Dealing with the Empty Nest
Life after your brood has grown and flown into life.

Empty Nesters India refers to the population of adults who are over 50 and have no dependents living with them. This demographic is increasing in India as the country’s population ages and traditional family structures are declining. Empty Nesters in India often face unique challenges due to needing more support networks and social safety nets. They may need help finding meaningful employment and accessing affordable housing and health care. Additionally, they may experience loneliness and isolation due to the lack of social connections and activities. While this demographic is often overlooked, Empty Nesters in India have a valuable societal role. They have life experience and knowledge to share and often become mentors and role models to younger generations. They can also become active community volunteers, providing valuable services and support. It is essential to recognize this population’s challenges and provide them with the resources and support they need to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Empty nester’s to-do list 

1. Explore New Hobbies
Take up a recent activity like painting, gardening, or writing to fill your newfound free time. 

2. Travel
Take advantage of your newfound freedom to travel to places you’ve always wanted to visit. 

3. Spend Time With Friends
Get together with old friends or make new ones. 

4. Pamper Yourself
Take time to relax and enjoy the little things. Get a massage, take a spa day, or find other ways to care for yourself. 

5. Make Your Home A Sanctuary
Use the time to make your home a place you truly love and feel comfortable in. Then, Declutter, redecorate, and make it your own. 

6. Get Involved In Your Community
Join a local organization or volunteer to stay connected and make a difference. 

7. Take A Class
Enroll in a course to learn something new and challenge yourself. 

8. Get Active
Take up a new sport or activity to stay active and healthy. 

9. Spend Time With Family
Visit family members or even chat with them on the phone or via video call. 

10. Pursue A Passion
Use the time to focus and build a hobby or passion you were unable to when the nest was full or your brood was in the house.

Ode to the Empty Nesters

Empty nest, a place once full of joy,
Now feels so still and empty with no child,
The laughter and noise that filled all the days,
Now have been replaced with moments of pause .
Memories of childhood years that seem so far,
Return to us now as echoes of past days start, 
The empty nest that was once so full.

Is now a reminder of a life that was, 
But what once was is never forgotten, 
The love that was shared will remain unspoken. 
A new chapter, a different kind of life, 
A journey of discovery, joy, and strife, 
An empty nest is a place of endless possibilities, 
A chance to open new doors and explore life's mysteries.

Take heart, empty nesters, in that you can enjoy more time and freedom as your children become more independent. This time can be used to cultivate new hobbies, deepen existing relationships, pursue a career change, or take up a new volunteer role. Embracing a new chapter in life can be an exciting opportunity to explore new passions and find joy in the little moments.

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So it’s been a few years since you held your little miracle! All the awws and aahs that came with a newborn have now moved on to oohs and argh. In my case, there are now a few watch outs! This is a normal progression in your little child’s life. While to us adults, it seems easy to navigate certain aspects of life, remember your little one is just a few years into this journey called life. They have a long and lovely way to go in their life’s journey.

As parents and guardians, we must start equipping them to live their best lives as early as possible. So what are some of the most important things you want to teach your child or children? Manners, etiquette, and some life skills that are age relevant. Whatever you want them to learn, ensure they have fun, and let them know you have their back. Remember, you will always be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Read that again. So if you thought parenting had kids and let them grow on their own. I am afraid it has just begun. 

Welcome to the next stage of your child’s life as they grow! 

It has been proven repeatedly that the best way to pass on knowledge is to pass it on to those who need it and are willing to learn. Children are always ready to learn as long as what they are learning is fun, engaging, and challenging enough to enjoy the process. Now, parents bear in mind toddler fans, at times, have a mind of their own and want to do things differently. That is perfectly ok! Yes! That’s right. It is ok for your little one to learn different things from what you think they might need or must know. 

Teaching a three-year-old can be daunting for many parents, but it does not have to be! With some patience and creativity, you can help your are three year old learn various topics and develop critical skills. Remember, it’s about the journey of learning together, and if it needs to be tweaked or lightened, it suits your little one’s needs. So please, by all means, adjust!

tips to get you started

1. Make Learning Fun:
Learning should be a fun and engaging experience for your three-year-old. Activities and games to help your child learn can help them stay focused and motivated. For example, if you teach your child their numbers, use counting games or number puzzles to make it more enjoyable. 

