Parenting Archive

My thoughts on parenthood, and what it's like to be a mom in the Philippines.

I will Stop Blogging

Yes, I will stop blogging for now. Oh no, not really stop but limit my time blogging. My third child, Chico, was affected by my non stop typing and blabbing. For weeks now, I noticed that he no longer likes to sleep with and he ignores me most of he day. Kaye knew how depressed I am because of it. So now, you will see less of me. Although I will still go on with my blogging schedule (updating my blogs at least 2 times a week), I will have to make a time table for that. I decided that I will only go online when the kids are already sleeping (specially Chico). That means I can go online around 10 in the evening and/or 4 to 6 in the morning. Well, it would give me more time with the kids. At the height of my breakdown, Niko, suggested we go out on date. Me, Chico, her and Yena (and maybe Fedhz can come along). I think it’s a good idea, we will bond with our kids and have fun window shopping too. We can check out the latest in Free People. I hope we can find a boutique here. The car will be here (hopefully) this week, and yeah maybe we can have that “date” with our kids.

Handling Their Christmas Wish List

As part of the Filipino Christmas Tradition (or even other nation’s tradition) it is a must that we give gifts to our kids. My kids, knowing this is the time of the year where they can ask almost anything, asked for a climber and a slide. They also asked for bike. The thing is, it is beyond our budget. We saw a climber and a slide in a toy sale and it cost $300+ (16K in PhP). I can’t imagine spending that much for a toy. Good thing that my kids can understand the word NO and a little explaining can do the trick.

We told them that it is not practical to buy that toy since we have little space here. And the bikes they were asking for is not advisable for them since it would just gather rust just like the bikes we bought last year. They got my point and settled for Mega Blocks which we already bought last week.

Kids can be picky when you asked them what kind of gifts they want. They would ask for gifts that won’t even last a day or gifts that is worth your whole month salary. How do you say no to their whims? Especially if you think the toy is not practical or that is not within your budget?

NO is a very strong word for kids so as much as possible do not use it. Use logic when you think you have to use. If they want something and you don’t think it is good for them, explain it to them and give them alternative. Like for example they are asking you to buy them a toy car which you think will not last an hour o two. Tell them about the quality of the toy, explain to them that they would enjoy it as much because it is of low quality. And give them alternative divert their attention to a toy that is a better choice.

It always works for me, that’s why they got more than a thousand of building blocks. Aside from my obsessions with Mega Blocks, this is so worth it. They never got tired of playing it. Everyday is a new day to play and build creatures or robots or house or even castles!

Check out my article my TOY BUYING GUIDE and try it if it will work with you and your kids. Happy Shopping!

A Merry Christmas House

Christmas is for kids. I don’t believe in that. I am an adult and I still enjoy Christmas. I do love buying gifts for my kids. I love decorating the house for my kids. I love sewing socks for my kids t hang on our stairs. OK, it seems that I enjoy Christmas because of my kids… so it really is true that Christmas is for kids.. waaah!

Christmas is a very special tradition here n our country and it is our responsibility as parent to teach our kids the importance of Christmas. We celebrate this time of the year as the day that Jesus was born. More than that, I believe that this is the time of the year that we look back on our year and reflect on our life. It is also the time of the year that our hearts melt, that we are more forgiving. I think that is what I want to teach to my kids, that Christmas is about GIVING. Giving something to your love ones and forGIVING people that mistreat you and also asking for forGIVEness to people that you wronged.

I also want to teach them that Christmas is about family. And I think the way we celebrate our Christmas is already a proof to them that this occasion should be spend with your family. Every year, it is a must that me,my siblings and my mom spend it together. This year, since we can’t travel (our car is still on the insurance company.. gathering rust and waiting for miracle), they will be here with us this Christmas!

and since my family is already here this coming holiday, we are planning to have Sati’s baptsimal on December 7.. so you better be ready guys..