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Sometimes it happens with all of us that we start feeling headaches but when we get it checked, we do not find a reason for the headaches. This type of a headache usually goes away as our stress levels go down. But, when the headaches become persistent and you do not find any reason for the headaches, it might be that you are suffering from Somatoform Disorder.

What is Somatoform Disorder?

Somatoform disorder is a mental illness where the person feels physical pain and even shows the symptoms of the physical pain and yet it happens because of psychological factors. People who are suffering from this illness, usually are suffering from anxiety disorder as well.

People who are suffering from this disorder will believe that they have a severe medical condition. Hence, they will start taking different medical tests, and they will keep on doing them. They will be constantly worried about their condition, but all the physical test will show the negative results. Which, then causes them a lot of anxiety. But, it is also important to note that the symptoms the person is showing are real. Thus, the pain the person is feeling is real. Hence, they are not faking it.

Types of Somatoform Disorder

There are several types in this form of illness. Below are few of the types:

Somatization Disorder:

In this, the person usually feels severe pain or neurological symptoms. Thus, the person will complain of a headache or fatigue. The person can show digestive symptoms, i.e. abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting etc. Also, the person can show sexual symptoms, i.e., facing a lot of pain during sexual activity, loss of desire for sexual activities, extreme pain during periods for women.

Hypochondriasis:

In this, the person starts to believe that minor symptoms in their body are because of major issues. Thus, if a person is hearing grumbling noise from his stomach, they will start to believe that they have stomach cancer. Hence, the minor issues start seeming major issues to the person.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

The person starts to feel that there is a flaw in the way they look. Thus, they become obsessed with that flaw within them and start worrying about it. The flaw they are worried about might be a very minor flaw or it is even possible that the flaw doesn’t actually exist. But, they will be constantly worried about their physical appearance. Most common concern for people are, they are having excessive hair loss and are going bald, or they are gaining a lot of weight, or the size or shape of their eyes, nose, breasts etc.

Conversion Disorder:

The person starts experiencing neurological disorders even when there are no signs of any neurological disorder. The physical symptoms of the person will be similar to the neurological disorder but, there will be no proof of any neurological disturbances. Most common concerns are vision loss, hearing loss, paralysis of any part of the body, seizures or even thinking that you are pregnant.

This disorder becomes more serious when stress plays a factor. Hence, if you or someone you know is suffering from this disorder, then please visit a mental health professional immediately.

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Pregnancy is the first and foremost step for women entering motherhood. She realises that she is carrying someone inside her. It becomes a joyous occasion for the parents of the unborn child. But, along with pregnancy comes various physical and mental health issues.

It is normal to be worried about your pregnancy, and how it is affecting your body. It brings out different physical and hormonal change for the person. Thus, affecting the mood of the person. Due to which the person faces various mental health issues.

Thus, below are few Mental Health Issues Related to Pregnancy:

Depression:

During pregnancy, a lot of women suffer from depression. There are certain body changes which the woman is unable to understand or process. Also, depression can happen because of the surroundings and circumstances.

Stress and Anxiety:

It is general to feel a bit stressed while you are pregnant. But, the woman starts taking extreme stress because of the unknown which induces anxiety. Sometimes, the combination of anxiety and stress lead to panic attacks.

Bi-Polar Disorder:

Very few women face bipolar illness during pregnancy but it still happens. It happens because of the hormonal changes as well as the mental change. Which then increases the range of mood swings to depressed to manic. But, it is also to note that pregnancy induces a certain level of mood swings. But, a person who is suffering from bipolar disorder will show frequent and extreme mood swings. Read More about Bi-Polar Disorder.

These problems can occur because of the reasons mentioned below:

• Past history of any mental health problem.
• Feeling that you lack support from your surroundings.
• Having an unstable relationship with your spouse or your environment.
• Currently going through abuse or any past experience of abuse.
• Addiction to any kinds of drugs, alcohol or nicotine.

