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Tips for teaching children to share

Posted on 26/01/2022 - 17:56 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

How important it is to share! The child psychologist Jean Piaget’s Theory of Development points out that children between the ages of two and seven are in the preoperational stage. Among the characteristics of the behavior of this age are egocentrism and selfishness, with which they perceive, understand, and interpret the world from the self.

That is why children cannot put themselves in some other’s shoes, since they are only aware of their own needs.

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Here are some tips for teaching children to share:

Children under the age of seven still do not understand what sharing is; it is widespread to see children cry when others take their toys. Shouldn’t we say anything?

The Kids Health Organization, which brings together doctors specializing in childhood from around the world, stresses that it is super important that we talk to our little ones about what sharing is and constantly teach them this value since learning to share will help them to develop social skills and coexist better; by sharing, your little one will also learn social skills like empathy and assertiveness.

What is sharing?

The international organization Educo, which seeks to guarantee the protection of children worldwide, defines sharing as a value that implies reciprocal participation in something. It can be material or immaterial and involves giving and receiving what the other person offers.

“The fact of sharing supposes a break with a person’s egoism who thinks that he can do everything by himself. We share many things such as ideas, material goods, activities, feelings or experiences”.

The Educo organization shares the following tips to teach children to share.

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Preach by example

Parents are the first reference of a child; you must share so that your children see this action as something usual.

Talk to your child

It depends on the age of your little one will be how you are going to talk to your children about sharing. Children under seven years of age will hardly understand the concept of sharing, but you can encourage them to live with other children and organize games in teams.

Please don’t force them

It is essential to find a way to encourage them to share. However, it would help if you did not force them. Otherwise, they will see this action as something negative, something they dislike, and they will not do it. Therefore, you should not punish them if they do not want to share.

Encourage empathy

Talking to your little one about feelings and how our actions can affect others will make them put themselves in other people’s shoes.

Encourage group meetings

Children learn through play, so you should encourage them to live with other children and organize team games, so your little ones will learn to collaborate and share.

Participate in solidarity activities

It goes hand in hand with leading by example. If your little ones realize that you donate objects that you no longer use, they will see your example and begin to understand the meaning of sharing.

These are some tips that you can use so that your little one learns to share, read them together, and put them into practice.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Spanking children can cause depression and mental disorders

Posted on 14/01/2022 - 14:59 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

At the time of our parents and grandparents, the saying was still common, “Spanking on time makes a good child.” But it has been shown that physical punishment is inefficient and could cause short and long-term harm to our children, such as depression, mental disorders, even alcoholism, and eating disorders.

A study from the University of Michigan, led by Tracie Afifia and Derek Ford, indicates that the use of spanking, pinching, pulling, smacking, and other “corrective methods” that involve physical and psychological violence increase the risk that these children will be depressed adults and even attempt suicide.

The research entitled Spanking and adult mental health impairment was carried out with data from 8,300 adults between 19 and 97 years old. The survey answered questions about their negative experiences during childhood and the physical and mental problems they present as adults.

About 55% of the participants said they had been hit during childhood. It was precisely this group that presented the greatest probability of falling into depression and mental disorders.

The authors point out that aggression as a way of educating children should be considered physical and emotional abuse. It generates trauma, affects the development of children, and interferes with the way they deal with problems as adults.

Spanking is an ineffective method that could cause a lot of harm to children. Photo: Pixabay

Parents should not spank their children

Afifia and Ford define spanking as the use of physical force with an open hand intended to cause the child to experience pain. Still, no serious injury to correct or control his behavior.

In its Guide to Effective Discipline, the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that spanking and other corporal punishment get a child’s attention. Still, it is not an adequate strategy to teach the difference between right and wrong. On the contrary, it makes children more likely to be uncompromising and aggressive in the future.

According to psychologist Tina Payne Bryson, author of the books The Child’s Brain and Discipline Without Tears, physical punishment is counterproductive. During the World Parenting Forum 2021, the expert indicated,

“When we use physical punishment as a parenting method, we produce fear, and children enter a state of alert and threat. This control instrument is counterproductive because it increases stress, and children are less likely to correct that behavior. For a child to be able to learn, he must feel safe and be in a receptive state”.

