Partnering For Progress

Relationships are beautiful – when you share a bond with someone that knows every part of who you are, and you know someone for who they are and what they do, relationships are mutual effort and commitment from two individuals to make life better together! Relationships are partnerships – where two adults who know each other’s flaws, likes, and dislikes come together to build something worth their time and effort.

The partnership comes when two people recognize that life is hard work and intelligent work combined with understanding and acknowledging each other’s perspectives and visions. Only if you partner with your spouse will you move towards success together – hand-in-hand. Yes, fallouts and breakdowns are shared between two people – how it is handled at the end of the day is what matters.

Falling in love with someone is easy – may I dare to say? However, staying rooted in that love and building on that love is what is difficult in this fast-moving world full of people who believe true love no longer exists. Today, people are more selfish in love than in giving. People have forgotten that staying committed to that relationship takes effort and continued work. They forget that relationships are all about sharing and caring. Taking care of each other and trying to stay connected to each other’s inner selves has much to do with how successful the commitment will be. Mutual respect, appreciation, intimacy deeper than sex, absolute faith, loyalty, and good communication are all keys to healthy relationships.

The success of a relationship is not in the number of years two people have stayed together – two people can very well stay together without an iota of love left between them; well, bitter truth alert! Instead, the success of a relationship depends on how the couple talks to each other, how they resolve conflicts, how they handle finances, how they handle arguments, and how they depict themselves and each other to the outer world – outside of the relationship.

Partnering for progress is hearty in a relationship because it helps both partners work together towards achieving common goals and growing together as a couple. When both partners are committed to supporting each other’s personal growth and the growth of the relationship, they are more likely to have a successful and fulfilling relationship.

5 reasons why Partnering for Progress is essential

1. Increases Communication

Partnering for Progress encourages open and honest communication between partners. It helps to build trust, deepen understanding, and foster intimacy in the relationship.

2. Promotes Mutual Support

By working together towards shared goals, partners can provide each other with the support they need to achieve their individual and collective aspirations. In addition, it can lead to tremendous mutual respect, trust, and appreciation.

3. Strengthens the Relationship

Partnering for Progress helps partners develop a shared vision for their future, which can improve their connection and deepen their commitment to each other. When both partners are invested in each other’s success, they are more likely to weather the ups and downs of life together.

4. Encourages Growth

Partnering for Progress can also promote personal growth for each partner. By working towards goals together, partners can learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses and develop new skills and perspectives to benefit themselves and the relationship.

5. Navigate challenges & overcome obstacles

Partnering for progress can help partners navigate and overcome obstacles. When both partners are committed to working together towards a shared goal, they are more likely to find creative solutions to problems and support each other during difficult times. This can build resilience and deepen the sense of connection and trust between partners, which can be crucial for maintaining a healthy and happy relationship over the long term.

A healthy relationship is a wholesome partnership to build a future foolproof of dilemma and confusion. It is healthy competition, hearty and wholesome thoughts for each other, healthy disagreements, and everything worldly that, at times, is confusing, but looking at each other’s eyes gives so much clarity. A healthy relationship with your partner is like holding a torchlight in the darkness – it shows you the path even when you cannot see it. It is like looking for water underground- you must keep the faith and dig deeper. It is all there lying in front of you with arms wide open – your soul knows if something is incorrect, and when things are just how they ought to be – you know!

Partnering for Progress is essential because it helps partners build a strong foundation for their relationship and work towards a shared vision for their future together. Therefore, validating one another and ensuring you relate, acknowledge, and communicate wholly is imperative. Freedom from disputes is a myth – life is an amalgam of tragedies and comedies – you have to choose how you want to respond and react to them all. Remember, it is a partnership and not a one-person army. It is teamwork and not “which is the boss here.” It is a mutual effort and not a one-sided trial-and-error method. Life is too short to experiment. Live life to the fullest – together!

——

Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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Paramaguru Sisters-Books Are Us

Thank you for taking the time for the interview. Excited about your Community Library Project. First, tell me, who are Ridhi and Sara? Describe yourselves.

