Everyone is looking for that secret little pill or drink that will make losing weight more effective and easy. Let me firstly tell you that only through proper diet and exercise will losing weight and keeping the weight off really work. Many people question if green tea should be used as a dietary supplement in boosting one’s weight loss and helping suppress one’s hunger.

Green Tea is very beneficial for health as it has undergone minimal oxidation during making. This tea basically originates from China, however now it has become extremely popular in many other Asian and European countries because of its proclaimed herbal qualities. Doctors even claim that regular consumption of green tea helps in minimizing the risk of heart disease and many kinds of cancer. However, the most widespread use of Green tea is done to treat obesity.

If you check the contents of many popular diet pills, you’ll see “green tea” or “green tea extract” listed as one of the ingredients. The reason diet pills use green tea is that the green tea helps you lose weight. Of course it won’t be “20 pounds in one week” or other nonsense that marketing companies like to claim, but green tea has been scientifically proven to burn calories and block fat absorption. Green tea is a decent fat burner and can be found in many over the counter supplements today.

How does green tea work and will it be effective in your weight loss goals?

• Green tea is a Power Antioxidant. Some researchers have suggested that green tea is 200 more times effective than vitamin E. That’s right, 200 more times effective in burning fat for weight loss.
• Green tea may be used as a Sugar Regulator also known as a glucose regulator. What this means in a sense is that taking green tea slows down the rise in blood sugar following a meal.
• One is that green tea has helped aid weight loss by increasing the heart rate, causing a Greater Calorie Burn. Green tea may also inhibit fatty acid synthase. What this means is that green tea takes the fatty acid synthase and turns the carbs into fat. There have been studies conducted on animals that show that this breakdown of fatty acid synthase can lead to weight loss.
• Green tea has also been shown to burn fat and Lower LDL levels (that’s “bad” cholesterol) as well as Triglyceride levels.

Food (including sugar and fat) is synthesized into a substance called “triglyceride” in the liver and small intestine. It is then carried into the bloodstream to other tissues in the body. Triglyceride is used as source of energy for life support and physical activities, and is very necessary. The problem comes about when there are excess amounts of triglyceride, because then it’s turned into fat which subsequently causes obesity.

That’s where green tea comes in. It contains high amounts of polyphenols which activate the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving excess triglyceride. In the long run, this means that green tea effectively aids in burning fat.

• Now, not to raise one’s hopes that just taking green tea alone will allow for weight loss, it is important that we remember we must exercise in order to effectively take the weight off. Green tea’s true effects are very minimal at best and the effects can truly only be seen with the right diet and exercise program.
• Green Tea Helps You Exercise Longer. Everyone knows how important exercise is to losing weight. It burns calories, increases your energy, and builds muscle which in turn boosts your metabolism even higher. The catechin polyphenols in green tea appear to stimulate the use of fatty acids by liver and muscle cells. This subsequently reduces the rate that carbohydrates are used and allows for more endurance and longer exercise times. More endurance means more exercise, which means more calories burned, and it all adds up to more pounds lost for you.

The next question you probably have is how green tea works as power antioxidant and glucose regulator possible. Well, let me explain. Green tea slows down the process by amylase which is a digestive enzyme. This enzyme is important because this enzyme breaks down the carbs that can cause your blood sugar to peak after having a meal

How To Use Green Tea?

In order to derive the benefits from Green Tea, you need to use the green tea in a proper way. On a general you should use 2.25 grams of tea per 150 gm of water, or about one teaspoon of green tea per cup water. Green Tea is preferably brewed in an earthen pot with its lid covered. Timings for brewing Green tea depend upon the quality of the tea. High quality tea needs to be brewed for less time while low quality tea require a little more time to brew.

How Much Of Green Tea Is Enough?

Now when you have understood all the benefits of Green tea and its use, the million dollar question is that how much of green tea should you use daily? Now different scholars answer it differently. Some Chinese homeopathic practitioner asks to consume about 10 cups a day while many other tell to limit the use to 2 to 3 cups a day. On an average, extracts of all the results say that it is best to consume about 4 to 5 eight ounce cups of green tea per day for maximum weight loss and health benefits..

