Potty training

Finally they have come out of their diapers. Occasionally we use them for a good night's sleep when they are not well, but other than that, now they have learned to use potty. We bought this Piyo Piyo potty online. It is expensive compared to the others, but there are a few advantages. We could use it as pot when required, and also as potty seat for the adults' toilet on which we could let them sit safely holding the ears of the bear. This makes cleaning using a health faucet easier and more hygienic.

We found that getting them to use potty at a fixed time everyday is very important. Initially we had to really make them sit on it, by offering toilet them play with our shampoo bottles, soap etc. Now they come and sit on the potty without any fuss. This has become a healthy routine, and we find that many stomach problems, general health issues are solved now! It took so long for us actually, most of our friends' babies established the routine much earlier- at 18 months or 20 months. We waited some time, to make the transition smooth and together for all three.

Play time: Toys for toddlers and Outings

Long time since last post. I am kind of busy with teaching, practice and a research paper I am intending to present in the coming week. At home everything is going well. Finally my toddlers are potty trained, although at night we still use diapers, mainly because they sleep late and wake up late, so it is difficult to wake them up in between to use the potty. Next week we should start play school, which might make them sleep early and wake up early.

Sunday afternoon is outing time. Temples (especially Vadakkumnathan temple at Thrissur), parks, zoo, beach and malls are the favorite places of visit for my trio. Vazhani dam is also close by, and the view is stunning here, although what they enjoy in Vazhani is the long walk and playing in the park rather than the view. They now know many animals and a few birds (some from the sound also, like crow, koel, magpie robin, babblers etc), flowers and vegetables. They understand colors and can arrange toys according to colors&sizes. 

Vazhani Dam

These are some of their favorite toys and cycles. The stacking cubes, stacking rings and First blocks are good to develop sense of shape and color. They love the Magic car (though they call it train!!). That and the BSA cycle are their favorite mode of transport. Also the card board box transformed to be a favorite toy for the toddlers!

Wonderful handmade toyhouse :) !!

                                       

                       

                          

                                           

Animations and other movies for children

These are some videos liked and enjoyed by our triplets. This is by no means a complete list, and the first few listed are Malayalam, however these can be a start. Feel free to click the links- they are not ads, but videos on YouTube or info on wiki.

Kathu is a Malayalam 3D animation that tells the story of a kitten and her family and friends. It has two parts of 45 minutes each interlinking a story line and songs about values like honesty, courage, respect to elders, helpful attitude, self-confidence etc. There is not a moment of boredom, and it is enjoyable to adults as well.

Manchadi has four parts, all with stories and songs/rhymes. The stories are from Panchatantra, Aesop’s fables and folktales. Most stories have some value to teach, and the rhymes are very nice- the familiar ‘Kunchuvammakk anchu makkalane’ rhyme is made with a catchy tune and interesting animation. The very familiar story of the elephant and tailor is made into a song, which any child would love to sing along. All in all, it is a great collection.

Pupi is a very curious puppy, and in his explorations and adventures we learn about chameleons, honey bees, spiders, birds and bats, earthworms and many other living beings on the earth, and the dynamics between them. Very informative, very entertaining, it is guaranteed to arouse curiosity about surroundings in a child.

Torpido is a Malayalam superhero- a boy who fights aliens with the help of a pair of spectacles that his father gives him. Then there are many animation videos like Mayavi, Meesa- Elumban, Ambili Maman, Kilukkampetti, Minnaminni, Kuttikurumban, Chakkaramamazham etc. which are entertaining.

Pachilakkoodu (My Home is Green) is a wonderful animation movie that tells us the evils of insecticides, particularly endosulfan.  It is a touching story of the friendship between an ant and a caterpillar. My kids were totally engrossed by the movie, and I am sure they got the message. I would say it is a must-watch. This award-winning movie is available in both English and Malayalam.

Jungle Book and Tarzan are available as 2D, 3D animation as well as movies. The 3D animations are worth watching for the art of making the animations, the pictures, the images, the scenery and the effects. These animations are sure to awaken and inspire the artist in your child.

Lion King is a 2D animation movie with two parts. The first part tells us about the ‘Circle of Life’ where everything in nature is connected to each other and obeys nature’s rules. ‘You must take your place in the circle of life’, the lion tells his cub. It also tells us a great story of love, friendship, travel and adventure, loyalty, rivalry, sacrifice and most importantly, duties and responsibilities. Lion King-II tells us never to give up hope, and that love can conquer the whole world, without shedding a drop of blood. It is lovely. And my kids have a great time watching the two movies, imitating the characters and delivering the dialogues. The songs are irresistible.

Little Krishna TV series made into two DVDs are available in English, Hindi and a few Indian regional languages. It is about the adventures of Lord Krishna as a little baby and child in Vrindavan. It is a beautiful animation and if your kid likes stories of Krishna, or if he likes superheroes, he is sure to enjoy this cute animation.  Your little girl will love to watch baby Krishna and his adorable ways. Krishna and Balram, and Chota Bheem feature adventures of part mythological part superhero characters as 2D animations. Children will like them, but it is better to sit with them while they watch these videos, and tell them what to absorb and what not to. For example, Chota Bheem gets his strength when he eats a handful of ladoos (sweet). While we can tell the child that Bheem became strong when he ate his food, we also need to be careful to let him know that ladoos are not good for health if eaten in such quantities as they show in the cartoon. There are many such loose ends in both these series; however they are very good to learn good English pronunciation and usage.

Once your son starts enjoying Spider-man, there is no turning back. That is all I need to say about this brainy-and-wimpy Peter Parker turned superhero. I am sure same is true for Ben10, Tintin and Batman, but I have not tried those. Nor have I tried Pokémon, Narnia, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park or Dora the explorer. I might, soon, and then I shall get back with reviews.

In conclusion I would like to add that whatever movies you choose for your children, it is ideal if you also watch it with them, and explain to them the story. Then you can tell them what important messages are given in the movie- it can range from instilling a deep moral value to understanding the way colours can be used to make a scene attractive. When the video shows a lion roaring, I tell them to notice the sound and how it differs from a tiger growling. When Jungle Book shows a cobra, I tell them to notice the difference it has from Kaa, the python. You will be surprised at how fast they absorb the information, process it within their minds and come up with endless questions. You might have to give an answer when your son asks why the jeep in the animation flies, as well as rides on the road- the maker of the film might have thought it would arouse the kid’s imagination, but most of the time it arouses his suspicion! But you can come up with innovative answers and help him be more imaginative, without ignoring the facts.  Just like during their various play, you need to actively involve while he watches movies also, to make it an entertaining, pleasurable and learning session.

Most of the videos are available for purchase online. The links below will take you to the amazon store, however, they are also available in other shopping sites. 

Happy Viewing!! :D And please don't forget to share your experiences and how your kids enjoy watching movies in the comments column below!