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World Diabetes Day 2024
Theme, History and Best Winter Foods For Patients
Rtv News
14 Nov 2024, 13:18
Photo: Collected
Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed to increase awareness of diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organized the event, focusing on diabetes prevention, health risks, and managing and living well with the disease.
Every year, the theme for World Diabetes Day shifts, frequently focusing on important topics like nutrition, physical activity, mental health, or access to healthcare for people with diabetes.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease marked by consistently elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or is unable to use the insulin that it produces efficiently.
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can rise and cause issues with the heart, kidneys, feet, and eyes if insulin is not functioning properly.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly, though in type 2 diabetes, they may develop gradually, sometimes taking years to notice. Typical signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If untreated, diabetes can damage blood vessels in critical organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It raises the risk for severe health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and in some cases, permanent vision loss due to damaged retinal blood vessels. Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, resulting in ulcers and, potentially, amputations.
How to Prevent Diabetes?
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Recommendations for prevention include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, following a balanced diet low in added sugars and saturated fats, and avoiding tobacco use. Through proactive lifestyle management, individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related complications.
World Diabetes Day 2024: Theme
The theme for this year is "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps," which highlights our commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes and making sure that everyone with the disease has access to equitable, thorough, reasonably priced, and high-quality care.
History of World Diabetes Day
The IDF and WHO established World Diabetes Day in 1991 in response to growing global concerns about diabetes as a major health concern. By adopting Resolution 61/225 in 2006, the UN formally recognized WDD and identified diabetes as a global health concern. The date, November 14, was selected because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1921. This finding transformed diabetes from a deadly illness to one that can now be controlled.
Significance of World Diabetes Day
To increase awareness of the effects of diabetes on people, families, and healthcare systems around the world, World Diabetes Day is essential. It emphasizes how crucial early detection, appropriate medical treatment, and lifestyle modifications are to the management of diabetes.
Additionally, WDD provides a platform for advocates and health organizations to campaign for policy changes that promote affordable and easily accessible diabetes care, especially for disadvantaged groups.
WDD is more important than ever in promoting a healthier lifestyle and teaching people about preventative measures to fight the diabetes epidemic, especially in light of the significant increase in diabetes incidence.
Top 5 best winter foods for diabetic patients
As the winter is near, here are some winter foods that are good for diabetic patients:
Sweet potatoes- For diabetics, sweet potatoes are a wintertime favorite because they contain complex carbohydrates that break down gradually, avoiding sudden blood sugar rises.
Green leafy vegetable- Rich in iron, magnesium, and fiber, this leafy green vegetable helps to improve metabolic health and control blood sugar.
Carrots- Carrots are good for diabetics since they are low in carbohydrates and high in beta-carotene and fiber.
Oats- With a low glycemic index and a high fiber content, particularly beta-glucan, which inhibits the absorption of glucose, oats make a hearty breakfast choice for chilly mornings.
Beetroot- A nutrient-dense winter vegetable that is high in fiber and antioxidants is beetroot. It supports cardiovascular health and lowers insulin resistance, both of which are critical for diabetics.
Diabetes in Bangladesh
World Diabetes Day observes Bangladesh with the globe aimed at building public awareness of the chronic metabolic disease.
The theme of the day is "Diabetes: Our Commitment to Good Health."
In 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) declared November 14 as World Diabetes Day, and the day has been observed all over the world since 2007.
At the request of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, the Government of Bangladesh proposed to the United Nations to observe the 'World Diabetes Day' on November 14 which was later unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly.
On the occasion of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages.
According to the IDF, about 42 crore people in the world are suffering from diabetes as one in every 10 adults worldwide has been suffering from diabetes.
Diabetes patients are increasing at an alarming rate in South Asia and the picture in Bangladesh is dire.
According to the Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) currently, about 1.31 crore people are suffering from diabetes in the country making it eighth in the world.