But that’s not all. In other research papers, such as the one by researchers Akemi Tomoda and Hanako Suzuki, children who suffered repeated exposure to corporal punishment have a reduction in the gray matter of the brain, which triggers a reduction in the gray matter of the brain a lower performance IQ and affects their social cognition.

Let’s eradicate the use of physical punishment

More and more countries have prohibited corporal punishment as a method of upbringing in their legislation. In Mexico, since September 2020, a reform was achieved that recognizes the right of children to live in peace, without aggression.

“This occurs in the field of family and civil law. Children and adolescents have the right to receive an education. Still, it is forbidden for the mother, father, or any person exercising parental authority to use corporal or humiliating punishment as a form of discipline”, declared former senator Martí Batres, who presented the bill.

Corporal punishment is defined as any act against children and adolescents. Physical force is used, such as pinching, pushing, hitting with the hand, burning, or any other action that causes pain.

For generations, it has been thought that No pain, no gain or Learn weeping and thou shalt gain laughing (la letra con sangre entra), but it is time to use other strategies.

“Many people associate discipline with punishment. I propose that we return to the essence of discipline, to its origin, to the disciples of Jesus who learned from their teacher. Discipline is always about teaching so children can improve over time. If you change the idea of discipline into the opportunity to teach, it will transform their upbringing”, concludes Tina Payne Bryson.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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4 Parenting errors you make as a mom or dad

Posted on 11/01/2022 - 17:21 by Desarrollo WebAdictos

It is said that nobody is born knowing how to be a parent, and it is a reality. We live in a constant duality. On the one hand, moms and dads must search for sustenance. Our occupations have increased, we are in an endless hurricane of tasks. On the other hand, our children need us. In this coming and going of activities, we make a thousand and one parenting mistakes that we can avoid.

The key is to identify the flaws to try to correct them. Although no one is exempt from making mistakes, the main thing is to realize those areas of opportunity, but above all not falling into excesses and give our children quality time.

Parenting mistakes to avoid

Workaholic parent

According to Verónica Gutiérrez, founder and general director of Parenting Global, a platform dedicated to accompanying and advising on paternity, maternity, upbringing, and child welfare, being a workaholic mom or dad is increasingly common. Still, not everyone who works becomes addicted to his labors.

“We can work out of necessity or because we like it, which does not make us workaholics. Workaholics are people who put their work before their health, free time, and their family”, explains the expert.

The children of the workaholic mom or dad feel that although their parents meet their food and economic needs, they are not satisfying their emotional part. “There is a lack of emotional nutrition that leaves them with a great void”.

The message given to children is that they are not important enough, that hurts them, they feel isolated. The children will seek attention as they can.

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Comparing children

Another mistake that has become normal is to compare children with their siblings, friends, cousins, or even strangers.

“Ever since I can remember, my mom has compared me. As much as I pushed myself in school, there was always another girl who was better. That marked me and, when I have to fight for something important, hurtful phrases come to my mind, and I block myself”, explains 32-year-old Mónica Luna.

Some parents have the mistaken belief that by comparing their children, they are motivating them. Sometimes they think that by doing this, the children will acquire the ability or behavior that they consider “admirable,” or kids will try to “get courage” and “shut their parents’ mouths” by improving.

However, the effect is just the opposite. When the comparison occurs with a sibling or another family member, it causes jealousy and a climate of competition that will affect their relationship for life. In the long run, there will be hatred and resentment.

The children who are constantly compared suffer serious consequences:

Their self-esteem is greatly affected.
They feel insecure, useless, unloved.
They tend to solve their problems aggressively.
Failure to meet parental expectations creates frustration.

Seek perfection

For the clinical psychologist, Seth Meyers, author of the Perfeccionismo en gente jóven (Perfectionism in Young People) blog, another parental mistake that could “ruin” their children’s lives is the irrational seek for perfection.

This attitude is usually accompanied by constant criticism, repeatedly reminding children of their mistakes or that their achievements are not enough.

Although discipline must be instilled and children must develop the best of themselves, extreme demands, which are not according to their age or abilities, become a hefty burden for children.

Being authoritarian or abusive

The worst mistake of all. Authoritarian parents or those who use physical punishment to reprimand instill fear, not love.

The US Department of Health and Human Services indicates that when hitting, humiliation or insults are part of everyday parenting, children are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems.

