A child’s tantrums are the most intense part of parenting. Screaming, crying, and anger can leave parents feeling emotionally exhausted. While the first reaction to such behaviors is to immediately stop it, however, parents must understand the child’s emotions behind it. Sometimes what looks like a child’s ‘bad behavior’ is actually a sign of overwhelm and the inability to regulate emotions. Mindful parenting means responding with calmness while still maintaining healthy boundaries. Here are five mindful ways parents can respond to a child’s tantrums:

Pause before reacting

It is natural to become emotionally reactive when a child starts yelling or throwing tantrums. However, when parents raise their voice, they make the situation even worse. One of the most powerful parenting tools is to simply pause before responding.What parents should do in this situation is to take a deep breath, lower their anger, and take a few seconds before speaking. A calm parent becomes a source of emotional safety during a storm of feelings.

Photo: Canva

Validate the child’s emotions

Children need to feel understood before they are ready to listen. When parents dismiss a child’s feelings or tell them they’re “overreacting,” they make them feel unheard. This is why the solution lies in acknowledging what they may be feeling. Using statements such as “I know you’re upset” makes the child feel at ease. More importantly, this does not validate their behavior, but simply gives the message that their emotions are real and accepted.

Set boundaries without harshness

Mindful parenting is also about teaching children that boundaries are important. When a child throws tantrums, parents should teach that their feelings are valid, but bad behavior isn’t. The key to effectively communicate this lies in staying calm while being firm. Phrases like “I know you’re upset, but throwing stuff is not okay.” This approach teaches children emotional regulation without making them feel ashamed for having big feelings.

Photo: Canva

Focus on connection, not control

When parents try to control a child’s behavior during a tantrum, they are practically suppressing their emotions. Since children are overwhelmed with emotions when they throw tantrums, attempts to control their emotions intensifies the outburst. Simple gestures like sitting beside them quietly, maintaining a calm presence beside them, or offering a warm hug can help children feel safe and understood.

Reflect after the tantrum ends

The real opportunity for parents to build trust in the child’s mind comes when the child calms down after the emotional outburst. Instead of scolding the child or shaming them for their actions, parents should use the moment to have a reassuring conversation with the child. This creates a lasting impression in the child’s mind, and they understand that it’s okay to express emotions and one shouldn’t suppress them. Over time, these calm post-tantrum conversations improve problem-solving skills, and build a deeper sense of trust and emotional safety.

The words “kidney failure” often create immediate fear inside families. Many people assume life becomes hopeless afterward. That is no longer true.

Modern medicine has dramatically changed survival and quality of life for kidney patients. Treatments like dialysis and kidney transplantation now allow many people to live meaningful lives for years and even decades.

Dr Dheerendra says, “There is an irrational fear about these treatments which one needs to overcome.”

Across the world, people with kidney disease continue working, travelling, exercising, raising families, and pursuing careers after treatment.

Fear often comes from lack of understanding. Knowledge replaces panic with preparedness.

Be careful about what you add to your routine
Sometimes protecting the kidneys is less about adding more things and more about avoiding unnecessary harm.

The internet is full of miracle cures, detox powders, herbal cleanses, and aggressive supplement trends promising to “repair” kidneys naturally. Many are not backed by science.

Dr Dheerendra calls this dangerous cycle “mixopathy” constantly changing treatments based on advice from unqualified sources.

“What you do is as important as what you don’t do,” he says.

The kidneys prefer stability. Random experimentation may overload them further.

A balanced lifestyle still matters deeply:

Drink adequate water
Control diabetes and blood pressure
Sleep properly
Avoid smoking
Exercise regularly
Limit excessive salt intake
Take medicines only under medical guidance

Simple habits done consistently often protect the kidneys more than expensive wellness trends ever can.

The city of Jaipur, which is also called the Pink City, is experiencing fast urbanisation and the need for effective transportation services owing to the traffic jams that have emerged. In a bid to solve these problems, the Government of India has approved the Jaipur Metro Phase 2, which is a move towards modernisation of infrastructure of the city.

Route and key features of Jaipur Metro Phase 2

Jaipur Metro Phase 2 is a proposed plan for a North-South corridor from Prahladpura (south end) to Todi Mod (north end). Its total length is about 41 kilometres, and it will be a significant development in Jaipur’s existing metro system.The proposed plan will have 36 metro stations, mostly elevated with a few critical stations being underground. These stations will be mostly built around high-density areas such as airports.Some of the key regions that this metro will pass through are:

There are plans for integration with the existing Phase 1 corridor via interchange stations. Construction of this metro corridor is targeted to complete before September 2031 with several phase constructions.