World Diabetes Day reminds us of the growing impact of diabetes on global health and the urgent need for collective action to prevent, diagnose, and manage this chronic condition. In 2024, the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps' underscores the critical importance of accessible, high-quality diabetes care, especially for underrepresented communities. The Government of India’s initiatives reflect a proactive, multi-faceted approach to diabetes prevention through enhanced healthcare access, awareness programs, and lifestyle promotion programs. By fostering awareness, providing resources, and encouraging healthy living, these initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and alleviate its long-term complications, contributing to a healthier future for all citizens.
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Festive and Fair / The Best Christmas Markets to Visit in 2024
A visit to a Christmas market is the perfect way to get you in the festive spirit and despite their German origins, Christmas markets continue to pop up across the globe and are continuing to grow in popularity and number each year.
Here, Ben Myatt, show director at Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show, recommends his top Christmas markets to visit for a long weekend and to include in your winter plans.
Vienna, Austria
Transforming the picturesque squares of Vienna into a magical Christmas market, Vienna is a must-visit at Christmas. With various markets to explore such as the Wiener Christkindlmarkt or the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Castle, the Christmas markets in Vienna tick every festive box. From atmospheric streets lined with twinkling lights and decorations to quaint market stalls selling an array of Christmas goodies, you can sample your way around each market, indulging in sweet treats and warming drinks whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of this festive winter wonderland.
Open from November 15 until December 26, 2024, and November 8, 2024, until January 6, 2025.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Transforming the city into a centre of festive fun, whether you’re looking for a traditional Christmas market, outdoor events, a spot of ice skating or a thrill at a fun fair, Edinburgh’s Christmas sees a host of festive fun hit the city, perfect for all the family. Edinburgh’s historic city centre will have around 70 stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to bespoke products and more. Once you have ticked off your Christmas shopping, why not stop off at the West Princes Street Gardens Family Funfair or head over to St Andrew Square for the UK’s largest illuminated Christmas Tree maze? Plus, entry into Edinburgh’s Christmas is completely free!
Open from November 15, 2024 until January 4, 2025.
Bruges, Belgium
With two Christmas markets to explore, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Christmas town with a visit to Bruges. Easily reached via train, wander through the pretty tree-lined and festoon-lit fairytale streets which resemble gingerbread houses, as you indulge in a fresh Belgian waffle (with chocolate sauce, of course) and explore what Bruges has to offer at Christmas time. With market stalls at Grote Markt that transform the historic centre, you’re only a short stroll away from the Simon Stevinplein Christmas market which focuses on artisanal craft products and is the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for someone special.
Open from November 22, 2024 until January 5, 2025.
Nuremberg, Germany
One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is awash with the joys of Christmas. Dating back to the 17th century, the market sells traditional decorations and items such as wooden nutcrackers, handblown glass ornaments and more. Set amongst the historic architecture of Hauptmarkt Square, make sure to sample the original Nuremberg Bratwurst!
Open from November 29, 2024 until December 24, 2024.
Tallinn, Estonia
A magical winter world situated in Tallinn’s Old Town on Town Hall Square, experience traditional Christmas dishes and delicacies, unique handmade crafts and kick off the Christmas season in style with the Tallinn Christmas market. Explore the market, which surrounds what is known as the most beautiful Christmas tree in the city – a tradition which has lasted more than 580 years – whilst sipping on a glass of glögg (hot mulled wine) as you enjoy the sounds of Estonian carols that ring out across the square.
Open from November 22, 2024 until December 27, 2024.
Strasbourg, France
Fondly referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, the Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest Christmas markets in France and Europe. Dating back to 1570, the Christmas market is the perfect place to kick-start your Christmas shopping and feel truly festive. Centred around Cathedral Square and Place Broglie, hundreds of traditional stalls and ski chalets sell ornaments, toys, trinkets and more. With food stalls selling fresh crêpes and mulled wine, perfect for keeping you warm as you stroll through the sparkling and illuminated streets, be sure to get a picture in front of the 30metre Christmas tree adorned with colourful ornaments and twinkling lights in the market centre.