2. Keep It Short:
Three-year-olds have a limited attention span, so keeping learning sessions short and sweet is essential. Aim for 10-15 minutes at a time and break up different topics throughout the day. 

3. Repetition Is Key:
Repetition is the key to learning, especially for young children. Repeating the same concepts and activities often to help your three-year-old remember what they’ve learned. 

4. Use Everyday Opportunities:
You can also use everyday activities to help teach your three years old. For example, if you’re grocery shopping, you can encourage your tot to pick some essentials or push the baby cart in the supermarket.

General tips for parents to consider

1. Encourage Independence:
   Children are starting to develop a sense of independence at this age. Please encourage your child to do simple tasks like dressing, using the bathroom, and feeding themselves. This can help build their confidence and self-esteem.
   
2. Read To Them:
   Reading is integral to a child’s development. Read books with your child, point out the words and pictures, and ask them questions about the story. This can help improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
   
3. Provide Opportunities For Socialization:
   Children need to interact with other children their age. Look for playgroups or preschools in your area that your child can attend. This can help them learn social skills like sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others.
   
4. Encourage Physical Activity:
   Children are full of energy and need to be active at this age. Encourage your child to play outside, ride a bike, or participate in other physical activities. This can help improve their coordination, balance, and overall health.
   
5. Teach Basic Manners:
   Children at this age still learn to interact with others. Teach them basic techniques like saying “please” and “thank you” and greeting others politely. This can help them develop positive social skills and show respect for others.

Remember, every child is different and may develop at their own pace. Be patient and supportive as you help your child learn and grow.

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Raising a 3-year-old can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. It is essential to set boundaries and provide consistent discipline while allowing for exploration and creativity. To nurture a healthy and happy 3-year-old, parents must create a safe, secure, and stimulating environment. It includes providing plenty of attention and love and setting clear expectations and consequences. It is important to remember that 3-year-olds are still learning and exploring the world around them. They are highly curious and need plenty of opportunities to be creative and explore their environment. It is crucial to provide them with age-appropriate toys and activities that help them develop cognitive skills and socialize with other children. Reading aloud to them and engaging them in conversation can also help them learn the language, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, providing positive support and praise is essential when they demonstrate good behaviour. Connecting with your 3-year-old can help build a strong bond and foster a sense of security.

Children are developing their own sense of independence and autonomy at this age, which can lead to power struggles and stubbornness. They may also start expressing their opinions and preferences, which can sometimes clash with their parent’s expectations. These behaviours can be reminiscent of teenagers’ mood swings and defiance.

The term “threenager” is often used to describe a 3-year-old child who exhibits behaviours and attitudes similar to a teenager’s. In addition, this term is often used to describe the challenging and often unpredictable behaviour that can arise as a child reaches the age of three. The term “threenager” is primarily used as a lighthearted way to describe the challenges of parenting a young child.

How to Raise a 3-year-old?

1. Set limits and boundaries: 

Establishing clear boundaries is an integral part of parenting a three-year-old. Explain why certain behaviors are expected and provide positive reinforcement when those behaviours are followed. 

2. Encourage independence: 

As your child grows, it’s important to foster independence. Please encourage your child to do simple tasks such as putting on their clothes, brushing their teeth, and helping with chores. 

3. Provide positive reinforcement: 

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for teaching good behaviour. Compliment your child when they do something right, and use rewards or treats to reinforce desired behaviours. 

4. Spend quality time: 

Spend quality time with your kid every day. Read books, play games, and engage in fun and stimulating activities. 

5. Model good behaviour: 

Children learn by example. Model the behaviour that you want your child to emulate, and lead by example. 

6. Teach problem-solving skills: 

Please help your child develop problem-solving skills by teaching them how to think things through. Then, if a problem arises, talk it out and help your child develop solutions. 

7. Promote healthy habits: 

Establish healthy habits such as healthy eating and regular exercise.

a gentle reminder to parents raising a 3-year-old 

1. Patience is critical when raising a 3-year-old. 

Take the time to listen to your child and understand their needs and wants. Children of this age group are still developing and trying to figure out their world. Showing patience and kindness can go a long way in helping your child feel safe and secure. 

2. Encourage your 3-year-old to explore and express themselves. 

This age is a great time to introduce activities like drawing and painting, as they can help children to express their feelings and explore their creativity. Reading is also a great way to help your child learn more about the world and explore new ideas. 

