As a parent, you might find yourself saying, “No more cartoons!” — worried they’re just mindless entertainment. But what if cartoons, when chosen wisely, could actually enhance your child’s learning? Let’s explore the surprising educational value of cartoons and why they might be more than just screen time fillers. Contents: WThe Rising Trend of Cartoons in Childhood Education  How Cartoons Improve Learning Efficiency and Effectiveness Maybe Your Child is a Visual Learner A New Way to Think about Cartoons—Try This! Turn Visual Memory into a Learning Advantage Want to Understand Your Child’s Learning Style Better?   1. The Rising Trend of Cartoons in Childhood Education Educational cartoons are no longer limited to alphabet jingles or simple rhymes. With the rise of digital platforms, cartoons have evolved into engaging, story-driven tools that teach everything from math and science to emotional intelligence and critical thinking. In schools and informal learning settings alike, cartoons are being actively integrated into lesson plans.Teachers use them to connect play with learning, making ideas easier to understand for young children through fun characters and stories. This approach isn’t just based on personal experience — it’s backed by teaching methods that highlight the importance of keeping kids engaged and emotionally connected. Meanwhile, platforms like Sesame Street have decades of research showing their impact on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth (Bharath, 2024). Those catchy songs and interactive segments have significantly enhanced children’s learning experiences.      2. How Cartoons Improve Learning Efficiency and Effectiveness Cartoons work well in education for a few important reasons: Visual and Auditory Engagement: Children are naturally drawn to animated visuals and sounds, which improves focus and attention span (Anand, 2024). Boosting Retention Rates: Visual learners retain up to 80% of what they see and do, compared to 20% of what they read and 30% of what they hear. Educational animations capitalize on this, driving 65% higher retention than traditional methods (Anand, 2024). Simplifying Complex Concepts: Animation breaks down abstract ideas—such as photosynthesis, gravity, or moral lessons—into digestible visuals, reducing cognitive overload and making topics easier to grasp. (Ploetzer, Berney & Bétrancourt, 2021 ) When cartoons are age-appropriate and purposeful, they can significantly enhance a child’s understanding and retention of new ideas.   3. Maybe Your Child Is a Visual Learner Not all children absorb information in the same way. While some excel through auditory instructions or hands-on activities, many children are visual learners, meaning they process and retain information best through images, patterns, and spatial understanding. If your child often remembers things they’ve seen — like pictures, signs, or scenes from a show — they may have a strong visual memory. According to educational research, visual memory plays a critical role in early learning, especially in reading, math, and recognizing patterns. Children with strong visual memory are more likely to benefit from animated educational content, as it transforms information into dynamic, memorable visuals that are easier to recall. Instead of avoiding cartoons entirely, consider curating high-quality educational content that supports your child’s learning style. When guided, cartoons can reinforce visual memory and deepen understanding in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for the child.   4. A New Way to Think About Cartoons – Try This! Next time your child wants to watch cartoons, ask yourself: “Is this content helping my child learn or grow?” Instead of turning off the screen, try turning on educational cartoons that support your child’s development. You can even watch together and ask follow-up questions to extend the learning beyond the screen.   5. Turn Visual Memory into a Learning Advantage If your child has strong visual memory, you can use it as a powerful entry point for learning. Children who easily remember images, colors, and patterns tend to respond well to visual and spatial teaching methods. Parents can: Use art to nurture creativity and build focus, through drawing, painting, or visual storytelling. Apply math visually, with diagrams, number lines, blocks, or shapes, to teach problem-solving and logical thinking. Visual memory supports both artistic expression and mathematical understanding, making it an ideal foundation for early learning strategies (Casey, Winner, Brabeck, & Sullivan, 1990). You can also use this strength to develop your child’s talents in both the arts and mathematics. By aligning your child’s learning with their strengths, you make studying more effective—and enjoyable.   Want to understand your child’s learning style better? At Absolute Genetic Technologies, we help parents unlock their child’s potential through personalized, DNA-based learning insights. Discover if your child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner — and what that means for how they learn best. [Learn More About Our DNA-Based Learning Support]   References Anand. (2024). Animation in learning and development. Vista’s Learning.  https://vistaslearning.com/blog/benefits-of-animation-in-learning-and-development/?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Bharath. (2024). The multifaceted impact of cartoons on Child development. Reflections.  https://reflections.live/articles/11124/the-multifaceted-impact-of-cartoons-on-child-development-article-by-bharath-17534-m10rn73o.html   Casey, B., Winner, E., Brabeck, M., & Sullivan, K. (1990). Visual-spatial abilities in art, maths  and science majors: Effects of sex, family handedness and spatial experience. 2.  Ploetzner, R., Berney, S., & Bétrancourt, M. (2021). When learning from animations is more  successful than learning from Static Pictures: Learning the specifics of change. Instructional Science, 49(4), 497–514. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-021-09541-w  

In today's digital world, screens are unavoidable. From online learning to YouTube and gaming, kids today are growing up in front of screens. While technology brings opportunity, it also introduces new challenges, especially for children’s developing eyes. Your child may be silently suffering from strained eyes, headaches, or blurry vision during screen time. But what if the issue isn’t just screen overuse? What if their natural eye structure is working against them, and you don’t even know it yet? Let’s explore why undiagnosed astigmatism may be behind your child’s screen struggles, and how early action (including DNA testing!) can help protect their vision for the future.  Contents: What Is Digital Eye Strain  The Overlooked Link: Astigmatism and Eye Strain Why Knowing Astigmatism Risk Early Make a Difference Take a Step Further: Knows Your Eye Health from Genes Up   What Is Digital Eye Strain? Digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, is a group of eye and vision problems caused by prolonged screen use. Symptoms include: Blurred or double vision Headaches Eye discomfort or fatigue Dry eyes Neck and shoulder pain According to the American Optometric Association, up to 90% of people who use digital devices for more than two hours per day experience some form of digital eye strain (American Optometric Association, 2023). Kids are especially vulnerable because their eyes are still developing. Here’s what to watch out for if your child is constantly exposed to screens: Rubbing eyes or blinking frequently Trouble focusing during screen-based lessons Sitting too close to screens or squinting   The Overlooked Link: Astigmatism and Eye Strain Many people don't realize that undiagnosed or uncorrected astigmatism can significantly amplify the symptoms of digital eye strain. What is Astigmatism? Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular curvature of the eye's cornea or lens, which leads to distorted or blurred vision. It's often hereditary and can appear from a young age (Mayo Clinic, 2023). When someone with astigmatism looks at a screen, their eyes must work harder to focus. This constant effort causes faster fatigue and discomfort. Even mild, undiagnosed astigmatism can make screen time far more tiring than it should be (Sheppard & Wolffsohn, 2018). And because children rarely realize their vision is off, they assume what they see is normal, thus, these issues can go unnoticed for years.   Why Knowing Astigmatism Risk Early Makes a Difference Almost half (48%) of parents admitted that they know less about their children’s eye health than they should. (Palombi & Kwan, 2020). Identifying a child’s or adult’s genetic tendency toward astigmatism can allow earlier interventions such as vision correction and adjustments to screen time before it begins to affect their learning, development, or overall comfort.  This is especially important today, as children are spending more time on digital learning platforms from an early age.   Take a Step Further: Know Your Eye Health from the Genes Up Understanding your child’s genetic predisposition to astigmatism is a game-changer. No eye issues are created equal. Some can be managed with a screen break. Others, like astigmatism, require early identification and ongoing support. At Absolute Genetic Technologies, our DECODE TALENT DNA TEST can uncover your child’s genetic risk for astigmatism, giving you peace of mind or the power to take early action before it impacts their focus, academic progress, and overall wellness. Plus, explore how our DECODE NUTRITION DNA TEST can guide you in optimizing your child’s diet to support healthy eye development.    References American Optometric Association. (2023). Digital Eye Strain. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome  Mayo Clinic. (2023). Astigmatism. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/astigmatism/symptoms-causes Sheppard, A. L., & Wolffsohn, J. S. (2018). Digital eye strain: prevalence, measurement and amelioration. BMJ Open Ophthalmology, 3(1), e000146. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjophth-2018-000146  Palombi, J., & Kwan, J. (2020). Survey: Parents underinformed about their children’s Eye Health. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/optometry/20201022/survey-parents-underinformed-about-their-childrens-eye-health    

We’re thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Jaya Chandran, affectionately known as “The People’s Doctor”, as our Master Affiliate Partner!    With a heart for the community and a strong foundation in medical practice, Dr. Jaya has dedicated his life to improving public health. Now, through this meaningful collaboration with AGT, he’s taking that mission one step further - by promoting DNA testing as a tool for transformation, helping families unlock powerful, personalized insights for better living.   Why DNA Testing Matters for Families? In a world where one-size-fits-all no longer works, whether in health, education, or lifestyle, DNA testing insights offer a new level of understanding! Our tests empower individuals and parents with key insights into: Genetic health risks and wellness optimization Nutritional needs and sensitivities Hidden talents and career inclinations Personality traits and cognitive strengths By understanding these genetic blueprints early in life, parents or any individuals can make more informed decisions about their long-term health and children’s development.   A Shared Vision: DNA Testing at Family Clinics This partnership with Dr. Jaya is more than symbolic—it’s a practical, strategic step toward making DNA insights accessible to more families through everyday healthcare touchpoints. With Dr. Jaya’s credibility and trusted presence in the clinical and community space, and AGT’s innovative scientific solutions, we aim to integrate DNA testing services directly into general family clinics—making it easy, convenient, and impactful for families to access personalized care.   A Movement Already in Motion Our partnership is encouraged by the enthusiastic response from family clinics and medical professionals. Many are eager to incorporate our DNA tests and support systems to enhance their patient offerings. The demand for personalized, science-backed guidance is growing—and we’re proud to be meeting that need together.   Are You in the Wellness or Clinical Space? Join us in bringing DNA insights to families across the country. If you’re a: Healthcare provider Wellness advocate Nutrition product brand We welcome you to be part of this meaningful movement that’s reshaping how families approach health, learning, and development—through the power of genetics. Partner with us to make science-backed, personalized solutions more accessible to the families you serve! Position your business as a pioneering leader in your industry now!      

AGT Cares: Bringing Health to the Community We’re excited to share that Absolute Genetic Technologies (AGT) had the incredible opportunity to be part of a meaningful community event at Kg Kubu Gajah, organised by the Masjid Jamiul Ehsan Mosque Committee. This groundlevel engagement is a reflection of our commitment to expanding our reach in family wellness by connecting directly with communities and creating space for meaningful conversations about DNA testing and its potential in child development. As the platinum sponsor of the event, we were delighted to sponsor 2 free Decode Nutrition DNA Tests for the lucky winners. A special shoutout and heartfelt thanks to the Masjid Jamiul Ehsan committee for giving us the spotlight and supporting the impactful sharing session led by our DNA Health Consultant. We were proud to bring our best offerings as part of our ongoing mission to bring health to the heart of the community. We believe these events are vital in raising public awareness on how genetic information can empower families to make better, more informed health and nutrition decisions. With support from dedicated healthcare professionals, we’re helping turn these insights into actionable steps for every household .We were more than happy to engage with parents, caregivers, and curious individuals who stopped by to learn more, ask questions, and explore how DNA guided supplement solutions can make a real difference in their lives. The positive public response was incredibly heartening. Although this was our first time participating as a sponsor in a mosque community, we were deeply encouraged by the strong interest shown by parents, caregivers, and curious attendees alike. Many were eager to learn how DNA-guided insights can support healthier, more informed decisions around nutrition and lifestyle for their children and families. It was especially meaningful to see our Nutrition DNA Test reach the hands of a cancer survivor, Pn Zauyah, adding even more value and purpose to our presence at the event. Stay tuned for more community collaborations and upcoming events, AGT is just getting started in our mission to bring personalised wellness to every corner of Malaysia.      

We’re thrilled to be part of Hari Rakan AlArif at Farmasi AlArif! It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate meaningful partnerships, engage with the community, and showcase how collaboration drives better health outcomes for all. A huge thank you to Farmasi AlArif for hosting us over the past two days! We at Absolute Genetic Technologies (AGT) are beyond excited to welcome the community to our DNA collection points across AlArif branches. As a leader in holistic childhood development through DNA insights, we understand how nutrition, health, and performance are interconnected. With the help of healthcare professionals, we’re turning these insights into real, personalized guidance for families. We’ve truly enjoyed connecting with parents, grandparents, and curious individuals who want to make smarter, more informed choices—especially when the Over The Counter (OTC) shelves can be overwhelming.  The public response to our Decode Nutrition DNA Test has been incredible!  We’re excited to continue helping people make choices that are not only easier, but also more accurate and personalized. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, the leading DNA test provider in Malaysia. We are keen on bringing personalized supplement solutions to your OTC shelves through our expanding network of DNA collection points. Watch as the number grows!      

We are honored and thrilled to mark a major milestone in AGT’s journey. Our very first official presence in Indonesia! On 29–30 April 2025, AGT joined the Malaysia–Indonesia Bio Partnering Initiative, a groundbreaking event hosted by Bioeconomy Corporation, bringing together biotech leaders and innovators from across the region. As Malaysia’s leading DNA test provider, this moment was more than just an invitation, it was a bold entry point into Indonesia, where we had the privilege to pitch our mission and vision to regional stakeholders. Global recognition is in! We've received encouraging collaboration inquiries and positive responses from Indonesian leads, validating our innovation's global appeal. Overseas interest underscores our value in empowering children's development through genetic testing and personalized insights. We are committed to making science accessible, personal, and impactful — one family at a time, across borders.        

Did you know the average person spends over 7 hours a day staring at screens? No wonder eye strain and dryness are more common than ever. While taking screen breaks and scheduling regular eye checkups are essential, what you eat might also make a big difference. Good nutrition can’t fix structural abnormalities like myopia or astigmatism, but it can reduce symptoms and support overall eye function over time. No, carrots won’t replace your glasses—but the right nutrients can sharpen vision, reduce strain, and slow age-related decline. Let’s dig into how your plate can protect your eyes—starting with common problems and the key nutrients that can help. Contents: Nutrition & Screen Time: Eye Issues You Can Influence  Screen Time & Kids: Early Prevention Matters Key Nutrients for Eye Health Bonus Tip: Stay Hydrated Final Thoughts   Nutrition & Screen Time: Eye Issues You Can Influence Not all vision problems are caused by what you eat—but certain conditions can be worsened by poor nutrition or screen-related habits. Let’s connect the dots between diet, screen time, and your eye health. 1. Dry Eyes: The First Warning Sign Spending long hours in front of screens often leads to reduced blinking, which causes the eyes to dry out. Poor hydration or a lack of omega-3s in the diet can make this worse. Dryness often makes people rub their eyes more frequently—a habit that, over time, can damage the cornea or even worsen conditions like myopia or astigmatism. 2. Night Blindness: A Sign of Malnutrition Struggling to see in low-light conditions? That could point to a vitamin A deficiency, which affects the retina’s ability to detect light. It’s more common in people with diets low in leafy greens and orange vegetables. 3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) AMD isn’t caused by screen use   and is usually an old-age disease, but it can be accelerated by oxidative stress—which increases with long-term exposure to blue light. Diets lacking lutein, zeaxanthin, and antioxidants can leave your eyes vulnerable.   Screen Time & Kids: Early Prevention Matters Children’s eyes are still developing, making them especially vulnerable to excessive screen exposure and poor nutrition. Early habits can shape their long-term vision health. Signs Your Child’s Eyes May Be Struggling: Frequent rubbing or blinking Complaints of tired, dry, or burning eyes Holding screens too close to the face Trouble seeing in dim light or at night Poor performance at school, especially if it's a recent change Smart Screen Habits: How Parents Can Guide Their Children 1. Teach the 20-20-20 rule Every 20 minutes  of reading activities or screen time, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. It helps reduce eye fatigue. 2. Enforce Age-Appropriate Screen Time Under 2 years: Avoid screen time entirely Ages 2–5: Limit to 1 hour per day—less is better Age 6 -13:  Limit to 2 hour per day—less is better 3. Support eye development with nutrition Make sure your child’s meals include eye-friendly nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, zinc, lutein, and omega-3s—see below for food suggestions!   Key Nutrients for Eye Health So, what should you eat to keep your vision sharp and your eyes comfortable? Here are the top nutrients—and where to find them. Nutrients Main Role in Eye Health Top Food Sources Vitamin A Supports night vision and maintains the cornea; deficiency can lead to night blindness. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, liver Lutein & Zeaxanthin Act as natural antioxidants that filter blue light and protect the retina, especially from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Kale, spinach, broccoli, corn, egg yolks Vitamin C Strengthens blood vessels in the eyes and fights oxidative stress to help prevent cataracts. Oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi Vitamin E Defends eye cells against free radical damage; supports prevention of AMD and cataracts. Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, hazelnuts Zinc Aids in transporting vitamin A to the retina and supports visual adaptation in low light. Meat, shellfish, legumes, pumpkin seeds Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and support the structural health of retinal cells—especially beneficial for dry eyes. Salmon, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts B Vitamins & K Support overall vision by protecting cells from damage and enhancing blood flow to the eyes. Riboflavin (B2): dairy, eggs; B12: fish, meat; K: leafy greens   4.  Stay Hydrated Dehydration can worsen dry eyes. Drinking enough water supports tear production and keeps your eyes more comfortable—especially in dry or air-conditioned environments. 5.  Encourage Outdoor Playtime Spending more time outdoors—at least 2 hours a day—has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Natural daylight and looking at distant objects help the eyes develop properly. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect your child’s vision—plus, it’s fun and keeps them active!   Final Thoughts While nutrition cannot reverse conditions like nearsightedness, a well-balanced diet plays a key role in supporting eye resilience and maintaining overall visual health. In today’s digital age, where excessive screen time is the norm, protecting our eyes requires more than just limiting exposure. Long-term comfort and function begin with consistent, proactive care, and that includes the nutrients we consume daily.   References World Health Organization. (2019, April 24). To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/24-04-2019-to-grow-up-healthy-children-need-to-sit-less-and-play-more National Institutes of Health. (2022). Riboflavin. Nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/ National Institutes of Health. (2023). Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin A. Nih.gov; National Institutes of Health. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/ American Optometric Association: (2021). A healthy eyes recipe. Aoa.org. https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/healthy-eyes-recipe-eye-friendly-nutrients National Eye Institute. (2021, June 22). Nutritional Supplements for Age-Related Macular Degeneration | National Eye Institute. Www.nei.nih.gov. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration/nutritional-supplements-age-related-macular-degeneration American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2013, May 24). Diet and Nutrition. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/diet-nutrition mwb agency. (2025, March 6). The Role of Zinc in Eye Health: What the Science Says. | Vision Defender. Vision Defender. https://www.visiondefender.co.uk/the-role-of-zinc-in-eye-health-what-the-science-says/

The ancient Greek storyteller Aesop once said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” This quote reminds us that even the tiniest gestures—a smile, a kind word, a helping hand—can create ripples that reach far and wide. As parents, our hope is often simple: to raise children who grow into compassionate, considerate human beings. But in a world that sometimes feels rushed and competitive, how do we teach kindness in a way that truly works? What is the foundation of being a kind individual, and can it be developed in a child based on their natural traits? Read on to discover the answers to these questions. Contents: The foundation of kindness: Connection  Traits that influence a child’s capacity to be kind How to instill kindness in children What if my child doesn’t seem naturally kind?   The foundation of kindness: Connection At the core of kindness is the connection one feels with another. Kindness originates from having secure relationships and a deep emotional bond with others. For this to emerge in children, it is essential that a connection is first built with them by making them feel safe, seen and valued. Children who have the capacity to form such connections are more likely to show kindness and consideration towards others. Kindness is strongly linked with emotions, be it a child’s ability to recognize others’ emotions in order to exercise empathy or to understand and manage their own emotions which influence their ability to practise kindness. Empathy often underpins the kindness that a child shows, but it can occasionally diminish when they are too tired or overwhelmed. This is completely natural and something that can be nurtured over time. Teaching kids how to get in touch with their own emotions helps them with balancing between managing their own emotions and building connections with others through kindness.   Traits That Influence a Child’s Capacity to be Kind Kindness can be influenced by the interaction between various naturally-inherited traits that determine a child’s ability to adapt socially and behaviourally. These are some key traits involved in nurturing kindness: 1. Empathy + Altruism A child that possesses high empathy and altruism not only has the ability to connect with others on a deeper level by understanding their feelings and perspectives but also has a strong tendency to help them. They are more inclined to extend their compassion to others by comforting them when hurt or supporting them when needed. Setting boundaries is important to ensure they don’t take on too much of a weight emotionally but this does not hinder their generous nature. 2. Agreeableness + Conscientiousness Children high in agreeableness tend to be cooperative, warm and considerate towards others. When combined with conscientiousness which is related to taking responsibility and being reliable, children are more likely to demonstrate kindness in a consistent manner. They ensure that they follow through on providing help to someone when offered and can be relied on to be kind and supportive. 3. Resilience + Stress Tolerance Given that emotions underlie kindness, having high emotional resilience and stress tolerance are positive traits for a child to have as they will be capable of continuing to show kindness even in difficult situations. They can control intense emotions and maintain their ability to show respect and politeness to others. This will help them remain calm when feeling emotional and are less likely to lash out at others. If your child is low in these traits, there are still ways that you can nurture and improve them with the right support and strategies tailored for your child.   How to Instill Kindness in Children Kindness is ultimately a skill that grows through time, experience, and guidance. Here are several ways you can nurture kindness in your child’s daily life: 1. Model kind behaviour Children learn best by observing. Your child watches how you treat others, especially in moments of stress, frustration, or disagreement. Show them what kindness looks like through your tone of voice, your willingness to help others, and how you speak about people when they’re not around. Small, consistent actions—holding the door open for someone, thanking the cashier, comforting a friend—leave lasting impressions. 2. Use real-life situations as teaching moments Whether it’s a sibling argument or a classmate being left out, moments of conflict are opportunities for reflection. Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” or “What could you do next time to make things better?” These questions help children practise empathy and develop emotional awareness. 3. Praise acts of kindness—not just achievements Praise their effort when they show kindness. An example of this could be “It was very kind of you to help your sister get back up when she fell down.” Providing feedback this way affirms empathy shown by children and gives them the feeling of accomplishment that they have done something good that benefits others. 4. Teach emotional regulation When a child is overwhelmed, tired, or upset, it’s harder for them to act kindly. Help them identify their emotions with words, validate what they’re feeling, and offer strategies to manage those feelings. For example: “It’s okay to feel angry. Let’s take a few deep breaths together.” This helps them learn to pause, reflect, and choose kind responses—even during emotional moments.   What If My Child Doesn’t Seem Naturally Kind? Some children may not show kindness straight away. This is a normal part of early development when children are naturally egocentric, which means they prioritize their own desires and needs before considering that of others. They first need to understand the world through their own perspective before they can take others’ perspectives. In stressful moments, they may choose to prioritize their own feelings and wellbeing due to survival, not selfishness. This doesn’t mean they will not develop into kind, compassionate individuals. Implementing the strategies mentioned are a great starting point to teach them about kindness early. Final thoughts Kindness doesn’t always come naturally, but it can always be nurtured. By understanding the traits that shape your child’s natural tendencies and by using strategies grounded in connection and compassion, you are giving your child the tools to grow into someone who not only cares about others—but acts on it. The Decode Talent DNA Test offers a deeper look into their natural tendencies for empathy, altruism, agreeableness and more—helping you plant the seeds of kindness that will help your child build strong, meaningful relationships and contribute positively to the world around them. To learn more, check out Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today! References https://www.mother.ly/parenting/9-family-routines-that-create-kind-kids/ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/12/how-to-raise-kind-kids-children  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, “vaccination” is a term that is circulating in our conversations. So, what is vaccination and how does it work? Are there risks in vaccination? Here is a simple guide to understanding vaccination.  There are various types of vaccines, but essentially vaccines build up our bodies’ immunity. They help the body gain better protection against specific diseases. They are essentially the ‘preventive measure’ that is better than ‘the cure’.  To understand how vaccines work, we must first understand how our body naturally combat diseases.    The Immune System The Immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against all sorts of infections.  External to our bodies lie a myriad of tiny foreign organisms. They are invisible to our naked eyes because of their micro sizes. Scientists have estimated that we come into contact with 60,000 different types of microorganisms daily. While not all of them are harmful, it is worth thinking how we are kept protected from the harmful ones known as pathogens.  The answer lies in our immune system. Most might already know that the immune cells in our blood are known as white blood cells. They help to fight pathogens that we come into contact with daily. They keep sickness at bay.  Like the immense variety of microorganisms, there are also various types of white blood cells. Here are a few significant ones that will help us understand vaccines better later on: Macrophages. They swallow up dying cells or cells that are dead, as well as pathogens. They digest the pathogens and leave behind their structural components known as antigens. The system would then recognize these antigens as foreign and harmful to stimulate the production of antibodies to attack them.  B-lymphocytes. These are the cells that function to generate antibodies to 'attack' the antigens left behind by the invading agents.  T-lymphocytes. They attack cells in the body that have already been infected thus halting the spread of further viral invasion into other cells.  We possess such an intricate immune system that helps to fend us from these invisible threats. The first time a person is infected, it usually causes the development of a disease along with symptoms. During this period, the immune cells would assemble and identify these pathogens and remember them.  Then, these immune cells are now able to remember the specific pathogen after recovery. When the person encounters the same pathogens in the future, the immune system can now combat more readily, thus not having an onset of the disease. This is also known as natural active immunity (‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’, 2020).  You may then ask, why do we still need vaccines if we have our immune system?    Vaccines While our body’s own immune system is very competent, microorganisms like viruses or bacteria have their own tricks up their sleeves. Some pathogens have a high infection rate. They invade and proliferate rapidly before the immune system can act. There are also other mechanisms where they can bypass the immune system. All these lead to an inevitable infection and disease onset. Some infections are more severe than others and that is why vaccines are needed. Vaccination is also known as artificial active immunity.  What are the types of Vaccines and how do they work?  Conventional vaccines are essentially weakened or dead pathogens that are administered into the human body. They are also known as live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines respectively. These vaccines help trigger the immune system to “prepare” to fight whenever the person encounters the same pathogen again in the future. Because these pathogens are weakened or dead, it does not cause the development of a disease.  Modern vaccines utilize a similar concept. They include genetic-based vaccines such as DNA or RNA vaccines which are safer due to the absence of the whole virus unit. These vaccines like the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine utilize the genetic information from the virus to instruct the production of a harmless protein unique to the specific virus.  The protein is then recognized, destroyed and remembered by the immune cells. Whenever the virus is encountered again, the immune cells will detect the presence of the unique protein to destroy the virus more effectively and efficiently (‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’, 2020).  Are there Risks to Vaccinations? Vaccination brings with it some risks. There are certain side-effects in vaccination as do most medications. Nonetheless, the benefits outweigh the risks.  While there is a large circulation of severe risks in vaccination, they are largely untrue or founded on misconceptions.  Vaccination may cause mild symptoms like mild fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, fatigue and headache. These are actually normal after vaccination and they should come to an end after a couple of days. They are not major concerns as the mild symptoms actually indicate that the body is building immunity.  There are also more serious adverse effects like allergic reactions, but they are rare. A common myth is that vaccination causes autism, however this has been verified to be false (‘Vaccines.gov’, 2020).  Immunization through vaccination has saved and is saving millions of lives. According to the World Health Organization, there are vaccines now that enable the prevention of more than 20 life-threatening diseases. Vaccines have helped to secure longer and healthier livelihoods. It is also said that 2-3 million deaths are prevented yearly because of vaccinations (‘World Health Organization’, n.d.). Malaysia has implemented many vaccinations to be compulsory for everyone. They are administered to children at different stages of their early months or years.  You may refer to this CodeBlue article for more information: Malaysia Updates Child Immunisation Schedule With Hexavalent Vaccine  It is our desire that this little piece of information has increased the collective awareness of the value of vaccines especially for our children and for the safety of the population as well. Let us also be wise consumers who are concerned and responsible over both our health and our children’s.   References ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’. (November 2020). Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html ‘Vaccines.gov’. (February 2020). Vaccines Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/safety/side_effects​​ ‘World Health Organization’. (n.d.). Vaccines and Immunization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1

The topic of physical punishment is a controversial one. It is commonly thought of as a topic most Asians can relate with, yet it is also not unfamiliar to parents in the West. Physical punishment includes caning, smacking and spanking a child as a response to deter or correct their unacceptable behaviours. Are these means still relevant and right?  The topic is still very much contended by two sides. One side advocates for physical punishment as still relevant and important and the other disagrees with reasons backed up by research data and influenced by personal experiences.  The purpose of this article is to help younger parents of today to seriously consider the ethics and the underlying reasons for or against physical punishment before jumping too quickly to conclusions that are biased and unfounded.  Many young parents have at one point of time tasted their parents’ “wrath” since young whenever they misbehave. They are usually manifested in the combination of a barbaric scream and the usage of a household object intended for harm. It is usually the outcome of an uncontrollable temper that reveals itself in an excessive use of violence.  That is what one party perceives of the “typical Asian parenting”, or in this issue - physical punishment. While the description sounds uncomfortably familiar and “accurate”, it may not register to be that horrendous as many perceive it to be.  Many parents now have lived through it and many are even thankful for the strict parenting. This one side would contend that physical punishments were not uncalled for or necessarily stemming from a loss of temper. Through the means of physical punishments, parents were simply disciplining their children in the way they know best. And they were not acts of violence that are arbitrary, but they are in response to negative behaviours or attitudes. The objective of such a response is to correct and deter the child from a persistence in such misconduct, or worse negative attitudes that may fester to adulthood. Through physical punishments, valuable lessons and principles are being conveyed.   The socially-acceptable and morally upright persons that many can say they are right now are mainly because of what parents of the past have taught them through the various means of punishment that involve physical pains.  With this sentiment being raised, there are several objections being laid out and questions to ponder further.  Some questions raised are “Why the need to adopt physical punishment as a disciplinary action given the alternatives?” or “Does physical punishment have an intrinsic value that other alternative punishment means do not?” Many have argued that physical punishment is out-dated in a progressive and modern time like this. “The times have changed and there are more positive and effective ways to discipline children without hurting them."  Alternative disciplinary actions with functions to correct and deter children from misconduct include reasoning with them, providing stern warnings, grounding, calling for time-outs, and giving consequences beforehand. Furthermore, researches have shown that physical punishment causes children to be emotionally-scarred. The matter now concerns the health and wellbeing of the child. Their growth and development is in view.  Some who are in support of the banning of physical punishment voiced that they were filled with fear and confusion instead of having learnt the lesson when they were punished physically as a child. Others agree that lessons are learnt only after parents explain to their children that their wrongdoings are unacceptable, and not through the act of physical punishment itself. One quotes: “My fear came from the pain he (the father) inflicted and the confusion from my certainty that he couldn’t love me if he could hurt me. It did not make me respect him at any level.”.  Adding on, physical punishment has been claimed to have the tendency to encourage children to use violence to resolve problems. One quotes that “I firmly believe an act of violence doesn’t inform children in any way other than for them to think that it is an acceptable way to behave. If I hit my child, he is going to hit his classmate if things don’t go his way.”.  An article claims that many studies have shown that physical punishment including spanking, hitting and other means of causing pain can lead to increased aggression, antisocial behaviour, physical injury and mental health problems for children.  Fourthly, people have claimed that physical punishment doesn’t confer any effectiveness at all. In other words “it doesn’t work”. A parent quotes “I have to confess, I did once smack my eldest on the bum when he was about four or five. He had repeatedly, and very blatantly, disobeyed me and my lack of reasoning got the better of me. He cried and I dissolved into a mess of tears, regret, anguish, guilt, fear and sadness. It did not happen again.”.  Another prominent argument against physical punishment is that it violates the human rights of children. Given that it is socially unacceptable for a man to hit his wife, or a woman to hit her husband, there is a discrepancy in how people think. Many think that it is alright and even commendable to hit children. No one including children - if not especially - deserves violence.  However, on the other side, despite some research backings, many support and advocate for physical punishments on their children.  Contending against some of the raised points above, a mother disagrees by giving a personal testimony. “On one occasion with my eldest son I tried talking and enforcing withdrawal of privileges and got nowhere. After I gave him a smack, he apologized and made proper amends. Years on, he credits that moment with turning his behaviour around and he was never needed to be punished like it again. Does he feel scarred or abused? No.”.  Another parameter was hardly considered or if present, it is given less prominence, and that is none other than immediate compliance. While it is not a factor that can justify all occasions of inappropriate call for physical punishments, it is nonetheless a valid variable. Parents in varying circumstances may require some liberty to control a situation that is going out of hand. Some think that physical punishment more effective than its alternatives to deter and bring to an end of a child’s misconduct in an immediate context. Explanations and verbal corrections can and should follow suit after.  Some also posed questions to the research conducted regarding the negative effects of physical punishment. Are the circumstances by which physical punishment was apparent considered as a variable? And to what extend? Are the experiments accurately pinpointing physical punishment as the sole or primary "culprit" of children's negative development?  Moreover, those who disagree strongly against physical punishments by parents may have often misunderstood physical punishment as a parent’s inability to monitor and regulate their own emotions, resulting in a loss of temper and leading to the child’s negative emotional development or worse, a case of child abuse. This assumption may be misplaced leading to a consequently misplaced conclusion as well.  Other parents would argue that physical punishment may help in training a child’s emotional resilience as they eventually are bound to face hardships in life, both mental and physical ones.  We have opened up a can of worms to this complex matter and responsibility of parenting. While it is not our immediate objective to arrive at a conclusion on this matter at the present, it is certainly our desire for parents to not take this lightly, but to carefully weigh the arguments on both sides. Both sides have presented valid concerns for a child’s healthy development, while keeping in close consideration of the risk of child abuse and a subtle and slippery slope to a failure in disciplining children rightly and effectively.  So, would you as a parent adopt physical punishment?

Early life experiences can exert a huge effect on both of the brain development and behavioural development; while the latter experience also plays an important role in maintaining and elaborating, which is important in establishing a solid foundation for development after early stages (Fox, Levitt & Nelson, 2010). For example, the learning experience of a child will shape a child’s behaviour and personality as well as how the child’s brain grows and develops.  ​These are the three major theories explained how children learn: Classical conditioning, Operant conditioning, and Observational learning. These theories deal only with observable behaviours and purely focus on how experience shapes who we are instead of considering internal thoughts or feelings (Cherry, 2020). Classical Conditioning Type of learning that automatic conditioned response is paired with a specific stimulus, in order to produce a behavioural response known as a conditioned response (Jamie, 2020). To make this a bit more concrete, let’s use a classic experiment as an example. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist discovered over time that, dogs were salivating not only when their food was presented to them, but when the people who fed them arrived. In order to test his theory that the dogs were salivating because they were associating the people with being fed, he began ringing a bell and then presenting the food so they’d associate the sound with food. These dogs learned to associate the bell ringing with food, causing their mouths to salivate whenever the bell rang, not just when they encountered the food (Clark, 2004). Children learn in much the same way, developing associations between things in their environment and potential consequences. For example, an infant might quickly start to associate the sight of a baby bottle with being fed. Or when a child sees needle, he or she will immediately associate the needle with pain and cry at the sight of it. Operant Conditioning Type of learning that when a behaviour is rewarded, the chances that the same behaviour is likely to occur again. When a behaviour is punished, the chance of the same behaviour is less likely to occur again. In other words, it is a set of learning techniques that utilizes reinforcement and punishment to either increase or decrease a behaviour (Grant, 2014). For example, whenever a child goes to bed on time, his parent reads him a bedtime story. The story reading is a positive reinforcement used to increase his child’s behaviour which is going to bed on time. Observational Learning A process of learning through watching others, retaining the information, and then later replicating the behaviours that were observed. It can take place at any point in life, but it tends to be the most common during childhood as children learn from the authority figures and peers in their lives. For example, a child watches his mother folding the laundry. He later picks up some clothing and imitates folding the clothes. It also plays an important role in the socialization process, as children learn how to behave and respond to others by observing how their parents and other caregivers interact with other people. Therefore, it is important to ensure that children are observing the right kind of behaviour, and parents have to be sure that their children are learning how to act responsibly by modelling good behaviours and appropriate responses. In addition to the types of learning that happen in a day-to-day basis, there are also other experiences that play a role in shaping a child’s development such as their peers like kids at the playground, neighbourhood and school. Children are very influenced by their peers, and these social experiences help shape a child's values and personality (Blazevic, 2016). Besides that, teachers and classmates play a major role in making up a child's experiences, and academics and learning also leave their mark on development (Osher, Kendiziora, Spier, and Garibaldi, 2014). Because genetics and the environment are always interacting in a dynamic way. A child's genetic background will influence his ability to learn, hence, good educational experiences can enhance these abilities. Other than that, the culture that a child grows up and lives in has also played a role in how a child develops. For example, a child who raised in individualistic cultures might help on developing the autonomy and self-esteem; in the opposite, a child who raised in collectivist cultures tend to express higher levels of sadness, fear and discomfort (Putnam & Gartstein, 2019). Thus, we can see how genetics, environmental influences, and parenting styles are interacting in a child’s development. Each part of our life plays an important role in shaping our behaviour and personality as well as determining what kind of person will be in the future. References Blazevic, I. (2016). Family, peer and school influence on children's social development. World J Educ. 6(2), 42-49. http://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v6n2p42 Cherry, K. (2020). Child Development Theories and Examples. Verywellmind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/child-development-theories-2795068 Clark, R. E. (2004). The classical origins of Pavlov’s conditioning. Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science. 39, 279-294. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02734167 Fox, S. E., Levitt, P., Nelson, C. A. (2010). How the timing and quality of early experiences influence the development of brain architecture. Child Dev. 81(1):28–40. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01380.x Grant, D. A. (2014). Classical and Operant Conditioning. In: Categories of Human Learning. Elsevier. 1-31. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4832-3145-7.50006-6 Jamie, E. (2020). Classical Conditioning and How It Relates to Pavlov’s Dog. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/classical-conditioning Osher, D., Kendiziora, K., Spier, E., Garibaldi, M. L. (2014). School influences on child and youth development. In: Sloboda Z, Petras H, eds., Defining Prevention science. New York, NY: Springer. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7424-2_7 Putnam, S. & Gartstein, M. A. (2019). How different cultures shape children’s personalities in different ways. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-different-cultures-shape-childrens-personalities-in-different-ways/2019/01/11/1c059a92-f7de-11e8-8d64-4e79db33382f_story.html

Time is irreplaceable, time spent with our children is even more so. Before we know it, we have missed their first ten years because parents are trying to make a living in the name of “for the family”. Most of the time, parents are so busy building careers and making money, some have to leave the care of their children to helpers and nannies. In wanting to secure our children’s livelihood, happiness and future, parents oftentimes lose the opportunity to be present across their development. Consequently, when children grow up, they have little memory of your presence and affection in their lives. While love is not expressed solely through quality time spent, yet no doubt it is important and precious simply because it is irreplaceable. Needless to say, it is also the primary determinant of the state of your relationship with your children.     ​Over the past few months, COVID-19 pandemic has been a great challenge for everyone. But, we are glad to see parents around Malaysia are spending quality time with their little ones during the movement restricted period. Through our ‘Absolute Love Photo Contest’, many parents have shared their treasured moments with their kids through their photos.     ​Apart from the photos, we have also seen their affection expressed in their captions. The love quotes inspire the meaning of bonding, happiness and absolute love. Here are some of our top picks:   "My son, you will always be my baby no matter what age you will be. Even when you grow older and I reach 100 years old, my love for you won't age at all! It is challenging to bring up kids at this modern world where exposure and access to social medias are rampant. I try well-balanced approach with limits and disciplines while giving unconditional love to my son. I am yet to discover my son's hidden potential besides his love for drawing his favourite cartoon characters and superheroes and being mischievous in acceptable manner as a growing up boy. I hope I can win this to explore and polish my son's potential, talents, IQ, EQ, personality and his overall wellness so we get to understand him better while guiding him to the right direction."​   "Shikin Amir"   "Age is just a number. Don't worry what's other think? Be silly, be crazy, be adventurous, be bold, and most importantly, be yourself. Parenting is all about having fun with your little ones. Happiness is simple as abc, just enjoy the moments with person right infront of you. I am a happy mommy with overload loves." "Enid Tang"   In conjunction to our photo contest, Absolute Genetic Technologies wants to play our role in fostering healthy family institutions across the country and beyond. That is why we offered our very own talent DNA tests to the winners of this contests so that parents may gain further insight in understanding and approaching their kids. It is our desire to cultivate loving households by first beginning from parents to children. No doubt parents’ roles are imperative and time spent with their children should never be taken lightly. We acknowledge that time flies and kids grow up quickly. While the world around us evolves and gets evermore hectic and while the workplace becomes increasingly competitive, we strongly encourage parents to fork out time amidst your busy schedules to spend time in cherishing and understanding your children through every stages. Take time to know your children’s character and temperament and strengthen your parent-child relationship. Once again, we would appreciate the many parents who took part in this Absolute Love Photo Contest to join us to spread this movement for healthier families and stronger parents-to-children relationship.

  It’s the time of the year again where you will see and hear about red packets, fireworks, reunion dinners, and relatives - all telltale signs of the Chinese New Year.   While red symbolizes good luck and is considered auspicious when it comes to the Lunar New Year, fruits that are orange in colour are also a vibrant colour that associates with good fortune.  To be more specific, we are speaking of the mandarin oranges, also known as tangerines. They belong to the citrus family and are similar to grapefruits, oranges, limes and lemons. It is believed that their origins are from ancient China which is how they got their name “mandarin oranges”. Compared to oranges, mandarin oranges are smaller in size, sweeter in taste and easier to peel.  When Chinese New Year is around the corner, there is always a fret about putting on weight during or after the festival when celebrants indulge food heavily.  However, there are benefits of consuming mandarin oranges. If you are worried about putting on weight, the good news is that they contain only around 47 calories for one medium sized mandarin orange. A normal person usually takes up 2,500 calories per day, meaning that consuming more mandarin oranges gives you ample benefits while keeping the calories in check.    Nutritional profile One medium size of mandarin orange (88 grams) contains the following nutrients: 47 calories 12 grams of carbohydrates 0.7 grams of protein 0.3 grams of fat 2 grams of fiber 26% daily value (DV) of vitamin C 2.5% DV of magnesium 3% DV of potassium 4% DV of copper Approximately 1% DV of iron Mandarin orange is also a minor source of thiamin, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).   Health benefits Alright, what do those nutritional values actually mean for us?  On top of the delightful taste of mandarin oranges and how it is widely accessible, they are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. In order to stay healthy, your body needs these elements. Here are some of the benefits you will get from eating this delicious fruit.  1. Maintain cholesterol levels  Mandarin oranges are cholesterol-free citrus fruits that help you stay healthy and maintain your diet. They consist of a good source of soluble fibre which quench your hunger and appetite long after eating.  This soluble fiber has been proven to reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, often called the “bad” cholesterol because when accumulated, they can block the arteries and cause heart problems.  What does that mean for us?  Mandarin oranges can lower your LDL cholesterol level which helps you to decrease the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.  2. Lower blood pressure  The fiber, antioxidants, and potassium in mandarin oranges can also help to manage high blood pressure. Having an optimal blood pressure is important to keep blood flow smoothly and steadily.  Potassium found in this orange fruit controls the fluid balance in the body. It aids in getting rid of the excess sodium (salt) from the kidneys which helps in reducing the tension in the blood vessel walls. The kidneys then control the blood pressure by controlling the amount of fluid stored in the body.  3. Anticancer property Mandarin oranges have been proven to contain secondary metabolites such as limonoids, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids, alkaloids, carotenoids, and essential oils. These secondary metabolites are agents in reducing cancer risk, including breast cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, blood cancer, and lung and colon tumor formation due to their active properties.  4. Antioxidant property  Likewise, tangerines have potent antioxidative properties due to their phenolic compound property with poly-hydroxyl groups. It could inhibit the reactive oxygen species pathways, participate in the process of absorption and neutralization of free radicals, and increase human antioxidant enzymes activities. All these will help in reducing inflammation. 5. Enhance eye health  Mandarin oranges have high content of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining eye health.  Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin which is believed to maintain healthy cornea and retina function.  Eating natural foods rich in vitamin A like mandarin oranges can prevent vitamin A deficiency as well. Individuals who are chronically low in vitamin A level can encounter a condition called xerophthalmia which is the inability to see in low light, which may worsen to develop into night blindness.  Both vitamins also help in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) prevention which is an eye disease that leads to decreased vision as people age. Further evidence proves that the combination of vitamin C with other nutritional antioxidants may help to slow down AMD progression. It also helps in delaying the onset of cataracts.  6. Provide skin benefits Because mandarin oranges is a good source of vitamin A, it can prevent skin diseases such as pimples and acnes. Vitamin A is essential for wound healing or other skin damage since it functions to rebuild damaged skin tissues. If you wish to decrease or control any skin aging symptoms such as wrinkles, fine lines or dull skin at bay, vitamin A is a great nutrient due to its anti-aging properties.  Additionally, vitamin C in mandarin oranges can help to maintain a smooth and youthful skin as it can stimulate the production of collagen in your skin. Collagen is a protein responsible for strengthening the skin, Given the health benefits of mandarin oranges, giving them to your loved ones during the Chinese New Year is not only a symbolic way of wishing someone prosperity and happiness, but it also confers tremendous health benefits to your loved ones. It is more than a simple act of showing your gratitude to the people you love.  Although it will be different for the celebration this year, we wish everyone a pleasant and healthy Chinese New Year Celebration.    References Cervoni, B. (June 2020). Tangerine nutrition facts and health benefits. Verywell Fit. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfit.com/tangerine-nutrition-facts-calories-and-health-benefits-4115498 ‘Borneo Post Online’ (January 2016). Health benefits of mandarin oranges. Retrieved from https://www.theborneopost.com/2016/01/20/health-benefits-of-mandarin-oranges/#:~:text=The%20fruit%20is%20rich%20in,healing%20wounds%20and%20preventing%20cancer.&text=Watch%20out%20for%20rotten%20fruits%20and%20those%20with%20cuts. ‘WebMD’. (September 2020). Health benefits of tangerines. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-tangerines#1 Lv, X., Zhao, S., Ning, Z., Zeng, H., Shu, Y., Tao, O., Xiao, C., Lu, C., & Liu, Y. (2015). Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health. Chemistry Central Journal, 9(1). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9 Wartenberg, L., & Richter, A. (April 2020). Mandarin orange: Nutrition facts, benefits, and types. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mandarin-orange

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient in our body along with calcium to maintain healthy bones and good strengths. Like all nutrients, Vitamin D does not serve only one purpose for the body. It is important for our overall health, immunity, and skin and beauty.  However, there is an estimation of one billion people who are reported to have Vitamin D deficiency worldwide. ​ Pinpointing a “suitable” Vitamin D intake level for your children is not easy.  Just like other nutrients, getting sufficient of each but not too much of it is needed to keep a human body to function well.    What is Vitamin D?   Vitamin D, also known as “calciferol”, is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in foods and available as a dietary supplement. Interestingly, apart from food sources, Vitamin D can also be synthesized when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight pass through the skin.  Once a human body takes in Vitamin D, chemical processes in our liver will start absorbing it into our blood and directing it through our body tissues and kidneys. There, it converts into an activated form known as calcitriol. With the activated form of Vitamin D, it can now aid in calcium supply and absorption by our bones, blood and gut.     What is Vitamin D deficiency?   When your blood test report shows that you have Vitamin D deficiency, it means that the Vitamin D level in your body has not reached the average range.    What are the common risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency? Here are the 7 common risk factors:  Being elderly Having dark skin  Having inadequate fish or dairy food intake Facing obesity  Staying indoors for prolonged periods  Living far from the equator where there is little sun year-round  People that do not live near the equator are exposed to the sun less and are therefore more likely to be Vitamin D deficient.  Applying sunscreen often when going out   What are the Health Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency?   1. Skeletal diseases Vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with weak bones. Loss of bone density is one of the common Vitamin D deficiency problems which can contribute to bone fractures and osteoporosis.  A rare bone disease known as rickets can be found in children. It is the outcome of bone tissues that are not properly mineralized, resulting in soft bones that bend easily.  In addition to bone pain and deformities, severe rickets may lead to developmental delay, dental abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, seizures and spasms.  Rickets can be mostly seen in African American babies and kids whereas severe Vitamin D deficiency in adults leads to osteomalacia which causes muscle weakness, weak bones and bone pain.  ​2. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Although vitamin D deficiency is common in people with IBD, it is still not established whether the deficiency is a factor or a consequence of the disease.  However, there is evidence proven that vitamin D deficiency may be a contributing factor that leads to the development of IBD in genetically predisposed individuals.  At the same time, in order to absorb vitamin D, there must be sufficient dietary fat from our food intake. Fat is absorbed in the small intestine. When there is a failure of absorbing nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, there is a higher risk for nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, IBD causes inflammation in the small intestine, leading to the decrease of fat absorption, which in turn affects the absorption of vitamin D. 3. Cognitive disorders Vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and function regulation as well. It is responsible for a healthy nervous system.  Vitamin D deficiency can be commonly found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, dementia, schizophrenia, and elderly with cognitive decline.  It has been reported that individuals with low Vitamin D have 2.4 times greater risk of cognitive impairment versus those with sufficient levels.    How can you help your child to get enough Vitamin D?   You and your child can get Vitamin D in three ways: from sunlight, diet and supplements.   1. Sunlight  Children need sunlight on their skin to produce Vitamin D. By having regular exposure to sunlight, they can get about 80% of Vitamin D into their body.  However, the amount of sun that your kid needs depends a little on the skin colour. People with a natural tan need 3 to 6 times more sunlight exposure to produce the Vitamin D they need as compared to fair-skinned people.  Age plays a role too. Individuals who are younger convert sunlight into Vitamin D better than those who are past the 50 year mark. Fortunately, the solution is simple and it doesn’t take a long time. 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is enough to get the needed amount of Vitamin D.  Yet, you need to take note that too much sunlight exposure can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.  Hence, always be sun smart especially for your children when you are having outdoor activities under hot sun. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, UV protection clothes and access to shady areas can be the alternatives to protect our skin.  Without a doubt, having Vitamin D naturally from the sun is a good option. Unfortunately, kids nowadays spend most of their time indoors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hence, parents must provide kids with natural food sources which have adequate Vitamin D content.  2. Food  Unlike other nutrients, Vitamin D is generally found in a small number of foods. These include fresh fatty fish like sardines, salmon, mackerel and herring. Mushrooms, liver, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and some fat spreads also contain Vitamin D.  Alternatively, parents could offer Vitamin D supplements for their children as not many food sources are rich in Vitamin D.  3. Supplements To get enough Vitamin D, children often need to consume Vitamin D supplement or multivitamin with Vitamin D. Vitamin D is occasionally labeled as Vitamin D3. For more kids-friendly options, parents can buy Vitamin D gummies, chewables, liquids and sprays in stores for your children without a prescription.  Do make sure to consult your kid’s health care provider, pharmacies or consultant for advice on choosing the ideal Vitamin D supplement.    How much Vitamin D do you need? Vitamin D is measured in international units (IU) Infants from birth to 12 months: 400 IU of Vitamin D per day. Baby formula generally has 400 IU per liter. Thus, if your baby is drinking at least 32 ounces of formula every day, you don’t have to worry much about his or her Vitamin D level.  Children from 1 to 13 year old: 600 IU of Vitamin D per day  Teens from 14 to 18 year old: 600 IU of Vitamin D per day Adults from 19 to 70 year old: 800 IU of Vitamin D per day Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 600 IU of Vitamin D per day Some children might need more intake of Vitamin D, as such:  Those who are healing from bone surgery such as scoliosis. Those who have some medical problems such as cystic fibrosis, obesity, celiac disease, bone pain or multiple fractures. Those who are under medications such as anti-seizure medicines that prevent the way the body uses Vitamin D   Can too much Vitamin D be harmful?   Extreme levels of Vitamin D, also known as Vitamin D toxicity can be harmful to an individual.  The signs of toxicity include vomiting, nausea, constipation, poor appetite, weaknesses, weight loss. Excess Vitamin D also causes the damage of the kidney and increase of calcium level in the blood. High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) can cause disorientation, confusion, and problems with heart rhythm. Vitamin D toxicity happens when an individual over-consumes Vitamin D supplements. High exposure to sunlight won’t cause Vitamin D poisoning as the body will limit the amount of the produced Vitamin D. Yet, it is still best to control the time exposure to sunlight to avoid skin damage. In short, as long as your child is provided a well-balanced diet with the stated food source rich in Vitamin D, you don’t have to worry much about his or her Vitamin D level! Nevertheless, make sure to talk to your health care consultant whether your kid needs a Vitamin D supplement or not.   References Biegner, J. (November 2020). Vitamin-D deficiency: what you should know. HUM Nutrition Blog. Retrieved from https://www.humnutrition.com/blog/vitamin-d-deficiency-what-you-should-know/ Dinerman, B. E. (January 2018). What you need to know about Vitamin D. One Medical. Retrieved from https://www.onemedical.com/blog/live-well/vitamin-d Harbolic, B. K. (September 2019). Vitamin D Deficiency. MedicineNet. Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/vitamin_d_deficiency/article.htm ‘MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine’. (n.d.). Vitamin D deficiency. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/vitaminddeficiency.html ‘National Institutes of Health’. (October 2020). Vitamin D. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ ‘Raising Children Network’. (September 2020). Vitamin D: what you need to know. Retrieved from https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/healthy-lifestyle/nutrients/vitamin-d

