MD
Dr. Misha Yajnik is an American Board Certified general pediatrician practicing in the US. She did her undergraduate studies at Youngstown State University in Ohio and obtained her MD degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. With 12 years of experience with children from newborns to adolescents, her special interest lies in helping parents navigate the difficulties of parenting from an emotional and mental side.Dr. Yajnik believes it takes a village to raise a child and likes to promote mindful living at a young age. She encourages a healthy lifestyle, mental and emotional health. Through her Instagram account, Dr. Yajnik discusses various topics related to emotional wellbeing and conscious parenting. She likes to combat misinformation and promote a healthy life.
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Conflicts are a part of life, and thus, conflict resolution skills for teenagers are important to help them deal with things more efficiently. Teens are an age during which there are a lot of hormonal and emotional changes happening in the body. These changes make temper tantrums, conflict, and lashing out on other common teenage behavior traits (1). There is a common complaint of others not getting how they feel and what they are going through. Therefore, to make these years manageable, it is essential to teach conflict resolution strategies to your teen. Read on to know more about these skills and the ways in which you can teach them. [mj-toc] Why Does Conflict Occur? [caption id="attachment_890258" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Conflict is part of life. No matter how much you want to protect your child from it, she has to face this reality. Conflict can occur within the family, with siblings and parents, with friends, and with society in...
Teenage is the time when the human body undergoes changes rapidly, thus increasing your teen’s energy and nutritional demands. It is beneficial to include high protein foods for teens in their diet to promote healthy body growth and nourish their skin and hair. In addition, the right amount of protein can help in building a strong immune system and keep diseases and infections at bay. Teenagers often get swayed by a fast lifestyle and pick up the wrong food habits. Missing meals and frequently indulging in junk food can cause long-term harm to their body. In this post, we have put together a list of the best protein-rich foods that can meet your teen’s protein needs, while also promoting healthy eating habits. So, keep scrolling and choose some for your child High Protein Foods For Teens 1. Yogurt: [caption id="attachment_329616" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yogurt doesn't sound like a good idea? Well, it is an excellent source of protein. A...
Teenage is an exciting time with several changes happening in the body. It is important to have a workout plan for teenagers during this time to make the most out of this period of growth. During the teenage years, children attain puberty which leads to many physical changes in their bodies. Some of these changes might make them uncomfortable and affect their self-confidence too. It is important to keep the body fit and in shape to overcome such situations. Making healthy food choices and steering away from having junk food and an unhealthy lifestyle will help build healthy and good muscles. Read on to know how you can guide your child towards making healthy lifestyle choices. [mj-toc] How To Build Muscle Mass In Teen Boys Below are some natural methods that teenage boys can use to develop their muscles while also maintaining good nutrition and overall well-being: 1. Get a physical examination done: Before your teen begins his muscle building...
Children go through different developmental stages as they grow into adults. It is no different when it comes to emotional development, and children’s social and emotional development proceeds in phases. These are two of the most important milestones in determining a child’s future perspectives. A child’s social interaction is influenced by several factors, including the surrounding environment and the type of people they get exposed to. Similarly, for them to grow emotionally strong, they need to be taught to control and understand their emotions. These skills should be inculcated in them as they go through the different years of childhood (1). Therefore knowing the distinctive social and emotional characteristics of different ages is important for parents (2). Read through as we provide you with information about children's emotional and social growth. [mj-toc] Definition Of Emotional Development In Children Emotional learning begins at a young age and the learning grows with their age. In infancy, infants express their feelings through non-verbal...
Parents of teenagers often struggle to control their children. Teenage independence is a strong urge or driving force that may often make them act out. So how can you provide them their independence while ensuring safety and control? Continue reading to find out. Adolescence is a time when children go through different changes. They typically want to spend more time alone or with friends than family, which is normal. However, they may go astray at times and end up in compromised situations. Instead of constantly trying to control them, set up some simple rules they should follow while enjoying their freedom and autonomy. However, mutual trust and respect between you and your children are required for this to work out. Read on to know about some effective ways and tips to help your teen become independent and responsible at the same time. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/handy-tips-make-teenager-responsible_00118480/" title="10 Handy Tips To Make Your Teenager More Responsible"] [mj-toc] How To Help A Teen Become...
Children reach their developmental milestones at their own pace. If you are looking for the best activities for a 20-month-old-baby, you are at the right place. With your adorable toddler growing up and learning to communicate and socialize, it’s a nice idea to introduce them to some interesting activities. And if you have run out of ideas already to help them have a fun learning experience, here we are with a list of some amazing toddler activities. Read on to know more. [mj-toc] Top Five Activities For Your 20-Month-Old Here are five fun activities for 20-month-old toddler that he will love: 1. Smear It On: [caption id="attachment_346342" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image : Shutterstock[/caption] You Will Need: Finger paints. Wax paper Plain paper Tape How To: 1. Place the wax paper on a solid surface and tape it up to avoid slippage. Tape the plain paper over this. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/safe-finger-painting-ideas-for-toddlers_00775840/" title="15 Safe Ideas To Teach Finger Painting For Toddlers"] 2. Drop a...
Most first-time moms are unsettled about their little one's eating patterns. Having a 16-month-old baby fuss around with food frequently could leave you agitated. Introducing new foodstuffs by experimenting with food ideas for 16 months babies could be a great way to feed them nutritious and delicious food. At 16 months, your baby is rapidly growing, and their energy levels are soaring. However, with their intuitive minds driving them to explore their surroundings, it is not easy to have them sit calmly and finish their meals. Hence, it may be challenging for parents to maintain a balanced diet and a regular feeding schedule. Read on as we share some nutritious and interesting ideas to help you feed your 16-month-old. 1. Grains From pasta to brown bread, there are a whole lot of grain choices to include in your baby’s meal plans. Whole grain muffins will make a quick breakfast and snack option for your baby. You can also sneak in...
