5 Questions Every Parent Must Ask Before Taking Admission in a School

A school is a place where you child will spend the initial years of his/her life. Hence it’s important that as parents you investigate about the school first, before taking admission.

Here are 5 questions every parent must ask:

1. How will the school help your child in future?

Find out what the school has to offer for future prospects. Is the school certification recognized or globally accepted? Will your child benefit from the education provided by the school? Will he/she be able to make a great career in future? Etc.

Your child will be in school for nearly 10 or 12 years. So till the time your kid is out of school, the world will be a totally different place. Hence it is important to equip children with skills that can help them navigate the uncertain future and succeed in the jobs and workplaces of that era.

For example, A school like RBKIS which is a complete IGCSE provides international education to students with world-class infrastructure and the latest technology. This Cambridge school in Mumbai puts all the efforts to groom students and prepares them to prosper in their future endeavors.

2. How experienced are the teachers?

Teachers do play a vital role in a child’s future. Hence it’s important that the school you choose should have experienced and well-educated teachers. The best way to figure out this aspect is to visit the school personally. A short conversation with the school management can give you tremendous information on the teachers’ community in the school.

3. Does the school provide creative learning?

Creative learning is critical in a child’s development. Creative learning helps children develop attention skills and cognitive learning. Since creativity involves exploration and problem solving, it encourages children to think out of the box and come up with new ideas in different situations.

Creative learning not only increases your children’s confidence but also shapes them for new job opportunities.

4. What extra curriculum activities does the school provide?

Today it’s very important for your child to be very diverse in their interests. And these extra curriculum activities allow them to explore various interests that they may have.
From strengthening the mind to promoting better time management skills, extracurricular activities can help students succeed in different other fields  than just their academic endeavors.

RBKIS, a top school in Mira Bhayandar, encourages students in various extra curriculum activities besides academic studies. This Cambridge school in Mumbai has a huge playground that encompasses a football field, a basketball field, a tennis court, a cricket pitch, a skating rink and a fun- play zone.

So if you are looking for the best school in Mumbai, then RBKIS is the best choice for you.

Does the school canteen provide quality food?

A large proportion of students eat in school canteens every day. Hence it’s important to check if the school administrators and canteen committees meet the national standards for food preparation, storage, hygiene, and safety.

6 Ways to Raise Smarter, Happier Children

Being a parent is arguably the toughest role you could play in life. Raising a baby—to a point where they can think for themselves, take important decisions independently and hopefully earn a living is a challenging task. Moreover, you would also want your child to be happy and content with his/her life.

From keeping it fun to letting them leave the nest, here are 6 research-based tips to raise smarter, happier children.

1. Live Smartly And Happy Yourself

Stressed and unhappy parents often leave a negative impact upon their kids. Truth is, kids closely observe their parents and try to emulate most of their actions and habits from them. If you show anger, irritation and hatred, you child is going to do the same. So as a parent if you expect your child to be smart and happy, begin the process first by yourself.

2. Support The Shy Kids

Shyness is a very difficult trait to change. Kids who are extremely shy may be at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, according to researchers. So as parents it’s important you break them of their shy habits by communicating with them regularly. Encourage kids to participate in various play activities. As you help your child to become more socially adept, remind him that you're training these skills so that he’ll feel more comfortable and be able to enjoy himself, not because you wish he were different.

3. Pick The Best School For Your Child

The most important decision you need to make as a parent is deciding which school for them to enroll in. By making the right decision you could put them on a path toward lifelong learning, a prestigious college education and a successful career.

Getting educated in a school like RBKIA is like a big achievement. This top IB school in Mumbai aspires to educate global citizens who have the mindset to co-operate with the International community to make this a better world through skills of creative thinking and problem solving. In short, this Mumbai international school prepares your child for the future, so that they contribute positively to our country and the world in whole.

4. Appreciate Your Kids Wholeheartedly For The Effort They Put In

Getting admission in a top international school in Mumbai doesn’t mean you have nothing more to do now. You have to even praise your child for the effort they put in their school studies or the co-curriculum activities.

Regular appreciation increases your child’s confidence and inspires them to do better in future. It also makes them feel loved and cared.

5. Believe In Your Child

Remember that your child is not a machine. Kids need time to learn things. So as parents, be patient and believe in your child’s capabilities. As an when children grown, they will surely be able to learn and develop new skills according to their own strengths and weaknesses.

6. Have Dinner Together As A Family

It’s rightly said that “A family that eats together, stays together”

Yes!! Eating dinner together makes a difference. Studies suggest that children who enjoy family meals have larger vocabularies, better manners, healthier diets, and higher self-esteem in the long run.  Moreover, it makes children happier and less stressed as compared to kids who don’t get this privilege of eating together with their families.

5 Healthy After-School Snacks

Whether your kid is studying in one of the top international schools in Mumbai, or in any other university, when the kids come home with rumbling tummies, you need some easy, healthy after school snacks to keep them going until dinner. 

Famous international schools in Mumbai like RBKIA provides ample opportunities to its students in sports to develop a complete all round personality. To help your children participate in various extracurricular activities; they need to be healthy and strong. Considering this perspective, it’s important that as parents, you boost and motivate your child to do better, by serving them healthy after schools snacks.

For your convenience we bring to you some smart picks of healthy after-school snacks:

1. Blueberry-Cucumber Smoothie

This is a perfect snack when it is hot outside and your kids come home needing something cold and refreshing. Blueberry and cucumber are antioxidant-packed and will give your kids the boost they need to start their homework after school.

