Hey guys!

So i just came across something amazing and had to share it right away. An amazing set of activities for children.

Fun ! Engaging ! Lots of Learning ! A great way to spend time with your kids while fasting.

Ramadan is the most awaited month of the year for muslims all over the world. During this month, families cherish the time spent on praying and fasting and refraining from all kinds of distractions.

Special feasts are being prepared and everything is so festive.

Children too, take part in the prayers and the festivities.

Considering the fact that since parents are mostly busy with the preparations and extra prayers, there is a possibility that the child is often left directionless, definitely not on purpose.

So i am sharing this wonderful 30 day project for children, that someone shared with me today. It’s origin is unknown but it is too good to not share.

You can take a printout and handover the daily tasks to your kids. It will not just keep your child busy but also provide a lot of learning. Ofcourse, depending on the age of your child, the amount of assistance required will vary.

And it’s definitely worth sharing!

Hope you find this useful.

Disclaimer: This file is not an original creation of MyHippocampus. The source has been unidentified. We are sharing it for others to benefit. In case, the owner of this file finds it objectionable, we will be glad to take it down.

The ENFJ Personality Type

ENFJs are idealist organizers, driven to implement their vision of what is best for humanity. They often act as catalysts for human growth because of their ability to see potential in other people and their charisma in persuading others to their ideas. They are focused on values and vision, and are passionate about the possibilities for people.

What does ENFJ stand for?

ENFJ is an acronym used to describe one of the sixteen personality types created by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers. It stands for Extraverted, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging. ENFJ indicates a person who is energized by time spent with others (Extraverted), who focuses on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (iNtuitive), who makes decisions based on feelings and values (Feeling) and who prefers to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging). ENFJs are sometimes referred to as Teacher personalities because of their interest in helping others develop and grow.

While ENFJ mothers are often seen as some of the most competent and loving parents, they also ace their own struggles at times. Here is everything you need to know about the ENFJ mother.

Nurturing Mother

The ENFJ mother is a natural nurturer, and will work hard to support their children. They find it easy to be affectionate with the ones they love, especially when it comes to their kids. They want their children to feel truly loved and don’t want a moment to pass where they don’t realize their mother cares for them. The ENFJ works hard to create a happy environment for her children, no matter what it takes. She will continue to push herself beyond measure to ensure that her family is provided for. The ENFJ mother supports her children, even when they makes mistakes in life. She does not want them to feel judged, and hates to see them hurting. She can often come to their rescue a bit too quick at times, not wanting to see her children in pain.

The ENFJ mother wants to help her children become strong and well-adjusted people, but at the same time she wants to help them through life. The ENFJ mother doesn’t want their children to struggle unnecessarily, and will find ways to protect and provide for them. ENFJs strive to bring joy to the ones around them, and this part of their personality strengthens with motherhood. Even before having children they can be seen as the mother of their friend group, so this is something that comes naturally for them.

The ENFJ mother is deeply connected to her children, and can often sense what they are feeling before they are even aware of this. They want to step in and help them figure out what they want from life, and help to guide them down the right path. ENFJs mothers have strong intuitive abilities which often helps them understand the best course of action for her children, and are often aware of what they want most from life. This can be challenging when her children don’t fully recognize it themselves, and might feel like she is being hovering. In the truth the ENFJ mother wants to help her child achieve their own desires so that she can see them happy. It often does not matter to her what her children become in life, as long as it makes them happy with themselves. ENFJ mothers enjoy seeing the unique sides of their children, and want to help nurture those special qualities, certainly not stifle them.

The toxic ENFJ mother

While the healthy ENFJ mother is caring and giving, there is a flipside when the ENFJ is toxic. The unhealthy ENFJ mother is manipulative and extremely hovering. She takes her nurturing to the next love and instead begins to smother her children with too much advice and “help”. She is often manipulative since she knows too well what her children want and how to get into their heads. This ENFJ mother often doesn’t want to lose her children from her life, so she works to keep them as close as possible. She often uses guilt trips to ensure that her child does what she wants, and this is harmful for the children. The ENFJ mother who is toxic can become draining and emotionally damaging for her children, but it can be difficult for them to escape this. The natural ability to understand the emotions of others makes the toxic ENFJ mother a bit dangerous.