Ridhi: Hello I am Ridhi Paramaguru. I am studying in 8th grade. I am a curious girl with artistic views and expressions. I value the knowledge and wisdom I get from books. My favourite book genres are mystery and fantasy. I love trying new things; my favourite hobbies are drawing and reading.
Sara: Hello, I am Sara Paramaguru, a 4th grader. I am very conversational with friends. Sometimes, I am shy and need to be more open with new people. I love to try different food and read comics and fantasy books. I am enthusiastic and confident in what I do.

Paramaguru Sisters Ridhi & Sara On Their Journey
From Home To Community Library

Pic by Paramaguru Thangavelu

1. It Looks like both of you are book enthusiasts. Who introduced you to reading?

Ridhi: Our parents introduced us to books, especially many popular children’s authors. We always went to the library as children, which is how our love for books began. 
Sara: Yes, our parents. They are the people behind our interests. Going to the library as a kid impacted me a lot. 

2. The next question will not surprise you. Who are your favourite authors?

Ridhi: Roald Dahl
Sara: Geronimo Stilton

3. Who is your favourite character from a book, and why? 

Ridhi: My favourite character is Luna from the book “The Girl who drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill. I love Luna’s viewpoints and how she formulates matters and looks at nature. It is inspiring to me. Another book I have just begun reading is “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd. It is about the perspective of a 13-year-old girl, and it explains the world of racism. She is in a world of racists as a white girl and her viewpoints about how it is not fair to segregate people are pretty reasonable. She also learned about motherhood. 
Sara: Since my favourite book is Geronimo Stilton, my favourite character is Geronimo Stilton, a cute mouse.

4. What inspired you to start a community library, and how did you get started?

Ridhi : When we shifted to India five years ago from the USA, our dad got us a lot of books to read. We had a home library in the first house we shifted to. We both finished reading all the books and wanted to begin a library. But it did not happen. Then, a few years later, my school recently asked us to do a community project on something we liked to do or share with our community. I realized the place (where we live) needed a library for kids who enjoy reading, and I also love reading books. 

Another thing that I have noticed is a lot of children read books on the screen or on the internet. One thing we cannot vouch for is that the internet is not the right place to look for books since it may only provide age-appropriate books sometimes. A library is always the best 'go-to place' for readers since books are appropriately catalogued and segregated by age. Children must read books meant for their age.
Pic by Paramaguru Thangavelu

5. How can we encourage kids to read books?

Ridhi: By bringing in the current favourite authors whom children love reading and letting them read books of their choice.
Sara: We also thought of rewarding them with prizes so that they would get motivated to read more books. 
Ridhi: Oh Yeah, to begin with, for instance, if they read five books, they would get a gift or a prize. After that, the number could increase to 10 or more. Another point we thought of was weekly quizzes. Quiz topics or themes would be based on books in the library, and questions would be based on those topics. Till now, we have had History, Geography, Politics, Sports, Food, and culture, and the next coming up is Space. Teams have been created with unique names, motivating children to ace the quizzes for their teams and motivating them to work harder each week. Points are given and marked on the whiteboard.

6. What are the current popular teen titles?

Ridhi:Harry Potter and Geronimo Stilton are the most popular and sought-after titles being read. I am not aware of the others. These days, many teens are watching series and hence not reading. It was also one of the reasons to begin the library; to bring them back to print.

7. What difference do you find in the behaviour of children coming to read books in the community library now vis a vis to when you began it?

Ridhi: All kids have become inquisitive and are learning to ask questions. There is more participation in the weekly quizzes we conduct in the library.
Pic by Paramaguru Thangavelu

8. Do you think this project must be taken up by other communities, too, and why?

Ridhi : We lived in the USA, where there were libraries everywhere. Reading habit in children is inculcated quite early on. So, when we came to India, we struggled to find a library here. Libraries are incredibly resourceful, especially if you have to do a lot of research. It becomes easy if you have one near you. The distance in our city makes it challenging for parents to drive children to a library regularly. So, we thought, why not begin one in our area?   
Sara: Our teacher had once told us how she often struggled to get books and had to travel a lot to procure books. This was because there were no libraries in her vicinity.
Ridhi: There must be libraries in other communities. I believe it helps develop children’s minds and helps them grow into more responsible and knowledgeable citizens in the future. 