I advise that you always consult with a doctor before beginning any type of diet or exercise regimen. As with any supplement, there are risks. With green tea, the biggest risk is increased heart rate or feeling shaky. If this occurs, stop taking green tea or limit the amount of green tea you are taking and consult a doctor. All the best !!!

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that’s harmless to most people. But in someone with an allergy, the body’s immune system treats the substance (called an allergen) as an invader and reacts inappropriately, resulting in symptoms that can be anywhere from annoying to possibly harmful to the person.

In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system of the allergic person produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Those antibodies then cause mast cells and basophiles (allergy cells in the body) to release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to defend against the allergen “invader.”

It’s the release of these chemicals that causes allergic reactions, affecting a person’s eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract as the body attempts to rid itself of the invading allergen. Future exposure to that same allergen (things like nuts or pollen that you can be allergic to) will trigger this allergic response again. This means every time the person eats that particular food or is exposed to that particular allergen, he or she will have an allergic reaction.

Who Gets Allergies?

The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary, which means it can be passed down through your genes. However, just because you, your partner, or one of your children might have allergies doesn’t mean that all of your kids will definitely get them, too. And someone usually doesn’t inherit a particular allergy, just the likelihood of having allergies.

But a few kids have allergies even if no family member is allergic. A child who is allergic to one substance is likely to be allergic to others as well.

How the Allergies Progress in Children?

Allergies present in different ways in different age groups. In infants and young children, allergic disease occurs as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or as food allergies. Children with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of developing allergies and asthma, which are more likely to occur in the toddler years to school-age. This pattern of progression from one form of allergic disease to another is referred to as the “atopic march”. Atopic is a term that physicians use to mean that someone is allergic to various things (foods, environmental triggers such as pollens, molds and pet dander, for example).

Typically Atopic Dermatitisis the earliest manifestation of allergies, is seen in 10 to 20 percent of all children, and frequently seen during infancy. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is characterized by itching, with rash formation at the sites of scratching. The rash is typically red and dry, may have small blisters, and can flake and ooze over time.

In infants and very young children, this rash involves the face (especially the cheeks), chest and trunk, back of the scalp and may involve the arms and legs. This distribution reflects where the child is able to scratch, and therefore usually spares the diaper area. The location of the rash changes in older children to classically involve the skin in front of the elbows and behind the knees. Food and environmental allergies have been shown to worsen atopic dermatitis.

Common Airborne Allergens

Some of the most common things people are allergic to are airborne (carried through the air):

Dust mites are one of the most common causes of allergies. These microscopic insects live all around us and feed on the millions of dead skin cells that fall off our bodies every day. Dust mites are the main allergic component of house dust, which is made up of many particles and can contain things such as fabric fibers and bacteria, as well as microscopic animal allergens. Dust mites are present year-round in most parts of the United States (although they don’t live at high altitudes), and live in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.

Pollen is another major cause of allergies (most people know pollen allergy as hay fever or rose fever). Trees, weeds, and grasses release these tiny particles into the air to fertilize other plants. Pollen allergies are seasonal, and the type of pollen a child is allergic to determines when symptoms will occur. For example, in the mid-Atlantic states, tree pollination begins in February and lasts through May, grass from May through June, and ragweed from August through October; so people with these allergies are likely to experience increased symptoms during those times.

Pollen counts measure how much pollen is in the air and can help people with allergies determine how bad their symptoms might be on any given day. Pollen counts are usually higher in the morning and on warm, dry, breezy days, whereas they’re lowest when it’s chilly and wet. Although not always exact, the local weather report’s pollen count can be helpful when planning outside activities.

Molds, another common allergen, are fungi that thrive both indoors and out in warm, moist environments. Outdoors, molds may be found in poor drainage areas, such as in piles of rotting leaves or compost piles. Indoors, molds thrive in dark, poorly ventilated places such as bathrooms and damp basements, and in clothes hampers or under kitchen sinks. A musty odor suggests mold growth. Although molds tend to be seasonal, many can grow year-round, especially those indoors.

