection of sizes to fulfill all of your purse-purchasing needs! The Nobu is the biggest hobo offered, with the Megu coming in right behind it. The Sabrina is a more petite version of the hobo and also comes with an adjustable tied shoulder strap.

Ranging from just $25- $45, all of Yak Pak’s  hobos are made with a soft cotton twill exterior and a shiny satin interior and come in a plethora of stylish prints that are classic to the Yak Pak look.

Gifts for Dad:

1. Votre Vu’s Luxe Beauty Products for Men: A luxurious skin care brand that brings the best naturally-based skincare solutions to the U.S. market and beyond.

POUR HOMME: A trio of French-made skin formulas including an anti-aging face cream, an organic shave balm, and a 3-in-1 hair, face and body wash. Retail Cost: $35.-$42.

2. Fitness for Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere with Hit the Deck: This innovative fitness device at home or on-the-go tones the body while burning off stress hormones. www.powerhouseperformancecoaching.com

Hit the Deck: Easy to use and cost-conscious Hit the Deck consists of a programmable interval time and 30 cards divided into three categories: No Sweating, I’m Glistening and Sweating Buckets. Retail Cost: $19.99

3. Grunge Buds : www.atomic9.com

You know we could all use a little extra ‘bling’ in our lives and for anyone with an iPod, Blackberry or MP3, the new techie must-have, Grunge Buds add that extra pizzazz you’re looking for. Set with Swarovski crystals, these ultimate headphones incorporate eye-popping style with superior quality noise-isolation and are complete with a microphone so you can flow from the latest Kanye track to your call and back in no time. Available in unisex styles such as edgy skulls, angel wings and frosted cats these headphones would be a great stocking stuffer and will make a statement under the tree! $39.99

4. Godiva Home Fragrance Collection Inspired by hand-made Peppermint Bark, Peppermint Bark Candle features: Fine dark and white chocolate characteristics married together with Madagascar bourbon vanilla and the essence of crushed peppermint. Give a gift of luxury!

Godiva Chocolatier unveils a new way to indulge in the sensorial decadence of its chocolates – the Godiva Home Fragrance Collection. These scented candles are the brand’s first foray into the home fragrance category in its over 80 year history and represent a departure from Godiva’s traditional culinary innovations. Led by Laura Slatkin, CEO of Candela Group, the Godiva Home Fragrance Collection was developed by combining the talents of the fragrance industry’s master perfumers with the expertise of Godiva’s master chef chocolatiers. Price : $22.50

The above gift guide is compiled based on my own opinion. No payment or product was provided in exchange for this post.

I recently reviewed a book ” Teach your child the Multiplication Tables, Fun, Fast and Easy Dazzling Patterns, Grids, Tricks!” over at Parent Reviewers, and here’s an excerpt of it :

Growing up, I was never really good at Maths. Until, I had the benefit of getting to know an excellent Maths teacher, who showed me the good side of Maths. It was astounding. I never thought Maths could be so interesting and from then on, each time I found a pattern or a sequence, Maths got easier and easier. I have to say, by the time I ended High School, the only thing I really excelled in, was Maths (and English ~ but that didn’t count somehow).

Now, as a parent, I have to admit, I really suck at teaching Maths. Perhaps I’m too impatient with my kids and think ahead of myself. The easy stuff like Addition and Subtraction was taught with much frustration, on my part, and much dismay, on my kids’ part.  I dreaded the idea of teaching Multiplication and Division! When the book “Teach Your Child the Multiplication Tables, Fun, Fast and Easy with Dazzling Patterns, Grids and Tricks“, arrived, I looked at the front cover with much skepticism. How “fun” could it be?

I completely forgot how amazing it is, when the brain opens up, finds a pattern and starts working furiously at the numbers. Until this book arrived. My 7 year old saw this book and immediately wanted to work on it. I knew he learnt some multiplications at school, but I wasn’t sure how much.

He attacked the first grid….working all the multiplication numbers from 1 to 10. Just like that. I was amazed. He had read and glossed over the book, (I assumed he was just looking at the pictures) earlier…and when he started doing the numbers, he seemed to understand the underlying patterns under each multiplication.

And here I thought I would have a hard time teaching him the Multiplication!