Image Credit: Canva

Cost and implementation

The Jaipur Metro Phase 2 project involves a significant investment of approximately ₹13,038 crore, making it one of the largest infrastructure projects in Rajasthan. The project will be implemented by the Rajasthan Metro Rail Corporation Limited (RMRCL), which is a joint venture between the central and state governments.This structured funding approach ensures financial feasibility while enabling the adoption of modern metro technologies and infrastructure.

Boost to connectivity and urban mobility

One primary objective of Jaipur Metro Phase 2 is to significantly improve city-wide connectivity. The current metro network mainly serves the east–west corridor, but Phase 2 will introduce a strong north–south link, connecting previously underserved areas.This expansion is expected to:

Establishing metro connectivity between different industrial, business and residential centers will be highly instrumental in economic activity and efficiency.Moreover, this metro construction aligns with India’s objective of achieving sustainability within its cities, as metros minimise carbon emissions.

Real estate and property market impact

The impact of Jaipur Metro Phase 2 on the real estate sector is expected to be substantial. Historically, metro connectivity has led to increased property demand and price appreciation in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, and Jaipur is likely to follow a similar trend.Rise in property prices: There will be a consistent increase in the value of properties close to the metro railway station because of easy accessibility and convenience.Growth of new investment hotspots: Areas like Sitapura, Jagatpura and Vidhyadhar Nagar have the potential to become new zones for residential and commercial investments.Demand for rental properties: People working in offices or colleges will find it convenient to live near metro stations, thus increasing the demand for rented flats near the corridors.Transit-oriented development: The project is an example of Transit-Oriented Development, where urban planning revolves around the metro railway station.Overall, the metro expansion is expected to create a ripple effect, driving infrastructure growth and enhancing the city’s real estate ecosystem.The Jaipur Metro Phase 2 project is not only about a metro transport system but also about a transformational process that will change the city’s face, featuring a 41 km long corridor, 36 metro stations, and at a total project cost of ₹13,037.66 crore, as per PM INDIA. Besides improving connectivity and mobility, it will also boost the city’s economy while lowering its carbon footprint. Real estate development projects will also gain momentum due to the implementation of such a project in the city.

Not every baby product is as safe as it appears. Many everyday items parents unknowingly use on their child may expose children to harmful chemicals and irritants. Experts repeatedly emphasise that parents need to be extra cautious about what they use around them.
Highlighting this, a Hyderabad-based Oncologist Dr Arrjun Sankaran, recently shared a list of common products parents should avoid using on children. According to him, children are more sensitive to chemicals, fragrances, and harsh ingredients than adults. He adds that some everyday products may irritate the skin, affect breathing, or expose children to things they simply don’t need at a young age.
Here are some products the expert says parents should not use on their children:

Chillies are an essential ingredient in Indian kitchens, instantly adding the right spice, fire, and crisp to any dish.

To avoid the last-minute runs to the market, these thin fiery vegetables can be grown easily, even at the last minute when most needed.

If you love cooking with fresh, fiery chillies but don’t have a big garden, growing them in grow bags is the perfect solution. Grow bags are lightweight, affordable, and provide excellent drainage, which chilli plants absolutely love.
Growing chillies in grow bags not only saves space but also gives your plants the best environment to produce maximum fruit.
Disclaimer: The tips given here are purely for reading and educational purposes, based on general information and common gardening practices only. Results may vary depending on your location, climate, plant variety, and care routine. Always check local growing conditions and consult a gardening expert if you’re unsure.
Here are a few simple steps by which you can grow green chillies in grow bags at home:

A child does not need a large vocabulary to be preschool-ready. What they do need is some way of communicating hunger, discomfort, bathroom needs, fear, excitement, or a desire for help.

This communication can be verbal, physical, or a mix of both. They may point, use single words, repeat familiar phrases, or take an adult by the hand. The point is not fluency. The point is whether the child can make themselves understood enough to reduce frustration.

When a child can express needs, even in a limited way, they are less likely to feel lost in a new environment. Preschool becomes easier when the child can say, in their own way, “I need this,” “I do not like that,” or “Please help me.”

Real love isn’t like the movies. It’s rarely about the rain-soaked airport reunions or the expensive flower arrangements. Most of the time, “happily ever after” is built in the quiet, boring, in-between moments. It’s about how you treat each other when the coffee runs out or when work is stressing you both to the breaking point.

Happy couples aren’t lucky; they’re just consistent. They’ve built rituals that keep them connected even when life feels like a whirlwind. Here is the actual, non-clinical breakdown of what keeping that spark alive looks like in the real world.

Neurodiversity has moved from academic discussions into everyday parenting conversations. It is because children don’t think, learn, or process emotions in the same way. For parents, it is crucial to understand neurodiversity because it’s not just about awareness, instead it directly shapes how children are supported, and how they navigate the world.