Open from November 27, 2024 until December 27, 2024.
Bath, UK
Explore the cobbled streets and the Christmas market filled with independent craft makers and artisans in the majestic city of Bath. Nestled in the historic city centre, the streets of Bath are transformed into a magical, festive experience. Open seven days a week you can pick up everything you need for an unforgettable Christmas from one of the 170 chalets – from food to clothing, decorations and more!
Open from November 28, 2024 until December 15, 2024
London, UK
If you want to stick to the capital, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets. However, you can’t beat a visit to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. With something for all the family, this has everything you need for a truly fun and festive day out. From food and drink to fairground rides, circus tents and market stalls to explore, it's easy to spend the entire day here.
Open from November 21, 2024, until January 5, 2025
Kareena Redefines Glam in A Black, Golden Embellished Saree
Kareena Kapoor continues to reign as a true fashion icon. The actor keeps slaying fashion goals, one outfit at a time. The actor's sartorial sense of fashion is reflected in a plethora of attires, ranging from formal to casual to glam cocktail party looks. Kareena took over the fashion game, yet again on Saturday, and gave us fresh weekend fashion inspiration with her stunning evening look.
Kareena's weekend party fashion inspiration is here and we cannot keep calm already. The actor shared two pictures from her evening look of the day and they are both breathtaking. Kareena, for her Saturday night look, opted for the six yards of grace and redefined gorgeous and glam together
Here's what Kareena wore
Kareena picked a black and golden saree for her weekend night look and it’s stunning as ever. The actor draped the black silk saree featuring golden embroidery work adding to the gorgeous look. The saree also featured intricate golden zardozi zari details at the borders. “Saturday night,” Kareena captioned her picture.
Kareena teamed it with a matching sleeveless blouse with a sweetheart neckline. Another picture of her Saturday night look features the monochrome look of the actor doing a hair flip perfectly. “Flip. Ciao,” added Kareena with a white heart emoticon.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan)
How did Kareena Kapoor accessorize her Saturday night look?
Kareena reinstated that less is more through her saree look. The actor opted for a statement choker with red beads and a golden metallic flower in the middle. In a matching golden bracelet and a statement ring, Kareena kept it minimal as she let her ensemble do all the talking.
Kareena opted for a bright makeup look in classic black winged eyeliner, kohl-lined eyes, nude eyeshadow, and a shade of nude lipstick.
Kareena's glam looks are here to stay. A few weeks back, the actor aced the main character energy in a black laced gown with a black sheath sleeveless. The gown glided down in a heavily embellished skirt with black rhinestones adorning it.
Source: HT
Winter Skin Care Routine For Perfect Glow
Winter can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry, chapped, and dull. With the right care, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long.
Winter weather can affect all skin types, but it can be especially challenging for people with sensitive skin. If you’re dealing with one, you must have noticed the redness, itchiness, and flakes on your skin. This is a clear indication that you should strictly pay heed to your skin health.
Here are some expert tips from a cosmetologist:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and maintain moisture levels. Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to protect your skin's natural oils, and follow with a rich moisturizer, especially after bathing, to keep your skin nourished and soft.
Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating 2-3 times a week helps remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin. Choose a gentle physical or chemical exfoliant to avoid irritation, ensuring a safe and effective way to refresh your skin without causing damage.
Protect Your Skin From Cold: Protect your skin from harsh winds and cold temperatures by wearing scarves, hats, and gloves. Additionally, keep your lips moisturized with a nourishing lip balm to prevent dryness and chapping, ensuring your skin stays soft and protected during winter.
Nourish Your Skin: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats helps nourish your skin from the inside out, promoting a healthy glow. Additionally, consider consulting a healthcare professional to see if supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E can further benefit your skin.