3. Establish routines and rules early to help your 3-year-old learn boundaries. 

Setting consistent expectations and limits can help your child feel secure and understand that they have limitations on their behaviour. Make sure to be firm but fair when enforcing these rules. Encouraging your child to practice self-control and responsibility is essential to their development.

Lastly, Always be patient with yourself. You are also learning and possibly doing this for the first time. It takes work. I have a tiny 3-year-old tornado who I love to bits. But sometimes, he can push all my buttons and test me. But I also know he is a lovely child, and I am more than happy and grateful to be his dad as much as he is my tiny tornado!

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All the hype, high, and hurray is done. Now what? Somewhere in our minds, we faintly remember some last-minute end-of-year December last week promises. Frantically, you scrambled to the gym or not, stopped eating wrong, decided to walk more, and stayed connected more. Finally, the ball dropped on the new year, and the countdown was done. An old year has gone out in style, and the new year arrives with much-awaited resets happening. You are super excited, but you over-commit. And in a moment of clarity (Usually on Jan 2nd onwards), they seem to disappear or lose their charm. And, suddenly, poof! All the resolutions, promises, and last-minute promises seem more challenging to keep with each passing day. 

So after you make the resolves, you need to follow through. But, as mentioned earlier, it is getting harder to follow through once the high and hype of the year are gone. Mind you, and this is easy for a select few people. But again, only some people are the same.

Well, fear not. You are not alone in this situation. Unfortunately, nearly all of us forget or forgo our resolutions and go back to being as we were in the years gone by. 

So if you’re looking to track your New Year’s resolutions, there are a few different ways. First, you can use a planner or calendar to keep track of your goals and the progress you make toward achieving them. You can also use a to-do list or online goal-tracking tools like Habitica or Way of Life to break down your resolutions into smaller tasks or milestones that you can check off as you go. Additionally, if you’re looking for more accountability, you can share your goals with a friend or family member and have them check in with you on your progress.

A planner can help you stay organized and on top of your tasks. You can write down upcoming deadlines and meetings, create to-do lists, and keep track of important events. You can also use it to set goals and track your progress.

• Follow a to-do list. Make a list of tasks that need to be completed. This is called the to-do list or a laundry list of tasks.

• Prioritise the tasks in order of importance or urgency. Base this on the need of the hour and the end goal in mind. Start working on the most important or urgent task first. 

• Estimate how much time it will take to complete each task. Please give it a ballpark. A guesstimate will allow you to plan your day. Otherwise, you will get overwhelmed.

• Set a timeline for when each task should be completed. Someone once said a goal without a deadline is a dream.

• Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Helps get more achieved.

• Take breaks as needed to stay focused and energized. 

• Track your progress and adjust your timeline as needed. Nothing is written in stone. At least resolutions are not! Also, have fun accomplishing them. Celebrate when all tasks are completed! 

• Get an accountability partner.

An accountability partner is someone who holds you accountable for achieving your goals. They provide support, motivation and help you stay on track. They can help you set realistic goals, track and measure your progress, and encourage you to stay focused on reaching your goals. They can also offer valuable feedback and advice when needed. You can find an accountability partner by asking friends, family members, or colleagues if they would like to be an accountability partner for you. You can also join online forums, such as Reddit, to find someone who is looking for an accountability partner. In addition, some websites and apps can help you find an accountability partner.

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So we all know or have heard about communication. We even have books and training programs that teach us how to communicate. Some go the extra mile and give us tests and analyses. However, only a few speak of the art, which is communication. 

Fun Fact: Much like any other activity we humans do, communication will always be flawed. Why? Because the interpretation of this message or bit of information can be perceived in hundreds of ways by the receiver unless clear and precise when sent by the origin or, in this case, the sender.

Take that deadly combination of human beings and flawed communication activity, mix it all up, and voila, cocktail for disaster! Ok, it is not that horrible. But, let us pay attention to the importance of being able to pass your idea as intended to your intended recipient exactly or at least approximately as you mean it to be.

Clarity in communication is the ability to effectively and accurately express thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a way that the listener quickly understands. It involves clear language, active listening, and a logical flow of ideas. It also involves being mindful of the needs and perspectives of the person you are communicating with. Clarity in communication can help improve relationships, foster understanding, and increase productivity.

Take out your notepads, and make notes! It is about to get as serious as you want it to be. Joke! However, take note as you read on a few essential pointers or tips that can help make communication more accessible and more transparent. It will give you and your audience clarity and understanding.

