The magic of Harry Potter

When my daughter started reading Harry Potter books frantically, I used to wonder what is there in these books which I have not read during my childhood. I used to argue with her saying that there are so many books out there, which are much more rich in fantasies but which did not become as famous as Harry Potter because they lacked publicity. She gave me a horrific look and didnt believe a word of mine. Then I got so irritated with her whenever she used to sit with that book and started wondering whether the book is readable enough for my kid.

That’s when I took out the first book myself and started reading it. My friend, another ardent Potter fan used to ask me every day ‘Well, how do you like the book' and I used to reply, 'Come on, whenever I take out that book I feel sleepy and I doze off'. She was totally at a loss for words on my reply. Then slowly, after the first 30 pages or so, without my own knowledge, I got so engrossed in the story that I forgot to prepare dinner. I never kept that book down till I finished it only to go in search of the second book. From then on, there was no looking behind till I finished all the 7 books. Now my daughter gives me a smug look, "Ma, I told you so...."
Story telling is an art and I just dont have words to describe Harry Potter. The author Rowling is a real master in story telling, I should admit and after I finished reading the seventh book, I felt very sorry that, that was the last book. Just like any other Potter fan, I too took solace in telling my Potter friends that the author has left too many loose ends and she can start another book soon.... It was as if your own kid grew up with you in your house and then left you... when I finished the last book. I wanted more and more of Potter.
You have to read it to believe it, just like I did....

Enjoy and happy Potter reading....

Managing naughty kids

Kids!! They are God's own gifts to us.
They are like fresh flowers which make one's day worthwhile.
Kids are wonderful.
But how do you manage those naughty, mischievous ones??
Here are some tips on effective parenting...
1. Jump into their shoes...
Never treat them just like a normal parent would do.. look at the world as they do. You may not remember what naughty things you did during your childhood. Never say, Dont do this.. Dont do that... The child may start hating you for that and do more mischief to irritate you. So when they pour down the next bottle of paint, enjoy their creativity.. whether you stop them or not, they will definitely do that mischief... so why not enjoy with them? You both can clean up later and it would be fun.

2. Play with them..
Now when I say play with them, you should really play with them and that too on their terms. Playing with children is an art. They dont play on your terms but you should play with them on their terms. Here at home, we normally play simple games with them like blind folding, hide and seek etc and you wont believe how much fun it is when the whole family plays with the kids. You will start feeling young again.

3. Laugh with them..
When your child shares something funny with you, listen... laugh with her...Only a good listener will give confidence in the child to share anything and everything with them. As a parent you have to be your child's first and best friend.

4. Listen to their worries..
When your child talks to you about something, listen first... dont thrust your opinion on the child. Never say, 'You should not have done this.. 'etc. Listen and share their views. You may not offer a solution to the child's worry... but just listen. Most of the times, they solve their problems on their own as they would be trivial. But still give it utmost importance and try to tell them some solution if you have any. Else atleast listen.

5. Enjoy happy parenting..
Be proud of your child. Never compare it with other children. Each child is unique in its own way.. Enjoy life with those lovely fresh flowers...KIDS...