Perhaps one of the most important gifts parents can give to their children is a healthy, positive and meaningful upbringing, which makes their little children confident and positive in outlook to face the challenges in life in future. Believe me that no amount of worldly and monetary accomplishments can substitute the excellent upbringing you can give your child care. And it is easy and practical to do that. It is no rocked science and demands just your time and commitment to be a part of the growing years of your child. In fact many of the personality problems which emerge later in life of many a person takes their roots in their childhood in the manner in which they were raised or handled during their formative years.

Following simple but practical tips will help you in raising a positive and confident child:

1. Learn to be appreciative. Respond with pride whenever your child accomplishes a task, however small it may seem to you. Get excited genuinely by the success of your kid, give them a pat on the back, clap, smile and feel and express happiness. Words like ‘wonderful’ ‘bravo’, ‘great’ and ‘good job done’ should not only be a part of your office vocabulary but also used lavishly for your kids.

2. Do not just feel but also communicate verbally with your child about good things. Be generous with compliments. It won’t cost you a dime but will mean a million for your kid. Remember that for kids, their parents are their heroes and the best things they can do to them is to compliment them.

3. Never ever compare your kids with others. Every kid is different and has her own set of skills and talents. Learn to harness that talent and skill rather than expect her to be like her friend.

4. Never criticize the behavior of your kid in front of others.

5. Set special time with your kid and never let outside factor interfere that time. Be communicative with your kid during that time. Ask her about what she did in schools. Show genuine interest in her activities and her friends. This way they will learn to share things with you, good and bad. Also share your office experience with them in your own way.

6. Do not criticize your child for making mistakes. No one has learnt any thing in life without making mistakes.

7. Always keep your word and promises. Kids remember every little thing and it can come to you later when you are least prepared. Do not take your kid for granted.

8. Acknowledge and celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and holidays and family functions together. They are good means of bonding with your kid.

9. Create a supportive, positive and creative environment for your kid where she can grow and develop without any fear.

10. Practice before you preach. Remember that you are under 24/7 surveillance and every behavior pattern of yours is being watched, understood and aped by your kid. Do not expect your kid to be truthful when you yourself lie on phone and your kid knows it. Do not allow yourself to be embarrassed in front of your small but smart kid.

Ok we have heard enough number of times that exercise is good for overall health. But whether we do it regularly? If not, NOW is the time to start. Remember we all need to give some time to the body which is just like any other sophisticated and wonderful system which keeps on running day after day without any interruption. Is asking for spending 1 hour a day out of 24 too much? Do not take your body for granted. Your health is in your hands and regular exercise is one good tool to ensure that. Remember it is never too late really to make a beginning. And if you are still waiting, better put on your loose clothes, exercise shoes and hit the gym, which you have been postponing for so long. Better still, just hit the road and start running for 30-45 minutes a day. You will feel the difference that is a promise and difference will be for a better that is also a promise.

Benefits of exercise:
We all know the benefits of exercise. This is something which we know since our childhood and we just need to put it into practice. It is as simple as that.

# Exercise increases the blood circulation and leads to increased flow of oxygen to brain. This keeps brain active and agile.

# Exercise helps tone up the body and keeps the system running efficiently.

# This strengthens the bones and muscles and tones up the skin.

# Exercise builds stamina and energy level

# Protects us from a lot of common ailments.

# Helps keep under control a lot of common ailments as diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure, body ache etc.

# Refreshes our mind and soul.

# Research has proved that exercise slows down the aging process and keeps the mind alive and kicking even in old age.

Exercise is needed by all irrespective of age and sex. Infants start exercising very early in life. Remember their frequent crying. That is the first form of exercising their face muscles. Then their first crawl, their first steps, their first run. All this is an example of effortless exercise. Children need physical activity to help them grow and develop and to build stamina and learn new things in life. Adults need exercise to help them handle stress and cope up with the daily rut. Middle aged and elderly need exercise to keep the system running and slow the wear and tear of the body and mind. Exercise is need by one and all. So take the first step today and that will help you no doubt.

Just to remember that if you are suffering from serious ailment such as back problem, coronary condition etc, it is worthwhile to consult your doctor to prescribe an exercise schedule for you. Also do not over stretch yourself. Make a small beginning and gradually increase the duration.