 Pet allergens from warm-blooded animals can cause problems for kids and parents alike. When the animal — often a household pet — licks itself, the saliva gets on its fur or feathers. As the saliva dries, protein particles become airborne and work their way into fabrics in the home. Cats are the worst offenders because the protein from their saliva is extremely tiny and they tend to lick themselves more than other animals as part of grooming. Pet allergens are also present in dander, hair, and urine.

Cockroaches are also a major household allergen, especially in inner cities. Exposure to cockroach-infested buildings may be a major cause of the high rates of asthma in inner-city kids.

Common Food Allergens

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that up to 2 million, or 8%, of kids in the United States are affected by food allergies, and that eight foods account for most of those food allergy reactions in kids: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat.

Cow’s milk (or cow’s milk protein). Between 1% and 7.5% of infants are allergic to the proteins found in cow’s milk and cow’s milk-based formulas. About 80% of formulas on the market are cow’s milk-based. Cow’s milk protein allergy (also called formula protein allergy) means that the infant (or child or adult) has an abnormal immune system reaction to proteins found in the cow’s milk used to make standard baby formulas, cheeses, and other milk products. Milk proteins can also be a hidden ingredient in many prepared foods.

Eggs. One of the most common food allergies in infants and young children, egg allergy can pose many challenges for parents. Because eggs are used in many of the foods kids eat — and in many cases they’re “hidden” ingredients — an egg allergy is hard to diagnose. An egg allergy usually begins when kids are very young, but most outgrow the allergy by age 5. Most kids with an egg allergy are allergic to the proteins in egg whites, but some can’t tolerate proteins in the yolk.

Seafood and shellfish. The proteins in seafood can cause a number of different types of allergic reactions. Seafood allergy is one of the more common adult food allergies and one that you don’t always grow out of.

Peanuts and tree nuts. Peanuts are one of the most severe food allergens, often causing life-threatening reactions. About 1.5 million people in the United States are allergic to peanuts. (Peanuts are not a true nut, but a legume — in the same family as peas and lentils, although people with peanut allergy don’t usually have cross-reactions to other legumes). Half of those allergic to peanuts are also allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and often sunflower and sesame seeds. Like seafood allergy, peanut allergy is one you don’t always grow out of.

 Soy. Like peanuts, soybeans are legumes. Soy allergy is more prevalent among babies than older children; about 30% to 40% of infants who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to the protein in soy formulas. Soy proteins, such as soya, are often a hidden ingredient in prepared foods.

 Wheat. Wheat proteins are found in many of the foods we eat — some are more obvious than others. As with any allergy, an allergy to wheat can happen in different ways and to different degrees. Although wheat allergy is often confused with celiac disease, there is a difference. Celiac disease is caused by sensitivity to gluten, which is found in wheat, oat, rye, and barley. It typically develops between 6 months and 2 years of age and the sensitivity causes damage to the small intestine in a different way to the usual allergic reaction.

 Nuts are a common allergen among children and they can cause one of the more severe, even life-threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis. Only about 6 percent of all children have clinically diagnosed food allergies. This number is rather small, but food intolerance, which presents itself much like a food allergy, adds to the public perception that this is a major issue. While the medical difference is quite different, the solution to a food allergy and intolerance is to remove the culprit food from you or your child’s diet.

 Food allergies can be very dangerous and early detection is critical to managing them and the health of your child. Any family history of food allergies should be discussed between you and your spouse and with your healthcare provider prior to introducing solid foods to your baby. Food allergies or food intolerances can occur even if there is no previous family history of such. As you introduce your child to new foods, you should present them one at a time and watch for any changes in your child’s appearance or behavior. Some common symptoms of food allergies/intolerances include:

 * Rashes or eczema, especially on the face

* Diaper rash

* Hives

* Runny nose, watery eyes or sneezing

* Diarrhea, gas or vomiting

* Irritability

* Temperament changes

* Puffy eyes

* Nasal congestion

 One way to prevent food allergies is not to introduce commonly-known allergenic foods until later in your baby’s life, at one, two or even three-years-old. This approach is referred to as “delayed introduction.” The foods that children react to are those foods they eat often. The most common food allergens that cause problems in children are eggs, milk, peanuts, soy and wheat. A few more allergic foods include:

 * Artificial colors and preservatives

* Berries

* Chocolate

* Citrus fruits

* Tomatoes

* Yeast

 Fortunately, most allergic reactions in babies are temporary and the culprit foods can usually be reintroduced when the child is older. Food allergies can be very serious, so it is important to follow the advice that is given to you by a healthcare professional.

