Why Blended Families Are Unique 

Blending families are unique because they bring together individuals with different backgrounds, cultures, routines, and traditions. Unlike traditional nuclear families, blending families can face additional challenges related to establishing new family dynamics, roles, and relationships.

Common Situations Leading To Blended Families

Remarriage or Re-parenting: 

When a divorced or widowed parent marries or partners with someone who also has children, they create a blended family.

Adoption or Fostering: 

Blended families can also form when a family adopts or fosters children, integrating them into the existing family dynamics and structure.

Co-parenting arrangements: 

In some cases, families blend when parents share custody of their children and bring them into relationships.

Sociological Perspective

Cultural Attitudes: 

Sociological research shows that acceptance of blended families varies widely across cultures. In societies where traditional nuclear families are highly valued, blended families face challenges in gaining acceptance.

Support Networks:

Strong support networks, including extended family, friends, and community resources, benefit mixed families significantly. Social support can ease the transition and provide emotional and practical assistance.

Integration and Identity:

Sociologists highlight that role ambiguity is a common issue in blending families. Defining roles and responsibilities for parents and children can be challenging, requiring clear communication and agreement within the family.

In some cultures, there may be a stigma associated with remarriage or having step-siblings. This can impact the social integration of the family and affect the children’s social experiences.

Psychological Perspective 

Adjustment period: 

Psychologists note that children in blended families often go through an adjustment period where they adapt to new family dynamics. This period can involve emotional and behavioural changes as children navigate their new environment.

Attachment and Bonding: 

Developing secure attachments within a blended family is crucial. Research indicates that children benefit from stable, supportive relationships with biological and step-parents.

Blended Families’ Impact On Mental Health 

Blending families may experience higher levels of stress due to the complexities of merging different family units. Effective coping strategies, such as open communication and family therapy, can mitigate stress.

1. Increased stress levels: 

Mixing families often comes with high levels of stress as both adults and children adjust to new roles, relationships, and routines. This can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues. You can refer to this book for more information.

2. Identity and Self-esteem issues: 

Children in blended families may struggle with identity and self-esteem issues, particularly if they feel torn between their biological parents and step-parents. It’s essential to provide consistent support and reinforce their self-worth. This book will help you gain more insights and effective strategies to thrive in blended families.

3. Parental Conflict: 

Conflicts between biological and step-parents can create a successful environment for children. Effective conflict resolution strategies and family counselling can help manage and reduce these conflicts.

4. Attachment and Bonding: 

Developing secure attachments within a blended family is crucial. Research indicates that children benefit from stable, supportive relationships with both biological and step-parents. Providing a nurturing environment facilitates these bonds. Handbook of Family Measurement Techniques will provide deeper insights into attachment and bonding and how blending families can develop secure attachments within the family structure.

5. Behavioural Changes: 

Children in blended families might exhibit behavioural changes as they cope with new dynamics. Parents should be observant and responsive to these changes, offering support and seeking professional help if necessary.

How to blend families successfully 

1. Communicate Openly and Honestly: 

The Smith and Johnson families are blending. The Smiths consist of a single mother, Laura, and her two children, Emily (10) and Jack (8). The Johnsons consist of a single father, Mike, and his daughter, Sarah (12). Laura and Mile decide to hold weekly family meetings to discuss any issues or concerns.

Regular family meetings provide a structured opportunity for everyone to voice their concerns, share their feelings, and discuss family rules and expectations. This helps build trust and ensures everyone feels heard. Now, for everyone to feel heard and not judged is very important. Parents may have to understand that their kids will require time and additional support to adjust to the new set-up and changed dynamics. They make sure everyone gets an equal chance to speak without interruptions. They validate their children’s feelings and also open space for a dialogue for finding solutions together.

2. Establish New Family Traditions:

The blended Thompsons and Ramirez family consists of a same-sex couple, Alex and Luis, and their children from previous relationships. Alex has a daughter, Zoe (11), and Luis has a son, Mateo (9). To create a new tradition, the family decides to have a weekly game night where each person gets to choose a game to play.