Pamper Yourself With A Face Mask: Hydrating face masks, used 1-2 times a week, help replenish your skin's moisture, leaving it refreshed. For dry, damaged skin, nourishing face masks are ideal as they soothe and repair, providing essential nutrients for healthier skin.
Why Sunscreen Should Not Keep Away During Winter
Even though the sun may feel mild or remain hidden during winter, it doesn't mean UV rays are absent. In fact, this is the season to be extra cautious of UV A rays, experts say.
In Short
Sunscreen application is just as important during winter as it is during summer
It is important to reapply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours, even during winter
Choosing the right sunscreen is of utmost importance
The winter sun feels so comforting; one could spend an entire afternoon simply sitting, reading, listening to music, or engaging in simple pleasures like eating peanuts or knitting, all while basking in its warmth. This soul-soothing sun is the reason we all enjoyed our November picnics—before, of course, smog ruined those plans.
The winter sun feels more like an ally, unlike the harsh summer sun that requires strict protection to avoid issues like heatstroke. As a result, people often neglect sun protection during the chilly season, and sunscreen eventually takes a backseat. Dermatologists, however, strongly recommend using sunscreen during winter.
That sunscreen is only required during summer or when stepping outside is a myth.
Even though the sun may feel mild or remain hidden at times during winter, it doesn't mean UV rays are absent. This is the season to be extra cautious of UV A rays.
"Sunscreen is not just for summer; UV rays are present throughout the year, regardless of temperature. While UV B rays might be weaker during winter, UV A rays penetrate deeper and cause premature ageing and skin damage," says Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
"UV radiation, UV B radiation, infrared (IR) radiation, and blue light are present year-round, regardless of the season. Broad-spectrum protection is crucial to shield the skin from these harmful rays and prevent damage," adds Dr Sagar Gujjar, MD Dermatologist, Founder and Head of Skinwood, Mumbai.
Essentially, you need sunscreen in winter because UV rays are still present, even on cloudy days, and can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
What about the application?
Applying sunscreen is not enough; you need to reapply it every 2-3 hours. The rule remains the same even during winter.
"Sunscreen effectiveness typically lasts for 2-3 hours after application, regardless of the type used. To ensure continuous protection, reapply, especially during peak hours between 11 am and 2 pm if you're outdoors between 9 am and 4 pm," says Dr Sagar Gujjar.
Similarly, the amount of sunscreen you use shouldn't decrease in winter. Follow the two-finger rule for applying sunscreen to your face, even during reapplication.
"Although the winter sun feels softer, this does not mean that you can use less sunscreen. UV A rays cause ageing and damage your skin, and their intensity does not change with temperature or the strength of the sun," explains Dr Passi.
When you are in a snowy area, generous usage of sunscreen becomes even more imperative.
"Snow and ice can reflect UV rays, thus increasing exposure. A smaller amount of sunscreen leaves parts of the skin unguarded and puts it at risk of damage," explains Dr Passi.
How to choose the right sunscreen
To ensure proper sun protection, it is important to choose a good sunscreen. PS: an expensive or trending product does not necessarily mean it is effective. You can also find effective sunscreens at a pharmacy.
Here's a quick guide to help you select the right sunscreen:
Broad-spectrum protection: Choose a sunscreen that offers protection against both UV A and UV B rays.
Non-comedogenic: Opt for a sunscreen labelled "non-comedogenic" or check its ingredients to ensure it won’t clog your pores. You can even use ChatGPT to check ingredients.
PA value: Pay attention to the PA value, which indicates protection from UV A rays. PA+ means low protection, PA+++ is high, and PA++++ indicates very high UV A protection. Experts recommend PA+++ for regular use.
SPF factor: Contrary to popular belief, there is barely any difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn.
"A sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV B radiation, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99% of UV B rays from reaching your skin. So, there isn’t a significant difference between SPF 30 and SPF 100," writes Dr Jaishree Sharad in her book The Skincare Answer Book. Ideally, a sunscreen should be SPF 30 or above.