9. What is your dream? Any message that you have for parents and children?

Ridhi: I want to become like my dad, a software engineer working in an IT company. A message for all parents is that a good book is enough to change the children. Do give age-appropriate stories to children to read and maturity levels. 
Sara: Either a scientist or a software engineer. Like my dad.

10. Thankyou for this fantastic chat. I hope the Community Library will continue to bring all kids in your area together.

Ridhi: Thank you for having us.
Sara: Thank you.

Pictures clicked by Paramaguru Thangavelu

Priya is a quirky writer/photographer/closet poet, and singer who has traversed a non-conventional path. As a former entertainment journalist who has worked in print and online media for a decade, Priya loves talking to people and writing their unspoken stories. She is the single parent of an 8.5-year-old son settled in Tamil Nadu and a freelance Content Consultant. Priya is also an informal mentor to parents in her local parenting network. She dreams of being an author of a book and maybe the scriptwriter of a film someday!

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Accepting Greys

On Head and In Life

I went shopping for a handbag the other day in an all-in-one store, and while I passed the cosmetic section, the lady said, “Ma’am, any makeup?” I nodded a No (not the Indian nod, the proper nod for a No), and as I walked ahead, she quipped, “Ma’am, any mehndi-based natural colour for your hair?” I didn’t feel the need to acknowledge her and walked straight ahead to the bags section. I wish I could have retorted, “No, I love how it is!”

Growing up as girls, we tend to look in the mirror far more often, every time conscious of our looks, at least a bit, if not wholly. So when the first strand of grey hair appears, we silently curse or instinctively pluck it. But then the not-so-golden words of a distant aunt start ringing in, “The more you pluck your grey hair, the more will appear.” And guess what? They do!

No one discusses the problematic narrative of how ladies at the parlour give unsolicited advice about one’s skin and hair. Why can’t you do my eyebrows and let me go instead of going on and on about my blackhead and tanned skin? Please don’t try to sell me your organic facial and natural hair serums. I am right now just trying to keep my eyebrows in one consistent shape.

Unasked opinions often fuel our biggest insecurities about body image, skin tan, and thinning hair. Body positivity and changing beauty standards are active conversations on social media, but they do not reach the grass root levels of what begins them. Being kind customers, we politely ignore the comments from the parlour lady. We do not try explaining to them that these statements could play along in the mind when you have walked past the door. You return home and look in the mirror, closely observing your blackheads, wondering if you should have just finished the facial. You should have booked an appointment for a mehndi application too.

Grey hair has been stigmatised, especially in our country, as you’re becoming old! However, it’s another reason for stress if you are in your mid-20s and have grey hair. “You are not even 40. What tension do you have?” the questions come in every time you meet someone who can see your prominent greys.

The core of this problem is the sheer negligence of understanding that lifestyles have changed, hormones are acting up, and hair turning grey is entirely natural and based on one’s genetic makeup! No amount of applying dyes and root touch-ups could alter that.

Today, I have a lot of grey hair, but I, too, had my share of insecurities with them, trying to hide them under the crown, changing my partition, and so on. As a result, I coloured them just once, a couple of years ago, when I was to be a bride. But I am happy to report that a few pictures from my wedding still show my grey hair, but my smile is the brightest.


Even today, when I visit the local parlour, the lady asks me, “Don’t you do anything to your hair?” I quip, “Because I learned that acceptance is cheaper than repeated hair treatments.” But I am lucky enough to have a hairdresser who, on my first visit, told me, your greys and hair texture are beautiful. You should rock it! Along with busting a few myths about greying hair, I walked out of the salon with confidence that greys are fashionable. People out there pay to get their hair done grey, and I am transforming it for free.