Creating new traditions can help unify the family and build a shared sense of identity. Engaging in activities that everyone enjoys can promote bonding and positive interactions. Incorporating elements from each family’s previous traditions can help make new traditions feel more inclusive. If Zor enjoyed a specific game with Alex, and Mateo had a tradition of a special bedtime story with Luis, combining these activities into the new tradition can make it richer and more meaningful. This way, everyone feels a sense of continuity and respect for their past.

3. Foster Individual Relationships: 

The Smith-Taylor family is blending. Single mother Karen Smith and her daughter Lily (10) are moving in with single father John Taylor and his son Max (12). John makes an effort to spend one-on-one time with Lily by taking her to her favourite ballet class and then discussing her interests over ice cream.

Building individual relationships between step-parents and step-children is essential for a harmonious family environment. Scheduling regular one-on-one time with each child helps build trust and connection. John should also pay attention to Lily’s unique interests. For example, While Max enjoys playing soccer, Lily may prefer quiet, thoughtful conversations about her classes. John can tailor his time with Lily to her interests, demonstrating that he values and respects her individuality.

4. Set Realistic Expectations: 

The Ali-Roberts family- Ahmed Ali and his son, Tariq (13), and Susan Roberts and her daughter, Rachel (14) are blending. Ahmed and Susan acknowledge that it will take time for their children to adjust to the new family dynamics. They reassure Tariq and Rachel that it’s okay to have mixed feelings and that they will support them throughout the process.

Blending families is a gradual process that requires patience and realistic expectations. It may take time for all family members to adjust to the new family structure, and being flexible and understanding is crucial. Ahmed and Susan can share stories of other families who have successfully blended over time to give their children hope and perspective. They might say, “It’s normal to feel a bit unsure right now. Remember, it’s okay to take time to adjust. We’re all in this together, and we’ll keep working on it until everyone feels comfortable.” This approach helps normalise children’s feelings and sets a realistic time frame for adjustment.

Also Read: Nurturing Parenting: 10 Tips to Become a Nurturing Parent

5. Respect Existing Relationships: 

The Johnson-Parker family (Tanya Johnson with her daughter, Ava (9) and Mark Parker and his daughter, Simon (11)) are blending. The parents ensure their children maintain regular contact with their other biological parents. They encourage positive co-parenting relationships and respect the children’s existing traditions and routines.

Maintaining a cooperative co-parenting relationship with the biological parent of your step-children can reduce conflict and promote stability for children.

6. Encourage Collaboration: 

Linh Nguyen and her daughter, Mai (10), and Carlos Garcia and his son, Luis (12), are blending. The family is working together on a project to redecorate the living room. Each family member contributes ideas, and they make decisions collectively. This project fosters teamwork and a sense of accomplishment.

Working on family projects together can enhance teamwork and create a sense of accomplishment. It is important to ensure that each member’s input is valued. Inclusive approaches, such as voting, help family members feel their opinions matter and teach compromise and collaboration skills.

Blending families successfully involves understanding the unique dynamics at play and implementing strategies to foster unity and harmony. With the above-mentioned tips, blending families can navigate their challenges and build a strong, cohesive family unit.

At the age of 21, when I gave birth to my first baby, I did not know it would bring so many changes. I was ready to raise a baby, but I was not aware of the changes happening within me. Postpartum depression was an unfamiliar subject which I did not learn about until I gave birth to my second one. Unlimited crying spells, anxiety, and loneliness- all crept in while I got busy bringing up my bundles of joy.

You see, after you push a baby out, you become an entirely different person- physically and mentally.

That’s not to say that the spark between me and my husband remained. You see, I was grappling with self-image issues, the stretch marks all over my body, saggy boobs, and constant fatigue. I didn’t feel attractive, and I feared my husband wouldn’t find me one either.

No matter what he did his best to reassure me or be a wonderful young dad and take care of our kids- the depressive hormones simply couldn’t go. And inadvertently, the passion between us fizzled out. I missed his touch, his cuddles, and his being all over me since childbirth.

After the first baby, healing was a tough transition. It took me a long time to wrap my head around what was happening. A baby, seemingly lost spark, and a struggle to understand and restore it.