The little ones will begin to have regressions such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, crying more often, or sleep problems. School-age children will feel guilty, have self-esteem issues, won’t feel like participating in school activities, and will isolate themselves. In the case of adolescents, they may become violent, engage in risky behavior or neglect their studies.

These are not the only mistakes parents make in raising children. Parenting is a constant trial and error. We may have experienced this parenting ourselves. Although we cannot change how we were brought up, we can change the pattern and avoid harming our children.

What other errors do you identify?

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Meditation tips for children

Posted on 11/01/2022 - 17:17 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The arrival of the pandemic and the environment in which we live makes us face stressful situations, so it is super important to encourage the emotional development of our little ones; meditation for children is a way to achieve this. These tips will help you promote this practice.

Sometimes we think of meditation as a practice for adults; however, children also go through stressful situations, so it is essential to make meditation a daily routine.

Maayan Jinich, a guide in Buddhist meditation and Mindfulness, commented that social networks make us see life “outside,” so we forget what is inside us. Given this, she highlighted the importance of spending time with ourselves and doing meditation, a daily exercise in our routine, to which we allocate a moment of the day.

“Make sure your children spend time with themselves. Do this a 15-minute daily practice before going to bed; it is a moment they will have to scan themselves to see how they feel, what they can learn from their day, what they liked or didn’t like, to begin to get to know and recognize themselves”.

The Buddhist meditation and mindfulness guide highlighted that meditation is a tool to know ourselves and understand our needs.

“If you give this tool (meditation) to a child from an early age, he will become very self-assured because he will begin to know himself”.

These are some tips that Maayan Jinich shares with us to practice meditation in children.

In our home, let us choose a place where we feel comfortable and can relax to meditate.

“Look for a quiet place, preferably in your children’s bedroom. Let them choose a little spot special for them, a warm place, where they can sit on the floor, where there is no interference so that their time to meditate does not have distractors, and they can connect”.

Your child's room is a good place for meditation Photo: Shutterstock — Your child’s room is a good place for meditation Photo: Shutterstock

Make room in your routine

To make meditation part of our daily lives, we must assign a time to meditate to encourage consistency. Preferably that time is at night before falling asleep.

“Before sleeping, children will meditate and be thankful. It is a way to acknowledge what they have instead of what they lack. It generates moments of a lot of intimateness. If they want to express something, they can do it. That builds links”.

Suitable music

Music plays a fundamental role in meditation since it helps us create an atmosphere. You can search for classical music or a playlist to meditate on YouTube.

Thank together

Once you have chosen the place, the music, and you are comfortable, be grateful for everything you have; this will make your children see gratitude as a daily practice. They will also learn to value their environment and feel lucky.

“It is important to cultivate gratitude in children, to see what they do have, what they do see. Teach them from their young age to thank is one of the greatest issues that we should promote in our children”.

Promoting gratitude in our children is essential Photo: Shutterstock

Connect with the heart

Once you have thanked, take a deep breath and connect with your heart and feelings; ask your little one how he feels and how his day was. With this, you will bring your kid closer to meditation, to his spiritual being.

“Sit on the floor, connect with your breath, with your heart. As a mother, you can ask your kid how he feels, what things he has to be thankful for, elicit him to tell you something beautiful that happened to him that day”.

Connecting with your children is a first step in making meditation a daily practice. Photo: Shutterstock

Short sessions

In children, the ideal is that the sessions do not last more than 15 minutes before going to sleep so that they do not get bored and see meditation as something obligatory that later generates rejection.

“Short times, warm space, let there be laughter so that it does not become an inquisitive practice as an obligation, let it be a practice of joy, of laughing, do not take yourself so seriously so that the children start to enjoy”.

Get together with your family and together put these tips into practice.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version

Omicron in children: 5 frequently asked questions

Posted on 07/01/2022 - 22:01 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The increase in cases of Covid-19 and the Omicron variant have generated a lot of concern and doubts about how to care for our little ones. Here we answer the five frequently asked questions about this variant in children.

In the last week we have seen how Covid-19 infections have increased, only on January 6^th, the Ministry of Health reported 25 thousand 821 new cases. This type of news alarms us; however, we must remain calm and not disregard preventive measures.

Dr. Rafael Bojalil, a researcher at the Department of Health Care of the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM) Xochimilco Unit, explained that Omicron, unlike other variants, is concentrated in the upper respiratory tract: nose, throat and larynx. Therefore, it is more contagious and the symptoms are very similar to those of a common cold.

