How To Keep Mosquitoes Away Naturally - Tips & Tricks

With monsoon comes the mosquito menaces and so are the diseases like Dengue, Malaria and chikungunya. Real fight for a parent is to protect children from these diseases and we all know the side effects of various mosquito repellents present in the market. In this post, let us look at natural alternatives to keep off the mosquitoes.

Here are some popular natural mosquito repellents DIY recipes that should drive the mosquitoes away.


Neem Oil

Neem oil is considered as one of very effective mosquito repellent. Neem oil is easily available at nearest chemist shops.

You can dilute this oil with coconut oil and apply on body.

Citronella

This is a popular essential, it is derived from a species of lemon grass and the smell of it is researched to be quite offensive for the mosquitoes, especially the dengue-causing variety. Many top brands repellent cream has this citronella content.

Clove oil

Clove is again a very common ingredient in Indian kitchen and also another very popular and easily-available oil, this too have insect repelling feature.

If using on a small child, mix this oil with coconut oil and apply.

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil (OLE)

A very well-documented mosquito repellent, OLE is known to have an effect as powerful as a chemical repellent. If you read the labels, you will find it listed as an ingredient in most natural insect repellents. If you wish to use it, try and procure the insect-repellent version of it and not the essential oil as the efficacy of the latter is not yet confirmed.

These oils do not work for longer hours, most have an efficacy of maximum 2-3 hours.

However, you can reapply these oils.

Remember

• While taking your child to park, ensure they wear full sleeves
• Use mosquito nets or apply mosquito repellents on the hands & legs that are not covered

Here are few plants you can have in your garden to keep mosquito away - 

• Citronella (lemon balm, lemon grass, lemon verbena)
• Geranium
• Eucalyptus
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Anise
• Mint
• Marigold
• Catnip
• Wormwood
• Lavender
• Cedar
• Tansy
• Cloves

Ready-Made Natural Mosquito Repellents

If you do not have the time & patience to try out the above recipes. Here is a ready-made solution for everyone. I have been using these two all natural mosquito repellents and they work great for me & my family. You might want to check them out!

Do share in comments if you have any tips or tricks to keep mosquito away naturally.

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle - Kids Book Review

Read on this kids book review of the bestseller The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Author: Eric Carle
Distributor: Puffin Books
Age in yrs : 1.5+
Recommendation : Strong 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the most illustrative and informative books for children between the age group of 1 to 5 years. The book is basically the story of a caterpillar dissecting the pangs and toils of its life. The language of the book is very simple. This has been especially done so that the children are encouraged to read the book themselves. With its extensive illustrations, the book also provides a lot of information to the children and at the same time persuades them to think and answer some questions; like the number of days in a week or naming food items or stating the stages of evolution of a caterpillar.

Fact and Fiction Balanced Well

The author has given away some really interesting facts in the book in an easy manner which is why the knowledge becomes readily available to the children and they rather take it as obvious facts. While doing so, however, the author has not indulged in scientific facts that become boring after a point and has also emphasized on the fictional things that might amuse the children. Furthermore, the book very accurately states the metamorphosis process which has been endorsed by the Royal Entomological Society.

Timeless Classic for Children

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of the best timeless classics for children because the book and the story was initially published in 1969, but over the course of 40 years, the book still hasn’t lost its charm and continues to mesmerize young readers from around the globe. The simple story of a caterpillar’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly has become widely popular because of its scientific approach.

Eric Carle’s books have an uncommon place in everyone’s heart. The way he makes his representations makes them so bright and engaging all. This Very Hungry Caterpillar book has holes through its pages and it worked extremely well with kids as they like putting their fingers in things.





It is a very cute charming tale about growing up – development of a caterpillar from egg to butterfly and in the meantime it’s very educational for younger children because the main character has to overcome his ravenous appetite, so ends up eating a lot.



In this procedure youngsters can learn to count, explore different fruits, hues and find out about caterpillars transform into butterflies.

It also gives a good introduction to days of the week and some food vocabulary.






In this book we discover that caterpillars, similar to people, appreciate eating junk food and fall sick, so we can likewise make a point to kids about adhering to a good diet as the caterpillar feels better after eating leaves(good diet).