But now, when I look back, I can recognise the five most common issues in a marriage after childbirth:

• Lack of attraction towards your partner.
• Lack of emotional connection and intimacy.
• Lack of desire and passion towards each other.
• Lack of respectful communication
• Uncertainty regarding financial stability.

I was married in a wealthy family, so we were sorted about the 5th point. But the other four remained. However, these are not the only issues- the list goes on and on. Each couple’s journey is unique, and their struggles are different.

As our marriage thrived, with a few shifts in our perspectives and personalities, your marriage, too, can live. Let’s begin with restoring the spark in a relationship after childbirth:

Embracing The Reality

1. Understanding The Physical Changes:

As I mentioned earlier, every woman’s body heals differently. For some, the transition will be smooth, but it will be challenging for others. I remember feeling frustrated and disconnected with myself for a good year, and pledging to come back was the toughest part of it.

It’s crucial to be patient with yourself and communicate openly with your spouse. What your physical needs are, how you see yourself, and how you want to be reassured- talk it all out with your partner.

2. Body Image:

I remember trailing my fingers over my stretch marks, which I soon realised would remain there all my life. Feeling self-conscious postpartum about your body is perfectly natural and normal. Remind yourself that your body has done something incredibly miraculous, and it’s, in fact, important to celebrate the strength that comes with it.

Share your insecurities with your partner. Allow your partner to support and reassure you in any manner you need.

3. Navigating Emotional Shifts:

I had gotten uncontrollably anxious and sulky. Unfamiliar with what was going on, I would often lash out or stay holed up in one room with my kids. I felt all the joy singing to my kids and playing with them, but I didn’t feel like engaging with people, participating in social activities, and, most importantly, bonding with my husband. I sought attention, verbal care, and physical intimacy from him. However, I didn’t know that it was temporary and that we could get out of it. So we did. As our children grew, we addressed the issues that drifted us apart for a while.

Actively seek your partner’s support while embracing the newness of your family dynamics and finding moments to reconnect with them.

Rebuild Intimacy 

1. Prioritize Communication: 

As the key foundation of any relationship, effective communication is crucial to navigating postpartum challenges. For us to communicate effectively and healthily with our partners, it’s highly important to recognise and become aware of the new realities. Once we have wrapped our heads around them, let’s communicate with our partner with open and honest dialogues.

• Share your feelings: Express exactly what you’re feeling. Exhausted, defeated, frustrated, anxious, or overwhelmed with all the raising-a-child challenges- communicate it all. Share your vulnerabilities with your partner. I realised that once I expressed myself that deeply and openly, it brought us closer because it gave my partner a peek into what I was feeling. We let our guards down and acknowledged our feelings as they were.
• Listen actively: I learnt that listening to your partner didn’t at all mean giving them solutions immediately. Actively listening held an entirely different definition- non-judgement, validating, and attentive listening, providing a space for conversation. To be honest, I struggled with it, and it took me a great deal of time and work to reach a point where we both could listen to one another judgment-free.

2. Creating Quality Time Together 

Odd-hourly calls of parenthood affect quality time after childbirth. Creating time for each other can be challenging. However, it is equally important to nurture the relationship.

• Date nights at home: Going out after childbirth was tough. We could not depend upon anyone to take care of the kids if we decided to go out. So, we created date nights at home only. Watching a movie together after the kids were asleep or ordering a late-night pizza became our favourite ways to spend time with each other comfortably.
• Small moments: For us, little moments of intimacy mattered the most- a light caress on the arm, gentle hugs, a kiss on the forehead, looking at each other from across the room, and my personal favourite, waking up together in the middle of the night to tend to our little ones. My husband would fill up the feeding bottles, and I would change their diapers. These moments brought a profound change in how we defined intimacy after childbirth.

3. Reignite Physical Affection 

Physical closeness is a powerful way to restore that spark after childbirth. As I mentioned earlier, a light caress on the face or arm, gentle touches, lingering kisses- these may or may not be sexual, but they are powerful ways to rekindle the intimacy between the partners.