When we learn our lessons through life, we know it cannot be painted in black and white alone. We all have moments of greys, where some good and not-so-good things coexist. If we try to compartmentalise everything into set structures, then how are we different from the archaic norms?

We all adapt to accept the grey moments in our life, so how about we become more accepting
towards grey hair too? This recent tweet I read about greying hair has stuck with me as a solace of acceptance:

It is ultimately the comfort of knowing that I am embracing the natural which empowers me every time I see a new grey on my head. If you are someone who has been hiding them for too long, it may be time to show off a bit. We have been behind makeup foundations and facials for a while. So let’s let our hair be loose and grey.

——

Writer by day, an overthinker by night. I let my thoughts flow through my writing. As a definite misfit, I let my words speak louder than my actions. Welcome to my journey of sailing through emotions and experiences, with words as my paddles.

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Oh You Are Provocative


Oh, don't wear that skirt. 
It is provocative. 
It's glittery and above your knee. 
Don't buy that shirt. It's deep. 
It's provocative, and 'he' will Rape you.
Oh no! It's your fault 'he' raped you. 
Oh no! It's your fault 'he' continues to rape you. 
 
Don't drape that saree. It's transparent.
Don't fold the jeans, your ankle - it's provocative. 
Don't show your back, your shoulder, your arm,
Your lips, your legs, your nails, your hair:
Your charm, your ears, your eyes, your face,
Your hips, your thighs, your stinking armpits!
Your boobs and behind are not just...
Oh that's provocative.

YOU are provocative. 
Don't smile. Don't laugh. Don't go out. 
Don't be single. Don't party. Don't drink. 
Don't smoke. Don't have friends. 
Don't forget to wear a jacket,
Don't forget the dupatta,
Don't forget the leggings under the kurta. 
Don't show your bra strap but 
Don't look at the bright Jockey band he's wearing. 
Don't walk. Don't talk. Don't bother. 

You are a girl. That's provocative enough. 
Don't be you. You are provocative enough. 
You are provocative. 
Run. You are provocative. 
'They' will rape you. 
Run, you are provocative. Don't get raped. 

Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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Building A Healthy Relationship

Relationships are tricky. Some find and stay in love easily, while others find it challenging to keep the boat afloat. When two entirely different individuals come together with their flaws, characteristics, personalities, likes, dislikes, and more, it is not as easy as it is shown in romcom movies to sing songs and remains in love forever! However, it is relatively easy if two people are serious about their commitment to each other and are ready to work on the bond’s intricacies.

It is essential to never take yourself or your partner for granted when in a relationship. Both of you are equal parties to whatever goes on in the commitment. Hold yourselves accountable for both the good times and the bad. Take equal responsibility for the tasks you share, finances, decision-making, chores, etc.

You deserve a healthy relationship where you both are happy and content. Communication is one of the essential criteria to remember when looking for a healthy relationship. This cliché technique of knowing and understanding each other over time is perhaps the most misunderstood. Healthy communication is when both of you can share whatever it is that is bothering you or making you happy without any judgments. Healthy conversations where you both talk about the little things like how your day was, what you did, how you feel, and what you’d like for dinner are all introductory talks. Never underestimate the relevance and power of good communication between couples.

Respect is the next factor that all couples must consider to enjoy a healthy relationship. Respecting each other, boundaries, feelings, ideas, and actions, and even prioritizing each other’s time, is crucial. Validating each other’s feelings and emotions is extremely important. Even when you disagree, there should be mutual respect and commitment to understanding what can be done next!

Boundaries often need to be more understood in romantic relationships. You and your partner will have limitations on what makes you feel safe, happy, and comfortable. You must consider each other’s boundaries and be mindful of respecting the same.

All healthy relationships rely on mutual trust and unguarded love. Your partner will love and trust you in a healthy relationship. Trust is something that is built over time. It is, therefore, imperative to validate that trust and never betray your partner. Steadfast love, affection, care, kindness, and compassion strengthen trust in the relationship.