Other Common Allergens

Insect stings.For most kids, being stung by an insect means swelling, redness, and itching at the site of the bite. But for those with insect venom allergy, an insect bite can cause more severe symptoms. Although some doctors and parents have believed that most kids eventually outgrow insect venom allergy, a recent study found that insect venom allergies often persist into adulthood. An allergy evaluation is needed if wheezing and other signs of anaphylaxis are present after an insect sting or bite.

Medicines. Antibiotics — medications used to treat infections — are the most common types of medicines that cause allergic reactions. Many other medicines, including over-the-counter medications, can also cause allergic reactions. If you suspect a medicine allergy, talk to your doctor first before assuming a reaction is a sign of allergy.

Chemicals. Some cosmetics or laundry detergents can cause people to break out in an itchy rash. Usually, this is because someone has a reaction to the chemicals in these products. Dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Some kids also have what are called cross-reactions. For example, kids who are allergic to birch pollen might have reactions when they eat an apple because that apple is made up of a protein similar to one in the pollen. Another example is that kids who are allergic to latex (as in gloves or certain types of hospital equipment) are more likely to be allergic to kiwifruit, water chestnuts, or bananas.

As a parent, hearing your child cough may make you feel uneasy, yet an occasional cough doesn’t always mean there is a problem. Cough protects your child’s body by removing mucus, irritating substances and infections from his or her respiratory tract.

Children can cough several times a day and have coughing episodes lasting up to a couple of weeks if they have viral infections. However, coughing that lasts more than two to three weeks should prompt a visit to your physician.

If you are a parent of a child with allergies, you know how hard it can be on him or her (not to mention on you). Millions of children have seasonal allergies, perennial (year-round) allergies, or both. Children sometimes cannot (or do not) tell you about their allergy symptoms. There are, however, some signs you may notice that could mean your child has allergies.

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• A frequent congested, runny, or itchy nose
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Frequent breathing through the mouth
• Pushing up on the nose with his or her hands (especially younger children)
• Recurrent ear problems

A congested, itchy, runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms of indoor and outdoor nasal allergies, also called indoor and outdoor allergic rhinitis (rye-NITE-iss) or hay fever. These symptoms can affect your child’s everyday life. That’s why it is so important to talk to your child’s doctor about allergy symptoms and allergy treatments.

Many are surprised to learn that in children, a persistent or recurring cough can be the main or only symptom of a nasal allergy. But there can be other symptoms present or not present depending on individual cases. Here are some helpful distinguishing features of a “Nasal Allergy Cough”:

 A “Nasal Allergy Cough” usually worsens when there is a body change position, for example upon lying down or getting up in the morning. Once the child is asleep, the cough usually stops. An asthmatic cough usually occurs in the middle of the night after a child has fallen asleep.

 A “Nasal Allergy Cough” can occur with exercise. The nasal cough tends to occur at the beginning of the activity whereas an asthmatic cough tends to occur towards the end or after physical activity.

 A “Nasal Allergy Cough” does not improve with asthma puffers, but may get better with antibiotics. In some case there nasal secretions become infected resulting in a sinus infection, making the cough worse. Antibiotics in this circumstance will make the cough go away or improve but have no effect on asthma.

How do we diagnose a nasal allergy in children?

First, we need to be aware that children can suffer from nasal allergies too. Specifically, by looking for the features mentioned above and examining a child’s nose, we can usually confirm the presence of a nasal allergy. A positive family history of allergies also helps make the diagnosis.

What is the treatment of nasal allergies?