• Restoring sexual intimacy:
  It is completely okay if sexual intimacy takes time to reignite. Take it slow, communicate openly about your desires and boundaries, and focus on mutual comfort and pleasure. Seeking support from an intimacy coach or marriage counsellor specialising in intimacy after childbirth can be helpful.

Suggested Reading: How To Understand And Build Intimacy In Every Relationship

Share Responsibilities

Sharing childcare responsibilities can reduce stress and burden on a single partner.

• Teamwork: The single most common strategy that worked in our favour was to divide the childcare. If I bathed the babies, my husband would clothe them. If I fed the kids, he would clean them. If I stayed up till late with the kids, he would wake up to prepare their feeding bottles. If I washed and cleaned the baby after he pooped, my husband would be at the diaper and clothes duty.

Sharing these responsibilities in this way not only reduced the stress of raising our babies but also added fun to our marriage. We enjoyed our playful banters and running around for our little ones.

We understood one crucial fact about it all: we brought them together in this world, and together, we would team up and raise them.

• Appreciate each other: Despite everything- fights, arguments, banters, or stress- if there is one thing that kept us all going all these years is appreciation. We saw each other’s efforts and contributions to making our lives better and easier. We treated each other with little things we loved. We have been very vocal about how much we appreciate each other.

In closing, regular check-ins with each other to talk about our needs and feelings, sharing childcare responsibilities with the help of a chore chart or schedule chart, and constant reassurance and non-sexual cues are the most practical ways to restore the spark in relationships after childbirth. It requires patience, understanding, and commitment to each other.

Embrace this new chapter of your lives with awareness, empathy, and self-compassion, and your relationship will thrive.

These insights and strategies help you navigate this challenging but beautiful phase. If you need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone in this journey; I am here to guide you through it step by step.

Why do love marriages fail in India?

In Indian society, love marriages do not survive for long due to a lack of acceptance from the husband’s family. The wife is under the constant radar of the elders. One miss and there goes the blaring warning signs of how the new daughter-in-law is a bigger threat than the nuclear war. 

The mother feels threatened that her son would now not listen to her. She has to assert her authority on her son by being extra available in his life, caring, and over-protective. 

The mother’s strong influence can make it hard for the couple to decide independently. The spouse might feel ignored or undervalued, as the mother’s opinions always seem to come first. It blows their confidence and sense of empowerment within the marriage. 

The excessive involvement of the mother-in-law can create tension and conflict between the son and his wife. The wife may feel overshadowed or unimportant, leading to resentment and difficulty maintaining a healthy and harmonious relationship.

Instead of dealing with the fact that her son is now a married man with another woman in his life, with whom he will build a family of his own, she makes it a point to re-assert her value in his mind. She struggles with the insecurity of being left out of her son’s life. 

There is another pressure on the husband to maintain the connection with his wife and the mother. The son may experience a strong sense of obligation towards his mother’s wishes and expectations. 

Her over-involvement can create a feeling of guilt if he deviates from her desires or decisions, leading to inner conflicts and a constant need to please both his spouse and his mother. 

Read more: Dear Indian moms, love your sons but learn to let go!

The son may struggle to set healthy boundaries. It’s like he’s stuck in a web of dependency, torn between his wife and his mother. The wife might feel they’re constantly competing for his attention and affection.

If he listens to the wife, he is henpecked. Women of the house shame the man for caring and loving towards his wife. And because the man does not like to be called someone under his wife’s thumb, he puts unrealistic restrictions on the wife- 

‘Wake up before my mother does, so she likes you and thinks of you as a ‘Sanskaari Bahu’; cook food for everyone every time so no one speaks ill of you; wear clothes that cover the whole of your body, don’t work till too late, don’t have male friends, or don’t stay out of the house till late even if it’s for work.’

All these restrictions reflect his inability to establish a better connection between his parents and his wife. Eventually, they take a far worse form- his insecurities. If unsatisfied, he would react emotionally immaturely- often picking fights with his wife, raising his hands at her, and abusing her verbally. 

The man who brought his wife to his home after fighting insurmountable battles becomes completely indifferent to and unaware of what she feels. Because now, he needs to prove to his parents that he made the right choice. 

