What to do when your child won’t sit still while eating

kids who can't sit still

If your child refuses to sit in their highchair or child seat, appears restless, wants to eat while sitting on your lap, or you constantly feel compelled to hunt them about with a spoon in your hand because they never come to a stop, you need tips to rebalance the situation.

There are several reasons why children should always remain seated while eating. The most essential reason is that it significantly reduces their risk of choking. It also establishes a habit and standard that we eat in distinct locations with specific behaviors. Sitting stationary can help your child concentrate on their food and connect with their appetite levels, which is crucial.

Stay on this page if you’re looking for suggestions on what to do when your child won’t sit still while eating.

Check the time

Toddlers should be fed every two to three hours, with only water between feedings. If your child is nibbling on a snack after an hour after the main meal, he or she may be less willing to sit down and finish up the next full meal. Eating can then become a true battle of wills if you don’t get the meal times correct.

Use a visual timer

A visible clock is a pleasant visual approach for your toddler to comprehend how long you require them to remain at the table. For instance, a sand timer is a superb solution for younger kids who can’t tell time yet, and at the same time, seeing the sand flow makes it an intriguing observation experience for them. Overall, this method gives them structure and makes them more conscious of what is anticipated of them at the dinner table.

Get them strapped
a child eating on his own

Image Credits: strong4life.com

If your child is under the age of three, a belted high chair, if they still fit, is strongly recommended. You will be waging a war until you can commence the feeding session in a buckled posture because most toddlers don’t have the focus and concentration in eating long enough to sit quietly. Already forgotten about child seats? Make every effort to retrieve them, even if it involves purchasing a new model. We assure you it’s going to be a worthy investment in this feeding phase.

Prepare sensory activities

Pre-meal sensory activities can be incredibly beneficial since they relax and order our minds, allowing us to concentrate on our tasks, which is eating in this context for your child. There are numerous sensory exercises available, ranging from sand play to balancing beams and more.

If you’re not sure which form of sensory stimulation your child will prefer, we recommend experimenting with both energetic and calm, relaxing sensory experiences. And the reaction you should be watching for is if they become more concentrated and sit quietly for longer periods during meal time. It may require some experimentation as well as commitment to achieve this.

For a multitude of reasons, your kid must remain seated throughout meals. A wiggly toddler who gets up and down from the table during mealtime is sidetracked and, like other diversions, will eat lesser altogether. Allowing your child to nibble their way through a meal while wandering can lead to power battles, fussy eating problems, and undisciplined and disruptive family meals. Nip the problem in the bud by heeding some of our abovementioned tips to see if it works for you.

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How to improve your public speaking skills

a young Asian man speaking publicly

One of the most powerful methods to get your point through, display your expertise, and influence people is through public speaking. It can also assist you in improving your written and social communication skills.

However, the majority of people are afraid of public speaking to some extent. As a result, honing your public speaking skills can give you a competitive advantage in your job by allowing you to seize opportunities that others may pass up.

Just keep in mind that the many individuals who appear entirely at ease in front of large crowds now once had severe stage fright. You can always steadily develop your skills to give talks and presentations in the future by adopting various public speaking techniques into your practice right now.

Keep reading if you want to know how to improve your public speaking skills.

Be personable

The best thing about public speaking is that it’s all about you. People are interested in whatever you have to express, so be sure to include some personal flair. Your audience will lose attention if you give a monotonous discourse. To make a talk feel like a friendly chat between friends, use personal anecdotes or a literary style you’re comfortable with.

Use storytelling

Humans are hardwired to listen to narratives. It stimulates the same sections of our brain as if we were witnessing the events personally. This is how we all react to storytelling; there are no major cultural differences.

This implies that you can use the power of narrative to interact with anyone. You only have a minute to make a solid first impression on your listeners when you begin your talk. Consider a tale, joke, or inquiry that might stimulate their interest and encourage them to listen further.

Pace yourself right
recording on iPhone

Image Credits: unlockboot.com

If you speak too quickly, you will come across as anxious and difficult to comprehend. If you speak too slowly, you risk sending your listeners to sleep. Present one minute of your presentation and record it on your phone to determine your speech speed.