This depends on the child’s age and specific situation, but is based on identifying what the child is allergic to and getting rid of it. The most common causes are dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollens and cigarette smoke. In terms of medications, this ranges from antihistamines taken by mouth to the very effective cortisone based nasal sprays.

The main treatment for chronic cough should be based on the underlying cause. This search for the cause usually involves visiting your physician. Also visit your physician if your child’s cough is increasingly frustrating, persists longer than you think is reasonable, if blood is coughed up or if the cough interferes with your child’s daily activities.

A running nose refers to a condition where fluid is flowing out of the nose continuously. This fluid tends to be quite thin and contains some mucus in it. Fluid is expelled from the nose when there is a buildup of fluid in the nasal cavity. This build up is caused by an infection or irritant being present in the area. When there is an infection or irritant, the body responds by producing a mucus fluid. This fluid is designed to wash away the infection or the irritant. This sort of fluid tends to form in the nose when there is an irritant. It can also form in the eyes, but this fluid will not have any mucus in it.

 A running nose can also be a result of some sort of allergy. If an individual has come into contact with an allergen, then the nose might start running in order to get rid of the allergen from the system. This reaction may be accompanied by some itching on the skin or in the nose. This is a common reaction to a pollen allergy that tends to occur during the season when plants are reproducing. Pollen gets carried into the air and is then blown about until it reaches a suitable plant to produce new fruit and seeds. This airborne dust and pollen can cause a running nose.

 The best relief for a runny nose is to help the body by gently blowing the nose at regular intervals. However, excessive blowing can irritate the outside of the nose and make it tender and sore.

There are some home remedies for running nose in children. Children may be more susceptible to running nose as their immune system is not necessarily as well developed as an adult’s would be. It is also possible that the child is exposed to many more allergens and infections as children tend to be uninhibited when they play in areas where it is possible for infections and dirt to come into contact with the child’s body. A running nose could also be caused by a viral infection that has affected the membranes in the nose.

 The important thing to remember is that a runny nose is different than nasal congestion and should not be treated with a decongestant unless a doctor recommends it.

 Check following home remedies for running nose in children.

1. Garlic Necklace: Among the home remedies for running nose in children, the use of a garlic necklace may be advisable. A garlic necklace can be placed over the child’s neck while he or she is sleeping. During the night, the odor of the garlic will gradually waft into the nose and this helps with cold like symptoms and can reduce inflammations in the nasal cavity.

 2. Medicated Rub: The use of a medicated rub on the chest and nose of the child is also popular among home remedies for running nose in children.

 3. Saline sprays or rinses: Saline sprays or rinses are another option for alleviating the irritation that accompanies a runny nose. Saline nasal sprays are available over the counter and help thin the mucus, making it easier and more comfortable to expel. Saline sprays also help rid the nasal passages of irritants. You can also make your own saline solution by dissolving one-fourth of a teaspoon of salt in 2 cups of warm water. Using a rubber suction bulb, place a few drops in each nostril.

 4. Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier if the air inside your home is dry as dry air also thickens mucus.

 5. Lemon juice: Citric acid present in lemon is a very effective element in curing runny nose. The vitamin C-rich lemon juice improves the body’s immunity and reduces the level of toxic substances in the body. This in a way reduces the period of suffering and further enables recovery. A glass of warm water with two table spoons of lemon juice is one of the most effective cures for runny nose and sneezing. To make the solution more palatable 1 teaspoon of honey can also be added. This solution can be taken one to two times on a day and should be repeated till the symptom of runny nose persists. Also this helps in curing the running nose fast.

6. Recipes with Garlic: Garlic is the most commonly available and safe medicinal herb. The medicinal properties of garlic have been used to cure runny nose at home. It has some great scientifically proven medicinal, antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-bacterial properties. A garlic soup preparation which is taken once or twice in a day is a runny nose treatment which has been tried and tested several times.

The preparation of the soup is very simple. In a pan, take one cup of water, boil the water slightly and then add around three to four cloves of finely chopped garlic along with a teaspoon of onion juice and a pinch of salt. This on consumption for at least twice in a day clears up the respiratory passage and washes the toxins away. Thus bringing down the body temperature and curing runny nose naturally.  This has been very useful to cure running nose naturally.