Book Review by Vaishnavi Yelchur. Read all reviews by Vaishnavi HERE.

This post first appeared on Moppets Wiki

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Do not forget to follow "The K Junction" on Facebook page & closed Facebook group, Twitter and Instagram for day to day updates that might not always find a place on this blog. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to know more about our early learning journey, DIY & Montessori & Waldorf inspired activities for kids, kids books & toys reviews and much more!

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Postman Bear By Julia Donaldson - Kids Book Review

Read on this kids book review of the book Postman Bear from the celebrated author Julia Donaldson. 

Book: Postman Bear
Author: Julia Donaldson
Age in yrs : 1.5+
Recommendation : Strong

‘Postman Bear’ is a dazzling story of woodland friends receiving a very special letter.

This story with a well-known setting utilizes rhyme to superbly add fluency and is based around a little Bear in bright red midsection coat composing and delivering letters to three of his companions. Set in a woodland, the pursuer is able to follow the Bear as he goes to different areas to post these letters and kids are able to count and ensure that each one is delivered, as well as encouraged to make guesses as to who is behind each front door and eventually what exactly could be written in the letters. Toward the finish of the book the Bear prepares for the birthday party heating a cake lastly respects all his friends at the entryway.




The story offers a few open doors for youngsters to conclude, construe and translate information both with the inquiries asked inside the book, for example, ‘Who’s behind this entryway?’ and the splendid illustrations in this story additionally gives much possibility for guardians to make inquiries and incite kids to expand upon such abilities fundamental to reading.



On the whole ‘Postman Bear’ is a brilliant read for youthful readers to expand upon their phonics abilities.The magnificent illustrations using interactive flaps to reveal extra information drive fun, surprise and fabricate early perception and comprehension for moppets.




Book Review by Vaishnavi Yelchur. Read all reviews by Vaishnavi HERE.

This post first appeared on Moppets Wiki

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Do not forget to follow "The K Junction" on Facebook page & closed Facebook group, Twitter and Instagram for day to day updates that might not always find a place on this blog. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to know more about our early learning journey, DIY & Montessori & Waldorf inspired activities for kids, kids books & toys reviews and much more!

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Cloud Meditation For Kids & Adults - Healing & Relaxation

Let us revisit this very old and popular form of meditation that will give you healing and relaxation - CLOUD MEDITATION. This is a great tool to develop mindfulness and it can be practiced by kids and adults alike anywhere anytime, provided you can spot a cloud in the sky.

With monsoon everywhere in the country, lets practice this meditation when it is cloudy.

Its a simple meditation popularly known as “Cloud Meditation”.

You can do this even when it’s raining.

Follow these steps:

1. The first thing you need to do is find a quiet place outside, away from people, where you will not be disturbed by anything. This could be in a park, on a hill, or at the beach. If this is not possible, sit on your porch or by a window, where you can see the sky.
2. If you are outside, either sit down on a rock or bench, or lie down on the grass.
3. Ensure to look at a cloud in the opposite direction of the sun, so that you don’t look at the sun.
4. Now slowly take few deep breaths, and then relax your body.
5. Look at the sky for some time, choose a cloud, and fix your attention on it.
6. Notice the color of the cloud, its shape and size.
7. Watch the cloud, and follow it movement as it drifts in the sky.
8. Watch how the cloud changes its shape or dissolves in the sky.
9. Keep watching the cloud calmly, while disregarding the other clouds.
10. Just watch the cloud, without thinking about it, analyzing or commenting about what is happening. Whenever you discover that your attention has wandered away, bring it back to the cloud.

Duration for this meditation :10 minutes.

Benefits of this meditation :

It strengthens the concentration ability of mind, improves control of the attention, and increases calmness.

Let me know in the comments below your experience with this meditation.

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Do not forget to follow "The K Junction" on Facebook page & closed Facebook group, Twitter and Instagram for day to day updates that might not always find a place on this blog. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to know more about our early learning journey, DIY & Montessori & Waldorf inspired activities for kids, kids books & toys reviews and much more!

Hope to see you around. Happy Parenting!

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