10 Key points for clarity in communication

1. Listen actively and be patient. Like in any scenario of 2 or more people conversing, you need to be mentally present. Physical presence alone has no value in this case. 

2. Ask questions to ensure understanding. Nothing clears confusion better than asking questions. It helps get or give clarity. 

3. Speak clearly and avoid using jargon. Nothing confuses people more than us using terminology that makes unsound and bright but defeats the purpose of communication. Simplify and speak. It's easier this way. And speaking with clarity allows the listener to understand the message. 

4. Use simple language and avoid slang. This point reinforces the previous point. Keep it simple and short is one of the acronyms we all know of. But with different words. Imagine me saying that with no clarification. Confusion will surely follow.

5. Remove distractions and stay focused. Put cut down on the noise that hinders your communication. Allow yourself to pass on the message to the listener as though you were tossing them a hollow glass ball. The toss was a waste of time and effort if they couldn't catch it. If they see it. Mission accomplished, and that's the play. 

6. Use body language to emphasise points. A proven study supports that what we see while communicating has a higher impact than the words we speak or how we articulate them. The visual impact or nonverbal element is pegged at 55%, the articulation impact at 38%, and the words we use stand at 7%, and shocked to see this. So was I when I learned this over a decade ago! Imagine I had to know the nonverbal elements and how to use them effectively! No wonder no one could understand me! Jokes aside, I learned this made a massive difference to the listener.

7. Repeat important information. This one is also known simply as paraphrasing. It helps you summarise what you heard. Now, this is not just parroting back words. It allows the sender to understand what you, the listener, have understood if you understand what I mean! 

8. Avoid making assumptions. This is an add-on point from the previous one. Without clarification, any information sent is or can be deemed as an assumption. It shows that you have yet to use some last points to clarify what you heard. 

9. Provide examples to illustrate points. A point that goes back hundreds of years. Storytelling is similar to this point. Illustration of information by drawings or models makes this a powerful tool in one's communication quiver! You can take your listener on an unforgettable journey as you speak. Just don't overdo it and leave them on Pluto!

10. Summarize the discussion. Here is a quick recap of what was said, heard, and understood!

In relationships, we need to be clear, concise, and understandable in an age where we get tons of information from all sorts of sources. Let’s keep the one from word of mouth as delightful to hear as a melody from a song. Giving and receiving information, especially between partners, becomes the relationship’s bedrock. That and a few others form pillars of that relationship, but that is a discussion for other articles. Keep communication lines open with your partner, spouse, siblings, parents, and friends. Talk it out and see the difference.

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A Dad’s role, defined, is one of a powerhouse from the day he becomes a dad. It never ends! The part of a dad is to provide a loving and supportive environment for their family. They should provide guidance and discipline to their children, serve as role models, and help them develop into responsible adults. Dads should also offer protection, security, and unconditional love for their families.

When does a man become a father? From the moment you know you are going to be a dad! Fact. A man can become an adequate father when he is ready to accept the commitment of being a father and willing to provide his children with love, support, and guidance. Unfortunately, some men sometimes take time to understand the seriousness of this duty. I urge every father and future father-to-be to take fatherhood to the next level and be part of the enormous responsibility of sharing responsibility with your partners and spouses in raising your beautiful creation.

A dad’s role in child development is significant. He plays a role in providing emotional security, teaching values, and setting boundaries. He also plays an essential role in providing guidance, support, and encouragement. A dad is an important role model, and through his actions, words, and attitude, he has a significant influence on his child’s development. He can also teach his child about problem-solving, decision-making, and other essential life skills.

Ten Responsibilities of a Dad 

The fact is a father, just like a mother, plays a role in providing emotional security, teaching values, and setting boundaries. He also plays an essential role in providing guidance, support, and encouragement. A dad is also an important role model; his actions, words, and attitude significantly influence child’s development. 

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From being called glorified babysitters and labeled as not earning an income, there are some myths. How wrong are these misconceptions about Stay-At-Home Dads, AKA SAHDs? 

Surprisingly I am not the first stay-at-home dad, and I won’t be the last. However, this time has been nothing short of a fantastic experience. But, to tell you the fact, it has had some, let’s call them, unpleasant conversations and unwanted advice from friends and family. 