The wife, on the other hand, is done with the oppression. The only person she could count on became her nemesis. She wants nothing more than to leave the man she loves so much. 

Hence, failed love marriage. 

In the face of the family’s over-involvement in their son’s married life, one must ponder: Does this interference hinder the son’s personal growth and autonomy? How can he navigate the delicate balance between loyalty to his family, especially his mother and the needs of his marriage? And ultimately, what path will he choose to forge, one that honours his aspirations and fosters a thriving relationship? The answers lie within, waiting to be discovered through self-reflection, communication, and the courage to chart his path.

Read more about In-laws Stress in Indian Marriages- How to deal with it

The dream of sipping on my tea in bed went back into my head, where all the dreams of being cosy in my room lay with dust upon them. I had to keep my mug aside and go outside to interfere.

My first instinct was to yell at the top of my lungs, ‘STOP!’ when I saw them clutching their collar and raising their free hands to punch in each other’s eye sockets. Instead, I waited. I walked near them for them to realise my presence. Let me not fool you; it did NOT intimidate them. They hit each other nonetheless, but not in the eye sockets. Thankfully, neither of them cried at it because they were ready to have another go. And this time, I did interfere. 

“Okay, kids, I think we have had enough of the fight for the day. Why don’t we sit in the room and settle it?” I said so firmly but with a voice in their hearing range. The kids looked at me and then at each other and let go of each other’s collars. 

My elder one is six years old, and the younger one is five. The elder one is quite a hitter because his interests lie in punching, jumping around, doing somersaults, and flipping in the air (yeah, it’s commendable how he does it). 

All the parenting blogs I have read mostly target keeping patience and calm. And they don’t undermine the impatience that comes with parenting; they know it’s hard.

One of the most challenging tasks in handy with parenting is taming the ‘hitter’ in your kid. We all have experienced the embarrassment of our child hitting another child either at school or at a party. And we all have received enough complaints about the same that we may as well write a book on it. 

Usually, we lose our calm and jump right in to become a part of the fighting while yelling or shouting or being angry. And we forget to ask why they were doing it in the first place. Let us begin by discovering the same.

Why Kids Hit or Bite or Kick or Push

If you have read multiple parenting blogs like me, you may have come across the term aggressive behaviour in toddlers or kids. And you may also know that aggressive behaviours in the kids are way, waaaaayyyy common. In younger kids and toddlers, it is because the skills of speaking and expressing emotions are not fully developed. Kids do not know how to manage their challenging emotions and BIG feelings. They may not know to give their anger, sadness, or any such emotion an outlet, so they use their body. 

Trust me when I say this; all of us are privy to our toddler’s behaviour. But how we respond to them hitting the other child or their younger sibling or yourself makes the difference. As a disclaimer, I would state that the task is challenging, demanding tonnes of patience and consistent practice. 

So, What you should NOT do! 

Yelling. Shouting or yelling at your little hitter is what you should not do. And most certainly, you don’t raise your hand on them.  Why? Because it will somehow encourage more of that aggressive behaviour. 

“Kids don’t follow the advice; they follow the actions.” If they see you doing the same thing you are stopping them from doing, they will probably not listen to you. That’s what I meant when I said that the task at hand would require more patience and practice. 

Take a look at the phrases that you do not say or use while inching forward to stop your child:

OH MY GOD, WHAT DID YOU DO?

OH GOD, WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?

HOW MANY TIMES DO I TELL YOU NOT TO HIT! 

STOP RIGHT AWAY, OR I WILL SLAP YOU! 

STOP HITTING YOUR LITTLE SISTER! 

WHY DO YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME! 

OH MY GO, ARE YOU CRAZY! (That one is extreme, amongst many others.)

As I typed these phrases, I pictured myself yelling the same to my kids. And so did you. 

Most child psychology specialists remark that when your child is being aggressive or hitting someone, they mostly do it for attention. And when we react in the manner mentioned above, they take it as a convenient way to take your attention for the next time. 

Reacting in a BIG manner to their BIG feelings will allow them to showcase the same aggressiveness in the future. 