The Struggles of Being and ENFJ Mother

The ENFJ mother faces plenty of struggles, the greatest one is her desire for perfection. She cares so deeply for her children and wants to be the perfect mother for them. Of course perfection is unattainable, but this does not stop the ENFJ from trying. They will often wear themselves down as they work to provide for their families. The ENFJ mother often judges herself too harshly, constantly trying to live up to her giant expectations. They try to juggle so much and often never feel like they are truly doing enough for their children. The ENFJ mother simply wants to make their family happy and this puts so much pressure on them to succeed.

The ENFJ mother often neglects her own needs, which can be challenging after a while. They will do whatever they can to provide for their children, and this often means putting aside their own desires and needs. The ENFJ mother can become overwhelmed after a while, especially when they have buried their feelings for a long time. It is important for the ENFJ mom to remember that in order to tend to others she needs to take care of herself. The only way to be the best mother they can be, is by ensuring that the provider of their children remains taken care of as well. If the ENFJ does not remember to take time for herself, she won’t be able to give her full attention to her children. She might want to push herself and forget her own needs, but this isn’t the best solution for her family either. The ENFJ mother needs to remember you cannot drink from an empty well, and instead needs to nourish herself in order to truly care for others. She also needs to remember that she deserves to take time for herself, since the ENFJ mother provides so much for her children and her family.

“When preparing for a marathon, a person is not supposed to train for eighteen hours. Similarly, when preparing for exams, don’t measure the number of hours on the desk as a marker for good grades”

It is that time of the year where stress is at its peak, tantrums grow manifold and relationships between parents and children get sour. No matter the amount of preparation, it always seems less and we end up stressing our children out.

Here are some strategies that you can use which will keep everyone’s sanity intact and result in better preparation and confidence.

Start preparing early.

By all means avoid last minute cramming. And for that you need to start preparing in advance.

Make a study schedule and DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING FOR THE LAST MINUTE.

Check your exam schedule, make a note of your syllabus and mark the number of days left. Organize your study schedule well.

Organize your study space.

Make sure you have enough space to spread out all your books, notes and computer. Ensure that there is enough light and the chair is comfortable.

Get rid of all distractions and keep things that help you focus. Some people like listening to soft music while some like an aesthetic appeal with added fairy lights and candles. Whatever makes your space friendly and comfortable, just go for it!

Use flow charts and diagrams.

Visual aids are helpful while revising so write down everything you already know about the subjects. Closer to the exam, transform your revision notes into a diagram.

Getting your ideas down in this brief format will help you recall everything!

Practice on previous year’s exam papers.

This is one of the most effective way to prepare for exams. It helps you get used to the format of the questions and practicing also ensures you will finish your exam on time.

Explain your answers to others.

With the help of your family members, you can excel in your exams. It helps in knowing how well you have prepared and also to highlight any areas where you need more wotk.

Plan study sessions with friends.

As long as you make sure that the focus is on studying and helping each other in areas where help is needed, study sessions are a great way to uplift the mood and is an effective way to challenge yourself!

Take regular breaks.

Studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really help.

Do not feel guilty about spending some time in the sun. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy brain.

Snack on healthy food.

Try not to eat unhealthy food while you are studying. You may feel like you deserve a treat but what you eat can really have an impact on your energy levels and focus so keep away from junk food!

Especially on the day of exam- eat a good breakfast for a slow release of energy throughout.

Avoid sugary food and drinks as they will crash your energy levels within an hour!

Plan you exam day.

Make sure you get everything you are going to need for the exam. Check your wifi connectivity for online exams and arrange everything on your desk a day in advance.

Take exercise breaks and drink lots of water.

Remember that being hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best. Also make sure you move around after every hour. Stretch, do jumping jacks or take a short walk. But remember to keep moving!

And lastly, remember that coming first in class is not the goal, but giving your best shot is!

All the best.

It is that time of the year when suddenly all the festivities end and we are left with a bloated body and lot of guilt.

Also the fresh start psychology urges us to make resolutions and the number one resolution worldwide is eating healthy and losing more weight.