I do not mean my immediate family or in-laws when I say, family. I mean the nosy know-it-all aunties and uncles who like to carry out investigations that will make special units blush. Then comes their opinions and advice that no one asked for in the first place. But before we digress, let us knock out the myths, state some truths, and tell some simple facts about the stay-at-home dad club. Yes, I said club! That is because we are simply the cool gang! LOL.

1. All stay-at-home dads are unemployed 

Fact: Most stay-at-home dads are employed and choose to do so to support their partners.

In many cases, this eliminates the need for a nanny or caretaker for your little one. It also allows the child to grow with one parent at all times. Surprisingly, this also allows each parent time with their tiny tot! Bonding is at its highest, and both parents and child/ children have a super time.

2. Stay-at-home dads are lazy 

Fact: Many stay-at-home dads, myself included, have tons to do for the little ones around the day.

For example, if the baby is younger, the whole routine is based on when the baby is up, fed, burped, tummy time, playtime, and bath time. Do you see where this is going? Any parent, whether mom or dad, is not having a siesta. It is fun, but it is not walk-in-the-park stuff. The time and personal investment in raising a little one at home is full-time work.

3. Stay-at-home dads are not man enough

Fact: They are men enough to allow their wives to have a professional life. Surprisingly this is from my viewpoint. We are!

I mean to have the courage to take care of your child, go to the gym, hold a job, cook, and clean for your little angel. It is not a woman’s role. It is a shared responsibility; if your work environment allows it, I say do it. Times have changed; wives, AKA mommies, also have jobs and careers. So be supportive, and enable and empower them to shine at their workplace.

4. Stay-at-home dads won’t have time to work and have their own life

Fact – I have been a stay-at-home dad for over two years, and I have enough and more time to do what I need to, when I need to, thanks to having a unique and supportive partner. Life has been more fun this way.

Stay-at-home dads, and let me add, moms are superheroes, especially if they hold jobs. Working from home is not easy, it is not convenient, and it is emotionally more challenging than working from the office. But it is possible. It is fascinating that all this became even more acceptable to corporates after the terrible pandemic. The good from it rewrote our understanding of how the world functions. 

As a stay-at-home and work-from-home dad, I never thought I had it in me to hold a full-time career as a consultant, caregiver/ dad, and partner to my wife. It is very tiring and testing at times. There are terrific days, and there are meh days. The good and the not-so-good. But it has been worth every minute of it. Paradigms have shifted. We quickly know how to hand over our kid without blaming or passing the parcel. It has become our little one’s routine to look for Baba in the mornings and Mama in the evenings for his support, comfort, and plain old security feeling. Watching this fascinating little human grow, we are encountering milestones. We are not missing out on life. The ultimate truth is we are taking advantage of a lot. Best of all, we are first-hand witnesses to the process and progress called life!

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Things were excellent at the beginning of your courtship, and it was just the two of you. The colours were bright, the sun was nice and warm, and the rain was magical. Ah, this was life. Something went right! Few years after all the sparks and reasons to live and be together. All that magic is still there, maybe a little worn from wear. But it’s there. And then you had or heard the best news ever. That is if you always wanted kids. You were now going to be a parent! So there came the stork, dropped off your little bundle of joy, and the parenting began – feed times, nap times, bath times, and so forth. 

All of a sudden, the only dates you had were doctor appointments or daycare, depending on your parenting style. Yet, somehow, that tiny little human of yours took all your time and owned it! I have been in that confused yet intrigued frame of mind. 

Simply put, the family grew by two feet, but this doesn’t mean life then begins to move for you both as separate entities. So you are still together, work on making sure you still make or have time for each other. Every relationship needs that investment of time, care, and a little love.

Now, what are you going to do? There is no such thing at this point called ME TIME. The last time you had time to yourselves, it probably was to catch up on some badly needed sleep! Given you, both aren’t machines. However, you need to have some US TIME sans the baby. 

Don’t worry, and all is not lost! Here are five tips to get romance and the magic back into your love life even while you have kids.

1. Get a good and reliable babysitter.

2. Stay Connected 

3. Start Setting Date Nights Near Your Locality

4. Concentrate on Each Other

5. Keep At It & Do What is best for You 

You must remember you both are the same two people who are partners as well as parents. So own this title, and have fun with it. But most of all rebuild your lives around your little one so that as the little one grows, our child will know exactly what it means to be in a healthy, affectionate, and well-rounded relationship.

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