When you are pregnant it is always advisable to keep a check on your mental health. There may be times where you are feeling of ups and downs. Seeking a mental health professional is not a sign of weakness.

Below are the symptoms you can look out for to know it is time to seek a mental health professional:

Feeling Sad Constantly:

As mentioned above, feelings of ups and downs will occur during pregnancy. But, if you are constantly feeling down for more than 2 weeks, it is advisable to seek counselling.

Unable to Function:

If negative thoughts and feelings are constantly plaguing your mind. Hence, you are not able to function or do your daily work.

Symptoms of Depression:

If you are showing signs and symptoms of depression like loss of interest or hopelessness. You can read more about the symptoms of depression here.

Anxious/Worried:

You are constantly feeling anxious or worried about something or the other most of the times.

Symptoms of OCD:

You are constantly plagued by negative thoughts inside your head and to stop them you are indulging in the same activity over and over again.

Accepting help from others is not a sign of weakness. Counselling can help in various other ways, which will make the experience of childbirth a smooth and happy process. Also, if you or someone you know is suffering from any of the above symptoms then please visit a mental health professional immediately.

Learn more about Dr Prerna Kohli

Drawing, painting and other artistic experiences give us an opportunity to let our imagination loose. They provide with the opportunity to build, create and move from one place to another in our mind. Also, through these imaginations and artistic ventures, they have many mental health benefits along with them.

Thus, below are the mental health benefits of Drawing & Painting:

Relieves Stress:

One of the biggest benefits of drawing, painting or any other form of art is that they help relieve stress. These forms help the person to forget about their daily stress. Thus, they enable the person to take a break from everyday stresses. One of the methods to easily release stress is colouring. These days, there are adult drawing books consisting of mandalas. Thus, colouring these mandala’s help the person to distract themselves from the thing which is bothering them. Hence, relieving stress.

Encourages Creative Thinking:

Unlike subjects like maths, physics etc, artistic forms allow you to let your creativity flow. Thus, helping you to divert your mind and concentrate on a creative spectrum. Hence, encouraging you to use both the hemisphere of your brain. Thus improving your overall memory and problem-solving method.

Boosts Self-esteem and Confidence:

Whenever you or your child accomplish something, there is always a sense of achievement. This achievement boosts your or the child’s confidence and self-esteem. Similarly, when you complete a drawing, colouring, or painting, it gives you that sense of accomplishment. The drawing doesn’t need to be perfect, but the completion of the thing boosts the self-esteem.

Creates Connectivity and Increases Plasticity:

As mentioned artistic forms enable us to connect both the sector of our brains. Also, it increases our brains plasticity. Plasticity of the brain is used for handling different situations as well as changing our thinking pattern. It helps us to discover new thought patterns and enables us to find positive solutions. Thus, helping us to overcome difficult situations like depression or anxiety.

Increases Empathy:

It doesn’t matter if it is your art or you are looking at someone else’s work. Looking or engaging to any artistic activity engages with our emotions. These emotions are present in the same part of the brain which releases chemicals for love. Thus, when you look at art or create an art your brain releases chemicals which increases your empathy. Empathy helps us to understand our emotions and others emotions better. Hence, becoming more empathetic helps you in understanding situations and your loved ones better. Thus, decreasing levels of stress and stressors.

Art helps you to enjoy yourself as well as to improve your mental health. Thus, pick up your paintbrushes or drawing boards and start creating. Also, if you think you are suffering from depression or any other mental health issue, then please contact a professional immediately.

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Living in a happy relationship doesn’t mean that there is no scope for improvement. Also, the relationship doesn’t only mean a relationship with your spouse or your partner. It includes the relationships which surround you, be it in the office, home or your friends.

To build construct your own self-confidence you need to make other people feel valued and important.