Now, that doesn’t mean you think, ‘Oh damn, I am a horrible parent….’ Relax. Take a deep breath. And allow yourself some space. You are not a horrible parent, for everyone makes mistakes. And everyone learns from them. That brings me to the next step- what you should do instead. 

What you should do to ‘tame’ the hitter in your toddler?

Remember this thumb rule because you will need it every time you move forward to stop your kid from hitting- you are cool, you’ve got this, you are the super calm boss. 

NO MATTER WHAT, you are to stay calm and keep your cool. As I have already mentioned, it’s tough, but remember, you are the boss! 

Yelling at your kid to stop them from hitting will put a halt on the kid for a second, but it will not teach him not to hit at all. After reading many blogs and books and a hell of a lot of practice, I have understood the 3-step process. You bet I am going to share it with you! 

Step 1: See the kid

See the kid—their actions. Them hitting the other kid or person. Do not jump right in to stop them. Instead of running towards them to correct their behaviour, slap, or scold them, talk and connect:

“I see you are upset because she pulled your hair.” 

Such a phrase will allow your child to notice you taking note of them. It will enable them to turn towards you with their emotions. Now that you have got their attention, it will help you connect with your child. 

Step 2: Give the green light to their feeling.

How would you feel if you are upset and someone comes and says, “So what you are upset, get over it!”?

Yes, it isn’t very pleasant. Now imagine how your little chipmunk would feel upon their feeling gone unnoticed or, worse, disregarded? They will instantly feel unwanted. Trust me; they do; I often hear this- “Ma, you don’t love me, you don’t listen to me!”

Instead of ignoring their feeling, okay it, give it a green signal:

“It’s okay to feel upset, baby.” 

You can add a few more comforting words like:

“I understand it, my child; calm down. I know you are angry, and it’s okay. I am here.” 

Again, as a disclaimer, I know it’s demanding and challenging, but don’t forget who you are- the super calm boss! 

I also understand that it’s easier said than done. But as I said, it will require extraordinary patience and practice. It wouldn’t come naturally to you, especially if you were parented entirely differently. So, keep at it and continue the effort. That brings us to the last step! 

Step 3: Boundaries! 

It’s just the right time after connecting with your child and okaying their feeling that you state the boundaries to them. 

“It is not okay to hit or kick when you are upset. I will move her away from you to keep her safe.” 

If the kid has hit you:

“I won’t allow you to hit me; I will move away from you to stay safe.” 

If they still come at you or their sibling, try this:

“I know you are upset, but it is not okay to hit. Now I will hold your hands down so that everyone is safe.” 

And then gently pull them to you. 

The process needs several times of practice, patience, and consistency. And you may need to repeat these steps more than once until their tantrum is over. You will need to keep the super-cool boss & leader inside you energised till your child gets calm and listens to you. 

But will it work? Will your child push past you to hit their sibling again? Will the kid huff up and go outside yelling? 

Absolutely. 

Yes. It will not work right away. But it will if you keep at it. Because in the end, all your hard work and patience will be worth raising your little nugget as an emotionally healthy child.

This is where the understanding and practice of Gentle parenting becomes more useful.

Hang in there! 

It’s not all because connecting with your child better will require you to go to them later and speak with them about the earlier event. 

“Earlier in the noon, you had grown upset and pushed your little brother. It’s okay to be upset, my darling. But hitting is not okay. What else would you want to do when you get frustrated?” 

Talking with your child after they have calmed down is important; it will show them how one reacts and responds when something doesn’t happen according to them. And it will help them grow emotionally healthier.

6 Ways to Keep Cool While Travelling With Kids:

From that ultimately stressful holiday, I have learnt a thing or two that parents should and not do. So here are some ways you can keep your cool while travelling with kids. Trust me; it’s going to be very tough. 

1. Go for short vacations: 

Unlike me, who went for a 9-day long trip, kindly plan a trip for not more than five days. Why? The obvious reason- we can’t deal with the kids outside a comfortable setting of our home. Besides, a longer trip will mean more exhaustion, more stress, and more than extra packing. 