No calcium? No way!  Ever wonder why calcium is so important in our diet? Look no further and unravel this mystery in this article today! Just as vitamin C is necessary to boost immunity, calcium is one of the essential nutrients that act as a building block for strong and healthy bones and teeth. Bones are the foundation for one’s growing body. Since young, living tissues in our body change constantly with bits of old bones removed and replaced by new bones. Calcium come into the picture by functioning to remove the old bones and restore it faster. Without this repair and reinforcement, our bones will break off easily. It has been proven that 90% of females by the age of 18 and males by the age of 20 have reached their optimal bone mass with maximum density and strength. Additionally, children and adolescents’ bodies build new bones faster than they break down which contribute to an increase of total bone mass. Hence, these show the importance for parents to place tremendous priority to the development of their children’s bone health during early development.    What else does calcium do in a human body?   Apart from maintaining bone and teeth health in a human body, calcium still serves multiple purposes including blood vessels and muscles contraction and relaxation, secretion of enzymes and hormones, and the nervous system. An interesting fact about calcium is that it is one of the key minerals for optimal functioning of the whole body. Sufficient calcium intake can reduce osteoporosis, damaged gums, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. Additionally, it also boosts up your metabolism to maintain healthy weight.  Our bone mass are influenced by several factors as such:  1. Gender  Males generally have higher bone mass than women but the development of bone mass is usually at a similar rate in young children. However, once young children reach their teenage years, boys tend to attain a sudden surge growth in their bone mass as compared to girls.  2. Physical activity  Physical activity such as regular exercise provides benefits in achieving greater peak bone mass especially in the skeleton areas that bear the most weight. Those areas include arms, legs, waist and hips.  3. Nutrition  To form the foundation of strong bones, a well-balanced diet containing sufficient amounts of minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, zinc and vitamin D is also important since young. As far as we are concerned, nothing builds our bones better than how calcium does because it is the mineral that makes bone hard and strong compared to other nutrients. Although some of the factors such as gender and race are out of our control, nutrition and physical activity are still within our grasp. Of the two factors mentioned, nutrition with calcium is still the most crucial factor in building healthy bones.   How much calcium is enough?   Kids and teens can have healthy bones when they get enough calcium along with physical activity. For the best bone health, the requirement of calcium consumption is according to the Institute of Medicine (2011), as such:  Babies younger than 6 months old with 200 mg of calcium daily Babies from 6 to 12 months old with 260 mg of calcium daily  Kids 1 to 3 years old with 700 mg of calcium daily Kids 4 to 8 years old with 1,000 mg of calcium daily  Kids and teens 9 to 18 years old with 1,300 mg of calcium daily  In conjunction with getting enough calcium, 600 IU of vitamin D is needed daily. Vitamin D ensures optimized calcium absorption. Therefore, for calcium to benefit your body, depends on one's vitamin D requirement. Thus, even if one is taking adequate calcium, it may not confer the benefits if vitamin D is deficient.  Where do you find calcium to boost a kid’s diet?  We are aware that dairy foods provide the best source of calcium in a kid’s diet. It is always suggested to have natural food as the first approach instead of calcium supplements to meet nutrient requirements. Milk, yoghurt and cheese give a readily and convenient absorbable source of calcium which most kids can accept. However, if your child is intolerant to milk or refuses to drink milk, soy milk that is fortified with a minimum 120 mg of calcium per 100 ml can be an alternative. Furthermore, if your child is a fussy eater, they may not be willing to try new foods. Parents can offer them with smaller portions of the new food continually and eventually should result in them enjoying the food which is beneficial to them.  If you are worried that your kid may be lacking in calcium, there are ways to bump up their intake: Add yoghurt to fruit salads. Use yoghurt as a dipping sauce for veggie or fruit sticks as a snack. Include grated cheese in mashed potatoes, pasta and dishes that are suitable to be eaten with cheese. Include milk and/or cheese in scrambled eggs. Add green leafy vegetables such as kale into pasta or lasagna sauces as it contains calcium. Top healthy snacks with cheese. On top of that, if your kid still refuses to eat or drink all the foods or beverages containing calcium that they need daily, they may need to consider taking calcium supplements. Calcium supplements can be in a few types: liquid form, pill or capsule, gummy, chewable tablet, or dissolving tablet. Do consult the doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, and/or pharmacist before you feed your child with any supplements.  In short, good bone health is not difficult to achieve and maintain if parents establish a routine of a well-balanced diet containing calcium and vitamin D along with adequate and regular physical activity. Be a good role model in front of your kids to find sports and activities they enjoy for them to participate.  A side note here: a well-balanced nutrition with calcium does not need to have fancy supplements or pills. Alternatively, natural food is still the best approach for all nutrients intake for children.   References Borboa, M. (March 2012). 5 benefits of calcium. Retrieved from https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/822335/5-benefits-of-calcium/ 'Bellamy's Organic'. (December 2018). Calcium and its importance in a child’s diet. Retrieved from https://www.bellamysorganic.com.au/blog/calcium-and-its-importance-in-a-childs-diet/ 'Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital'. (n.d.). Calcium and your children. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/Calcium-and-Your-Child 'Institute of Medicine Committee'. (2011). Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. National Academies Press. Warren, C. (June 2019). How much calcium you need per day — plus the top non-dairy sources. ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/how-much-calcium-per-day-non-dairy-sources/11182530

Do you find it hard to feed your children with nutritious food like fruits and vegetables? When this thought comes across your mind, it often slips off as though it does not really matter. However, the fact of the matter is a child's development is highly dependent on their nutrient’s intake. ​ Before digging into the topic, let’s have a better understanding on what nutrients are and the importance of having a balanced nutritional diet.   What is nutrients and why is it important?   Nutrients are compounds found in foods which are essential to health and life. Different nutrients have their own functions. Primarily, they provide energy, act as building blocks for growth and repair, and regulate chemical processes. The human body cannot synthesize nutrients itself, thus we must obtain nutrients from our diet. Therefore, a balanced diet consisting of all the required nutrients in its appropriate amount is needed. While many are aware that a balanced diet maintains a healthy weight, the advantages are more than just one's weight maintenance. Good nutrition is critical to improve a person's well-being and recovery from injury or illness. A well-balanced diet also lowers high cholesterol level and strengthens the immune system to fend off illnesses. Good nutrition is always needed regardless of the age. Nevertheless, the preschool years, specifically ages ranging from three to five years old, are influential period to ensure a healthy child's development that lasts a lifetime. Childhood is always the critical period for establishing healthy growth and development including physical, emotion and mental abilities. Hence, there is a significant scientific interest in influencing a child’s nutritional level since young to aid in their growth and development.  Here are some facts all parents need to know about.  1. Brain development Quality nutrients are needed for brain development. All nutrients contribute their roles in brain development but certain nutrients have greater influences during the neonatal and late fetal time periods. These include iron, protein, iodine, folate, selenium, vitamin A, choline, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. It has been proven that brain development is the most sensitive to an infant’s nutrition between mid-gestation and two years of age. Due to this, newborn mothers should provide breast milk as it offers the ideal and best mix of nutrients for brain growth. Hence, parents do not have to worry about their children who do not eat vegetables and fruits at this early stage.   2. Emotional health  There is a misconception that nutrition level will not affect emotional health. When it comes to our natural food intake, many have no idea what we are supposed to eat to regulate our emotion. Yet, nutrients such as vitamin B6, folate, and choline are critical in synthesizing neurotransmitters, a brain chemical, which regulate one’s memory and mood. Consequently, deficiency of these nutrients is associated with mood-related emotions like depression and anxiety. Therefore, an increase in nutrient-rich food such as fish and legumes and a decrease in junk food consumption during a child’s development have a significant impact on their wellbeing and mood. Parents should also ensure their food intake consists of omega-3 fatty acid which helps in decreasing stress and mood disorders.  3. Physical health Healthy eating patterns with adequate nutrition is a good way to prevent malnutrition. Malnutrition includes under-nutrition or overnutrition, both of which play an important role to a child’s development with life-long effects.  During childhood, under-nutrition can cause kids to have lesser energy and interest during learning, which negatively affects their cognitive development and academic performance. It also affects physical growth and maturation, and body height and weight. Apart from that, obesity, a form of malnutrition, which is also known as overnutrition, is possible to have low nutrient-density along with high levels of fat and carbohydrate. Thus, malnutrition affects their competence and confidence during physical activity, showing how it can further deteriorate an established growth and development in kids.  4. Behavioural development Proper nutrition helps to develop well behavioural development in children. However, it is unfortunate that many parents do not realize what their kids eat daily could impact their behaviour. For example, dairy consumption among children is related to hyperactivity. This means that some kids act out more than usual after eating foods with high dairy content such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Nevertheless, this does not indicate that parents are not allowed to provide their kids with foods containing dairy products. Instead, a regular consumption of dairy should be taken in place to avoid an imbalanced diet. Although adjusting a kid’s diet might seem like an intimidating task at first, many parents will feel relieved when their child has positive changes in their behaviour according to a well-balanced nutrition. Moreover, social behaviours have been proven to be more susceptible to the consequences of having poor nutrition. This is evident in children who had poor diets during the critical period from birth to two years old in how they appeared to be less active and withdrawn compared to their peers.    Well... what is the takeaway?   Parents are key individuals to their children's healthy growth and development. We cannot expect our children to eat healthy on their own accord, and this responsibility lies in parents.  Parents must learn and know about healthy eating to help their children to grow with a well-balanced diet. So, do train your kids well with all the nutrients they need since young. And of course, kids observe and imitate their parents' actions; hence, remember to always be a good role model with the type of food you consume in front of them.    References Gifford, B. E. (February 2020). Food for thought: Does what my kids eat affect their mental health? Retrieved from Happiful Magazine. https://happiful.com/food-kids-mental-health/ 'Zero to Three'. (n.d.). How does nutrition affect the developing brain? Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/1372-how-does-nutrition-affect-the-developing-brain 'Abbott Nutrition'. (January 2020). How nutrition can shape a child’s emotional well-being. Retrieved from https://www.nutritionnews.abbott/pregnancy-childhood/kids-growth/how-nutrition-can-shape-a-child-s-emotional-well-being/ Karratti, D. (December 2018). How poor nutrition affects child development. Hello Motherhood. Retrieved from https://www.hellomotherhood.com/how-poor-nutrition-affects-child-development-7850348.html 'Children's Bureau'. (May 2018). Importance of good nutrition for young children. Child Abuse Prevention, Treatment & Welfare Services. Retrieved from https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/importance-of-good-nutrition-for-young-children/

Malaysia is a developing country that has advanced in food availability, affordability and stability. Food scarcity is not an apparent problem we face anymore. Yet, while food is secure and while most have sufficient to eat, undernutrition remains high in Malaysia. The matter is no longer one of food quantity and accessibility but food quality.  Globally, the occurrence of stunting for kids below 5 in 2016 is 23% which is almost 3 times more prevalent than the more known problem of being overweight which is 6%.  In Malaysia itself, stunting increased from 17.2% in 2006 to 20.7% in 2016 for children under the age of 5. That makes up 1 in every 5 children being stunted in their early years of growth.    What is stunted growth? Stunting is primarily the outcome of a child not receiving adequate nutrients since young, especially in their sensitive growing period. It is usually seen in height lost in their early years. The WHO classify stunting as when the children’s height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median.    What are the negative outcomes? Stunting is not simply about having a shorter stature, but includes its severe irreversible outcomes.  The effects of stunting are mostly permanent despite consequential nourishments in later years. The long-term effects of stunted growth are a decreased cognitive and physical development, poor health and a higher risk for non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and degenerative diseases.  Consequently, stunted cognitive growth will impair children’s school performance, reduced productivity across life and even lead to lower earnings income in the future. Stunting leads to a substandard living quality.  An impaired immune system due to stunting may also give rise to greater susceptibility to contracting infectious diseases, leading to early deaths (Manan, Sundaram & Tan, 2019).    What are the causes of stunted growth? 1. Maternal Health Because stunting usually occurs among children in their first few years, the health of the mother is in view.  Inadequate maternal nutrition intake before, during and after pregnancy may hamper the child’s early development as early as their conception.  ​2. ​Feeding Practices Non-exclusive breastfeeding accompanied with the introduction of food or/and water too early may lead to insufficient nutritional intake for the baby.  ​ 3. Parental Negligence Parents may not have the awareness and knowledge to the nutritional needs of their children, especially in their critical early years.  Among the many reasons, household poverty may also lead to lesser to no options for securing nutritious food. Nutritious food thus becomes a privilege for the middle and upper socioeconomic classes.    How to prevent stunted growth? The consequences of stunting are very much irreversible after two years since birth. Therefore, parents must ensure healthy feeding practices for their infants to ensure they receive the nutrients they need.  1. Focus on the child’s critical growth period.  The 1000-day window is critical for a child’s development. Parents must make sure both mother and child are healthy.  2. Exclusive breastfeeding until the child is at least 6 months old.  Breast milk provides a complete source of nutrients and natural growth stimulators for infants. It also boosts the development of their immunity.  3. Timely introduction of complementary foods By six months, most infants are ready for complementary food/human milk substitutes as breast milk alone is not adequate to meet the child’s energy and nutrients needs. Parents must also ensure that the food provided is age-appropriate and safe for consumption.  4. Introduce a wide-range of food types Include plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits and fortified cereals. Animal sourced foods should not be left out too. They include dairy products, meat, poultry, fish and eggs. It is recommended that they are fed 4 to 5 times daily with gradual increase in amount. Look out for nutrient-dense foods like milk.  5. Be conscious of growth milestones Keep track and monitor growth milestones like height and weight as suggested by the World Health Organization regularly. Be mindful that stunting has early beginnings, but long-lasting and mainly irreversible effects.  For children who are older, parents are responsible to provide nutritious meals for their children. Convenience must not be the reason to neglect their health and nutrient needs. Parents must therefore be diligent in being aware and knowledgeable of the family’s food consumption in their habitual routine.  *The article is not intended to replace any medical advice. Kindly make sure to consult a pediatrician for proper personal medical advice.    References Manan, W., Sundaram, J. K. and Tan, Z. G. (September 2019). Addressing Malnutrition in Malaysia. Khazanah Research Institute.  ‘United Nations Children’s Fund’ (n.d.). Children, Food and Nutrition: State of the World’s Children 2019. A look at child malnutrition in Malaysia and beyond. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/children-food-and-nutrition-state-worlds-children-2019 ​ Wong. J. E. (August 2019). Stunting in children still a problem in Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/family/2019/08/09/stunting-in-children-problem-malaysia

It is the end of the year. 2020 is ending soon.  While everyone is busily preparing for a celebrative time as the year wraps up with the Christmas season, one thing bothers you - your child is still not eating his or her vegetables.  Jokes aside, kids can be really picky eaters. It is not uncommon to find children disliking the vegetables that is put on the table. We explore why this is often the case and discovered that there is in fact a biological reason for this phenomena. ​   Why? Biological Explanation One biological explanation to why children dislike their greens is because of the notable bitter taste in vegetables. While this may not be (or no longer be) noticeable by us adults, vegetables do have a slight bitter taste that is caused by its calcium content along with other beneficial compounds which includes flavonoids, phenols, isoflavones, glucosinolates and terpenes. These compounds are beneficial because of their antioxidant and anticancer properties.  Children are more sensitive towards the bitterness found in vegetables which explains their aversion towards vegetables. Bitterness is usually an indicator of poison or potential toxicity in plants. Don’t believe it? Try plucking a leaf of any plant you see and hands down it tastes bitter and is poisonous (don't taste it!).  Most plants are bitter and contain toxins. This is how the human race got to where we are at now. We now knows better that vegetables are classified apart from the vast variety of plants in this blue planet. Vegetables are edible plants. Vegetables do contain the same bitter compounds in most plants. However, rest assured, they are not found in high amounts, thus not conferring any toxic properties when we consume them. The trace amounts present are in fact good for us.  Children’s repulsion towards greens are therefore acted upon by their natural instinct, rather than their cognitive influences that we adults have an upper hand in after understanding the safety and benefits of consuming vegetables.  Why the apparent difference between an adult and a child when consuming the same food type - vegetables? Time is at play. Instead of the common misconception that our taste buds change overtime as we grow up to acquire a liking towards certain foods, adults have simply “built up a tolerance” to the bitter tastes in vegetables. Through regular exposure to vegetables, our brain no longer perceives vegetables as negative or our receptors towards the bitter taste diminishes over time.  Similarly, this is why children who come to taste bitter beverages like coffee or beer, or dark chocolate for the first time tend to dislike them. On the contrary, many of us adults have a deep appreciation towards their unique taste.    How to encourage kids to enjoy vegetables?   Likewise, children can learn to acquire a liking towards vegetables. Now that we know there is a biological reason behind children's aversion to eating vegetables, parents can now let out a sigh of relief - “It is normal”. Parents also now have the hope that their acceptance of vegetables can be trained.  Yet, it is one thing to know why kids do not like their greens, it is another thing to get those greens into their mouth. After all, they still need their vitamins and fiber content for a healthy development.  Who knew getting good, healthy and nutritious food down can be such an agonizing experience for kids (some parents can probably relate at one point of their lives) - with tears streaming, loud screams of horror, spitting out of food. The dinner table is usually a mess when those green leafy monstrous things are served.  So, here are some suggestions to make consuming vegetables much more bearable or even a delight for your little ones gradually.  As identified, if bitterness is the hindering factor, parents can reduce the bitterness of their vegetable dishes. Start by assessing the taste of your own cooking and explore new ways or recipes to enhance the dish. If you dislike the dish, it is more probable for your children to dislike it. It should not be shameful to consider the possibility that you are doing injustice to those succulent and flavorful greens of varying textures. Perhaps you are doing vegetables wrongly.  Vegetable preferences among children vary based on their different characteristics such as colour and flavour. They all play a role in a child's acquisition of liking them.  However, it does not mean an unhealthy amount of salt, oil and sugar must be added into your vegetable dish for children to like their veggies. This is of course not sustainable and it defeats the purpose of consuming vegetables as an essential diet component for health’s sake if parents end up feeding children with excessive amounts of salt, sugar and fatty ingredients.  Healthier options to spicing things up or adding flavour are pickling, braising, frying and roasting as opposed to the boring conventional boiling of vegetables. The other tip is to add a dash of familiarity to your vegetable dish. Why must vegetables be all dull and boring? Spice it up by adding your child’s favourite protein like chicken or fish as an ingredient to the vegetable dish. You can even take this opportunity and learn a new recipe or two. Take for example if your child enjoys eggs, the simple solution is to make them an omelette packed with an assortment of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and whatever else you think would taste good in an omelette. You can almost never go wrong with an omelette, so be creative.  Furthermore, almost needless to say, regular and repeated exposure is key. It usually takes 10-15 tries for a child to develop a taste for any particular food, in this case especially vegetables.  Parents can implement regular exposure creatively as well. Instead of forcing children to finish their vegetables in large quantities, perhaps it is more effective to incorporate the disliked vegetable into their favourite dishes, and get them to try bite by bite.  Many of us can attest to how this works. Remember a time when you hated a particular vegetable, but over time, “magically” it starts to taste alright, and now it is your all time favourite vegetable? Sounds relatable? Parents can also opt to expand the variety of vegetables exposed to your children when they are still in their toddler stage. It is worth considering if their vegetable diet is mundane and unattractive to the eyes.  It is not untrue to say the eyes always eat first, before the mouth. Since different vegetables vary in their nutritional value, it is very much encouraged to mix up your grocery choices from time to time. Instead of serving only green vegetables, you can also add other colourful veggies like tomatoes, carrot, corn, purple cabbage, beetroot, etc.  Finally, a key reminder for parents is to avoid extreme associations.  Positive (rewards) or negative reinforcements (punishment) should not be incorporated through a child’s diet. Vegetables certainly should not be used as a form of punishment, not especially if you want them to eat healthily by their own accord in the long run. Unhealthy foods with high fat or oil content and high salt and sugar quantities don’t have to be served during celebrative moments like birthday parties. Party foods for instance can still satisfy the criteria of being exciting, delicious and nutritious. While you can still have their favourites like fried foods occasionally, a balanced diet can still be maintained.  So, train your children well from young. Reduce negative associations with eating vegetables and increase the positive associations. Remember the little habits of consumption in the family setting plays a crucial role in a child’s acceptance or rejection of vegetables.  Different kids vary in their tolerance of vegetables consumption, but pressure is almost inevitable for them to eat their greens. Parents ought not to give up and give in too easily, but to provide appropriate pressure firmly while also being gentle. It is ideal to avoid nagging which will only make eating vegetables even more dreadful.  And of course, cliché as it is, if your children observe from a young age that you eat and love vegetables, they are reinforced with a positive association with the consumption of vegetables. So, lead by example and be a good role model and love your greens. 

Obesity is not unfamiliar to many of us. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults above age 18 worldwide were overweight and 650 million of them were categorised as obese according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Children are not spared from this global concern (World Health Organisation, 2018). 41 million children below 5 years old were estimated to be overweight or obese. Almost half of them are living in Asia. Up to 124 million children and adolescents from 5 to 19 are obese in 2016 (World Health Organisation, 2018). Malaysia is not excluded from this worldwide epidemic; in fact, it is still the top country in South East Asia with the highest obesity rate. Furthermore, what is more heart-breaking is the fact that Malaysian children are largely affected as well.   What is Obesity?   ​To the layperson, obesity is a mere word to describe people who are overweight. While that is partially true, the technical definition of obesity for adults is when one has a BMI that is greater than or equal to 30 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). On the other hand, being overweight (should not be confused with obesity) applies to adults who have a BMI greater than or equal to 25. Both overweight and obesity are characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat which impairs one’s health (World Health Organisation, 2018).  * BMI: Body Mass Index is a simple index of weight-for-height to classify both overweight and obesity among adults regardless of both sexes. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight (kg) by the square of his/her height in meters. (BMI = kg/m2) Age needs to be factored in to classify a child as overweight or obese. For children under 5 years of age and children from age 5 to 19 years, refer to the ‘WHO fact sheet on Obesity and Overweight’.    Is Obesity really that big a problem in Malaysia?   The short answer is ‘yes’ and here is why: The World Population Review 2019 indicated that Malaysia has the greatest prevalence of adult obesity in South East Asian countries at 15.6%, followed by our neighbouring countries Brunei (14.1%), Thailand (10%) and Indonesia (6.9%).  WHO has reported that Malaysia has the highest rate of overweight and obesity even in Asia. 64% of Malaysian men and 65% of women are classified as overweight or obese (World Health Organisation, 2019). What is equally alarming is approximately 30% of Malaysian children and adolescents are overweight or obese. This makes up almost 1 in 3 children are overweight (Hong, 2014).   According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) in 2019, 29.8% of children age 5 to 17 are overweight and 14.8% are obese. In the short span of approximately 8 years, we have seen a threefold increase of children obesity as it is reported in 2011 that the obesity rate among children was 3.9%. These children eventually grow into adults with the same prevalent issue, evident by the slight difference. The NHMS 2019 findings revealed that 30.4% of Malaysian adults are overweight and 19.7% are obese (The Star, 2020).  Most parents think that it is fine for children to eat more because they will ‘grow out of it’ when they hit puberty. While other parents think obesity happens to other children but not their own. All these misconceptions are false hopes we tell ourselves, but the statistics clearly say otherwise.    The risks and subsequent complications of obesity.   To many, obesity is but a negative phenomenon to an individual solely due to the imperfection of his or her physical appearance. The burden or frustration is usually one that is socially related. While we do not want to neglect the issues of fat-shaming, bullying and their close relationship with mental issues or disorders, obesity leads to severe physiological diseases that not only destroys a person’s livelihood but causes mortality. Here are some non-transmittable diseases that obesity contributes to: Type 2 diabetes mellitus – increased risk of insulin resistance.  High Blood Pressure/Hypertension – High blood pressure over a long period of time overburdens the heart and causes further cardiovascular problems.  Liver Issues – fatty liver among obese children may result in liver cirrhosis (liver failure).  Cardiovascular Diseases – Atherosclerosis (the stiffening of blood vessels) leads to various heart complications like stroke or cardiac arrests.  Psychological disorders – depression or reduced self-esteem could stem from being overweight or obese. Depression manifest itself in insomnia, inadequate rest and depressive eating which further aggravates the issue.  For further risks associated with being overweight and obese: kindly refer to the ‘Childhood Obesity’ article by MyHealth. What can you do to protect and prevent you and your children from overweight and obesity?  Firstly, we need to understand its causes.    What are the causes of Obesity?   Obesity is caused when calorie consumption exceeds energy usage (calorie expended) which results to additional accumulation of our human body energy storage in the form of fats. The cause of obesity can be simplified to either exogenous or endogenous, with the former meaning obesity that is due to external factors such as food consumption and lifestyle, and the latter referring to obesity due to a person’s genetic make-up.  Exogenous Obesity What are the external causes that contribute to obesity?  Calories intake – excess consumption of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and sugar content.  Exercise regularity – insufficient physical activity possibly due to increased sedentary lifestyle amid growing urbanization.  Food with low nutrition consumption Endogenous Obesity While endogenous obesity is the minority of the 2 types, consisting of less than 1% of children obesity cases. It can be said to be more severe due to its non-modifiable nature. Endogenous obesity cannot be solved with conventional methods such as frequent exercising and regulated and balanced diet. The reason lies in their genetics. There are genes in the human body that is responsible for obesity. With these genes turned off, it leads to a lower metabolism, which causes more fats to accumulate and to be stored up in the body (World Health Organisation, 2018). These genes are inherited from parents and will be unchanged over their lifetime (Hong, 2014). Parents who suffer with overweight or obesity tend to pass down this trait to their children as well. According to a paediatric endocrinologist from the University Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC), children with at least one overweight parent have a 4 to 5-fold higher likelihood to develop obesity as well. When both parents are overweight, their children’s obesity risk goes up to 13 times or more (Bernama, 2019).    How to fight against obesity?   Here are some suggestions that are applicable for both parents and children in combating the epidemic of obesity.  1. Healthy Diet We cannot stress this enough. Having a balanced diet is crucial for reducing obesity. Eat better, not less.  Reduce on consumption of energy-dense food like food that is high in fat and sugar.  Know what you consume and feed your children. Parents ought to be nutrition-literate. Replace food with saturated fats to that with unsaturated fats. Food high with saturated fat includes red meat like beef and lamb, chicken skin, whole-fat dairy products like cheese, cream or milk, butter and tropical oils like palm or coconut oil. Unsaturated fats are usually derived from plants. For example, oils from vegetables like olive, corn or sunflower oil, seeds and nuts, oily fish such as salmon, and avocado. Keep in mind that the body requires fats too and not all fat is bad, we only must select fatty food that are healthy.  Encourage yourself and your children to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. It does not harm to make eating healthy, fun, and interesting by filling your children’s plate with healthy food of various colours like tomato, capsicum, broccoli, pumpkin, corn, and carrot. Consume fresh fruits rather than juice because much of the fibre content has been removed in juice. Consider including legumes, whole grains, and nuts into your diet too. 2. Exercise Another cliché fact that almost everyone knows (but are not doing) is exercising regularly. Many parents affirm the importance of exercising and think that the family does exercise frequently. The question lies in the word ‘regularly’ – How much is considered as ‘regular’? It is advised for children to engage in physical activity of at least 1 hour a day to regulate their weight and reduce obesity-associated health complications, while WHO recommends for adults to exercise for at least 150 minutes across the week. Exercise do not have to be strenuous to be effective. For younger children, outdoor play is always recommended.  3. Limit sedentary lifestyle and behaviours Having entered a life of hours-long screen-time (especially since the Movement Control Order), it has become more challenging for children to be occupied with an active lifestyle. Nonetheless, instead of long uninterrupted hours on video-streaming, gaming, internet-based activities, etc., ensure time spent on such devices are confined. Another tip is to encourage using staircase instead of the escalator or elevator.  4. Avoid skipping meals Contrary to common beliefs, skipping meals may lead to excessive eating. Skipping meals for the purpose of diet may backfire and result in unrestraint eating.  5. Interventions For non-modifiable or genetics-associated obesity, physiological interventions may come into play. It involves surgical procedures and anti-obesity medications. However, this measure is only undertaken when the obesity cases are chronic (Schoepp, 2017). As a final word, we want to encourage parents out there who are already in this journey of battling against obesity among their children, to keep persevering. The journey is difficult for both parents and children, but it is one that will not be regretted upon once a healthy lifestyle is achieved and maintained. You will never regret working hard, but only giving up.  This global public health concern must come to an end, and it starts with each parents being aware first and foremost and being responsible in guiding their children to having a healthier lifestyle (The Star., 2020).  ​For more information, do consult a dietician.  ​ References   Bernama (2019). Childhood obesity a growing health crisis in Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2019/07/502533/childhood-obesity-growing-health-crisis-malaysia Hong, J. Y. H. (2014). Childhood Obesity. Retrieved from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/childhood-obesity/ Schoepp, T. N. (2017). Obesity in Malaysia: Unhealthy Eating is as Harmful as Smoking. Retrieved from https://penanginstitute.org/publications/issues/1029-obesity-in-malaysia-unhealthy-eating-is-as-harmful-as-smoking/ The Star. (2020). MCO diets drive up Malaysia’s obesity rates. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/22/mco-diets-drive-up-malaysias-obesity-rates World Health Organisation. (2018). Obesity and overweight. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20181019172039/http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight World Health Organization. (2019). Malaysia and WHO call for more investment in primary health care the 21st century. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/malaysia/news/detail/08-04-2019-malaysia-and-who-call-for-more-investment-in-primary-health-care-the-21st-century#:~:text=Malaysia%20has%20the%20highest%20rate,being%20either%20obese%20or%20overweight.

Every child is born with a gift to create new ideas and innovative outcomes that evolve from their ideas, thus, we are uniquely creative human beings. It is an ability for a child to solve problems, entertain himself, and explore the world in his own way. Creativity enables children to be flexible and resilient, explains Sally Goldberg, PhD, professor of early childhood education at Nova South-Eastern University in Fort Lauderdale in Florida (Abedon, n.d.). According to Today’s Parent, young children in the age of 0 to 5 like to play with anything and everything (Arnall, 2018). For example, they would build a spaceships with the math pattern blocks together, despite the fact that the blocks were intended to demonstrate fractions.  Therefore, in order to nurture their creativity in children around this ages, parents are suggested to use open-ended unstructured play materials such as plain paper, Popsicle sticks, magnetic blocks and etc. This type of toys do not have certain way to play, and it allows children to make choices, express their creativity and support their independence (Shrier, 2016).   A study has shown that the creative thinking scores decrease significantly from kindergarten through 3rd grade (8-9 years old), then remain static or decrease starting in 6th grade (10-11 years old) (Kim, 2011). Therefore, in order to let them carry on the imaginative play, parents are suggested to keep a range of creative play raw materials accessible to the children (Arnall, 2018). In Piaget’s theory of play, participation in imaginative play able to enhance the cognition development of a child (Plocha, 2007). It is important to maintain their ability to demonstrate their creative thinking instead of stopping them from exercising their imaginative.     The importance of creativity in children’s success The creative abilities allow children and adults to adapt and thrive in increasingly complex and uncertain times. Research has found that there is a significant correlation between creativity, meaning and intrinsic motivation (Ceci & Kumar, 2016), the researcher also believes that a creative life is able to foster happiness and wellbeing (Kaufman, 2015). ​Creativity is a force that inspired by our senses of sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell in nurturing human development, innovation, and aesthetic appreciation of the world around us. The creativity ability to generate and communicate the original ideas of value makes it become the epicentre of human exploration and discovery (Price-Mitchell, 2017).         ​Creativity helps us deal with change, problem-solving, affects our social and emotional intelligence, enhances our understanding of math and science, and is a key component to health and happiness. Christine Carter, an author of parenting blog in Berkeley (Jones, 2018). ​Therefore, we can see that if creativity is developed and nurtured well at an early age, parents able to help their children to reach their gifted potential. In order to explore their curiosity and stimulates their creative ability, the education team from Bright Horizons has suggested a few ways that can nurture their creativity. Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and problem-solving. Spend some time at the beach, seaside, and the park; camping, lying on the ground and look up at the sky. Being close to the natural world inspires children to think, question, do some guesswork, as well as develop creative minds. Imaginative play by encouraging your children to play house, doctor, farm, space station and etc. able to help him to organize his thoughts while developing social and verbal skills. Join your children and let your children lead your playtime together. Asking questions that provoke imaginative and creative thinking is an effective way to invite your child to express his ideas and share his visions while giving him the message that his ideas are important. Since we are in the digital era, it would be tough to parenting and nurturing imagination. Hence, it would be better if the time of electronic products usage is limited and engage the children in creative activities such as imaginative play, reading, drawing and etc. Let the children work through what they are doing on their own. Give chances for them to figure out what and how to do it in certain situations. Allow them the freedom and autonomy to explore their ideas in order to avoid the feeling of forcing. In conclusion, it is important for parents to understand how creativity originates, and explore the intrinsically meaningful ideas while nurturing creativity together with your children. Hopefully, the suggested ways mentioned above can facilitate the evolution of your child’s creative ideas and imaginative spirit!    References Abedon, E. P. (n.d.). Nurturing Your Child's Creativity. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/baby/development/intellectual/nurturing-your-childs-creativity/ Arnall, J. (2018). An age-by-age guide to nurturing creativity in kids. Today’s Parent. Retrieved from https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/an-age-by-age-guide-to-nurturing-creativity-in-kids/ Ceci, M. W., Kumar, V. K. (2016). A Correlational Study of Creativity, Happiness, Motivation, and Stress from Creative Pursuits. J Happiness Stud. 17; 609–626.  Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-015-9615-y Jones, B. (2018). Developing Child Creativity. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/developing-child-creativity_b_5a5eb079e4b0c40b3e59756d Kaufman, S. B. (2015). The Creative Life and Well-Being. Retrieved from https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/the-creative-life-and-well-being/ Kim, K. H. (2011). The Creativity Crisis: The Decrease in Creative Thinking Scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. 285-295. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2011.627805 Plocha, A. H. (2007). The Importance of Imaginative Play in Child Development. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/2345/502 Price-Mitchell, M. (2017). Creativity: How Parents Nurture the Evolution of Children’s Ideas. Retrieved from https://www.rootsofaction.com/nurturing-childrens-creativity/ Shrier, C. (2016). The value of open-ended play. Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_value_of_open_ended_play#:~:text=Open%2Dended%20play%20materials%20allow,of%20other%20things%20in%20play.

Do you always find yourself needing to shout at your child in order for them to pay attention? Or do you always repeat the same instruction because they are not paying attention to you? Before we discuss how to improve the attention span in children, let’s have a better understanding of what attention is and how it works.   What is attention?   Attention is the ability to regulate one’s attentional resources, it is a critical skill to access learning in a group environment, which is also an important piece in self-regulation (DiCarlo et al., 2016). This can be influenced by motivation, self-esteem, sensory integration, practice, language difficulties, and any existing diagnosis. Attention has two primary aspects: it can be focused and it is selective (Boersma & Das, 2008). It allows us to screen out the irrelevant stimulation and focus on the important information in a particular moment. According to Understood.org, there are four steps to paying attention, namely being alert, selecting what to pay attention to, avoiding distractions and shifting focus. Children have to be aware, alert and ready in order to take in information. It will be hard for them to do so if they are sleep deprived, hungry or anxious. Children who are not able to be alert can be seen having their heads down on their desk from time to time. With the vast amount of information circulating around children especially in today's media-centric world, children are unable to focus on all available information at the same time, therefore there is a need to choose what to pay attention to. For example, children need to learn to concentrate selectively to their teacher or parent over other matters. Paying attention also involves ignoring other distractions or stimulations around us. For example, when children are playing basketball, they are ignoring the dog that is barking nearby. That is when our brain keeps the distractions out in order to focus. There are other instances where distractions are impossible or difficult to bypass, for example, a sudden loud noise in the hallway which catches everyone’s attention. Children need to be trained to be able to shift their focus back to the task they are doing and keep it there. An expert in child development believed that a child by the age of 4 or 5 should be able to sustain their attention on a particular task for 4 to 20 minutes or longer depending on the task. Neal Rojas, M.D., a developmental behavioural paediatrician at the University of California stated that attention span has to be contextualised as it could be elastic subject to time — morning, midday, before naptime, before bedtime.   What then can parents do to enhance children's attention span?   Give attention to get attention. Children tend to focus longer on a task when they are engaged and enjoying themselves. A lot of children struggle when they are asked to do something they do not want to do. Thus, it is important on how you introduce an activity for the first time to your children. Mary Doty, a kindergarten teacher at Waimea Country School from Hawaii, suggested that instead of insisting a child to write the letter "A" with a pencil in his workbook, you can ask him to write it with a chalk, shape it with Play-Doh, or even trace it with paint on a big easel. She also suggested that parents should spend some time noticing little and interesting details in their surroundings, and show children how to pay attention. For example, parents can stop and point out the different colours of flowers they see or talk about their shapes and feel of the rocks they pick up during a walk. Dr. Rojas suggested being in close physical proximity while giving clear and concise instructions allows children to focus better on what is being said. For example, try to stand in front of the child and make eye contact with him, try to be at the same eye level, or touch his shoulder, instead of shouting your request from somewhere. This is one of the many ways of giving attention to your children to help them focus on a particular task better. ​Decrease distractions. Some children might have difficulties ignoring distraction or shifting their attention from it. Thus, parents should be aware if something is getting in the way of their attention. For example, if your children is hungry or fatigue, parents are advised to provide healthy snacks such as walnuts, bananas and peanut butter (Brain Balance, 2014) for children before they start any structured task. Studies have shown that eating foods high in protein, controlling sugar intake and avoiding artificial additives can go a long way towards managing the inability to focus naturally (Brain Balance, 2014). In addition, good quality sleep is crucial as well. Studies have found that attention is negatively affected by poor sleep (McCarthy & Waters, 1997; Hansen & Vendenberg, 2001). Therefore, make sure children are getting quality sleep and rest. If they are overscheduled and do not have enough downtime, it will be difficult for them to concentrate. Children should also be allowed to tune out and stop paying attention when the task at hand is beyond their capacity. In response to this, Margret Nickels, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and the director of the Center for Children & Families at the Erikson Institute in Chicago suggested that breaking instructions into small steps and giving short reminders is more positive and works better than long-winded explanations. For example, instead of asking your child to clean the room, it might be better to say, “First, please pick up all of your stuffed toys, then I’ll let you know what you need to do next.”. Elementary school children who took breaks from their classwork to participate in activities like sports during the day could benefit by being able to concentrate better on schoolwork. A 2013 report from the Institute of Medicine reinforces the point by asserting that children who possess an active lifestyle shows greater attention span, faster cognitive processing speed and better performance in standardized academic tests as compared to children who are less active (Adams, 2013). Therefore, parents should encourage their children to be physically active. Not only can physical activities boost their ability to concentrate better, they are important and effective in tackling obesity and helps in promoting a healthy lifestyle.   References Adams, J. U. (2013). Physical activity may help kids do better in school, studies say. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/physical-activity-may-help-kids-do-better-in-school-studies-say/2013/10/21/e7f86306-2b87-11e3-97a3-ff2758228523_story.html?utm_term=.d833a172d4e3 Boersma, H., & Das, J. (2008). Attention, attention rating and cognitive assessment: A review and a study. Developmental Disabilities Bulletin. 36(1&2), 1–17. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ828947.pdf Brain Balance. (2014). Nutrition for ADHD: Kid-Friendly Foods That Enhance Focus. Retrieved from https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/2014/06/nutrition-adhd-kid-friendly-foods-enhance-focus DiCarlo, C. F., Baumgartner, J. J., Ota, C., & Geary, K. (2016). Child Sustained Attention in Preschool-Age Children. Journal of Research in Childhood Education. 30(2), 143–152. Retrieved from http://.doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2016.1143416 Education, I. P. (2010). The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance. Retrieved from http://catchinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Activity-breaks-CDC-association-between-PA-PE-and-Acad-Performance-pape_executive_summary.pdf Hansen, D., Vandenberg, B. (2001). Cognitive effects of sleep apnea and narcolepsy in school age children. Sleep Hypnosis. 3(2), 73-80. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281549242_Cognitive_effects_of_sleep_apnea_and_narcolepsy_in_school_age_children McCarthy, M. E., Waters, W. F. (1997). Decreased Attentional Responsivity During Sleep Deprivation: Orienting Response Latency, Amplitude, and Habituation, Sleep. 20(2), 115–123. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/20.2.115 O’Hanlon, L. H. (2013). How to Improve Attention Spans. Parents. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/kids/development/intellectual/how-to-improve-attention-spans/ Rosen, P., Dorta, N. (n.d.). How Kids Pay Attention. Understood. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-thinking-disabilities/distractibility-inattention/how-kids-pay-attention-and-why-some-kids-struggle-with-it   

10th of September was World Suicide Prevention Day. It is created by the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP), meant to raise awareness that suicide is preventable and hence must be prevented.  ​   Global Suicide Pattern The World Health Organization (WHO) reported approximately 800,000 deaths worldwide due to suicide. To put things into perspective of time, that is a person losing his or her life with every 40 seconds ticking by (World Health Organization, n.d.). ​​ Suicide is a global concern that occurs in every age group, both sexes, all ethnicities and socioeconomic status – everyone including children are vulnerable. Globally, suicide is reported to be the second leading cause of death (after road accident) among people aged 15 to 29 years old which amounts to more than 200,000 deaths. Results display a trend that younger adults have a higher rate of suicides as compared to the elderly. The reported numbers also show the horrifying realities that children as young as 10 to 14 years old are already having suicidal thoughts, attempts or worse, actual suicide cases.   What about Malaysia? Malaysia suicide rates do not offer much consolation as well. The 2016 crude suicide rates (per 100,000 individuals) for Malaysians aged 15 to 29 years old are 3.9 for both sexes. On the other hand, suicide rates for Malaysians aged 30 to 49 years old are 5 per 100,000 persons (World Health Organization, 2018). While the age group variable differs from the global trend in that elderly Malaysian adults have a higher suicidal rates than the younger adults, it doesn’t change the fact that the nation is not successful in reducing it’s suicidal tendencies. Overall, Malaysia’s crude suicide rate was estimated to be 5.5 in 2016 as compared to 5.1 in 2010 (per 100,000 Malaysians) (Statista Research Department, 2020).   More alarmingly, WHO reported that the age-standardised suicide rate for all ages and both sexes in 2016 was 6.2 for everyone 100,000 individuals. At the meantime, the statistics shown could be under-reported, suggesting the rate to be possibly higher in actuality (CodeBlue, 2019). The objective of the World Suicide Prevention Day is to make known that suicide is preventable, and everybody plays a crucial role. Interventions can be effectively implemented at the population, sub-population and individual levels (World Health Organization, n.d.). We must investigate, understand and be sensitive to the causes of suicide affecting the young people of our generation and deepen our understanding of any trends that could be leading up to this momentous tragedy. Only then can we prevent suicidal cases from heightening.   Mental Health and Suicide One of the major causes of the increased trend of suicide notions and occurrence is due to mental health issues. The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 showed that 7.9% of children age 5 to 15 were discovered to suffer from mental health issues, largely due to poor social interactions with their peers. The NHMS 2019 also reported that 424,000 children were discovered to have mental health issues (National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, 2019). The Head of Psychiatry Services at the Ministry of Health Malaysia states that the reasons for suicide are mental disorders such as depression. Emotional stress, relationship issues, anxiety, poverty, abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse and unemployment are also common factors (Khan, Azhar & Azmi, 2012). It is especially true that psychiatric disorders are affiliated with high suicidal behaviour. An estimate of 90 to 95% of suicidal cases have some form of mental disorders history. Suicide ideation, that is to have the thought of taking one’s own life is common in people with low mood, poor control of impulses, alcohol or substance abuse and psychotic disorders (Khan, Azhar & Azmi, 2012).   Looking deeper into depression, it is characterized as the deterioration of a person’s functionality from psychological effects such as having a low mood, losing interests or pleasure, feeling worthless or guilt and having frequent ideations of suicide. Depression also affects a person’s physical well-being (Ng, 2014).   People with existing medical conditions or chronic illness tend to have higher risks to succumb to suicide as well due to the immense stress they go through during therapy and facing the suffering (Ng, 2014). Looking into the younger generation, schools are also finding increased occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress among Malaysian youths. The issue is often multifactorial, some of which include a high expectation and pressure to excel academically leading to overwhelming stress and cyberbullying (Statista Research Department, 2020).   Could this be Depression? – Signs and Symptoms We find the term ‘depression’ commonly used loosely to describe being sad or down in a tough situation. But major depressive disorder is much more complicated. Being unhappy or disappointed are not the same as being depressed. Here are some things to look out for. 1. Hopeless Outlook Having a hopeless outlook on one’s own life is a very common sign of depression. A depressed person may harbour feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, or inappropriate guilt in their minds over a long period of time without voicing them out. They may also constantly talk about being a burden to others or having no reason to live. You may find them having these recurring thoughts “It’s always my fault” or “What’s the point of trying?”.   2. Lost of Interests Depression can cause a person to lose their enjoyment or interests in the things they always love. A withdrawal from activities that they once looked forward to is also a common indication.   3. Isolation Depressed people may also withdraw themselves from others including family and friends.   4. Increased Fatigue and Sleeping Problems Depression may come with a lack of strength and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. This might lead to excessive sleeping. On the flip side, depression is also associated with insomnia (the difficulty of sleeping or remaining asleep). Depression might lead to insomnia and vice versa, causing a downward spiral to both issues. The lack of quality rest can also lead to our next point which is anxiety.   5. Anxiety Anxiety usually comes together with depression, usually accompanied by restlessness, nervousness, panic or dread, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, heavy sweating, trembling or muscle twitching, difficulty paying attention or in a constant state of distraction from worrying.   6. Changes in Appetite and Weight Depending on the individual, some may have increased appetite and start gaining weight, yet others may not be hungry leading to losing weight. A depressed person’s weight and appetite may fluctuate and it varies from person to person.   7. Uncontrollable Emotions Mood swings are another mark of depressed individuals. One may face an outburst of anger at a moment, and at the next moment, they may be crying without restraint. This drastic emotional change may not necessarily have an external factor or trigger. If the mentioned signs and symptoms are somethings you have been facing currently for more than two weeks, you might be suffering from major depression disorder. There should be no shame in having this disorder. What is more important is to identify it early on so that early intervention and the right help can be administered. There are various treatments available including lifestyle changes to medications. No matter the treatment option you select, looking for professional help is the first step to getting back to feeling like yourself again (Healthline, 2017).   What can Parents Do to Intervene? If you are a parent and you suspect that your children are suicidal as they fulfil most of the signs and symptoms, then here are things to take note of and act accordingly.   If you notice your child is acting unusual and you suspect they are depressed, do not jump the gun and react based on your emotions or unfounded assumptions. Take note to be aware and sensitive to the usual signs of depression as most children especially boys are often too embarrassed to confide their unhappiness to others, especially their parents. After seeing certain depressive signs, you should not wait for children to approach you with their problems and burdens. Rather, parents are expected to make the first move, by initiating a conversation, “You seem unhappy lately, would you like to talk about it? Perhaps I can help.”. Identifying if depression is something they are suffering with is a preliminary step to their recovery or the prevention of suicide ideation or attempts. Be open to talk about suicidal thoughts directly (Kids Help Line., n.d.). Once they confide with you their internal struggles, it is good to let your child know that you are concerned and you care. Put the effort to listen to your child without judgement. Prior to them sharing their feelings, they need to know that they will not be further humiliated by their parents when they share their true and deep emotions (Kids Help Line., n.d.). Take the warning signs seriously (Kids Help Line., n.d.). As parents, you should never dismiss any threats of suicide as typical teenage melodrama. While children especially in their teen years may have more fluctuating emotions and behaviours, things they utter such as “I wonder how many people would come to my funeral.”, “Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up.” or “Everyone would be better off without me” should not be taken lightly. In fact, in a situation such as this, it is better to “over-react” than to “under-react”. Often, children who attempt suicide have dropped hints to their loved ones repeatedly that they intend to end their lives. The perceived threats of suicide can be a desperate plea for help. Even if they do not intend to take their life, what parents would risk being wrong in a situation such as this? (Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health., 2019). Parents should once again remember not to react based on their emotions, usually anger or frustration. Remarks like “Are you out of your mind?” or “You don’t mean that.” may add oil to the fire and be particularly hurtful to a child who is facing suicidal ideations (Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health., 2019). Your instinctive response should be to focus on consoling and mend any underlying attitude issues later. Sometimes, sharing your feelings help as well. Let them know that they are not alone in feeling immensely helpless and hopeless as you, their parents face them too. Take note while doing this, you do not minimize their anguish, but be assuring that these bad times do not have to be permanent and you are willing to work this through with them (Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health., 2019). Also encourage them not to withdraw from family or friends in moments such as these. Engage in exercise with them or encourage them to do continue taking part in a sport they enjoy. Physical activities can help lessen the effects of depression as physical activities causes the brain to release endorphins, a chemical that improves mood and eases pain or stress. These healthy lifestyles also distract them from the presenting problems and redirects their attention to something more worthwhile (Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health., 2019). Lastly, parents must remember that you are not trained professionally, if things are out of hands, make sure to not delay and seek for professional help like a psychiatrist, psychologist or a counsellor who will know exactly what to do. Reaching out for professional support is important for the wellbeing of your children and might even preserve their life (Kids Help Line., n.d.).   Suicide is a Challenge – Worth Fighting On The need for psychiatrist to aid people with mental health issues and subsequently prevent suicides are unfortunately far from sufficient. The World Health Organization recommends one psychiatrist to 10,000 inhabitants. However, up till 2019, Malaysia only has an estimated of 1 for every 200,000 inhabitants (Statista Research Department, 2020). This burden is coupled by the prevailing social stigma of psychological health. Conversations about mental health are not happening enough. People who are affected by depression and other similar issues shy away from confiding to a closed one like a family or friend, in fear of being judged, dismissed, or shunned. Malaysians are also not open to visit a mental health professional. A survey in 2018 showed that 64% of Malaysians have never been to a mental health professional (Statista Research Department, 2020). Previous Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated in one of his tweets that stigma on mental health must be demolished. He added that the community ought to be more open in talking about such issues (Cheah, B., 2019). The shortage of professionals in this field and this cultural stigma are 2 big hurdles that must be overcome at the population level.    In conclusion, we want to remind and encourage our readers that suicide is preventable. There is help that you can find access to around you and there is no shame in doing so. If you or your close ones are facing suicidal tendencies, be courageous and reach out to professional support today. Contact Befrienders here: https://www.befrienders.org.my/ References CodeBlue. (2019). WHO: One Dies by Suicide Every 40 Seconds. Retrieved from https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2019/09/10/who-one-dies-by-suicide-every-40-seconds/ Cheah, B. (2019). Suicidal tendencies on the rise in Malaysia, says Health DG. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/10/10/suicidal-tendencies-on-the-rise-in-malaysia-says-health-dg Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. (2019). 10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Ten-Things-Parents-Can-Do-to-Prevent-Suicide.aspx Healthline. (2017). Signs of Depression. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/recognizing-symptoms Khan, T. M., Azhar, S. S. S. and Azmi, M. H. (2012). Factors associated with suicidal behaviour among depressed patients in Penang, Malaysia. Arch Med Sci. 2012 Sep 8; 8(4): 697-703. Kids Help Line. (n.d.). Supporting a child who is thinking of suicide. Retrieved from https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/supporting-child-who-thinking-suicide. National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019. (2019). Non-communicable diseases, healthcare demand and health literacy. Retrieved from http://iku.moh.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2019/Fact_Sheet_NHMS_2019-English.pdf National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019. (2019). Non-communicable diseases, healthcare demand and health literacy. Retrieved from http://iku.moh.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2019/Infographic_Booklet_NHMS_2019-English.pdf Ng. C. G. (2014). A Review of Depression Research in Malaysia. Med J Malaysia Vol 69 Supplement A August 2014. Statista Research Department. (2020). Crude suicide rate in Malaysia 2000 to 2016. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/701895/malaysia-crude-suicide-rate/ World Health Organization. (n.d.). Suicide data. Retrieve from: https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/ World Health Organization. (2018). Suicide rate estimates, crude, 5-year age groups up to 29 years Estimates by country. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.MHSUICIDE5YEARAGEGROUPS?lang=en​​ World Health Organization. (2018). Suicide rate estimates, crude, 15-29 and 30-49 years Estimates by country. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.MHSUICIDEAGEGROUPS15293049?lang=en