7. Remedy using Ginger: Ginger is a tuber with vast medicinal virtues and can be used as a runny nose remedy.  Finely cut ginger added in the morning tea can be an effective way to cure cold and fever. Clear chicken soup with about ten grams of chopped ginger can be runny nose treatment for kids.

Another way of preparing decoction using ginger is adding some ginger and a teaspoon of sugar to boiling water and then having that two to three times a day. A point to note here is that the mixture should be had when hot.

Following are few tips that can help in restricting running nose symptoms:

• Boil water. Add some vaporizer or carom seeds in it. Carefully make your child breathe over a container of boiling water to clear her nasal passage and separate the mucus. Take care to keep safe distance and protect her hands and legs from getting burnt.
• Limit the consumption of dairy products as they are more mucus forming. But don’t completely eliminate it from the diet. Consumption of fluids should be increased in the form of boiled water, vegetable soups or broths.
• Always have these hot and keep the temperature of the preparations you make high, as this is the key to fighting off a cold and a runny nose. Avoid any kind of cold liquid intake. Avoid spicy, oily or fried, carbonated beverages and sodas as far as possible.
• Passive smoke inhalation will worsen the infection, so avoid smoking around him as far as possible.

If your child’s runny nose lasts more than two weeks, there’s a good chance it’s caused by an allergic condition. An obvious clue is if he constantly rubs the tip of his nose with his palm in an upward fashion- what some doctors refer to as the allergic salute. Other signs include intense sneezing, burning, itchy and watery eyes, and bluish circles under the eyes (known as allergic shiners).

Another possible cause of runny nose in children under two is an allergy to a food such as cow’s milk. Five percent of all babies have cow’s milk sensitivity, which can cause nasal allergy, asthma, colic, vomiting, diarrhea and skin rashes. When milk is removed from their diets and a formula with low allergy potential is substituted, often the runny nose and other symptoms vanish. But this change in diet should only be made with a doctor’s recommendation.

 Medical Alert –

If you have an infant, you should contact your doctor if your baby’s runny nose is accompanied by a fever, or if it prevents him from eating or drinking

For an older child, check with the doctor if his runny nose is accompanied by coughing or a fever of 103° or more. If the nasal discharge persists beyond two weeks, or the mucus is yellowish or has a strong odor, you’ll also need to check with a physician. Color, odor to the cough can all indicate an infection that should be treated with antibiotics.

The catch phrase “a gifted child” has become common in education today, raising parental concerns about recognizing a child’s giftedness even before he or she starts a formal education. A few parents even believe that they can “create” a gifted child if they provide a rich enough environment.

Gifted children come in all shapes and sizes. But how many of us as parents even know what “giftedness” is, or how to best support our children if they are indeed gifted?

Though most children aren’t identified as gifted until they begin formal school, some show signs of being gifted at a very early age. If you can identify the gifted child at early age then there are chances of giving more appropriate nurturing from then. Identifying a gifted child at the earliest possible age is key in providing the optimal stimulation the toddler needs to realize his or her potential.

It must be noted that more and more children are showing signs of early advancement due to parental awareness that leads to the right coaching and nurturance. Hence, to be placed in gifted programs today, the criteria are much tougher than it has ever been in the past and competition is rather stiff. However, regardless on whether a child shows signs early or later, all children deserve an opportunity to develop themselves to the fullest and at a tender age, parents are the best teachers/educators.

Now let us check out the typical behaviour patterns for identifying giftedness in the child. Let us break the first 4 years of child’s birth in 2 spans – from birth to 2 year old and from 2 to 4 year old.

Birth to 2 years – The following checklist is a rough indication of what you may want to look out for after your child is born up to 2 years of age.