Thus, below are few behaviours to improve your relationships with others:

Give Attention:

Everyone likes attention. Also, the best way to show someone that you are paying attention to them is by listening to them very carefully. If you start listening to them and asking about things they are talking about they will feel that they are valued. Thus, showing them that they are interesting and you interested in whatever they are saying.

Accepting Them:

In between two people, acceptance is very important. Accepting the other makes the person feel comfortable around you. Especially when the acceptance is genuine. Thus, increasing the self-esteem of the person and feeling safe in your company.

Smile Often:

A simple genuine smile can make anyone happy. It makes you look attractive as well. Hence, when you smile at a person, the person feels valued and feels good from inside. Also, in this process, you raise your own self-esteem as you raise others. Thus, costing you nothing and bringing everyone closer to you.

Show Gratitude:

Gratitude is one of the biggest virtue a person can have. It shows that you respect and appreciate what the other has done. Also, it gives out the message that you value the person and their effort. Hence, increasing their self-worth and self-esteem. Thus, adding a small “thank you” to anyone who is helping you or giving you anything, brings out your positive image and your relationship with everyone around you increases.

Encourage them:

Often more than less, we forget to encourage or praise people for their achievements. We overlook what they have done and continue to do our own work. Thus, making them feel not wanted. Hence, it is important to encourage and appreciate people around you. They will feel that they are a part of your life. Thus, improving your relationships with them.

Compliment them:

Most of the times we waste our energy on criticizing other people. Hence, we forget to compliment them. Complimenting anyone can raise their self-esteem and boost their confidence. Thus, they will start appreciating you and valuing more in their life which will lead to an improvement in your relationships and your surroundings.

Reach out to them:

Most of the time we spend is on keeping tabs on who called us and who hasn’t. Hence, because of this, we lose out most of our relationships. So, instead of keeping tabs on what your close ones have done for you or haven’t, it is always a better option to reach out to them first. Sometimes, it only takes the first step.

The above-mentioned ways will improve your relationship instantly. People around you will find more attractive and would want to spend more time with you. Thus, helping you to better your relationships. But, if you face constant trouble in any of your relationships, you can always reach out for help. Seeking for help is not something to be afraid of. Hence, if you or someone you know is facing trouble in their relationship then please visit a counsellor immediately.

Read our other blog on Ways to Become More attractive.

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No marriage is perfect, but it takes special work to reach to a healthy and happy married life. A happy marriage doesn’t mean that you avoid fights, but it means to handle the emotions maturely. Most of the couple’s struggle to achieve a healthy marriage, but some are able to achieve them. Below mentioned signs tell about signs of happy marriage. Most of the couples indulge in the practices mentioned below daily in their life.

Hence, if you want your marriage to be happier and stronger, you can try and implement these tips mentioned below:

They Don’t Speak About the Other on Their Backs:

Psychologists have studied that the tone and the manner you speak about your spouse determine your married life. Thus, it is important to not to speak bad things about your partner even when they are present. You should be able to handle the situation in a mature manner, even when the other has done something wrong. Hence, speaking with each other in a respectful manner.

They Prefer Speaking Face to Face more than through Phones:

In the era and time of smartphones, most of our time is spent on the screens. But, couples who have a healthy married life prefer to have eye contact rather than trying to spend most of their time on their screens. Thus, it is about making time for each other and having a healthy discussion.

They Don’t Bring up the Past:

A healthy married couple will always try to bring out the best in each other. The most important thing they will do is, not keep a scorecard. They will always try and understand each other and forgive each other for their mistakes. Also, if somehow the trust is broken between them, they will not keep holding for the reason (unless it’s of an extreme). They will start building their trust again, by letting go of the past.

They Know how to Prioritize:

When couples start having kids, they oversee their own self. Thus, prioritizing their children over everything. It is true that the children want our attention and we need to look after them. But, it is also possible to prioritize one’s own marriage along with the children. Prioritizing one’s marriage will teach them about love and caring, and the children will actually look forward to marriage.