Then, count how many words you said at that point. For a talk, the most efficient rate of speech is roughly 140 words per minute, which is slightly slower than usual ordinary conversation. Slowing down your speech will also help you express yourself more accurately. Don’t let muttering cloud your message.

Prepare and practice

Bodily sensations such as shaky hands and thumping hearts are experienced by everyone. Do not link these emotions to the fear of doing badly or possibly embarrassing yourself because some nerves are beneficial.

The rush of adrenaline that causes you to perspire also makes you more primed and attentive to function adequately. And if you need a tip, we believe preparation is the most effective method to combat tension. Make sure you review your notes numerous times before the big day. Once you’ve gotten a feel for the material, video-record yourself or have a buddy review your delivery.

It is possible to conquer your public speaking anxiety, even if you are a social hermit or have anxiety problems. Public speaking will also increase your self-esteem in the long run, and you could even grow to love it. Consider the advice above, and if you still want to learn more about how to enhance your public speaking skills, we suggest enrolling in a public speaking program.

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Take Your Family to the Best Public Pools in Singapore

In Singapore, it is summer all year round! There is always a reason to visit a swimming pool for to stay cool. Public pools are available to almost every neighbourhood. Apart from its family-friendly facilities, most of these pools boast its affordable entry rates that cost less than a hawker meal.

Who says you can only stay at a five-star hotel to splash your way to a better day? Cool off in style with these public pools!

#1: JURONG EAST SWIMMING COMPLEX

The Jurong East Swimming Complex* is the largest in the country. With three towering and intertwining spiral water slides, it does not disappoint. Its huge wave pool even has sprays of water coming out of its rock caverns. It also comes with a bubble jet station and a lazy river**. Individual rates range from $0.50- $2.60. A friendly reminder: bring your sunscreen as there is not much shade there.

Location: 21 Jurong East Street 31, Singapore 609517

#2: SWIMMING POOL AT SAFRA YISHUN

Surrounded by lush greenery and furnished with umbrellas and chairs, the Swimming Pool at SAFRA Yishun exudes an enticing vacation. Have a great time at the massive rock structure by the rock-climbing wall, which features built-in slides and a waterfall in the middle. Your beloved ones can make a splash at the pirate-themed area with a treasure chest and a ship!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

SAFRA Members can access these amenities and more. The venue is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Please check if non-members are permitted to enter.

Location: SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 769027

#3: SENGKANG SWIMMING COMPLEX

Take your active littles ones to a memorable sliding experience at Sengkang Swimming Complex*. The most attracting feature in this complex is the eight vibrant, big slides. These slides are both open-top and tube slides, which sends you straight into the pool. There is also a relaxing jacuzzi and a kid-friendly pool. For older kids, you can check out their group swimming lessons.

Location: Sengkang Swimming Complex, 57 Anchorvale Road, Singapore 544964

#4: SPLASH @ KIDZ AMAZE

In 2016, Singapore’s first indoor water playground opened its doors at SAFRA Punggol. Splash @ Kidz Amaze is at the pricier end of the public pools market and rates vary depending if you are a member or not. Because it is indoor, you can play for hours despite the weather outside!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Water enthusiasts will enjoy their time here with its themed splash pad, multiple play decks, and five water slides. Children’s parties are welcome to be hosted here too. This place is currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via phone. Call 6585 8710. Prices start at $8.

Location: Splash @ Kidz Amaze, SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent Level 3, Singapore 828654

Sources: 1 & 2

Notes: *These venues are currently operating at a limited capacity with safety measures. Booking is required via myactivesg.com or the ActiveSG app.
**The lazy river, water slides, and wave pool are currently closed until further notice.

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Why does time fly when you’re having fun?

a masked lady with a luggage

Why does time seem to fly while you’re having fun yet drag on for eons when you’re bored?

Well, the brain’s perception of time is influenced by its preconceptions. As a result, when you take a look back, the perceived timeframe of an occurrence is influenced by how the brain encoded the experience.

Everything seems new while you’re a kid, therefore your brain creates complex networks to retain those happenings. Yet, as a grownup, you’ve seen a lot more, so these occurrences don’t elicit similar recollections. As a consequence, time seems to fly by as you become older.