Supporting each other, building each other’s confidence, being there for each other, and being mindful of each other’s needs and desires are critical factors in maintaining a healthy relationship. You must know to dream along with your partner. Dream big of a beautiful life that both of you enjoy being with each other. Do not be so involved and caught up in the monotony of life that you both don’t find time or energy to be nice to each other. Always make an extra effort to keep the romance burning, the marriage spiced up, and the relationship healthy. After all, it’s a combined effort and must not be one-sided.

——

Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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8 Ways To Feel Confident

Most people will acknowledge that they do not always feel their best. Of course, even the most attractive and successful people have terrible days, but if you think negatively about yourself more often than positively, you may want a perspective change. 

Contrary to popular belief, how you feel about yourself may not have much to do with your appearance. To identify modest lifestyle adjustments, you may make to make yourself more appealing to yourself and others, we looked to scientific studies and spoke with relationship and dating experts. These suggestions can assist you in starting to view yourself more favourably.

8 Ways to Feel Attractive & Confident In Your Skin

1. Perspire More

Even if you loathe exercising, it can make you feel more confident. Exercise is a terrific way to de-stress, have some alone time, and produce endorphins, a chemical that can lift your mood. We are not only talking about exercise’s physical effects on your body. Exercise is a terrific method to feel more sure about yourself and make you feel appealing because it balances work, pleasure, and self-care while improving your fitness and healthiness and generating endorphins.

2. Compliment Others

Although receiving love from others is the quickest approach to improving your self-image, you should try providing compliments and love to others first. You will appear more attractive in your eyes and others’ eyes by praising others’ qualities. Making other people feel good about themselves boosts your attractiveness. Therefore learning how to complement appropriately may be the secret to getting a second date. People work hard to prepare for dates, so take the time to complete the other person.

3. Smile, Please

Smiling makes you appear kind and approachable to others, which can influence how they sense you. However, grinning at oneself in the mirror could give you the same benefits. As social beings, we are conditioned to read other people’s body language and search for indications of safety and welcome. “Smiling is a universal signal for warmth, approachability, and attractiveness. But it also applies to you; if you smile at yourself in the mirror, your brain reacts in a manner that is strikingly like how it would respond to the smile of a trusted friend. 

4. Talk Positively

It is usually lovely when a close friend or family member observes or applauds a positive trait, but you don’t have to wait for that extra encouragement. Although it may sound foolish, telling oneself compliments or mentioning things you appreciate about yourself will help you recognize and respect these qualities. Intentional focus is a skill that attention requires. Anything you focus on will enlarge your field of consciousness. Positive aspects of yourself, whether exterior attributes or internal talents and qualities, become more apparent when you actively recognize them. You can experience these characteristics more fully when you take the time to acknowledge them.

5. Analyze Connections with People

You might not feel your best because of toxic person(s) in your life. People who had relationships in their lives that showed signs of “estrangement, change, mistaken friendship, and false friendship” were surveyed by The Journal of Ethics and Education. According to the study, they frequently did not see how others were bringing them down and often viewed toxic people with “rose-colored glasses,” which could be detrimental to their mental health. Therefore, avoid spending time with or being around people who are always critical of you, disrespectful to you, or poorly impact your self-esteem. Instead, prioritize the people who spend time encouraging and uplifting you more. Your confidence will soar as a result.

6. Have A Sense Of Humour

If you try to laugh off a tiny issue that would ordinarily get under your skin, you can take some pressure off yourself, which can help you see yourself positively. Laughing and joking can help you feel more at ease. This is crucial because some individuals take their entire existence seriously, which is apparent in their behaviour and appearance. Nobody always needs to be flawless; thus, being flawed is entirely acceptable. It’s crucial to stay true to oneself and avoid letting other people define you. Laugh a lot and enjoy laughter. It is said, couples feel more attracted the more they laughed together.