Currently, there is a giveaway going on, which will last till 4th August 09.  7 lucky readers will get a chance to win! So hurry on over there, and while you’re there, check out the other reviews and giveaways going on there.

The Don’t Bite Me! Patch is a revolutionary, new product that provides an alternative to traditional insect repellent. The Don’t Bite Me! Patch combines an old remedy with new technology to make an outstanding product! Only natural ingredients go into our topical patch which lasts for up to 36 hours. Now you can simply put on a patch, not messy sprays and lotions. Whether you are swimming, camping, golfing, gardening, hunting, fishing or watching an outdoor sporting event, you can now enjoy your time outdoors, not dread it!

If you are a follower of my parenting blog, you’ll know that my kids and I are dreadfully afraid of insect bites. These bites often result in swelling and a lot of pain, followed by itchiness due to inflammation. Therefore, when I stumbled upon the Don’t Bite Me! Patch, my curiosity was piqued. I wanted to try and see whether it really works!

The opportunity came when I went for a recent teambuilding trip to Lumut, Malaysia. We stayed at the Swiss Garden Resort which was a beachfront resort. Since I knew our teambuilding was going to last until 10.30pm that night, I did not want to risk being bitten my mosquitoes. From the instructions, the patch had to be applied two hours before going outdoor, so after lunch, I quickly slapped the Don’t Bite Me! Patch on my outer upper left arm. It was pretty easy as you just need to peel off the adhesive tape. I like the fact that the patch was transparent which meant no one knew I was using it.

My observation throughout the time I had the patch on, which was roughly 18 hours, I did not have a single insect bite. I’m not sure whether it was a coincidence as I am usually very prone to mosquito bites. I was also pleasantly surprised when I removed the patch and noticed that there wasn’t any itchiness even though my skin is generally sensitive to adhesive products.  However, my skin did look redder than usual but the colour returned to normal after a couple of hours.

Since the key ingredients are Vitamin B1 and Aloe, the Don’t Bite Me! patch is also safe for children. Thus, I’m keen to try it out again with my kids when we go for our next outdoor activity.  Other features such as being waterproof and able to last up to 36 hours are an added advantage. You can purchase your own here!

The Don’t Bite Me! Patch is a revolutionary, new product that provides an alternative to traditional insect repellent. The Don’t Bite Me! Patch combines an old remedy with new technology to make an outstanding product! Only natural ingredients go into our topical patch which lasts for up to 36 hours. Now you can simply put on a patch, not messy sprays and lotions. Whether you are swimming, camping, golfing, gardening, hunting, fishing or watching an outdoor sporting event, you can now enjoy your time outdoors, not dread it!

If you are a follower of my parenting blog, you’ll know that my kids and I are dreadfully afraid of insect bites. These bites often result in swelling and a lot of pain, followed by itchiness due to inflammation. Therefore, when I stumbled upon the Don’t Bite Me! Patch, my curiosity was piqued. I wanted to try and see whether it really works!

The opportunity came when I went for a recent teambuilding trip to Lumut, Malaysia. We stayed at the Swiss Garden Resort which was a beachfront resort. Since I knew our teambuilding was going to last until 10.30pm that night, I did not want to risk being bitten my mosquitoes. From the instructions, the patch had to be applied two hours before going outdoor, so after lunch, I quickly slapped the Don’t Bite Me! Patch on my outer upper left arm. It was pretty easy as you just need to peel off the adhesive tape. I like the fact that the patch was transparent which meant no one knew I was using it.

My observation throughout the time I had the patch on, which was roughly 18 hours, I did not have a single insect bite. I’m not sure whether it was a coincidence as I am usually very prone to mosquito bites. I was also pleasantly surprised when I removed the patch and noticed that there wasn’t any itchiness even though my skin is generally sensitive to adhesive products.  However, my skin did look redder than usual but the colour returned to normal after a couple of hours.

Since the key ingredients are Vitamin B1 and Aloe, the Don’t Bite Me! patch is also safe for children. Thus, I’m keen to try it out again with my kids when we go for our next outdoor activity.  Other features such as being waterproof and able to last up to 36 hours are an added advantage. You can purchase your own here!