2. Pack some healthy snacks for them to munch on: 

So, here’s one of the biggest mistakes; I had not packed any healthy snacks or foods for kids thinking that we would get food anywhere. But let this notion not fool you. You have no idea when your kids might get hungry and how many tantrums they’ll throw on the way! So pack food. You’ll get an awesome list of foods you can pack for your dearies here! Do NOT pack sugary products like doughnuts, chocolates, sweets (no matter how delicious they sound or look). 

3. Pack like a Pro! 

Okay, I was pretty spot-on in that area. I had packed the kids’ windcheaters, medicines, bandages, extra undergarments, swimsuits, extra paper bags, socks and shoes. Pack the things that you hope that you don’t need because, hey, you are travelling with kids! Everything is necessary! Don’t forget to keep a bar of soap, sanitiser, wet wipes and extra hand towels, just in case they puke in the car (like mine did). 

4. Keep ‘em Engaged: 

How- you ask? Keep a drawing pad (two, if you have two kids or more, accordingly) and colours. Please give it to them when they have nothing to do while sitting in the hotel room. And, of course, I am not going to lecture you about not giving them the phone to watch YouTube. Let them have their screen-time because they need it, and you do, too. If your children are a tad bit older, you can hand them a camera and ask them to click photos of things that may interest them. Give them the puzzles, pencils and paper; you’ll be stress-free for a while. You can also give them age-appropriate storybooks to delve into.

5. Involve them when making decisions: 

The kids want to go to the pool- Sure! They say they want pizza for lunch- absolutely! The little rugrats don’t feel like doing anything- perfect! Involve them when planning for the day- or any change of plans during the day. Ask them what they’d like to do, honour their wishes, and let them have their way for a while. The kids are on holiday, too! 

6. Manage your Stress: 

Easier said than done? I know you’re stressed about their sleeping schedule, the food, that one vest you might have left in the other hotel room. I know how it adds to the stress when they have travel sickness or want to poop in the middle of the zoo, or get hungry when you’re about to leave for a music concert. All of it is stressful, and I completely feel you as a parent. 

Here’s how you can manage your stress- leave them be. Let the kids enjoy. Also, give them snacks. Please, don’t panic when they puke or poop nowhere near a washroom. You got it. Please remember that you have got it. Instead of feeling all over the place, allow the situation to sink in and take charge! 

You now know the ways to keep cool while travelling with kids!  

It’s hard to keep calm while travelling with kids. But that’s how we learn! And that is how they know, too! Trust yourself that you have got it. You have it all together even when it feels it’s not. You are the boss and an amazing parent! Parenting is a process, and you are moving a step ahead every day! 

Before I tell you about the best books for one-year-olds, here’s to diapers, sleepless nights, stuff toys, slurp farm, Cerelac, and many more! Congratulations on the birth of your child.

Well, there’s a whole list of things that you must have planned for your kid, ranging from his name to the school you will be getting him admitted to, the places you will take him to, and a lot more.

Being a parent, we understand how essential it is to focus on the learning of your child. However, at this stage, when you’ll be busy feeding him and getting him a variety of toys, you might think the idea of reading to your infant is a bit strange and inappropriate.

But, let me tell you, learning must begin at an early age. Of course, I am not asking you to get a pile of books and hand them over to your infant. That’s useless. Moreover, impossible.

We have come up with this updated article that includes the 12 best books for one-year-olds and that you can read out to your child. The latter part also aims at answering some of the basic questions. Let’s have a look-

12 Best Books for one-year-olds

1. Moo Baa La La La–

This little book is the perfect way to get your child to know animals and the sound they make. From a dog’s bark to a cat’s meow to a horse’s neigh- your child will have fun throughout!

2. First Farm Words (first 100)–

This book for one-year-olds is based on farm words. The book is filled with colourful illustrations and covers basic vocabulary for your baby. In addition, it features a wide range of pictures of farm animals, farm produce, machinery, and other farm-related objects.

3. Where is a Baby’s Belly Button–

This book comes up with an idea to help your baby learn about body parts. As and when you open the book, it starts by asking where the baby’s eyes are? And as you move forward, his eyes move below the hat. Then, it goes on to ask about other body parts.