Tricky, huh? That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s delve further into why time seems to fly when you’re having fun.

Memory retrieval

When it comes to recollection, we have a different perception of time than when it comes to actual occurrences. When you recall similar events from memory some months later, your impressions of them are frequently flipped.

For instance, while you’re on holiday and having a good time, the days seem to fly past. Conversely, if you’re at work, the hours may seem to pass by sluggishly. But as you look back on those tedious days that appeared to drag on as you lived them, they appear to have passed quickly. Your trip, on the other extreme, will appear to have lasted far longer than it did thanks to how the brain retrieves memories.

Brain anticipation
a guy packing for his trip

Image Credits: vox.com

According to research, our brains interpret time passing more quickly during some activities, particularly joyful occurrences. Pleasant situations, such as a planned vacation, are perceived to be further away than they are.

Someone’s getaway to Bali, for example, may be only a weekend away, but it feels like a full week. Furthermore, people believe that pleasing activities, such as vacations, persist for a shorter period than unfavorable activities. People often feel that their trip abroad is over as immediately as it starts, due to the lengthy wait for it to begin and the anticipation that it will fly past before they realize it.

Approach motivation

As per prior studies, many individuals believe that time passes faster when they are undergoing happy emotions or situations than when they are completely dejected. Nonetheless, not all positive moods are created equal.

Although satisfaction and peacefulness are pleasant emotions, they do not rank particularly high in what specialists refer to as approach motivation. Passion and enthusiasm, on the contrary, are considered strong in approach motivation since they motivate people to act on something. Simply said, when people are in high-approach motivation stages, they sense as if time is flying by.

In essence, whenever you’re bored or doing something you don’t want to be doing, your mind is free to roam. When your mind wanders, it frequently turns to the clock, as you consider how much more the seconds must pass before you can escape your predicament. But when you’re pleasantly immersed in something you like, your attention tends to be completely concentrated on the delight you’re experiencing. You aren’t as concerned about the progression of time because you are savoring the present moment. Intriguing, isn’t it?

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Here are the advantages of working in the office

colleagues in a meeting

We are all aware that web advancements have enabled company employees to be geographically separated but always in touch.

This actuality, however, poses a significant problem for both workers and corporate leaders. We’re all being pressed more than before to decide whether it’s healthier to work remotely or in an office.

Either way, it is a decision that has far-reaching implications for an organization’s culture and productivity, and it’s one that even more individuals and businesses are having to make. That’s probably why even high-profile figures like Elon Musk have urged employees to return to work or quit. And, to be honest, it might turn out to be a wise move.

Here are the advantages of working in the office.

Better focus

According to research, recognizable environmental signals can cause your brain to avoid distractions and stay focused. This may explain why it’s so simple to work and disregard used cups in the pantry sink, but before you can even get work done immediately at home, your kitchen must be spotless. In an office setting, employees are automatically wired to know when it is time to work.

Healthy interaction
colleagues in masks conversing

Image Credits: blog.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk

Working in an office makes it fuss-free to meet all of your bosses and coworkers. You can swiftly contact them whenever the need emerges and speak with them. Your superiors will have a clear understanding of what you’re up to as a result. Not only that, but you won’t have to email or phone them to get chunks of important information across. Thus, the office setting will benefit you if you like to communicate fast in person rather than through cold emails and emotionless text messages.

Improved work-life balance

Even if you enjoy your job, feeling like you have to labor every waking minute is unhealthy. Everyone approaches work-life balance differently, but researchers have previously suggested that there are two distinct groups: those who keep work and personal time separate and those who combine the two when they are working from home.

When work gets busy or difficult, the former can pause and devote enough energy to personal pursuits after office hours. They are also adept at switching mentally, which significantly lessens stress. However, for the latter, it could turn out to be a huge challenge. But since the office provides a specific “site”, anyone can readily know when to physically pause and draw a line when 6 o’clock strikes.

Working remotely has convincing arguments and can be extremely beneficial to working parents. When employees are dispersed too widely, though, organizational culture may suffer. With a clear line between work and play, returning to the office may not be that horrible after all. What are your thoughts on the issue?

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