Loneliness among children is a critical issue that leaves young children vulnerable to immediate or long-term negative consequences. It has been found to have profound negative effects on health and has been considered to be the “social equivalent of physical pain"   Could your child be suffering from loneliness?  Research has found that children do have a valid understanding of loneliness. They define loneliness as being alone and feeling sad. Kindergarteners and first-grade children responded appropriately to a series of relevant questions. When asked “Where does loneliness come from?”, their answers are “Not having anybody to play with”. Subsequently, when asked “What might one do to overcome their feelings of loneliness, their answer is to “find a friend”.   What is loneliness? Loneliness refers to a person’s mental state when they feel alone and isolated, and find it difficult to form connections with other people (Kendra, 2020). For example, when a child feels lonely, they may feel closed off from other people which results in them resigning to being quiet and not engaging socially. While loneliness is defined as a negative emotion of isolation, people might feel lonely despite being surrounded by people and peers.  Previous Malaysian Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Hannah Yeoh mentioned that 149 out of 264 calls to the Malaysian suicide hotline (Befrienders) were from children who are as young as 10 years old. These children revealed that they are lonely and needed someone to talk to (Sukhbir, 2019).    What contributes to loneliness? Loneliness can be attributed to situational and internal factors. Situational factors may include physical isolation, relocation and parents’ divorce (Sbarra, 2015). The death of someone significant in a person’s life may lead to loneliness as well. On the other hand, internal factors that may lead to loneliness include having a low self-esteem and lacking confidence in oneself. Such people also often believe that they are unworthy to receive attention, affection and regard from other people (Kendra, 2020).  Situational factors may exacerbate an underlying internal issue. A child’s experience of loneliness along with abuse, neglect, and abandonment can be likened to the same isolation intensity experienced by soldiers with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Apsche & DiMeo, 2012). Loneliness may not be easily recognized and is commonly mislabeled as aggression, anxiety, and depression (Solomon, 2000). Loneliness has also been considered a temporary state of being and is rarely considered important enough to relieve especially during childhood. But loneliness is associated with poor health outcomes for younger ages as much as for adults (Harris, Robinson & Qualter, 2013; Qualter & others, 2013). The family unit is where children and young people learn and develop their social skills. Hence, parental support offered to parents or caregivers can reduce the likelihood of their children or themselves from becoming chronically lonely (Margalit, 2010). Alongside this, opportunities for social interaction should be provided to children and young people, along with their families, especially for those that face significant barriers like disabled children, young parents or caregivers. (Cowan & Cowan, 2000; Mental Health Foundation, 2013).  According to the Action for Children’s survey in 2015, more than half of the parents’ surveyed said it is important to have a support network to rely on, particularly in having friends who are also parents. Here are some tips developed by Action for Children and YoungMinds (2017). 1. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children by showing genuine interests in their friends and relationships. Talk to them about what healthy friendships are and ask them how they feel about their friendships.  2. Try not to be dismissive or discouraging when your child wants to fit in with the culture of their peers, as long as this doesn’t carry any kind of risk. Remember that loneliness is a feeling, not a measure of number of friends or time spent interacting socially. 3. Support your child in building their resilience, such as celebrating achievements, taking on responsibilities, understanding other people’s feelings and facing fears. 4. Speak to a teacher or other member of staff at your child’s school – they may be able to help but also look out for signs once they are aware. 5. Find ways of increasing communications and confidence with all sorts of people in all sorts of ways. For example, texting among friends and close ones; chatting to neighbours; telling jokes; learning magic tricks. Everyone feels lonely from time to time but if your concerns are going on for an extended amount of time, do seek help. Seek advice if you suspect there might be severe underlying concerns. ​   References Action for Children Parenting Poll, conducted by Survation. Survation interviewed 2,087 parents aged 18+ online from 20th to 30th July 2015. Survation is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Action for Children. (2017). It starts with hello. Retrieved from https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/media/9724/action_for_children_it_starts_with_hello_report__november_2017_lowres.pdf Apsche, J. A. & DiMeo, L. (2012). Mode deactivation therapy for treating aggression and oppositional behavior in adolescents. Oakland: CA, New Harbinger Publication Apsche Institute The Apsche Center - Mode Deactivation Therapy at North Spring Retrieved from www.apschecenter.com/ Cassidy, J., & Asher, S. R. (1992). Loneliness and peer relations in young children. ChildDevelopment, 63, 350-365. Cowan, CP, and Cowan, PA. (2000). When partners become parents: the big life change for couples. (rev ed) Routledge. Harris, R., Qualter, P., and Robinson, S. J. (2013). Loneliness trajectories from middle childhood to pre-adolescence: impact on perceived health and sleep disturbance. Journal of Adolescence, 36, 1295-1304. Hawkley, L. C. and Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218 – 227. Kendra, C. (2020). The Health Consequences of Loneliness. Verywell mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/loneliness-causes-effects-and-treatments-2795749 Margalit, M. (2010). Lonely Children and Adolescents: Self-Perceptions, Social Exclusion and Hope. New York: Springer. Mental Health Foundation. (2013). Young mums together: promoting young mothers’ wellbeing. Qualter, P., Brown, S. L., Rotenberg, K. J., Vanhalst, J, Harris, R. A., Goossens, L, Bangee, M. and Munn, P. (2013). Trajectories of loneliness during childhood and adolescence: predictors and health outcomes. Journal of Adolescence, 36, 1283-1293.  Solomon, S.M. (2000). Childhood loneliness: Implications and intervention considerations for family therapists. The Family Journal. 8(161). 161-164. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1177/1066480700082008 Sbarra, D. A. (2015). Divorce and health: Current trends and future directions. Psychosom Med. 77(3):227–236. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000168​ Sukhbir, C. (2019). Malaysian kids are calling the domestic abuse helpline because they're lonely. Mashable SEAsia. Retrieved from https://sea.mashable.com/culture/7568/malaysian-kids-are-calling-the-domestic-abuse-helpline-because-theyre-lonely

  Saving money is important. That’s a given for most parents, if not all. We have heard multiple wise sayings that convey the point of how it is of crucial importance to plan ahead and to ensure there are sufficient funds to cover any future expenses. This is especially true once couples enter into parenthood because not only do they have to feed two mouths, but now with the family’s expansion, the cost of living is only going to increase.  Parents would save money for their children’s future, which include their daily expenses and future education. However, in spite of all the financial skills parents may have up their sleeves and all the noble efforts of sacrifice and saving, parents may have overlooked the need to teach their very own children to manage their money well since young.  This results in poor financial management of the next generation. Many of our children only realize the necessity of wise money management in their young adult years, and by then many have already developed unhealthy spending habits or lacked the necessary financial management skills only to remain puzzled and overwhelmed by the immense financial burdens.  So, parents must act now in being better educators, and not just fulfill the responsibility of being providers of the family. As the proverb goes “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.  With the Chinese New Year Celebration having just passed, many Chinese children would have received their ‘ang paos’ (red packets) enveloped with money from relatives as a gift of blessing to the young. There is no better opportunity than now to inculcate the value of saving money and managing it well now.  Do you know that almost 28% of Americans have zero savings set aside to cover emergency expenses. Saving money is a habit since young that needs time to build, and unfortunately even some adults have yet to master it. Yet, many parents are not assisting their child to become financially literate.  If you want to play a role in shaping your child’s thinking, feelings, and values about money, here is how you should do it.    1. Keep it basic at a young age All lessons should start before the age of seven, not excluding saving money of course. The earlier you start your child’s financial education process, the better prepared your child is.  You may start by explaining important concepts such as setting a budget, saving, and goals. Also, you may model good examples as their little eyes are watching you. Children learn not just from the instructions they are given, but also from imitating their parents.  If you wish for your child to become a wise saver, being one yourself will certainly speak volumes. Kids need to learn that if they want certain things, they should save money to buy it instead of merely relying on their parent’s money and rewards.  Now, on to the practicals.    2. Use a jar to save money Piggy bank (or any other container that serves the purpose) is a good idea to teach young kids about the importance of saving, while allowing them an easy way to do it.  As you provide them with their pocket money, give them an opportunity to save the unused money into their personal piggy bank.  Parents should also make an effort into understanding their children’s interests. A toy may have caught their attention as the family strolls through the mall. Or your child may have been eyeing on a new bike or gadget in the market. These are not instances where you give in to your affections to your children by simply purchasing it for them, but are perfect opportunities to educate them.  Help them turn their ‘wants’ to a goal. With a goal in their minds, that’s where having a regular saving in the piggy bank would come to play. The process will be slow, but the reward will be sweeter, and this will be a valuable lesson for children. Children will learn to be independent and to be diligent in working after something they desire.  Apart from that, parents can give them additional opportunities to earn money by completing simple house chores like cleaning their room, keeping their toys or making their bed. When you reward them with a coin daily and eventually accumulating, they will understand the meaning behind it.  For older children, you may want to get them involved with sharing the load of the family in doing increasingly challenging house chores. This will also teach them to be responsible over the family.  Do tell your child that they will only get an allowance if they complete their tasks within the time set. You may also want to remind them that the goal of the piggy bank is to fill up with coins until there is no room. This in turn illustrates the usefulness of piggy banks to save money for the future and the more they save, the more the money grows.  To encourage saving up constantly for their short term goals, you may place a picture of their desired item on the jar so they have a visual reminder of what they are aiming towards.  Make sure the incentives offered are reasonable. The reward from saving shouldn’t come by too easily because that will defeat the purpose of the lesson, parents don’t necessarily have to reward children with a lot of money.  Parents should also be cautioned against rewarding their children for every single task assigned to them, as this may convey a wrong idea of having money as motivation behind every single decision. Children should learn to be responsible individuals and not materialistic ones.    3. Avoid impulse buys “Mom, I want this toy! Can we buy it please?” Does this sound familiar to you? No matter how old your children are, it is not uncommon that they would want something. This is not necessarily wrong, but it must be acknowledged that kids nowadays know how to take advantage of impulse buys, especially when someone pays for them. They may desire something laid out nicely in a mall or a restaurant, but when the item is obtained, they do not necessarily appreciate the item because they were simply reacting to their impulse.  Instead of giving all that they want and asked for, let them know that they can use their hard-earned allowance to buy it. This will give them the power to make decisions and to consider whether the items they wish to buy is worth spending. By this, they will become more financially savvy.    4. Model good financial behaviour Parents are always the best role model to their own kids. Even if you are paying for certain items, do explain to your children that you are using your money to purchase something necessarily.  Try not to complain about spending too much in front of your kids and then take them on a shopping spree, you will be sending mixed messages to confuse them. Instead, make sure you model a good behaviour that you want your children to adopt.  If you want them to develop smart saving and spending habits, they need to observe you making ideal saving and spending choices. In a nutshell, practice what you preach and walk the talk. It takes time to educate them about personal finance. If you put in your effort consistently to communicate a clear message about money, you will slowly but surely instill a good habit that serves them well.    5. Talk to your children Instead of forcing your children to save money initially, you can start a conversation about finance and the importance of saving. Money doesn’t have to be scary or a taboo. You may use financial discussion as a teachable lesson. Discuss the difference between their wants and needs so that they will be aware of the importance.  It is important to let your children know that you are always open for conversations about money as this will encourage them to ask questions about saving money. Find out what they are saving for, this way, you can be assured that you are comfortable with what they intend to buy. From doing so, you may make use of the conversation to teach them simple math calculations and guide them through whether they can find it cheaper somewhere else and be a wise consumer. Educating kids how to save money may seem irrelevant when they are young, but it is certainly needed. Be creative in having these conversations with them and make saving money fun and accessible for your children. It will definitely be worth it if you take the time now to educate them to successfully manage money. It is an investment which truly pays the best interest in the future for their own wellbeing.    References ‘Ramsey Solutions’ (April 2018). 15 ways to teach kids about money. Retrieved from https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/how-to-teach-kids-about-money Dixon, A. (July, 2019). A growing percentage of Americans have no emergency savings whatsoever. Bankrate. Retrieved from https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/financial-security-june-2019/#:~:text=Nearly%20three%20in%2010%20(28,money%20is%20critical%2C%20experts%20say. Huddleston, C. (January 2021). How to teach your kids good money habits. Forbes Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/how-to-teach-your-kids-good-money-habits/ Shin, L. (October 2013). The 5 most important money lessons to teach your kids. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2013/10/15/the-5-most-important-money-lessons-to-teach-your-kids/?sh=77b5d2e46826  

Contents: Gadgets and Children Benefits of gadgets on children development Negative impacts of gadgets on children deal screen time for children at early age What to do if your child is obsessed with gadgets?   Gadgets are indeed one of the most intriguing technologies ever invented in the world. Along with the rise of the digital era, it is almost impossible to see any household without at least one gadget. Our lives are somewhat dependent on these technologies, not only for communication, but for other day-to-day activities as well. Despite the modern advancement these technologies have brought us, they also bring some impacts and consequences towards us, especially on children.   Gadgets and children For most children growing up in this era, they were raised around technologies, especially smartphones. Since they were born, gadgets are always around them, from parents capturing pictures of them with smartphones, watching cartoons from a television, playing games on a tablet, seeing their mothers working with a laptop and so on.  Not to mention when Covid-19 strikes us, almost all education industries have conducted online teaching and learning. This adds more to the usage of gadgets in their daily life. With all these needs and consumption of gadgets, it is not surprising that gadgets have become a big part of children’s lives.   Benefits of gadgets on children development   Based on studies, the use of gadgets can bring benefits and positive impacts on children’s development (Srinahyanti et al., 2019).  1. Improve cognitive skills Cognitive abilities include the ability to process information, remember, reason, and relate objects to one another. These abilities are closely related to memory and language. With gadgets, there are numerous interactive applications, educational games and various kinds of helpful applications that challenge and improve children’s cognitive skills. It is a substitute for the traditional puzzles, board games and books that help develop children’s cognitive skills. 2. Improve motor skills The ability to control movement through the coordination of the nervous system and are associated with muscles such as hands, fingers, lips and tongue is referred to as motor skill. Children are indirectly exercising when they use gadgets since they are using and constantly moving their fingers and hands. This results in better understanding on how to use and coordinate their hands and fingers more effectively and quickly. Fine motor skill is also regarded as an important factor in the development of cognitive abilities in early childhood. 3. Increase knowledge Almost everything can be found on the Internet. With proper usage, countless new useful information and knowledge can be gained. Furthermore, while using gadgets, children can learn through the pictures, videos, numbers and colors they see.  4. Enhance competitiveness A child will understand winning and losing when playing games. This activity can drive them to struggle and exert effort and be more enthusiastic and motivated to achieve their goals.   Negative impacts of gadgets on children   1. Addiction When you find your child is having a hard time to stop using gadgets, even when they do not necessarily need to use them, this may be a sign of addiction. Using gadgets at an excessive amount of time can lead to addiction. This addiction develops as a result of the excitement of using gadgets that makes them want to use it more and more. They feel happy when they use gadgets. This stimulates the brain to produce excessive amounts of dopamine, a chemical released by the brain that makes us feel pleasure. It can be gaming addiction, social media addiction or even online gambling addiction.  2. Delay in speech and language  Early childhood is the sensitive learning period for children. This is the period where children develop their language and speech skills. They learn these by having interactions while playing with other children at school, reading books, or simply by having normal daily conversations with parents. But if they spend a very long time and devote their energy playing with gadgets, instead of utilizing their sensitive-learning period by playing outside, how can they develop their speech and language skills? A child with a language delay may be able to pronounce words correctly, but they struggle to understand spoken language. Meanwhile, a child who has a speech delay may use words and phrases to convey concepts, but they may be difficult to understand. 3. Lack of interest in education Gadgets may cause children to become lazy and lack interest in studying. They like the pleasurable feeling of playing games instead of learning at school. Neglecting their education will cause them to have long-term struggles later in the future. For example, they may have problems seeking jobs due to the education requirements. This also may due to a condition called ADHD or "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" which often happens to children with gadgets addiction. It refers to issues such as attention deficit, excessive activity, or difficulty in restraining inappropriate behavior. Children may become fidgety, unable to focus, restless, and easily distracted as a result of this. This shift in behavior can lead to issues at school or at home. 4. Health issue Children who prefer playing with gadgets will definitely have less time to do other physical activities such as playing outside and some of them may also have improper meals and sleeping habits. Research has shown that these habits can lead to many other consequences and health complications. For example, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Besides, staring at a screen for a long time can cause physical fatigue, eye strain, wrist pain (Carpal Tunnel syndrome), headaches and back and neck ache which can also cause bad body posture. 5. Social incapability As a result of being addicted to gadgets, children have more tendency to be detached from their surroundings and focus on their gadgets, than to have a real social interaction with family or friends. This can cause children to have problems socializing with other people, or in other words, they are being ‘anti-social’. The worrying part is that this may persist until they reach adulthood. Their self-confidence and social ability weaken as a result of their lack of exposure to genuine and real interaction.    Ideal screen time for children at early age   Ideal screen time for children at early age The ideal screen time for children in their early childhood is 5-30 minutes at a moderate intensity of 1-2 times per day.   What to do if your child is obsessed with gadgets?   Set a screen-time limit for your children and do not allow them to use gadgets apart from the time allocated. Encourage them to play outside and have interaction with other children.  Avoid using gadgets to distract your child when you are unable to entertain them. Instead, you should keep them occupied with toys, games or books. Be a good role model to your children. Show them positive hobbies and if possible, avoid playing with your gadgets in front of them. Be involved in your children’s daily life. In this way, children are less likely to depend on gadgets to make them feel less lonely. Nevertheless, gadgets have their pros and cons towards children but, the best way to prevent gadgets addiction in children is by not giving them access to gadgets at an early age. Early childhood period should be utilized as a learning development phase, and part of growth process. Fill in your child’s growth years with activities that can be beneficial for their future. Instead of gadgets, discover their other hobbies or talents that you can nurture from now until they become the best at that! Did you know? Absolute Genetic Technologies can help you with that! We offer Decode Talent DNA Test which helps you discover your child’s inborn talents and potential, so that you can divert their gadgets addiction tendency towards things that are beyond a doubt, will make them become a better person growing up. Visit our website, www.agtgenetics.com to start nurturing your child’s natural talent!

  "One of the hardest things about parenting is watching your child struggle—but it’s also one of the most important." Many parents believe their role is to smooth the path ahead for their children—to shield, protect, and ease every hardship. But life doesn’t promise ease, and more importantly, it’s within struggle that the most meaningful growth begins. In a world where convenience and quick success are often celebrated, the value of struggle is frequently overlooked—especially in parenting. Yet, teaching children about struggle is one of the most impactful lessons they can learn. Rather than removing every obstacle, guiding children through challenges builds resilience, confidence, and character that lasts far beyond childhood. In today’s world, where ease and instant success are often praised, social media showcases highlight reels, leaving out the hard work and effort behind the scenes. But real life isn’t always easy—and that’s precisely why teaching children to embrace struggle, learn from it, and grow through it, is one of the most valuable lessons parents can offer.   Contents: Why Children Need to Struggle The Power of Effort Over Perfection Navigating Different Needs Creating Supportive Environment Preparing Children for Real Life   Why Children Need to Struggle Struggling is not a sign of weakness. It is a natural and necessary part of learning and development. When children encounter obstacles, they gain the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and perseverance. These experiences teach that effort often matters more than immediate success. From learning how to tie shoelaces to navigating the emotional ups and downs of school friendships, each challenge becomes an opportunity to build character. Hence, instead of rushing in to fix things, parents can take a step back. Healthy parenting encourages children to face discomfort with courage and curiosity. Rather than stepping in immediately, parents can ask thoughtful questions like, “What else could you try?” or “How did you handle a tough moment last week?” By doing this, they help children not only develop solutions but also foster self-belief and resilience.   The Power of Effort Over Perfection Focusing solely on outcomes—like getting the correct answer or winning the game—can send the message that value lies only in perfection. A more meaningful approach is to highlight the process. Praise for effort, strategy, and determination reinforces the idea that learning and growth occur even when results aren’t perfect. Asking reflective questions such as “What was hard about that?” or “What did you learn from the experience?” encourages children to think critically and embrace mistakes as part of progress.   Navigating Different Needs Every child is wired differently. Understanding your child’s temperament and traits, especially when it comes to how they handle struggle, can help you guide them more effectively. Some children naturally cope well under pressure, while others need more support to build these skills. Here’s how parents can navigate the key traits, depending on whether their child scores high or low in each area:  Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from setbacks or disappointment. Low Resilience: These children may feel defeated easily, avoid challenges, or dwell on failure. How to help: Offer consistent encouragement and emotional support. Celebrate small wins and teach the language of self-compassion (e.g., “It’s okay to make mistakes, what matters is trying again”). Use storytelling or role models to show how others overcame failure. High Resilience: These children tend to bounce back quickly and maintain a positive attitude. How to support: Encourage reflection to deepen their emotional awareness. Help them slow down and recognise when others around them might not recover as fast—this builds empathy and emotional intelligence. Stress Tolerance: The ability to manage emotional responses during pressure, change, or uncertainty. Low Stress Tolerance: These children may cry easily, become anxious, or shut down when faced with stress. How to help: Create a predictable routine to reduce uncertainty. Teach calming strategies such as breathing exercises or grounding techniques. Offer reassurance and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. High Stress Tolerance: These children remain calm and composed, even in tough situations. How to support: Help them understand that stress can also affect others differently. Encourage them to communicate when they feel overwhelmed rather than internalise everything. Problem Solving Skills: The ability to find effective solutions to challenges or obstacles. Low Problem-Solving Skills: These children may have a limited ability to effectively solve problems, ask for help too quickly, or rely heavily on adults. How to help: Guide them through problem-solving without giving direct answers. Ask, “What do you think might work?” or “What have you tried so far?” Use games and real-life scenarios to practice thinking through steps. High Problem-Solving Skills: These children often think creatively and act independently. How to support: Encourage collaboration so they learn to listen to others’ ideas. Remind them that not all problems have quick fixes and that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Persistence: The ability to stay focused and keep trying, even when something is hard or takes time. Low Persistence: These children may become discouraged quickly and move on without finishing tasks. How to help: Use positive reinforcement for effort, not just results. Break down larger goals into achievable steps and provide visual trackers or charts to show progress. Avoid nagging—encouragement works better. High Persistence: These children can be very determined and focused, sometimes to the point of frustration when things don’t go as planned. How to support: Teach them when to take breaks or ask for help. Remind them that it’s okay to pause or pivot without giving up completely. Help them find balance between grit and flexibility.     Creating a Supportive Environment A key part of teaching children about struggle is providing a safe environment where they feel supported, not judged. This involves allowing space for failure while offering guidance—not immediate solutions. Children benefit from knowing they are not alone in their challenges, but they also need the chance to work through problems independently. When adults step back, children step up. This balance between support and autonomy helps children build internal strength and confidence in their own abilities.   Preparing Children for Real Life Life will not always be easy. By preparing children to cope with discomfort, uncertainty, and effort, they are better equipped to handle real-world challenges—whether in academics, relationships, or personal growth. Resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability are traits built not in the absence of struggle, but through it. One day, your child will face bigger struggles—disappointments that can’t be fixed with a hug or a quick solution. But the lessons planted now will equip them the tools to face those moments with courage and grace. By teaching children to embrace struggle, parents are not setting them up for a life without hardship—but for a life of resilience, empathy, and strength. This lesson may not come with trophies or gold stars, but its impact is lifelong.  

We all know that one child who gives away every sticker, shares their last snack, or apologizes just to avoid conflict—even when they’ve done nothing wrong. Their kindness shines, but sometimes, it isn’t matched. So here’s the question: when does altruism stop being a strength and start becoming unbalanced? Kindness, empathy, and generosity are beautiful traits we hope to see in the next generation. But we also want kids to know that kindness doesn't have to come at the cost of their own wellbeing. Guiding them on how to prioritize their needs when necessary is just as important as teaching them to be kind. We’ve all seen it: the child who gives and gives… while others only take. Modern parenting—and mentoring—isn’t just about raising kind-hearted individuals. It’s about helping them build confidence, recognize emotional cues, and understand when to give—and when to pause. The goal isn’t less compassion. It’s stronger, wiser compassion. Contents: The Science of Altruism: Why Kindness Matters  When Kindness Needs Gentle Guardrails How to Protect and Support Kind Kids   The Science of Altruism: Why Kindness Matters Altruism—literally “other-ism”—is the act of helping others without expecting anything in return. It’s the parent who stays up all night with their child, the friend who offers support without keeping score. From an evolutionary point of view, altruism helped us build communities and thrive together. But even good-hearted giving can lose its balance if not guided with awareness. While kindness may come naturally to some children, discernment often needs to be taught. Our role is to help nurture both.   When Kindness Needs Gentle Guardrails Not everyone responds to kindness in the way we might hope. Children—especially those who are naturally thoughtful—may come across situations where their giving spirit isn’t equally valued, such as: One-sided friendships (e.g., always sharing but never receiving) Peer pressure dressed up as loyalty (“If you’re really my friend, you’ll do this”) People-pleasing behaviors—apologizing too often or avoiding conflict just to be liked If not gently redirected, these patterns can affect children’s confidence and self-worth as they grow. Helping them with this is key to ensure they are firm with their needs in relationships and are capable of setting boundaries effectively.   How to Protect and Support Kind Kids Here’s how we can help children stay kind while keeping their emotional balance: 1. Model Balanced Kindness  Show them that being kind doesn’t mean saying yes to everything: Saying “no” gently but clearly (“I can’t help right now, but I wish you the best!”) Respecting your own limits (“I’m taking a break so I can feel better later.”) Expecting mutual respect in all relationships 2. Build Emotional Awareness Help them check in with their feelings using simple prompts: “Did helping your friend leave you feeling happy—or a little tired?” “Do they also do kind things for you sometimes?” 3. Teach Boundaries as a Form of Care Let them practice positive, assertive responses: “I’m still playing with this now. You can have a turn next.” “I helped last time—maybe someone else can this time!” 4. Celebrate Healthy Relationships Praise when they: Speak up for themselves kindly Choose friends who are thoughtful too Notice fairness and kindness in others   Final Thoughts Kindness is one of the most powerful gifts we can give—but it’s even stronger when paired with self-respect. Our goal isn’t just to raise “nice” kids, but emotionally aware ones—children who know how to give generously and care for their own well-being. By modeling balanced kindness, fostering emotional awareness, and guiding them in setting healthy boundaries, we empower children to grow into thoughtful, resilient adults. Because in the end, true kindness doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means showing up for others while staying true to who you are.   References   https://philosophyterms.com/author/philosophy. (2018, October 9). Altruism. Philosophy Terms. https://philosophyterms.com/altruism/ Schreiber, K. (2012, October 14). Too Much of a Selfless Good Thing: Pathological Altruism. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/blog/too-much-of-a-selfless-good-thing-pathological-altruism#3 10 Powerful Ways to Teach Altruism to Kids | Reality Pathing  

Ever heard your child say things like:  “I’m ugly.” “I’m not good enough.” “I’m stupid.” “Why was I even born?” As a parent, those words can hit you like a ton of bricks. You’re left wondering — What is my child going through? Why do they feel this way? Contents: Where Does Low Confidence Come From?  What Happens If Low Confidence Goes Unnoticed? So, What Can You Do as a Parent? When Should Parents Step In?   Where Does Low Confidence Come From? If your child often seems withdrawn, overly self-critical, or unsure of themselves, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle to understand the root cause of low self-confidence in children. The truth is, confidence doesn’t just come naturally. It’s shaped by life experiences, surroundings, and yes — even genetics. According to Markway (2018), factors like trauma, parenting style, bullying, public humiliation, or even societal pressures related to gender or race can significantly impact a child’s self-worth. But here’s what many don’t realize: Confidence can be heritable. Research shows that up to 50% of our confidence levels may be influenced by genetics — including how much of certain “feel-good” brain chemicals we naturally produce. But don’t worry — that doesn’t mean confidence is set in stone. Even identical twins with the same DNA can grow up to have completely different personalities. Why? Because the environment still plays a massive role. The way we parent, the support we give, and the messages our children hear daily can either build or break their confidence.   What Happens If Low Confidence Goes Unnoticed? Some kids bounce back. They problem-solve, adapt, and find ways to cope. But others? They get stuck. And when they do, the long-term impact can be serious: Anxiety Depression Academic stress and poor performance Social withdrawal Even suicidal thoughts in severe cases Let that sink in. Low confidence isn’t just “a phase.” If left unaddressed, it can seriously impact your child’s well-being and future.   So, What Can You Do as a Parent? Be present. Your child doesn’t need you to fix everything — they need you to listen. Acknowledge their feelings instead of brushing them off. Celebrate effort, not just achievements. Model confidence in your own behavior — kids learn by watching. Create a safe space where they’re free to express themselves without fear of being judged. Know your child. Every child is different. Some just need a different kind of support that aligns with their unique makeup to grow confidence. And if you suspect there’s a deeper issue? Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or consider exploring tools like DNA testing to understand more about your child’s emotional makeup.   When Should Parents Step In? There’s no “best” age to develop low confidence, but there are key developmental windows where low confidence is most likely to emerge or become noticeable. Critical Ages When Confidence Can Be Shaped (Positively or Negatively): 1. Ages 3–5 (Preschool Years) This is when kids start forming a basic sense of self. They try new things and begin to notice how adults respond. Overly harsh criticism or constant comparison can cause them to fear failure and hesitate to try. 2. Ages 6–9 (Early Primary School) Children start comparing themselves more to peers. School performance, friendships, and teacher feedback begin to shape their self-worth. This is a common stage for confidence dips—especially if they struggle with reading, writing, or social dynamics. 3. Ages 10–13 (Preteen Years) Self-awareness increases, and kids start developing internal dialogue. They may become self-critical or overly focused on how others see them. Low confidence can solidify if not supported, especially in high-pressure environments. So, when should parents step in? The answer is, the earlier, the better. Confidence-building should ideally start in early childhood and continue throughout adolescence. But even if signs show up later, it’s never too late to nurture confidence with the right tools. This is also why DNA testing can be most valuable when done early—even before confidence issues become visible. It helps parents understand how their child naturally handles stress, pressure, motivation, and social feedback—so they can parent proactively, not reactively.   Final Thought Confidence isn’t something kids are just “born with.” It’s something that’s built — through love, support, guidance, and understanding. Your child may be struggling silently. But with the right approach, you have the power to help them grow into someone who believes in themselves — even when life gets hard. Try our Decode Talent DNA Test! Other than figuring out your child’s personality, you can also find out your child’s talent which can help you improve their level of confidence Reference https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shyness-is-nice/201812/5-reasons-people-have-low-self-confidence  https://www.shellye.opengrowth.com/article/confidence-are-we-born-with-it-or-can-it-be-nurtured  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/i-have-lost-my-confidence-and-self-esteem#effects   

Maintaining a well-balanced diet can be challenging, especially when following specific eating patterns like vegetarian, pescatarian, or ketogenic diets. Each diet comes with its own set of nutritional challenges, but with careful planning, it’s possible to meet all essential nutrient requirements. This article explores the common obstacles of these diets and provides practical solutions for achieving optimal nutrition.   Challenges of a Specialized Diet Each specialised diet has unique challenges that need to be addressed to maintain overall health:   Vegetarian Diet A vegetarian diet excludes meat but may include dairy, eggs, and plant-based proteins. Common Challenges: Protein Intake: Ensuring adequate protein sources without meat. Iron Absorption: Plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less bioavailable than animal-based iron. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This essential vitamin is primarily found in animal products. Nutritional Solutions: Incorporate legumes, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and dairy products for sufficient protein. Pair iron-rich plant foods (spinach, lentils, chickpeas) with Vitamin C sources (citrus fruits, bell peppers) to enhance absorption. Take a B12 supplement or consume B12-fortified foods like plant-based milk and cereals since B12 is usually only found in animal meats and products.   Pescatarian Diet A pescatarian diet includes seafood, dairy, and plant-based foods but excludes other meats. Common Challenges: Mercury Exposure: Some fish contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful. Omega-3 Balance: Not all seafood is equally rich in beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids. Zinc and Iron Deficiency: Limited intake of red meat may result in lower levels of these essential minerals. Nutritional Solutions: Choose low-mercury fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout while avoiding high-mercury fish like tuna and swordfish. Include flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds to supplement Omega-3 intake. Consume shellfish, nuts, seeds, and whole grains for adequate zinc and iron levels.   Ketogenic Diet A ketogenic (keto) diet is high in fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates, which forces the body into a state of ketosis. Common Challenges: Nutrient Deficiencies: Eliminating many fruits and whole grains can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Fiber Intake: Low-carb diets often lack dietary fiber, leading to digestive issues. Electrolyte Imbalance: Ketosis can cause dehydration and loss of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Nutritional Solutions: Incorporate low-carb vegetables (spinach, kale, zucchini) to boost nutrient intake. Consume avocados, nuts, seeds, and non-starchy vegetables to increase fiber, vitamin C and vitamin E. Maintain electrolyte balance by adding salt to meals and consuming bone broth or electrolyte supplements.   Personalised Nutrition with Decode Nutrition DNA Test It is also important to know that every individual’s nutritional needs are unique, influenced by genetics, metabolism, and personal health factors. AGT’s Decode Nutrition DNA Test can provide deeper insights into your body’s need for different nutrients. By analyzing your DNA, our test can help you with planning meals that fit your lifestyle while meeting your body’s nutritional needs. With genetic insights, you may also find out if supplementation is necessary for your dietary restrictions. Managing a vegetarian, pescatarian, or keto diet while maintaining balanced nutrition requires knowledge and planning. By understanding your natural genetic predisposition, the common pitfalls of each diet and incorporating strategic food choices, you can enjoy the benefits of your chosen eating pattern without compromising on essential nutrients. Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods and consulting a nutrition expert when needed can help maintain long-term health and well-being.    

Does your child constantly jump from one interest to another, get bored easily, or love chasing new experiences? If they’re always seeking adventure—whether by trying new hobbies, taking risks, or pushing boundaries—they may be high in novelty-seeking. While this can make them adaptable, creative, and open to new experiences, it may also lead to impulsivity, difficulty sticking to commitments, or risky decision-making. As a parent, understanding their natural drive for new experiences can help you guide them toward healthy exploration while keeping them safe.   Contents: What drives high novelty-seeking in children  How to nurture a child’s novelty-seeking trait What to do if your child is low in novelty-seeking   What Drives High Novelty-Seeking in Children Children are wired to seek stimulation as they explore the world, being drawn to excitement and challenges to overcome their high proneness for boredom and restlessness. In high novelty seekers, the pathways for dopamine, the hormone related to motivation and reward in their brain, have a higher sensitivity to new stimuli. This will drive them to pursue new, exciting experiences as it feels more rewarding, even if it involves risky, impulsive behaviours. These are some ways that novelty-seeking may manifest in their personality and daily lives: 1. Highly creative and curious Creativity tends to be a strength for kids who seek out novelty as they are always exploring new ideas and interests. Their openness to experience makes them more innovative and imaginative and they are likely to experiment with various hobbies to express themselves and keep themselves entertained. They thrive in fast-paced environments that encourage creative expression and problem-solving challenges. 2. Strong inclination for social interactions Novelty-seeking kids may have a strong need to socialize and meet new friends often as they are eager to seek out new and different personalities and interests. They may be higher in sociability and extraversion as they are more energetic when surrounded by others. While this can be a positive in terms of being more comfortable in social situations and having a strong support system, they might also be exposed to peer pressure which can lead to impulsive decision-making due to the need to fit in and be accepted. It is important to be cautious of their inclination to engage in risky behaviours such as substance use and gambling from being influenced by peers. 3. Resistance towards structure and routine Due to the continuous search for stimulation, repetitive tasks and routines may be an annoyance to a novelty-seeking child. They may have difficulty sticking to tasks that require attention and persistence as their impulsive nature drives them towards switching to the next stimulating activity. This could lead to procrastination in schoolwork and a lack of motivation for tasks that are predictable and structured.   How to Nurture A Child’s Novelty-Seeking Trait Supporting a child’s curiosity and adventurous nature can be fun and rewarding, giving them the opportunity to lean into their love for exploration while enhancing their personal growth. At the same time, helping them reduce their tendency for impulsive, spontaneous behaviours is crucial to ensure they manage their novelty-seeking in a well-rounded manner. Here are some ways that you can do this: 1. Provide healthy outlets to channel their curiosity into Redirecting your child towards exciting and productive activities can help fulfil their need for stimulation in a safe manner without resorting to risky behaviours. Examples include: Sports which provides an outlet for excitement and challenge in a controlled environment Creative arts such as music and performance arts that allows them to explore their creativity through expression. Entrepreneurial projects Travelling to gain new experiences and make meaningful memories 2. Encourage commitment and persistence Given their tendency to switch tasks frequently when bored or unmotivated, you can focus on developing their persistence and conscientiousness. Try breaking tasks down into smaller steps so they are easier for your child to manage and maintain focus on. Instead of imposing strict routines, flexible structures that allow for some negotiation can work better as your child will feel that they can still make decisions independently. Remember to praise their effort, not results, to enhance their motivation to stick to a task. 3.     Teach them about self-awareness and decision-making Children who are high in novelty-seeking traits are more prone to acting impulsively without considering the consequences. Therefore, educating them on weighing the risks of certain actions is key. Asking thought-provoking questions like “What are the pros and cons of doing this?” or “What’s the best/worst that could happen?” will guide them on their decision-making process. Also, teaching them to pause to assess their feelings before making a decision can help improve their self-regulation, ensuring that their actions are not solely fuelled by emotions in the heat of the moment. Building their self-awareness this way encourages them to take a balanced approach in making choices without suppressing their adventurous nature.   What To Do if Your Child is Low in Novelty-Seeking While some children thrive on excitement and new experiences, others prefer stability, predictability, and routine. If your child is low in novelty-seeking, they may be more hesitant to try new things, preferring familiar environments and activities. Just as highly novelty-seeking children need guidance in managing impulsivity, those with lower novelty-seeking tendencies can benefit from gentle encouragement to step outside their comfort zone. Introduce new experiences gradually – If they resist change, ease them into new activities instead of forcing sudden shifts. Provide a sense of security – Reassure them that it’s okay to take small risks and that failure is part of learning. Pair new experiences with familiar elements – For example, if they hesitate to try a new activity, introduce it alongside something they already enjoy. Celebrate small steps – Acknowledge their efforts when they take even small risks, reinforcing a positive association with new experiences. By recognizing and respecting their pace, you can help a low novelty-seeking child build confidence in trying new things while still respecting their preference for stability. Every child has a unique way of interacting with the world—some crave adventure and change, while others find comfort in routine. Whether your child is highly novelty-seeking or more reserved, understanding their natural tendencies can help you provide the right support. Instead of suppressing their traits, guiding them to embrace their strengths while developing self-awareness and decision-making skills ensures they grow into well-balanced individuals. Understanding your child’s personality through genetic insights can help you tailor your parenting approach to their unique traits. The Decode Talent DNA Test offers a deeper look into their novelty-seeking tendencies, creativity, persistence, and more—helping you nurture their potential in a way that aligns with who they truly are. To learn more about your child’s DNA, check out Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!      

All parents want to raise well-behaved and emotionally resilient children. However, navigating the fine line between discipline and punishment can be challenging. Understanding the key differences between these approaches can help you foster a positive parent-child relationship while instilling healthy boundaries and self-discipline in your child.   Contents: Understanding Discipline vs. Punishment  Why Healthy Boundaries Matter Key Differences Between Discipline and Punishment Effective Discipline Strategies Based on Your Child’s DNA Predisposition How to Set Healthy Boundaries Through Discipline When Discipline is More Effective Than Punishment   Why Healthy Boundaries Matter Setting healthy boundaries is essential in child-rearing. Boundaries help them understand expectations, teach them to respect others while providing children with a sense of security. When boundaries are clear and consistently enforced, children learn responsibility and self-regulation, reducing the need for punishment.   Understanding Discipline vs. Punishment Discipline is a teaching process that helps children learn appropriate behaviour, understand the consequences of their actions, and develop self-control. It focuses on long-term growth and nurturing responsibility. Punishment, on the other hand, is a reactive approach that inflicts penalties or consequences to control behaviour. While punishment may stop misbehaviour in the short term, it often fails to teach children how to make better choices in the future.   Key Differences Between Discipline and Punishment   Aspect Discipline Punishment Focus Teaching and guiding Control and retribution Goal Long-term behaviour change Immediate compliance Approach Encourages learning  from mistakes Emphasis consequences and fear Emotional Aspect Build trust and understanding Can create resentment and anxiety     Effective Discipline Strategies Based on Your Child’s DNA Predisposition Every child responds to discipline differently based on their genetic predispositions, including temperament, emotional regulation, impulse control, and resilience. A DNA-based approach helps parents personalise discipline strategies for more effective and positive outcomes. Emotionally Sensitive Children (High Empathy, High Emotional Reactivity) Traits: High Empathy, High Neuroticism, High Sentimentality Challenges: Easily overwhelmed, deeply affected by criticism, strong sense of justice. Best Discipline Approach: ✅ Acknowledge their emotions before explaining the impact their actions. ✅ Use gentle reasoning and positive reinforcement rather than harsh punishments. ✅ Provide quiet time instead of timeouts, allowing them to calm down and process emotions. ❌Avoid yelling or punitive punishments, as these may cause excessive guilt or anxiety.   Strong-Willed & Independent Thinkers (High Determination, Low Compliance) Traits: Low Agreableness, High Persistence Challenges: Question authority, resist rigid rules, prefer logical explanations. Best Discipline Approach: ✅ Set clear expectations with logical consequences that make sense to them. ✅ Offer structured choices (e.g., “Would you like to do your homework now or after dinner?”). ✅ Engage in collaborative problem-solving to teach responsibility. ❌Avoid power struggles—forcing compliance can lead to increased resistance. Impulsive & Energetic Children (Lower Impulse Control, High Activity Levels) Traits: High Risk-Taking, High Novelty Seeking, Low Fear of Uncertainty Challenges: Struggle with self-control, act before thinking, prone to distractions. Best Discipline Approach: ✅ Use short, clear instructions to keep them focused. ✅ Implement consistent but flexible routines to help them develop self-regulation. ✅ Provide physical outlets (e.g., sports, sensory play) to release excess energy ❌Avoid long lectures—they may lose focus and not absorb the lesson. Highly Anxious & Uncertain Children (Overtinkers, High Needs of Reassurance) Traits: High Anxiety, High Fear of Uncertainty Challenges: Worry about making mistakes, struggle with unexpected changes, get overwhelmed easily. Best Discipline Approach: ✅ Offer predictability and clear expectations to reduce anxiety. ✅ Help them manage mistakes with reassurance: “It’s okay to get things wrong. Mistakes help us learn.” ✅ Gradually expose them to small, manageable changes to build resilience. ❌Avoid punishment-based discipline, as fear-based responses may heighten their anxiety. Highly Social & Expressive Children (Enjoy Attention, Outgoing) Traits: High Extraversion, High Sociability, High Optimism Challenges:  Love attention, enjoy socialising, may struggle with quiet time. Best Discipline Approach: ✅ Use social rewards (e.g., extra playtime) rather than isolating punishments. ✅ Encourage teamwork and positive peer interactions to reinforce good behaviour ✅ Give them structured opportunities to express themselves (e.g., storytelling, group activities). ❌Avoid public discipline as they may react strongly to embarrassment, correct behaviour privately when possible.   How to Set Healthy Boundaries Through Discipline Communicate Expectations Clearly: Let your child know what behaviours are acceptable and why. Use age-appropriate language to explain rules and expectations. Use Natural and Logical Consequences: Instead of arbitrary punishments, allow your child to experience the natural consequences of their actions. For example, if they refuse to wear a jacket, they might feel cold and learn the importance of dressing appropriately. Be Consistent but Flexible: Consistency helps children feel secure in their environment. However, be open to adjusting boundaries as your child grows and develops a better understanding of responsibility. Encourage Problem-Solving: When misbehaviour occurs, guide your child through finding a solution. Ask questions like, "I see you're having a hard time listening. What can we do to make it easier?" to help them think critically about their actions. Model the Behaviour You Want to See: Children learn by observing. Demonstrate respect, patience, and self-discipline in your own actions. Reinforce Positive Behaviour: Acknowledge and praise good behaviour to reinforce positive actions rather than just focusing on mistakes.       When Discipline is More Effective than Punishment Discipline is most effective when it is rooted in respect, empathy, and understanding. Unlike punishment, which often leads to defiance or low self-esteem, discipline helps children internalise values and make better choices. A child who understands why a rule exists is more likely to follow it willingly rather than out of fear.   Final Thoughts Healthy boundaries, when set through discipline rather than punishment, create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered. Parenting is a continuous learning journey, but by focusing on discipline as a tool for teaching rather than controlling, you can help your child develop into a responsible and emotionally intelligent individual. By fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, you pave the way for lifelong positive behaviour and a stronger parent-child bond.  

  Introduction As parents, we teach our children the importance of saying "I'm sorry" when they make mistakes. However, when the situation is reversed and we are at fault, apologising to our child can feel uncomfortable or even unnecessary. Many parents struggle with this because they fear losing authority or are concerned about how their children will perceive them. Yet, research indicates that apologising to your child does not undermine your authority; in fact, it strengthens it.   Contents: Why Do Parents Struggle to Apologise?  Why Apologising Actually Strengthens Your Authority? When Should You Apologise? How to Apologise to Your Child Effectively? Why It Matters to Some Children: Understanding Different Needs   Why Do Parents Struggle to Apologise? Studies show that the most common reason parents hesitate to apologise is the fear of losing authority. Many believe that admitting mistakes may make them appear weak or encourage their children to challenge them more frequently. However, this isn't the only concern. Other common reasons include: Cultural and Generational Beliefs: Some parents were raised in households where apologising was considered as an act of weakness. They may find it hard to change this pattern and be vulnerable with their child. Pride and Ego: Admitting mistakes requires humility, which can be challenging when parents feel compelled to keep control. Not Knowing How to Apologise Effectively: Some parents worry that apologies will come off as insincere or undermine their authority if done incorrectly. Fear of Encouraging Disrespect or Manipulation: Parents may fear that their child will take advantage of their willingness to apologise, pushing boundaries more often. Guilt and Shame: Acknowledging mistakes compels parents to confront their shortcomings, which can be emotionally challenging. Uncertainty About Their Child’s Reaction: Some parents worry that their child won’t respond as expected,making the apology awkward or ineffective.   Why Apologising Actually Strengthens Your Authority Contrary to the fear of losing control, research shows that parents who apologies sincerely gain more respect from their children. Here’s why: Models Accountability Children learn by example. When they see a parent take responsibility for their actions, they understand the importance of honesty and integrity. This teaches them that making mistakes is a natural part of life, but owning up to them is what truly matters. By watching their parents model accountability, children are more likely to take responsibility for their own actions rather than shifting blame onto others. Over time, this nurtures a strong sense of character and moral responsibility. Builds Trust A sincere apology strengthens the parent-child bond, showing children that their feelings are valued. This creates a safe space for open communication. When parents acknowledge their mistakes, it reassures children that they are respected and heard. This trust becomes the foundation of a strong relationship where children feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, emotions, and concerns without fear of judgment. When trust is built through sincere apologies, children are also more likely to listen to their parents’ guidance and rules because they feel understood and respected. Teaches Emotional Intelligence Apologising helps children develop empathy, resilience, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for their social and emotional growth. When parents apologise, they demonstrate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to repair relationships. This teaches children that emotions are valid and can be managed in a healthy way. It also encourages them to be more empathetic toward others and recognize how their actions affect people around them. A child who sees their parents' apologies will be more likely to express their own feelings and apologies when they hurt someone, fostering emotionally intelligent interactions throughout their life. Encourages Healthy Conflict Resolution Instead of seeing mistakes as something shameful, children learn that conflicts can be resolved with honesty and understanding. Many people grow up fearing confrontation because they were never taught how to resolve conflicts in a constructive way. Apologising to your child helps normalize conflict resolution by showing that disagreements don’t have to result in anger or punishment. Instead, they can lead to meaningful conversations, mutual understanding, and positive resolutions. This helps children develop the ability to navigate conflicts in friendships, school, and later in their professional lives.   When Should You Apologise? It’s important to apologies when: You overreact or raise your voice. Sometimes, frustration gets the better of us, and we may yell or scold our children more harshly than necessary. Acknowledging this teaches them that anger should not justify unkind words. You dismiss or invalidate your child’s feelings. If a child expresses sadness, frustration, or excitement and is met with dismissal (“You’re overreacting” or “It’s not a big deal”), it can make them feel unheard. Apologising in this situation helps validate their emotions and reassures them that their feelings matter. You make an unfair decision. Parenting involves setting rules and boundaries, but sometimes decisions are made in the heat of the moment without fully considering the child’s perspective. Acknowledging when a decision was unfair helps children see that fairness applies to everyone, even parents. You break a promise or fail to follow through. Whether it’s a promise to play with them, attend their school event, or simply spend quality time together, failing to follow through can cause disappointment. Apologising in such situations helps rebuild trust and reassures them that their feelings are important. You unknowingly hurt their feelings. Even well-meaning jokes or offhand comments can hurt a child’s self-esteem. If a child expresses hurt, taking responsibility for the impact of your words can prevent long-term emotional wounds.   How to Apologise to Your Child Effectively Apologising isn’t just about saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about making amends in a meaningful way. If you’ve made a mistake, here’s how you can apologise in a way that strengthens your relationship and reinforces positive values: Acknowledge your mistake and be specific: Be clear about what you did wrong. Instead of a vague “I’m sorry,” clarify what you’re apologising for. Example: “I’m sorry I raised my voice earlier when I was frustrated. I should have spoken to you calmly” Acknowledge their feelings: Show that you understand how your actions impacted them. Example: “I know it must have hurt when I dismissed your feelings. That wasn’t fair to you.” Take responsibility and explain without excuses: If needed, explain your behaviour without shifting blame and avoid making excuses. Example: “I was frustrated, but that’s no excuse for speaking to you that way.” Encourage open dialogue: Let your child share their feelings about what happened. This strengthens trust and ensures they feel heard. Make amends and explain how you’ll do better Show a commitment to improvement by offering a way to repair the situation. Example: “Next time, I’ll take a deep breath before responding and try to speak calmly.” Show Consistency: Follow through with better behavior. Your child will respect your words more when they see a real change.   Why It Matters to Some Children: Understanding Different Needs For some children, a sincere apology from a parent makes a world of difference. They benefit more from apologies due to their personality traits: Highly Empathetic Children  These children are deeply attuned to fairness and emotions. If they perceive injustice (even unintentionally), they may feel hurt or withdrawn. Apologizing shows them that their emotions are respected and valued. Perfectionists or Highly Conscientious Children Learn that mistakes are normal and not a sign of failure. Without apologies, they may believe mistakes are unacceptable. Seeing adults own up to errors teaches them that mistakes are part of learning and growth. Impulsive or Aggressive Children  They may struggle with emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Apologizing models how to handle mistakes calmly and respectfully. Sensitive Children  Feel reassured when parents acknowledge their feelings. Harsh reactions or perceived unfairness can deeply affect them. A sincere apology reassures them, helping them feel safe and strengthening trust.   Every child responds differently to parenting approaches. Decode Talent DNA Test helps you understand not only your child’s talents but also their inner world—allowing you to personalize your parenting and nurture them in the best way possible.   Final Thoughts Apologising to your child doesn’t mean losing control or authority, it simply means you are leading by example. When parents take responsibility for their mistakes, they create a home environment based on trust, respect, and emotional intelligence. So the next time you find yourself in the wrong, take a deep breath and say, “I’m sorry, _____.” Your child will learn a valuable lesson not just in words, but in action.   References Ansar, N., Lie, H. a. N., Zahl-Olsen, R., Bertelsen, T. B., Elliott, R., & Stiegler, J. R. (2022). Efficacy of Emotion-Focused parenting programs for children’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms: a randomized clinical study. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 51(6), 923–939. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2022.2079130  Lee, A. H., Adams-Clark, A. A., Martin, C. G., & Zalewski, M. (2022). Associations between maternal apology, parenting, and child internalizing, externalizing and prosocial behaviors. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 84, 101484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2022.101484  Waddington, O., Proft, M., Jensen, K., & Köymen, B. (2023). Five‐year‐old children value reasons in apologies for belief‐based accidents. Child Development, 94(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13893

Does your child tend to throw objects, scream and hit you or others when they lose control? It can be distressing for you to see your child’s sudden outbursts due to the harm it could cause to them or others. Such aggressive behaviours could be a symptom of an underlying difficulty in handling intense emotions. At their young age, children are still figuring out how to deal with feelings of anger or frustration and have not acquired the skills to solve problems without getting upset. You may be feeling helpless if your child’s aggressiveness shows no signs of slowing down, but there are a few strategies that can be useful in helping your child manage their behaviour while fostering empathy, self-control and improved social skills.   Contents: Why do children get aggressive?  What you can do to reduce your child’s aggression How DNA insights can help you personalize your parenting approach   Why do children get aggressive? Aggression in children is often not intentional misbehaviour but rather a reaction to overwhelming emotions. Young children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, have underdeveloped impulse control and struggle to express frustration, anger, or fear in a calm manner. The following factors can contribute to aggressive behaviour, including: Low Stress Tolerance – Some children react aggressively when they feel unable to complete a task or when things don’t go their way. Impulsivity and Poor Self-Control – Underdeveloped executive functioning makes it hard for young children to pause before reacting. Environmental Influences – Exposure to aggressive behaviour at home, school, or in media can reinforce similar responses. Low Empathy – Children who struggle to understand how their actions affect others may be more likely to act out aggressively. They might not yet recognize that hitting or yelling can hurt someone emotionally or physically. Understanding the root cause of your child’s aggression can help you respond with empathy and effective strategies, rather than just focusing on stopping the behaviour.   What You Can Do to Reduce Your Child’s Aggression Helping your child gain control over their emotions and reactions takes patience, consistency, and the right approach. Here are three key strategies: 1. Teach Emotional Awareness & Self-Regulation: Instead of punishing aggression, help your child identify and express their emotions in a healthier way. Label their feelings: “I see you’re really frustrated because your tower fell.” Teach calming strategies: Deep breathing, squeezing a stress ball, or counting to 10. Encourage words over actions: “When you’re mad, tell me with words instead of hitting.” 2. Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries: Children need to know that aggression is not acceptable, but emotions are. Stay calm and firm: “I won’t let you hit. If you’re upset, let’s take a break together.” Model good behaviour: Show them how to express frustration constructively. Offer alternatives: Redirect aggression to a safe outlet, like punching a pillow or drawing their feelings. 3. Reinforce Positive Behaviour: Encouraging self-control and emotional maturity through positive reinforcement can be more effective than punishment. Praise efforts: “You took deep breaths instead of yelling—that’s great self-control!” Offer small rewards for managing anger well, like stickers or extra playtime. Teach problem-solving: Guide them in finding peaceful solutions to conflicts with siblings or friends.   How DNA Insights Can Help You Personalize Your Parenting Approach Every child reacts to frustration differently. Some may naturally have higher stress tolerance, while others may struggle with impulsivity and aggression due to their genetic traits.  The Decode Talent DNA Test is not just a talent identification tool—it’s also a powerful early intervention resource. By analyzing genetic predispositions, parents can gain deeper insights into their child’s:: Aggressiveness & Impulsivity Levels – Understand their natural tendencies and tailor discipline accordingly. Stress Tolerance & Resilience – Learn whether they need extra support in managing stress. Empathy & Emotional Sensitivity – Find ways to nurture emotional intelligence and social skills. Rather than viewing aggression as a behavioral problem, DNA testing offers a way to understand it as part of a child's unique emotional profile. With early insights, parents can develop an approach that works best for them—helping them grow into emotionally strong, well-regulated individuals.  