4. Time For Bed–

This is one of the best books for one-year-olds best suited for bedtime. An adorable storyline features the mother mouse asking her little kid to retire to bed as the night approaches. The book will be appealing to your child as it includes simple rhymes and watercolour illustrations.

5. Little Green Frog–

A perfect choice for interactive reading! The book revolves around a frog introducing you and your kids to his friends who live around. His friends are a duck and her new ducklings, fish, turtles, a rabbit, and a few more. And this one’s my personal favourite!

6. Will You Be My Sunshine?–

The book presents a lovely storyline where a little asks his mommy if she will become his sunshine when cold. She replies in the affirmative. And following this, he asks if she will become his rainbow when it’s dark. The book will cause you to caress your child more. 

7. Counting Kisses–

Among the best books for one-year-olds that will boost your affection for your baby! When the baby is frustrated and cries, everybody in the house offers them kisses. It helps in teaching counting, from 10 kisses on the baby’s toes to the one last kiss on their forehead.

8. Roar, Roar, Baby!–

The book will keep your kid hooked in searching for the baby tiger. It features a baby who wanders about a zoo, calling out the baby tiger. But the tiger is nowhere to be seen. And, after all this, the baby stumbles upon the baby tiger who is hiding in the tall grass. I loved reading it to my kids!

9. Look, Look- 

This book is a great way to let your little one explore a variety of things. It allows your child to count all the activities that are taking place around- the blooming flowers, swimming fishes, and shining stars. The book has short and simple text printed in red. My kids learned almost everything from this one! 

10. On My Leaf–

The book presents a fun-filled journey of a ladybug who chills out on a leaf. It walks through the rain, drinks water, and enjoys with its family. You and your kid will get to follow her throughout her journey.

11. “More, More, More”, Said The Baby–

This book mainly features three characters: a little guy, a little pumpkin, and a little bird. These babies are having fun with their parents, and it’s never enough for them. So, they demand more and more playing time. 

12. My Very First Book of Numbers–

Oh yes! You should get this book for your little munchkin. One of the best books for one-year-olds- this will help make them learn numbers. It depicts ten fruits with numbers that match them. It will be an easy and fun way for your kid to learn counting. Another thing about this book is that your kid will learn numbers and come across different fruits.

Why should you read to your one-year-old?

A twelve-month-old child can see and feel the presence of things around them. He begins to understand objects slowly. So, point to objects and say the names aloud.

 Before your child begins to learn the printed words, he’d love to hear the sound of the language. It is the first step towards making them understand the meaning of objects around them. 

Reading out to children acts as a booster in improving their listening skills and imagination power. In addition, it makes their learning process more manageable.

Please note, even if your child is independent when it comes to reading, do not leave reading out to them. Instead, go for books that are according to their interests but a bit beyond their understanding level. This way, you can expand their understanding.

What to consider when buying books for one-year-olds?

Below is the list of things that you should keep in mind when purchasing books for one-year-olds-

1. Illustrations- your child will love books with vivid, colourful, and extensive illustrations.

2. Text- the text of the book should be simple with repetitive and easy-to-remember rhymes.

3. Interactive- go for books that let your kid participate while reading, such as the ones with buttons and flaps.

4. Material of the book- books made up of cloth or board books will be appealing to your child.

What are the reading activities that you can perform for your infant?

1. Use your voice- your baby would love to hear funny sounds more than anything. So go for the weirdest sounds you can ever make. Eventually, your child will try and imitate you.
2. Visit the library- get your child introduced to books via a library. Present a collection of books of different types to her, and notice which one they grab and pay attention to the most.
3. Be a role model- children tend to imitate people around them. For example, grab that magazine that you were not able to read for a long time now. In a short period, you will find him leafing through them.

Winding-up

We want to wind up by saying that try and plan a 20 minutes reading schedule with your little one. It will help him a long way.

The article brought to you some of the best books for one-year-olds to kick-start your child’s learning process. We understand that a little child comes up with many duties, and you must have many other things to look after. So when your child grows a year more, you can begin reading these books to them! 

Start with small steps. They can make a big difference!