• Early expressions (e.g. smiling)
• Unusual alertness
• Interest in books (turning pages of books before 1 year of age and paying attention when read to within 6 months)
• Interest in computers
• Unusually active and high levels of energy (but not hyperactive)
• Ability of recognize carers early (within a few months after birth)
• Playing with shape sorters by about 11 months.
• Ability to form two word phrases by 14 months
• Ability to understand instructions by 18 months
• Ability to say and understand many words before 18 months
• Could stay still and enjoy a TV programs by the age of 1
• Has favorite TV shows/VCD/DVDs by age 1
• Appears to require less sleep (yet not sleepy or irritable due to lack of sleep)
• Recognition of letters/alphabets by age 2
• Recognition and rote counting of numbers 1 ? 10 or higher by age 2
• Recognition of colors by age 2
• Recognition of first word by age 2
• Interest in puzzles by age 2
• Has long attention span in interest areas by age 2
• Ability to form at least 3 word sentence by age 2
• Interest in time by age 2

2 to 4 years – The following includes all/most skills in the checklist above.

• Early and Superior Language Skills - This child has advanced language development, such as an extensive vocabulary or the ability to speak in sentences much earlier than other children his age. Very often, this child will learn to read at a very young age, sometimes before twelve or eighteen months. They often love books and will use vivid imagination cues to fill in the blanks where they are unable to read more complex words and phrases. The child does things better, faster, earlier and differently as an accepted formula for identifying the child in this category.
• Unending Curiosity - This child has extreme curiosity and asks many questions. Interaction with the world around her and testing behavior is a typical action for the gifted child. Whether she is dismantling a tower of building blocks or dissecting the inside of a daisy, she is meticulously learning about her environment in a tireless way.
• Excessive Energy – More than just random hyperactive movement, the gifted child has a purpose to his energies and tends to be very tenacious in opening containers and figuring out rudimentary puzzles. He will not give up on trying different techniques and will be very upset if you interrupt his activities in this regard. Is unusually active, though not hyperactive. While hyperactive children often have a short attention span, gifted children can concentrate on one task for long periods of time and are passionate about their interests.
• Vivid imagination – Gifted children often create a vast and intricate network of imaginary friends with whom they become very involved.
• Challenges Authority - Saying no to a gifted toddler often results in testing behavior parameters. Telling the child not to pull your hair will often result in the opposite effect, sometimes including a humor response. The child sees your reaction to negative behavior and may be amused by the increased attention, raised voice or emotional response.
• Extraordinary feats of memory- This gifted child Is able to memorize facts easily and can recall arcane information that he learns from television shows, movies, or books.
• Emotionally Advanced – He may be very sensitive to emotional reactions from others and will tend to develop a compassionate response much earlier than his peers. He will understand the concept of pain early and will learn pain avoidance very easily. This child is likely to develop a compassionate way of interacting with others as well as pets and animals.
• Specific talent (if any), such as artistic ability or an unusual facility for numbers – becomes more apparent by age 4. For example, children who draw unusually realistic pictures or who can manipulate numbers in their head may be gifted.
• Ability to memorize and recall facts easily.
• Early development of a sense of humour.
• Ability to do one-to-one counting for small quantities by age 3.
• Recognition of simple signs and own written name by age 3.
• Ability to write letters, numbers, words, and their names between 3 and 4 years.
• Ability to read easy readers by age 4.
• Rather independent on the computer by age 4.
• Demonstration of musical aptitude just after 2.
• Ability to do simple addition and subtraction by age 4.
• High degrees of mathematical understanding by age 4.
• Reaches developmental milestones well ahead of peers.
• Interest in computers (not video games).
• Ability to solve a 20-piece puzzle by age 3.

The above checklist is at best regarded as a rough guide and bear in mind that not all of the skills and age guide mentioned is absolute. Some children may demonstrate these abilities at a younger age and some may be older and yet classified as advanced learners. However, this can be a good guide to look out for signs of early advanced development in children and provide the necessary platform for them to flourish.

Not every sign must be evident in order for the child to be gifted. In the very young child, the giftedness commonalities may become evident at different times and phases in the child’s development. Enriching the child’s environment with more complex stimulation will be advantageous, whether or not the child is ultimately deemed to be gifted by commonly established criteria or not.