Why is it important for parents to understand neurodiversity

Neurodiversity includes conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, all of which shape how a child learns, communicates, and experiences the world.It is essential that a parent understands his or her child’s differences as variations in how the brain works, and not as a problem to be fixed.

It shapes the mindset from “misbehavior” to “different needs.”

A child may look stubborn or it may feel like he’s showing lack of effort, however, this can sometimes be caused by his state of mind. When a parent is aware of the same, he responds with patience instead of punishment.

It supports a better learning outcome

Neurodiverse children learn in different ways; Some may learn through movement while some through repetition. Understanding this helps parents adapt teaching methods instead of forcing one rigid approach. When parents understand what their child needs, they become more able to communicate with the child’s teachers to provide appropriate support.

Strengthens parent-child relationships

Acceptance reduces conflict. When children feel understood rather than constantly corrected, they tend to express, communicate, and cooperate more effectively with the parent. Understanding neurodiversity helps parents move from control-based parenting to support-based parenting.

How parents can identify neurodiverse children

Neurodiversity is not immediately visible. Some children struggle quietly while in some it is misunderstood as stubbornness, laziness, or overreacting. Here are some common signs parents may notice:

Differences in communication

Communication differences are often the earliest signs that are visible in neurodiverse children. This doesn’t mean the child is completely unable to communicate, instead they may communicate, understand or respond in different ways that are different from children of their age. Some common signs to observe are: Inconsistent eye contact, unusual speech pattern, slow response or ability to start conversation.

Strong sensory sensitivity

Many neurodiverse children experience the world more intensely through senses. This is known as sensory sensitivity and is commonly seen in children with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and sensory processing differences. Common signs parents may notice in such children include: covering ears during loud noises, becoming upset in crowded environments, complaints about bright lights or strong smells.

Difficulty with focus and impulsivity

Many neurodiverse children experience challenges with attention and self-control. Sometimes what looks like “bad behavior” may actually be that the child’s brain may simply process attention and stimulation differently. They may struggle to sit for long periods or focus on tasks, act quickly without thinking, fidget constantly or appear restless.

Challenges with reading or writing

Some children work extremely hard in school yet continue to struggle with reading, writing, spelling, or understanding written information. These challenges are not always caused by lack of effort or intelligence, and may be linked to neurodiversity. Common signs parents may notice include; difficulty recognizing letters or words, reading slowly or skipping words frequently, avoiding reading or writing tasks altogether, or struggling to follow multi-step written instructions.

How to grow a native front yard without making it look messy. Image credit – Gemini

Native gardens have come to be linked with meadow-like landscaping and naturalistic landscapes. However, many native species can be structured, elegant, and thoughtfully planned while being bee-friendly and butterfly-friendly at the same time. According to landscape design experts, the trick lies in selecting plants with predictable forms, repeating them across the yard, and mixing flowers with bushes or evergreen form-makers.The University of Maryland Extension states that native planting designs will be successful in enhancing biodiversity without being out of place in suburban areas. According to the study, a structured native garden front yard doesn’t necessarily require several dozen plant species or look like a wild jungle. More often than not, a small number of selected plants will produce a cleaner-looking landscape than a hodgepodge of a flower bed.Why structured native planting succeedsThere is one common myth regarding native gardens – they should be wild and unstructured. However, what really makes or breaks a design is not the type of plants, but their arrangement. Grouped plants, neat borders, and shrubs for accents can easily turn any pollinator garden into a well-designed space.According to the University of Maryland Extension, native plants can add beauty, seasonal interest, and valuable habitat when incorporated properly into home landscapes. Simple texture and height combinations are ideal in small front-yard gardens. The best results usually occur in a garden featuring a simple combination of plants.Black-eyed Susan creates a vibrant summer structureIf you’re after easy-to-grow natives that create structure without overwhelming your yard, then black-eyed Susan might be the way to go. This plant features sturdy stems that grow straight up, along with yellow blooms that won’t make your garden look messy.The plant also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Due to its clumping habit, it’s perfect for adding it in small groups near paths or foundation beds.