They Express Love Regularly:

Lovemaking is one of the top things which keeps a marriage healthy. Thus, a couple who is happy with each other, will express their love and make love as frequent as possible. Where they both try and satisfy each other as frequently as possible. This way, they are able to keep each other happy and satisfied.

They Don’t Keep any Secrets from Each other:

A happy couple will stay happy as long as they do not keep any secrets from each other. When talking about secrets, it includes any kind of dishonesty. Thus, a happy relationship is sustained by keeping everything opened between each other.

They Prefer to do Things Together and Yet Respect Each Other’s Distance:

As mentioned, they would prefer spending more time together. That is, they will do things like, praying, watching a movie etc. Also, they will give time to each other to let them enjoy the activity the other’s like to do. Hence, it is a balance between the two. Spending time and giving time. Thus, being able to understand each other.

Entering into a happy marriage takes a lot of work, but it is worth it. But, if you or someone you know is suffering from a bad marriage and need help, then please visit a marriage counsellor immediately.

Learn More about Dr Kohli.

All images courtsey Pixabay

Most people have doubts how therapy works, and how it actually helps. We all have our fantasies and imaginations about therapy. We start wondering whether it will work or is it actually helping us. It generates myths and misconceptions, and people start to wonder whether to indulge in therapy or not.

People are hesitant about their mental illnesses, and when the help is offered they are wondering how it works.

Thus, below are few ways therapy actually works:

It’s a Gradual Process:

There is a fascination for everyone, where everyone waits for the “Eureka” moment. But, the truth is, there is no Eureka moment, where you figure out why and you break down like we see in movies. It is a slow and gradual process, where there is a development of insight. A person in therapy has to work inside and outside therapy as well, going through slow and gradual breakthroughs.

You are not Broken:

It’s a stigma around therapy and mental illness, that the person is broken and they need to be fixed. The truth is, there is nothing to fix, and therapy doesn’t fix anything because there is nothing broken. Instead, therapy gives you tools and insight to handle the situations better. Also, it helps to person to uncover new strengths and tools to aid themselves.

A couch is not always there:

People generally have a fascination that there will be a couch where they will lie down. But, it is not the case always. A couch is only involved in a certain kind of therapy session. The couch was popularized after Sigmund Freud started a school of therapy, which is known as psychoanalysis. Most of the times, the set-up of the therapist will have two chairs and a box of tissues. Due to popular media, the idea of the couch is popularized.

A therapist does more than just Listen:

Another idea of therapy people have is that the therapist only just listens. The role of the therapist is more than just listening to the person. It is a relationship, hence there is always a sharing of thoughts going on between the person and the therapist. At starting the therapist may ask certain questions or talk less, it is because the therapist is trying to build a relation by knowing the person.

No therapist will ever tell you what to do:

Therapy is not about telling what the other person should do. The therapist merely sorts out the emotions in the person which then helps the person to make the decisions. Thus, it finally comes down the person on what he/she should do, considering the learnings from therapy.

It’s not an Easy process:

Therapy is not easy. People have to challenge their beliefs and thoughts. They have to work on themselves and challenge their negative beliefs. They have to constantly engage in a fight with their negative beliefs and develop positive thoughts.

It’s not for the rest of the life:

Even though it is not a bad thing to continue therapy for a long time, it doesn’t have to be for the rest of the life. It is a slow process, but when enough progress is made, the therapist will start to create a boundary and start to stop the therapy process. Once the therapist sees and the person feels that the symptoms have reduced, the therapist automatically reduces the number and the frequency of the sessions.

Gender doesn’t matter:

It doesn’t actually matter if your therapist is a male or female. The preference of the gender will not change the course or the outcome of the therapy session. Regardless of the gender, the therapist will empathetically listen to you and try and make you feel comfortable without any judgment. The efficiency of the therapist doesn’t depend on the gender. All therapists want to make you comfortable so that you can share your thoughts.