Once a child has been labeled with the gifted tag, the parents take on the important responsibility of ensuring that this child receives proper nurturing and stimulation to develop his potential. Visit your local library for a wealth of information from the educational experts on this topic. Enrichment and varied stimuli including educational toys and books are readily available.

Other signs of giftedness may be a little harder to discern. By age 3 or 4, for example, some gifted children begin to realize that they are “different” from their peers. This can make them feel isolated and withdrawn; it may also make them likely targets for bullying.

They may begin to experience intense frustration because they can think more rapidly than they can express themselves, verbally or physically. If your child appears unusually angry or frustrated, you may want to consult a mental health professional.

A gifted child often…

• Reasons well (is a good thinker )
• Is a perfectionist
• Is an intense personality
• Is morally sensitive
• Has a wide range of interests
• Prefers older companions or adults
• Is concerned with justice, fairness
• Has a long attention span
• Shows mature judgment for age at times
• Is a keen observer and is highly creative

Testing your preschooler for giftedness

Though you may want to know if your preschooler is gifted, most children don’t need to be tested for giftedness before entering elementary school. However, consultations with a mental health professional may be appropriate if your preschooler appears to be unusually bored in school or shows any signs of emotional or social problems.

If your child is enrolled in preschool, speak to the teacher or school director to find out if the school is affiliated with any mental health professionals who specialize in working with gifted children. If your child is not in school or the school isn’t being receptive to your concerns, ask your paediatrician to refer you to a child psychologist who conducts tests for giftedness.

When giftedness is hard to diagnose

You might be surprised to learn that a child can be both gifted and learning disabled. In most cases, the disability is recognized while giftedness goes undetected. Giftedness in children from ethnic minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds, and in those for whom English is a second language, is often overlooked as well. If your child falls into any of these categories, it’s best to find a psychologist who is sensitive to these issues. It is also important to ask your child’s teacher to observe him and look for talents that conventional tests cannot detect.

Finally yet importantly, you may want to check out the following website (The National Association for Gifted Children, UK) that provides an online questionnaire, which will give you an indicator about your child’s level of development. Please bear in mind that this questionnaire is a rough indicator only is by no means an assessment.

How to nurture gifted child

Don’t worry too much; feed the natural curiosity and love of learning in your child. Share many enriching experiences and expose him to culture, the arts, text, and the outdoors. Be patient with her probing questions and know that you are nurturing a child’s special gifts when you do that.

If your child has fun in these types of activities, then you know you are on the right track. If she seems bored or unhappy, step back and try something else. There is no possibility of over-stimulating your child.

Another common issue among parents of gifted preschoolers is achieving the right balance between stimulation and too much pressure. Many gifted children already exhibit perfectionist tendencies, and creating a stress-filled environment under the guise of “helping them reach their potential” can backfire.

In our achievement-oriented society, this is most important. It’s OK to have your child tested as a beginning benchmark but not as a license to turn him into a little adult. Results at this age are not always as reliable as with school age children. Keep his interests and natural abilities in mind.

Here are three simple tips for parents of gifted preschoolers:

• Let the child take the lead. Gifts will be encouraged, not squandered, if allowed to develop in a warm, loving environment during this time of exploration and rapid brain growth.
• Respect the child. Children become manipulative without power. Does that mean you let a child run the household? Absolutely not. However, you do want to avoid seeing your child simply as an extension of yourself; he is his own person. Part of this too is learning to take your child at his own merit, not comparing him to others.
• Keep the lines of communication open. Talk with your child. Don’t get caught up in doing so much directing and correcting that you never have real conversations. Find out what her fears and concerns are. Listen to her, understand her, and give her the chance to communicate as one human being to another. You want a relationship that will last.

One last piece of advice on interaction with teachers about your gifted child: “Don’t go in with the attitude: ‘What are you going to do for my child?’ You are much more likely to build cooperation if you have a pro-active meeting early in the year to discuss how you and the school will partner to address the child’s needs. Show your willingness and interest in having your child be challenged. Offer, if you can, to help out in the classroom (there may be others besides your child who need the intervention or different strategies). Don’t be satisfied with your child simply receiving extra work.