As your newborn grows, you will observe changes every few days. When babies reach three months, they start responding more to their surroundings, shows a predictable sleep pattern, explore objects around them, and cry less. At this juncture, if you are looking for some smart and effective 3 months baby care tips, you are at the right place. Your baby's developing activities may excite you, but you need to adapt your baby-care regime to match and support the physical and psychological development of your little one. Additionally, you may need to take necessary measures to ensure their safety. In this post, we have compiled a list of useful baby care tips for 3-month-olds to help you take better care of them. Most Useful 3 Months Baby Care Tips 1. Continue breastfeeding [caption id="attachment_883170" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] Breast milk is still the healthiest food for a three-month-old baby. It is a crucial part of 3-month baby care. Moreover, in the...
Parents should plan one- to three-month-old sleep schedules appropriately because they need about 14-17 hours of sleep each day (1). Adequate sleep in these early months helps in their proper growth and development. But at times, it might not be easy to put your baby to sleep. Thus, you can try introducing a sleeping pattern for your baby to make it easier for them to fall asleep. Studies have also shown that babies who get adequate sleep have better brain functioning than those who do not. Read on to know more about one- to three-month-old-baby sleeping schedules, the benefits of sleep for babies, and how you can help them get better sleep. [mj-toc] 1 to 3 Month Old Baby Sleep Pattern Every baby is unique and is blessed with a physical and mental system that is different from the other. So if you’re a new mom, you’ll need all the help you could get when it comes to handling your...
Whether at home or school, every parent is concerned about their child's safety. However, checking up on your children may not always be possible. Therefore, it is vital to establish certain safety rules at home for kids to follow. Filled with love, warmth, and care, a home is where children discover and learn from the things they see, feel, and experience, allowing their mind and body to develop. However, children can get into danger or get hurt while playing, even at home. So, read on to know some home safety measures you should teach your children for their protection. [mj-toc] 10 Essential Home Safety Rules For Children Pediatrician and neonatologist Dr. Neema Shrestha says, “Children may have some accidents such as falling from the stairs or getting burns in the kitchen. These can be prevented by placing safety gates at the top of the stairs or putting hot liquids away from the child’s reach. Moreover, as children grow, these rules...
Some women experience fluid retention during breastfeeding and are given hydrochlorothiazide to relieve the discomfort. However, most lactating women may be concerned about the effects of hydrochlorothiazide when breastfeeding. Since the drug is a diuretic and works effectively to reduce swelling in the body, doctors usually prescribe it. Hydrochlorothiazide passes in the breast milk, but in low doses, it does not cause any adverse effects on the baby. However, it is necessary to discuss your concerns about the medication’s safety with your doctor before using it. Read this post to learn more about the benefits and side effects of hydrochlorothiazide during breastfeeding and the safe doses recommended for lactating women. [mj-toc] What Is Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)? [caption id="attachment_892061" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Hydrochlorothiazide, or Microzide, is a medication that treats water retention effectively. The drug is popular as diuretic and helps reduce excess accumulation of fluid and swelling in your body while you are breastfeeding. Hydrochlorothiazide also treats high blood pressure...
Dizziness in children can be due to diminished blood circulation to the brain for brief periods. They may explain feelings of faintness or lightheadedness when they are dizzy. In most cases, dizziness may not be accompanied by any obvious signs and symptoms of any illnesses. However, persistent dizziness can risk a child\'s safety and well-being. Therefore, you may seek pediatric care to identify and treat the underlying causes of dizziness. Read this post to know the causes, symptoms, risk factors, complications, and treatment for dizziness in children. [mj-toc] Symptoms Of Dizziness In Children [caption id="attachment_893134" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The common symptoms of dizziness in children include Lightheadedness Loss of balance and a feeling of unsteadiness Inability to think clearly Blurred vision for a brief moment The feeling that the world around them is revolving Based on the severity, your child may experience mild, moderate, and severe dizziness. In mild dizziness, the child may feel slight lightheadedness but can walk...
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage that could occur in infants due to insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain during pregnancy or delivery. HIE in newborns may vary in severity depending on the duration of oxygen deprivation. HIE may cause disorders such as cerebral palsy, severe cognitive and motor impairment, and developmental delay. Although it cannot be completely cured, the present treatment options may improve the baby’s quality of life. Keep reading this post to learn about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, long-term effects, treatment, and prevention of HIE in babies. [mj-toc]Signs And Symptoms Of HIE The signs and symptoms of HIE are usually seen immediately after birth and may vary depending on the severity of the brain damage. Mild HIE signs and symptoms may resolve within a week in many babies and may include the following (1). Abnormal reflexes Stiff muscles Feeding issues Excessive crying Irritability Excessive sleeping Moderate HIE may cause the following...
The parachute reflex is a basic (primitive) postural reflex. It causes a baby standing upright to extend their arms outward and spread their fingers wide (like a parachute) to avoid falling face-first on a flat surface. This gross motor ability appears at five months of age in most full-term, healthy newborns, long before they begin to walk or crawl (1). It then fully develops between eight and nine months. A fully developed parachute reflex is an important developmental milestone for newborns. Thus, knowing about other important responses like the parachute reflex may help you track your infant’s growth if you have one or are expecting one soon. This article explains why the parachute reflex is important for babies, how it is tested, and what to do if your baby does not seem to develop some reflexes. [mj-toc]Why Do Infants Develop Parachute Reflex? [caption id="attachment_894044" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Parachute reflex is an involuntary reaction indicating healthy neuromotor development of an...