They don’t analyse or read minds:

The therapist is not a magician, who can read your thoughts or enter your mind and start analysing them. A therapist cannot read minds and tell what you are thinking. Also, he/she isn’t analysing you, but only listening to you without any judgements. They just want to help you and that why they are sitting there.

They cannot Prescribe:

Lastly, a therapist cannot prescribe any medication. Only a psychiatrist or a doctor can prescribe medication. Hence, while entering therapy you don’t have to worry if someone is going to prescribe you medication. A therapist might refer or suggest a person if they feel that medication is necessary, but usually, they prefer to help you with psychotherapy.

Knowing how therapy works, helps people to open up and understand. Hence, if you feel that you were worried because you were hesitant about the process, this blog might help you ease your worries. Thus, if you feel like entering therapy you can contact a psychologist near you.

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It is always very difficult to go back to school after a long break. Most of the times, the breaks are always too short no matter the length of the duration. But, the school has to open one day and you have to go back to school. so how to preparing yourself?

Going back to school needs physical and emotional preparation, as our mind and body get into the comfort zone. Thus, entering school the first day becomes all the more difficult.

Hence, below are few ways to prepare yourself for going back to school:

Unplug:

During the vacations, we start to watch TV or stay on our phones or even play video games late in the night. We are able to do this because at that time we know that the next day we can sleep till late. But, during school days it is not possible. Hence, it is important to unplug yourself from these devices before the school starts and try and get back to your sleeping schedule.

Create a Schedule:

Holidays are mostly chaotic; hence we do not have any schedules. Thus, from our sleep cycle to our eating habits, everything becomes disrupted. Hence, it becomes difficult when you actually get back to school as your schedule is disrupted. So, it is important to create a schedule for yourself and your body to adapt to a school day.

Plan Ahead:

School can start with stressful situations; these can range from arranging yourself and your homework or even meeting a teacher you don’t like. These situations usually occur when we are not prepared, both physically and emotionally. Hence, planning ahead saves us from entering these situations. Planning for the opening of the school will make you feel organized and will give you the confidence of being able to control the situation.

Start Reading Again:

Reading is always a good habit, but during vacations, we only have time to do so many things. But, when the school starts reading about different subjects becomes mandatory. It becomes difficult to start your habit again, and hence you are not able to get hold of what is going on in the class. Thus, it is always advisable that you start reading before the school starts. Hence, you will be able to catch up to the class’s pace.

Get Back to Doing Homework:

Summer holidays are full of fun and also homework. But, we spend most of our time having fun. So, we keep on procrastinating on our homework. Hence, it is important to catch up on our homework also. One of the main reason students are stressed because they haven’t completed their homework. Also, during the break children break away from the habit of doing homework. Hence, it is important that before school starts studying and completing your homework gets in the schedule. Thus, making the adjustment in your school easier.

Going back to school can be fun if you try and focus on the positives of school. It might seem daunting at first, but soon we settle down and get back to routine. The above tips can help you ease up the transition process.

But, if you or your friend are facing serious stresses or mental health issues while going back to school or your personal life due to which the process is seeming difficult; it is advisable for you to talk to your parents about it. Also, if you think you need professional help, do not hesitate.

Read More about Sending Your Children to School Happily.

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Being a parent is a hectic task but, it is something which comes as a responsibility for them. Many of them love being a parent. But, they always wonder how can they be better at what they are doing. Also, along with being a parent comes conflicts of emotions and ideas. With all these, the parents start to wonder what they should do.

Hence, below are 7 ways on how to become a better parent:

1. Don’t Compare:

Firstly, it is very important that you shouldn’t compare your kids. That is, you should not point out who is doing better and who is not. Comparison increases the stress on your children. Also, they start to feel that only achievement can win your love for them. Hence, they either start to detach themselves from you or they start to take an excess of pressure.