“Omicron does not settle in the lungs, it settles in the nose and throughout the upper respiratory tract up to the bronchi; that is why it is more contagious, the virus is closer to the exit, to the breath”.

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Are the symptoms of Omicron the same in children?

Dr. Bojalil commented that the symptoms of Covid-19, in its Omicron variant, are the same in adults and children.

Headache
Sore throat
Runny nose
Cough
Fever (not always)

Mom taking care of child — The Omicron symptoms are the same in adults and children. Photo: Shutterstock

When should I see a doctor?

Due to the similarity of the symptoms with a common cold, in case of any flu symptoms we should go to the doctor, so that he can evaluate us and, if necessary, have the test.

“Today, anyone who has symptoms of respiratory infection should be considered a Covid suspect”.

Dr. Rafael Bojalil

Are the tests for all ages?

Although it can be annoying for children to have the test to detect Covid-19, it can be done at any age. Dr. Bojalil pointed out that it has been observed that there is little sensitivity of the antigen tests to the Omicron variant; he recommends having the PCR test.

“We have been seeing that the antigen tests are very insensitive for this new variant, Omicron, and they give us many false negatives, so we would have to do PCR tests immediately after detecting contact with a positive case two or three days later. Doing two tests on a kid can be annoying and expensive. They can wait in lockdown for two to three days after knowing that he has been close to a person who has tested positive for Covid-19, then carry out the test”.

Tests to detect Covid-19 are for all ages Photo: Shutterstock — Tests to detect Covid-19 are for all ages. Photo: Shutterstock

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My child tested positive, what do I do?

If your child tested positive for Covid-19, it is very important that the pediatrician give him the proper follow-up and allocate an area of the house so that he can undergo his treatment.

The doctor commented that isolation can affect children emotionally, so he recommends that all the family follow preventive measures: assign an area of the home, but without keeping him isolated from other parts of the house.

He stressed that only one family member must care for the minor; the caregiver must be vaccinated against Covid-19 and not have comorbidities, so that he is not so vulnerable.

Isolating children can affect them emotionally Photo: Shutterstock

Cloth face masks: do they work against Omicron?

Because this variant focuses on the upper airways, cloth face coverings are not sufficiently protective because they are very thin. The UAM Xochimilco researcher recommended wearing the N95 and KN95 masks.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has indicated that to protect yourself from the Omicron variant, it is recommended to wear N95 masks, since they filter up to 95% of the particles in the air and fit perfectly.

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Preventive actions

Given this increase in infections, we must follow prevention measures, do not disregard them:

Frequent hand washing
Wear a face mask
Avoid crowded places and gatherings
At school, do not share food
Get vaccinated against Covid-19 (vaccine-approved population)

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version: Here

The story behind the Three Kings

Posted on 06/01/2022 - 13:15 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

Today is one of the most anticipated dates for our little ones, who woke up early to see their gifts. It is one of the traditions that we remember most fondly, but do you know the story of the Three Kings?

Three Kings Day is a special date for both children and adults, who we relive with our children or nephews, that illusion of waking up the next day and discovering if the Kings had brought us what we asked for. This tradition has its origin in the Catholic religion.

Father José de Jesús Aguilar Valdés, assistant manager of Radio and Television of the Archdiocese of Mexico, explained that on January 6^th, the Catholic religion celebrates Epiphany, a Greek word that means manifestation, this celebration recalls when some wise men from the East, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, came to worship Baby Jesus.

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Do the Three Kings (Wise Men) appear in the Bible?

The Gospel by Saint Matthew only mentions that “some wise men from the East,” guided by a star, came to Jerusalem to worship the newborn King and offer him gifts.

“When the kings arrived in Jerusalem, they thought that the born king would be in Herod’s palace. To assassinate the child, Herod asked them to look for him and come back to tell him where he was and go to worship him. But in dreams, they were warned not to return to Herod.”

Father José de Jesús Aguilar Valdés

The priest explained that the Three Kings represent all humanity; therefore, they are of different skin tones.

The Three Wise Men following the Star of Bethlehem Photo: Shutterstock

Who are the Magic Kings Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar?

