The Playful Minds

How lack of sleep for as little as 39 minutes can affect your child's health     A new study shows that lack of sleep  can affect children's well-being and mood.   sleep deprived children do not do very well in school.   Losing even 30 minutes of sleep can have an impact.   Sleep experts say sleep should be a priority for  children and adults alike.    If they lost just 39 minutes of sleep, they felt significantly worse, had poorer academic performance, and  reduced quality of life.     sleep restrictions have also affected children who  lost as little as 30 minutes of sleep.       How sleep deprivation affects children   According to the study's authors, little is known about the effects of sleep deprivation on healthy children. Their goal was to study this problem.     The children in the study were part of another study aptly named DREAM (Daily Rest, ...

Paneer Bhurji is a popular Indian dish made with crumbled paneer, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Paired with soft and fresh roti and a cooling mixed vegetable raita, this dish makes for a filling and balanced lunch for kids. Ingredients: For Paneer Bhurji: 200g paneer, crumbled 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 onion, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 green chilli, chopped 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp garam masala powder Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish For Roti: 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp salt Water as needed For Mixed Vegetable Raita: 1 cup plain yogurt 1 small cucumber, chopped 1 small carrot, grated 1 small tomato, chopped 1/2 tsp cumin powder Salt to taste Coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: For Paneer Bhurji: Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Add onions and green chilli and sauté until onions turn translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until they become soft. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well. ...

Poha is a popular breakfast dish in India that is made with flattened rice. This version of poha is loaded with vegetables and peanuts for added nutrition and flavor. Ingredients: 1 cup of flattened rice (poha) 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, onions, bell peppers) 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder Salt to taste 1 tablespoon of oil Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: Rinse the flattened rice in water and drain it in a colander. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the pan and let them sizzle. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Add the turmeric powder and salt to the pan and mix well. Add the flattened rice and roasted peanuts to the pan and mix everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot. Notes: You can add more or less ve...

This protein-packed breakfast is perfect for starting your day with energy. The omelette is loaded with vegetables, and the whole wheat bread provides fiber and nutrients to keep you feeling full throughout the morning. Ingredients: 2 eggs 1/4 cup of chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach) Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon of olive oil 2 slices of whole wheat bread Instructions: Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and beat them with a fork. Add the chopped vegetables, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is set. Flip the omelette and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until it's cooked through. Serve the omelette with two slices of toasted whole wheat bread. Notes: You can use any vegetables you like in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces. You can add cheese or herbs to the omelette if ...

Upma is a popular and healthy breakfast dish in India. It is made with semolina and vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling meal. This recipe for upma with vegetables is easy to make and a great way to start your day. Ingredients: 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji) 1 onion, chopped 1 tomato, chopped 1 carrot, grated 1 capsicum, chopped 2 green chillies, chopped 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp cumin seeds A pinch of asafoetida (hing) 8-10 curry leaves 2 tbsp oil 2 cups water Salt to taste 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional) Fresh coriander leaves for garnish Instructions: Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add cumin seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves. Add chopped onion and green chillies and sauté till the onions turn translucent. Add chopped tomato and sauté for a minute. Add grated carrot and chopped capsicum and sauté for a minute. Add water and salt and bring it to boil. Once the water starts boiling, add semolina slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lum...

Start your child's day with a healthy and refreshing breakfast with this Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl. Made with fresh fruits and yogurt, it is loaded with essential nutrients that will keep your child energized throughout the day. Ingredients: 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 banana ½ cup Greek yogurt ¼ cup almond milk 1 tbsp honey Toppings: sliced banana, sliced strawberries, granola, chia seeds Instructions: Add frozen strawberries, banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and honey into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the smoothie into a bowl. Arrange toppings on top of the smoothie. Serve immediately. Notes: You can use any type of milk or milk substitute in place of almond milk. Frozen fruits can be replaced with fresh fruits, but you will need to add ice to the blender to get a thick consistency. For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt. FAQ: Q: Can I use other fruits in this smoothie bowl? A: Yes, you can use any type of fruit you like. Just make sure to adjust the...

Bread Idli is a unique take on the traditional South Indian idli, which is typically made from a batter of fermented rice and urad dal. The use of bread slices in this recipe not only adds an interesting texture but also makes the preparation process much faster and easier. Overall, Bread Idli is a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to please your taste buds and keep you satisfied throughout the day. It's a great recipe to have in your repertoire, whether you're a fan of South Indian cuisine or just looking for a new way to enjoy bread. Recipe card for instant bread idli recipe | instant  idli recipe: Bread Idli is a popular South Indian snack made with bread slices and a few basic pantry ingredients. It is a quick and easy alternative to the traditional idli recipe, which requires soaking and grinding rice and lentils. Bread Idli is soft, spongy, and has a delicious tangy flavor from the addition of yogurt. It is a perfect snack for breakfast or as a light...