2. Do What You Say:

Children learn the most from their parents. Hence, it is important you teach them the same. Many times we teach our children something and then we do the opposite in front of them. This way the child learns to lie as well as they do not actually learn what you have taught. Hence, it is very important to do what you tell them to do. Thus, helping them learn the good things.

3. Let Them Make Mistakes:

Our initial reaction towards anything they are doing wrong is to stop them and tell them. For example, if your child is playing with a car and you know that the car will break down, you would immediately go and stop him/her from doing so and explain to him/her. Instead of this, if you allow them to make mistakes they will learn about how to correct the mistakes much faster. But, make sure the mistakes they are making are not harming them. That is, playing with electrical wires or fiddling with any machine which can harm them.

4. Let them be Bored:

Often when we see our child is getting bored, we indulge them in some activity or the other. You might think that this will enhance their skills, but in reality, they do not find the time to be alone with their thoughts. Thus, it is important to let them be bored. If they are bored, they will start indulging in their fantasies and stories. Hence, improving their ability to think and wonder as well as understanding themselves. Sometimes they might need temptations to indulge. So you can keep toys or colouring books or cardboard boxes lying around them. Hence, able to indulge their energy positively.

5. Don’t Comfort or Calm Them with Food:

It is a tendency in parents to reward the child with a food they like. But, it shouldn’t be done. There is a simple reason behind it. If the child is praised every time he/she does something good with food, then your love and attention will be replaced by food. A child only asks for your attention and love. Hence, if you replace that with food then the child would only move towards materialistic gains. You can reward them with food only when it is absolutely necessary, and they will also enjoy that. But, food should not replace hugs and kisses from you, and the love and attention they seek.

6. Teach Them How to Manage their Emotions:

Most of the times we see our children behaving in very aggressive manner. We deem that behaviour as misconduct and punish them all the time. But, most of the time it happens because they are unable to manage their emotions. Hence, it is important to teach them how to manage their emotions. The best way to do so is to have conversations with them and make them realise what they have done how it affects others, in a calm manner.

7. Embrace Change:

One thing which will happen with you and your children is change. They will start disliking the activity they used to love, or they will try and find new and different activities. This is just a normal behaviour. As they grow older, they will change in height, weight as well as in emotions. But, along with it you also need to see that they don’t lose interest in all the activities and start becoming depressed.

All of the above tips can help you learn parenting better. But, it is also important to opt for pre-birth counselling. Especially, if it is your first child. Also, if you think that your child is becoming depressed or appear stressed all the time, you should visit a child counsellor immediately.

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There is a lot of stress in our daily life. This stress starts affecting our mental wellbeing. Thus, leading to different mental health issues. As we keep a check on our physical wellness, similarly, it is as important to keep a check on our mental wellness.

Hence, below are few tips for mental wellness:

Valuing Yourself:

It is important to know and understand your own value. You need to stay away from self-criticism. Thus, treating yourself kindly. You can invest your time in the hobbies you like to do or you can try and learn a new hobby.

Taking Care of Your Body:

Body and mind have a direct connection. Hence, it is important to take care of your body. You can do this by exercising regularly, eating healthy, avoiding nicotine, drinking plenty of water as well as getting proper sleep.

Surround Yourself with Good People:

It is important for you to surround yourself with people who are loving and caring. Hence, it is important to build your own support network. Thus, you should always stay in touch with friends and family who are close to you.

Help Others:

Helping others not only make others happy, but it makes you happy as well. Hence, start helping others. There are many ways to help, you can either start volunteering in some NGO or just help a friend in need.

Learning to Deal with Stress:

Experiencing stress is a part of life. It works as a motivator as well as a setback. Hence, it is important to learn how to deal with stress. You can learn relaxation techniques or start exercising or play with your pet or just write journals. Also, it is important to remember the importance of laughter. As someone said, laughter is the best medicine. Hence, look out for things which makes you laugh and happy.

Learn About Inner Peace:

A person is truly happy when he is contempt. Hence, it is important to know how to quite your mind from the everyday hustle bustle. Thus, you can achieve this by learning different meditation techniques or tai-chi or even simple praying.