2. Toasted Dry Fruits With a Dash Of Honey

You can use any variety of mixed nuts or seeds you like. Dried fruits like almonds, pistachios, raisins, walnuts etc are rich in vitamins, fats, and protein, which makes this an excellent on-the-go snack. Plus honey acts as an antioxidant and keeps your child away from flu and other infections.

3. Vegetable Cheese Toast Sandwich

Vegetable sandwich is a long-standing after school snacking tradition. You just need to fill those ingredients your kids actually like! A filling like a beetroot, carrot, cabbage, potatoes, topped with cheese, mayonnaise and a dash of honey will fill them up, and even make them smarter.

4. Paneer Cheese Rolls

Paneer is a complete proteinaceous and a healthy food. It is an excellent source of calcium and helps in building strong bones and teeth.

On the other hand, a wrap or a roll is like a gift to children. It makes the kids guess what is inside the roti, tortilla or bread used as the outer layer. And when they sink their teeth in, to find a delicious stuffing like paneer and shredded cheese inside, their joy knows no bounds.

5. Sweet Corn Chat

Corn chaat is a simple after school snack. Corn contains good levels of some of the valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folates, riboflavin, and pyridoxine. When you mix corn with chat masala and other ingredients like onion and tomatoes, it becomes nutritious and attractive for kids to consume.

Not every parent can be home to have a snack ready for their kids, which is why most of these ideas are things you can make ahead of time!  

5 Super foods to boost your child’s growth

Schools like RBKIS – A level school in Mumbai - encourages kids in multiple activities, hence children need good nutrition to help them concentrate at school and to fuel their day to day activities. 

Being physically and mentally active is important for growing bodies. So whether your child is studying in one of the top 10 IGCSE schools in Mumbai or in any other normal board school, as parents it’s important to provide kids with the foods that will boost their overall growth and development.

Here are top 5 super foods to boost your child’s growth

1. Beans 

High in protein and packed with vitamins and minerals, beans are an excellent food choice for your kids. All types of beans have amazing health benefits. However, kidney and pinto beans contain more omega-3 fats and are important for brain growth and function.  Beans provide more energy to younger kids and help them concentrate in the classroom and during other extra curriculum activities.

2. Mushrooms

Mushrooms help in fighting flu, common cold and other infections. They are a major source of the immune system boosting mineral—zinc.  Various types of mushrooms have varying antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumour effects. 

So next time you offer your child a nutritional meal, try adding mushrooms to your rice pulav, vegetable gravy or your grilled sandwich. You can even add mushrooms to soups and salads, for a healthier meal. 

3. Carrots

Carrots fight infections and are great source of nutrients for sharp eyesight. Carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene - that supports body’s mucus membrane lining the intestinal and respiratory tracts, making it harder for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause diseases. 

For a healthy colourful nutritious meal, include carrots in your child’s diet. The bright colour of carrots is sure to please you child, be it any day.

4. Milk, Yogurt and Cheese

Milk, yogurt and cheese are nutritious and packed with protein and vitamin – B which are essential for growth of brain tissue. Another benefit is - these foods are high in calcium which is vital for growth of strong and healthy teeth and bones.  Children have different requirements for calcium depending on their age, but as parents you should aim to include two to three calcium-rich sources a day.  

How to find the best school for your kids when you move to a different location

Helping your child move and settle into a new home and a new neighbourhood is always going to be difficult, but finding the best school for your child will be even harder.

However we hope the following steps will help you make the best choice for your kids:

Make a list
Before you start your search, list down the kind of school you and your child are looking for.
Ask few questions like......

Would your kid do better in a small school or a large one? Will a strong sports or theatre program make all the difference for your child? Does your kid like a structured learning environment, or does
he thrive when he has some independence?

Once you finish your analyses, it will help you narrow down your search better.

Visit the schools
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, set up a time to meet the teachers, principals or administration staff.

Check for things like:

• What is the school’s disciplinary policy?
• What curriculum the school follows? 
• How does this school supervise students’ progress toward meeting grade-level standards?
• How is technology used to support learning and development at this school?
• What addition extracurricular activities are available for students? Etc.............

When you visit the school, you are able to get a clear picture about the school’s environment. Moreover, it helps you gain confidence, when you interact with the school management and other students.

Find what is the school's reputation?

When students choose a school, they're essentially choosing their future. They're deciding which school will be on their resume for the rest of their life and where they'll network with future professionals. Hence it’s very important that you check the school’s reputation, before you go ahead with the registration.

Check if the school is officially recognised. Look up reviews online. Check for news stories involving the school and its parent company etc.

E.g. RBKIS an IGCSE school in Bhayander is well recognised all over Mumbai. With IGCSE - the world's most popular international qualification in hand, the school promises to build up a strong foundation for your child’s future.

RBKIS is one of the eminent and distinguished institutes in western suburbs, Mumbai. So if you are looking for an IGCSE school in Mira road, or somewhere near Dahishar, then RBKIS is the best option for your kids.

Remember, reputation matters, in education and beyond. Choose your kid’s school carefully: it is likely to set the tone for his/her’s professional reputation.

Have a back-up plan
Be sure to have a back-up plan ready, in case the school you choose doesn’t work out. Find out if there are slots available and what enrolment procedures are at your back-up schools. That way, if things don’t go well for your child at the new school, you can move your kid quickly without starting the process all over again.

For example, you have selected an IGCSE school in Thane, but for some reason, you are unhappy with the location, or are unsure with your selection. During such instance, immediately look for other schools around in the nearby area. Doing so, will save your time, and most importantly, will save your child’s academic year.