The sight of that chubby kid always draws the comment “how cute!” but the same kid ends up facing unpleasant situations as she grows up. My son was that “cute kid” and his classmates loved to pinch his cheeks. He’d be good-natured about it. But he had an unexpected growth spurt along with an accident that broke his shoulder blade…
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“Mummy! Please, may I have a lollipop?” I looked down into a pair of eyes filled with longing and hope. “Sure! Yes!” I said. And let him pick his favorite flavor. The cost of the lollipop: Rs.5.00 My son’s happiness: priceless. That was fifteen years ago. But I still follow the Yes Mom principle, because I know the positive impact…
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Yesterday, I waved to a parent driving off to drop her kids in school. I noticed that the kids wore masks, to fight air pollution. With every passing day, the air we breathe is turning more and more toxic. My local pharmacy tells me that pollution mask sales are rapidly on the rise. Did you know that every day, at…
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My son returned to college three weeks ago. Each time I go into the kitchen, the jar of Horlicks looks at me rather sadly, just like all his other staples. I miss the routine of watching him follow his routine. It started with a hug and a “good morning”—then he would drain the water from the cup with almonds soaking.…
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Yes! Right off the bat, the answer is yes. Parents make every effort to teach their children good hygiene and healthy habits; for example, brushing teeth twice a day, eating vegetables, drinking lots of water, sleeping early, and wearing sunscreen. We also teach children how play nice, and to have good manners, but usually with the subtle connotation that it…