Melchor: He is a bearded, white, older man, represents the Europeans, and offers Baby Jesus gold.
Gaspar: he is the one with the brown hair and beard who represents the Asians; he gave incense. His name means “treasure manager”.
Baltazar: he is represented with a dark complexion representing Africa and gave the child myrrh. His name means “the one who protects the king”.

What do the gifts of the Three Wise Men mean?

Father Aguilar Valdés commented that kings were honored with gold; incense was used in temples and means that people accepted that the newborn child was God; while myrrh was used to embalm the dead, so it represented that the child “was god and king, but he became a man to die for humanity”.

How do we know the name of the Three Wise Men?

Although the name of the Kings is not mentioned in the Bible, in a mural of the sixth century in Ravenna, Italy, the Wise Men’s names appear, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. From there, it is thought that their names spread, and with the expansion of Christianity, the arrival of the Wise Men became a tradition.

According to the Complutense University of Madrid, in the early years of Christianity, in the Catacombs of Rome, works began to appear in which the three Kings were represented.

Sixth century mural from Ravenna, Italy Photo: Shutterstock

The fourth Wise Man

A legend indicates that Artaban, a Persian king, would join Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar to meet Baby Jesus; however, on his way, he stopped to help a homeless man, and he was delayed.

Arriving at Borsippa, in Mesopotamia, where it is believed that he would meet his three traveling companions, he found that they had departed. He continued his trip, but when he arrived in Jerusalem, people informed him that Baby Jesus was no longer there, nor did he locate Melchor, Gaspar, or Baltazar.

He witnessed the execution that Herod ordered against children under two years of age; Artaban, to prevent a Roman soldier from murdering a little boy, offered the guard a diamond. This was the reason why he was imprisoned for 30 years. The legend of Artaban was spread by the theologian Henry van Dyke, in a story from the 19th century entitled “The Other Wise Man”.

Did you like the story of the Three Wise Men? Get together with your little one and tell it to him so that this tradition remains.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Measures to prevent accidents at home

Posted on 28/12/2021 - 08:15 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

During the holidays, accidents at a home increase by 30%. We leave you some steps to avoid accidents at home. Protect your little ones! Read these measures to prevent accidents at home.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the preparations for family dinners, the decorations in the home force us to take care of our little ones. These are some measures to prevent accidents at home. Follow them and take care of your little ones! Figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) indicate that the first cause of death in 2020 among children between 1 and 4 years of age were accidents, while the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) indicates that during winter holidays increase the accidents of children at home by 30%, with burns and falls. Intoxication is the major injury suffered by our little ones.

Civil Protection details that accidents with Christmas trees caused 60% of homes’ fires registered in December. As if that was not enough, the Ministry of Health of the government of Mexico City (Sedesa) warns that burns in children increased 30% due to the burning of pyrotechnics, leaving injuries to hands and fingers and hearing loss.

We must apply preventive measures to protect our little ones in these situations. The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) and the IMSS provide some recommendations for this season:

In the kitchen

Prevent your little ones from playing in the kitchen, not even near it.
Keep children away from the stove or heater.
Do not carry a child while cooking.

Christmas trees and safe Nativity sets

Place them on firm bases so that they are away from corridors and drafts.
Do not place lighted candles as part of the decoration, as they can cause fires.

Watch out for Christmas lights

Use LED-type bulbs since they consume less energy.
Check that the contacts are not damaged and do not overload them.
If you leave the house, turn off all the lights.

Safe piñatas

Use cardboard piñatas to avoid bumps or cuts.
Take precautions when hitting it.
Avoid stuffing them with heavy or pointed objects.
Hold it firmly and outline the area.

Prepared for emergencies

In addition to these measures, it is essential to plan for these situations, to be better prepared if an accident occurs. Leonardo González, a Real Estate analyst at Propiedades.com, recommends having an emergency plan to be better prepared to resolve them.

This emergency plan at home must have the following points:

Simulate evacuation routes inside the house.
Identify problem areas and those that could cause accidents.
Always have emergency telephone numbers and contacts at hand.
Create a procedure plan among the whole family and assign roles.
Implement internal measures to act promptly.
Repair damage that could cause accidents.

This season is one of the favorites for many people; let’s enjoy the holidays with caution, let’s follow the rules to protect the little ones at home.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version: Here

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Home remedies to raise the body defenses

Posted on 27/12/2021 - 10:17 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

Many people look forward to the holiday season. It is the time to get together with friends and family, but low temperatures are a factor that can cause respiratory diseases. These home remedies will help you raise your defenses and be stronger against any illness.