7. until you make it

What is the most straightforward approach to boost your self-confidence? Act as though you are already. People will notice you when you push yourself to feel good about yourself. It all comes down to your smile, body language, and even eye contact. How you enter a room or share a glance determines whether your confidence works for or against you. People can sense when you’re feeling strange or uneasy; whether or not they think you’re appealing will depend on that.

8. Posture, Please

Besides making you look beautiful, good posture can also make you feel good. Numerous studies have shown that sitting up straight can boost your sense of power and confidence. People who adopt “power poses” experience higher testosterone levels, lower cortisol levels, and a greater understanding of personal control. Keep your head up physically and psychologically to improve your mood and see yourself more positively.

In short, feeling confident can be challenging, but some tricks may help. Taking care of yourself can boost your self-esteem and help you feel better. Make sure to eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. The way you dress can have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” say, “I can do this.” Visualize success, and imagine yourself succeeding in whatever you’re trying to accomplish. It can help boost your confidence and motivation. Do focus on your strengths. Think about your strengths and focus on them. Remind yourself what you’re good at and how to use those skills to succeed. Do take risks. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more confident you’ll become. Make sure to surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with people who lift you up and support you. Avoid people who bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself. Always remember confidence takes time and practice to build. So be patient with yourself and keep working at it.

“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

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How To Train And Teach Your 3 Year Old

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.

——

Ignatius Deepak Stanley is an experienced business coach, trainer, educational consultant and full time dad. He has worked with several well known corporates before deciding to take time out and be a full time dad to his 3 year old son. Beside being a consultant, he has written and published books. Deepak enjoys riding and driving, reading, writing and travelling.

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Indicators Of Strong Work Ethics

Organizations desire to hire people who are deeply dedicated to their work. Those with this quality make better employees overall and can always complete tasks successfully. They frequently demand less supervision on day-to-day duties, and supervisors can rely on them to carry out more significant responsibilities. The following are a few indicators that someone has a solid work ethic that you should check for.

Work ethic refers to the values, behaviours, and attitudes individuals bring to their work. It is paramount because it impacts the quality and quantity of work produced and the individual’s reputation and career prospects. A strong work ethic reflects personal integrity and commitment. In addition, individuals with good work ethics are viewed as reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated. Employers value employees with strong work ethics because they are more likely to produce high-quality work, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively. This can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement and professional development. When individuals exhibit a strong work ethic, they contribute to the organization’s overall success. This can increase productivity, better results, and improve customer satisfaction. Individuals who have a strong work ethic often feel a sense of personal satisfaction from their work. This can lead to increased motivation, job satisfaction, and career fulfillment. People with a strong work ethic can positively impact their colleagues and the workplace culture. They can be role models, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

1. Consistently maintains a professional attitude

From the minute an employee goes through the office door till the moment they exits, professionalism should be observed. They look the part by wearing clothing that has been meticulously cleaned and ironed. To ensure that they is prepared to begin their shift on time, they arrives at the workplace a few minutes early to settle in and obtain his coffee. They treats the other workers respectfully and doesn’t take unscheduled breaks or make unauthorised adjustments to their plans. They are aware of their responsibilities and well-equipped to carry them out. Developing the habits required to be professional and consistent throughout the day begins with a strong work ethic.

2. High levels of efficiency and productivity

Employees with a solid commitment to their work are likelier to follow or create daily tasks. These are often set up and planned in a way that makes her sure she can give each activity the time it needs. For example, she may break up her day into sections.

For instance, the first two hours of the day can be spent fielding calls from customers and taking new orders. After that, the next two hours may be spent on sales calls. She might then use the afternoon to develop new ideas and do essential administrative work to clean her desk before bed at night. Productivity can be increased by sticking to a routine and being well organized. Employees who possess this attribute are just more productive.

3. Collaboration and working as a team

Understanding that you are part of a larger team and each individual has a specific role is critical to developing a good work ethic. This understanding encourages teamwork and cooperation to ensure that everyone gets the information they need to do their jobs in the best way possible. And because people with high work ethics are typically more productive and efficient with their time use, this frees up time for individuals with solid work ethics to assist others in accomplishing more.