Skin type: Choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas. For dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. For sensitive skin, physical sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are ideal, as they are less likely to irritate.
Let's Hug Day 2024: History and Celebrations
Let's Hug Day on December 3 celebrates the warmth and comfort of a hug. Hugs are very versatile. Many of us hug when we wish to share our happiness with family and friends. At the same time, hugs are a staple when we are feeling low and need someone to just hold and console us.
Hugs are also the perfect reconciliatory gesture when you want to make up with someone after a fight. Scientifically, hugs are known to release good hormones that can help lower your blood pressure and stress levels.
History of Let's Hug Day
There are no clear sources to indicate the origins of Let’s Hug Day, but some suggest Kevin Zaborney was the mastermind behind the day. This is still questionable as Zaborney called the day the National Hugging Day, which falls on January 31. Zaborney's holiday is recorded in the famous Chase's Calendar of Events which also hosts several other unique holidays. The idea behind having a National Hugging Day (and we assume the same for Let's Hug Day too) was to encourage people to show affection to each other. Hugging raises people’s spirits by allowing them to feel another person's warmth and sincerity. Zaborney did advise first asking people if they were okay with hugging as nobody likes nonconsensual affection, even if it comes in the form of hugs.
The word 'hug' is thought to come from the Old Norse word 'hugga', which means "to comfort". Other scholars speculate that the word may have originated from the German word 'hegen' that roughly translates to 'cherish' or 'foster'. In the English language, 'hug' is said to have been used somewhere in the 16th century. While the etymology and history of the word may differ, the emotion behind it has more or less stayed the same since the inception of the act. Babies, who know nothing about the outside world, reach out to their mothers/fathers for a dose of love and comfort. If babies do not receive regular cuddles and hugs from their parents, their relationship tends to take a beating. Therefore, having daily hugs is a necessary way to maintain relationships. Moreover, hugs also release the happy hormone called oxytocin, reducing cortisol, which is the stress hormone. Hugs can also help regulate blood pressure, heartbeats, depression, anxiety, and frustration.
How To Celebrate Let's Hug Day
Hug your loved ones
This is your day to show your loved ones how much they mean to you in every sense of the word. Start by giving a hug to set the tone. This is also the day to make up with someone you have had a falling out with. When words fail, hugs do the job of conveying what you are feeling.
Offer a hug to a stranger
As you are going about your day, try giving a hug to a stranger, and, of course, ask them if it's okay before you do. While it is the official Let's Hug Day, you still do not want to upset anyone by giving out unsolicited affection.
Give hugs regularly
Hugging should not be limited to just one day. You should give and take hugs throughout the year as it allows you to strengthen your affection for others. And why should humans have all the fun? Hug your pets and plants too!
Dark Chocolate: Healthiest Chocolate in the World
Chocolate typically gets a bad rap for being a sugary treat low in nutrients, but there's an exception to the rule that could have some positive effects on your health.
It's widely acknowledged that dark chocolate — a variety of chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids and minimal milk — is a better pick compared to milk or white chocolate.
This is due to its wealth of benefits from the cocoa bean itself. "The more cocoa solids a product contains, the more nutritious it is. Dark chocolate contains the most cocoa bean solids and therefore is the most nutrient-dense," Whitney English, a registered dietitian, explained to Today.com.
Nutritionists point out that the cocoa bean is packed with phytochemicals known for their anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihypertensive properties. Additionally, dark chocolate boasts a higher concentration of flavonoids, compounds celebrated for their health advantages.
Dark chocolate is good for your heart and has no sugar.
Hence, experts suggest opting for chocolate that's over 70% dark when you fancy a healthier sweet treat.
"If you go for very high cocoa content, then you're less likely to get anything that's unhealthy. Pick something with the minimum number of ingredients on the label, and then you know you're going to get something that is really natural with very little taken away," recommended Professor Tim Spector, founder of ZOE.