But sitting with all the excess calories we consumed for the last one month or more most of us are confused about where to start.

So here is a simple 3 day detox for you all!

I won’t say it’s easy but it does wonders to your body in just 3 days.

Apple & Oats smoothie

Breakfast

Ingredients

1 Apple

1 Tbsp Oats

1 cup milk

A pinch of cinnamon

Recipe

Just blend in all the ingredients and you are good to go!

Lunch

Ingredients

Coconut water

Spinach

Beet root

Pineapple

Lemon

Cayenne pepper

Recipe

Blend in all the ingredients together and enjoy the delicious smoothie.

Dinner

Detox soup

Ingredients

Olive oil

Red onion

Garlic

Ginger

Carrots

Broccoli florets

Cauliflower

Turmeric

Tomatoes

Pink Himalayan salt

Italian seasoning

Water

Black pepper

Lemon

Parsley

Recipe:

Sauté all the vegetables.

In a large pot, add oil and turn on the heat to medium-high. Add the onion, garlic and ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the turmeric and diced tomatoes.

Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste and lemon juice near the last 2-3 minutes of simmering.

Serve hot with chopped parsley!

The science behind this detox

Coconut water: It’s a natural energy drink that’s rich in electrolytes that keep you hydrated.

Spinach: Loaded with iron and other minerals, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, protein, antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory power, this leafy legend is an immunity boosting cleansing champion.

Beet root: Rich in iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and dietary nitrates, beets build mineral-rich blood to dial up detox.

Apples: Pectin is a soluble fiber in apples that help sweep the colon for digestive health. Apple pectin lowers the body’s demand for insulin, keeping apples’ glycemic index low. Many of the nutrients and fiber in apples are concentrated in the skin, so include the peels!

Pineapple: Bromelain, the protein-digesting enzyme in pineapple, bolsters the power of its vitamin C content to help clear respiratory congestion, suppress coughs, loosen mucus, flush out toxins, reduce swelling and bloating, and stimulate circulation for a deep-dive detox

Lemon: Low in sugar and full of nutrients, lemons are detox divas. Lemons are amped up with antioxidant vitamin C, antibiotic phytonutrients, and B vitamins. The citric acid in lemons aids digestion while ascorbic acid fights free radicals.

Cayenne pepper: As one of the most powerful detox foods, cayenne heats the body to sweat out toxins. Naturally antibiotic and anti-fungal, cayenne is also a powerful immune booster.

Broccoli: Broccoli is one of the richest sources of glucosinolates – some of the most powerful toxin tackling compounds found in foods. Armed with an arsenal of antioxidants, minerals, flavonoids, carotenoids, omega-3s, and fiber, these fierce florets combat inflammation, oxygenate the blood, and banish bad bacteria for better digestion.

We all need motivation from time to time, children even more so. But the thing with children especially teenagers is that they don’t want to be preached.

If you are a parent who wants to inspire and ignite the growth mindset of your child then you must share these Ted talks with your child.

Don’t force them to watch it. Just simply share the link or put it up on TV when everyone is sitting together.

Ted talks is an excellent free learning resource and encouraging your children to watch other people’s struggles and achievements is a great way to inspire them to reach their goals or overcome their obstacles.

Grit: the power of passion and perseverance – Angela Lee Duckworth

Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn’t the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of “grit” as a predictor of success.

https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8

Tap on the youtube link to watch this beautifully inspiring video by @angelaleeduckworth

What adults can learn from kids by Adora Svitak

A voracious reader from age three, Adora Svitak’s first serious foray into writing — at age five — was limited only by her handwriting and spelling. (Her astonishing verbal abilities already matched that of young adults over twice her age.) As her official bio says, her breakthrough would soon come “in the form of a used Dell laptop her mother bought her.” At age seven, she typed out over 250,000 words — poetry, short stories, observations about the world — in a single year.

Svitak has since fashioned her beyond-her-years wordsmithing into an inspiring campaign for literacy — speaking across the country to both adults and kids. She is author of Flying Fingers, a book on learning.

https://youtu.be/V-bjOJzB7LY

Click on the Youtube link to watch the video.