A person with a high work ethic isn’t focused on what they need to do for themselves; instead, they are focused on what needs to be done for the firm’s success. As a result, he contributes well to the team.

4. Continual and Excellent Work

Those with a solid work ethic are driven from the inside out to achieve their goals. They will gladly accept money as well as other incentive rewards. But beyond that, a manager will see that the person has a strong desire to succeed in everything they do. The source of your frustration may be just a straightforward technical problem.
A worker with a high work ethic will not sit around and wait for another employee to take care of the issue. Instead, he will contact the appropriate resources, look for solutions online, and continue to work on the issue until it is fixed. This commitment to achieving one’s goals may be seen in every action an employee with a strong work ethic takes.

5. Dedicated

The quality of work done by an individual with a strong work ethic is high because they adhere to appropriate scheduling practices, have a strong drive to achieve their goals, and maintain high professionalism. In addition, the work is done cleanly and professionally and often goes above and beyond what was initially requested.


For example, you could ask one of your employees to fold the newly stocked sweater inventory. Someone with a high work ethic will fold them and organize them according to size or colour and then inquire what else is required. Next, she will clear the area that will be used to show them, ensuring that everything is in its proper place and is neat for the public to see.

Overall, work ethic is paramount because it impacts the quality of work produced, career prospects, organizational success, personal satisfaction, and workplace culture.

“Saral hu Saadharn nhi” (Simplicity is not Ordinary). This phrase encapsulates her entire existence. A woman of few words, a daydreamer, who is certain that there is life beyond stars. An HR professional who began her writing journey when corona knocked on our doors. A Content Writer, Screenplay Writer, and published Author. She is die-hard romantic and that reflects in her quotes, poems and short stories and currently working on her first book. She enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, travelling, and is a huge Bollywood enthusiast. She is a wife, a mother and a friend you can most certainly rely on.

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What Have You Done For The Person In The Mirror

What Have You Done For The Person In The Mirror? What is your favourite dish to eat? When someone asks you that question, you might say Ramen or Biryani… And when they give you biryani the next day – hurray! Your favourite food is in front of you, and you are pleased! How about biryani the next day too? On a consequent day, you are also served biryani each day for the next month. You might end up never eating biryani again!

The love you show to other people has the same boomerang! You love someone so deeply and care for people wholeheartedly only because you are a good person from within… It makes you, perhaps, happy giving all you have and all the empathy you pour into this world… However, all the effort eventually fades with time and with people realizing that this is a continuously flowing river of compassion, love, and kindness that will never dry up. No matter what, the expectation of this river of love not drying up adds to your need not to let it dry up! You feel pressured to keep the flow going when you are not helped to maintain the same. This is when you feel exhausted, used, and not appreciated.

When you look closely, eventually, you might be only pouring all that love in the wrong direction where people have long back stopped craving for the care and affection you’ve got – not always because they have completely lost interest in you – but because they have somehow seen over time that you are only focusing on giving others everything and in the process, you have entirely forgotten about who YOU are! You have lost touch with your own needs and desires over others. You have lost contact with your inner self. You have been toiling for so long that you forgot to notice the person in the mirror – who you probably see every morning but are too lost and drained to notice!

That person in the mirror has many questions. That person has many needs and wants too. That person is waiting for you to turn back and realize that you are doing it all wrong.

Talk to yourself, heal yourself, and show empathy to yourself, and the world can wait till you find out who you really are from within before you start distributing parts of yourself to the vastness, and get entirely lost somewhere! Why not? Simply because it is not worth it. It is not worth it to ignore your shadow. It is only served if you do your part in your family. It is not worth it to not satisfy your own needs over others. It is not worth it not to be selfish at times. It is not worth it to carry the burden of others. Do you know what is worth it all? Being there for yourself.