In essence, it all comes down to cocoa content—the higher it is, the healthier your chocolate bar will be!
Surprising Secret to Raising a Well-Behaved Kid
Many parents aspire to raise well-behaved children, but doing so takes time, effort, and skillful parenting techniques.
The key to smart discipline is simple. Set clear expectations up front for how you want your child to behave. Then it's up to them to be in control of their actions.
My friend Emily has three amazingly well-behaved children. They put their toys away when she tells them to, go to bed without a fuss, and even settle their own disputes. I actually witnessed her 3-year-old son calmly ask for a truck back from a friend who had yanked it out of his hands.
Emily admits that her children have their moments—"They are kids, after all!"—but says that real discipline challenges are few and far between. "What's your secret?" I once asked, hoping she could impart some much-needed wisdom on raising a child. "Threatening them with punishment? Giving them time-outs? Bribing them with Oreos?" Emily shook her head. "Nothing like that," she told me. "If I've done anything right, it's that I've made it clear from the get-go what I expect from them. Now, all I have to do is shoot them a look, and they know to discipline themselves."
How to Raise a Child to Be Well-Behaved
It may sound too good to be true, but experts agree that Emily has the right idea about how to raise kids with positive discipline. "When you make your expectations clear from the time your children are toddlers, they internalize those expectations and begin to expect the same thing from themselves," says Sharon K. Hall, PhD, author of Raising Kids in the 21st Century.
In other words, since kids are naturally inclined to want to please their parents, they'll eventually try to behave in the way that you've taught them even without your direct involvement. Experts say that kids as young as 18 months are empathetic and responsive to their parents' expectations.
Teaching self-discipline to a young child isn't as daunting as it sounds. "If you focus on the essentials starting at around age 2, your child will catch on faster, resistless, and ultimately behave better," says Robert Brooks, PhD, coauthor of Raising a Self-Disciplined Child. These four guidelines will help you raise a kid who can keep their own behavior in check.
Set Firm Rules and Expect Respect
Kids who believe they can do anything they feel like doing, and get whatever they want, tend to be the ones who act out by whining or throwing a tantrum when their demands aren't met. "Children who understand that there are well-defined boundaries learn how to self-regulate and to respect limits," says Hal Runkel, family therapist and author of ScreamFree Parenting.
Tell them why. You don't have to give your children elaborate explanations for why you expect certain behaviors from them. But if your child understands that there are simple reasons for your rules, they'll realize they aren't arbitrary and will be more likely to comply. Tell them, for example, "You need to go to bed at eight o'clock because your body needs a lot of sleep to stay strong and healthy." Or "You have to put away your toys so we'll know where to find them next time you want to play."
Offer lots of praise. "Whether it's making the bed, helping set the table, or letting their sister play with his blocks, make sure you reinforce rule-following by celebrating your child's successes," says Larry J. Koenig, PhD, author of Smart Discipline. Say, "It's great that you remembered the rule to make your bed. I'm so proud of you when you behave!" or, "You were so polite to say 'please' when you asked me for that crayon. Good job!"
Follow the rules yourself. "Hanging your coat in the closet when you get home, putting your dirty dishes in the sink, not screaming when you're frustrated... doing these things will show children that just as they have rules to follow, so do you," says Judy Arnall, author of Discipline Without Distress. "When kids see you behaving well, they'll want to do the same."
Cultivate a conscience. If a young child feels bad for not following the rules, don't immediately try to minimize their discomfort. Feeling a bit of guilt is an essential part of learning to determine right from wrong. "Use it as a teaching opportunity," suggests Dr. Hall. "Say, 'I know you're feeling bad. We all make mistakes, but we try to learn how to act next time.'"
Build Problem-Solving Skills
One of the major reasons children have temper tantrums or behave badly is because they feel frustrated and powerless. "When you give children the tools they need to figure things out on their own, they will behave better because they'll be better equipped to take care of themselves and won't come screaming to you or act out every time they encounter a challenge," says Dr. Brooks.