A balanced diet is key to having strong defenses, since consuming certain foods provide us with nutrients to strengthen our immune system. However, we can help ourselves with some home remedies, which combine different natural products to keep us strong.

However, we must not forget that no home remedy or food is the cure for an illness. If you or your little one have any discomfort or symptoms, you should go to the doctor to get the appropriate treatment.

Honey lemon tea

This recipe is a granny’s classic home remedy because when we go down with a cold, they tell us that this drink will help us cope with the symptoms. Honey has many benefits: it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it is a natural sweetener, and best of all, it only has 64 calories.

On the other hand, the lemon has a high content of vitamin C; it also has antiviral properties that help raise the defenses against possible viral infections. Attention! It helps our body to strengthen our immune system, but it does not mean that lemon cures a viral or bacterial infection.

Ointments with ginger

Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia which is used in many food recipes, but it is also used to calm many ailments, since its properties provide many benefits, including raising our defenses and it is udes in many home remedies.

Gingerol is the main active compound in ginger and the one that gives its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; it also helps reduce stress and therefore raise our defenses. Whether you consume it in tea, or in some food, the ginger ointment helps stimulate the respiratory tract, thus helping to decongest.

To prepare this ointment, boil a few pieces of this root; then grind the root (if you have a mortar, it is much better, otherwise you can crush it with some hard object to apply pressure). You are going to grind the root until its consistency feels like a paste, and at night, apply it on the chest.

Saltwater washes

Another home remedy: Making a solution with salt and water helps clean the mucous that is generated in the respiratory tract. Pour a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water and stir. Whether you gargle or put small drops directly into your nose with the help of a dropper, it will help keep your breathing passages clear, due to the astringent properties of salt.

Garlic

Because it contains phytochemicals (compounds that help promote the immune system), garlic is a food that you can eat in small pieces or you can add it to your meals. It will help you raise your defenses.

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Juice against flu

This drink is also a mom’s classic because as soon as the winter arrives, moms prepare this juice for their children. The ingredients, orange, pineapple, guava and a few drops of lemon, are rich in vitamin C to raise defenses.

Remember that these home remedies only help us raise our defenses and they complement other factors such as sleeping well and eating a balanced diet. Check them and prepare for your little ones the one you consider best.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

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Tips for a green Christmas

Posted on 22/12/2021 - 16:46 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

Climate change is becoming more intense, and its effects more visible. Therefore, it is vital to make small changes in our routines to leave a better world for our children. These tips for a green Christmas will help you have a greener Christmas to pollute less.

Teresa de Jesús Mijangos Arrazola, a specialist from Unidad de Medio Ambiente, Arqueología y Biodiversidad de Enel Power (Enel Green Power’s Environment, Archeology, and Biodiversity Unit), commented that, although many of the activities we carry out during the Christmas season seem to be far from sustainability, there is much we can do to live a greener Christmas.

“We must track a more sustainable route for our planet, which involves providing green grains of sand to create and seek a fairer world for our sons and daughters. Involving them in the creation of a white Christmas can be a strategy that, in addition to keeping the Christmas spirit on, can contribute to the mitigation of climate change”.

The specialist explained that some of the traditions of this season, for example, the lights of the Christmas tree, or even the Christmas tree, affect the environment. She estimated that electricity consumption increases around 30 percent during these days due to the lights we decorate our homes with.

From a young age, we must explain to our children the importance of caring for the environment and promoting sustainable actions from home, like applying these tips for a green Christmas:

LED lights

Let´s decorate our homes with Christmas lights that have LED bulbs since they use 75 percent less energy than conventional lights. Plus, they last longer. Similarly, turning off the Christmas lights at night will help you save electricity.

Avoid gift wrappings

Although having the tree surrounded by gifts, with their Christmas wrappings and bows, is a practice in many homes, and it causes a lot of emotion for the little ones, it is not friendly to the environment, so the environmental specialist, Teresa de Jesús Mijangos Arrazola recommends avoiding wrapping paper and using materials that can be reused.

