Top 5 TV shows mom and I love

Ever since the lockdown started, we have been looking for more ways to entertain ourselves during the lockdown. The most common solution to boredom is watching TV. So I have compiled a list of the best TV shows to watch.

Number 5: The Mandalorian

Star Wars’ first action show is all you would expect and more. The Mandalorian is about a Mandalorian Bounty Hunter who is sent to hunt a being very similar to Jedi Master Yoda. He catches it and ordinarily would turn it over to the Empire but they make a connection and he realises the being is special and is force sensitive. He looks for a Jedi to train him and travels across the galaxy in search of Jedi while protecting 'Grogu' from the Sith lords.

Number 4: Young Justice

This show centers around the adventures of the Justice League's sidekicks AKA Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Superboy, Miss Martian and Speedy. The timeline is a little confusing but otherwise the show is a lot of fun! The originals of course are there including Batman, Superman, Martian Manhunter and more. A must watch!

Number 3: Clone Wars

For those of you Star Wars fanatics out there (including yours truly) this show is the perfect one! It revolves around the Jedi including Anakin Skywalker before Order 66. The show covers the events of Episode III and the time between Episode II and Episode III over 7 amazing seasons!  There are old characters like Yoda, Obi Wan and Mace Windu. There are also new characters like Ahsoka Tano and Commander Rex. 

Number 2: Yeh Jo He Zindagi

Ok so this one is a little different.... This is a Hindi 80's classic which is HILARIOUS!!! My dad introduced it to me in the beginning of lockdown (read late March, early April) and my stomach used to hurt with laughter. I really think these old shows are a riot! 

Number 1: Mind Your Language

This is another hilarious English classic but from the 70s. It centers around a teacher, Mr. Brown who teaches foreigners English in England.The show covers the outrageously funny escapades of the students struggling to understand English. I really am amazed by the TV content in the 70s and 80s. 

I feel the best thing to watch now is the OG comedies. They are nice and long will have you laughing like you never have!

Top 5 time consuming fun activities for a lockdown during summer vacations

 

'I'm bored!' - I'm sure all you moms out there have heard your kiddo use these two infamous words. Now with the lockdown during their summer vacations, a second year in a row, it is just something you feel bad about. Here is my top 5 list of fun, indoor and very time consuming activities which will just make those hours fly by. Don't worry these are all mommy-proof ideas which will leave your child with some enrichment and won't just be about killing time.

Number 5: Coding

Now I am aware coding for kids has been drawing a lot of flak lately with various courses making insane claims about the outcomes of their coaching. However, at a very basic level coding can be a lot of fun. And just like any other creative process gives you a sense of accomplishment when you see the final output. The screen grab above is from an app my son created - HAPPI - Hearing Assistant and Practice Partner Interface... Those of you on an android device can even download and check it out here... It took him a good amount of time to code and design and brought him immense joy. I am not even considering the utilitarian benefits of the app or the mental stimulation that coding brings with it... Give it a shot if you feel your kid would enjoy it because mine certainly does.

Number 4: Risk (Board Game)

My all time favourite strategy game is Chess - however Risk may be more enjoyable to your kid. Also you can play with upto five players which means the rest of the family can also be drawn in. World domination is the ultimate objective of the game and it could well go on for over four to five hours. Keep this as a weekend activity if you want to be the one playing. But be careful make sure you like it enough to keep playing it as I think your kid is going to enjoy it and they you better be available to play it with him even if only on weekends and holidays.

Number 3: Blogging

Well, why not? This was a blog I had started when my kid was just an infant. Now it is so much more fun with both of us posting. We brainstorm for ideas, have worked out a schedule for his and my posts. Learnt how to use Animaker together. It is a lot of fun. If you think you can join him that's great, else today's kids can very weak manage to create and populate a blog all on their own. Trust me parents it is a lot of fun doing it together.

Number 2: Lego City

Lego City is just an unending world of possibilities. After the first time that you follow the book and make the structures the set is intended for, you can try a whole new scene the next time. It allows you to recreate an entire city and then have fun with the creation. From cars to jails to zoos and homes there is so much you can build. The good thing with lego is you can start small and keep adding to the collection. We have been building our lego collection from even before our kid was born and to be honest I quite enjoy it even today.

Number 1: Lego Boost

The reason I have kept this separate is because it is completely different. Not only can you build great creations but motors and sensors allow you to bring those creations to life. It has some basic coding you need to do on its apps and voila you have a interactive robot ready. From an assembly line to a cat robot this has been an investment worth making. It is also the starting range of the Lego coding sets like Mindstorm and a good way to start off.

5 reasons why mom sitting next to you on a work day is the best (and 5 reasons why it is not)

Lockdown has been reimposed in Mumbai and any doubts about school and office starting have been dispelled. Mom and I sit together at the same table on a working day so there are some pros and cons to this. I have put together a list of advantages and disadvantages of her next to me.