Let kids make decisions. Give children the opportunity to make choices as soon as they're old enough to understand. Ask, "Do you want to wear your Elmo pajamas or your nightgown?" "Which flavor drink do you want to take to school: a Capri Sun fruit punch pouch or an orange juice pouch?" Once kids can manage these small decisions, take it up a notch. If your children are fighting, for example, instead of yelling "Don't do that!" or giving them a time-out, Dr. Brooks suggests asking: "How can you handle this differently?" You may be surprised by the solutions they will come up with.
Encourage a "try, try again" attitude. "Sure, it's a lot quicker for you to do everything for them, but it's important to let preschoolers practice and succeed without your intervention—whether it's tying their shoes, putting away toys, or sorting socks in the laundry," says Donna M. Genett, PhD, author of Help Your Kids Get It Done Right at Home and at School!
Make them think things out. Stretch your child's cognitive skills by challenging them to find answers for themself. For example, when your child asks a question about how to do something, respond with a question of your own: "What do you think you should do?" Such a response will eventually give them confidence in their own ability to figure things out.
Help Kids Practice Patience
No one likes to wait, especially young kids. "Developmentally and neurologically it's difficult because children survive by letting their needs be known immediately," says Michael Osit, EdD, author of Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in the Age of Instant Everything. "That's why parents need to start teaching patience in the toddler years." You want your kids to develop tolerance for the feeling of impatience, which is often unpleasant, so they won't misbehave or act impulsively when faced with that feeling in the future.
Make them wait. Don't always drop everything as soon as your child asks for something. "Allow your child to feel the unpleasantness of waiting because it's a great change agent," says Dr. Osit. By not giving them the juice immediately, for example, you'll help them get practice in managing their impatience.
Tell them what they're feeling. Toddlers aren't able to express their frustration at having to wait for things, but you can help by labeling their emotions and offering praise when they demonstrate patience. If your preschooler has to wait their turn, you might say: "I know it's tough to just stand here. But you're doing a terrific job. You're being patient, and that's great!" "When you validate your child's struggle with something, it's more likely he'll try harder," says Dr. Brooks.
Engage in activities that promote patience. Encourage your child to do things that don't offer immediate results, like block building and puzzle solving, or planting a flower seed and watching it grow over time. "Make sure they're not only playing with high-tech gadgets that offer instant press-of-a-button results," suggests Dr. Osit.
Put an Emphasis on Empathy
How many times have you had to referee a blowup because your preschooler took a friend's toy or refused to share it with their sister? "Children are born believing that the world revolves around them," says Steven E. Curtis, PhD, author of Understanding Your Child's Puzzling Behavior. "So, the sooner you help them understand that everybody has feelings and emotions, the less likely they'll be to behave in ways that annoy or hurt other people."
Celebrate your child's acts of kindness. "In general, it's best to find natural opportunities to teach empathy," says Lisa Aaron, MD, a child psychiatrist with Westchester Jewish Community Services in White Plains, New York. "Any time your child shows regard for someone else, you should reinforce their inclination with a simple narrative. For example, if you see your preschooler covering their doll with a blanket, say, 'It was so kind of you to make sure that your doll is warm and cozy. She must have been very cold.'"
Ask, don't tell. You can't explain empathy to a toddler, but you can begin to get them thinking about other people's feelings. "Kids this age won't understand lectures, but if you pose questions to them you can raise their awareness level," says Dr. Curtis. For instance, if your child won't let their friend play with their stuffed animals, ask, "How do you think Emma-Rose feels when you won't share your things with her?"
Help them read body language. Being able to interpret gestures and facial expressions is one of the basic ways that we develop empathy. Give your toddler pointers: "See how Aunt Margaret looked when you shared your cookie with her. Did you notice that she was smiling? You made her feel so good." Your child may not fully understand at first, but when they do, they'll be clued into other people's reactions—and be better able to notice how their own behavior can affect others.