Contents: Introduction  Nutrition and your Immune System What to Avoid: Habits That Can Weaken Your Immune System Take Better Control of Your Nutrition   Introduction You might have heard people say: “Eat healthy and nutritious foods to boost your immune system!” or “Take enough vitamin C to strengthen your immune system!” These statements are on social media, in advertisements, and even in everyday conversations. But is there any truth to them? While good nutrition is essential for maintaining a well-functioning immune system, the idea that you can "boost" it beyond its natural capacity is a common misconception. The immune system is a complex network of cells and processes that work together to protect the body, but it doesn’t function like a muscle that can be strengthened indefinitely. In fact, an overactive immune response can be just as harmful as a weakened one. In this post, we’ll explore the real role of nutrition in immune health, debunk the myth of immunity “boosting,” and highlight the best ways to truly support your body’s defenses. Back to contents   Nutrition and Your Immune System Nutrition plays an important role in keeping the immune system functioning properly, but it does not act as a magic switch to make it stronger. Instead of "boosting" immunity, proper nutrition helps ensure that the immune system has all the necessary resources to do its job effectively. Think of your immune system like watering a plant. A plant needs the right amount of water to grow strong and healthy. If you don’t water it enough, it wilts and becomes weak. However, if you flood it with too much water, the roots rot, and the plant suffers. The same goes for your immune system; giving it the right support through proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise helps it function well. But trying to “boost” it with excessive supplements or extreme diets won’t make it stronger. More is not always better; balance is the key to a healthy immune system. Certain vitamins and minerals are known to support immune function, including: Vitamin C – Helps support the production of white blood cells, but taking excessive amounts won’t prevent illness. Zinc – Important for immune cell function, but too much can actually suppress the immune response. Vitamin D – Plays a role in immune regulation, and deficiencies are linked to higher susceptibility to infections. Rather than trying to "supercharge" your immune system with large doses of supplements, the key is to avoid deficiencies. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the nutrients your body needs to function optimally. Back to contents   What to Avoid: Habits That Can Weaken Your Immune System 1. Poor Sleep Habits: Lack of sleep disrupts the immune system’s ability to fight infections. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and other infections. It is best to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Wondering what happens when your child does not get enough sleep? Read more here. 2. Chronic Stress: Long-term stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can suppress immune function over time. Stress can also lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and sleep disturbances, all of which further weaken immunity. Try practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or exercise. 3. Taking Supplements Haphazardly: Many people take high doses of vitamins and supplements in the hope of "boosting" their immune system, but more is not always better. Overloading on certain nutrients, especially fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, can lead to toxicity and actually weaken immune function.  For example:  Too much vitamin C can cause digestive issues and does not prevent colds beyond correcting a deficiency.   Excess zinc can interfere with copper absorption and suppress immune responses.  High doses of vitamin D can lead to calcium buildup in the blood, causing kidney problems. 4. Lack of Physical Activity (or Overtraining): Regular moderate exercise helps strengthen the immune system, but too little or too much can have negative effects. A sedentary lifestyle weakens immune responses, while excessive, intense exercise without proper recovery can lead to temporary immune suppression. It is best to engage in moderate physical activity like walking, cycling, or strength training, but allow time for rest and recovery. 5. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol disrupts the gut microbiome, dehydrates the body, and impairs the production of immune cells. Chronic heavy drinking can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections and slowing recovery. Limit alcohol intake and stay hydrated with water and other nourishing beverages. Back to contents   Take Better Control of Your Nutrition Take Better Control of Your Nutrition Why guess when you can know? Understanding your unique nutritional needs is the foundation for achieving optimal immune function. With personalized insights, you can unlock the key to better health. Our Decode Nutrition DNA Test reveals how your body processes essential nutrients and highlights potential deficiencies that may be affecting your body’s capabilities to fend off infections. Don’t leave your health to chance! Take the Decode Nutrition DNA Test today and gain tailored recommendations to fuel your life. It’s time to unlock your potential and feel your best, every day. Click here to get started and take the guesswork out of your nutrition.   Back to contents

Contents: Introduction  Understanding Personalized Nutrition The Link Between Genetics, Diet, and Chronic Diseases Take Control of Your Family’s Health with the Decode Nutrition DNA Test   Introduction As a parent, you naturally want the best for your family, especially when it comes to your children's health. However, navigating the abundance of conflicting advice on what to eat can be challenging. Imagine having guidance tailored to your unique biology, customized just for you or your child. This is the power of personalized nutrition. By examining your genetics and how your body processes food, personalized nutrition provides a clear path to healthier eating and may help prevent long-term health issues. Back to contents   Understanding Personalized Nutrition Personalized nutrition leverages advancements in technology and research to create dietary plans that suit an individual’s specific needs. A cornerstone of this approach is the analysis of genetic information. By examining specific genes, we can understand how a person’s genetic blueprint influences their metabolism, nutrient absorption, and susceptibility to certain chronic diseases. For instance, genetic variations can determine whether someone may need more of a certain nutrient such as magnesium or if they have a greater sensitivity to salt. Personalized nutrition aims to address these genetic nuances by providing dietary guidance tailored to the individual. Back to contents   The Link Between Genetics, Diet, and Chronic Diseases Chronic or long-term diseases are often linked to long-term imbalances in nutrition. These imbalances can take the form of deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Genetic predispositions amplify these risks by influencing how effectively the body absorbs and utilizes nutrients. For example: Vitamin Deficiencies: Certain genetic variations may impair the body’s ability to metabolize essential vitamins. For instance, individuals with specific genetic markers may have difficulty converting folate (vitamin B9) into its active form, leading to potential deficiencies that contribute to conditions such as anemia or developmental issues. Similarly, reduced efficiency in processing vitamin D can result in weakened immunity and bone health problems. Mineral Absorption: Genetic factors can also affect how well the body absorbs and retains essential minerals like iron, calcium, or magnesium. Imbalances in these minerals can lead to issues like anemia, osteoporosis, or muscle cramps. Nutritional Imbalances and Chronic Conditions: Long-term deficiencies or excesses in nutrients, influenced by genetic predispositions, can exacerbate risks for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases or neurological disorders. Personalized nutrition helps identify these imbalances early, enabling targeted dietary adjustments to mitigate health risks. Traditional dietary recommendations often overlook these individual differences, while personalized nutrition provides a targeted approach to address them, potentially preventing nutrient-related health issues before they escalate into chronic conditions. Back to contents   Take Control of Your Family’s Health with the Decode Nutrition DNA Test The key to your child’s long-term health starts with understanding their unique nutritional needs. The Decode Nutrition DNA Test unlocks powerful genetic insights, helping you: ✅Identify essential vitamin and mineral requirements ✅ Understand how their body processes key nutrients ✅ Detect potential food sensitivities ✅ Make smarter, science-backed meal planning decisions This comprehensive test analyzes genetic predispositions related to nutrient needs, metabolism, and overall health (including brain and bone health). With these insights, you can confidently create a personalized nutrition plan that aligns with your child's unique biology. Invest in their health today—because prevention is always better than cure! Take charge now! Order the Decode Nutrition DNA Test and start building a healthier future for your child. For more on children’s nutrition, check out our other blog post here. Back to contents

Parenting is often seen as a one-way street—parents guide, discipline, and love their children. But what if we told you that parenting is actually a two-way interaction? Research shows that children don’t just respond to their parents—they also shape how their parents behave, influencing everything from warmth to stress levels. By understanding your child’s genetic makeup, you can tailor your parenting approach to their unique personality, fostering a more harmonious relationship. Contents: Parents, Has Becoming a Parent Brought You Warmth or Stress?  How Your Child’s Genes Shape Your Parenting 3 Key Implications for Parents Why Understanding Your Child’s Genes Matters How DNA Testing Can Help Build a Healthier Parent-Child Relationship Take Control of Your Parenting Style with the Best Child DNA Test   Parents, Has Becoming a Parent Brought You Warmth or Stress? Parenthood is a journey full of both joy and challenges. If you’ve found yourself feeling different after becoming a parent—more stressed, more overwhelmed, or even more connected—you’re not alone. Many parents don't realize that their child’s personality, shaped by their genetic traits, plays a significant role in how they respond as a parent. Studies reveal that 27% of the variance in parental warmth and 45% of the variance in parental stress can be attributed to child genetic influences. Moreover, incorporating your child’s Big Five personality traits into the model explains nearly half of this variance. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of parenting, where both parents and children influence one another in a unique interplay. While your child’s genetics plays a significant role in shaping your parenting responses, it’s important to remember that family dynamics and external experiences also impact how you parent. This means that your own genetic traits, your child’s genetics, life experiences, and the environment around you all contribute to the way you approach raising your child. Understanding these factors helps remind us that parenting is not just about shaping your child—it’s about navigating a constantly evolving relationship, influenced by many moving parts. So, while your child’s genetics play a role, there’s always room to grow and adapt within this dynamic! Back to contents   How Your Child’s Genes Shape Your Parenting Parenting is not a one-way street; it is a dynamic and reciprocal process. Your child’s genetic characteristics, particularly some of their Big Five personality traits (conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism), can shape how you approach parenting. For instance: Children who are more conscientious and agreeable tend to make parenting feel easier and more rewarding. These children are often cooperative and align with their parents' values, which naturally evokes warmth and affection. On the other hand, Children who show lower levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness may lead to more stress for parents, as their behaviors might challenge parental expectations or create more emotional strain.  These findings suggest that children's personality traits don't just affect how they grow, but also the way parents respond to them, highlighting how parenting is shaped by a child's unique temperament. Back to contents   3 Key Implications for Parents The above findings offer valuable insights for parents navigating the complexities of raising children. Here are a few key takeaways: Parenting as a Reciprocal Process: Understand that parenting is not just a one-way interaction. It’s a dynamic and reciprocal process where both parents and children influence each other continuously. Your child's personality traits can shape your responses, just as your parenting style impacts their development. Recognizing this mutual influence helps build a deeper understanding of family dynamics. Don't Overblame Yourself: Parenting is challenging, and it’s important to recognize that feelings of stress or frustration don’t mean you’re failing. Parenting behaviors are not innate; they evolve over time through your interactions with your child and the environment around you. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, remember it’s part of the process, and you are not alone in these struggles. Embrace Intervention Positively: If you find yourself needing help—whether for your child's behavior or for managing your own stress—view it as an opportunity for growth. Seeking support or intervention is not a sign of failure, but a positive step toward breaking out of challenging cycles. The research suggests that parenting interventions can be more effective when they address the unique qualities of both the parent and the child, tailoring solutions to their specific needs. By addressing these dynamics, you’re working to resolve complex issues in a healthy and constructive way. Back to contents   Why Understanding Your Child’s Genes Matters Understanding your child’s genetic traits can help you create a more supportive, positive, and effective parenting approach. Here’s why: Tailored Parenting Strategies: - Gain insights into your child’s natural tendencies and Big Five personality traits. - Adjust your parenting approach to better meet their emotional and behavioral needs. Improved Communication: - Understand how your child perceives and responds to the world. - Communicate more effectively by aligning with their personality. Reduced Parenting Stress: - By understanding your child’s genetic makeup, you can anticipate challenges and respond proactively. - Minimize feelings of frustration by focusing on their strengths and areas for growth. Stronger Emotional Connection: - Celebrate your child’s unique traits. - Build a relationship rooted in empathy and mutual understanding. Back to contents   How DNA Testing Can Help Build a Healthier Parent-Child Relationship Our Decode Talent DNA testing offers a groundbreaking way to understand your child’s genetic blueprint. Here’s how it works: Comprehensive Genetic Analysis: The test provides insights into key personality traits, talents, and emotional tendencies linked to your child’s DNA. Actionable Insights: You’ll receive tailored recommendations that can help nurture their potential and support their holistic growth. With this insight, you can make informed choices about how to guide their development.  Foster a Positive and Supportive Family Environment: Early awareness of your child’s personality traits and strengths enables you to adjust your parenting style in ways that benefit both you and your child. Here’s how: Enhance the Emotional Bond: When you understand your child’s natural traits, such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, stress tolerance, loneliness etc, you can connect with them on a deeper, more empathetic level. Create a Nurturing Environment: A supportive and understanding approach allows your child to feel valued, secure, and understood. Empower Your Child to Thrive: By focusing on their natural strengths in talents or learning abilities, you can help them navigate challenges and encourage their personal growth. Foster a Positive Family Dynamic: With a tailored, informed approach, you’ll contribute to a loving and balanced family environment where everyone can thrive. Back to contents   Conclusion Parenting is both an art and a science. By leveraging modern advancements like DNA testing, parents can unlock valuable insights into their child’s genetic makeup. This knowledge not only reduces stress but also fosters warmth and connection, paving the way for a harmonious and fulfilling parent-child relationship. Are you ready to discover the unique traits that make your child who they are? Embrace the power of our Decode Talent DNA Test  to build a brighter future for you and your child—together. Check out our Instagram (@absolutegenetictechnologies) and TikTok (@agtgenetics) for more information, such as expert tips, engaging videos, and the latest updates on parenting and child development. Back to contents   References   Ayoub, M., Briley, D. A., Grotzinger, A., Patterson, M. W., Engelhardt, L. E., Tackett, J. L., Harden, K. P., & Tucker-Drob, E. M. (2019). Genetic and Environmental Associations Between Child Personality and Parenting. Social psychological and personality science, 10(6), 711–721. https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550618784890  Boele, S., Denissen, J., Moopen, N. et al. (2020). Over-time Fluctuations in Parenting and Adolescent Adaptation Within Families: A Systematic Review. Adolescent Res Rev 5, 317–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-019-00127-9  Kobak, R., Abbott, C., Zisk, A., & Bounoua, N. (2017). Adapting to the changing needs of adolescents: parenting practices and challenges to sensitive attunement. Current opinion in psychology, 15, 137–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.02.018 Mona Ayoub, Bo Zhang, Richard Göllner, Olivia E. Atherton, Ulrich Trautwein, Brent W. Roberts. (2021). Longitudinal Associations Between Parenting and Child Big Five Personality Traits. Collabra: Psychology, 7 (1), 29766. https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.29766 Moran, K. M., Turiano, N. A., & Gentzler, A. L. (2018). Parental warmth during childhood predicts coping and well-being in adulthood. Journal of family psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 32(5), 610–621. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000401  

Contents: Introduction  Being Present with your Children Cherishing Small Milestones Managing Future Anxieties Personalized Parenting to Indulge your Child's Needs   Introduction It’s natural for parents to feel deeply concerned about their children’s future. Will they grow up well? Succeed in school? Secure a good job? While these concerns are valid, it’s equally important to focus on children’s current needs, the challenges they can handle now. Nurturing self-esteem, emotional stability, and physical development lays the groundwork for a balanced foundation that helps children thrive in the future. This foundation is built through early exposure to a supportive and nurturing environment, where values and principles are cultivated over time. In the following sections, we’ll share practical tips to help parents balance planning for their children’s future while cherishing the present moments. Back to contents   Being Present with your Children     Time flies, and so does the time parents may miss with their children. Understandably, work, household chores, and other responsibilities can limit the time available for family. However, there are still meaningful ways to stay connected with your child. Being present isn’t just about physical proximity, it is also about engaging with your child emotionally and meeting their core needs, such as security, stability, love, and education. Quality time is about connection, not just presence. So, how do you become more present with your children? Remove as many distractions from your environment as possible, such as mobile phones. Text messages, emails, social media, and even the background noise of the television can easily divert our attention and interfere with quality time with our children. To foster stronger family bonds, set aside at least 30 minutes of distraction-free time. Turn off devices and focus on meaningful activities like playing a game or taking a walk. This not only strengthens connections, but also teaches children the importance of setting boundaries for technology use during family time. Practice active listening with your child. Fully focus on, understand, and respond thoughtfully to your child. It goes beyond simply hearing his or her words; it involves being engaged and attentive, showing empathy, and ensuring that your child feels heard and valued. It allows parents to connect with their child, encouraging mutual respect and agreement while creating a safe space for children to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of rejection. To practice active listening, maintain eye contact, adopt an open posture, use verbal cues like nodding, and stay mindful of your facial expressions. Keep the conversation going. Engaging in regular simple conversations with your child can significantly enhance their learning, social, persuasive, and negotiation skills, as well as expanding their vocabulary. Communication doesn’t have to be dull, it can also be in the form of playing games or singing together.   Would you like to know more on how to nurture your child’s sociability? Check out our article on how to be sociable in 10 ways.  Back to contents   Cherishing Small Milestones     The days may feel long at first, but the years will pass in the blink of an eye. Raising a growing child can be challenging, with their needs constantly changing throughout the day and as they grow. However, what matters most is being present to celebrate their small milestones along the way. Celebrating your child’s milestones, no matter how big or small, is crucial for supporting their development because it helps: Enhance their Self-esteem. Acknowledging your child’s efforts and progress shows them their hard work is valued.  Build Resilience. Rewarding your child for their effort and determination, rather than just the outcome, helps build resilience. When children are praised for their hard work, problem-solving, and persistence in the face of challenges, they learn to appreciate the process of achieving their goals rather than tying their self-worth to the end result. Foster Ambition. Children thrive on encouragement. Celebrating their achievements instills pride and motivates them to set and pursue new and grander goals. Strengthen the bond between parent and child. Celebrating your child's milestones helps both parent and child create cherished memories, strengthen mutual understanding, and foster gratitude so that you can fully appreciate your journey together.   For more insights on what you need to know about rewarding your children, check out this article. Back to contents   Managing Future Anxieties     It's totally normal for kids to feel a little nervous when they're entering a new place, facing a new situation, or experiencing something unfamiliar. That's why it's so important to help our little ones prepare for the unknown. It's our job to help them feel less anxious about what lies ahead. Let's say, for instance, you're thinking of signing your little one up for a month of swimming lessons. You see, from your perspective, learning various swimming techniques is a really valuable skill that will help keep your little one safe and give them more endurance. But, from your child's perspective, it might feel a bit overwhelming. They might be nervous about making new friends, doubting their abilities, or feeling uncertain about the challenge. To help your little one feel more at ease, it's a great idea to introduce the idea gradually. Instead of suddenly announcing, “I signed you up for swimming lessons next week!” “Isn't this exciting?” You can start by having a nice, long chat with them about it. Let them know how much you appreciate their strengths and interests. For example, you could say something like, “I've noticed how much you enjoy playing in the water when we go to the waterpark, and how excited you get when we watch movies with beaches and swimming pools.” “What do you think about learning how to swim?”. This approach is great because it allows your child to process the idea and form their opinion at their own pace. Just be mindful not to overwhelm them with too much information upfront, as this can unintentionally increase their anxiety. Once you and your child reach a mutual understanding, you can further build their interest. Share excitement together by celebrating their potential achievements, such as learning new skills, making friends, and enjoying the experience. This gradual and supportive approach helps foster confidence and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Back to contents   Personalized Parenting to Indulge your Child’s Needs Parenting is not easy, and sometimes it is understandably a struggle for parents juggling work and family time. However, the sweet moments that parents can gain from spending quality time with their child outweigh the difficulties of raising a child. At AGT, we are driven by the belief that every child is born with inherent uniqueness. We aim to personalize and enhance your parenting journey based on your child’s DNA, specifically by unveiling their unique talents, strengths and weaknesses. Our Decode Talent DNA Test centers on analyzing 50 traits covering talent, IQ, EQ, personality, and overall wellness.  Check this out for more information and follow us on Instagram (@absolutegenetictechnologies) and TikTok (@agtgenetics) for expert tips, engaging videos, and the latest updates on parenting and child development. Back to contents  

Contents: Introduction Case 1: Toby – Embracing Artistic Potential Case 2: Toby – Resilience and Persistence in the Face of Challenges Case 3: Dex – Embracing a Unique Cognitive Strength The Power of DNA-based Parenting: Helping Parents Guide Their Children’s Growth   Introduction As an early childhood consultant, my job is to guide parents through the complexities of child development, helping them recognize and nurture their child’s unique strengths and challenges. AGT’s Decode Talent DNA Test offers fascinating insights into a child’s innate abilities, from cognitive strengths to emotional resilience, helping parents make informed decisions about how best to support their child’s growth. I want to share with you three stories that highlight how this test can reveal hidden talents, give clarity about a child’s personality, and help parents create a nurturing environment that supports their child’s unique journey.   Case 1: Toby – Embracing Artistic Potential Toby was 11 years old when his parents decided to have the Decode Talent DNA Test done. Toby had always been drawn to speech and drama and his love for storytelling, acting, and performance was clear from a young age. His parents saw his passion and interest, but they weren’t sure if it was just a phase or something more significant. They wanted to understand Toby’s strengths in various aspects. When the results came back, we were all amazed. Toby’s artistic potential score was off the charts. The test showed that Toby’s brain is wired for creativity and artistic expression. What they had noticed in him, his deep love for drama and storytelling, wasn’t just a passing interest; it was rooted in his DNA. For Toby’s parents, this was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about supporting Toby’s passion anymore; it was about acknowledging that this was a core strength. Instead of wondering whether his love for the arts was just a hobby, or hesitating over prioritizing speech and drama—subjects not traditionally considered academic, they now had scientific confirmation that this was a natural talent worth nurturing. This newfound understanding transformed their perspective. They shifted their focus to providing the right resources and encouragement, ensuring that Toby could continue to grow and develop his creative abilities in an environment that fully supported him.   Case 2: Toby – Resilience and Persistence in the Face of Challenges As we continued to discuss Toby’s results, another surprising finding emerged. Beyond his artistic brilliance, Toby scored exceptionally high in persistence and resilience. These traits were not just theoretical; they were traits his parents had already noticed in him. Toby was the type of child who, when faced with a challenge, whether in his studies, sports, or other areas, would not give up. He showed incredible determination to push through obstacles and keep going until he achieved his goals. This was a key moment for Toby’s parents. They recalled instances where they had perceived Toby as stubborn or difficult to convince. Now, with the test results in hand, they were reassured that this wasn’t just a passing phase but a core part of Toby’s character, deeply ingrained in his genetic makeup. His persistence and resilience were integral to who he was. With my guidance, Toby’s parents began to shift their perspective. Instead of misunderstanding his persistence as mere stubbornness, they learned to recognize and appreciate it as a strength. Together, we explored parenting strategies that embraced his determination while helping him balance persistence with self-care. This new understanding gave Toby’s parents a renewed sense of confidence in their role. They recognized the importance of encouraging his efforts and hard work while helping him develop strategies to navigate challenges effectively. Equipped with these insights and recommendations, they felt reassured that Toby’s persistence and resilience, coupled with their thoughtful support, would serve him well throughout his life.   Case 3: Dex – Embracing a Unique Cognitive Strength Let’s now talk about Dex, a child who was only 11 months old when his parents decided to have the Decode Talent DNA Test done. At first, Dex’s parents were excited but also nervous. Dex’s parents were delighted to discover his natural talent in certain areas. However, they were also a little concerned when they saw that Dex's cognitive intelligence score was lower than the average Asian population. His parents, who had high academic expectations, were worried. Would this mean that Dex would struggle in school or face challenges with learning as he grew older? However, when we dug deeper into the results, we found something fascinating. While Dex’s intelligence score wasn’t particularly high, the test revealed that he had an exceptional ability in visual memory. This means that Dex had an innate ability to remember and recall specific visual information like patterns, faces, and spatial layouts. This was a huge revelation for his parents. Rather than fixating on Dex’s lower intelligence score, they now understood that his brain was wired for visual recall. I helped them understand that visual memory is a powerful strength, particularly in fields like art, design, architecture, or even problem-solving tasks that require attention to detail and pattern recognition. I also guided his parents in understanding how to harness this incredible strength. By incorporating more visual learning methods into Dex’s daily routine, they could not only play to his strengths but also support his overall cognitive development. Visual memory became the key to unlocking his potential and fostering his cognitive growth. Yet, there was another part of the test that caused concern for Dex’s parents, the genetic predisposition for alcohol addiction. This caught them off guard, especially because they didn’t drink themselves and didn’t understand how this could apply to their son. As a consultant, it was my role to help them navigate this concern. I reassured them that genetic predispositions contribute about 50% to our development and, like the one for alcohol addiction, do not determine a child’s destiny. Genetic markers may suggest a higher likelihood of certain tendencies, but they don’t guarantee specific outcomes. I explained that with the right environment and proactive parental support, Dex could effectively navigate and potentially avoid developing the traits associated with this predisposition. What’s important is creating a lifestyle and emotional framework that supports Dex’s well-being.   The Power of DNA Insights: Helping Parents Guide Their Children’s Growth As a consultant, I collaborate with every parent and child to deeply explore their DNA report and parenting roles, all grounded in scientific information. Working closely with parents like Toby’s and Dex’s, and witnessing the profound impact the Decode Talent DNA Test had on their understanding of their children, I reaffirm the value of these insights every time. Their experiences highlight just how transformative such knowledge can be. The test provides a roadmap for parents, allowing them to see beyond surface behaviors and understand the deeper, genetic components that shape their child’s potential. In each case, the Decode Talent DNA Test didn’t just highlight strengths but it also provided clarity on how parents could better support their children. For Toby, it was about nurturing his artistic and creative talents, while also acknowledging his innate persistence and resilience. For Dex, it was about embracing his visual memory skills and helping him grow in ways that aligned with his strengths, while also understanding the potential risks and how to address them proactively. As a consultant, I’m constantly reminding parents that every child is unique, and while we can’t predict the future, we can understand how to better support them in realizing their full potential. The Decode Talent DNA Test doesn’t label or define a child’s fate; it simply provides valuable insights that can help parents make informed decisions and guide their child’s development in a positive, empowering direction. So, whether your child is a budding artist, a visual memory prodigy, or someone with an entirely different set of talents, the Decode Talent DNA Test can be an invaluable tool in unlocking their true potential. As a parent, knowing what makes your child tick what they’re naturally inclined to do and what they might struggle with can help you provide the most supportive, nurturing environment possible. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your child knows they are seen, understood, and supported. And with the right tools and insights, they will have everything they need to thrive.    

  We are excited to announce that Absolute Genetic Technologies (AGT) has officially received the MySTI certification! This significant achievement highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of genetic testing. The MySTI certification, awarded by the Malaysian government, recognizes AGT as a leader in local technological innovation. This endorsement validates our dedication to high-quality standards and provides AGT with priority consideration in government procurement processes. Being MySTI-certified reinforces AGT’s position as a trusted provider of genetic testing solutions, offering technology that meets both national and international standards. This certification strengthens AGT’s ability to make a greater impact in the genetic testing industry, benefiting both individual clients and the broader community. With this certification, we can continue to innovate and provide scientifically advanced solutions that contribute to children’s development.. We are proud of this accomplishment and look forward to continuing our mission to provide innovative, reliable, and scientifically advanced genetic testing services that support the healthy development of children everywhere.    

As we usher in 2024, Absolute Genetic Technologies (AGT) is thrilled to announce a series of impactful collaborations that promise to elevate our mission of empowering individuals and families through advanced genetic insights. By partnering with leading organizations such as LT Learning Time, NeuroLAT Cognitive Development Services PLT, Suraya Mothercare Group, Diet Ideas Sdn Bhd, and Al-Arif Pharmacy, we are taking significant strides toward expanding our reach and delivering comprehensive, science-backed solutions.   Collaboration with Learning Time: Unlocking Children's Potential     Learning Time, known for its innovative educational products & shares AGT's passion for helping children reach their full potential. This partnership allows us to integrate personalized genetic insights into learning strategies, enabling parents and educators to better understand each child’s unique ability. Additionally, today’s children are digital natives. They multitask, explore, and learn in ways that are unique to their generation. The Learning Time Program introduces interactive, engaging learning materials designed specifically for young learners. Through fun, hands-on activities, this program inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and sets the stage for lifelong learning.   Partnership with NeuroLAT Cognitive Development Services : Enhancing Cognitive Abilities Our collaboration with NeuroLAT Cognitive Development Services  represents a breakthrough in cognitive training. NeuroLAT’s cutting-edge platform, powered by artificial intelligence, assesses and strengthens over 30 learning abilities. This synergy between AGT’s genetic insights and NeuroLAT’s cognitive training enables us to offer parents actionable solutions to enhance their children’s learning capabilities and address challenges early on. Together, we’re equipping children with the tools to excel academically and cognitively.   Working with Suraya Mothercare Group: Supporting Early Parenthood For parents, navigating the early stages of childhood can be both exciting and overwhelming. AGT’s partnership with Suraya Mothercare Group aims to provide new and expectant parents with access to personalized genetic reports that shed light on their children’s developmental needs. Suraya Mothercare’s expertise in parenting essentials and AGT’s insights create a holistic support system, helping parents make informed decisions for their child’s holistic growth and development.   Collaboration with Diet Ideas Sdn Bhd: Personalized Nutrition Solutions Diet Ideas Sdn Bhd specializes in crafting customized nutrition plans, making them an ideal partner for AGT’s nutrigenomics services. By aligning DNA-based dietary insights with Diet Ideas’ tailored nutrition programs, we’re empowering individuals to optimize their health through food. Whether it’s weight management, addressing vitamin needs, or enhancing overall wellness, this collaboration ensures that our clients receive practical, science-driven guidance for their nutritional needs.   Partnership with Al-Arif Pharmacy: Expanding Accessibility to Genetic Testing     In collaboration with Al-Arif Pharmacy, AGT is making genetic testing more accessible to communities across Malaysia. Al-Arif’s trusted network of pharmacies serves as a convenient point for sample collection and client pre-sale consultations. This partnership also includes the promotion of DNA-based health and wellness solutions, helping customers make proactive choices about their health through the lens of their unique genetic makeup. Learn more about this exciting collaboration in our article, A Groundbreaking Partnership: AGT and Farmasi Al-Arif Join Forces for Personalized Family Wellness   A Vision for the Future These collaborations mark a pivotal chapter for AGT, as they embody our commitment to delivering innovative, impactful, and accessible genetic solutions. By joining forces with industry leaders across education, cognitive development, parenting, nutrition, and healthcare, we’re not just advancing our services, we’re creating a more personalized, informed, and health-conscious society. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working closely with our partners to transform lives through the power of genetics. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make strides in 2024 and beyond!  

At Absolute Genetic Technologies (AGT), our mission has always been to empower families with cutting-edge genetic insights that support growth and well-being. On Nov 23, 2024, we’re excited to announce a transformative collaboration with Farmasi Al-Arif, Malaysia’s first halal-certified pharmaceutical warehouse, to bring forward the idea of personalized supplement solutions and make it more accessible than ever before!   This partnership is a major milestone, combining AGT’s advanced DNA testing services with Farmasi Al-Arif’s trusted pharmacy expertise. Together, we’re creating an innovative pathway for parents to unlock their child’s innate talents, understand nutritional needs, and proactively address potential health predispositions.   Certified DNA Sample Collection Specialist To ensure a seamless experience, AGT recently conducted in-depth DNA product training for Farmasi Al-Arif’s pharmacists. This equips their team to expertly guide parents in interpreting DNA test results, making personalized healthcare not only accessible but also well-informed.   Congratulations to the pharmacists who achieved certifications to conduct DNA tests, marking a step forward in delivering science-backed, tailored health and development strategies to families! Convenient Access for Families   Through this collaboration, families can now access AGT’s Decode Talent DNA Test, Decode Nutrition DNA Test, and Decode Health DNA Test at over 5 Farmasi Al-Arif locations in Malaysia!  This advanced holistic DNA approach empowers individuals by understanding their natural learning strengths, optimizing nutrition with personalized food and supplement recommendations, and building proactive health strategies, all contributing to enhanced wellness and development. Visit Farmasi Al-Arif at any of these convenient locations: Farmasi Al Arif Seksyen 7, N0. 53-G, Jalan 7/7C, Seksyen 7, 43650, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Farmasi Al Arif Bangi Awani, No. 9, Jalan Awani Bangi 1/1, Taman Awani Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Farmasi Al Arif Bandar Penawar, No. 97, Jalan Jelutong 1, Taman Desaru Utama, 81930, Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Johor Farmasi Al Arif Semenyih Sentral, No. 37-g, Jalan Semenyih Sentral 1, Semenyih Sentral, 43500 Semenyih Selangor Farmasi Al Arif Pasir Besar, No. LOT 4739, Bazar Mara Pasir Besar, 73420, Gemas, Negeri Sembilan   Unlock Your Child’s Potential Today!   Ready to take the first step? Explore our DNA testing services at Farmasi Al-Arif and discover how AGT can help you support your child’s unique potential. Whether it’s identifying hidden talents, optimizing health, or planning nutrition, our DNA tests provide the personalized insights you need to make confident parenting choices.   Visit Absolute Genetic Technologies to learn more or head to your nearest Farmasi Al-Arif location today!        

We’re thrilled to share that Absolute Genetic Technologies (AGT) was invited to participate in the IMU University Graduate Career Fair as an exhibitor on Sep 12, 2024! This event was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with bright, aspiring graduates and give them a deeper understanding of the exciting advancements we’re making in genetic technology, particularly in the area of holistic child development. It was a pleasure for our team to engage with fellow biotechnology innovators, sharing the future of the biotechnology industry, and offer the career possibilities within our company. We had meaningful conversations about how AGT's cutting-edge approach is shaping the future of personalized children development and parenting, as well as how we create job opportunities to next generation. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the students and attendees who visited our booth. We’re excited about the potential collaborations ahead and the possibility of welcoming new talent to our AGT family!    

Contents: Introduction Can you differentiate the symptoms of anxiety and depression in children? What can you do as a parent to advocate for your child's mental health? Personalized parenting to support your child's mental health.   Introduction Anxiety and depression are some of the most commonly discussed and prevalent topics in mental health. Thanks to a concerted effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, there has been a shift in the cultural understanding of mental health issues. However, can you detect and recognize the early symptoms of anxiety and depression in children? Mental illness is an issue that can strike any one of us. How can you, as a parent, educator, or caregiver, lend a hand to children who may be suffering from mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression? Children often struggle to understand and express their mental health because their emotional and cognitive development is still in progress. Therefore,  it is crucial for parents to be vigilant and proactive about their children's mental health. Children with poor mental health may require professional intervention (e.g., with the help of psychologists, psychotherapists and paediatricians), especially if their emotional, behavioral, or psychological difficulties are persistent or significantly impacting their daily functioning. Early professional support can help address underlying mental health issues, reduce the risk of long-term challenges, and improve the child’s well-being.  Check out this article for more insights: Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?   Can You Differentiate The Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Children?     Early intervention, treatment, or diagnosis can help to manage the symptoms and support children’s social and emotional well-being, and it can also provide more timely and targeted referrals to specialist services and improve the confidence and engagement of primary care providers.   What Can You Do As A Parent to Advocate for Your Child’s Mental Health?   1. Be a good role model by modelling healthy coping mechanisms. Children learn the best from their surroundings, especially by observing their parents. Parents who model healthy coping mechanisms like managing their stress through taking a walk in nature, practising mindfulness, or seeking help when needed can teach children how to handle challenges effectively. So, by showing your child that it is okay to express their emotions, take breaks, or ask for help, encourage them to adopt these positive strategies in their own lives. 2. Join support groups with other parents. Parenting can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with children’s mental health challenges. By joining support groups with other parents, you can share your experiences, learn from others, and build connections with other understanding parents while gaining knowledge about mental health resources to better care for your child, such as school counsellors, local therapists, community organisations, or online platforms. 3. Create a safe and nurturing space to encourage open communication with your child. Nurturing your child in an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement is crucial for their mental wellbeing. For example, parents may consider setting aside regular time for family conversations to encourage your child to open up about their experiences and challenges. Check out this article for more insight: Importance of Quality Time  4. Praise your child’s process of completing their goals instead of the outcome. Praising the outcome instead of the process holds them back from developing resilience, confidence, and the desire to learn new things. By praising their efforts in the process of completing their goals, they will come to appreciate the journey of growth, learn to manage challenges, and feel proud of their efforts, not just their successes. Resilience is a good trait to have in order to build perseverance in children. Check out this article for more insights: Building Resilience in You    Personalized Parenting to Support Your Child’s Mental Health The nature versus nurture concept highlights the dynamic interaction between genetics and environment. By combining the genetic traits inherited from parents, along with guidance, support and a nourishing environment, you can unleash and build upon your child’s potential while fostering their emotional well-being. Understanding your child’s unique traits can empower you and other parents to address mental health challenges and create tailored strategies that align with your child’s needs, helping them thrive both emotionally and developmentally. Our Decode Talent DNA Test offers personalized insights into your child’s 50 talent traits, including IQ, EQ, personality, and overall wellness, with 99.8% accuracy based on their unique genetic makeup. Take the next step in supporting your child's growth today. Get our Decode Talent DNA Test and unlock personalized insights that can help you address their needs and ensure they thrive emotionally and developmentally. It is not easy to recognize and understand your child’s emotional needs, such as feelings of loneliness. Click the link for more information and follow us on Instagram (@absolutegenetictechnologies) and TikTok (@agtgenetics) for expert tips, engaging videos, and the latest updates on parenting and child development.  

Contents: Introduction Parental Role in Balancing Technology and Traditional Learning in Children Personalized solutions for your child's learning process   Introduction “Technology is in the palm of your hand” is a famous saying to encourage people to share updates and information by using smartphones, laptops, radios, and more. Is it a good thing that technology is so accessible nowadays?  Children born in this era have been exposed to technology the second they were born into this world. However, if boundaries are not set when using phones, excessive usage of technology can lead to adverse health effects, which include mental exhaustion, fatigue, strained and dry eyes, poor posture, and elevated stress levels. This can be especially detrimental to children today, who frequently engage with technology as a key learning tool, such as for watching educational videos or completing homework. Therefore, parents play a vital role in striking a balance between technology and traditional learning to support their children’s academic growth and overall development. Traditional learning encompasses activities like reading physical books, writing by hand, and engaging in hands-on, experiential tasks. Integrating these time-tested methods with modern technology can create a well-rounded approach to learning.     Parental Role in Balancing Technology and Traditional Learning So, what are the responsibilities of parents to find a balance between their children’s screen time and traditional learning? Setting clear boundaries with devices by establishing time limits for screen use into specific hours or restricting the apps in the device through parental-controlled apps. Create designated learning spaces to use during study time that are quiet and distraction-free. Make sure to include a few breaks between the study sessions. For example, by implementing the Pomodoro technique, which consists of setting a time frame of 25 minutes to study, followed by 5 minutes of break time. This ensures that within the 25-minute session, children will try to input and understand as much information as possible. Remove distractions during study sessions by minimising background noise such as the television or keyboard typing sounds. As some children have highly sensitive hearing to loud and repetitive noise, it is best to determine the best learning spot for your child.  Sitting and meddling around at the same spot to study is tiring and boring, so encourage your children to do outdoor activities in nature to stimulate their sensory nerves, reduce stress, enhance their creativity, and improve their sleep quality. For instance, riding a bicycle, brisk walking, stretching, and more. Some traditional learning materials are implemented with digital links or QR codes for additional information or interactive activities. These can usually be seen in educational books, apps, and even games. In addition, there are also various online learning resources, such as educational websites for online courses and videos through YouTube. Encourage your children to engage themselves in these learning resources by setting a schedule to complete their learning goals and rewarding them for each of their victories to instil a sense of love toward learning. There are various learning styles to enhance your child’s learning abilities and intelligence. Check out this article for more insights: What to Know About Visual-Spatial Learning  The most important part of cultivating these tips as parents is being a good role model to your little ones.  Children’s capability to differentiate the right things from the wrong ones is limited to a certain degree due to their young age. Children also learn the best from their surroundings.  Therefore, parents should lead by example by portraying healthy lifestyle habits such as limiting your own screen time, creating interesting offline activities, and reading books regularly to initiate the love of reading within your children. Parents can also explore their children’s interests and support their hobbies.   Check out this article for more insights: Kids Born in the Digital Age: The Impact of Social Media and How to Protect Them    Personalized Solutions for Your Child's Learning Process Balancing technology with traditional learning is key to fostering both academic and personal growth in today’s tech-driven world. As parents, understanding your child’s natural strengths and tendencies can help you create the right environment for them to thrive. Many of these traits are deeply rooted in their genetic makeup, influencing how they learn, interact, and grow. Our Decode Talent DNA Test offers personalized insights into your child’s unique traits and potential, using advanced US DNA technology. With a focus on 50 traits covering talent, IQ, EQ, personality, and overall wellness, this test provides a detailed understanding of your child’s genetic blueprint. These insights can help you tailor their learning experiences and support their development with confidence. In this digital age, some children are more prone to have gaming addiction due to excessive exposure to technology. Check this out for more information and follow us on Instagram (@absolutegenetictechnologies) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@agtgenetics) for expert tips, engaging videos, and the latest updates on parenting and child development.  

Contents: Nutrients for Bone Health Bad Habits to Avoid Signs of Poor Bone Health in Children The Future of Bone Health References   Why Does Bone Health Matter? Bone health is important because our bones are the foundation of everything we do. From protecting vital organs to supporting movement, healthy bones are essential for an active and fulfilling life. Building and maintaining good bone health from a young age allows us to enjoy a higher quality of life throughout our lives. Thus, it is necessary to take proactive steps as early as possible through diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. In this blog post, we'll explore the different factors that affect our bone health. By the end, you'll know exactly what you can do to take care of your precious bones! Back to contents   Nutrients for Bone Health Bones are living tissues that are constantly regenerating, and what we put into our body plays a major role in maintaining their strength. However, one size does not fit all when it comes to nutrition. Due to genetic variations, each individual has unique nutritional needs that directly impact how their body absorbs, processes, and utilizes key nutrients for bone strength, such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K. These genetic differences can influence factors like how well you metabolize certain vitamins or whether you require higher doses of specific minerals to support a healthy bone density.   Here are Some Key Nutrients Needed for Our Bone Health: Calcium Calcium is the primary mineral found in our bones, providing the strength and density we need to support our bodies. Think of it as the building block of your bones! However, our bodies can’t produce calcium, which means we must get it from our diet. We can get the calcium we need from dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese; leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli; some fish such as sardines and salmon; as well as fortified plant-based milks and cereals. Magnesium Magnesium is often overlooked, but it is crucial for bone health. Magnesium helps our bodies convert vitamin D into its active form, which helps calcium absorption. Low magnesium levels are linked to decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of osteoporosis. We can get the magnesium we need from nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens and legumes. Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium absorption. Without adequate vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Our body can produce some vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight, but we may still need dietary sources to meet our daily requirements of vitamin D. We can get vitamin D from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines; mushrooms grown in UV light; egg yolks; and fortified milk, orange juice, and cereals. Vitamin K Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of proteins involved in bone mineralization. It helps to ensure that calcium is deposited in the bones rather than in soft tissues. We can get vitamin K from leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli; fermented foods such as natto (fermented soybeans); and meats including liver and other organ meats. Back to contents   Bad Habits to Avoid: Nutrients aside, our bone health is also influenced by our lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at how certain lifestyle factors can undermine bone health. Poor Diet We all love a sweet treat now and then, but did you know that eating too much sugar can actually damage your bones? Our bodies are amazing, but they can sometimes get a little out of balance when we eat too much sugar. Excessive sugar can lead to increased acid production, which can create a more acidic internal environment. When we have too much acid in our system, our bodies try to balance it out by drawing calcium from our bones. This can weaken our bones over time. It's so important to be aware that the more sugar we consume, the more calcium our bones lose. It's also worth mentioning that many soft drinks, like colas and sodas, contain phosphoric acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption. This can lead to a decrease in calcium retention and an increase in calcium excretion in the urine, which ultimately reduces the calcium in our bodies that's available for building and maintaining bones. So, it's important to be mindful of how often we indulge in sugary foods and drinks, as they can contribute to bone weakening and an increased risk of fractures. Sleep Deprivation Did you know that sleep is also critical for maintaining strong, healthy bones? During deep sleep, the body engages in the vital process of repair and regeneration, and this includes bone regeneration! This is because the hormones (growth hormone and testosterone) which support bone growth and remodeling, are secreted during the deep stages of sleep. Moreover, chronic sleep deprivation increases the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol, when present in excess, can interfere with bone formation by inhibiting the activity of osteoblasts (cells responsible for building bone tissue). This means that over time, poor sleep can contribute to a decline in bone density, making the bones more prone to fractures and injuries. Click here to learn more on how sleep deprivation can affect your child’s wellbeing. Meal-skipping We might skip meals because of busy schedules or to cut calories and lose weight, but it can come at a significant cost to bone health. When you skip meals, you're actually depriving your body of the essential nutrients it needs to build and maintain strong bones (as we talked about in the previous section). Another thing about skipping meals is that it can cause your body to enter a catabolic state, which means it'll start breaking down muscle and bone tissue to use as energy. This process will further deplete your bone density and contribute to bone weakness. Over time, irregular eating patterns can disrupt your overall bone metabolism and affect your bone health, especially in growing children and teenagers, whose bones are still developing. Sedentary Lifestyle Not moving around enough can have a negative effect on our bones, especially in the elderly. When we put our bones under physical stress, like when we're walking, running, or doing resistance training, something really amazing happens! Our bodies produce more osteoblasts, which help make our bones stronger and more resistant to fractures. But if we don't move around regularly, our bones become less dense and weaker over time. Back to contents   Signs of Poor Bone Health in Children It's so important to keep an eye on your kids' bone health! It's so important to keep an eye on our kids' bone health! There are lots of ways poor bone health can show up, and it often does so through physical symptoms or changes in behavior. Keep an eye out for any complaints of joint or bone pain, difficulty with physical activities, or noticeable delays in growth. In addition, poor posture and abnormal bone deformities are also things to look out for. These signs, particularly when combined with a deficiency in essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, may suggest that a child's bones are not developing properly. So, it's really important to keep an eye on their bone health and take appropriate action if needed, such as changing their diet. Back to contents   The Future of Bone Health Understanding how to support bone health is essential for both children’s development and our overall well-being. Since everyone has unique nutritional requirements, it’s important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. With advances in genetic testing, we now have the ability to personalize bone health strategies based on individual needs. Our Decode DNA Nutrition Test is a groundbreaking tool that reveals how your genetic makeup influences your nutritional needs, including those vital for bone health. By analyzing specific genes linked to calcium absorption, vitamin D metabolism, and bone density, the test provides a detailed understanding of what your body requires to maintain strong, healthy bones. This personalized insight allows for tailored nutrition and lifestyle choices that support optimal bone health for each individual. This personalized approach will allow parents and healthcare providers to tailor dietary plans and lifestyle recommendations to meet a child's unique genetic needs, promoting stronger bones from an early age. Whether it's adjusting calcium intake, increasing vitamin D exposure, or incorporating bone-strengthening activities, our Decode DNA Nutrition Test can help optimize bone health for long-term well-being. With early intervention based on genetic insights, we can ensure that children are not only getting the right nutrients but are also set on a path toward a lifetime of healthy, strong bones. Now, here’s your chance to take control! Don’t wait—empower yourself with knowledge about your health! Start your journey toward optimal bone health today and see how tailored nutrition can transform your well-being. Want to learn more? Click here for more insightful articles on a variety of topics to help support your parenting journey! Back to contents   References Stover, Patrick J. "Influence of human genetic variation on nutritional requirements." The American journal of clinical nutrition 83.2 (2006): 436S-442S. Mullins, V.A.; Bresette, W.; Johnstone, L.; Hallmark, B.; Chilton, F.H. Genomics in Personalized Nutrition: Can You “Eat for Your Genes”? Nutrients 2020, 12, 3118. Chen L, Liu R, Zhao Y, Shi Z. High Consumption of Soft Drinks Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Fracture: A 7-Year Follow-Up Study. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 19;12(2):530. doi: 10.3390/nu12020530. PMID: 32092922; PMCID: PMC7071508. Swanson CM. Sleep disruptions and bone health: what do we know so far? Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2021 Aug 1;28(4):348-353. doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000639. PMID: 33965968; PMCID: PMC8244577. Wang, L.Y., Peng, F.L., Zhang, X.X. et al. Association between sedentary behavior and bone mass, microstructure and strength in children, adolescents and young adults: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 24, 2991 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20437-5 Back to contents  

When we think about health, physical fitness often takes center stage. But let’s not overlook brain health—it’s just as crucial for your overall well-being! Your brain influences cognitive function, memory, emotional stability, and daily performance. For children, a healthy brain lays the groundwork for a successful future, while for adults, it’s key to peak performance and delaying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.   Take Charge of Your Brain Health Your diet plays a vital role in supporting brain health. Many people primarily associate brain health with omega-3 fatty acids. While omega-3s are indeed important, there are other vitamins and nutrients that are often overlooked but play a crucial role in supporting brain function and overall cognitive health. Ready to boost your cognitive function and protect your brain? Let’s dive into the nutrients you need and how to easily incorporate them into your daily meals!   Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Your Brain's Foundation Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are crucial for maintaining the structure and function of brain cells. These essential fats play a key role in reducing inflammation in the brain and promoting healthy neurotransmission. DHA is a major component of neuronal membranes, ensuring they remain fluid and functional. Research consistently shows that a diet rich in omega-3s is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s [1]. To maximize your intake, prioritize fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines in your meals, or consider a high-quality omega-3 supplement if you're not getting enough from food.   Vitamin B12: The Mood Booster Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse nutrient essential for producing neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that facilitate communication between neurons. This vitamin is crucial for synthesizing serotonin and dopamine, which play significant roles in mood regulation and cognitive function. Adequate B12 levels are linked to sharper cognitive performance and emotional stability. B12 also helps maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds nerves which is crucial for efficient nerve signal transmission [2]. A deficiency can lead to severe consequences, such as memory loss, fatigue, and nerve damage. To ensure you’re getting enough B12, include foods like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy in your diet. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, consider fortified foods or a B12 supplement to meet your needs.   Antioxidants: Protect Your Brain Oxidative stress poses a significant threat to brain health, as it can lead to cellular damage and cognitive decline. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E work synergistically to combat free radicals—unstable molecules that can harm brain cells. Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant but also plays a crucial role in synthesizing neurotransmitters, which are vital for optimal brain function and mood regulation. Vitamin E further protects cell membranes from oxidative damage [3]. To boost your intake of these antioxidants, incorporate more citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) for vitamin C, and snack on nuts and seeds for vitamin E. These delicious additions can significantly enhance your brain’s defenses against oxidative damage.   Don't Forget Vitamin K! Vitamin K, often recognized for its role in blood clotting, is also essential for maintaining brain health. It contributes to the synthesis of sphingolipids, which are vital for the structure and function of brain cells. Recent studies indicate that vitamin K can help reduce inflammation in the brain and may slow age-related memory loss and cognitive decline [4]. You can find vitamin K1 in leafy greens like spinach and broccoli, while vitamin K2 is abundant in high-fat dairy products, egg yolks, and fermented foods like natto. To maximize your brain health, consider incorporating both forms of vitamin K into your diet regularly.   Make Brain Health a Priority Incorporating omega-3s, B12, vitamins C and E, and K into your diet is vital for optimal brain function and protection against cognitive decline.   Discover Your Personalized Nutritional Needs Due to differences in our genetics, everyone has unique requirements for each nutrient, but there’s no need to guess. Want to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients for your brain health? Take our Decode Nutrition DNA Test today. This simple test will reveal your specific nutritional needs and help you identify any risk factors for deficiencies tailored just for you. Now, here’s your chance to take control! Don’t wait—empower yourself with knowledge about your health! Start your journey toward optimal brain health today and see how tailored nutrition can transform your well-being. Your brain deserves the best!   References [1] Wei, B. Z., Li, L., Dong, C. W., Tan, C. C., Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, & Xu, W. (2023). The Relationship of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Prospective Cohort Studies of Supplementation, Dietary Intake, and Blood Markers. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 117(6), 1096–1109. [2] Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO. B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2020; 26: 5–13 [3] Maret G. Traber, Jan F. Stevens, Vitamins C and E: Beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 51, Issue 5, 2011, Pages 1000-1013, ISSN 0891-5849, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.05.017 [4] Alisi, L., Cao, R., De Angelis, C., Cafolla, A., Caramia, F., Cartocci, G., Librando, A., & Fiorelli, M. (2019). The Relationships Between Vitamin K and Cognition: A Review of Current Evidence. Frontiers in neurology, 10, 239. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2019.00239    

NBioshowcase 2024, an event dedicated to advancing Malaysia's transformation into a bioeconomy-centric nation. Absolute Genetic Technologies was honored to exhibit at this prestigious event, held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) and inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 17-18, 2024. It was an incredible gathering of biotech industry leaders, educators, and innovators, all focused on the future of biotechnology advancements.  We appreciate the opportunity from Bioeconomy Corporation to invite Absolute Genetic Technologies to participate in this grand event as a bio-based accelerator company. This event showcased the latest developments and innovations in the local biotechnology industry, highlighting the dynamic potential of the bioeconomy to drive Malaysian economic growth. It also demonstrated how advancements in science and technology can benefit people of all ages. We are grateful to all who made this event a success, especially the event organizer, Bioeconomy Corporation. Your support and collaboration are vital as we continue to create awareness of genetic testing and explore innovative ways to empower children’s development. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, the leading DNA test provider in Malaysia where we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in child development and education.  Thank you for being part of this journey! Click the links to read the original posts: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/absolute-genetic-technologies_we-are-honored-to-have-exhibited-at-the-nbioshowcase-activity-7219951706321637377-l7mD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/absolute-genetic-technologies_agtgenetics-nbioshowcase-biotechnology-activity-7225015282728103936-STjx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop  https://www.bioeconomycorporation.my/nbioshowcase/      

We are deeply grateful to @myfirstseed.co for the amazing opportunity to participate in the Kidpreneurs’ Weekend Bazaar events! It has been an honor for us to contribute to the success of both the February 2023 and the December 9-10, 2024, bazaars. The February event showcased a wonderful array of kid-led businesses, while the December bazaar took the excitement to new heights, with even greater participation and creativity. We are inspired by the incredible entrepreneurial spirit displayed by these young leaders. These vibrant events not only celebrate young entrepreneurs but also encourage children to explore and reach their full potential. At AGT, we are proud to support initiatives that align with our mission of helping children grow and thrive through their unique talents and strengths. Just as the Kidpreneurs’ Bazaar provides a platform for creativity and innovation, AGT is committed to nurturing children’s development by offering tools and insights, such as our Talent DNA Test, to help unlock their true potential. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, the leading DNA test provider in Malaysia. We will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education.      