Advantage #1: Help with Maths concepts 😈

Just last year we started Linear Equations and Algebra(Sorry mom but why???? Why would you add letters to maths) and I was hopelessly lost in the concepts. But mom was next to me and she helped out. Ever since then I have got a deep(like really deep) explanation of the concepts I did not understand.

Disadvantage #1: Background interferences 🤨

The moment you unmute to answer a question, the gods decide mom has to be asked a question by her client or boss. Every single time. Seriously it’s happened every time I unmute!

Advantage #2: Fun in boring classes 🤪

You know that class where the teacher is boring, the subject is boring and the topic is boring? I have a unique solution. If mom is not on a call but I am in a boring class she at first tells me to focus but then tells me jokes if I am really bored. I think her belief is if you can’t beat them join them.

Disadvantage #2: LOUD!!!! Really LOUD!!! 🤯

Mom likes to yell a lot in calls. And I mean a LOT! My eardrums will be severely damaged by the time Work From Home and e-Learning is over. God save me!!

Advantage #3: Unboring evenings 🤣

In the evenings, mom actually plays the Nintendo Switch and watches TV with me. No complains about playing st*pid games.(Mom considers it a swear word) believe it or not.

Disadvantage #3: Custody arguments over coasters and pens 🙄

We got some pens and DC coasters online. Mom and I(mainly me) keep swapping and arguing over which coaster and pen is whose.

Advantage #4: Hindi में मदद 😭

Every one who knows me (especially my mom) knows I do not like Hindi and I am terrible at it. In the words of my aaji who teaches me Hindi, I make a कचोरी of हिन्दी व्याकरण. So if I have to frame sentences in a worksheet mom to the rescue.

Disadvantage #4: Mute TV 📺 

If mom is on a call and I’m watching TV I have to mute the TV. It is a little inconvenient.

Advantage #5: Spending time with working mom  😁

Before lockdown, mom used to go to office Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. So we spent less time together. Now in this lockdown, we got to spent more time. A definite plus.

Disadvantage #5: Walking around camera field of vision in class 🚶‍♀️  

It looks funny when someone’s parents are walking around in the background. Unfortunately, mom is one of them. To get steps she walks behind me... It is a little funny.

Bonus Advantage: I teach her Gen Z stuff

 Ok this was mom’s suggestion. I teach her coding(someone’s been irregular with coding - Mom) and correct her so called “cool speech”. But is it really Gen Z stuff? No it is just basics....

Bonus Disadvantage: Cleaning OCD

Mom is a cleaning freak(she says she has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - OCD). If you have her standing on your head to put the Lego away or cover the Nintendo it gets REALLY annoying. But sometimes I don’t mind it.

Hope you enjoyed the first post of The Flip Side because there are always two sides to a coin. 

Top 5 App Store apps for your soon to be tween

Now with school moving almost entirely online, our stone age efforts to reduce screen time may well be wasted. However if our kids are going to be spending most time in the day staring into a screen, here are five app store apps I would recommend you let them download...

Number 5: Streaks

Streaks is this amazing habit forming app. Be it health and fitness related or studies related. Just get your kid started on streaks and ensure he sees those taks through. What also works for Streaks is that it seamlessly integrates with a number of other apps so that your task completion is automated.

Number 4: Notability

Notability is the perfect note taking app. From choosing your paper and ink to adding images and scans it is all very simple and ensures class time is taken seriously even if it is so that one can have fun with the notes. It's also very easy to refer back to around exams. It can also be very handy for non school realted notes. And mom this one is very useful for you as well.

Number 3: Google Classroom

Now your kid will have to download whatever classroom app his school needs him on. But I was referring to Google Classroom even for your personal use. It is very convenient if you are busy with work and want to set and share assignments with your kid around exams. In our case my kid is also the teacher with me as he is training me in coding... either way this app is pretty handy.

Number 2: Goodreads

Goodreads is a great place to get reading suggestions and when you have a reader on your hands it is the perfect app for him to select his next book. I also think it is a more cerebral introduction to social media and don't mind my kiddo spending some time here.

Number 1: Kindle

And if your kid is going to be on Goodreads, he is going to need Kindle. Now please be aware that an Opthalmologist is not going to recommend Kindle but I really don't see an option as the poor kid can't even step out to a library and we surely don't have enough room for all his books.

Top 5 Nintendo Switch games that Mom does not get irritated with and even plays along

For those of you who have the Nintendo Switch, you know the variety of games it has. But mom does not like some of them 🙄. So I came up with a list of games she will like and play. I’ll rank it from 5 to 1 with 5 being least favourite favourite and 1 being favourite. Give me your opinion on this list.... and not all are restricted to the Nintendo Switch.

Image Source: Nintendo

Number 5: Mario Party

Image Source: Nintendo

Mario and his friends dance, party and play games in Mario Party. Grab a joy-con and play a board game, mini game or Mariothon. Mom likes to dance(terribly at that) and sing(eh, she sings ok as much as she insists she’s an excellent singer and dancer) so this is for her. I like to play this because it has an element of fun to it. 