Understanding yourself. Honouring yourself. Acknowledging yourself. LOVING YOURSELF. Ensure you are doing something worth your time, efforts, self, and LIFE! Nothing is worth more than what you do with your life and all the ticking time you’ve got!

TALK TO THAT PERSON IN THE MIRROR!

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Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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In Peace, Not Pieces


Living peacefully means you live harmoniously with yourself and those around you. It may not be the easiest (most often), but learning a few tricks and hacks to living a more peaceful life is worth it! What brings peace to you may not be what brings peace to others around you – what defines peaceful living for you may not be the same for someone else. Peace, according to your beliefs and lifestyle, would be way different from someone else’s – however, there are a few things that never go wrong (for anyone) when it comes to finding peace and living a peaceful life.

Only you are responsible for how you live and perceive life – your journey is yours to travel. Hence, make sure you do it in style and make a few heads turn!

To begin with, finding peace has a lot to do with understanding yourself – your fears, insecurities, anger issues and intolerance, lack of social skills, and so on. So calm your storms from within to find peace and ease on the outside.

A few things you must not overlook include:

  • Being non-violent.
  • Being more understanding and observant.
  • Living life and enjoying the little things.
  • Being tolerant and adjusting.
  • Catering to the needs of others around you.

Respect all living beings – here, we are not just talking about humans. Animals, plants, insects, everything, and anything deserve respect. So respect and love everything around you, smile more, and acknowledge and accept the beauty within everything to find yourself immersed in serenity.

Another essential factor you must consider is loving others and not trying to control them. A lot of people need to correct this. They seek to control what others do or say rather than seeking to love and adore them for who they are. The more you try to control the actions, words, and emotions of others, the more you are trying to destroy your peace and the peace of others around you.

Being tolerant is another perfect life hack you must cultivate. Rather than jumping to negative conclusions and losing your calm, be tolerant. In changing your perspective of others, you change and alter their self-perspective! For instance, if you start calling someone witty, intelligent, strong, and wise rather than anything negative, their perception of themselves changes. Likewise, you create a world full of positive-minded, happy people!

Other ways to find peace within are forgiving and forgetting negativity, not dwelling in the past and moving on with life, being honest and transparent with yourself and others around you, not seeking any revenge, positive affirmations, cheering yourself and others around you and making sure life is just as beautiful as nature – we must not pollute it and keep it fresh and excellent for it to not lose its charm!

Tips to help live a relaxed life

  1. Practice Mindfulness: 
    Mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and bring more peace.
  2. Simplify Your Life: 
    Too many material possessions and commitments can create stress and chaos. Simplify your life by decluttering your space, saying no to unnecessary burdens, and focusing on what matters to you.
  3. Exercise Regularly: 
    Regular exercise benefits not only your physical health but also your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, improving your mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
  4. Cultivate Positive Relationships: 
    Positive relationships with friends, family and loved ones can bring joy and peace. Make time for the people who matter to you, and cultivate positive relationships by being kind, compassionate, and understanding.
  5. Practice Forgiveness: 
    Holding grudges and harbouring anger can harm your mental health. Practice forgiveness by letting go of past hurts and resentments and focusing on the present.
  6. Disconnect From Technology: 
    Constantly checking your phone or social media can create stress and disrupt your peace. Take breaks from technology and spend time in nature or engage in other activities that bring you joy.
  7. Practice Gratitude: 
    Gratitude is being thankful for what you have in your life. Focusing on what you have rather than your lack can bring more peace and contentment.

Remember, living a peaceful life is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to cultivate habits and practices that promote peace, but the rewards are well worth it.

Aakanksha Dinah, a passionate writer, orator, communicator focused on establishing a Training institution centered on creativity and innovation. Aakanksha is a true believer in loving the work we do and strongly believes in smart-work, the reason why creativity works better for her. Aakanksha is enormously focused on making a career in professional writing and publishing. She loves writing poems, self-help articles, and essays. An enthusiast when it comes to learning languages and in short, Aakanksha is a wanderer, an explorer, a mom, a dog-mom, a poet, a cook, a writer, and an influencer.

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