We are honored to have been invited to be a partner in one of the biggest student competitions in Malaysia, the #BangkitChallenge, held by Sunway University Student Ambassadors. The #BangkitChallenge took place from 2nd August to 3rd September 2021, where students from tertiary schools across Malaysia could pitch constructive solutions to real-life problems under the following sector categories: Business, Science, Non-Government Organizations (NGO), Information Technology (IT), and Education in the Future. As the event sponsor and judge, we sponsored free DNA Career Tests for the winners of this challenge. We are very proud of all the teams for taking the initiative to participate in this competition and for bringing such impactful ideas for the future of Malaysia. Their boldness and passion for making a difference are both commendable and inspiring. At Absolute Genetic Technologies, we take pride in being the leading provider of Child DNA Tests in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies where We will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education. Click the link to read the original post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CR6GYMqLAnD/  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sunway-student-ambassadors_bangkit-bangkit-bangkitssa-activity-6826458790087536640-wRKV/  

The best DNA testing for children in Malaysia! In 2020, AGT was deeply honored to receive two prestigious awards for the best DNA testing for children: Natural Health Good Health Readers' Choice Awards 2020 BabyTalk & MamaPapa Readers' Choice Awards 2020 These awards represent the nation’s most sought-after brands, chosen by Malaysian readers for their exceptional quality, strong consumer appeal, and reliability, along with outstanding customer service. They hold special significance for us, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, symbolizing our resilience and commitment to growing stronger despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic. Thank you to our dedicated team for their hard work in delivering the best service to our customers. We also extend our gratitude to our partners for their trust in AGT, and to our customers and supporters for choosing us as the leading provider of Child DNA testing in Malaysia. AGT will continue our mission and vision to help parents understand their child's genetic strengths and challenges by providing integrated solutions in personalized and positive parenting to support their child's optimal growth and development. Stay tuned for more updates and future events where we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education. Click the links to read the original posts:  https://naturalhealth.my/naturalhealth2020awards/  The BabyTalk & MamaPapa Readers' Choice Awards 2020 https://100comments.com/blog/unleash-your-childs-full-potential-with-decode-talent-dna-test/     

After CNY Event, a week later, AGT was invited to present a workshop and bring excitement to the atmosphere at Jurassica Theme Park! Indeed, every child has a natural curiosity to explore many things. That’s why AGT was thrilled to be part of the biggest dinosaur park in Malaysia. These were all pleasant experiences. Just as parents accompany every step of their child's growth and development journey, AGT will continue to support parents on their journey in raising their children!  We extend our gratitude to the Jurassica Theme Park management team for their innovative approach in collaborating with us! Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, the leading DNA test provider in Malaysia. We will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education.    

Happy Chinese New Year! In Feb 2020, we exhibited at Sunway Velocity Mall alongside many prominent brands in Malaysia to celebrate Chinese New Year.  This was the first time AGT has attended a big holiday celebration in Malaysia. This big day can certainly end, but AGT is committed to providing The Best Child DNA tests in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more updates and future events where we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in child development and education.    

We were honored to be present at the exhibition held at Sunway Velocity Mall, in February 2019. This experience with the parent community was incredibly rewarding and encouraging. We were thrilled to receive invitations to showcase our advanced DNA tests again in March and October, further enriching our engagement with the community. Our team was impressed by how warmly this lively community embraced our child DNA tests, and we are proud to support like-minded parents in their parenting journey. We are committed to providing the best Child DNA Tests in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more updates and future events where we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education.      

Indeed, every child has a natural curiosity to explore many things. In August 2019, AGT had the privilege of participating in The Parenthood School Holiday Roadshow 2019. This event, filled with children's exploration activities, brought joy not only to parents who witnessed their children's positive growth and development but also to us as we contributed to supporting optimal child growth and development through personalized parenting. These were all pleasant experiences. Just as parents accompany every step of their child's growth and development journey, AGT will continue to support parents on their journey in raising their children! Stay tuned for further updates and upcoming events where we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education. Absolute Genetic Technologies is committed to providing the most comprehensive Child DNA Tests for parents throughout Malaysia.    

We extend our gratitude to Fairview International School for the opportunity and support in advancing education in Malaysia by introducing Absolute Genetic Technologies and our Decode Talent DNA Test to the parents. In June 2019, we had the privilege of joining the Fairview International School Open Day, at Johor Bahru, alongside other top companies in the education sector. This event was another great opportunity to connect with a school community. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, Malaysia's leading DNA test provider. We will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education.    

We were back at SmartKids Asia! In April 2019, we were honored to showcase our child DNA tests, Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT), at the Utopia by SmartKids Asia 2019, at KLCC. Thousands of parents and children attended, making this event one of the biggest children's education fairs in Malaysia and our biggest event of 2019. Filled with children's exploration activities, this event brought joy not only to parents who witnessed their children's positive growth and development but also to us as we contributed to supporting optimal child growth and development through personalized parenting. These were all pleasant experiences. Just as parents accompany every step of their child's growth and development journey, AGT will continue to support parents on their journey in raising their children! Thank you, SmartKids Asia, for the collaboration and opportunity to introduce Malaysia's best Child DNA tests to the attendees! Stay tuned for further updates and upcoming events where we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education. Click the link to read the original post:  https://www.facebook.com/share/9hf6LRA47m6t9Hf9/     

2019 began with a very enjoyable experience! In January 2019, AGT was honored to host a DNA Making Competition at the Templer Park International School Open Day. This event demonstrated that AGT not only provides personalized parenting solutions to parents but also supports educational institutions by directly contributing to children's growth and development. This event brought joy not only to parents who witnessed their children's positive growth and development but also to us as we contributed to supporting optimal child growth and development through fun and creative children's activities. Just as parents accompany every step of their child's growth and development journey, AGT will continue to support parents on their journey in raising their children optimally! Thank you, Templer Park International School, for supporting Absolute Genetic Technologies in our mission to provide the best Child DNA tests to parents across Malaysia. Stay tuned for further updates and upcoming events where we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education.      

Thank you, Australia Peninsula International School, for introducing Absolute Genetic Technologies and our leading Child DNA test services to your parents. On November 24, 2018, we had the privilege of attending the Australia Peninsula International School Open Day. It was a fantastic opportunity to engage with parents in the international school community. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, the leading DNA test provider in Malaysia. We will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in child development and education.    

In July 2018, we had the honor of attending Cherie Hearts Open Day in Setia Tropika, Johor Bahru. This was our first experience participating in a school open day event! The success of this event led to invitations to join the open days at the Kota Kemuning and Kota Damansara branches in October and November of the same year. This initial journey was filled with enthusiasm and unforgettable memories. Cherie Hearts, we are proud to be your partner in supporting personalized learning for children with our advanced Child DNA test, the first of its kind in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, the leading DNA test provider in Malaysia.     

AGT was pleased to sponsor and exhibit at the Bravo Kids Education Fair in Johor Bahru in October 2018, . We proudly offered our popular Decode Talent DNA test as an event prize, rewarding the parents who supported this educational fair. This sponsorship underscores our ongoing commitment to advancing children’s development and education. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce the leading Child DNA test to the Johor Bahru community. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events as we continue to push the boundaries in child development and education. Click the link to read the original post: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2236320719978792&type=3&paipv=0&eav=AfZRPzSrxWQpHF6ZbRmrk_RCgNGDplpi-2HQqEO4Y8uX_UIiFCm2PBEBnX3jspHFaQY&_rdr         

We were honored to sponsor one of Malaysia's largest children's expo events, SmartKids Asia at Mid Valley in September 2018. AGT proudly showcased our innovation—the Decode Talent DNA test, the first of its kind in Malaysia. This event underscored Absolute Genetic Technologies' commitment to supporting children's development and education through our advanced DNA testing services. Thank you, SmartKids Asia, for acknowledging our technology and innovative education approach. It was a wonderful and honorable opportunity.  Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events from Absolute Genetic Technologies, Malaysia's leading DNA test provider. Click the link to read the original post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/4KrBvLnKmhT5SCRc/  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10155865467225847&set=a.10150345882360847      

  Introduction Emotional intelligence is a vital aspect of children's development milestone, encompassing various traits that shape their social emotional learning. Traits such as empathy, resilience, and conscientiousness play a crucial role in how children navigate relationships, cope with challenges, and regulate emotions. Understanding and nurturing these emotional intelligence traits from an early age is essential, as they contribute significantly to children's overall well-being and success in life. By fostering emotional intelligence in children, parents and caregivers empower them to develop strong interpersonal skills, manage stress effectively, and thrive in diverse social environments. Recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence in children's development lays the foundation for building resilient, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent individuals capable of facing life's challenges with confidence and compassion.   1. Agreeableness     Agreeableness is one of the many brilliant colours that shine brilliantly in the rainbow of positive personality traits that distinguish each child. In their contacts with the outside world, agreeable children have a special charm that promotes harmony, generosity, and cooperation. Children who exhibit high levels of agreeableness tend to be warm-hearted, understanding, and adept at forming positive connections with their peers, making them a joy to be around.   The Importance of Agreeableness Understanding the importance of agreeableness is crucial for fostering positive relationships and creating harmonious environments, especially in children. Recognizing its significance in children helps parents, educators, and caregivers appreciate the value of nurturing these qualities. Teamwork in Early Childhood: Encouraging teamwork among children becomes crucial. Group activities and collaborative projects provide opportunities for them to practise and develop agreeable traits such as cooperation and helpfulness. Positive Communication: Agreeableness in the workplace often hinges on effective communication. Teaching children to express themselves respectfully, actively listen, and communicate their needs fosters positive interactions, mirroring the communication skills seen in agreeable adults. Counteracting Negative Behaviors: The study suggests that individuals low in agreeableness may engage in counterproductive behaviors. In a child's context, addressing and redirecting disagreeable behaviors early on can be crucial for their social emotional development. Promoting Tolerance: Tolerance is a key facet of agreeableness. Teaching children to be open-minded, accepting of differences, and respectful of others' opinions contributes to the development of this trait.   3 Effective Parenting Tips Nurturing agreeableness in children is essential for their social emotional development. Here are some effective parenting tips to help cultivate this important trait: Exposure to positive role models: Providing children with opportunities to interact with positive role models who exemplify highly agreeable qualities can significantly impact the development of their own agreeable traits. Teach Kids That Compassion is a Gift: Emphasize to your children that their ability to show kindness and compassion is a special and valuable trait. Highlight how acts of kindness can positively impact others and bring joy to both the giver and the receiver. Encourage and praise compassionate behavior, helping children understand that their empathy and consideration for others are strengths to be proud of. Teach Empathy by Discussing and Exploring Others' Feelings: Engage your children in conversations about emotions by discussing and exploring how others might feel in different situations. Use stories, real-life examples, and role-playing to help them understand and respond to others' emotions in a considerate manner. By regularly practicing empathy, children can develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives, enhancing their ability to relate to and support those around them. To learn more about nurturing agreeableness and other important traits in children, visit our blogs.   2. Altruism     Altruism in children is a remarkable aspect of human development that embodies selfless acts of kindness, compassion, and concern for others' well-being. Simply put, altruism involves individuals putting the needs and interests of others before their own, often without expecting anything in return. In children, this innate capacity for altruism can manifest in various forms, such as sharing toys with a friend, comforting a classmate in distress, or standing up against injustice.   The Transformative Power of Altruism Acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to transform lives and communities. Altruism is not merely a noble concept; it is a fundamental force that shapes the fabric of society and contributes to the well-being of individuals and communities alike. Albert Schweitzer's assertion that "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others" encapsulates the essence of altruism as a guiding principle for human existence. It speaks to the inherent interconnectedness of humanity and the moral imperative to extend compassion and assistance to those in need. Altruism, therefore, is not just a commendable trait; it is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. Similarly, Mother Teresa's insight that "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love" highlights the accessibility and universality of altruism. It reminds us that acts of kindness need not be grand gestures to be meaningful. Even the simplest acts of compassion and empathy, when performed with genuine love and sincerity, can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. These quotes serve as poignant reminders of the importance of cultivating altruism in ourselves and nurturing it in the next generation. In a world often characterized by division, inequality, and hardship, altruism offers a beacon of hope and a pathway to positive change. It fosters empathy, fosters cooperation, and promotes a sense of solidarity that transcends differences.   3. Risk Avoidance (Avoidance of Error)     Navigating the landscape of errors and failures is an inevitable part of the journey towards growth and success, particularly for children. "Avoidance of errors" represents not just the act of sidestepping mistakes, but also the cognitive and behavioral response to seek out rewarded choices while steering clear of those that yield negative outcomes. In the intricate tapestry of life, failure serves as a poignant teacher, guiding children towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It instills crucial life skills like resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving, fostering a sense of ownership over their actions and outcomes.    Learning from Mistakes Mistakes are an inevitable part of life, and helping children understand their value as learning opportunities is crucial for their growth and development. By reframing mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than failures, children can approach challenges with resilience and optimism. Parents and educators can guide children in recognizing that mistakes provide valuable feedback and insight into areas where they can improve. Encouraging children to reflect on their mistakes, identify what went wrong, and consider alternative approaches fosters critical thinking skills and self-awareness. Moreover, celebrating efforts and progress, regardless of the outcome, helps children develop a positive attitude towards learning and resilience in the face of setbacks. Check out more from this amazing blog!   Expert Tips to Overcome Fear of Failure In today's hypercompetitive environment, the fear of failure has burgeoned into a pervasive concern among youngsters, hindering their potential and stifling their growth. But fear not! Experts has offer valuable recommendations for helping children overcome this fear: Adjust Your Attitude Towards Failure: Children closely observe their parents' reactions to mistakes, which influences their own attitudes towards failure. Therefore, it's crucial to respond to errors positively or with humor. Engage in open discussions with your child about lessons learned from past mistakes and demonstrate resilience by picking yourself up and trying again. Demonstrate Unconditional Love: Fear of failure often stems from a child's sense of self-worth, which can be influenced by parental perceptions. Children may fear disappointing their parents and believe their worth is tied to academic or extracurricular achievements. To counteract this, express unconditional love and acceptance, reassuring your child that your love is not contingent upon their performance.  By focusing on these aspects, parents and educators can empower children to embrace mistakes as alternative learning experiences, develop resilience in the face of challenges, and cultivate a growth mindset that sets the foundation for lifelong learning and success. To learn more, go to this insightful blog!   4. Conscientiousness     Understanding conscientiousness in children is essential for comprehending their approach to tasks, responsibilities, and interactions. Conscientiousness encompasses traits such as organisation, diligence, responsibility, and self-discipline. Observing these qualities in children provides insights into their work ethic, reliability, and ability to set and achieve goals. By recognizing and nurturing conscientiousness from a young age, parents and educators can help children develop valuable skills for success in school, relationships, and future endeavors.   Executive Function Executive functioning encompasses many skills that combine our capability to incorporate cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor skills we have developed over time to become successful adults. Starting at a very young age, we learn skills such as working memory, self-control, mental flexibility and many more to conduct daily activities, from playing to socializing and learning. Executive function skills are used in almost every area of our daily life, but as we enter school, they become increasingly important. Executive function skills develop as we age, as we continue to acquire more skills throughout our lives. According to the developmental model of executive functioning skills, which many psychologists and experts in child development support, everyone is born with some genetic propensity or natural capacity to develop behaviours related to executive functioning. Through learning opportunities and challenges, children develop skills such as organisation, time management, emotional control, and other important executive behaviours. This will prepare them for the future as they have a lot of experience shaping their skills in many of these areas.   Fostering Conscientiousness in Young Minds To foster conscientiousness in children, parents play a crucial role in providing guidance, support, and opportunities for their children to develop a sense of responsibility and accountability. Set Clear Rules and Consequences: Parents can establish clear and consistent rules for behavior, chores, and academic responsibilities. These rules should be communicated effectively and discussed with the child to ensure understanding. By outlining expectations and consequences for both positive and negative behavior, parents help children develop a sense of accountability. For example, if a child completes their homework on time, they may earn a reward, whereas failing to complete it might result in a loss of privileges. Consistency in enforcing rules and consequences reinforces the importance of conscientious behavior. Offer Opportunities to Help Out: Involving children in household tasks, community service projects, or volunteer activities provides valuable opportunities for them to contribute and develop a sense of responsibility. Parents can assign age-appropriate tasks such as setting the table, tidying up their room, or participating in neighborhood clean-up events. Encouraging children to take ownership of their responsibilities fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. Additionally, involving children in decision-making processes and allowing them to contribute their ideas helps cultivate a sense of responsibility and investment in their actions.   5. Empathy     Empathy is one of the few traits that holds human beings together. The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting oneself in someone else’s shoes, and responding with care and concern. When people are empathetic, there is more peace, kindness, and understanding. Some may believe that empathy is an innate personality trait, rather than something that can be learned. Children are born with capacity for empathy, but it needs to be nurtured throughout their lives.    Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Empathy and emotional intelligence are closely intertwined components of social skills, each playing a crucial role in understanding and navigating social interactions. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Empathy, on the other hand, specifically refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting oneself in their shoes. The relationship between empathy and emotional intelligence is symbiotic: individuals with high emotional intelligence are often adept at recognizing and responding to the emotions of others, demonstrating empathy in their interactions. Conversely, empathy contributes to the development of emotional intelligence by fostering deeper understanding and connection with others' emotional experiences. Together, empathy and emotional intelligence contribute to social skills by enhancing communication, fostering positive relationships, and promoting collaboration and teamwork. Individuals who possess these skills are better equipped to navigate complex social situations, resolve conflicts effectively, and demonstrate compassion and understanding towards others.   Teaching Empathy Teaching empathy is essential for fostering positive social relationships and promoting prosocial behavior in children, adolescents, and adults. Several strategies can be employed to cultivate empathy: Perspective-taking exercises: Encouraging individuals to consider the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of others helps develop empathy. Perspective-taking exercises, such as imagining oneself in someone else's shoes or discussing hypothetical scenarios from different viewpoints, can enhance empathy by promoting understanding and empathy. Empathy-building activities: Engaging in activities that promote empathy, such as storytelling, role-playing, or participating in community service projects, can help individuals develop empathy skills. These activities provide opportunities for individuals to practice empathy in real-life situations, fostering empathy as a natural response to others' emotions and experiences. Interested in nurturing empathy in your child? Check out our blog for more tips and insights!   6. Persistence     Persistence is often called the cornerstone of success because it helps us keep going, even when things are hard. It's all about not giving up, even if we don't get it right on the first try. As parents, it's important to teach our children to keep trying, even when they face challenges or setbacks. Encouraging them to persevere through difficulties can help them achieve their goals and build resilience for their future.   Building Resilience in Your Child As parents, it's crucial to instill the value of persistence in our children from an early age. Here are some practical parenting tips to help cultivate persistence in your child: Offer Varied Challenges: Provide your child with a variety of activities that challenge them, like math games with different problem-solving options. This helps keep them engaged and encourages them to think creatively when facing obstacles. Celebrate Success, Offer Guidance: Celebrate your child's achievements, but also offer gentle reminders about realistic expectations. Children may want to reach their goals quickly, but it's important to teach them that success often takes time and effort. By providing both encouragement and realistic feedback, you can help them stay motivated and focused on their long-term goals.   7. Resilience     In a world filled with uncertainties and obstacles, resilience empowers children to face adversity with courage and determination. Whether it's navigating academic struggles, coping with social pressures, or dealing with personal setbacks, resilience enables children to confront challenges head-on and emerge victorious.   Persistence and Resilience Persistence and resilience are related but distinct concepts. Persistence refers to the ability to continue striving towards a goal despite obstacles, setbacks, or difficulties. It involves perseverance, determination, and a willingness to keep trying, even when faced with challenges. Persistence is about staying focused on achieving a specific outcome and not giving up until that goal is reached. Resilience, on the other hand, refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, setbacks, or difficult situations. It involves the capacity to adapt to change, cope with stress, and recover from setbacks or trauma. Resilience is about being able to withstand and overcome difficult circumstances, emerging stronger and more capable as a result. So, how do persistence and resilience connect? Well, when we're persistent, we're actively practicing resilience. By sticking with our goals and not giving up, even when faced with challenges, we're building our resilience muscles. And the more we practice resilience, the better we become at bouncing back from setbacks and overcoming obstacles in the future. By practicing persistence, we're also strengthening our resilience, which ultimately helps us navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and determination.   8. Sociability     Social skills are how kids talk and play with others, using words and body language like gestures or facial expressions. These skills help them make friends, get along with others, and listen to what people are saying. Being good at social skills helps kids have fun with their friends and do well in school. If a child has trouble with socializing, it can make it hard for them to make friends or enjoy activities with others. That's why it's important for parents to help their children feel more comfortable in social situations, like playing with other kids or talking to adults.   Contribution of Outdoor Playing to Social Skills and Friendship A study shows that children who spend their time mostly outdoors are more socially expressive, which means they are able to verbalize their ideas and desires. They will also have a low tendency to have any problems fitting in and playing with others. Playing together requires teamwork which helps contribute to a positive peer-to-peer relationship. In addition, interacting with other children while they are having fun outdoors indirectly contributes to the development of their social skills. While playing, of course, they will be talking to each other, this also helps to hone their communication skills as well. When children play outside, they might also encounter other children’s parents and other individuals as well. This can introduce them to valuable social lessons. Some grown-ups may display good behavior, for example, turn-taking and being compromised towards others. Children, with their nature of imitating what they see or hear around them, will be influenced and eventually follow the good behaviors modeled. Being used to having interactions and socializing with other people from a young age will benefit children in the future. As they grow up, they will be familiar with the situation with crowds and strangers and will always be confident to communicate and socialize. Crowded situations and meeting new people can be overwhelming for some people and make them become socially awkward. However, this is not the case for children who have been exposed to such situations from young. To understand more on outdoor playing contributions in children’s development, don’t miss out on this blog   Nurturing Social Skills in The Next Generation Let’s explore practical parenting tips to help foster sociability in your child, empowering them to engage confidently with others and build meaningful connections. Encourage Smiling: Teach your child the power of a smile. Remind them that a simple smile can make others feel welcomed and appreciated. Encourage them to smile genuinely at people they meet, as it signals openness and friendliness, making it easier for others to approach and engage in conversation. Remember Names: Help your child understand the importance of remembering people's names. Encourage them to commit names to memory, as it shows that they value and respect others. Practice recalling names together, and reinforce the idea that using someone's name in conversation makes them feel acknowledged and valued. Start Small: Introduce your child to social situations gradually. Start by attending family gatherings, birthday parties, or joining clubs or community groups where they can interact with familiar faces. This familiarity can help build their confidence and comfort level in social settings, making it easier for them to engage with others. Join Clubs or Groups: Encourage your child to participate in clubs or groups that align with their interests. Whether it's a sports team, art club, or scouting group, joining a club provides opportunities for social interaction and builds confidence in communication. Encourage them to be vocal and engage with others, fostering their social skills and self-confidence over time. Explore additional insights on nurturing your child's sociability from our blog!   9. Stress Management (Stress Tolerance)     Stress management is an essential skill that helps individuals manage and cope with challenging situations effectively. For children, developing this skill is particularly crucial as they encounter various stressors in their daily lives. Without adequate stress tolerance, children may struggle to navigate stressful situations, leading to negative consequences for their emotional well-being and overall development. Children face stress from various sources in their lives. Academic pressures, social interactions, family issues, health concerns, transitions, and emotional challenges all contribute to their stress levels. Academic demands like exams and challenging schoolwork can cause anxiety about performance. Social situations, including making friends and dealing with peer pressure, can be stressful. Family problems such as conflict or changes can disrupt stability. Health issues and medical procedures can cause fear and discomfort. Transitions like moving or changing schools can be unsettling. Emotional challenges like anxiety or coping with loss add to their stress. Understanding these stressors helps parents and caregivers support children in managing stress effectively, promoting their emotional well-being and resilience.   Strategies for A Balanced Life Promoting stress tolerance in children involves several strategies aimed at equipping them with the skills and resources to effectively manage and cope with stress. Balanced Schedule: Encourage children to maintain a balanced schedule that includes time for academics, extracurricular activities, relaxation, and socialization. Help them prioritize tasks and allocate time for rest and leisure activities to prevent feeling overwhelmed by excessive commitments. Learn Ways to Handle Stress: Teach children various techniques and coping mechanisms to handle stress effectively. This may include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, progressive muscle relaxation, or engaging in physical activities like yoga or sports. Encourage open communication about their feelings and emotions, and provide a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment. Problem-Solving Skills: Teach children problem-solving skills to address challenges and setbacks proactively. Help them break down problems into smaller, manageable tasks, identify potential solutions, and develop action plans to overcome obstacles. Encourage a positive attitude towards problem-solving, emphasizing resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.   Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in children's social emotional development. Are you interested in understanding your child's emotional intelligence traits better? Visit our page and utilize the Decode Talent DNA test to gain insights into your child's unique emotional intelligence profile. Understanding their emotional intelligence traits can provide valuable guidance in nurturing their social skills, resilience, and overall well-being. Unlock the potential of your child's emotional intelligence today with our DNA test!   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Personality development in children is a complex and dynamic process influenced by genetics, environment, and experiences. Each child is unique, displaying a variety of traits that shape their interactions with the world. This article explores several important personality traits in children, including aggressiveness, anger, anxiety, depression, extraversion, fear of uncertainty, hyperactivity, hyperthymic temperament, loneliness, neuroticism, optimism, novelty seeking, risk taking, and sentimentality.     1. Aggressiveness Aggressiveness in children can manifest as physical or verbal behaviours intended to cause harm or assert dominance. It is often a response to frustration, fear, or a lack of coping skills. Addressing aggressiveness involves teaching emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and empathy. Interventions like positive reinforcement and behaviour modification can help manage aggressive behaviours and encourage more positive interactions. Essential Parenting Tips to Manage Aggression in Children: Teach Emotional Regulation: Help your child identify and label their emotions. Encourage them to use words to express feelings rather than physical actions. Model Calm Behaviour: Demonstrate how to handle frustration and anger calmly. Positive Reinforcement: Reward non-aggressive behaviour to reinforce positive actions. Conflict Resolution Skills: Role-play conflict scenarios to practice peaceful problem-solving. Ensure Restful Sleep: Make sure your child is getting enough sleep based on the amount of sleep required according to age.  Lack of sleep is a significant factor that can contribute to aggressiveness in children. Sleep deprivation affects mood, cognitive abilities, and overall behaviour, making children more prone to irritability and anger. For more insights on how sleep affects behaviour and practical tips on identifying insomnia in children, click here to read more. This resource delves deeper into the science behind sleep and behaviour, offering guidance on how much sleep your child should get.      2. Anger Anger is a natural emotion that children experience when they feel threatened, frustrated, or powerless. However, how they express and manage anger is crucial. Teaching children to recognise triggers, use calming techniques, and express their feelings in constructive ways is essential. Supportive parenting and modelling healthy anger management can significantly influence a child's ability to handle anger. Effective Strategies for Managing Children's Anger: 1. Recognise Triggers: Identify what situations or factors trigger your child's anger. 2. Teach Calming Techniques: Introduce deep breathing, counting to ten, or taking a time-out. 3. Provide an Outlet: Encourage physical activities or creative outlets like drawing to express anger. 4. Empathy Training: Teach empathy by discussing how others feel and the impact of their actions. Tantrums are often closely related to anger, particularly in young children who have limited means of expressing complex emotions. Overcoming tantrums can be challenging for parents and caregivers, but understanding effective strategies can make a significant difference. If you're seeking practical advice on managing tantrums, click here to read more. This resource offers insights into the causes of tantrums, techniques for prevention, and methods for handling them when they occur. You'll find tips on maintaining calm, setting clear boundaries, and fostering better communication with your child to minimise future outbursts.     3. Anxiety Anxiety in children can range from mild worry to severe, debilitating fear. Common triggers include new experiences, separation from parents, or academic pressures. Symptoms may include restlessness, irritability, and physical complaints. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and a supportive home environment can help children manage anxiety effectively. Important Parenting Tips on Managing Children Anxiety: 1. Establish Routines: Provide a predictable daily schedule to reduce uncertainty. 2. Validate Feelings:  Acknowledge your child’s fears and anxieties without dismissing them. 3. Encourage Gradual Exposure: Slowly introduce them to anxiety-inducing situations to build tolerance. 4. Promote Relaxation Techniques: Teach mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping a child's emotional and psychological development. One particular style, known as helicopter parenting, involves closely monitoring and often over-involved approaches to parenting, which can lead to various emotional challenges in children, including increased anxiety. Helicopter parenting often prevents children from experiencing the minor setbacks and challenges necessary for developing resilience and self-confidence. When parents constantly hover and step in to resolve every problem, children may feel less capable of handling life's inevitable difficulties on their own. This can lead to heightened anxiety and dependency on parental intervention. To explore more about how helicopter parenting influences anxiety in children and to discover strategies for more balanced parenting approaches, click here to read more. This article provides insights into identifying helicopter parenting behaviours and offers guidance on fostering independence and resilience in children to better equip them for the challenges of life.   4. Depression Childhood depression, characterised by persistent sadness, irritability, and loss of interest in activities, can significantly impact a child’s development. Early intervention is crucial. Therapy, particularly CBT, and sometimes medication, combined with a nurturing and understanding environment, can help alleviate symptoms and support the child's emotional health. Supporting Your Child Through Depression: 1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without fear of judgement. 2. Monitor for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of persistent sadness or withdrawal and seek professional help if needed. 3. Encourage Activities:  Promote involvement in hobbies and social activities to boost mood. 4. Create a Supportive Environment: Ensure a loving, stable home environment. Social media is a big part of many children's lives, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. For some kids, seeing the perfect moments of others' lives on these platforms can make them feel less confident or left out, which can lead to feelings of depression. It's also important to consider how things like cyberbullying and excessive time online can disrupt sleep, reduce physical activity, and limit real-life social interactions, all vital for a child's well-being. If you're a parent looking to understand more about how social media might be affecting your child's mental health, and what you can do to help, click here to read more. This guide offers easy-to-understand insights and practical tips for creating a healthier digital environment for your child.   5. Extraversion Extraversion refers to a child's tendency to seek social interaction and thrive in stimulating environments. Extraverted children are often energetic, talkative, and assertive. Encouraging their social skills and providing opportunities for group activities can help extraverted children channel their energy positively and develop strong interpersonal relationships. Practical Parenting Tips for Extroverted Children: 1. Provide Social Opportunities: Facilitate playdates, team sports, and group activities. 2. Encourage Leadership: Support their interest in leading group activities or projects. 3. Balance Activity and Rest: Help them find a balance between social time and downtime to recharge. 4. Model Social Skills: Demonstrate positive social interactions and communication.   6. Fear of Uncertainty Children with a high fear of uncertainty may struggle with changes and unpredictability. This trait can lead to anxiety and avoidance behaviours. Helping children build resilience through gradual exposure to new situations, offering predictable routines, and fostering problem-solving skills can mitigate the negative impacts of this fear. Helping Your Child Overcome Fear of Uncertainty: 1. Offer Predictability: Maintain a consistent routine and provide advance notice of changes. 2. Build Coping Skills: Teach problem-solving and coping strategies for dealing with new situations. 3. Gradual Exposure: Gradually expose your child to new experiences to build confidence. 4. Encourage Flexibility: Help your child understand that change can be positive and teach adaptability.     7. Hyperactivity Hyperactivity, often associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), involves excessive movement, fidgeting, and difficulty staying focused. Structured environments, clear expectations, and strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps can help manage hyperactive behaviours. Behavioural therapy and, in some cases, medication may also be beneficial. Understanding and Managing Hyperactivity in Children: 1. Structured Environment: Create a structured routine with clear expectations and limits. 2. Physical Activity: Provide plenty of opportunities for physical activity to channel energy. 3. Break Tasks into Steps: Divide larger tasks into manageable steps to maintain focus. 4. Positive Reinforcement: Reward efforts to stay focused and complete tasks.   8. Hyperthymic Temperament (High-spirited Temperament) A hyperthymic temperament is characterised by an exceptionally positive mood, high energy levels, and a sociable disposition. While generally advantageous, it can sometimes lead to impulsivity or risk-taking behaviours. Balancing enthusiasm with self-control and teaching the importance of moderation can help children with this temperament navigate social interactions successfully. Guiding Children with a Hyperthymic Temperament: 1. Channel Energy Positively: Encourage involvement in sports or creative projects. 2. Teach Self-Control: Help your child learn to regulate their enthusiasm and impulses. 3. Encourage Balanced Activities: Promote a balance between high-energy activities and quieter, reflective ones. 4. Model Emotional Regulation: Demonstrate how to stay calm and focused.     9. Loneliness Loneliness in children can stem from social isolation, lack of meaningful connections, or difficulties in social situations. Encouraging social skills, facilitating peer interactions, and providing emotional support are vital. Ensuring children feel understood and valued can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness. Helping Children Overcome Loneliness: 1. Foster Connections: Facilitate opportunities for social interactions and friendships. 2. Develop Social Skills: Teach and model social skills like sharing, empathy, and communication. 3. Validate Feelings: Listen to your child's feelings of loneliness and validate their emotions. 4. Encourage Hobbies: Promote involvement in activities where they can meet peers with similar interests.   10. Neuroticism Neuroticism involves a predisposition to experience negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and depression. High levels of neuroticism in children can lead to emotional instability. Teaching coping mechanisms, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting positive thinking can help manage these tendencies. Supporting Children with Neurotic Traits: 1. Promote Stability: Provide a stable and predictable home environment. 2. Teach Coping Mechanisms: Introduce relaxation techniques and stress management strategies. 3. Encourage Positive Thinking: Help your child reframe negative thoughts and focus on positive aspects. 4. Provide Support: Be emotionally available and supportive, helping them navigate their feelings.   11. Optimism Optimistic children tend to have a positive outlook on life and are more resilient in the face of challenges. Encouraging optimism involves modelling positive thinking, celebrating successes, and helping children reframe negative experiences. Optimism can enhance mental well-being and improve overall life satisfaction. Fostering Optimism in Children: 1. Model Positive Thinking: Demonstrate an optimistic outlook in your daily life. 2. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s successes and efforts. 3. Encourage Goal Setting: Help your child set and achieve realistic goals. 4. Teach Resilience: Prepare them to handle setbacks positively by discussing strategies for overcoming challenges.   12. Novelty Seeking (Adventure Seeking) Children with a high propensity for novelty seeking are eager to explore new experiences and take risks. While this can foster creativity and adaptability, it can also lead to impulsivity. Providing safe outlets for exploration and teaching risk assessment skills can help balance their adventurous spirit with caution. Nurturing Healthy Curiosity: 1. Safe Exploration: Provide opportunities for safe exploration and new experiences. 2. Teach Risk Assessment: Help your child learn to evaluate risks and make informed decisions. 3. Encourage Creativity: Support creative activities and problem-solving exercises. 4. Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules to ensure safety while allowing exploration.   13. Risk Taking (Thrill Seeking) Risk taking in children involves engaging in behaviours that involve uncertainty or potential negative consequences. This trait can be beneficial for developing independence and problem-solving skills. Guiding children to evaluate risks and make informed decisions can help them harness the positive aspects of this trait while minimising dangers. Encouraging Responsible Exploration: 1. Teach Safe Risk-Taking: Encourage taking calculated risks within safe boundaries. 2. Model Decision Making: Demonstrate how to weigh pros and cons before making decisions. 3. Support Independence: Allow your child to make choices and learn from consequences in a controlled environment. 4. Discuss Consequences: Talk about potential outcomes of risky behaviours to foster understanding.   14. Sentimentality (Heartfelt Emotion) Sentimentality involves a strong emotional response to situations and a deep appreciation for relationships and memories. Sentimental children may form strong attachments and show empathy and compassion. Encouraging emotional expression and validating their feelings can nurture their sentimental nature and support emotional development. Cultivating Emotional Awareness: 1. Validate Emotions: Encourage your child to express their feelings and validate their emotions. 2. Create Memories: Engage in activities that create meaningful family memories. 3. Encourage Empathy: Foster empathy by discussing others' feelings and encouraging compassionate actions. 4. Support Emotional Expression: Provide outlets for expressing emotions, such as journaling or creative arts.   Conclusion Understanding and nurturing the diverse personality traits in children is crucial for their emotional and social development. By recognising and addressing these traits thoughtfully, parents and educators can help children build resilience, form healthy relationships, and achieve their full potential. Each trait offers unique strengths and challenges, and with the right support, children can learn to navigate their personalities effectively. As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to nurture our children's growth, and understanding their unique personalities is crucial. Imagine gaining insights into your child’s innate temperament and behavioural tendencies. With our Decode Talent DNA Test, you can discover fascinating DNA insights into aspects of your child's personality such as extroversion, hyperactivity, and more. By analysing their genetic markers, we provide personalised guidance tailored to your child’s specific personality traits, empowering you to support their emotional and social development more effectively. With this knowledge, you can enhance their strengths, address areas needing growth, and tailor their developmental experiences to suit their individual personalities. Join us in unlocking the full potential of your child’s personality and guiding them towards a fulfilling future! Head over to our website for more information.  A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Executive functioning encompasses many skills that combine our ability to integrate the cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor skills we develop over time to become successful adults. Executive function and self-regulation skills depend on three types of brain function: working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. These functions are highly interrelated, and the successful application of executive function skills requires them to operate in coordination with each other. Working memory: governs our ability to retain and manipulate amount of information over short periods of time. Mental flexibility: helps us to maintain or change our focus in response to various demands or to apply various rules in various contexts. Self-control: enables us to prioritise tasks and resist impulsive actions or responses. Starting at a very young age, we learn these skills to conduct daily activities, from playing to socializing and learning. Executive function skills are used in almost every area of our daily life, but as we enter school, they become increasingly important. The Swaddle. (2017, June 23). How Kids Learn Through Play [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/F9HwIrSnXRk?si=g0IhWxBT4vtducGg Executive function skills develop as we age, as we continue to acquire more skills throughout our lives. According to the developmental model of executive functioning skills, which many psychologists and experts in child development support, everyone is born with some genetic propensity or natural capacity to develop behaviours related to executive functioning. Some children may need more support than others to develop these skills. As children grow, they practice executive skill through social play. Parents and teachers can start giving children more responsibilities, depending on their age. Early on, assigning duties to kids can assist develop and exercise their executive functions. Children can practise the skills they need before putting them into practise on their own by being in a setting that supports their development. Adults can help children develop executive skills by establishing routines, modelling social behaviour, and establishing and maintaining supportive and reliable relationships. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life, therefore having trouble with executive function can make you to have difficulties in managing the daily activities which results to underwhelming and unsatisfying work. However, note that not all individuals develop executive functioning milestones in the same approach in their age. Some learners need more intense practice to build independence. Others may require targeted interventions focused on further developing executive function skills. And a small group of unique learners such as children with autism or ADHD may need long-term strategies and support in these areas as they transition to adulthood.  Through learning opportunities and challenges, children develop skills such as organization, time management, emotional control, and other important executive behaviours. This will prepare them for the future as they have a lot of experience shaping their skills in many of these areas. Parents often expect the children to continue to use executive functioning skills independently. Children may still have confusion and pitfalls, but if they have mastered the fundamentals of executive functioning, they can live a holistic lifestyle. Parents shouldn't expect their children to be independent all the time and should make sure to be an assistance to them because, as was previously noted, most children start to acquire executive functioning skills during the early forms of play and grow upon those areas throughout time. Executive function skills are enhanced through exposure. The more exposed your child is to handling various situations, the more abilities or skills they can develop and enhance. Learning through failure also creates opportunity, allowing children not only to discover what doesn't work, but to adapt their solutions for future attempts. Children will get to learn about themselves too in the process.  An example of executive function is when you observe that your child is able to plan a situation or for a situation. The ability to identify and manage tasks that are future-focused is referred to as planning. Action planning involves identifying future responsibilities and events, setting goals to achieve them, and analysing the steps required to complete tasks in advance. Skills begin to develop in infancy as we learn to focus on objects and make intentional body movements like grabbing and pointing. Up to the age of twelve, when children enter the early learning years, their planning abilities enable them to comprehend increasingly complicated instructions and follow actions to accomplish their goals. They can start to autonomously organise their steps toward bigger objectives by the time. As adults, we can create and maintain several different plans to achieve many different goals at the same time. Children of age between the ages of 6 and 18, children learn skills such as working memory and impulse control, and then hone these skills through learning during the next 18 to 36 months. Indirectly, young children can develop language skills, which support the development of executive functions such as self-regulation. Through language and communication, young children are able to discern their thoughts and actions, ponder, and plan. Improving language skills also helps young children understand rules and regulate behaviour. For example, children in this age group develop the ability to understand simple information such as how to walk down stairs instead of running. The painting is on paper, not on the wall. As children grow, they develop more executive function skills. They can manage their time, discover when to start tasks, participate in problem solving, and exercise different types of control such as emotions, attention, and self-regulation. But what role do these executive learning skills play in time management and other controls?  Through time management, they will be able to understand how long tasks will take, and along the time, they’re also able to budget time effectively and complete routines with ease. Task initiation involves how children initiate and independently generate new ideas, solve problems, and respond to tasks. It’s considered one of the core executive function skills and can be difficult for many children such as children with autism or ADHD and other attention-related diagnoses. Task initiation can be developed at an early age through parents reminders and support. As children grow, they can independently start and complete tasks with longer durations without being distracted. For children, parents can start with giving them chores that require their focus, thinking, problem-solving and attention skills such as folding clothes, reading books and solving mathematics questions. Children typically develop problem-solving skills through games such as Lego and jigsaw puzzles. These games require you to understand how things work and come up with solutions to the identified problems. Through problem-solving, children are able to independently identify problems in a variety of situations, whether at home, school, work, or with friends. Children can sort out the conflicts and decide issues but parents must help to provide feedback and support in resolving conflicts or addressing issues. Problem-solving skills also ties in closely with many other executive functioning skills such as attentional control and working memory.   To Improve Function Skills in Children, Parents Can Start with: Physical games and challenges Physical games and challenges for children teach them how to concentrate and help them realize that success may not always come immediately, but through practice and the use of strategies, they can succeed. For instance, start with giving children options they can choose from in order to try new skills such as throwing and catching balls or egg and spoon race. Simple rules around each kind of physical games, such as taking turns running to a ‘finish line’ and back or no holding the egg on spoon, will enhance their working memory. You could also include games that require self-control or inhibition, like Red Light Green Light or Simon Says games that require children to stop upon a certain word, hold the pose, then return to moving upon the next signal. And catchy songs such as “Head, Shoulder, Knee and Toes” that have word-specific dance moves to the words exercise children’s bodies as well as their attention, working memory, inhibitory control and self-control by requiring them to wait until certain parts of the song to do the dance. Conversations that involve lots of questions Regular conversation with your kids is the best approach to support their language development while also encouraging their openness and ease of communication. Your kids will need to recall their experiences to respond, which will improve their working memory as they strive to retain these memories. Talking about feelings will also improve your child's language development and inspire storytelling. Asking a toddler, "Are you happy?" is a perfect example of how important questions are while they are young. "Are you furious?" What outfit do you wish to wear today? Asking them, "How's your day at playschool?" will encourage kids to converse and become aware of their own emotions.' Imaginary play This preschool range of age is also where children strive to mimic adult behaviour and can frequently be observed engaging in pretend play, such as playing restaurants and schools with friends. These behaviours are not only imitations; rather, they are indications of imaginary play plots that have to be supported. For instance, one friend might be the cook while the other might be the diner. Your child may "cook" in the pot, then place it on the table with the diner "pretending" to eat. Adults can ask kids questions about what they are doing, what else they could make, what they are eating, and why they are doing it while they are doing it.   It's important that you cooperate and let the children take the initiative because doing so will enable them to govern their own conduct as well as the behaviour of others. To better understand how kids learn through play, watch the following video below and visit our website at www.agtgenetics.com to find out your child’s executive skills! A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  "The best thing you can give your children is time."   Quality time is the time spent together and giving undivided attention focusing only on your loved ones, your children. Nowadays, most parents do not have enough time to spend with their children as they are packed with their work schedules and children are busy with school activities too. However, today's generation of children requires extra attention on both physical and emotional care, thus parents need to allocate time to spend on the children to understand their child and create bonds. Family members are linked in significant ways throughout each stage of life. Each connection has a lasting impact and provides the support and reassurance that your child needs.  Additionally, quality time with children plays a role in making them have holistic development and growth. As children nowadays are exposed to numerous types of media, societal issues, and other environmental elements such as relationships and social influences, it is necessary for parents to connect with their children's sentiments, emotions, and ways of thinking. Children who receive emotional and physical support from their parents are less likely to have behavioural problems.  Connecting with your child and spending some quality time together brings many benefits to your children. Early childhood research has revealed that a child's familial environment has a critical role in their development of self (Harter, 2015).   The Following are Some Advantages of Spending Quality Time: Building self-esteem Many external and internal aspects, including those related to education, friends, and relationships, can have an impact on one's self-esteem; nevertheless, the family seems to play a crucial part in this process. A child's sense of self, socializing, and cultural identity can all be influenced by the connections and social interactions among family members. Children who interact with their parents and engage in activities as a family develop a significant sense of self-worth. Children feel better about themselves when they sense their parents value them. Even the simplest family activities, like singing and cooking can be exciting. Strengthens family bonds Families that engage in activities or house chores together tend to develop solid, emotional relationships. Studies have also found that families who enjoy group activities together can adapt well to difficult situations too. It encourages communication and interaction By spending time with your children, you foster an environment conducive to active conversation. Communication is key when you want your kids to be transparent when talking to you about anything.  It can make a significant difference to just ask your child how their day has been. By example, kids learn! Thus, they are more likely to practice those behaviours in other relationships in their lives when you are setting a positive example for them through spending quality time together. They will learn more about communication and interaction with people indirectly, improving their social abilities. Simple activities like playing games together or sharing toys will teach them the value of sharing and kindness. It can help your child’s academic performance Krauss contends that parental involvement in a child's education may enhance the learning environment, boost academic performance, and boost the child's perception of competence. Helping your kids with their schooling or reading aloud to them will help create a culture that values education, especially in the early years. Your child is more likely to perform well in school when they are comfortable approaching you with their assignments. However, the lack of quality time leads to behavioural problems among the children. Let us take a look at some of the harmful effects of not spending quality time with children.   Effects of Lack of Quality Time are: Lacking of familial relationship The absence of bonds and connections between parents and children causes the children to feel distant. When a child experiences these sorts of emotions, it makes them feel unappreciated and unloved, which can cause family values like love, care, empathy, support, and the list goes on to fade. Because they suppress their feelings as children, these kids will grow up to be people who are overwhelmed by unfavourable emotions. Additionally, perhaps it would turn them into a rebellious child. When there is no family time, these children completely rely on their friends for trust, which is not necessarily a negative thing, but it hinders them from understanding what a family entails. This could also result in a child developing confidence in strangers, who might take advantage of their vulnerability. Emotional Distress  A child who does not get enough quality time tends to feel lonely and empty.  A child's psyche is far more nuanced than it initially looks.   When there is no one to talk to, children have no other way to express their emotions. When no one is paying attention to them, these kids will feel hurt. These kids might no longer feel valued and loved by their parents, and they might also experience instability in their self-esteem, uncertainty, and lack of trust. Negative Behaviour The last effect is negative behaviour. Even though these behaviours might not be apparent right away, the child may experience harm as a result of using aggressiveness as a way to express their feelings of loneliness and despair. Boys and girls may experience these issues at different ages, and they may be either direct or indirect. Behavioural problems are something that should not be taken lightly. Therefore, there are many ways to improve quality time:  When everyone's schedules are hectic, designate one day per week for family time. Establish a routine that you and your kids can practice every day. Allowing your child to choose and read one book with you at bedtime is one example. Express your feelings visibly.  Tell them how much you love them, how they make you feel and display what love looks like to them.  The feelings need to connect with the mind. Reinforce positive behaviour. Praise them for their effort and encourage them for their good behaviour. It's essential to have a special bond with your children and can be a simple priority to incorporate into your daily schedule. Doing so, they will enjoy long-lasting impacts as they grow into contributing adults in the future.   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  What is Parenting? Parenting is a process of raising children and providing them with protection, care and also support. Supporting children physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually ensures their healthy development and smooth transition into adulthood. The right parenting style such as positive parenting will develop a disciplined child. Positive parenting emphasizes positive discipline rather than harsh discipline and punishment for misbehavior. When a child misbehaves, parents should strive to concentrate on teaching the desired behavior rather than penalizing the child.  Our child learns to show tantrums or also known as the terrible twos when language skills are starting to develop at an early age. As toddlers cannot communicate their feelings or needs, a frustrating experience leads to tantrums. However, tantrums tend to lessen as language abilities increase. For most toddlers, tantrum is a way to express frustration but for older children, tantrums might be a learned behavior. Tantrums are more likely to worsen if parents follow their children’s wants and needs too much, or allow their children to get something by having a tantrum.    What are The Strategies to Overcome The Terrible Twos? There are many practices parents can do to encourage good behavior in their children. For example:  Be consistent. Being consistent in your schedule, routines, discipline patterns, and rules helps you connect with your child emotionally. Stability provides clear boundaries and structure for your child, helping them become organised and understand how the world works. Consistency allows your child to know what to expect, strengthening their sense of stability and understanding.  Allow your child to make choices. Instead of saying no to everything, give your child a sense of control by letting them make their own decisions. Teach your child to choose between orange juice and chocolate drinks or lego blocks and hotwheels cars, and so on. This will instill in him a sense of control and the ability to choose between two equally good options. Praise good behavior. Positive behavior includes when your child is playing nicely with other kids such as sharing and taking turns, or when they speak kindly to others, or simply when they are cleaning up toys after play and tidying their bedroom. Give your child a hug or tell your child how proud you are when they are behaving well. When parents praise and give this kind of acknowledgment, their child will learn a sense of security. Your child wants the attention and if you only give them the attention when they act out, they will learn to throw tantrums but if you give attention when they behave well, they will do more of that.  Avoid situations which can trigger tantrums. If your child begs for toys or treats when you shop, steer clear of areas with these temptations. If your toddler acts up in restaurants, choose places that offer quick service.   What is The Best Way to Respond to A Tantrum? Remaining calm is always the best response to a tantrum. Your child may imitate your behavior if you react with loud and angry outbursts. Trying to get a child to stay calm by yelling at them is only going to worsen the situation. Instead, being responsive to your child is another way to respond to tantrum. For example, if you have gotten your child to do something against their will, offer to assist. If your child refuses to follow your instructions, clarify why it is unacceptable. If your child starts kicking, striking, or throwing things during a tantrum, keep them in your arms to prevent them from continuing. Take your child to a safer place and calmly acknowledge the emotion they are showing by talking slowly and softly. By acknowledging your child's feelings and allowing them to communicate reasonably, you are allowing them to understand and deal with their emotions contextually, as well as a deep sense of being heard and understood. If they seek for touch or hugs, do offer it and do give them spaces or remain silent for a moment if they ever need it. However, parents must not give in to tantrums regarding unnecessary requests. This will teach them that tantrums do not help them to get what they want and they will learn from it. The terrible twos are a normal part of your child’s development, especially between the ages of 1 and 4 years old as they are learning how to express frustration and rage, parents must not disregard this behavior as this will influence your child’s emotional development. With a proper nurturing, it will establish positive relationships that are essential in promoting healthy social and emotional development.  As important as it is, nurturing isn't always easy. That is why at Absolute Genetic Technologies, we got you covered! We offer you a deep understanding of your child from a comprehensive Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) and a personalized parenting approach for you. Let's explore your child's genetic makeup and see how it influences your child's  talent, IQ, EQ, personality, and overall well-being. We got you covered when it comes to helping your child develop healthy emotional health. Do check out our website for more information on our Decode Talent DNA Test at https://www.agtgenetics.com/decode-talent-dna-test.html! A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Eight hypotheses of multiple intelligence were developed by Howard Gardner. One of the eight hypotheses we will be covering in today's article is verbal intelligence. We will be discussing what verbal-linguistic intelligence is and how we can develop it during the course of our lives.  Verbal intelligence is the ability to use language and have linguistic sensitivity. Verbal intelligence or linguistic intelligence gives an individual the ability to learn new things. Being able to verbally express oneself and use the written word to communicate is extremely important in making connections with others. Have you ever been surprised to see a child talking just like an adult or children that can talk about the book they have just read? Children who manage to impress adults around them with what they ask and say are an example that the child is verbally intelligent! Not everyone is born with the ability to speak and express themselves or the things that are going on around us. Some might face difficulties with expressing and speaking their ideas. However, linguistic skills are constantly evaluated in school where some schools have these “show and tell” lessons to allow children to speak and to be comfortable with expressing their thoughts and ideas. Yet, little do we know about the possibility of its stimulation and so its development.  The creation of language, including poetry, metaphors, similes, grammar, literature, tongue twisters, and abstract reasoning, is handled by verbal-linguistic intelligence. People with strong verbal intelligence are frequently curious, have great reading habits and are interested in language. These people enjoy using language to express themselves and have an easy time comprehending. They can also pick up new languages quickly. These individuals are frequently prolific poets, writers, or actors. Language is enjoyable, so games that incorporate wordplay are likely to be enjoyed by verbal-linguistic learners. Puns, language-based jokes, and word games like Scrabble and Boggle are frequently appealing to them too.   People with Characteristics of Linguistic Intelligence are The People Who: Think in words. People who have strong verbal-linguistic intelligence use language to communicate their ideas and make use of writing's structure, syntax, and visuals. They turn abstract thoughts into meaningful complete sentences. They use grammatical arrangements to organize their ideas. Enjoy reading and writing. People with excellent verbal intelligence are great readers and writers. People with verbal-linguistic intelligence read a lot of books, fragments of stories or tales, comic strips, and any other reading materials. These people will find it easy to express their thoughts with writing as they can write and show what they think, what they observe, and what they feel. Excellent speakers. People with verbal intelligence are also capable of being organized and maintaining objectivity. Excellent speakers can choose the right words to carry and deliver a message. With this intelligence, they possess strength of conviction and can lead groups because of their ability to handle words and give commands or orders. They are excellent interpreters of the language. Interpreting poems, works and other elements of literature comes easily to people with verbal intelligence. Playing with words and practising riddles, word games, and interpreting texts is an interesting activity for them. Metaphors and figurative language are among the things that persons with advanced verbal-linguistic intelligence can easily interpret. Like to learn new languages. People with verbal intelligence enjoy watching and listening to programs in other different languages. People with verbal-linguistic intelligence love being exposed to different ways of expression through language. They like to challenge themselves to pick up new languages.   Growing up, even if you are not born with this talent and face difficulties in speaking fluently   you can try to develop your verbal-linguistic intelligence by: Writing a diary. Writing a diary can start with writing about personal experiences, facts and stories of daily life events. Try to write as long and as detailed as you can. This will promote the acquisition of vocabulary and the development of expression through language. Reading story books. Reading develops understanding and encourages the use of new vocabulary. Through reading, you can develop the capacity for interpretation and imagination. Through reading, you will come across new words and their meanings which helps in expanding your vocabulary. Highlighting the new words or writing them in a notebook will help you to memorize and understand the usage of that particular word too. By looking up words in the dictionary, you not only learn meanings, but you can also work with the arrangement of words. Joining a book club. Book clubs encourage discussion, debate, and interpersonal relationships based on reading. It provides an opportunity to converse about one's interests. It is also an opportunity for you to polish your verbal intelligence as you communicate with the club members. Learning a new language. Learning a new language fosters the development of verbal-linguistic intelligence and interpersonal intelligence. Through the exchange of words, people can expose themselves to other cultures while travelling. However, it is best to master your native language before proceeding with a new language. Taking part in debates. Debates stimulate the organization of ideas and coherent expression. Through debates, it encourages the development of the ability to arrange the right words and to use language orally. thinking skills and also offers motivating contexts for learners to communicate with one another.   Every type of intelligence can be polished with the right learning approaches. To find out more about your Multiple Intelligence type of learning, check out our product! A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  Introduction   As parents, we all aspire to offer our children the best foundation for their future and fostering their intellect is a significant part of that endeavour. In this context, let's delve into how we can support our children's cognitive development in various domains such as memory, attention and literacy. It's worth noting that these different aspects of intelligence development are interconnected and by providing children with the necessary support and opportunities to grow in these areas, we can enhance their overall cognitive development. Incorporating these tips into your daily routine not only facilitates learning but also helps you spend quality time together, exploring, playing and discovering the world. So, let's make this journey of nurturing our kids' intelligence fun and engaging, every step of the way!      Intelligence As parents, we're always looking for ways to help our kids thrive and succeed in life. But sometimes, it can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to nurturing their intelligence. Luckily, there are some incredibly fun and effective strategies we can use to support our children's growth and development.   Talent Development First up, let's talk about talent development. Did you know that every child has unique talents and interests just waiting to be discovered? From a young age, they might show a knack for maths, music, sports, or the arts. As parents, our job is to pay attention to these clues and provide opportunities for our kids to explore and develop their talents further. One incredibly powerful tool for talent development is Decode Talent DNA testing. This innovative approach uses cutting-edge technology to analyse a child's genetic makeup and identify their innate abilities and predispositions. By understanding our children's genetic strengths and weaknesses, we can tailor their learning experiences to suit their individual needs and interests. By understanding our children's genetic strengths and weaknesses, we can tailor their learning experiences to suit their individual needs and interests. For example, if a child shows a natural aptitude for music, we can encourage them to take piano lessons or join a school choir. If they have a knack for problem-solving, we can provide them with puzzles and brain teasers to challenge their minds.  Whether it's signing them up for piano lessons, enrolling them in a soccer league, or encouraging them to pursue their passion for drawing, nurturing their talents from an early age can set them up for success down the road. Ready to dive deeper into fostering your child's unique talents and intelligence? Check out this comprehensive article on Talent Development in Children. Outdoor Play But talent development is just one piece of the puzzle. Outdoor play is another essential ingredient in fostering our children's intelligence. In today's screen-dominated world, it's more important than ever to get our kids outside and exploring the great outdoors. Not only does outdoor play keep them physically active and healthy, but it also stimulates their minds and imaginations in ways that indoor activities simply can't match. Whether they're building forts in the backyard, splashing in puddles at the park, or going on nature hikes with the family, outdoor play offers endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and social interaction. And if you're curious about the benefits of outdoor play and want to discover more ways to enrich your child's life through outdoor adventures, this insightful article is for you! Video Games And here's a surprising one: video games. Yes, you heard that right! Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that video games can actually be beneficial for our kids' cognitive development when enjoyed in moderation. Games that require quick thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning can help sharpen their minds and teach valuable life skills like perseverance and resilience. Of course, it's essential to set limits on screen time and choose age-appropriate games, but when enjoyed responsibly, gaming can be a fun and effective way to support our children's intelligence. So, as parents, let's embrace these three pillars of intelligence: talent development, outdoor play, and yes, even video games, as we guide our kids on their journey of growth and discovery. By providing them with diverse opportunities for learning and exploration, we can help them unlock their full potential and set them up for a lifetime of success. After all, intelligence isn't just about how much our kids know, it's about how they apply their knowledge, adapt to new situations, and thrive in the world around them. Lastly, if you want to learn more about how video games can boost intelligence and creativity, don't miss out on this fascinating read. Trust us, you won't regret it!   Linguistic Intelligence (Verbal Intelligence) Let's journey into the world of words with your child! Like planting seeds in a garden, nurturing your child's verbal intelligence can lead to amazing growth and discovery. But don't worry if helping your child with words feels overwhelming. We're here to make it fun and easy with simple tips and exciting activities. Picture your child confidently raising their hand in class, participating in discussions and acing presentations. Verbal intelligence lays the foundation for effective communication skills that will serve them well in school and beyond. But how can parents ignite and fuel this linguistic fire? It's simpler than you think!    Diary Encourage your child to keep a diary, where they can pour out their thoughts and experiences in vivid detail. Dive into the magical realm of storybooks together, where each page is a gateway to imagination and learning. Joining a book club isn't just for adults, it's a fantastic way for kids to engage in lively discussions and expand their linguistic horizons. Learn A New Language  And why stop there? Learning a new language isn't just a skill; it's an adventure! Whether it's mastering their native tongue or delving into a foreign language, each word learned opens up new avenues of understanding and connection. And what better way to hone those verbal skills than through the art of debate? Encouraging your child to express their thoughts and ideas in a structured yet spirited manner not only sharpens their linguistic prowess but also boosts their confidence and critical thinking abilities. If you would like to know further about verbal intelligence, read this interesting article to discover more about unlocking your child's linguistic potential and fostering a love for language that will last a lifetime. So, dear parents, unleash the power of words and watch your child's linguistic intelligence soar to new heights! With a little encouragement and a lot of imagination, you'll be amazed at what they can achieve.   Cognitive Abilities Hey, parents! Do you know that your kids learn and remember things in their unique ways? Let's dive into the world of memory and learning styles, and uncover how verbal memory, visual memory, and visual-spatial learning shape their learning adventures!   Learning Styles First off, let's talk about learning styles. Just like grown-ups, kids have their own special ways of taking in and remembering information. Some children love to listen to stories and songs (verbal learners), while others prefer looking at pictures and exploring with their hands (visual learners). And then there are the adventure seekers who love to build, explore, and solve puzzles (visual-spatial learners). By understanding these styles, we can tailor activities to match how our kids learn best! Verbal Memory Now, let’s dive further into verbal memory. Picture your child's face lighting up as they sing along to their favourite song or recite their favourite nursery rhyme. That's verbal memory in action! It's all about remembering words and sounds, like the lyrics to a song or the lines from a storybook. So, when your kiddo asks for another round of "Wheels on the Bus," or begs for one more bedtime story, remember that they're flexing their verbal memory muscles and having a blast while they're at it!  Visual Memory Next up, let's talk visual memory! Ever notice how your little one can spot their favourite toy in a sea of stuffed animals or remember exactly where they left their shoes? That's visual memory doing its thing! It's like a mental photo album, storing all the colours, shapes, and details they see. So, when you're flipping through picture books together or exploring nature, know that every image is adding to their memory bank and fuelling their curiosity about the world around them.  Visual-spatial Learning Last but not least, let's explore visual-spatial learning! Think of your kiddo building a towering block tower or solving a tricky puzzle. That's visual-spatial learning in action! It's all about using their eyes and hands to explore, create, and problem-solve in three dimensions. So, when you're setting up a scavenger hunt or building with blocks, know that you're not just having fun, you're also helping your child develop important spatial skills that will serve them well in school and beyond! Now that we know all about verbal memory, visual memory, and visual-spatial learning, let's put that knowledge into action! Whether it's singing songs, flipping through picture books, or going on a scavenger hunt, there are endless ways to make learning fun and engaging for every type of learner. So, let's embrace our kiddos' unique learning styles, celebrate their strengths, and watch as they embark on unforgettable learning adventures! If you're curious to unlock the secrets of how visual-spatial learning strategies can supercharge your child's memory and learning skills, dive into this enlightening article!   Cognitive Skills   Working Memory In the bustling world of a child’s development, two critical cognitive skills play a pivotal role: working memory and executive function. Together, these functions are the scaffolding that supports a child's ability to learn, manage daily activities, and grow into a successful adult. For parents looking to nurture these essential skills in their children, understanding and actively fostering them can lead to profound benefits in school performance and beyond. Think of working memory as the brain's "sticky note." It's a space where new information is temporarily held and processed. This cognitive function is crucial for following instructions, solving problems, and even reading. Children with robust working memory tend to excel in academics because they can hold and manipulate information effectively, be it recalling steps in a maths problem or following a series of instructions. The model developed by Baddeley and Hitch highlights that working memory isn’t just for quick recall but also organises new knowledge for long-term retention. However, when working memory struggles, it can affect a child's ability to learn and retain information across all subjects.  Executive Function Executive function is like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that various cognitive, communication, sensory, and motor skills work in harmony. This set of skills, including working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control, is crucial from an early age. It governs our capacity to juggle multiple tasks, switch focus between tasks, and control impulses. Developing strong executive functions can help children plan, monitor, and execute their tasks with better efficiency. Whether it’s socialising, learning, or playing, these skills are foundational for managing daily life and overcoming challenges. Children with well-developed working memory and executive function skills are better equipped to handle the complexities of school tasks, social relationships, and daily challenges. As these skills flourish, so does a child’s ability to think critically, solve problems independently, and manage their time and emotions effectively. Dive into our article to explore the power of executive functions in mastering thoughts, actions, and emotions.    Attention In a world buzzing with distractions, the role of attention in a child's development cannot be overstated. From achieving academic success to nurturing emotional intelligence, the ability to focus is a cornerstone of a child's growth and well-being. Understanding and cultivating this crucial skill can lead to profound benefits for our children. Here's how you can actively engage in enhancing your child's attentional capacities. Attention is more than just the ability to stick to a task; it forms the basis for all higher cognitive processing. A child's capacity to concentrate not only affects learning in the classroom but also their social interactions and problem-solving skills. From infancy, children show different levels of attentional control, which can be significantly developed through mindful parenting. It's important to recognise that developing attention is a gradual process influenced by each child's unique temperament and environment. However, the rewards of nurturing this skill are immense. Enhanced attention can lead to better academic performance, more fulfilling social relationships, and effective coping strategies. By paying attention to attention, we not only help our children achieve immediate goals but also equip them with a skill that is pivotal throughout their lives. Whether it's through structured play, thoughtful guidance, or by setting the right example, enhancing our children’s focus is an investment in their future, making them more resilient and attentive individuals. So, let’s embrace the challenge and help our children master the art of attention. Dive into this article to uncover exhilarating strategies and dynamic activities guaranteed to supercharge your child's focus and attention span!    Literacy Skills (Reading Skills Getting children excited about reading can sometimes feel as tricky as getting them to eat their vegetables. But just like finding fun ways to serve broccoli, making reading enjoyable can really change how kids feel about books. When children are interested in reading and want to do it on their own, they learn and grow more from the experience. Motivate Reading When kids find joy in reading, they don’t see it as a chore but as a fun activity. This love for reading helps them in many ways. They learn new words, understand more about the world, and even get better at other school subjects. When parents choose books that match their child's interests like stories about dragons, space, or fairy tales, it helps spark this love for reading. The Importance of Motivation Motivation is what keeps children going even when reading gets tough. Learning to read can be hard. There are many new words and sometimes the stories can be complicated. But when kids really want to read, they keep trying even when it’s difficult. This effort makes them better readers because they practise more, try new words, and think more about what the stories mean. Ultimately, while it's important for kids to know how to read, it's even more important for them to enjoy reading. By focusing on making reading fun, parents and teachers help children not just become good readers, but lifelong learners who love to discover new things.    Word Spelling As parents, we all want to equip our children with the tools they need for academic success, and solid spelling skills are a fundamental part of this toolkit. However, English is notorious for its spelling challenges, with rules that often come with more exceptions than the rules themselves! But don't worry! Here's your playbook for guiding your young spellers through the twists and turns of English spelling, especially when it's not as straightforward as it seems. Phonics Phonics is a powerful tool, teaching children how to connect sounds with letters. Think of phonics as the initial training wheels for spelling, it teaches kids to link sounds with letters and works like a charm for straightforward words. It works wonderfully with regular words, but English has many irregular words where standard phonics rules fall short. For these, memory and practice are key.  Context Teach your child to use context as a clue for spelling. The meaning of a word often hints at its spelling. Use context as your secret weapon. It’s like a treasure map where the meaning of a word points you to its correct spelling. For example, differentiate between "stationary" (not moving) and "stationery" (writing supplies) by associating the "ar" in "car" (something that stops) and the "e" in "pen" (something used to write). Clever, right? Practice  Finally, regular practice remains key in mastering tricky spellings. Encourage writing as a habit, be it through journaling, writing stories, or sending thank you cards. Mistakes will happen, and that's okay. Each error provides a new learning opportunity. Remember, every child’s learning curve is different, and patience is your strongest ally. Celebrate small victories together and maintain a positive, encouraging environment. Your support and encouragement are powerful spells in the magical quest of mastering word spelling!   Conclusion   By exploring these resources and integrating their insights into daily learning activities, you can effectively contribute to your child's cognitive development and overall intellectual growth. Each link provided offers detailed guidance and practical tips tailored to help parents and educators foster these critical skills in young learners.  As parents, we’re constantly seeking ways to support our children’s development and understanding their unique genetic makeup can provide invaluable insights. Imagine gaining a deeper understanding of your child’s innate talents and predispositions in various cognitive domains. With our Decode Talent DNA Test, you can uncover fascinating DNA insights on your child’s IQ across different domains such as verbal intelligence, memory, attention and more. By analysing their genetic markers, we can provide personalised guidance tailored to your child’s specific genetic makeup, empowering you to support their intellectual growth more effectively. With this knowledge, you can nurture their strengths, address potential areas of improvement and embark on a journey of learning that’s perfectly tailored to your child’s individual needs. Join us in unlocking the full potential of your kid’s intelligence and guiding them towards a brighter future! Head over to our website for more information: https://www.agtgenetics.com/our-dna-test  A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  Introduction Parents are always interested in uncovering the potential hidden talents of their children, wondering if they possess a gift for math, music, sports, or the arts. This curiosity, whether conscious or subconscious, highlights the universal desire for our child to succeed in life. However, being talented is more than just having a natural knack for something—it requires identification and nurturing from the earliest stages of development. Benjamin Bloom, the renowned educational psychologist, emphasized the importance of mastering skills as the cornerstone of talent development in children. Through this mastery, both teachers and parents fulfill their fundamental roles in imparting essential skills and knowledge, ensuring that children are equipped with the tools needed to thrive. Discovering and cultivating these unique talents in kids from a young age sets the stage for a brighter future, where they can leverage their skills and strengths to achieve success in various endeavors. Witnessing the growth of these hidden talents is not only rewarding but also crucial for guiding children towards fulfilling their potential and realizing their dreams. Talent development, nurtured from a young age, lays the foundation for a lifetime of achievement and fulfillment.   Stages of Development     Children go through distinct periods of development as they grow from infants to young adults. During each of these stages, multiple changes in the development of the brain are taking place. What occurs and when approximately these developments transpire are genetically determined. According to David Henry Feldman, a college professor, who researches the growth and development of children, there are 4 stages of talent development through the ages.  4 to 10 years of age – During early childhood and development, children explore and observe the environment to expand their mind.   10 to 13 years of age – Talent development starts with the help and guidance of their teachers and role models. Competition and praise play an important role in their talent development.  13 to 18 years of age – Children learn that dedication and commitment are necessary for the development of their talent. They learn their responsibility and the needed sacrifice to grow.  18+ of their years – This stage marks the period where children decide to instill their talent as the choice of their career in the future.   Learn more with this link! Let’s go through different talents together!   Education (Academic Learning)     Education lays the cornerstone of intellectual or cognitive development in early childhood, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for future endeavours. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and social development, preparing children to tackle challenges and excel in an ever-changing world.   Navigating Attention Challenges in Academic Learning Do you find yourself struggling to capture your child's attention during learning sessions? Do they seem easily distracted or unable to focus on tasks for an extended period? Understanding how attention works and its importance in academic learning can help address these challenges. Attention is more than just focusing—it involves being alert, selecting what to pay attention to, avoiding distractions, and shifting focus when needed. As children grow, their attention spans develop, allowing them to sustain focus on tasks for longer periods. However, factors like motivation, sleep, and nutrition can impact their ability to concentrate. By recognizing these influences and implementing strategies to enhance attention, parents can support their children's academic success.   Parenting Tips Engage and Enjoy: Encourage longer focus by introducing tasks in engaging and enjoyable ways. For example, instead of traditional methods, allow children to explore letters with chalk or Play-Doh. Notice and discuss interesting details in the environment to demonstrate the importance of paying attention. Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions while maintaining close physical proximity. Make eye contact, stand at the same eye level, or touch the child's shoulder to help them better focus on the task at hand. Reduce Distractions: Identify and minimise distractions that hinder attention. Ensure children are well-rested and nourished with healthy snacks to support concentration. Break tasks into smaller steps and offer short reminders rather than lengthy explanations. Encourage Physical Activity: Promote an active lifestyle to improve attention span, cognitive processing speed, and academic performance. Encourage participation in sports and physical activities to enhance concentration and overall well-being.   Creativity (Artistic Potential)     Artistic potential is a beacon of creativity and expression in every child. It represents the uniqueness to perceive the world through a lens of imagination and innovation. Whether it's through painting, music, dance, or any other form of artistic endeavor, nurturing this potential is vital for fostering a child's creativity, self-expression, and emotional well-being. By recognizing and encouraging artistic talent from an early age, parents and educators can unlock a world of limitless possibilities for children to explore and create.   Parenting Tips Parents are able to help their children to reach their gifted potential. In order to explore their curiosity and stimulate their creative ability, the education team from Bright Horizons has suggested a few ways that can nurture their creativity. Encourage Outdoor Exploration: Nature provides countless opportunities for discovery, creativity, and problem-solving. Spend some time at the beach, seaside, and the park; camping, lying on the ground and looking up at the sky. Being close to the natural world inspires children to think, question, do some guesswork, as well as develop creative minds. Promote Imaginative Play: Encourage your children to play house, doctor, farm, space station and etc. able to help him to organize his thoughts while developing social and verbal skills. Join your children and let your children lead your playtime together. Foster Creative Thinking: Asking questions that provoke imaginative and creative thinking is an effective way to invite your child to express his ideas and share his visions while giving him the message that his ideas are important. Limit electronic device usage: Since we are in the digital era, it would be tough parenting and nurturing imagination. Hence, it would be better if the use of electronic products is limited and engage the children in creative activities such as imaginative play, reading, drawing, etc. Support Independent Exploration: Let the children work through what they are doing on their own. Give chances for them to figure out what and how to do it in certain situations. Allow them the freedom and autonomy to explore their ideas in order to avoid the feeling of forcing.   Entrepreneurship Skills (Entrepreneurship Potential)     The idea of raising a child to become entrepreneurs, owning and leading his own projects, skills development, mastering the art of marketing, management and problem solving. Forming child entrepreneurs from kindergarten stage is important and contributes in forming global entrepreneurs in the future. It can be argued that successful entrepreneurs were born with attributes that made them successful like an open mind and competitive spirit, but not to forget, entrepreneurship also requires skills that can be developed over time such as courage, creativity and stress management.   Parenting Tips To cultivate entrepreneurial spirit in your children from young, parents are advised to:  Help children to set effective goals: Setting goals can help children develop grit. It also teaches them to take responsibility for their own actions and promotes a "can-do" attitude.  Let children solve their own problems: Resist the urge to fix all of your children's problems. Letting them solve their own problems encourages independent problem solving skills.  Foster creativity: Creativity is a key entrepreneurial trait. While your child's imagination is still developing, activities such as drama, music, dance, arts and crafts can foster their creativity.  Provide entrepreneurial education: Entrepreneurial training helps to develop entrepreneurs' minds and ability to identify opportunity.   Language     Early language development plays an important role in child development. Early childhood language development is the process through which children learn to understand and communicate in a  language.  Children develop language at a quick rate from birth until the age of five. Learning language becomes substantially more difficult for most children after the age of five. Humans go through the same phases of language development. The age and rate at which a toddler accomplishes each milestone of language development, on the other hand, varies substantially for every child. The development of language is a reflection of the brain's growth and maturation.   Parenting Tips Gurgling to your baby: Foster early language development by engaging in vocal interactions with your baby, responding enthusiastically to their sounds and expressions. Talk to your kids more often: Encourage frequent conversations with your kids throughout the day, using simple language to describe activities and experiences. Read to your child more story books: Enhance language skills through regular storytime, reading age-appropriate books, and encouraging interactive discussions. Sing and play music to your baby: Stimulate language development by singing songs, playing music, and incorporating movement into your interactions with your child. Explain/narrate to your child what you are doing: Support language acquisition by narrating daily activities, describing actions and surroundings to help children learn new words and concepts.   Leadership     Leadership in children is more than just a role—it's a valuable set of skills and qualities that shape their development and future success. From an early age, children exhibit leadership potential through their ability to influence, inspire, and collaborate with others. Cultivating leadership skills in children not only empowers them to take initiative and make positive contributions to their communities but also fosters confidence, resilience, and empathy. In today's dynamic and interconnected world, nurturing leadership abilities in children is essential for building a generation of capable and compassionate individuals who can thrive and lead with purpose.   Parenting Tips Experts suggested a few early environmental influences important for leadership development. Apply authoritative parenting style: Authoritative parents produce teenagers most likely for becoming effective leaders. These parents are assertive, but not intrusive and restrictive. Their disciplinary methods are supportive, rather than punitive. They want their children to be assertive as well as socially responsible, and self-regulated as well as cooperative. Teens with authoritative parents, who are given increasing independence as they mature, tend to be more socially competent and self-reliant than teens raised under other parenting styles. Encourage involvement in sports: Research has highlighted that many sports-related skills are transferable to leadership situations later in life. These include visioning, intellectualizing, cultivating self-efficacy, focus on winning, being self-interested, being competitive, being task and ego-oriented, and cultivating and enjoying the flow experience.   Mathematics     Mathematics is more than just numbers and equations—it's a fundamental aspect of early childhood development that lays the groundwork for critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. From learning to count and recognize shapes to mastering complex mathematical concepts, children engage with mathematics in various ways as they grow and learn. Developing strong mathematical skills at a young age not only prepares children for academic success but also equips them with essential skills for navigating real-world challenges and opportunities.   Parenting Tips Encouraging your child's mathematical development starts with simple, everyday actions at home. Here are some practical tips for supporting your child's mathematical journey at every stage of development. Help children learn basic numeracy concepts: Introduce counting, shapes, and simple mathematical concepts through everyday activities and play. Use hands-on materials like blocks or toys to make learning fun and interactive. Engage in math learning activities at home: Encourage discussions about counting, quantities, and comparisons of values like more and less. Make counting purposeful by incorporating it into daily routines, such as counting snacks or toys. Involve children in activities like measuring ingredients while cooking or sorting items during household chores. Share positive attitudes about math: Model a positive attitude towards math by expressing enthusiasm and confidence in your own mathematical abilities. Encourage a growth mindset by emphasizing that everyone can learn and improve in math with effort and practice.   Music (Musical Aptitudes)     Musical aptitude in children is a fascinating aspect of their development, encompassing their innate ability to perceive, understand, and create music. From an early age, children exhibit a range of musical behaviors, from singing and rhythmic movements to an affinity for specific instruments or styles. Nurturing this aptitude not only enhances their musical skills but also contributes to their overall cognitive, emotional, and social development.   Parenting Tips Unlocking the musical potential within children is a journey filled with discovery, joy, and growth. As parents, fostering their musical aptitude from an early age can lay the foundation for a lifelong passion and appreciation for music, these parenting tips will help cultivate their musical talents and nurture their love for music. Encourage professional musical training: By enrolling your child in programs like the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, which provides structured and professional musical instruction. Additionally, support their participation in ensemble groups or orchestras to further develop collaborative skills and gain valuable performance experience. Provide additional support and resources: Take your child to concerts and musical events to expose them to diverse styles of music and inspire their passion. Experiencing live performances can ignite their interest and deepen their appreciation for music.   Long Distance Running (Endurance Sports)     Endurance sports are not just about speed; they're about determination, resilience, and pushing your limits. These activities challenge children to build stamina, improve their cardiovascular health, and develop mental toughness. From running and swimming to cycling and hiking, endurance sports offer a variety of opportunities for children to explore their physical strength and discover the thrill of going the distance.    Parenting Tips As guardians of their children's athletic journey, parents play a crucial role in providing guidance, support, and encouragement. Guide through Stages of Development: Early Years (age 6-12): Introduce your child to a variety of sports to explore their interests and abilities. Specializing Years (age 13-15): Provide support for their chosen sport by investing in coaching, equipment, and training facilities. Investment Years (age 16+): Transition to an advisory role as your child commits to higher levels of training and competition. Offer Emotional Support: Stay actively involved and interested in your child's sport, offering encouragement and emotional support. Help them navigate setbacks such as injuries or training pressure, fostering resilience and determination.   Sprinting (Sprint Sports)     Sprint sports are all about speed, excitement, and pushing your limits to reach the finish line in record time. From dashing across the track to zooming through the water, sprint sports offer children the exhilarating thrill of rapid movement and intense competition.   Parenting Tips Here are some simple yet effective strategies to help children thrive in sprint sports, from fostering a love for running to promoting proper technique and fostering a positive mindset.  Encourage Regular Practice Sessions: Schedule regular practice sessions to help your child refine their sprinting technique and build speed and agility. Focus on short bursts of intense effort followed by adequate rest periods to maximize sprinting performance. Provide Proper Training Equipment: Ensure your child has access to appropriate footwear and attire suitable for sprinting activities to minimize the risk of injury and optimize performance. Invest in quality equipment such as starting blocks, timing devices, and resistance bands to enhance their training regimen. To better understand your child's talents and strengths, tools like the Decode Talent DNA Test can provide invaluable insights into their genetic and DNA towards various skills and strengths. This allows you to tailor your parenting approach, nurturing their talents and fostering their development in areas where they excel. The best part is, these skills are not limited to childhood but will benefit them throughout their lives, helping them succeed in various endeavors and pursue their passions with confidence. Check out our DNA Testing and start shaping a personalized parenting plan for your child's talent development today! To read more blogs, click here! A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