These native plants look tidy enough for the HOA, and bees still love them. Image credit – Wikimedia

Inkberry ensures your garden looks good throughout the yearFlowering plants need some evergreen background plants around them to keep your garden full and visually pleasing all year round. One excellent plant choice for that would be inkberry holly. This plant retains a tidy shape and makes an excellent low hedge or repeat accent plant in the garden. Unlike other shrubs, it doesn’t overpower smaller yards. Gardeners often team inkberry up with flowers that will provide a cleaner framework for the planting.Purple coneflower assists pollinators and keeps its formThe purple coneflower is favoured because it offers both long-lasting flowers and a compact structure. This plant attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, and maintains its form better than many other, looser meadow varieties.It is also helpful for maintaining structure in the garden when temperatures start to rise.Little bluestem adds movement without appearing messyOrnamental grasses are very fast to go wild in the garden if they spread easily or flop over into walkways. There is a solution to this problem provided by little bluestem.Native plants with upright blue-green foliage that takes on copper and bronze hues toward the end of the growing season offer structure and movement without spreading too much. Clump plantings of little bluestem can also unify varied plants.Bee balm should be planted in controlled plantingsOne downside to bee balm is that it can appear very wild in a poorly planned-out garden bed. Controlled groupings help solve this problem. Growing mildew-resistant types will also ensure your foliage stays cleaner during humid months.Foamflower is perfect for small shade-filled areasIf you’re looking to fill your part-shade front yard, foamflower makes for a more elegant choice. This low-perennial plant will give you tidy mounds of foliage and beautiful spring blossoms, but won’t spread everywhere. It’s particularly good near paths and under shrubs where other plants might not fit.Switchgrass gives you vertical interestAnother great element of your garden would be a switchgrass plant. Its tall growth creates vertical interest and maintains an upright shape throughout the majority of its season.A native grass often incorporated into modern landscaping, switchgrass adds height to complement softer blooming plants. It also serves as bird seed when its seed heads mature.Repetition and minimalism win in front yardsMany pollinator gardens fall flat aesthetically because of a variety of non-complimentary plants competing for dominance. Professional landscapers recommend repeating a shorter list of native plants for front yards. Clear lines and edges, and evergreen accents will help make your garden look purposeful.What you end up with is an attractive garden with wildlife support. Native front yards do not have to look like a wild prairie. If done correctly, using the right plants and design elements, the front yard will appear well-manicured and inviting.

The iconic Les Marches staircase at Cannes’ Palais des Festivals, built in 1982, has become a symbol of glamour and cinema. Its 24 steps are where stars step into the spotlight, creating memorable moments and embodying the festival’s long history and enduring appeal for film enthusiasts worldwide.

At Cannes, the red carpet is only part of the story. The famous steps of the Palais des Festivals have become one of the most easily recognisable steps for film fanatics and fashion enthusiasts, searching for impeccable celeb looks and outstanding acting performances, respectively.Standing as symbols of the festival, for glamour, cinema, and the excitement of arrival, they are not just stairs; they are where the world watches stars, filmmakers, and newcomers step into the spotlight.As Cannes 2026 is just around the corner, enthusiasts are reready as ever to catch a glimpse of what all happens at the iconic Les Marches at Palais des Festivals.The staircase still carries the same energy it always has and is symbolic of the festival’s long history and the special place it holds in world cinema

Photo: Palais de Cannes Tapis Rouge | Herve FABRE

The iconic Les Marches staircase at Cannes’ Palais des Festivals was built in 1982 when the new venue opened on the seafront, replacing the old casino site to handle the festival’s growing crowds. Designed for grand entrances, its 24 steps quickly became a star attraction.The red stairs have been well known time and again for iconic moments like Marilyn Monroe posing in 1960 (on the earlier steps), Nicole Kidman’s elegant 2003 ascent for Dogvill, and Timothée Chalamet’s viral 2021 climb. Stars pause for photos, gowns shimmer under flashes, making a simple ascent into a simple walk into cinema magic that fans worldwide adore.

The history of Les Marches

The Palais des Festivals became the official home of the Cannes Film Festival after the event grew into a major international gathering. Over time, its grand staircase, known as Les Marches, became deeply connected with the identity of the festival. Each step became part of the ritual of arriving in style, with cameras flashing and audiences watching.

Why are the 24 steps so important?

The number of steps has become part of Cannes’ legend. While the exact count may not be the point for every visitor, the staircase itself has become iconic because it transforms a building entrance into a stage. It gives the festival a sense of ceremony that few other events can match.For film lovers, the steps are tied to the dream of cinema. They represent a distant dream, fame, and recognition.The stairs also help define the festival’s mood. Cannes is not only about watching films; it is also about honouring the people who make them. The steps turn that idea into a visible tradition, one that has lasted for decades.

Cannes 2026 today

In 2026, the staircase remains just as important as ever. It continues to welcome guests from around the world and set the tone for the festival. The mix of history and glamour gives Cannes its lasting appeal.That is why Les Marches matter so much. They are a small part of the Palais des Festivals, but they carry the spirit of the whole event.For the unversed, this year, Alia Bhatt, Tara Sutaria, and Aditi Rao Hydari are among the many expected to be at Cannes.