Yup, I built a nuclear fusion reactor by Taylor Wilson

Taylor Wilson believes nuclear fusion is a solution to our future energy needs, and that kids can change the world. And he knows something about both of those: When he was 14, he built a working fusion reactor in his parents’ garage. Now 17, he takes the TED stage at short notice to tell (the short version of) his story.

https://youtu.be/9B0PaSznWJE

Click on the Youtube link to watch the video.

An 11-year-old’s magical violin by Sirena Huang

Violinist Sirena Huang gives a technically brilliant and emotionally nuanced performance. In a charming interlude, the 11-year-old praises the timeless design of her instrument.

Only 11 years old when she performed at TED, Sirena Huang is still technically a child. But as anyone who sees her perform can attest, she has a musician’s soul that transcends her years. “Her musical imagination is boundless,” said Juilliard dean Stephen Clapp, who described her as “a musical artist with qualities of maturity far beyond her age.” 

What’s most striking in her performance style is the way she combines technical ability with emotional force and nuance. Her fiercely virtuoso performances are profoundly moving, even via podcast. “Amazed,” “delighted” and “spellbound” are the words bloggers often use after watching her play. She has won numerous awards for her brilliant performances worldwide, and has played for the likes of French president Nicolas Sarkozy, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and the Dalai Lama.

https://youtu.be/-yOXsK5-SFY

Click on the link to watch the video

Science is for everyone, kids included by Beau Lotto and Amy O’Toole

What do science and play have in common? Neuroscientist Beau Lotto thinks all people (kids included) should participate in science and, through the process of discovery, change perceptions. He’s seconded by 12-year-old Amy O’Toole, who, along with 25 of her classmates, published the first peer-reviewed article by schoolchildren, about the Blackawton bees project. It starts: “Once upon a time … “

Beau Lotto seeks to pull aside the curtain of why we see what we do in order to create the possibility and agency in deciding what to perceive next.

Amy O’Toole is a 12-year-old student with a peer-reviewed scientific publication under her belt. She took part in a participative science program led by Beau Lotto , called “i, scientist,” which inspired a science experiment by a group of 26 primary school students in Blackawton, Devon, UK. O’Toole was never interested in science before this project, but now intends to study the human mind and body.

https://youtu.be/0g2WE1qXiKM

Click on the link to watch the video.

Learning is limitless and ways of learning are endless.

Hope your children learn from these child prodigies and get inspired in some way!

Source : ted.com

If you are a parent to a teenager, you know what this means. Lack of communication is the top complaint that parents of teenagers have and it is also the top reason for unpleasantness between parents and children.

Most teenagers find their parents not ‘cool enough’ or too nagging which drifts them apart.

As a parent of two teenagers, I figured that trying to be cool for them or nagging them to spend more time makes things progressively worse. The more we tell them to stay out of the room or to stop listening to music and talk to us, the more out of topics we are!

So, I devised a plan.

And it did work!

And i am willing to share it with all the suffering parents who miss spending time with their kids.

But there are some rules to follow for this plan to work.

RULE NUMBER 1

Act very casual. Don’t let them know your plan. Even when they don’t fall in your trap, let them go. But try again, at some other time.

RULE NUMBER 2

Attempt at times when they are not engaged in something important. (Like listening to music, chatting with friends or ‘just chilling’)

Try it just after you finish doing lessons with them or just after meal times.

RULE NUMBER 3

Never force them to answer. Respect their ‘lack of interest’. Basically don’t be clingy.

So here is the starter pack, it is a compilation of questions.

Intriguing questions, designed to catch their interest and start a conversation.

The trick is to be an interesting parent. No amount of coolness or knowledge is ever as good as being interesting. You need to keep trying and gauge what tickles their interest. What makes them stick with you. And then you have to work around on that topic and engage in wholesome and enriching conversations.

One more important thing to mention is that, just like no parent likes a fussy toddler, no fussy toddler (when turns into a teenager) wants a whiny parent.

So my advise to all the whiny parents is to try and be happy parents. Yelling usually doesn’t get things done.

Logic, respect and sternness is what gets things done.

Be a happy parent, make them believe that you are not angry and Whoosh- See the magic happen!

Any suggestions and additions are most welcome!

Wish you luck!