A parent’s parenting style influences everything from a child's weight to their self-esteem and many more. The way parents communicate with their child and how they discipline them will have an impact on them for the rest of their life.  As a parent, it is important to make sure your parenting style supports balanced growth and development. The combination of parenting strategies you use to raise your children is referred to as your parenting style.   In the 1960s, Diane Baumrind, a developmental psychologist at the University of California at Berkeley, developed a widely used classification of parenting types. According to Baumrind, there are four different parenting types, each with its own distinct behaviour characteristics: Authoritarian Authoritative Permissive Uninvolved   1. Authoritarian Parenting Authoritarian parents often say things like “ Do what I say!”, “ Because I said so!” or “ If you do not listen, I will punish you!”. Those examples are not exhaustive and may not be expressed word for word, nonetheless, if those statements apply to you, you could be an authoritarian parent.  Authoritarian parents have high demands and low responsiveness. They often insist that children should always obey the rules given without questioning. They are inclined to prevent children from participating in problem-solving challenges. Instead, they make up rules and apply them without respect for the views of their children.  Instead of discipline, authoritarian parents resort to using punishments. Rather than teaching a child how to make better decisions, they spend their time making children feel guilty for their errors.  Since their children’s views are not heard, children with authoritarian parents are more likely to have self-esteem issues. They can even become enraged or violent. Consequently, when faced with issues, rather than seeking ways to improve things in the future, these children tend to concentrate on their feelings of rage toward their parents. Since authoritarian parents are strict, their children may grow up to be/have: Good liars to please them and to avoid punishment. Low self-esteem.  Poorer social skills. Working in a stressful environment.  Less independent. Good academic achievers.     2. Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parenting is characterized by having high demands and high responsiveness. This means parents set rules and impose boundaries by holding constructive discussions with their children and giving them direction and guidance. They have high standards for their children’s success and competence, but they are still warm and attentive.  These parents offer rationale and explanations for their behaviour to their children. Explanations include a sense of understanding to children to educate them about beliefs, principles, and aspirations. Authoritative parents are warm and encouraging. They give their kids individuality and empower them to be independent. Authoritative parents devote time and effort to avoiding behavioural issues when they arise. Strong discipline techniques, such as praise and incentive programmes, are often used to promote healthy behaviour. Children who have been brought under strict authority are more likely to be/have: Happy and content. More independent. Good social skills​. Good academic success.  Develop good self-esteem.    3. Permissive Parenting Permissive parenting is a type of parenting style characterized by low demands while maintaining high responsiveness.   Do you give a lot of freedom to your kids, rarely set household rules and always get your kid whatever they want? If you recognize yourself in those statements, you might be a permissive parent. Parents who adopt this parenting style place few demands on their children. Discipline is rare since these parents have poor standards for self-control and maturity. Parents who are permissive are forgiving, and more often than not, too forgiving. They usually only intervene when a serious issue arises. Permissive parents often play the role of the “Cool Parent” because permissive parents are more likely to play the part of a friend. They often allow their children to discuss their issues with them. While that is positive, they rarely discourage poor decisions or bad behaviour. When they do use ‘consequences’ as a means to correct their children’s behaviour, it is possible for children not to adhere to them. In other words, their children are let off the hook for their mistakes easily. If a child asks, parents may provide privileges or allow the child to exit time-out early if he or she agrees to be nice. Children who are raised by permissive parents tend to be/have: Low achievement in many areas. More aggressive behaviour.  Low emotional intelligence.  High risk of health problems. Low self-esteem.    4. Uninvolved Parenting Uninvolved parenting is characterized by having low demands and low responsiveness towards children. Uninvolved parents are oftentimes unaware of their children's activities. There aren't many rules established for the well-being of their children. Children’s don't get enough instruction, nurturing, or parental attention. Uninvolved parents expect their children to raise themselves. They may not devote much time or effort to meeting the basic needs of children. Uninvolved parenting can also be known as negligent parenting.  A parent with mental health or substance abuse issues are likely to fall under this category, thus not being able to consistently meet a child's physical and emotional needs. With that being said, uninvolved parents’ negligence may not necessarily be on purpose. Parents without the stated issues may also be uninvolved towards their children’s holistic developmental needs. Uninvolved parents are unaware of their children's growth and they are often distracted by other issues such as their jobs, expenses and household management matters. Children who are raised by uninvolved parents may face issues like:  Self-esteem problems. Anxiety or/and loneliness due to the lack of family support.  Have an increased risk of substance abuse. Trust issues.  Higher tendency to exhibit delinquency during adolescence.   Decision Making According to Baumrind, the best parenting style is authoritative parenting. Researchers and psychologists have discovered that authoritative parenting is consistently linked to the best outcomes in children based on decades of research. However, there are still inaccuracies and exceptions in some areas. Sometimes parents do not just fit into one category, so do not despair if there are times or areas where you tend to be permissive or authoritarian. Nonetheless, the key thing to take note of is a child requires high demand and high responsiveness to develop holistically and to pick up good qualities. However, parenting styles may change depending on the situation and time. Here are so factors to take into consideration when deciding: Culture Differences  According to some studies, the authoritative style is not always associated with the best outcome. For example, in one study, researchers discovered that African American students with authoritative parents but no peer support performed poorly in academic. In another research, Asian-American students performed best in school when they had authoritarian parents and peer support. Child Temperament  Children's behaviour can influence both the parent's decision and the outcome. Children with a sensitive temperament, for example, may be perceived as difficult, prompting parents to adopt a more authoritarian parenting style. According to a study, some aspects of child behaviour, such as sociable and aggressive behaviours, are better related to the child's temperament than with their parents' parenting style. This demonstrates that parenting style isn't the only factor that influences a child's development. To date, no study has conclusively disproved the benefits of authoritative parenting, because many others have consistently demonstrated its benefits. Parenting Style and Practice The distinction between parenting style and parenting practice is another factor many people get confused about.  Parenting style is the emotional environment and influence under which parents raise their children.  Parenting practices are specific actions that are implied in their parenting. While both parenting style and practices are intertwined, they are distinct. Two groups of parents may adopt the same parenting style but they may differ in how they use different parenting strategies, which may influence the degree of results. While both parents are authoritative, they have their own set of activities and rules for their children.  Overall, we all know that one size does not fit all when it comes to parenting styles. As a responsible parent, you have the responsibility to maintain a good relationship with your child while also healthily maintaining your authority to ensure your child develops competence and abides by healthy standards. It is also critical to note that a child’s healthy development is multifactorial and complex, parents need to be knowledgeable and wise, while being flexible in how they adopt the right parenting style for their child’s personal needs, according to their inborn qualities and personality.  ​   References Baumrind. D. (1967). Child care practices anteceding three patterns of preschool behaviour. Genet Psychol Monogr. 1967;75(1):43-88. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6032134 Steinberg. L. and Dornbusch. S. (1992). Ethnic differences in adolescent achievement: An ecological perspective. American Psychologist. 1992;47(6):723-729.   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~ William Butler Yeats Do today's parents think the same, or have parents kept their children in a bubble, keeping them away from any form of risks in their learning experiences?  Parenting styles and parenting behaviours play an important role in strengthening and nurturing the style of child-rearing on various aspects that range from physical, social, and psychological well being [5].  There has been an uprising phenomena amongst modern day parents known as helicopter parenting. While this parenting style sprouts from good intentions, it has become the cause of many of the flaws in younger generations [4,6]. In point of fact, helicopter parenting is said to have increased the stress of 35% of college students and has negatively impacted their academic performance [13].    What is Helicopter Parenting? Helicopter parenting is also termed "lawnmower parenting," "cosseting parent," or "bulldoze parenting."[1]. In general, helicopter parenting refers to a parenting style by parents who pay extremely close attention to their kids to prevent any harm, physically and psychologically, to the extent of entanglement [3]. In other words, helicopter parenting usually manifests the sign of over controlling, overprotecting, and over perfecting their child's lives in a way that is a surfeit of responsible parenting [1], with the key characteristic of Helicopter parenting being "over". The term "helicopter parent" was first coined in Dr Haim Ginott's 1969 book "Between Parents and Teenager", the term where he described how parents would hover over their kids hovering them like helicopters [1,2]. Such parents want their children to be secure, happy, successful and well-educated. Out of their protective parenting nature, they make significant emotional and financial investments in their children [9] to the point of making sure their children never face any challenges of any kind.  One common example of helicopter parenting is exerting control over a child’s friendships by helping them decide whom a child should befriend or end a friendship. This may sound absurd to some parents, but many cannot help but intervene in every aspect of their children's life, including their social circle.  Some other examples of helicopter parenting might include compelling a child to practice certain musical instruments that he or she might not be interested in. It may also include giving significant extra schoolwork to improve their child's academic learning and/or taking control of your child's activities or hobbies [4]. For example, when a child wants to go skateboarding, they may be prevented from doing so because skateboarding is dangerous from the parent's perspective. This behaviour from excessive and paranoia-like cautiousness parents will restrict the child's performance and limit their neurological development. Hence, it is worthwhile to dive deeper into exploring the question of why parents act this way?    What are The Common Factors that Contribute to Helicopter Parenting There are several plausible reasons to helicopter parenting. Some of the common factors that trigger helicopter parenting include: Feelings of anxiety Parents may be anxious about their child's safety and success, resulting in them taking unrestrained control over their child’s life to protect them [4]. Also, due to the highly competitive world economy, job market, social norms and the competitive world in general, parents may feel compelled to make all attempts to safeguard their children from harm and help them succeed in life [4,7]. Out of their virtue of being responsible for their children's future wellbeing, parents may feel anxious that they cannot safeguard their future livelihood, causing them to overdeliver.  Competitive environment and an achievement-derived identity Parents who send their children to attend competitive schools or who live in environments that demand high accomplishment might endeavour to assist their kids with prevailing through an intrusive parenting style. Some parents might overfocus to push their children to excel in every aspect, including academics, sports, music, etc. This competitive environment may cause parents to derive a sense of identity from their children’s achievements [4] and this in turn would contribute to parents being more competitive.  Pressure from peers Occasionally, parents may feel pressured to adjust to the parenting styles of their peers. Therefore, when parents surround themselves with over-parenting or helicopter parents it can pressure parents to adopt a similar parenting style. This is because parents may have a conscience and guilt that they think they are not a "good enough" parent if they do not live of to the "high standards" of their peers [1,8].  Social background Different parents from different backgrounds, regions, religions and other cultural milieus have different parenting norms. Some cultures encourage a highly participatory parenting style.  Fearing Failure Parents might worry that their children have a low grade in academics, rejection from the eminent school or extracurricular team or a botched job interview. That concern is only normal for parents who wish the best for their children. Like all parents, helicopter parents want their children to be successful and excel in life, but they take a step too far by preventing their children from any exposure to harm and failures [10].    What are The Long-term Consequences of Helicopter Parenting? Most parents do not have the awareness of their own helicopter parenting, what more its consequences. Children raised by over-parenting or helicopter parents may suffer detrimental effects in the long run. According to Jessica Lachey, a teacher and author of the Atlantic and the New York Times, quote "today’s overprotective, failure-avoidant parenting style has undermined the competence, independence, and academic potential of an entire generation." So, what are the long-term consequences on children from helicopter parenting? Reduce self-esteem and confidence. Dr Anne Dunnewold, a PhD holder and licensed psychologist, said that “The main problem with helicopter parenting is that it backfires." [1] The over-involvement of the parent may cause the child to believe that, when they do something independently, their parents will not trust them. In turn, it may lead to decreased self-esteem and confidence in the child [1,3]. To a certain extent, this parenting style may denude the children to be creative, think divergently, build resilience, problem solve and have coping skills [3]. Ironically, the more parents get involved, it does more harm than good as these children perceive their parent's involvement as a testimony to their own lack of capabilities. Constant unrestrained involvement will only reinforce the child's lack of confidence.  Children lack coping skills and frustration tolerance A study highlighted that children raised by over-involved or over-controlling parents may feel less competent and less able to deal with life and its stressors [11]. When parents intervene to make decisions or help to prevent the problem, children can never have the opportunity to learn from failure, disappointment or loss. Parents may perceive their intervention as care, but little do they know they are robbing their children's opportunity to learn from experiences, including failures. Life lessons are critical to improve children's emotional intelligence. As children grow into a younger adult, they must be able to handle the disagreement, uncertainty, frustration, or the difficult decision-making process that are inevitable in the world. Hence, without these important psychological attributes, it will be arduous for them to enter school and/or the workplace in the future [3]. As the saying goes "Failure is the mother of success" and contrary to our beliefs, failure is an important element for a child to learn character like grit and perseverance. To put it in another way, without early childhood experiences of falling, children won't learn how to pick themselves up when they grow into their adulthood. Depression and Anxiety A research study done in 2014 proposed that college students raised by helicopter parents tend to be anxious or depressed [9]. This is because when children are always provided with parental guidance, they are “programmed” to simply make decisions upon approval from their parents; and without parental guidance, they end up becoming too nervous and anxious to make decisions. Additionally, the low self-confidence and fear of failure caused by helicopter parenting can lead to depression and anxiety, as these children are less open to new ideas and activities and are more vulnerable, anxious and self-conscious [3]. The protective bubble that helicopter parents built around their children in their childhood and teenage years has prevented them to learn how to cope with difficulties in the real world, making them very susceptible to mental breakdowns when they face an obstacle in their adulthood.  Less autonomous and dependence Helicopter parents who tend to overprotect their children can cause them harm indirectly by withholding their autonomy and dependence. For example, parents who always help children clean their plates, tie shoes, monitor school progress and launder clothes, may prevent them from mastering these skills themselves and in turn, they become less autonomous and dependent [12]. Hence, it is vital for parents to exploit adaptive control techniques and appropriate independent parenting approaches to allow their children to be more autonomous and dependent as they grow up. Sense of entitlement complex Children who always have their parents accustomed to their social, academic, hobby or sports activities can also develop a sense of entitlement by getting used to always doing things their parent's way. As a result, this can lead to them demanding their parents because they may think it is their right to have what they want [1,3]. This may cause an eventual strain in the family relationship in the long run. In brief, parenting style plays an important role in the growth and development of children. It is crucial to take note of how the parenting style adopted on your child affect them now and in the future. Lady Bird Johnson, an American socialite who served as the first lady of the United States said that “Children are apt to live up to what you believe of them.”. Indeed, “support” may be more beneficial to help children reach their potential as compared to “over-protection”.   References Bayless, K. (2019, December 5). What Is Helicopter Parenting? Parents. https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/what-is-helicopter-parenting/  Helicopter Parenting. Touchstone Counselling Group. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2022, from https://tchstone.ca/blog/helicopter-parenting/ Gilbert, N. (2021, November 30). Helicopter Parenting: The Consequences. International School Parent. https://www.internationalschoolparent.com/articles/helicopter-parenting-the-consequences/ Helicopter Parenting. (2018, August 23). GoodTherapy.Org Therapy Blog.https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/helicopter-parenting#:%7E:text=Some%20examples%20of%20helicopter%20parenting,child%20should%20end%20a%20friendship.  Srivastav, D., & Mathur, M. L. (2020). Helicopter parenting and adolescent development: from the perspective of mental health. In Parenting-Studies by an Ecocultural and Transactional Perspective. IntechOpen.  LeMoyne, T., & Buchanan, T. (2011). Does “hovering” matter? Helicopter parenting and its effect on well-being. Sociological Spectrum, 31(4), 399-418. Li, M. P. S. (2022, March 10). Causes, Signs and Effects of Overprotective Parents. Parenting For Brain. https://www.parentingforbrain.com/overprotective-parents/#:%7E:text=Some%20parents%20are%20overprotective%20because,to%20improve%20their%20child’s%20outcome.  Higuera, V. (2019, September 12). What Is Helicopter Parenting? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/helicopter-parenting#benefits Ulutas, I., & Aksoy, A. B. (2014). The impact of helicopter parenting on the social connectedness and anxiety level of university students. In International Academic Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities. Battles, M. (2017, August 2). Why Do Parents Become Helicopter Parents. Lifehack. https://www.lifehack.org/615506/why-do-parents-become-helicopter-parents  Schiffrin, H. H., Liss, M., Miles-McLean, H., Geary, K. A., Erchull, M. J., & Tashner, T. (2014). Helping or hovering? The effects of helicopter parenting on college students’ well-being. Journal of child and family studies, 23(3), 548-557. Hodgekiss, A. (2013, February 14). Children with controlling “helicopter parents” are more likely to be depressed. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2278596/Children-controlling-helicopter-parents-likely-depressed.html Bahr, K., & Fanning, A. (2018). Stop Hovering Over Me! The Effects of Helicopter Parenting on the Millennial Generation.   

  Who are The Gen Zers? According to the Pew Research Centre, generation Z refers to the people who were born between 1997 to 2012 [1]. In America alone, they have become the largest generation, constituting 27% of the US population [2]. The Gen Zers are often stereotyped as tech-savvy, anti-social, “influencers”, “Tik Tokers”, and “social justice warrior” given that they were raised in the digital era of the internet and social media [2]. Several influential Gen Zers include iconic quirky goth-meets-rave Billie Eilish as well as environmental activist Greta Thunberg and many more [3]. Generation Z has emerged as a population worthy of attention and many people have expressed interest in understanding Gen Zers as they are now entering adulthood and in the recent years, they are making a debut into the workforce. According to Sue Bhatia in her article “Make Way for Generation Z”, it was noted that by 2020, the Gen Zers makes up 20% of the workforce and the upcoming generation is expected to bring about a sea-change in the workforce landscape due to their values and culture [4]. Various social science researchers are observing the trend and gaining insights on the differences that the Gen Zers have in comparison to the other generations in terms of their demographics as well as their characteristics and their implications at the workplace. Similarly like the other workers from generations X and Y, they also face certain struggles at their workplace. Their difficulties might also be heightened due to the fact that they had to brave through a period of financial insecurity in life and complete tertiary education during unprecedented times of pandemic as well as encounter uncertain future expectations of their employability after they have started working amid the endemic. ​Jason Wingard from Forbes wrote in his article, “‘The Great Resignation’: Why Gen Z is Leaving The Workforce In Droves…And What To Do About It” noted that from 56% of those ages 18-24 among 5500 workers wrote in Adobe survey that they are planning to switch jobs in the following year [5]. Not only that, according to the research conducted by Microsoft and Bankrate, it was reported that 54% and 77% of the Gen Zers, respectively are thinking about quitting [5].   What is Causing This Phenomenon Called "The Great Resignation"? According to the same survey by Adobe, 53% of them had expressed that they would like to spend more time at work pursuing their passions [5]. In addition, the remote workers had noted that they have been experiencing burnout due to their employers’ expectation to “look busy” which then leads to 44% working longer hours and 37% skipping lunch breaks, as well as one-third of their workweek, was spent on mundane, repetitive tasks, with 86% stating that the tasks got in the way of doing their jobs productively [5]. For that reason, the patterns in the workplace cause burnout which consequently leads to disengagement and reduction in the number of employees [5]. In another survey conducted by the Workforce Confidence survey, it was noted that 65% of the Gen Zers have either switched industries or are considering doing so [6]. This workplace exodus is happening as they are seeking greener pastures. There are several reasons which are factored in when looking for better career prospects such as better compensation, better alignment with interests or values, more opportunities to move or increase responsibilities, better benefits, better job stability, and more flexible working hour [6]. However, some of them stay in their current industries due to some of them actually enjoying their work nature and some would like to build their industry expertise as well as they would like to continue to apply, hone and grow the skills that they possess [6]. Furthermore, The Great Resignation might occur due to the Gen Zers’ choice to work based on their cultural fit rather than based on the job description [4]. Usually, what Gen Zers look for in their future employer is whether the company’s values align with theirs [4]. Last but not least, several Gen Zers stated that they are more likely to start their own company when they think that a business or company is not providing the work culture that they wanted [4]. Hence, as a result of their difficulties in finding the suitable industries or the right career match in their next workplace which they will set foot in, they are often left in the dark about what kind of helpful framework that they can draw from that is able to assist them in making well-informed decisions about their career pathways.   Are you a Gen Z who is clueless about your own career potential and inborn skills that you can apply at your workplace? Are you curious about what kind of work culture that you could fit in your next workplace?   Check out our newly launched Career Development DNA Test which analyses 105 single nucleotide polymorphisms in your genes that are associated with your inborn personality traits and aptitude. A stringent process is conducted in carrying out the DNA testing and it also involves the application of the most widely recognized and utilized model of personality used by human resource experts which is the Big Five personality. Understanding your natural aptitudes through the Career Development DNA Test would not only help to provide insightful perspectives on your personalities, talents, and other capabilities, it would also assist you to make a well-informed decision to identify the career type that is a good match for you. Also, knowing your genetic potential would help you to foster a good relationship with your colleagues which could then boost your productivity at your workplace. For more updates on our products and offers, follow us on​ Facebook and Instagram! A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!    

Health issues are one of the most concerning issues in Malaysia, owing primarily to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the World Health Organization, NCDs kill 41 million people each year, accounting for 71% of all deaths worldwide. But first, what exactly is a non-communicable disease? Non-communicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are long-term illnesses caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Non-communicable diseases affect people of all ages and countries. There are over 50 examples of NCDs, but the most common NCDs are heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease. These diseases are responsible for nearly 70% of all deaths worldwide (Cirino, 2018) NCDs are mainly caused by unhealthy diets, the excessive use of alcohol and tobacco, smoking and second-hand smoke, as well as the lack of physical activities. Healthy living can prevent diseases. This is due to the fact that each of these chronic diseases has common conditions or risk factors that are associated with your daily choices and personal health habits. For example, an unhealthy diet can result in obesity, which may be a risk factor for certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes; and smoking may be a major reason behind lung cancer, additionally as putting you at high risk for heart condition and certain cancers. To fight NCDs, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce your risk of these diseases.   Some Healthy Lifestyle Include: Regular exercise Exercising keeps your body healthy and improves your brain and muscle strength by delivering oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and assisting your cardiovascular system in working more efficiently. Stop smoking Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Second-hand smoke has an impact on those around the smoker. Quitting smoking can reduce risks and save lives of many.  Eat healthy food A healthy and balanced diet is important in reducing the risk of NCDs. Too much sugar causes diabetes, and too much salt causes hypertension. It is important to consume food in moderation and to ensure adequate nutrition in the diet. Limit your alcohol consumption Consuming excessive amount of alcohol can cause a variety of cancers as it causes cell damage in the body. Drinking in moderation is the best option. Be screened or tested regularly-Getting annual medical check-ups is important to be aware of your health risks because prevention is better than cure.   “Understanding health risks is key to making your own health care decisions,” says Dr. William Elwood, a psychologist and behavioural scientist at National Institutes of Health. It gives the perspective on potential harms and benefits, so you can make smart choices based on facts and not fears. Health risks are often puzzling, but they're important to know.  Knowing the risks that you may simply encounter can aid you in avoiding health problems. A health risk is the possibility or likelihood that something will harm or negatively impact your health. Risk does not imply that something bad will undoubtedly occur. It is only a possibility. Several factors, referred to as risk factors influence whether your health risks are high or low. Making a lifestyle change is not easy. It takes time to create new habits. You can learn to make healthier choices and lower your risk of chronic diseases by understanding the stages of change, starting small, and setting goals. Check out Absolute Genetic Technologies, Decode Health DNA Test to learn more on your genetic health risks!   References Cirino, E. (2018, June 14). Noncommunicable diseases list: 50 noninfectious diseases. Healthline. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/non-communicable-diseases-list  Tamese, M. (2019, May 17). October 2016 issue of NIH News in health now available!: Newsbits. NewsBits | News for the NNLM Pacific Southwest Region. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://news.nnlm.gov/psr-newsbits/october-2016-issue-of-nih-news-in-health-now-available/  Wein, H. (2017, September 8). Understanding health risks. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/10/understanding-health-risks  World Health Organization. (2021, April 13). Non communicable diseases. World Health Organization. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!    