Wrap gifts using reusable materials. Photo: Shutterstock

No food waste

Christmas dinners are an opportunity for all family members to get together. It is believed that we must cook too much food for everyone to be satisfied; however, most of the time, there is too much food left over, and it ends up in the trash. Preparing the proper portions will avoid this waste.

Fair portions to avoid waste. Photo: Shutterstock

Long-lasting tree

Christmas trees, whether natural or artificial, are a source of pollution. If you decide to use a natural pine, you can take it to a collection center to turn it into compost when the holiday season is over.

Decorated Christmas tree Photo: Shutterstock

If you decide on an artificial one, try to use it for many years. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, they are made of plastic, so they take up to 500 years to degrade, according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

“We consider that having a more sustainable Christmas and New Year is possible. Sustainability is no longer a temporary issue; it is a requirement to guarantee the green future that our sons and daughters deserve”.

Teresa de Jesus Mijangos Arrazola

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version

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Origin of the piñata

Posted on 16/12/2021 - 19:48 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The posadas have already started, and one of the elements that cannot be missing is the piñata, whether in its traditional shape as a star or a fashionable character. It is one of the funniest traditions of the holiday season. Do you know what the origin of the piñata is? Here we tell you.

The Catholic tradition indicates that from December 16th to December 24th, posadas take place, remembering the days when Mary and Joseph asked for posada (shelter) before the birth of Jesus Christ.

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From China to Europe

There are different versions about how piñatas arose; one of them has to do with China, where a clay cow, ox, or buffalo was covered with colored paper, and agricultural tools were hung.

On one of his trips, the explorer Marco Polo observed that to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the inhabitants of that region broke an ox figurine, which was filled with seeds. This anecdote is described in his book The Travels of Marco Polo.

The merchant, too, took this game to Italy, where it took the name of “pignatta”, “fragile pot” in Italian because it was made with a clay pot. However, some say that the origin of this word does not come from being made with a pot, but because the first “piñatas” were always made in the shape of a “pineapple”, lined with colored tissue paper, and that is precisely from why the word “pignatta” means “fragile pot”.

As this custom spread throughout Europe, they were integrated into the celebration of Lent. In Spain, the piñata was broken on the first Sunday of Lent, so this Sunday was known as “Piñata Sunday” for many years.

The tradition or game consisted simply of breaking a clay pot covered with colored paper with a stick filled with candy, and people were blindfolded to break it.

Pre-Hispanic piñatas

Another version dates back to the Mayans, who had a game where they hung a clay pot full of cocoa beans, which they had to break blindfolded. But a similar tradition is also associated with the Aztec civilization, which celebrated the god Huitzilopochtli. This celebration coincided with the European winter.

In the ceremony, the priests of the Templo Mayor placed a clay pot on a pole in the temple and filled it with small precious objects obtained as loot from their victories. The pot was richly decorated with multicolored feathers, it was broken with a stick, and the gifts it contained were spilled at the feet of its god, signifying the offering of the people.

Evangelization

During the Spanish conquest, the Catholic priests used the piñatas to preach the gospel. The idea was quickly accepted due to the background of the Aztec culture.

It is estimated that the first “official” posada in New Spain was held in 1586. The Augustinian friars of Acolman de Nezahualcóyotl, in the current State of Mexico, near the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, received authorization from Pope Sixto V to celebrate the “aguinaldo masses”, which would later become the posadas. It was at these masses that the friars introduced the piñata.

Meaning

According to catholic tradition, the elements of the piñata have the following meaning:

Star shape: Its seven peaks represent each of the seven sins
Blindfolded: It is the blind faith with which temptations are overcome
Stick: Remember the fight against sins
Fruit and candy: It means the riches of the kingdom of heaven

How can you make a piñata?

You can use a clay pot or a balloon and newspaper clippings, glue, tissue paper, and cardboard cones. Once you have these materials, take the pot or the balloon, and place the glue all over the surface to stick the newspaper clippings.

Once you’ve glued the cutouts and the balloon or pot is completely covered, glue the cardboard cones, forming the spikes of the piñata; you can even tape them. Let dry for a few minutes.

Once you have assembled the piñata, decorate it with tissue paper, you can put other ornaments such as stickers or colored ribbons.

Tell your little one the origin of the piñata and together make yours.