Have Realistic Goals:

It is important to have goals in life, whether they are professional goals or academic goals. But, along with goals, it is also important to set realistic goals. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t aim high, but it means is you need to take steps which you are able to achieve. Thus, by achieving small steps you are able to enjoy your life more. Also, every time you achieve a goal, you need to realise the achievement. But, don’t overburden yourself with the goals.

Breaking up the Monotony:

Monotony gives us a sense of security and belonging. But, monotony also gives us a sense of depression. Hence, it is necessary to break the monotony. Thus, you can plan a road trip or try a new restaurant or a new meal which will help you break up the monotony.

Avoid any Kind of Drugs:

Drugs or Alcohol or any kind of substance effects the brain a lot. It creates a dependency and increases mental health problems. Hence, it is important to not use any kind of drugs. Also, be vary not to self-medicate. Self-medication enhances the problem. Thus, it is advisable to always visit a doctor whenever necessary.

Seek Help if Needed:

Lastly, seek help. The daily stress and tension wear us out. Hence, seeking help doesn’t mean that we are weak. It is like keeping a routine check. Also, if you think you are suffering from anything you shouldn’t be afraid to take help and get better. Counselling can help you deal with a lot of problems and get out victorious.

In conclusion, as we take care of our physical health, it is also important to take care of our mental health as well. Hence, if you feel that you are not able to handle the daily stress then please visit a mental health professional immediately.

Learn More about Dr Prerna Kohli

Blessed are those children who have an active and participative father. After the mother, the father’s role is the most important in the upbringing of the child.

Fathers play a very important role in in the lives of their children. They are there when we need someone the most, as well they are there to bring us to track if we are moving away from it. But, every father also needs to understand these feelings and structures.

Whether you have just become a father, or you have been a father for a long time. There is always a scope for improvement or learning.

Hence, below are 7 tips on how to become a better father:

Spend Quality Time:

There is always a thin line of difference between spending time and spending quality time. In an age of smartphones, we need to take out time to spend quality one on one time with our children. Thus, you can do this by reading a story to your child or playing a sport or game with your child.

Discipline them Without Being Harsh:

To be disciplined in life is very important and a child learns this from their parents. Hence, it is important to teach your child about right or wrong. But, do not punish them. Instead, you should teach them about consequences and handle the situations with love and care. Thus, you can reward their positive behaviours by teaching them what’s right and instead of punishing the negative behaviours you need to make them understand what they did wrong without scolding.

Listen to them:

Listening to your child is as important as talking to them. If you start listening to their ideas and problems from a very young age, in future it will be easier for them to talk to you about difficult topics. Also, listening should be done with empathy and understanding, instead of judging them about their ideas.

Be the Role Model:

Consciously or Unconsciously a father does become a role model for their children. If you have a girl child and you become their role model, then they would understand the respect they deserve and what to look for in a guy. Similarly, if you have a boy child, the boy will learn how to treat women with respect. Hence, it is important to show humility, honesty, love and caring for your children and becoming their role model.

Read to them:

As mentioned earlier it is important to read to them. Firstly, it ensures quality time spent with them. Secondly, reading them from a very young age teaches them the importance of literacy. When they start growing up, you also need to encourage them to read. Reading helps in a lot of things, including a personal and professional growth of the child.

Respect your Partner:

It is important to show love and respect to your partner. From there, the child learns to understand to respect each other in loving relationship. Also, if you show love and respect to your partner, the child will feel safe in the environment. Thus, they will understand that the relationship with their father is something of love and respect.

Being with them:

Most importantly, you need to be with them. No matter what age they are. You need to be with them. The bonding between the father and child should begin during pregnancy. Through touch, love, care. Thus, giving our signals to the child that you want them and love them.

All the above tips can and will help you become a better father.

Learn More about Dr Prerna Kohli