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), resilience is defined by both the process and outcome of adapting successfully to setbacks, difficulties or challenges in life. Resilience also means that you are mentally, emotionally and have the behavioral flexibility to adapt and adjust to encounter adversities. In easier words, resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back up when things are not going as planned. Resilient people will not dwell and be constantly sad about the failures they are facing, instead, they acknowledge the situation, analyze their mistakes, and move forward. How we perceive adversity hugely affects our success, hence, having a resilient attitude and mindset is important. Dr. Cal Crow from Centre for Learning Connections have identified some attributes that are commonly seen in resilient people: Resilient people have a positive outlook of the future. Resilient people have solid, well-grounded goals and the will to achieve the goals. Resilient people never blame themselves and dwell for a long time, but they focus on their strategies to bounce back up. However, it should be noted that it takes skills and efforts to be a resilient person. Building yourself to be resilient requires time, strength and assistance from people around you, and of course, it requires your positive mindset and will. In addition, being resilient also does not mean that they do not experience any adversities such as stress or emotional upheaval. They will definitely face setbacks along the way. In fact, facing those sufferings are part of displaying resilience. It all depends on how well you handle them while continuing to move forward. On top of that, resilience is not a fixed or constant trait. You might see that you demonstrate different resilience levels when dealing with different kinds of challenges. You may be resilient when facing with one challenge but struggle a lot more to be resilient in another challenge. By changing certain thoughts and behaviours, people can tap into their resilience through flexibility, adaptability, and perseverance. According to research, when students believe that they can develop both intellectual abilities and social skills, they increase their own resilience, resulting in a lower stress response to adversity and improved performance.   Susan Kobasa, in her research, mentioned that there are three elements that appear to be essentially effective for instilling resilience in a person: Challenge People with high resilience view adversities as challenges and learn from their mistakes to grow and improve. They do not reflect them as negative outcomes or what more downgrading themselves. Commitment Resilient people have goals, and they have the desire to be committed to achieve the goals. Having goals, is one of the biggest reasons that made them to be resilient, because it makes them feel that they have purpose to accomplish in life. No matter how hard the obstacles are, they will constantly commit to find solutions, alternatives and apply problem-solving approach in life to work towards their goals. Personal Control Resilient people tend to not look back and have very high focus on the things ahead of them that they have control over. They believe, dwelling over failures will not bring any benefits to them. People enter adulthood with varying levels of emotional resilience, however, those who want to improve their resilience can do so by becoming more proactive and taking a committed approach in their lives. Additionally, developing emotional resilience entails learning to interpret and face adversity as a personal challenge to be overcome. Reconstructing your goals and purpose are also some other alternatives to stand up in resilience. Perhaps by repurposing your goals, you can be more inspired to work on them and could also possibly lead you to a more productive direction. Resilience is one of the traits that exists in your genes, and it can be decoded so you are able to know your resilience level. If you are curious about your resilience or  someone who would like to get to know more about the trait and improve on it, check out our Decode Talent DNA Test! Not just the trait for resilience, you will also get to know more about your other traits that can help in your self-growth! Visit our website (https://www.agtgenetics.com/our-tests.html) to know more about our tests!   References American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Resilience. American Psychological Association. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience Developing resilience: Overcoming and growing from setbacks. MindTools.com. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/resilience.htm Hurley, K., Sood, A., Mooney, K., Ellin, A., Kilroy, D. S., Kraft, A., Rauf, D., & DiGiulio, S. (n.d.). What is resilience? definition, types, building resiliency, benefits, and resources.  EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/resilience/ Newman, K. (n.d.). Five science-backed strategies to build resilience. Five Science-backed Strategies to Build Resilience. Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/five_science_backed_strategies_to_build_resilience Resilience: Hardiness. Mental Help Resilience Hardiness. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2022, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/emotional-resilience/hardiness/   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  "Change is The Only Constant in Life"   The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus provided an accurate description of life. It's a fact that not everything in life goes according to plan. Unexpected events, such as moving to a new place, changing careers, or going through tough times, can happen to anyone. Uncertainty is a natural part of life, whether it arises from significant changes in our lives, or from dealing with a global crisis like a pandemic. It's difficult to live in uncertainty. Just like our basic need for food and shelter, we also require information about the future. When things feel uncertain, our brains kick in with a stress response, in an effort to protect us. Our minds wouldn’t be at rest until things are back to being certain and clear. However, as we learn to navigate through uncertainty, we also build resilience and adaptability, making us stronger for whatever lies ahead.  As a parent, you may have noticed that your child can sometimes struggle with uncertainty. Whether it's starting at a new school, making new friends, or dealing with changes in the family, they are on their own unique journey that can be full of uncertainty. Helping your child understand and cope with these life surprises can provide them with a steady guide to growing up and make it an exciting adventure rather than a bumpy ride. In this article, we aim to provide you with some insights into your child's fear of uncertainty and give you the tools you need to help them navigate the unpredictability of life more effectively.   Identifying Fear of Uncertainty in Your Child To start off, it's important to recognize when your child is feeling uncertain. Studies show that even little ones can sense when things are uncertain, even if they can't quite put it into words. Instead of directly saying they feel worried or unsure, kids might show it in more subtle ways. You might observe them expressing their feelings of uncertainty through: Physical Responses     Tantrums, meltdowns, hitting, throwing or breaking items. Emotional Responses     Crying, withdrawing, feelings of anger, frustration, fear or anxiety. Behavioral Responses  Avoiding situations, hesitating, not following instructions or not listening to parents or teachers.         The Neuroscience of Fear of Uncertainty Now let's look inside your child's brain, where the fear of uncertainty takes center stage and uncover how gene influences this intricate dance. There is a region of the brain that is responsible for controlling anxiety called the ‘Amygdala’. Imagine the brain as a bustling city, with the Amygdala as the guardian on high alert. In times of uncertainty, the Amygdala signals danger, releasing stress chemicals. This old protection system, which is essential for survival, has been a constant companion for thousands of years. Now picture the brain as having two friendly neighbors: the logical left brain and the emotional right brain. The left brain prefers order and language, whereas the right brain is more concerned with emotions and the big picture. During anxiety, the right brain tends to take over, resulting in a whirlpool of feelings that may be overwhelming and not make sense straight away. Now, enter the COMT gene, the genetic architect influencing how the brain handles stress. There are two variants: the ‘Worrier’ and the ‘Warrior’. The Worrier variant break down stress chemicals slower causing individuals with the ‘Worrier’ gene to perform well in low-stress conditions but struggle with uncertainty, being prone to worry and anxiety. On the other hand, the ‘Warrior’ variant breaks down stress chemicals faster causing individuals with the ‘Warrior’ variant to thrive under pressure, benefiting from stress as the motivation. When children with the ‘Worrier’ gene variant face uncertainty, the Amygdala's alarm ring louder. Their emotional side of the brain (right brain), guided by the COMT gene, can take the lead, making feelings more intense.  The logical left brain may find it a bit challenging to make sense of this emotional whirlwind. For Children with the ‘Worrier’ gene variant, focusing on school projects and focused tasks can be a strength, thanks to their excellent attention and memory skills. Yet, they might struggle with worries and anxiety during stressful situations, like navigating social dynamics or facing constant academic pressure. On the other hand, children with the ‘Warrior’ gene variant excels in handling pressure, thriving in sports events and time-sensitive tasks. However, it's crucial to help them strike a balance. Even though they handle stress well, ensuring they don't overlook the long-term impact is essential for their emotional well-being. It is noteworthy to recognise that there is no superior or inferior gene variant. Each variant has its own unique advantages. As parents, our responsibility is to support our child's genetic potential by providing an environment that meets their specific needs. To help your child thrive, here are some tips for creating the best possible environment for children with ‘Worrier’ and ‘Warrior’ gene variants:   Best Environment for Children with the ‘WORRIER’ Gene Variant: Best Environment     Explanation     Suggestion 1. Stability and Routine     Children with the ‘Worrier’ variant often thrive in stable environments with predictable routines. This predictability can reduce anxiety triggered by uncertainty. Establish a consistent daily schedule for activities like meals, homework and bedtime. This structure can provide a sense of security and reduce stress. 2. Gentle Encouragement     Encourage new experiences and challenges in a gentle, supportive manner, without pushing too hard.    If your child is anxious about joining a sports team, start with attending games as a spectator, gradually moving to participating in practice sessions before joining the team. 3. Emotional Support     Offer plenty of emotional support and validation. Acknowledge their feelings and teach them coping mechanisms for anxiety.     Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises together when they feel overwhelmed, showing them practical ways to manage anxiety.   Best Environment for Children with the ‘WARRIOR’ Gene Variant: Best Environment    Explanation     Suggestion 1. Challenge and Physical Activity  Children with the ‘Warrior’ variant often benefit from environments that offer physical challenges and opportunities for exploration.     Encourage participation in sports, outdoor adventures, or other physical activities that channel their energy and resilience positively. 2. Intellectual Stimulation     Provide opportunities for problem-solving and critical thinking to engage their minds and satisfy their curiosity.     Introduce them to strategic games, science projects, or debate clubs that stimulate their intellectual engagement. 3. Autonomy and Responsibility     Allow them some autonomy to make decisions and take on responsibilities, fostering their natural leadership qualities and confidence.     Let them choose extracurricular activities or lead a small household project, giving them a sense of control and accomplishment.     Calming The Emotional & Logical Side of Brain As parents, guiding your children to stay calm while managing their big emotions is vital. We can achieve this by helping them balance the logical left side and emotional right side of the brain. Let's explore a practical way to calm the Amygdala for each side of the brain:   Right Side - Emotional     Left Side - Logical Explanation The Right side of the brain is non-verbal and emotional, where your child experiences and processes emotions.     The Left side of the brain is logical and analytical, helping your child make sense of their experiences.   How to Calm Empathy and Validation     Identification and Labelling of Emotion Practical Demonstration  When they express anxiety, listen empathetically, and validate their feelings.  "I understand that uncertainty can be challenging for you. Your feelings are valid." Encourage them to identify and label their emotions.  "Let's figure out what you're feeling. Are you more worried, excited, or a mix of both?"   It's crucial to understand that when a child is experiencing an emotional outburst such as crying or throwing a tantrum, their emotional brain takes over. Trying to reason with them using their logical brain will likely be ineffective because their emotional brain is in control. For example, if your child is having a tantrum because they don’t want to go to school on the first day, saying things like "Get up! Stand up now! People are watching. I'm leaving you here." is actually an attempt to engage their logical brain and make them consider the consequences of their actions. However, this approach is unlikely to calm them down but might rather even aggravate the tantrum. Instead, it's best to show empathy and validation first (calm the emotional brain), and once they have calmed down, you can help them identify and label their emotions (engage the logical brain). In response to the child's school-related tantrum, you could say, "I understand it might be scary to go to a new place. It's okay to feel nervous. Let's talk about it together" (Empathy and Validation). After the child has calmed down, you might say, "It seemed like you were feeling really anxious about the first day of school. It's okay to feel that way. What specific thoughts or feelings were on your mind?" (Identification and Labelling of Emotion).  It's really important to help our kids handle the ups and downs that come with uncertainty. Finding a balance between their logical thinking and emotional feelings is a big part of making sure they can deal with uncertainties in a good way. Offering a listening ear and understanding when they're upset, along with helping them put a name to their feelings creates a nice balance for them. It's all about making sure their hearts and minds work together smoothly!    How to Teach Children to Effectively Deal with Uncertainty No matter how much we try to protect our children, they'll still face uncertainties in their everyday life. Here are some recommendations on how to teach your child to deal with the uncertainties of life:    1.Encourage Your Child to Embrace Uncertainty & Reflect on Past Wins  Tell your child that change may be beneficial, but we must work for it to make it so. Ask your child to recall a moment when they were unsure about a change, but it turned out to be good. Life is filled with uncertainties, and at one point of another, everyone has successfully conquered them. When your child realises that they've conquered uncertainties before, it can empower them to tackle each day with optimism. Share stories of past uncertainties they've overcome to boost their confidence and resilience. For instance, if it's the first day at a new school, tears and fears won't change the fact they need to go. Remind them that their first day in kindergarten was uncertain too, but they still managed to thrive and made friends. A positive and calm attitude can help them quickly make new friends and adapt.    2. Acknowledge Their Feelings Your aim is to listen, try to understand and let them know it's okay to feel that way, even if you don't see a reason for them to be anxious. Here are some helpful phrases to use and harmful phrases to avoid in making sure your child feels acknowledged: Harmful     Helpful “Don’t be scared.” Reason: Dismisses feeling. It implies that their fear is not valid or reasonable. "I can see you're a bit anxious about meeting new people. It's normal to feel that way, and I'm here to support you as you navigate social situations." “You’ll be fine.” Reason: Promises of safety. You can't promise your child will never be injured riding a bike or they will never fail a test or they will never be in an embarrassing social situation. “I notice you might be a little uneasy about taking on the challenge of riding your bike, but don't worry, I'll be right there beside you, offering guidance and support as you learn.” “Are you worried about winning your upcoming public speaking competition?” Reason: Leads to anxiety. It directly suggests a potential source of stress. "How are you feeling about your upcoming public speaking competition?"   3. Keep Moving Forward Guide your child to avoid dwelling on things beyond their control. Worrying will not change the outcome and focusing on the bad will only increase anxiety. Encourage them to face uncertainties head-on and move forward.  It's worth mentioning that avoiding situations that make us anxious or nervous actually makes anxiety stronger. Confronting our fears safely weakens anxiety. “Do it scared” is a great mindset to live by. The anxiety may not vanish completely, but facing tasks despite fear is the most effective way to cope. Here are some ways to encourage your child to do it even when they’re feeling scared: Break down daunting tasks into smaller manageable steps. Practice activities that cause anxiety in a safe environment. Challenge them to do one thing even when they feel afraid this week. Show confidence in your ability to support them through any challenge, reassuring them that nervousness lessens with practice. Teach them to assess evidence. Our fears often stem from our thoughts about ourselves and the world. Help your child consider evidence for and against their anxious thoughts. Use past experiences of overcoming worries as examples.   4. Find the Hidden Treasure Help your child see uncertainty as a thrilling treasure hunt where surprises await. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, encourage them to come up with three to five positive outcomes that they can look forward to. Let's say your child is uncertain about starting a new school. Help them envision positive outcomes such as: Making new friends. Discovering exciting subjects to learn. Creating fond memories with teachers and friends. Life is a journey full of changes and surprises, just like Heraclitus said so long ago. Whether it’s big changes happening around the world or the little challenges our kids face, uncertainty can always feel so daunting. But as parents, we're like guides helping our kids navigate through it all. By tuning into how their brains work and being there for them with love and support, we're giving them the superpowers to handle uncertainties like the little champions they are!   Equip yourself with the knowledge to empower your child on their journey through life. Discover their unique strengths and tendencies with our Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT). Understanding is the first step to empowering your child against the challenges of uncertainty. Do visit us at www.agtgenetics.com for more information.   References Kim, S., Sodian, B., & Proust, J. (2020). 12- and 24-Month-Old Infants’ Search Behavior Under Informational Uncertainty. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00566 Parent Toolkit: Managing Uncertainty in Children | Psychology and Counselling. | Psychology and Counselling. https://emotion-focused.com.au/parent-toolkit-managing-uncertainty-in-children/ Davis, M. (1992). The Role of the Amygdala in Fear and Anxiety. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 15(1), 353–375. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ne.15.030192.002033 FeldmanHall, O., Glimcher, P., Baker, A. L., & Phelps, E. A. (2019). The Functional Roles of the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex in Processing Uncertainty. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 31(11), 1742–1754. https://doi.org/10.1162/jocn_a_01443  ‌Fox, A. S., Oler, J. A., Tromp, D. P. M., Fudge, J. L., & Kalin, N. H. (2015). Extending the amygdala in theories of threat processing. Trends in Neurosciences, 38(5), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2015.03.002 Hellige, J. B. (1993). Hemispheric Asymmetry: What’s Right and What’s Left. Harvard University Press. Hobeika, L., Capucine Diard-Detoeuf, Garcin, B., Levy, R. H., & Volle, E. (2016). General and specialized brain correlates for analogical reasoning: A meta-analysis of functional imaging studies. 37(5), 1953–1969. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.23149 Borod, J. C., Cicero, B. A., Obler, L. K., Welkowitz, J., Erhan, H. M., Santschi, C., Grunwald, I. S., Agosti, R. M., & Whalen, J. R. (1998). Right hemisphere emotional perception: Evidence across multiple channels. Neuropsychology, 12(3), 446–458. https://doi.org/10.1037/0894-4105.12.3.446 Borod, J. C. (2000). The neuropsychology of emotion. Oxford University Press. Armbruster, D., Mueller, A., Strobel, A., Lesch, K.-P., Brocke, B., & Kirschbaum, C. (2012). Children under stress – COMT genotype and stressful life events predict cortisol increase in an acute social stress paradigm. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 15(9), 1229–1239. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145711001763 Dixon, T. (2023, July 11). The Warrior / Worrier Hypothesis. IB Psychology. https://www.themantic-education.com/ibpsych/2023/07/12/the-warrior-worrier-hypothesis/ Porta-Casteràs, D., Fullana, M., Tinoco, D., Martínez-Zalacaín, I., Pujol, J., Palao, D., Soriano-Mas, C., Harrison, B., Via, E., & Cardoner, N. (2020). Prefrontal-amygdala connectivity in trait anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder: Testing the boundaries between healthy and pathological worries. Journal of Affective Disorders, 267, 211–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.029 Francis, A. (2023, September 20). The left brain and right brain: Help your child regulate their emotions. Sonshine. https://sonshine.com.au/the-left-brain-and-right-brain-help-your-child-regulate-their-emotions/ A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!    

Agreeableness is one of the many brilliant colors that shine brilliantly in the rainbow of personality qualities that distinguish each child. In their contacts with the outside world, agreeable children have a special charm that promotes harmony, generosity, and cooperation. In this blog, we'll explore the wonders of agreeableness traits in children, delving into their significance, impact on personal development, and strategies for nurturing these qualities.   The Allure of Agreeableness Agreeableness, one of the five personality traits in the Five-Factor Model, encompasses qualities such as compassion, empathy, cooperation, and a genuine concern for others. Agreeableness is the personality trait responsible for communal and pro-social behavior, or behavior that benefits others. Agreeableness children who exhibit high levels of agreeableness tend to be warm-hearted, understanding, and adept at forming positive connections with their peers, making them a joy to be around.   Why Agreeableness Matters? It's interesting to note the relationship between agreeableness and success in careers demanding a lot of interpersonal interaction. According to Mount et al. (1998), agreeableness becomes a crucial predictor, especially when the interaction involves supporting, fostering, and assisting others in a group environment. This realization highlights the value of developing agreeableness attributes from an early age by drawing comparisons to children. Children who acquire these traits may find themselves better prepared for social harmony, cooperation, and good interactions throughout their lives, much as adults benefit from agreeableness in team-based job contexts. Here's how the findings in the workplace can be related to children's development: Teamwork in Childhood Encouraging teamwork among children becomes crucial. Group activities and collaborative projects provide opportunities for them to practice and develop agreeable traits such as cooperation and helpfulness. Positive Communication Agreeableness in the workplace often hinges on effective communication. Teaching children to express themselves respectfully, actively listen, and communicate their needs fosters positive interactions, mirroring the communication skills seen in agreeable adults. Counteracting Negative Behaviors The study suggests that individuals low in agreeableness may engage in counterproductive behaviors. In a child's context, addressing and redirecting disagreeable behaviors early on can be crucial for their social and emotional development. Promoting Tolerance Tolerance is a key facet of agreeableness. Teaching children to be open-minded, accepting of differences, and respectful of others' opinions contributes to the development of this trait.   Nurturing Agreeableness in Children In the development of agreeableness in individuals, the interplay between innate personality traits and external circumstances is crucial. To foster agreeableness in children, three key elements have been identified: Exposure to positive role models Providing children with opportunities to interact with positive role models who exemplify highly agreeable qualities can significantly impact the development of their own agreeable traits. Situations emphasizing agreeableness Placing children in environments where agreeableness is emphasized, such as collaborative settings like group projects or team-based activities, can contribute to the cultivation of this trait. Opportunities for altruistic behavior Creating an environment that offers easy access to opportunities for altruistic actions allows children to engage in behaviors that promote empathy, kindness, and consideration for others. The learning process over time underscores the importance of building trusting relationships. This awareness arises from the realization that most people are more likely to accommodate requests when rooted in a foundation of mutual trust. Effectively nurturing agreeableness in children involves a multifaceted approach, integrating positive role models, supportive environments, and opportunities for altruistic behavior. In the symphony of personality, agreeableness traits in children create a beautiful melody of kindness, empathy, and cooperation. As parents, educators, and caregivers, we play a crucial role in nurturing these qualities, sowing the seeds for a future where our children contribute positively to the world. Let's embrace and celebrate the magic of agreeableness, as we guide the next generation toward a brighter, more harmonious future. To find out more about your child’s emotional intelligence traits, Decode Talent DNA Test will get you covered! You may visit www.agtgenetics.com for more information!   References Baardstu, S., Karevold, E. B., & von Soest, T. (2017). Childhood antecedents of Agreeableness: A longitudinal study from preschool to late adolescence. Journal of Research in Personality, 67, 202–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2016.10.007 Barrick, M. R. (2005). Yes, personality matters: Moving on to more important matters. Human Performance, 18(4), 359–372. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327043hup1804_3 Butrus, N., & Witenberg, R. T. (2013). Some personality predictors of tolerance to human diversity: The roles of openness, agreeableness, and empathy. Australian Psychologist, 48(4), 290–298. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-9544.2012.00081.x Fraser-Thill, R. (2011, February 8). Agreeableness in the big 5 theory of personality. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/agreeable-personality-3287986   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Social skills are the skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through gestures, body language, and our personal appearance. Through social interaction, we develop social abilities. Communication, interpersonal, and listening abilities are all part of social skills and these skills are an essential aspect of interactions. Struggling with sociability will have a significant impact on one’s social life and profession. Thus it is crucial for everyone to counter the nervousness and awkwardness in daily life, especially at a social event.   1. Being Sociable Can Start with Giving A Smile. “A sociable smile is nothing but a mouth full of teeth,” says Jack Kerouac. When you genuinely smile at people they feel more comfortable engaging you in a conversation. Smiling makes you appear more approachable and friendly. It also signifies that you're interested in speaking with others.    2. Give Compliments Giving compliments is one of the best ways to appear sociable after a smile. Giving compliments can help to break the ice and reduce the awkwardness.   3. Commit Names to Memory Calling people by name is a great way to set yourself apart in a conversation. It makes them feel acknowledged when you remember their names.    4. Start from a Small Step Start small by going to gatherings, birthday parties, weddings, or joining a club. Talking with familiar faces is easier as it makes you more comfortable to engage with rather than having a new friend. However, enrolling in a club teaches you to be vocal and more confident in interacting.   5. Ask Open-ended Questions Open-ended questions are question that requires no prolonged conversation. It can be as easy as a “yes or no” questions or  What are your plans for the weekend? Do you play any sports? Where are you working at? When you are comfortable enough, be interactive and create a conversation with others too   6. Choose General Conversation Topics It is best to have a general conversation topic as heavy topics can lead to an awkward conversation. General conversation can be about the weather or making an observation about what’s going on around you.    7. Look for Opportunities When speaking in a group, look for opportunities. You should know when to interrupt but do not cut other people when they are talking. This also includes you to excuse yourself if the conversation gets heavier.   8. Pay Attention to Your Body Language Body language plays the biggest role when engaging with others. Eye contact and hand movement will make people focus on what you are speaking. Avoid looking down when presenting or when speaking as that will make you appear less attentive. Most importantly, be confident when you are having a conversation and relaxed. Good postures help you to look interested and engaged.   9. Develop Listening Skill To be sociable, you must be able to listen to others. Listening to people around you and understanding what they are talking about will make you look interested.   10. Read Books and Blogs Related to Social Skills Reading books and blogs related to social skills will help you discover the methods and benefits of being sociable. Not just for sociable, for any other tips and recommendations can be found on the internet. The more you learn, the more you gain, the more you practice, the better it gets therefore, we should never stop learning. Having good social skills is all about keeping things light and going with the flow. Chris Sergin stated that "when people become lonely and isolated, whatever social abilities they have tend to atrophy from misuse” which implies that even when you are born with a sociability skill, you will lose the skill when it is not used as it limits the capacity to normally communicate with others. Being social and interactive is crucial, therefore even if you lack these traits naturally, there are ways to cultivate and improve them. When you have good social skills, it brings many benefits and opens many opportunities. Therefore, parents should unleash their child's inborn talent from an early age. Check out our Decode Talent DNA Test and its linked traits to sociability like empathy, extraversion, verbal intelligence, and many other traits to learn more about your EQ strengths and weaknesses. Knowing your genetic traits can assist you and your parents in determining the best approach to improve these traits.   References Miller, K. (2022, February 20). 12 ways to improve social skills. wikiHow. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Social-Skills  Morin, A., & Morin, A. (2020, February 5). 12 ways to improve social skills and make you sociable anytime. Lifehack. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/12-ways-improve-social-skills-and-make-you-sociable-anytime.html  What are social skills? SkillsYouNeed. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/social-skills.html   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

The road to success is frequently bumpy, full of blunders and unexpected obstacles. It is common to make mistakes or come up short of the goals children set for themselves, but how they handle their mistakes is more important. Children must learn to reflect on their own behaviours, manage their emotions, use problem-solving skills, accept different perspectives, and compromise regardless of whether they make new or repeated mistakes. If parents intervene to solve these problems, children will miss out on the essential skill development that comes from making mistakes or failing. Over the course of a lifetime, learning from mistakes helps in developing wisdom and good judgement. Avoidance of error is a person’s response to errors and the tendency to make rewarded choices while avoiding those that receive negative feedback. Since many children grow up in a society that expects them to be perfect, how can we teach them that making mistakes is part of the learning process? Providing opportunities for kids to learn from their mistakes has a major impact on their development. The benefits of children's learning from their errors, they can become more attentive when carrying out tasks in hand in order to prevent making new ones in the future. After all, not every child is perfect therefore, it’s common for children to make mistakes and these could be seen as wonderful opportunities to grow. Children ought to learn from their own mistakes and it brings positive impacts on them. Some of the positive impacts are: 1. They will be more experienced and well-prepared in the future.  Every decision we make in the real world has a consequence, whether good or bad. By creating mistake-driven learning experiences in your child’s schoolwork or household tasks or chores, you may allow your children to analyze the repercussions of their actions without having to incur any actual risks. 2. Making mistakes provides them with self-assurance and confidence. This is because they are encouraged to find their own answers, and learners gain confidence and self-esteem through making errors. This empowers students to take charge of their own learning experience and to confront and be brave enough to overcome any obstacle. They now have the tools, skills, and information they need to make confident judgments and complete assignments. 3. Making mistakes helps children to develop their problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities. They must utilize these skills to come up with realistic and effective actions for each work or challenge they are given. They learn how to make well-informed decisions and can identify how each option route leads to different results. 4. Making mistakes boosts knowledge, memory, and comprehension. When learners formulate a solution on their own, they are more likely to absorb that information and commit it to their long-term memory. As children learn through problem-solving, they would remember better.  When they have to strive for the solution and search their knowledge base for the proper answer, this may provide them with a better understanding and be more aware of this when carrying out a similar task in the future. 5. Making mistakes allows children to take chances that contribute to personal development Making errors in their learning settings allows them to take chances they would not have taken otherwise. They would probably not be as imaginative or creative in the actual world when tackling an issue because they are worried of the consequences. When you make the same errors again and over, it is natural to become upset and self-critical. You may believe your child is the only one who does it, but you are not alone. Although each child's patterns are unique, we can all connect to the fundamental notion. The advice in this article applies to a wide range of recurring errors. Mistakes can always be improved by: Pointing out all the mistake that is being made. Understanding what the problem is in the first place is crucial to fixing it. It is better to think about a recent failure or a mistake that your child has made and write it at the top of a piece of paper.  After that formulate and express a specific concept of the error made since this will allow them to go backwards from the mistake to discover how they got there. Accepting apologies for making the error. People's perceptions of failure are not realistic reflections of what failure truly entails. The truth is that the vast majority of initiatives fail, and they fail for a variety of reasons. Failure is not a derogatory term. Failure simply implies that your child has attempted something and it failed. Yes, the repercussions of failure might be severe and even life-altering, but they still need to forgive themselves for making the mistake Determine what constitutes a successful resolution. The best way to find out the best solution is to write down what your child believes would constitute a successful settlement on my piece of paper. What exactly are they striving for? What exactly are they looking for? What are their objectives? What do you want your child to accomplish? Ask them to write that down, but keep in mind that success may not look precisely as they imagined so that they don't get too caught up in the notion of what success will look like. Look at different options for achieving the effective outcome they desire. The benefit of technological advancement is that children can learn and benefit from access to the internet for extra knowledge. Spend some time with your kids and teach them to find reliable information about what is their objective and the steps required in achieving it. This will give them a greater pool of knowledge to draw from in trying to plan out their new course of action. Be willing to attempt your new and unusual method once more. The willingness to accept failure and try again is the most crucial step in achieving success.  Your new strategy may fail. That's how things go sometimes. You may need to alter your plan and try again, depending on what you're doing.     References Beasley, R. (2016). Dissonance and decision-making mistakes in the age of risk. Journal of European public policy, 23(5), 771-787.  Borucka, K. (2021, March 29). How To Avoid Careless Mistakes At Work? Timecamp. Https://www.timecamp.com/blog/2017/11/how-to-avoid-mistakes-at-work/  Learning from mistakes: How to motivate your child to see the good side of making mistakes. The Learning Lab Asia. (2022, March 1). Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.thelearninglab.asia/child-development/learning-from-mistakes-how-to-motivate-your-child-to-see-the-good-side-of-making-mistakes/  Pappas, C. (2021, May 12). 7 Benefits Of Mistake-Driven Learning. Elearning Industry. Https://elearningindustry.com/7-benefits-of-mistake-driven-learning Willis, J., & Willis, D. (2013). Doing task-based teaching-Oxford handbooks for language teachers. Oxford University Press.     This will feel very daunting if your child concentrates solely on removing all mistakes from your life. If you strive with them to improve, there are a plethora of practical solutions you can try, and you'll almost certainly have a lot more success. If you take a non-judgmental problem-solving approach to address their patterns, it will help your child in coping with the mistakes and present better. These problem-solving skills can go a long way in your child’s growth, as the more ideas your child has in solving certain issues, the less likely he or she will commit the same lapses in judgment in the future. To understand more about this avoidance of error trait, head to our website on the Decode Talent DNA Test to find out!  

Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is an illness that affects a person's brain and behavior, causing them to lose control over the use of legal or illegal drugs or medications. Drugs include substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine. Drug abusers tend to continue using the substance despite the harm it causes once they are addicted as addictions grow over time.   Addiction vs. Dependence It is important to understand the difference between dependency and addiction. Dependence is usually referred to as a physical dependence on a substance. Physical dependence can occur as a consequence of long-term drug usage, even when it is guided by a prescription. Physical dependency on a drug is not the same as addiction but it often presents with addiction . Addiction is defined as a behavior change caused by the biochemical changes in the brain as a result of continued drug abuse. One of the outcomes of behavior change is that it increases the desire to engage in dangerous acts, such as when a drug addict will go to any extent to obtain money for drugs. Furthermore, drug addicts have poor anger management skills. When they are not under the influence of drugs, people like this may rage, scream, or even lash out with physical violence. An addiction causes people to act erratically when they do not have the  drug in their system. While it is possible to have a physical dependence without being addicted, addiction can always happen. When people become dependent on the drug, they develop drug tolerance. Drug tolerance means that the body has adapted to the presence of the drug. It is a reduced response to the drug when it is used frequently and the body adapts to its continued presence. As a result, more of the drug is needed to attain the same euphoric effects, leading them to become delusional.   Why Do Some People Become Addicted to Drugs, while Others Do Not? As with other diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing an addiction differs from person to person, and no single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs. In general, the more risk factors a person possesses, the greater the likelihood of drug use and addiction. Protective factors on the other hand, reduce a person's risk. Some example of risk factors and protective factors are as below:   Risk Factors Protective Factors Aggressive behavior in childhood Self-efficacy (belief in self-control) Lack of parental supervision Parental monitoring and support Negative social interactions Positive relationships Drug experimentation Good grades Availability of drugs at school School anti-drug policies   What Environmental Factors Increase The Risk of Addiction Environmental factors play the most important role in addiction. Environmental factors are related to relationships between the family, in school, and neighborhood. Factors that can increase a person's risk include the following: Home and Family- A home environment is a very important factor, especially in childhood. Parents and older families who abuse drugs and alcohol or violate the law may increase their children's risk of future drug problems. Peer and School- Friends and other peers can become very influential during their teens. Teens who use drugs for the first time can sway even those without risk factors. Academics struggles and poor social skills can further increase a child's risk of drug use and addiction.   What Happens to The Brain when A Person Takes Drugs Most drugs interfere with the brain's “reward circuit”, causing euphoria and flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors like taking drugs, leading people to repeat those behaviors repeatedly. As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the “reward circuit” to react to the drugs. This lowers the person's high compared to when they initially started using the drug, an effect known as tolerance. To attain the same high level, they would take more of the drug. These brain adaptations make it more difficult for a person to experience previously enjoyable activities such as food, sex, or social activities. Prolonged use can cause changes in other chemical systems and circuits of the brain, affecting function that includes: Learning Judgment Decision-making Stress tolerance Memory Behavior Despite being aware of these negative consequences, many drug users continue using them. This is the nature of addiction. Tucker Woods, DO, an Addiction Medicine Specialist and Chief Medical Officer of Restorative Management Corp says “Addiction signs and symptoms differ from person to person, but if you're asking yourself if you need help, the chances are you do". Therefore, if you have some of the signs of drug dependence or addiction, it is best for you to get yourself examined for a treatment.   Treatment Addiction can be treated, but there are distinct approaches to recovery. Since relapses are common, the process may take some time. There are a range of services to which you can be referred for addiction treatment, depending on your condition. Listed  are some of the most frequent treatment approaches:  Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to address cognitive and behavior patterns that lead to addiction. Contingency management, family therapy, psychological treatment, counseling and group therapy are some of the other therapies that are beneficial too. Medications: Medications help with addictions and withdrawal symptoms, as well as other treatments to address underlying mental illnesses like anxiety or depression, may be included. Methadone, buprenorphine, nicotine replacement therapy, and naltrexone are among the medications that may be prescribed. Hospitalization: In some cases, people may need to be hospitalized  to treat potentially serious complications for detoxifying of the substance. Support groups and self-help: As people discover new ways to deal with recovery, direct and online support groups can be a helpful source of knowledge and social support.   Anyone struggling with an addiction should discover how to gain independence from the substance. Fortunately, addiction is treatable and there are measures that can be taken to help oneself. While quitting is a tough process and understanding how to overcome addictions is key, it is an important first step toward recovery.   For additional information and to learn about your personal traits and behaviors, search up to agtgenetics.com.   References Felman, A. (2018, October 26). Addiction: Complications and consequences. Medical News Today. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323461  Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2017, October 26). Drug addiction (substance use disorder). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113 McGuire, J., & Pham, L. (n.d.). Dependence vs addiction: What's the difference? WebMD. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/dependence-versus-addiction  NIDA. 2020, July 13. Drug Misuse and Addiction. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction on 2022, May 19 NIDA. 2018, June 6. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction on 2022, May 19   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Learning styles are the ways in which an individual approaches a range of styles according to Howard Gardner. Visual-spatial learning style, or visual-spatial intelligence, refers to a person's ability to perceive, analyze, and understand visual information in the world around them. Spatial relations are also correlated to our visual perceptual skills as our eyes help us to determine the distance and directionality between objects. Essentially, they are able to mentally visualise ideas. When we visualise something or recall something by creating an image in our minds, we are typically using visual-spatial learning. When trying to recall information, creating a mental picture provides us with another cue. For example, we visualize how different items can fit together to maximize the storage capacity when we are packing our luggage or when organizing a piece of furniture as we visualize if it fits and suits the place. Besides that, visual-spatial learning is very useful in education too, especially in STEM learning related. This demonstrates how important the visual spatial skill is for daily functioning and how strengthening this visual learning can have a positive impact on academic performance. Early education in visual-spatial skills can begin as early as 18 months of age. At this age, the child begins to learn about its surroundings and becomes conscious of its abilities. Early education plays a large role in preparing our children for later success.  Parents can begin teaching your children the fundamentals of spatial thinking as you are your children's first teachers. It's never too early to introduce your child to visual-spatial thinking and get them familiar with it. You can start by using flashcards to teach your child about animals, fruits, and body parts. Spatial reasoning skills are cumulative and durable which mean that with practice, you will improve. So the earlier the education, the larger and longer lasting the improvement. In terms of education, visual-spatial learning is particularly important to STEM learning which includes Science, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics. A mathematician uses visual-spatial thinking to enhance number sense, quantity comparison, and arithmetic. Studies have found that high visual-spatial ability is linked to better math performance. Children who are more adept at visualizing spatial relationships in preschool have more advanced arithmetic skills in primary school (Zhang et al., 2013 & Gilligan et al., 2017). Middle school students who are good at mental rotation are more likely to achieve in science subjects (Ganley et al., 2014). Therefore, those who master the skills in early childhood will have more opportunities to use it to acquire and organize additional information throughout their learning process.  To improve your children visual-spatial intelligence and skills, there are many types of approaches and activities that can enhance their ability such as:    By using spatial language in everyday interactions.  Spatial language consists of words that help people explain or describe where objects are in space. Spatial language is the key to describing locations of objects such as by using the term “on, under, above, below, inside, beside” and other similar expressions. Teach using gestures and encourage children to gesture. Gesture is a powerful communicating and teaching tool especially for children with visual-spatial type of learning who learn best with using gestures as it helps in remembering and understanding concepts better.  Playing charades or teaching using gestures with your children can be an effective way to encourage children to gesture. Promote visualization. Teaching visualization can be as simple as visualizing a cupcake design before piping and designing it.  Playing the matching game. Playing matching games can improve visual-spatial learning as it challenges the mind in remembering the similar card placement. Build objects in a storytelling context. Playing with building objects such as Lego and wooden blocks can significantly increase a child’s spatial thinking ability because it presents them with challenges. Also, by allowing your child to story tell on what they are building, this can indirectly improve their communication skills. There are many other activities that can be carry-out, depending on your child's interest. Visual-spatial intelligence is not a fixed ability and it can be possessed with adequate practice and learning. Although some people are better at spatial thinking than others, they too can improve substantially if they keep practicing even if they start out with a lower score. Through training and practice, spatial reasoning for STEM learning can be boosted and holistic development can be maximized. Heads out to our website to understand more about your child’s learning type with our DNA testing! Knowing your child's learning type early can save time by focusing on your child’ learning type and indirectly help children to have fun and exciting learning and allow parents to know what’s the best approach.      References 12 easy activities to boost kids' visual spatial intelligence. JOYLEE ᴗ Grow up with joy. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.joylee.co/blogs/parenting-education/12-easy-activities-to-boost-kids-visual-spatial-intelligence-infographic Ganley CM, Vasilyeva M, Dulaney A. Spatial ability mediates the gender difference in middle school students' science performance. Child Dev. 2014 Jul-Aug;85(4):1419-32. doi: 10.1111/cdev.12230. Epub 2014 Feb 22. PMID: 24673201. Gilligan KA, Flouri E, Farran EK. The contribution of spatial ability to mathematics achievement in middle childhood. J Exp Child Psychol. 2017 Nov;163:107-125. doi: 10.1016/j.jecp.2017.04.016. Epub 2017 Jul 26. PMID: 28753435. Logsdon, A. (2020, May 7). How children with a visual-spatial intelligence learn. Verywell Family. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.verywellfamily.com/understanding-visual-spatial-learning-styles-2162778 The benefits of visual-spatial learning (with activities and tips). Indeed Career Guide. (2021). Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-visual-spatial-learning#:~:text=What%20is%20visual%2Dspatial%20learning,learn%20holistically%20rather%20than%20sequentially. Zhang X, Koponen T, Räsänen P, Aunola K, Lerkkanen MK, Nurmi JE. Linguistic and spatial skills predict early arithmetic development via counting sequence knowledge. Child Dev. 2014 May-Jun;85(3):1091-1107. doi: 10.1111/cdev.12173. Epub 2013 Oct 21. PMID: 24148144.   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!    

Intelligence? What exactly is intelligence? When you hear the word intelligence, you might immediately thought of your intelligence level. Everyone is born with measurable natural intelligence, and changing it requires difficult capability. Intelligence is dynamic, which means it can be improved based on your exposure to society, environment and education in terms of the ability to learn. However, new perspectives on intelligence have emerged in the recent years. Howard Gardner, a Harvard psychologist, developed the Multiple Intelligences theory. The theory proposes that people learn and acquire information in various ways, and according to Howard Gardner's hypothesis, individuals do not have all their potential intelligence at birth, but rather will benefit from a variety of opportunities by interacting with the content and exposure to the world. Gardner identified eight types of intelligence to broaden the concept of intelligence which is linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist intelligence. Every individual has a different learning style. Knowing which types of intelligence one possesses can be extremely beneficial, especially in studies. When parents give their children a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, they will perform better in school. Have you heard of the saying "if a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn"? The multiple intelligence theory is best described by this phrase. Teachers can adjust the learning style to the child's preferences if they are aware of the type of intelligence they possesses. Indirectly, knowing the child's learning style allows the teacher to provide the appropriate approach to cater to their learning style. This will help them in their future careers too. Adults may see failure as an opportunity to try again, but for children, failure can be a disappointment, which can lead to them failing to pay attention or disrupting class. The multiple intelligence theory has the potential to re-engage students in learning. Using multiple intelligences to teach a concept gives each of your diverse learners a chance to succeed. Learners who excel at visual-spatial intelligence will excel at drawing and puzzles. Students with high linguistic intelligence would have better abilities to comprehend a written report to a reading assignment, whereas those with high interpersonal intelligence excel at classroom discussions. Teaching with the awareness of a student's strengths improves learning and decreases classroom behaviour problem as they experience success in their learning.   Characteristics of The 8 Types of Multiple Intelligence   1. Spatial intelligence Meanings: People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good at visualizing things. These individuals are often good with directions as well as maps, charts, videos, and pictures. Characteristics:  Read and write for enjoyment Are good at putting puzzles together Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well Enjoy drawing, painting, and the visual arts Recognize patterns easily   2. Linguistic Intelligence Meaning: People who are strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence are able to use words well, both when writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at writing stories, memorizing information, and reading. Characteristics:  Remember written and spoken information Enjoy reading and writing Debate or give persuasive speeches Are able to explain things well Use humour when telling stories   3. Logical-Mathematical intelligence Meanings: People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognizing patterns, and logically analysing problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships, and patterns. Characteristics: Have excellent problem-solving skills Enjoy thinking about abstract ideas Like conducting scientific experiments Can solve complex computations   4. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence Meanings: Those who have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are said to be good at body movement, performing actions, and physical control. People who are strong in this area tend to have excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity Characteristics:  Are skilled at dancing and sports Enjoy creating things with his or her hands Have excellent physical coordination Remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing   5. Musical intelligence Meanings: People who have strong musical intelligence are good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds. They have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition and performance Characteristics:  Enjoy singing and playing musical instruments Recognize musical patterns and tones easily Remember songs and melodies Have a rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes   6. Interpersonal intelligence Meanings: Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them Characteristics:  Communicate well verbally Are skilled at nonverbal communication See situations from different perspectives Create positive relationships with others Resolve conflicts in group settings   7. Intrapersonal intelligence 7. Intrapersonal Intelligence Meanings: Individuals who are strong in intrapersonal intelligence are good at being aware of their own emotional states, feelings, and motivations. They tend to enjoy self-reflection and analysis, including daydreaming, exploring relationships with others, and assessing their personal strengths Characteristics:  Analyze their strengths and weaknesses well Enjoy analyzing theories and ideas Have excellent self-awareness Understand the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings   7. Naturalist intelligence Meanings: Individuals who are strong in this type of intelligence are more in tune with nature and are often interested in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about other species. These individuals are said to be highly aware of even subtle changes to their environments Characteristics:  Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology Categorize and catalogue information easily Enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors Dislikes learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature The theory does not claim that a person possesses only one of the eight intelligences, but rather that some are stronger than others. It is a good approach to be learning about these various types of intelligences because the MI theory helps parents, teachers, and children understand their children's strengths and how these can be used to help them learn and solve problems.    References Cherry, K. (2021, July 28). Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Verywell Mind. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161  Hatoum, L. (2021, November 5). Multiple intelligences definition and meaning. Top Hat. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://tophat.com/glossary/m/multiple-intelligences/  Jackson, J. E. (2017, November 21). How does the multiple intelligence theory help students? Education Seattlepi. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://education.seattlepi.com/multiple-intelligence-theory-students-2149.html    A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!    

According to World Health Organization (WHO), forty-one million children under the age of five were either overweight or obese in 2016. Overweight and obesity have increased dramatically among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19, from 4% in 1975 to just 18% in 2016. Despite the amount of data available, it can be difficult to sort through and decipher what a balanced diet and healthy eating habits would look like for your child. To enforce a sustainable and healthy lifestyle for your child, you must first understand what good nutrition consists of, how it affects childhood development, and what steps you can take to ensure your child adopts a healthy eating habits.   What Exactly is Good Nutrition for Children and Young Children’s nutrition is based on the same basic principles as adult nutrition. A healthy and appropriate balance of diet and exercise, as well as a valuable lifestyle, are the keys to proper nutrition. Grains, dairy, protein, vegetables, and fruit are the five main food groups and are a good starting point for any child’s diet. The proportions of each food group will be heavily influenced by age, genetic makeup, and physical activity. Understanding each food group is essential for developing a well-balanced and nutritious diet for your child.    Grain Grains are classified into two types: whole grains and refined grains. Because they use the entire grain kernel, whole grains are more nutritious. Oatmeal, whole-wheat flour, and brown rice are examples of whole-grain products. Refined grains have generally been milled and processed several times to improve shelf life and texture. Many valuable nutritional benefits are lost during the refining process, so whole grains are a better option. Cereal, tortillas, white bread, and white rice are all examples of refined grains.  Vegetables The vegetable group includes any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice. Vegetables are classified as raw, cooked, dehydrated, canned, whole, juiced or mashed. It is also divided into five subcategories: dark-green vegetables, starchy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas, and other vegetables. Because some vegetables are denser and nutrient-packed than others, the portion size of each will depend on which subcategory it belongs to. Organic, non-organic, and non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) vegetables are some of the subcategories of vegetables.  Fruit The fruit category includes any fresh fruit or 100% fruit juice. Canned, frozen, dried, pureed, or juiced fruits are all options. The fruit has a high sugar content, so it is best to build a dietary balance based on age, activity level, time of day, and gender. Same to vegetables, fresh fruit can be further categorized into organic, non-organic, and non-GMO.  Protein & Dairy Meat, poultry, beans, peas, eggs, seafood, and nuts are examples of foods that fall into the protein food group. It is best if your child’s meat and poultry sources are lean and low in fat. The dairy food group includes all fluid milk products and products made primarily from milk. Milk, yoghurt, and cheese are examples of dairy products. Dairy has been a controversial food group in recent years, and as a result, many nutritionally comparable dairy alternatives have been provided with higher nutritional value. As a result, this category includes fortified dairy alternatives such as soy, almond, and cashew milk, as well as nut cheeses. Your child’s diet and lifestyle may differ depending on their age and unique genetic makeup, with a focus on certain nutritional guidelines during one age range and many different guidelines during another.    The Good Nutrition for Toddlers Toddlers (ages 1-3) can be a pretty challenging age group to feed a nutritious diet to. Many developmental changes occur during this period, which has an impact on their food or supplement intake. Toddlers are in a stage of development and growth that slows significantly, affecting hunger and diet. In addition to a decrease in appetite, toddlers are exploring independence and control. This can lead to quarrels over specific foods, mealtimes, and portion sizes.  It is recommended that toddlers consume 3-5 ounces of grains per day, depending on their age, activity level, and gender. One ounce is roughly equivalent to one slice of bread. 12 cup rice or oatmeal, or one small (4-inch) pancake. In terms of vegetables, toddlers should consume 1-2 cups of vegetables from each of the five subcategories per day. Given that some toddlers are just beginning to accept table foods, it is best to offer soft, cooked vegetables cut into very small pieces. This not only helps toddlers chew and swallow vegetables, but it also reduces the risk of choking. Toddlers should also eat 1 cup of fruit per day. This could break down into half of a banana for breakfast, half of an apple for snacks, 8 sliced grapes, half a cup of cooked broccoli, and half a cup of peas and carrots. To gain the full range of nutritional benefits, it is critical to introduce variety within the five food groups. Most toddlers should consume around 13 grammes of protein per day. A general rule of thumb for determining how much protein your child should consume daily is to base it on their weight. Protein-recommended dietary allowances are calculated using the guideline of 0.5 grammes of protein per pound of body weight. As a result, a 2-year-old weighing 30 pounds would require approximately 15 grammes of protein per day. This could be equivalent to half an egg, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, or a quarter cup of beans. Toddlers should consume calcium-fortified juices, milk, and cheeses in much smaller amounts, such as 1 cup of milk or 60 grammes of cheese.    The Good Nutrition for Pre-schoolers The preschool years (ages 3-5) are an important time for children to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Because pre-schoolers grow in spurts, their appetites can be inconsistent. This is normal, and if parents provide a healthy variety, their children will be provided with flexible options. The proportions of grains, protein, vegetables, fruits, and dairy vary according to size, age, and gender. Calcium intake is a critical component for young developing preschool children. Calcium is also required for the development of strong, healthy bones and teeth.  Contrary to popular belief, traditional dairy milk is not the best source of calcium. This is due to the fact that the calcium in dairy milk is less bioavailable (a substance entering the circulation when introduced into the body and so able to have an active effect) to developing bodies. Calcium is best obtained from dark leafy greens such as kale, broccoli, and bok choy. With a 40% absorption rate, about half of cooked leafy greens can proved around 300mg of calcium. Fibre is another important supplement to consider. Fibre promotes bowel movements, which helps digestion and prevents constipation. Most whole grain products, as well as fruits and vegetables, contain fibre. Though it may be difficult at times to persuade your child to eat vegetables instead of starchy processed foods like macaroni and cheese and chicken nugget, it will make a world of difference.    What Impact Does Nutrition Have on Young Children A proper nutritional diet and a healthy lifestyle can have long-term effects on young children. Children are highly impressionable during their early development and begin to implement routines and tools that they will carry with them into adulthood. Aside from developing habits and routines, children who do not receive adequate nutrition as they grow up can suffer from physical illness. Obesity, osteoporosis, decreased muscle mass, changes in hair volume and texture, fatigue, irritability, and type 2 diabetes are some of the most common issues for malnourished children.  Obesity is defined as having excess body fat within the 95th percentile of one’s BMI, or Body Mass Index. Obesity is also more likely in children who do not eat a well-balanced diet and consume excessive amounts of fat, sugar, and processed carbohydrates. Obesity also can cause a number of long-term health issues in children, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and emotional issues. Young children are highly impressionable and can experience body shame and emotional issues as a result of the food they eat. When children consume sugary, processed, and high-fat foods, their digestive system and gut flora suffer. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that can be caused by a lack of calcium absorption that causes porous, weak, and brittle bones.   Early nutrition and lifestyle decisions made by children and their parents can have long-term consequences for children. Because most people reach their peak bone mass at the age of 20, it is critical to building muscle and bone mass during childhood. Overweight children experience fatigue and irritability, which can lead to depression. Furthermore, overweight children may struggle with physical activity and are frequently unable to participate in physical activities with their peers. This can lead to emotional isolation, poor social interactions and low self-esteem. A well-balanced and healthy nutritional diet is more important than counting calories in developing children.    How to Make Sure Your Child Eats Healthy and Exercise Without support, guidance, education, and routine, it can be difficult to ensure your child is eating healthy and staying fit. As children grow older, they begin to form opinions about what tastes good to them and what does not. Most of the time, this does not correspond to what is nutritionally best for them. The Stanford Children’s Health Hospital recommends avoiding fights over food and meal and providing regular snacks and meals. Children can be picky, avoidant, or hard at times. If your toddler or pre-schooler is a picky eater who refuses to eat certain foods, it is best to give up and try again later. They will be most likely to begin to warm up to the healthy options provided. As previously stated, young children are developing their independence and opinions, and as a result, they vary. It can also be beneficial to establish a regular feeding time and spot for your child. Positive connections can be formed by promoting healthy food choices, regular eating habits, nutrition education, and personal interaction during mealtimes. Given that children are highly perceptive human beings, it is advantageous to create positive and healthy experiences for them. Involving children in food preparation and selection can also be a valuable learning tool. When in the grocery store or even in your refrigerator, it can be helpful to engage with your child to help select foods based on nutritional value and explain how they can help developing bodies. Parents are also encouraged to use specific serving sizes and demonstrate the equivalents to them. This nutrition education can help children understand and implement appropriate serving sizes as they grow older, as well as maintain healthy eating habits. It can also be beneficial for parents to pack a homemade snack or lunch for their children to bring to school. Instead of packing processed foods or junk food, choose food high in healthy fats and nutrients. This ensures that a well-balanced and nutritious meal is always available. Physical activity, as always, is just as important as proper nutrition. Most days of the week, children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Parents can encourage physical activity by limiting their child’s time spent watching television and playing video games and encouraging more physically active routines such as walking, running, and playing ball. Because children learn primarily through direct observation, it is critical for parents to actively participate in their children's life regarding nutrition and exercise. You are modelling a positive, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle for your child by leading by example. To find out more about your child’s nutrition needs, Decode Nutrition DNA Test will get you covered! You may visit www.agtgenetics.com for more information! A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Are you struggling to discipline your child? We know it can be a challenge, but it's important to learn how to discipline them in a smart and healthy way. Firstly, it is important to understand that discipline is not just about punishment. It is about teaching children how to make good choices and develop self-control.  “Discipline is helping a child solve a problem. Punishment is making a child suffer for having a problem. To raise problem solvers, focus on solutions, not retribution.” ― L.R. Knost, the author of ‘The Gentle Parent: Positive, Practical, Effective Discipline’.    The way in which discipline is carried out has an impact on a child's emotional and mental well-being. Hence, parents need to understand the importance of having healthy ways to discipline your child. And here are some tips for parents to do that: 1. Positive reinforcement Positive reinforcement means rewarding good behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. It is important to acknowledge and praise your child when they do something positive. This can include anything from saying "thank you" when they share or showing excitement when they complete a task. Research by Hardy & McLeod (2020) shows that kids are more likely to behave in a desired way when they get praised for doing something right, whether it's following a rule or sharing a toy. The best way to reinforce positive behavior is to praise the behavior, not the kid's character. You can point out positive things about your child's concern for others – such as asking if their friend is all right – by mentioning how much the recipient appreciated their kindness.  2. Set clear expectation Children need structure and predictability in their lives. When parents provide clear rules and expectations, children are more likely to follow them. It is important to communicate these expectations clearly and consistently so that children know what is expected of them.  Professor Cluver, the Professor of Child and Family Social Work stressed that telling your child what to do is more effective than telling them what not to do. When you ask a child to not make a mess, they may not understand what you're asking. Clear instructions like “Please put all your toys in the box” set a clear expectation and make it more likely for them to comply.  3. Modelling good behaviour Children are highly observant and tend to imitate the behaviours they see in their parents. Children would pick up your emotions and vibes as they grow up. Thus, it is important for you to set a positive example for your children. This means consistently demonstrating desirable behaviours such as respect, kindness, honesty, responsibility, and empathy to your children. If you model healthy behaviors, children are more likely to follow suit. For example, if you want your child to speak respectfully to others, it is important to speak respectfully to your child and others around you.  “Parents who discipline their child by discussing the consequences of their actions produce children who have better moral development, compared to children whose parents use authoritarian methods and punishment.” ― Simon Baron-Cohen, British clinical psychologist   4. Maintain a strong connection with your child Always have a connection before correction. Yelling at children when they behave badly cuts off your connection with your children. Discipline should not be a punitive or isolating experience. Instead, it should be a way to help children learn and grow while maintaining a strong connection with their parents. Instead of yelling or scolding, try to listen to your child and understand the root cause of their misbehaviour. Communicate with your child throughout the disciplinary process, listen to their feelings and concerns. This helps them develop the skills and tools they need to make positive choices.  Finally, it is important to recognize that discipline is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every child is different and may respond differently to different disciplinary techniques. Thus, it is important to understand the underlying causes of misbehavior, so that parents can address the root of the problem and help their child learn to manage their emotions and behavior more effectively.  Each child possesses innate personality traits that are reflected in their behavior, and it is important for parents to understand these traits to effectively interact with them. To learn more on your child's personality traits, check out our Decode Talent DNA Test where you can unleash your child’s inborn personality! References Hardy, J. K., & McLeod, R. H. (2020). Using positive reinforcement with young children. Beyond Behavior, 29(2), 95-107. doi:10.1177/1074295620915724.  Morin, A. (2021, June 20). 5 Positive Discipline Techniques to Try. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.verywellfamily.com/examples-of-positive-discipline-1095049#citation-4  UNICEF. (2022, December 12). How to discipline your child the smart and healthy way. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/romania/stories/how-discipline-your-child-smart-and-healthy-wa Rupali, A. (2021, January 6). 4 Effective ways to Discipline Children in a Smart & Healthy Way. Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.alphamontessoridfw.com/blog/discipline-child-without-punishment/  A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!

Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to a child’s health.  A recent Netflix’s Thai movie regarding sleep deprivation called “Deep” depicts this well. The psychological thriller portrayed [...] the journey of four university students who were involved in a neuroscience experiment that had gone haywire.  Due to lack of sleep, their body experienced foreign and unusual body sensations which in turn led to more severe outcomes like hallucinations and inability to make sound judgments and decisions in their daily life.  While the movie is largely fiction, the symptoms of sleep deprivation are fairly presented.  If that many effects can occur in a young adult, what more for a child who is still in their growing phase?    What happens when your child are sleep-deprived The benefits of sufficient sleep for a child are many and widely known. Consistently, there are many severe and long-lasting consequences for the lack of it.  1. Mood Dysregulation One of the effects of sleep deprivation is mood dysregulation. According to Jodi A. Mindell, Ph.D., associate director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the author of Sleeping Through the Night, "Kids who do not get enough sleep have trouble regulating their emotions." [1].  A sleep-deprived child may appear to be more aggressive and easily irritated. It may also result in mood swings, being restless, hyperactive and impatient. If their sleep deprivation persists, they would also manifest certain behaviours such as fighting with others, yelling, making threats, and causing harm to themselves in severe cases [8]. Not getting sufficient sleep could result in a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse in teens over time [1].  According to a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania on the influence of partial sleep deprivation on mood, participants who were restricted to only 4.5 hours of sleep per night for a week were reported to feel more stressed, angry, sad, and mentally exhausted. However, as the participants resumed a normal sleep pattern with 8 hours of sleep, they observed a significant change and improvement in the mood [2]. Some improvements which were reported include being more alert, mentally sharp, physically energetic, calm, happy, and healthy [2]. 2. Impaired Metabolism  Besides, another effect of insufficient sleep is impairment in body metabolism.  Metabolism is known as the whole range of biochemical processes in the body and it involves the processes of anabolism (the building up of bigger structures from smaller units like nutrients from our food) and catabolism (the breakdown of larger units to smaller ones, such as the the breakdown of fat as an energy source) [3]. In short, metabolism is the amount of energy (calories) the body burns to maintain itself [3]. In a research conducted at the University of Chicago it was evident that sleep deprivation leads to a  decreased rate of glucose clearance by 40% [3]. The research involved 11 healthy young men where they were subjected to only 4 hours in bed for 6 nights followed by 12 hours for 7 nights to recover from the sleep debt. After that, their glucose tolerance was measured. [3].  A glucose tolerance test can indicate the ability to dispose glucose from the blood. Glucose intolerance could result in high blood glucose levels in the body which increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. A similar effect can also be seen in infants, children, and adolescents whereby lack of sleep is associated with impaired function in glucose metabolism.  Hence, sleep deprivation can alter metabolic function and lead to a myriad of illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension [10].  3. Poor Academic Performance In addition, sleep deficit can result in poorer academic performance which includes a decline in cognitive functions such as follows [4]: Decreased attention Weakened memory Slowed mental processing Worsened sequential thinking Reduced creative thinking Excessive daytime sleepiness Poor decision-making Heightened risk of aggressive behavior Therefore, failure in getting sufficient sleep with high quality and optimum duration would cause a decline in academic performance at school in the long term.    How much sleep should your child get? According to Griffin from WebMD, the amount of sleep required varies according to their age groups [1, 5]. A helpful guideline is as follows: Infants (4 to 12 months) need 12 to 16 hours of sleep. Toddlers (1 to 2 years) need 12 to 14 hours of sleep. Pre-schoolers (3 to 5 years) need 11 to 13 hours of sleep. School-aged children (6 to 12 years) need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Pre-teens and teens (13 to 18 years) need around 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep.  Hence, any amount of sleep less than the amount above indicates that your child is not getting adequate sleep that is essential for their health and development.    Is your child getting enough sleep? Children may encounter difficulty falling asleep. If your child is one of them, they could be having pediatric insomnia.  This insomnia is a sleep disorder that leads to an inability to fall and stay asleep. Children with this condition may be seen to wake up too early in the morning as well [6]. This childhood insomnia can be seen in 3 kinds of manifestations such as: chronic insomnia: ongoing and happens 3 times a week for a month or longer.  cyclical insomnia: issues balancing wake-and-sleep cycles which can come and go throughout life.  transient insomnia: typically lasts less than three weeks.  Not only that, according to a sleep survey conducted by The Nielsen Company in 2019, 9 out of 10 Malaysians suffer from sleep problems with 63% of the respondents between ages 25 and 49 reported taking over 30 minutes to fall asleep in which portrays the prevalence of sleeping deficiencies among adults [7]. From these statistics, parents must now be mindful that sleep disorders such as insomnia must be prevented at an early age. Children need to be educated with proper sleep hygiene and a fixed bedtime routine so that they can maintain their health as a result of quality sleep and rest.   What is the tendency for my child to develop insomnia? ​Find out your child’s likelihood to develop insomnia with the Decode Talent DNA Test  and ensure better sleep quality and overall wellness for them. Prevention is better than cure. Safeguard your child’s health and holistic wellbeing and growth by understanding their genetics. For more updates on our products and offers, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!   References [1] R. M. Griffin, "This Is Your Kid’s Brain Without Sleep," WedMD, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/recharge/features/brain-without-sleep. [2] D. F. Dinges, F. Pack, K. Williams, K. A. Gillen, J. W. Powell, G. E. Ott, C. Aptowicz and A. I. Pack, "Cumulative sleepiness, mood disturbance, and psychomotor vigilance performance decrements during a week of sleep restricted to 4-5 hours per night," Sleep, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 267-277, 1997.  [3] S. Sharma and M. Kavuru, "Sleep and Metabolism: An Overview," International Journal of Endocrinology, vol. 2010, p. 270832, 2010.  [4] N. Vyas and E. Suni, "Improve Your Child’s School Performance With a Good Night’s Sleep," Sleep Foundation, 15 January 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/sleep-and-school-performance. [5] Children's Health, "Pediatric Insomnia," Children's Health, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/difficulty-in-falling-asleep-or-staying-asleep. [6] Children's Hospital Colorado, "Insufficient Sleep in Children," Children's Hospital Colorado, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/conditions/sleep-deprivation/. [7] M. Murugesan, "Counting Sheep," New Straits Times, 25 April 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2019/04/482768/counting-sheep. [8] American Academy of Sleep Medicine, "For children, poor sleep can lead to emotional and behavioral problems," Sleep Education, 22 April 2008. [Online]. Available: https://sleepeducation.org/poor-sleep-children-emotional-behavioral-problems/. [9] "Anabolism vs. Catabolism: The Role They Play in Your Metabolism," Cleveland Clinic, 13 July 2021. [Online]. Available: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/anabolism-vs-catabolism/. [10] M. A. Miller, M. Kruisbrink, J. Wallace, C. Ji and F. P. Cappuccio, "Sleep duration and incidence of obesity in infants, children, and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies," Sleep, vol. 41, no. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsy018, 2018. A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  Should parents reward their children for helping with house chores? What about rewarding them after they have completed their homework and assigned tasks on time?   You probably thought about this before but perhaps have not arrived at a conclusion.  If you hope that your kids reach their behavioural milestones, you can attempt a tactic that many parents nowadays swear by: The Reward Systems. The idea of reward systems can be a productive disciplinary way of educating children.  However on the other side of the argument, parents have always been told that rewarding their children will destroy their inherent motivation as they may become increasingly materialistic.  Well, do you think this is true?   What you need to know about rewarding your children Difference between a reward and a bribe Their differences are subtle, which is why many parents fail to reward their children correctly, which often results in further behavioural problems down the road.  A reward is given after children show good behaviour. “If you complete the assigned tasks well today, I will give you a treat,” is a reward.  A bribe, in contrast, is when parents offer their misbehaving children a favor or treat as an exchange for their promise of being well-behaved. “I will buy you chocolate candy if you stop crying and yelling,” is a bribe.  Due to this, parents should understand that rewards are usually pre-planned and should target specific behaviour. It’s important for parents to set certain rules about rewards. In any case, do not allow your children to receive a reward when they blackmail you by saying, “I won’t clean up the room unless you buy me a chocolate bar.”.  Rewards can be a healthy and positive way to reinforce good behaviour for kids if parents manage it well. Children may learn to behave well or do the right things for which they receive positive feedback and avoid negative behaviours that gain no rewards. On the other hand, bribes educate children to use their behaviour as a method to manipulate others. Although bribes can be tempting at times as it motivates kids to change their behaviour immediately, it does not educate proper skills over the long haul.  Similarly in reality, you won’t be receiving your paycheck until you have done the assigned task. Likewise, don’t give in to the easy alternative to nurture your children.      Reward systems do not spoil kids Contrary to the many skeptics out there, rewarding your children sparingly does not spoil kids.  It helps children develop small routines and ritual practices important to everyday life. Positive results and comments motivate people regardless of age. Most working adults have the motivation to go to work as they will eventually receive their reward in the form of a paycheck. This applies the same to children as they will come to understand that they can gain their  reward or more privileges from being well-behaved.  Linking privileges to positive behaviour educate children to earn things prior to reward. In that sense, reward systems can prevent children from becoming spoiled because they will have to learn the value and importance of things in life in order to gain rewards.      Parents do not have to give rewards that require any costs There are many rewards that do not cost money. Children do not have to gain lavish rewards everyday. In fact, younger kids can earn from a simple sticker chart that allows them to accumulate for a larger reward. Allowing them to choose a special or favourite meal, earn a later bedtime for extra gaming or activity time, or pick a game that inspires them to play can be the reward option.  Be creative with your rewards and you won’t have to spend money for the rewards. Do ask your kids for their input on what sort of rewards they would like to earn too.      Rewarding creates a positive environment Positive parent-child relationships at home can influence children's behaviour. It also creates an enjoyable and pleasant environment for both parents and children.  A home filled with positive education and reinforcement for good behaviour, rather than one that is directed by constant punishing for bad behaviour, is a place that provides them with an emotionally positive and secure environment. This is a crucial tool in parenting as it gives happiness and motivations to children in their ongoing learning.      What you can do to reward your children 1. Get the timing right There is evidence showing that the value of rewards will be lost if parents reward their children with a delay. In other words, in order for rewards to work successfully for children, it has to be fresh in their mind when parents request them to complete tasks or adjust their behaviour. Or else, they might start to misbehave when they cannot receive the promised rewards or begin to think that they cannot do things correctly.   2. Giving the right and meaningful rewards A reward does not have to be luxurious and complicated but it should meet some basic criteria. Rewards for kids should be inexpensive or of no cost.  The rewards should also be things that your children care about to work effectively. You must also be willing to dole it out regularly.  Remember not to make a promise you cannot keep. Be sure to be specific about the goals that you want your children to achieve so that they will know exactly what they need to do to get the reward. They need not be confusing, so make sure to communicate concisely and clearly to them.  For younger kids, goals should be easy enough for them to achieve without much effort in order to let them experience a taste of success. As the practice becomes a routine that is more normalized, you may extend the goals and tasks to make it more challenging but always take note that the reward system should not be too complicated. Make sure to focus on a selected few of your children’s behaviours and not a dozen at a time.  3. Give plenty of encouragement and praise to your children You can encourage your children before they do something. For instance, “The test is over, you don’t have to worry much about it as you have studied hard. No matter how the results turn out, you have done your best”. Some kids who are less confident than others need such encouragement compared to others. When you focus your praise on effort, they are more likely to see trying hard as a positive thing in itself and be more optimistic when challenges are in place. At the same time, you are showing them how to react, think and talk positively. With all these said, do not overuse rewards. Rewards are undeniably helpful tools to communicate and teach good behaviours among children, but parents need to readjust the rewards that they are giving so that children do not take it for granted.  Always ask yourself whether the rewards you gave works to encourage your children’s behaviour that you want or not. Take note to also adjust the reward systems according to your children’s age. As they grow older into their adolescent years, they should have learnt that good behaviour is a reward in and of itself, as opposed to still having an expectation to be rewarded by the people around them.  A reminder to all the parents here: Do keep the reward systems as simple as possible so that both parents and children are clear about how it works.  As a final note to our fellow parents readers, make sure to be mindful of your long term behavioural goals for your children as you contemplate on the right rewards system to adopt for your children. Remember that your parenting goals must not be limited to controlling the outcome of a specific event only, but your responsibility is for the long-term healthy upbringing of your children. So, use rewards wisely.   References Morin, A. (January 2020). Common concerns about giving kids rewards. Verywell Family. Retrieved from https://www.verywellfamily.com/concerns-about-giving-kids-rewards-1094886 ‘Praise, encouragement and rewards’ (August 2020). Raising Children Network. Retrieved from https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/connecting-communicating/connecting/praise EdNavigator. (n.d.). What parents need to know about rewarding hard work and good behavior. Retrieved from https://www.ednavigator.com/resources/what-parents-need-to-know-about-rewarding-hard-work-and-good-behavior   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Is your child's favorite hobby scrolling through social media? From Facebook to Instagram, Twitter to TikTok, there are numerous platforms that children can use to communicate and connect with their peers. As parents, it’s important for you to understand the impact of these digital platforms on your children and take steps to protect them. In this article, we will explore the potential risk of children using social media and offer useful advice on how to assist your child in developing positive online behaviors.   Social media is associated with several potential risks 1. Cyberbullying Cyberbullying is a serious form of online abuse. In the online world, cyberbullying can be difficult for children to avoid due to the speed at which information can spread and the ease with which bully and victim roles can interchange. Cyberbullying leads to mental issues and cause children to feel isolated, depressed and even lead to suicidal thoughts. 2. Sleep difficulties Study found that both daytime and bedtime use of electronic devices increases the risk of sleep problems (Reid Chassiakos et al., 2016). Using electronic devices before bedtime or having them in the bedroom can lead to disrupted sleep, which affects daytime performance. Besides, the emission of blue light from screens hinders the production of melatonin, which can result in sleep difficulties. 3. Self-esteem Social media frequently exposes children to images of seemingly flawless lives, which can make children have a misperception of body image, feel inadequate and unworthy. Continuous comparisons to others on social media can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, potentially causing lasting impacts on a child's mental well-being.   Is social media completely bad for a child? Certainly No! While overuse of social media poses risk to children, there are potential benefits too, such as providing a platform for their self-expression and creativity. What’s more important is, parents and caregivers should help to balance the benefits and harms of social media use in kids. Hence, here are some tips for you: 1. Setting limits on screen time Encourage children to take breaks from social media and engage in other activities, such as physical exercise or spending time with friends and family. 2. Monitoring social media use Monitor your child’s online activity and screen for the media exposure to prevent them from being bullied or engaging in risky behavior. 3. Encouraging positive social interactions Educate children to use social media to connect with friends and family in an active way, such as engaging with their posts through liking, commenting, and creating and sharing their own content. This is because study shows that passive use of social media, such as scrolling through content, has been linked to depression (Karim et al., 2020). Thus, what matters most is not how long a child scrolls through social media, but how they actively engage with it.   Are certain children more prone to the risk of social media? According to research, infants and toddlers who have a "difficult" temperament or self-regulation issues are more prone to excessive media use (Reid Chassiakos et al., 2016). Study has shown that those with high levels of neuroticism were more likely to develop social media addiction (Marciano et al., 2022). This is because individuals with high levels of neuroticism typically experience more negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety. To cope with these emotions, they may spend more time using their phones and the internet as a means of relief. As the online environment can provide a sense of security, they can easily express themselves and share their concerns without fear of criticism or rejection. This makes them rely more on online social networking to connect with others and reduce their emotional pain. Genetic testing helps you to discover whether your child has a genetic predisposition towards neuroticism and other personality traits. Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your parenting style to better support your child's emotional and mental well-being from a young age. To learn more on your child's genetic predisposition, check out our Decode Talent DNA Test where you can unleash your child’s inborn traits!   References Bozzola, E., Spina, G., Agostiniani, R., Barni, S., Russo, R., Scarpato, E., ... & Staiano, A. (2022). The use of social media in children and adolescents: Scoping review on the potential risks. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(16), 9960. Chen, W., Wang, X., Sun, S., Liu, Q., & Guo, Z. (2022). The relationship between neuroticism and mobile phone use among college students in love: The masking effect of self-emotional assessment. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. Karim, F., Oyewande, A. A., Abdalla, L. F., Ehsanullah, R. C., & Khan, S. (2020). Social media use and its connection to mental health: a systematic review. Cureus, 12(6). Marciano, L., Camerini, A. L., & Schulz, P. J. (2022). Neuroticism and internet addiction: What is next? A systematic conceptual review. Personality and individual differences, 185, 111260. Moreno, M. A., & Radesky, J. (2023, March 20). Social Media & Your Child’s Mental Health: What the Research Says. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/social-media-and-your-childs-mental-health-what-research-says.aspx Reid Chassiakos, Y. L., Radesky, J., Christakis, D., Moreno, M. A., Cross, C., Hill, D., ... & Swanson, W. S. (2016). Children and adolescents and digital media. Pediatrics, 138(5).   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

  “Provide opportunities for children practice empathy.”     Empathy is one of the few traits that holds human beings together. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, putting oneself in someone else’s shoes, and responding with care and concern. When people are empathetic, there is more peace, kindness, and understanding. Some may believe that empathy is inborn trait, rather that something that can be learned. Children are born with capacity for empathy, but it needs to be nurture throughout their lives.    5 ways to practicing empathy in children: Model Empathetic Behavior: Continuously model empathy in your own interactions with others. Children learn by observing, so your behavior will influence their own practices. Role-playing Scenarios: Set up role-playing scenarios where children can take on different roles and experience situations from various perspectives. This helps them practice responding empathetically. Sharing Circles: During family or classroom discussions, create a sharing circle where can openly talk about their feelings, experiences, and challenges, Encourage active listening and thoughtful responses. Encourage Acts Of Kindness: Prompt children to perform small acts of kindness for others, such as sharing toys, helping with chores, or making cards for friends or family members. Conflict Resolution: When conflict arises, guide children through resolving them empathetically.  Help them understand the feelings and perspectives of everyone involved and find common ground.   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Friendship conflicts are a natural part of growing up. Kids will inevitably experience conflicts with their friends, such as disagreements over sharing toys, conflicting interests or opinions, misunderstandings, or even hurtful words exchanged in the heat of the moment. These conflicts can range from small squabbles to more significant challenges that test the strength of their friendships. While it may seem daunting, these conflicts are actually a natural part of friendship and provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning, as the saying goes:   “Conflict is the beginning of consciousness.”  M. Esther Harding, British-American psychoanalyst.   As parents, we can play a crucial role in teaching our children how to effectively navigate these conflicts, fostering healthier and more resilient friendships. Let’s explore these tips to help you guide your kids in managing conflicts with their friends:   1. Helping Kids to identify and manage their emotions Teach them to recognize and understand emotions like anger and frustration. Encourage them to express their feelings in healthy ways and provide them with techniques to remain calm during heated moments. By developing emotional awareness, children can better understand their own reactions and make more thoughtful choices in conflict situations.   2. Identifying the Root of the Conflict To resolve conflicts effectively, it's essential to identify the underlying cause. Encourage your child to explore the original source of the conflict and dig deeper to understand the root issue. By helping them pinpoint the core problem, they can work towards finding more meaningful solutions rather than merely addressing surface-level disagreements.   3. Brainstorming Solutions Empower your child to develop problem-solving skills by engaging them in brainstorming sessions. Encourage them to generate a variety of potential solutions without judgment. Guide them in evaluating the pros and cons of each option. This process helps foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, allowing them to find mutually beneficial resolutions with their friends.   4. Practicing Effective Communication Effective communication is vital for resolving conflicts. Teach your child the value of using words to express themselves respectfully and honestly. Encourage active listening, which involves understanding and acknowledging the perspectives of others. Encourage your child to ask questions, reflect back on what they hear, and practice open and honest communication with their friends. Journaling can also be a helpful tool for children to explore and express their thoughts and feelings.   5. Encouraging Perspective Shift and Empathy: Sometimes, conflicts persist despite best efforts. If that happens, then it's best for you to encourage your child to take a mental step back and gain a new perspective. Help them understand that one behavior doesn't define an entire person. Teach them empathy by encouraging them to put themselves in their friend's shoes. Additionally, teach them that it's okay to walk away from toxic friendships when necessary, emphasizing that true friendship is based on mutual respect and shared values.   6. Building stronger Friendships with children  Studies have shown that children with high emotional intelligence have an easier time adjusting to and maintaining stronger friendships (Galloway et al., 2006). To better understand your child's emotional intelligence, tools like the Decode Talent DNA Test can provide invaluable insights into their genetic tendencies toward various emotional traits. This allows you to tailor your parenting approach, nurturing their emotional intelligence and skills to navigate conflicts and foster stronger friendships. The best part is, these skills are not limited to childhood but will benefit them throughout their lives in building positive and fulfilling relationships.   Check out our Decode Talent DNA Test and start shaping a personalized parenting plan for your child's development today.      References Garey, J. (2023, March 28). Teaching Kids How to Deal With Conflict. Retrieved May 18, 2023, from https://childmind.org/article/teaching-kids-how-to-deal-with-conflict/ Pruett-Hornbaker, L. (2022, May 17). 5 Ways to Help Kids Handle Disagreements With Friends. Retrieved May 18, 2023, from https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/ways-to-help-kids-handle-disagreements-with-friends Galloway, S. H., Groves, M., & Devonport, T. (2006). Emotional Intelligence and friendship patterns among Sport Studies Students, School of Sport. Performing Arts and Leisure. CELT Learning and Teaching Projects 2005/2006.    A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

In these modern days, most children spend their time on screens. Unlike in the old days, when children were eagerly waiting for 6 pm every evening so that they could go to the playground. These days, children may not be spending time outside due to many reasons. The most obvious reason has to be the domination of gadgets in children. Parents may not see this as an issue for them, in fact, they may feel relieved that they do not need to spend their time outside guarding their children playing. As simple as they may think, letting children play and spend time outside comes with a lot of benefits. Some are:   Physical and Health Development Decrease the risk of Myopia Myopia, sometimes known as short-sightedness, is becoming more prevalent worldwide. By 2050, this vision impairment will impact roughly 4.8 billion people, 2.8 billion more than in 2010. Myopia is a condition where light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing blurred distant vision. This distant vision issue typically arises when the axial length of the eyes grows excessively long from the front to the rear and most commonly occurs when the eyes are still developing in childhood. Myopia can be inherited or caused by specific lifestyle choices, such as spending too much time in front of a screen or performing other close-up jobs. Although people commonly blame this on genetics, genetics by themselves cannot account for this rapidly developing issue. Instead, specialists claim that we have been underestimating how the environment, and the outdoors, affects our eyesight. The eye muscles also require relaxation after long hours of constant use, just like other muscles in the body. Eye muscles relax when you are outside and concentrating on distant objects, especially after spending all day staring at a device or in a classroom. A number of studies have suggested that letting kids play outside can reduce their risk of myopia. One study by Wu encouraged young Taiwanese children to spend more time outside and after a year, students who spent at least 11 hours a week outside had much less axial elongation and myopic shift than those who stayed indoors. Exposure to sunlight When children play outside during the day, they will be exposed to the natural sunlight. Safe play in the sun can supply good nutrients like vitamin D to children.  Additionally, the human brain can tune its ‘biological clock’ by using light cues. So, this can also ensure that children can maintain a healthy sleeping rhythm. A healthy sleeping rhythm is crucial for children to have a good rest and are always energetic and ready to learn, explore, or simply get through their day. However, we still need to take note of not exposing children to excessive amounts of sunlight, as this can lead to skin cancer and other skin problems. Improve motor skills Children develop 2 types of motor skills: 'fine' motor skills and 'gross' motor skills. Fine motor skills engage with smaller muscles of the body such as fingers. Gross motor skills, on the other hand, engage with the larger muscles of the body to coordinate and make larger movements. Fine motor skills let your child make use of small muscles as in their hands or fingers to do activities like holding, grasping, or pinching. They will learn how to use their hands which eventually will help them in bigger daily activities as they grow up such as holding a pencil to write. Gross motor abilities refer to activities like crawling, running, jumping, and throwing that require the use of the bigger muscles in the arms, legs, and torso. You might have noticed that children do not like to remain still, right? This is normal as your child grows up because they are developing their gross motor abilities by constantly making movements and exploring what their muscles can do. It is proven that children who play outside develop and improve their motor skills such as coordination, balance, and agility at a higher level than their "indoor" peers. Outdoor play encourages children to move in ways that strengthen their bones, muscles, and physical strength when they do activities that trigger their motor skills such as playing catch and run, kicking a ball, or climbing the stairs to go down on a slide. Help children stay fit and prevent diseases Not just adults, children also need cardiovascular exercise to maintain good health. Your child usually has more room and freedom to make large actions like running, jumping, kicking, and throwing when they are outside. These kinds of physical activities are beneficial for your child's physical growth and fitness. This can also prevent children from suffering from obesity since the prevalence of obesity among children is worrying. Children who spend more time outside being active are less likely to become obese since they are being energetic getting rid of the calories. Obesity has many awaiting health complications in the long run. Some of these complications are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or asthma. Children exposed to outdoor play from an early age are more likely to have the awareness to take care of their health and fitness when they grow up. Besides being fit to efficiently carry out daily activities, this may also develop their interest in participating in sports. In fact, Children are advised to exercise at least an hour every day. Of course, they can exercise indoors but getting them to play outside will certainly encourage and excite them to actively play, which can also be a form of exercise for them.   Intellectual Development Improving children’s five senses Children who spend time indoors watching TV or playing mobile games usually use only two out of five of their senses which are hearing and sight senses. On the contrary, children who spend time playing outside have more chances to utilize more of their senses. While playing, they see, hear, touch, smell, and perhaps, even taste. This can enhance their ability to respond to and process the sensory stimuli they encounter. Helps children in learning new words and concept Hands-on learning is one type of learning that can help children in understanding new words. Especially words related to the things that they can experience physically such as words related to movements or textures. A study revealed that it is much easier to understand what is meant by “squish” if you experience and feel mud squishing through your fingers. Children are more likely to learn and understand the concept of certain words by experiencing it on their own. Therefore, going outdoors can broaden their sensory experience and develop an intuitive knowledge of how things work.   Social Development Contribute to social and communication skills A study shows that children who spend their time mostly outdoors are more socially expressive, which means they are able to verbalize their ideas and desires. They will also have a low tendency to have any problems fitting in and playing with others. Playing together requires teamwork which helps contribute to a positive peer-to-peer relationship. In addition, interacting with other children while they are having fun outdoors indirectly contributes to the development of their social skills. While playing, of course, they will be talking to each other, this also helps to hone their communication skills as well. Instill good behavior When children play outside, they might also encounter other children’s parents and other individuals as well. This can introduce them to valuable social lessons. Some grown-ups may display good behavior, for example, turn-taking and being compromised towards others. Children, with their nature of imitating what they see or hear around them, will be influenced and eventually follow the good behaviors modeled. Furthermore, children who play outdoors have more self-awareness and compassion toward others. Studies showed that children who play outdoors have less tendency to be a bully. Boost self-confidence  Being used to having interactions and socializing with other people from a young age will benefit children in the future. As they grow up, they will be familiar with the situation with crowds and strangers and will always be confident to communicate and socialize. Crowded situations and meeting new people can be overwhelming for some people and make them become socially awkward. However, this is not the case for children who have been exposed to such situations from young. So dear readers, by now it is clear that letting children play outside brings benefits to them in not just one aspect, but holistically. It covers and prepares them for their growing years. So, it is important for you to let your child explore, discover and experience new things during their outdoor playing activities, which can contribute to nourishing and nurturing their potential talents and abilities. To find out more about your child’s talents and abilities, the Decode Talent DNA Test will get you covered! Please visit www.agtgenetics.com for more information.   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Intelligence. This is a word that I'm sure everyone has heard of. But what does it actually imply and how does it affect an individual? Researchers developed an IQ test to measure how well someone can use information and reasoning to answer questions or make predictions. IQ tests measure short-term and long-term memory and how quickly one can solve puzzles and recall information. It helps researchers check whether they are testing for the same “kind” of intelligence or different. In short, intelligence is the ability to derive knowledge, learn from experience, adapt to the environment, comprehend, and correctly apply cognition and reason in a psychological context. However, it does not encapsulate the complexity of the mind. Folks often believe that video games rot a kid's mind, making them passive resulting in poor social skills, but a new study argues that the opposite could be true. Children actually might get a brain boost from playing video games. Many people claim that video games make you smarter. However, intelligence is a broad concept, and we don’t know what effect video games have on it. Even then, lots of research have shown that video games can have a tangible impact on cognition,  particularly "action" video games and it improves cognitive performance in a wide range of ways (Green & Seitz, 2015). Video games are commonly believed as a time-killing activity, but you will be amazed to realize that they have favorable advantages.   Do you know that video games can help you enhance your manual dexterity, increase your brain's grey matter, and strengthen your problem-solving skills? Video games can improve manual dexterity  Manual dexterity or fine motor ability is the coordination of small muscles in movement with the eyes, hands, and fingers. The neurological system is linked to the various levels of manual dexterity that individuals possess. Fine motor abilities contribute to the development of intelligence and continue to develop throughout the stages of human development. In a study involving a group of surgeons, researchers found that those who played video games were faster at performing advanced procedures and made 37 percent fewer mistakes than those who didn’t (Dobnik, 2004). This proves that controller-based games can be great for your hands. Video games can boost and improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times. Video games can increase your brain’s grey matter Muscle control, memories, perception, and spatial navigation are all associated with gray matter. Gaming enables the brain to be more responsive when it comes to reporting new data. Gaming is primarily mental training that is disguised as entertainment. Smarter people are more likely to become addicted to video games because they may not be challenged enough at school or work, and video games fill that void. According to studies from Nature and Science Alert, playing video games on a daily basis may increase grey matter in the brain, and improves brain connectivity, which aids memory development. As a result, it improves players' memory capacity. Games can teach you to be a better problem-solver and decision maker Children who played strategy-based games improved their problem-solving skills and consequently tended to obtain better marks the next school year, according to a long-term study published in 2013, proving that gaming has an impact on intelligence. The majority of video games necessitate a significant amount of problem-solving. Various games, on the other hand, necessitate different types of problem-solving. Video games, particularly action games, necessitate immediate, on-the-fly decision-making. Gamers with a lot of experience can make quick judgments under pressure. Since video games boost critical thinking and reflective learning capacity, they also improve communication skills, resourcefulness, and flexibility. Not only do video games provide many benefits but they also give positive effects on attention, determination, and mental health.   Below are some examples of the positive effects of playing video games: Effect of video games on attention Green and Bavelier discovered that action video games improve attention control. Most action games demand that the player maintains a laser-like focus on specific elements or characters. As a result, action games significantly improve selective attention, or the ability to focus on a single stimulus. This appears to provide the greatest perceptual and attentional benefits. Effects of video games on the determination It motivates you to be more persistent because, in video games, you either win or keep trying until you attain your objective, learning from your mistakes as you go. As a result, some researchers and academics say that video games could teach people to be more self-assured and to work toward their goals, treating each failure as an opportunity to learn. Effect of video games on mental health Some video games have been proven in studies to improve mood and heart rhythms, indicating that they may also effectively relieve stress. Numerous unrelated research has shown a link between video games and stress, which is why video games have been utilized in therapies for over a decade. However, with the good comes the bad. Although the benefits and positive effects of video games on the intellect have been covered, playing video games for long periods of time can also have negative consequences. Too much screen time can affect sleep, well-being, and academic performance. Therefore, gaming and other physical activities must be managed accordingly by parents. Gaming should always be done in moderation. Intelligence is a broad topic to be discussed. But in this write-up, we can come to an agreement that video games make you smarter in the aspects of cognition, memory, and problem-solving skill and how video games have positive effects on them. This is evident when gamers tend to rank higher for these cognitive abilities than the rest of the population. To learn more about your child's potential and abilities, check out our Decode Talent DNA Test where you can unleash your child’s inborn potential! ​   References Anish Dube, MD, MPH, associate professor, psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of  Medicine and Science, Los Angeles; Karolinska Institute, news release, May 12, 2022; Damon Korb, MD, director, Center for Developing Minds, Los Gatos, Ca.; Scientific Reports, May 12, 2022 Crew, B. (2018, December 8). Gamers have more grey matter and better brain connectivity, research suggests. ScienceAlert. Retrieved July 26, 2022, from https://www.sciencealert.com/gamers-have-more-grey-matter-and-better-brain-connectivity-st    udy-suggests-2018 Dobnik, V. (2004, April 7). Surgeons may err less by playing video games. NBCNews. Retrieved June 17, 2022, from https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4685909  Editor. (2022, February 1). Benefits of video games for Kids & Adults. GEICO Living. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.geico.com/living/home/technology/9-reasons-to-give-video-games-a-try/  Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2012). Learning, attentional control, and action video games. Current biology: CB, 22(6), R197–R206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2012.02.012 Green, C. S., & Seitz, A. R. (2015). The Impacts of Video Games on Cognition (and How the Government Can Guide the Industry). Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 2(1), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1177/2372732215601121 Kabir, L. (n.d.). Video games make you smarter: Backed up by research. Healthy Gamer. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.healthygamer.gg/blog/video-games-make-you-smarter-backed-up-by-research#:~:text=Video%20games%20increase%20your%20attention,cognitive%20abilities%20that%20society%20values.  Kühn, S., Gleich, T., Lorenz, R. et al. Playing Super Mario induces structural brain plasticity: gray matter changes resulting from training with a commercial video game. Mol Psychiatry 19, 265–271 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/mp.2013.120 Thompson, D. (2022, May 19). Could video games boost A child's intelligence? WebMD. Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/children/news/20220519/could-video-games-boost-a-childs-intelligence   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Parents are always on the lookout for their child's gifts. "Is my child gifted in math, music, sports, or arts?" is a common thought, be it consciously or subconsciously. Most parents, if not all, would wish for their child to have a special talent. While that may be the case, what's more to know about the talents of children? Talent can be defined as a natural ability that one is an expert in. It is extremely important that we identify and nurture it from the very beginning. “Creativity follows mastery, so mastery of skills is the first priority for young talent.” This is believed by Benjamín Bloom who was an American educational psychologist who made contributions to the classification of educational and Co-curriculum objectives. According to Benjamín Bloom, if a child’s talent is achieved successfully, teachers’ and parents’ fundamental duties of teaching basic skills and subject matter can be immensely rewarding. Discovering and cultivating unique talents in children and young people, and watching those students and their talents grow are among the great joys of teaching.   Stages of Talents Development Children go through distinct periods of development as they grow from infants to young adults. During each of these stages, multiple changes in the development of the brain are taking place. What occurs and when approximately these developments transpire are genetically determined. According to David Henry Feldman, a college professor, who researches the growth and development of children, there are 4 stages of talent development through the ages.  4 to 10 years of age – During this stage, children explore and observe the environment to expand their mind.   10 to 13 years of age – Their talents begin to develop with the help and guidance of their teachers and role models. Competition and praise play an important role in their talent development.  13 to 18 years of age – Children learn that dedication and commitment are necessary for the development of their talent. They learn their responsibility and the needed sacrifice to grow.  18+ of their years – This stage marks the period where children decide to instill their talent as the choice of their career in the future.     Discovering the Talents of a Child However, despite the Talent Development Stages that demonstrate how children develop their talents as time passes by, not many children reach their full potential. Even if a child has high potential or talents, they may not reach their full potential unless full support is offered from their parents and teachers who can teach, shape and guide them. Parents and teachers are tremendous role models that help shape the behavior of the child. Children especially in their early ages are dependent on parents and teachers to help set their goals and cultivate diligence to achieve them. The first thing that parents should take note of is to identify what talents they have.  Typically, identifying a child’s interests can start as early as 3 to 4 years of age. There are several ways to identify a child’s special talent to help children be better prepared in the near future according to Dwight Bain, an executive coach and mental health counselor.   Ways to Identify a Child’s Special Talent Observation of their lifestyle: Parents ought to pay attention and observe what their children are doing in their free time and what type of activities they are interested in. Parents should also join in and engage with what their children are doing to have a better understanding. Academic achievement: Academic performance can help show which subjects a child is good in so that parents can have a rough idea of  the field of interest the child has.  The media children consume: Observing what children like to watch on television or online can help identify your child’s interest.  Consult children’s teachers: Teachers spend a lot of time with children, so they ought to possess a vast awareness of your child's skills, abilities, advantages, and disadvantages, especially with regard to their academic performance. Having timely conversations with children’s teachers can certainly help identify their unique talents. Listen to what your child is curious about Take ample time to listen to children. If there are any topics your child is interested in, he or she will ask these questions more often than usual. It is important for parents to engage with them and provide the answers to these questions to expand their knowledge and cultivate their interest. This process of interest goes on throughout their childhood when they develop and gain more experience in their field of interest. Children cannot ignite and develop their talent over time on their own. Only when parents are aware of their child’s interest, the right support, be it financial, time, and advice can be provided.   Tips for Development Progress Start early  Children should be exposed to a variety of activities as early as the age of 3 to 4 years old. Parents are responsible to encourage their children to engage in the activities they have an interest in. Parents can be great mentors or coaches themselves when they join their kids in the activities they enjoy. Practice makes perfect Having talents is tremendously useful, but it is not enough to succeed. It takes effort, time, emotional, well-being, and strength to tap into the gifts your child has in order to succeed Setting a Target Setting up a future goal and target that the child wants to achieve can help motivate them to achieve bigger goals in the near future. It also keeps them focused on their passion. Cultivate a growing mindset When a child has achieved their goals, they have to understand that they are not perfect, thus the need to continue striving to be better. Likewise, when a goal is not achieved, children need to be trained to have grit and a mindset of determination and perseverance. To succeed, one must meet many hardships and failures, just as ice hockey player Wayne Gretzkyp puts it, ‘You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take’. Regardless of the myriad of fields out there, it is important for children to be exposed to them to enable them to see where their interest falls into. Talent development starts with its identification, and talent identification starts first and foremost with parents.    References Armstrong, P. (2016). Bloom’s taxonomy. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Bain, D. (2009). Destination Success. Revell. Gagne, F. (1991). “Toward a Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent.” In Handbook of Gifted Education, edited by N. Colangelo and G. A. Davis, pp. 65-80. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Early life experiences can exert a huge effect on both of the brain development and behavioural development; while the latter experience also plays an important role in maintaining and elaborating, which is important in establishing a solid foundation for development after early stages (Fox, Levitt & Nelson, 2010). For example, the learning experience of a child will shape a child’s behaviour and personality as well as how the child’s brain grows and develops.  ​These are the three major theories explained how children learn: Classical conditioning, Operant conditioning, and Observational learning. These theories deal only with observable behaviours and purely focus on how experience shapes who we are instead of considering internal thoughts or feelings (Cherry, 2020). Classical Conditioning: Type of learning that automatic conditioned response is paired with a specific stimulus, in order to produce a behavioural response known as a conditioned response (Jamie, 2020). To make this a bit more concrete, let’s use a classic experiment as an example. Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist discovered over time that, dogs were salivating not only when their food was presented to them, but when the people who fed them arrived. In order to test his theory that the dogs were salivating because they were associating the people with being fed, he began ringing a bell and then presenting the food so they’d associate the sound with food. These dogs learned to associate the bell ringing with food, causing their mouths to salivate whenever the bell rang, not just when they encountered the food (Clark, 2004). Children learn in much the same way, developing associations between things in their environment and potential consequences. For example, an infant might quickly start to associate the sight of a baby bottle with being fed. Or when a child sees needle, he or she will immediately associate the needle with pain and cry at the sight of it. Operant Conditioning: Type of learning that when a behaviour is rewarded, the chances that the same behaviour is likely to occur again. When a behaviour is punished, the chance of the same behaviour is less likely to occur again. In other words, it is a set of learning techniques that utilizes reinforcement and punishment to either increase or decrease a behaviour (Grant, 2014). For example, whenever a child goes to bed on time, his parent reads him a bedtime story. The story reading is a positive reinforcement used to increase his child’s behaviour which is going to bed on time. Observational Learning: A process of learning through watching others, retaining the information, and then later replicating the behaviours that were observed. It can take place at any point in life, but it tends to be the most common during childhood as children learn from the authority figures and peers in their lives. For example, a child watches his mother folding the laundry. He later picks up some clothing and imitates folding the clothes. It also plays an important role in the socialization process, as children learn how to behave and respond to others by observing how their parents and other caregivers interact with other people. Therefore, it is important to ensure that children are observing the right kind of behaviour, and parents have to be sure that their children are learning how to act responsibly by modelling good behaviours and appropriate responses.  In addition to the types of learning that happen in a day-to-day basis, there are also other experiences that play a role in shaping a child’s development such as their peers like kids at the playground, neighbourhood and school. Children are very influenced Besides that, teachers and classmates play a major role in making up a child's experiences, and academics and learning also leave their mark on development (Osher, Kendiziora, Spier, and Garibaldi, 2014). Because genetics and the environment are always interacting in a dynamic way. A child's genetic background will influence his ability to learn, hence, good educational experiences can enhance these abilities. Other than that, the culture that a child grows up and lives in has also played a role in how a child develops. For example, a child who raised in individualistic cultures might help on developing the autonomy and self-esteem; in the opposite, a child who raised in collectivist cultures tend to express higher levels of sadness, fear and discomfort (Putnam & Gartstein, 2019). Thus, we can see how genetics, environmental influences, and parenting styles are interacting in a child’s development. Each part of our life plays an important role in shaping our behaviour and personality as well as determining what kind of person will be in the future.   References Blazevic, I. (2016). Family, peer and school influence on children's social development. World J Educ. 6(2), 42-49. http://doi.org/10.5430/wje.v6n2p42 Cherry, K. (2020). Child Development Theories and Examples. Verywellmind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/child-development-theories-2795068 Clark, R. E. (2004). The classical origins of Pavlov’s conditioning. Integrative Physiological & Behavioral Science. 39, 279-294. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02734167 Fox, S. E., Levitt, P., Nelson, C. A. (2010). How the timing and quality of early experiences influence the development of brain architecture. Child Dev. 81(1):28–40. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01380.x Grant, D. A. (2014). Classical and Operant Conditioning. In: Categories of Human Learning. Elsevier. 1-31. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4832-3145-7.50006-6 Jamie, E. (2020). Classical Conditioning and How It Relates to Pavlov’s Dog. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/classical-conditioning Osher, D., Kendiziora, K., Spier, E., Garibaldi, M. L. (2014). School influences on child and youth development. In: Sloboda Z, Petras H, eds., Defining Prevention science. New York, NY: Springer. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7424-2_7 Putnam, S. & Gartstein, M. A. (2019). How different cultures shape children’s personalities in different ways. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-different-cultures-shape-childrens-personalities-in-different-ways/2019/01/11/1c059a92-f7de-11e8-8d64-4e79db33382f_story.html   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

As we all know, the inherited genes from our parents influence everything from height, eyes colour, hair colour and other physical characteristics, to intelligence, behavioural patterns and personality traits. Who we are today is shaped by our genetic background as well as environmental influences. Most researchers agree that a complex interaction of both nature and nurture is involved in a child's development (Levitt, 2013). The complex interaction of both nature and nurture does not just occur at a particular moment or throughout periods of time, rather it is a persistent and a lifelong process (Cherry, 2020).​ Therefore, it is important for parents, caregivers, and even educators to understand the science behind our children’s genetics in order to nurture them to their full potential, healthiest and happiest selves. ​The very beginning of a child's development starts when the male reproductive cell, a sperm, combines with the female reproductive cell, an ovum. Each sperm and ovum contains chromosomes that act as a blueprint for human life (Ludlow & Gutierrez, 2014). These chromosomes contain genes that are made up of a chemical structure known as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) which consist of genetic codes that make up all of life. All cells in the body consist of 46 chromosomes, while the sperm and ovum each consists only 23 chromosomes (Ludlow & Gutierrez, 2014). This is to ensure that the new organism has the correct 46 chromosomes when both the cells fuse. The genes that a person have inherited are referred to as a genotype; while a phenotype refers to how the genes are actually expressed. For instances, phenotypes include physical traits like height and eyes colour, as well as non-physical traits like personality traits, such as extroversion (Ludlow & Gutierrez, 2014).   ​There are two types of interactions that determine how a gene is expressed, which are Genetic Interaction and Gene-Environment Interaction. Genetic Interaction refers to a phenomenon where two or more genes affects the expression of each other in various ways in the development of a single character of an organism (Shinde, 2015). In other words, genes can sometimes contain conflicting information, and in most cases, one gene will win the battle for dominance (Cherry, 2020). The eye colour is one example of dominant-recessive genes pattern. If one parent inherits a dominant brown eye gene while the other parent inherits a recessive blue eye gene, the dominant gene will win out and the child will have brown eyes (Cherry, 2020). Gene-Environment Interaction is referred to as the environment that a child is exposed to since young. Even in the uterus of the mother, the genes expressed will be impacted. For example, height is a good example of how genetic traits are influenced by environmental factors. While a genetic code of a child may indicate height, if the child has poor nutrition or chronic illness, those factors might affect him in growing tall (Jelenkovic, 2016). Genetic code might also go off course sometimes. The genetic abnormalities occur when the zygote have an uneven number of chromosomes. For example, the number of chromosomes might divide unevenly and caused the organism to have more or less than the normal 23 chromosomes, when the sperm and the ovum is combined. ​ ​Evidently, genetic influences have a huge impact on child development. Nevertheless, genes are not the only determinant of a child’s future, environmental factors like parenting, education, culture as well as social relationships also play an important role.    References Cherry, K. (2020). How Genes Influence Child Development. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/genes-and-development-2795114 Jelenkovic A., Sund, R., Hur, Y. M., et al. (2016). Genetic and environmental influences on height from infancy to early adulthood: An individual-based pooled analysis of 45 twin cohorts. Sci Rep 6:28496. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1038/srep28496 Levitt, M. (2013). Perceptions of nature, nurture and behaviour. Life Sci Soc Policy. 9:13. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1186/2195-7819-9-13 Ludlow, A. & Gutierrez, R. (2014). Developmental Psychology. 52. Lynch, M. (2019). The Impact of Genetics on Child Development. Retrieved from https://www.theedadvocate.org/the-impact-of-genetics-on-child-development/ Shinde, H. S. (2015). Gene Interaction. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/harshrajshinde1/gene-interaction   A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!  

Do you think you are giving the best to your children? Wanting the best for our children is the motivation to parents’ day to day relentless and hard work. Years and decades spent in earning money, not just to raise a child up, but to raise a child well. Parents send children to the best schools, the best tuition centres, the best enrichment programmes, the best holiday camps, the best one-to-one personal tutor et cetera. Apart from educational or developmental avenues, a lot of money is spent in the process such as learning resources like books, musical instruments, uniforms, events or trips, transportation and the list goes on. Parents no doubt want the best for their children. We want them to be the best they can ever be, and take up the heavy burden willingly and unconditionally to pave the way of security, success and happiness for our children. But is this really the best? ​If the above description sounds like you, it is time to pause and think and ask yourselves “What is really the best for my children?”. It is common to hear parents say “I want my child to be happy ultimately”, “I want them to enjoy doing what they like” or “I want them to pursue their dreams”, but the question is how do we as parents get there? The problem is we assume that we know what is best for our child. We think the solution is to give them everything we can get our hands on. Endless hours of tuition, art classes, interpersonal skills development, sports activities, you name it! No doubt these are good for some children, but are they necessarily good for your children?   Your Child does not need everything Everything is too much for your child. Realistically speaking, there is no way a child can excel in anything and everything. We know that, yet out of our loving concern for them, we send them to all the classes to hone every aspect of their lives. As a result, instead of achieving our good intentions, children may be impacted negatively. Though this may not be the case for everybody, studies have shown that high expectations from parents, educators and students themselves to perform excellently in their academics can be a source of heighten stress among students (Tan and Yates, 2011). By putting too much pressure on children, their mental health is negatively affected. Mental health relates to major issues such as depression, anxiety and stress which are growing in prevalence (Lee and Syaid, 2017). Reports from the National Health and Morbidity Survey in 2012 and 2017 reported a rise of suicidal ideation, plan and actual attempts among Malaysian youths as young as 13 to 17 years old (Institute for Public Health, 2017; Institute for Public Health, 2012). It was also discovered that 1 in 5 adolescents are depressed, 2 in 5 are anxious and 1 in 10 are stressed (Institute for Public Health, 2017). One underlying cause for mental health issues are academic and environmental factors, which consequently impair one’s development, productivity and poor achievement in learning. With your child’s mental health affected, it becomes difficult for your child to develop his or her potential (Lee and Syaid, 2017).   Your child needs a push into the right direction. Every child is unique. Rather than helping your child excel in everything which is obviously not feasible, what they really need is proper guidance to what they are naturally good at. Instead of aiming blindly and diverting your attention and theirs, parents should devote and dedicate all resources into areas that they have potential in. By doing this, parents can save plenty of time and money in the long run. At the meantime, you take the heavy stressful workload off your children’s shoulders and provide much room for them to enjoy their passions. Research has shown that children learn better in a positive environment whereby both their developmental and social needs are met (Willis, 2007; Smith, et al., 2016). Enjoyment in a learning institution also reinforces their academic aspiration, which subsequently improve their health and academic performance (Smith, et al., 2016). Joy in learning also leads to improved information processing and long-term memory storage. A pleasurable learning experience releases a neurotransmitter known as dopamine which stimulates the brain’s memory centre to release acetylcholine which aids in prolonging attention span. On the other hand, stress, boredom, lack of motivation, confusion ​and anxiety hinders your child’s learning experience (Willis, 2007). But the question remains: “How do we know our children’s interest as early as their infant years?”.   Giving them the best by knowing your children. Children development starts as early as their infant years. The first few years are a critical developmental period for the optimal growth. Yet, knowing your children takes time, it takes years as they grow and learn.  Conventionally, parents use old-fashioned trial and error methods to find what works best with their children.  When early stage of life is so critical that we cannot afford losing the opportunity, how then can we know our children since young? The answer lies in their DNA. DNA are genetic molecules that everybody inherits from their parents and it functions to code for proteins and cells in your body, in other words, it makes up who you are as a fully functional and amazing person! Your hair is a certain colour because your DNA “instructs” it so, your body creates enzymes in your stomach because your DNA determines so, and the applications are endless. Needless to say, your child’s DNA can inform you about their developmental traits in as many as 5 key areas such as their talents, Intelligence quotient (IQ), Emotional quotient (EQ), Personality and Overall Wellness. These “hidden” information stored in their DNA allows you to make focused decisions in building him or her up, by navigating their learning processes or choices wisely. By knowing their strengths and weaknesses, you can take early measures to curb the foreseen challenges they will face, while enhancing their potential, all these being done in a positive stress-free environment. A deep understanding about your child’s nature empowers you to make parenting decision tailored for their needs, enable you to nurture them well and truly give them the best that they deserved. Understand your child’s DNA today with Absolute Genetic Technologies’ Decode Talent DNA Test (DTDT) today!