Artisans making a piñata Photo: Shutterstock

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

The meaning of the Christmas Nativity set

Posted on 15/12/2021 - 15:13 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The countdown to Christmas is almost over; the houses already show the season’s decorations. In the Catholic tradition, in addition to the tree, another important element is the Nativity set, which has a special meaning that you can explain to your little one. Involve him in its placement!

This element under the Christmas tree represents the arrival of Jesus Christ to the world, an event that is celebrated at Christmas according to Catholicism; it is made up of a crib, remembering the place where He was born, as well as figures of the characters and elements that were part of this event: Baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the Three Wise Men, among others.

It is usually assembled from December 8th, the day of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception; Baby Jesus is placed until midnight on December 25th.

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Meaning of the elements:

Joseph: Obedience and strength

Mary: Love and Kindness

Shepherds and crib: humility

Baby Jesus: Light amid the darkness

Three Wise Men: Royal and Divine Nature of Jesus

Lambs: Innocence and sacrifice

Star: Light of Hope

The origin of the Nativity Set

This tradition dates back to the 11^th century when Saint Francis of Assisi, in the town of Greccio, Italy, made a live representation of the Birth of Jesus; since then, this custom began to spread throughout Christian countries.

For a long time, the Nativity Set consisted of a live representation of this event in Churches; with time, figures were made to be placed in homes.

It is thought that the first Nativity scene with figures made of clay took place in the Italian city of Naples at the end of the 15^th century. King Charles III, who ruled Spain and Naples, ordered that this representation of the Nativity scene with clay pieces be spread throughout all his domains.

Arrival in Mexico

The Nativity set came to our country after the conquest of the Spaniards; it was known by the name Bethlehem, the town where Baby Jesus was born. As part of the evangelization, the Franciscan friars used the Nativity scene, the pastorelas (plays that recreate the biblical passage where the shepherds follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the Christ Child), and the posadas (a party to commemorate the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born) to teach Catholicism.

All around the country, Nativity sets births are made in different materials; they can be made of clay, such as those made in the Metepec, State of Mexico, or those made with polychrome tin in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.

Famous Nativity sets

Every year in different parts of Mexico City and the country, Nativity sets are placed that are highly visited. One of them is the one that is placed in Coyoacán Square, which is a must-see during these holidays. If you have the opportunity to travel, you can visit Tepotzotlán, in the State of Mexico, famous for its pastorelas and Nativity scenes.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

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Pets: a gift or responsibility?

Posted on 10/12/2021 - 17:46 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The Christmas holidays are just around the corner, and we are in search of gifts. We often think that a pet is a good gift for children; however, its arrival should be discussed as a family, and the question is: Pets: gift or responsibility?

“Whether dogs, cats, or any other animal, pets are an excellent company, especially for children. However, it must be clear that they are not objects that can be given away; they are a great responsibility”, said Dr. Fausto Reyes Delgado, Director of Institutional Development, Communication, and Education of the UNAM-Banfield Veterinary Hospital.

“We must be aware that pets are intelligent beings; they are not things or gifts; that is the first thing we must learn with children”.

Basic questions before having a pet

He stressed that the first step to responsible pet ownership is asking all family members five basic questions:

What do I want the pet for?
Where are we going to have it?
How much space will it take?
How much do you plan to spend?
Who will it live with?

Dr. Reyes Delgado highlighted the importance of having the advice of a veterinarian to determine the type of animal or breed that is the most suitable for the family, according to their habits and routines.

“First, you have to plan if you want or have a companion animal, and before acquiring it, receive advice from the veterinarian. Unfortunately, we see as veterinarians that the pets arrive first and then go to the veterinarian; we see that the breed of dog is the least indicated for that nucleus”.

Adopt: the best option

He emphasized that although adoption is always the best option, it is essential to analyze whether we have the conditions to give the little animal a good life and evaluate what type of specimen is suitable for the family seeking to adopt.

“It is tough for us to understand that not all of us can have a pet in our homes; that is the first point regarding education. Many people have pets, dogs, cats, and other types of animals without even really knowing if they have the possibility of having it”.

Responsible pet ownership is an excellent example for children that teaches them to care for and respect animals, as it makes them understand that they are living beings that feel that they need love and care.

“If pets are given the right space, the right food for their stage, they are provided with a roof, medical service; all of this comes together to have an example of the proper way to have pets, if that is what the child is seeing, the education they are going to have is incredible”.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

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