Number 4: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Image Source: Nintendo

As usual, Bowser has kidnapped Peach (seriously, what's up with that guy?) and it's up to Mario and his friends to rescue her. Travel through deserts, snow, clouds and plains while fighting Bowser and his minions. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, Toadette and Nabbit with upto 3 other people. Mom enjoys jumping and stomping Goombas as do I so this game is perfect for us.

Number 3: Clue

Image Source: Nintendo

This game is the online version of Cluedo. Using hints, you can solve the murder mystery. Play with and as Professor Plum, Scarlet Red, Colonel Mustard and more. You cannot play in 2 player mode so you would have to play as a team. It boosts your mind and is fun!

Number 2: Mario And Sonic At The Olympic Games

                                                                   Image Source: Nintendo

Play as Sega and Nintendo Characters in story or quick mode. Archery, Racing, Swimming, and a lot more are included. Upto 4 people can play. My personal favourite is Archery. We had a blast and so will you...

Number 1: Hasbro Game Night

                                                                   

                                                                   Image Source: Nintendo

Play the classics Risk, Trivial Pursuit and Monopoly on the Switch. Mom and I love to play Trivial Pursuit. It is a quirky game and not too long either. But mom loves it so much I had to put it in  Number 1.

Hope you enjoyed this listicle of Broumama where you'll never get on mom's nerves 😉 

Crafty Creations for Curious Kids - Diwali Gift Wrapping Paper

Here is another one on the Diwali theme...

Tools:

Newspaper
Lots of paints
Mixing bowls

Method:

Use flat bowls to pour in 3-4 colours of paint... move the bowl around so that paints run into each other a bit...

Now give your kid the newspaper sheets as his canvas...

There you have some homemade,  recycled gift wrapping paper...

Crafty Creations for Curious Kids - Diwali Lantern

In line with my tip for the day... the theme this week is obvious - Diwali...

So here are some easy Diwali craft ideas...

Tools:

3 A4 sheets in bright colours
Scissors
Stapler
Decorative Tape

Method:

Roll one sheet horizontally after cutting off about 2 inches from below and staple.

Fold the second sheet on its vertical axis... and cut multiple strips in the paper on the folded side...

Now staple this over rolled sheet...

Cut strips in the third sheet and attach below this creation...

Voila your homemade lantern is ready...

Review - Adlabs Imagica

An overall stupendous experience... but I'm going to break it up for easy reference...

The :) experiences:

Super clean
Very well organised
Very courteous, friendly and helpful staff
Whole lot of junior rides keeping the young ones busy and happy
Quality of rides at par with Global counterparts
Ideas inspired from International theme parks adapted beautifully to the Indian settings

The :( experiences:

Very few shady spots - need more shaded pathways
The auditorium rides are located all together kind of gets a bit sickening and we actually skipped a couple
More food options would help

The top 3 rides (with a kid):

Alibaba aur Chalis Chorr
Bandits of Robin Hood
I for India

What I missed on some rides:

Cinema 360 could do with seats
Mr. India briefing room could be a bit more clear on next steps

Some tips:

Carry a towel for wet rides
Cap and goggles a must
Eat light
The Jaljeera at the food quote a saviour after all the ups and down
Merchandise worth buying great quality and decent prices...

As I said overall definitely a thumbs up all the way...

Crafty Creations for Curious Kids - Sheep

Quick Recipes for Busy Moms - Apple Bread

Ingredients:

1 Egg
3/4 Cup Apple Pulp
3/4 Cup Whole Wheat
1 Table Spoon Refined Flour (Maida)
1/4 Cup White + Brown Sugar Mixed
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

Method:

Use a hand blender to mix the egg, apple pulp and sugar. Fold in the flours, baking powder and baking soda.

Preheat the oven and then bake at 180 degrees for 45 minutes...

Voila your healthy whole wheat apple bread is ready...

Serving Suggestion : Condensed milk, cinnamon powder or maple syrup serve as good accompaniments

...

Quick Recipes for Busy Moms - Mocha Cream

Ingredients:

Filter Coffee Decoction
Whipped Cream (Dairy Free Cream if you want the Vegan Variation)
Sugar
Chocolate powder or Grated Chocolate Slab

Method:

Whip the cream till it peaks... Add sugar...Add in the coffee and grated Chocolate or Chocolate powder. Set in shot glasses and garnish with the chocolate.

Moms this isn't for the kids... keep aside some sweetened whipped cream and add the chocolate or fresh fruit jam instead of the coffee...

Crafty Creations for Curious Kids - Pen Holder

So continuing from my early pic... here is the second tube craft idea...

Watch this space for a couple of more options... coming soon :)

Crafty Creations for Curious Kids - Telescope

When we got a courier delivery in a cardboard tube I knew we had to figure some interesting craft ideas...

Idea 1 was a telescope...