My Year-ender Post

Few more hours and 2014 is here. The year 2013 has been so crazy but fun. I turned 27, and I realized many things about life, especially the importance of family. Now that I have my own, I realized that they are the ones who always got my back no matter what. 2013 also allowed me to see who my real friends are and who I should cut out. I admit this year was tough, but it did help me grow and be strong.

 This year, I want to thank the Lord for always looking after and taking good care of my loved ones. I always pray that they will have a happy, healthy, safe, and contented life. I am also thankful for the many blessing we received - my baby G. turned one this year, and she's growing up so fast. Now, I am happy with my decision to take a break from office work and stay at home with my family. I will continuously pray that she'll grow up intelligent, kind, healthy, and beautiful. I am also thankful that my marriage is going strong. Despite the misunderstandings and fights, my husband and I will do our best to keep our bond and love stronger.

 Hopefully, 2014 will be good for us. I have so many plans and want-to-dos for the coming year. So 2014, bring it on!

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DIY: GIFT WRAP USING MAGAZINE PAGES

Merry Christmas! I know, I know—this is a very late post, but better late than never! How was your Christmas? Mine was great, although I was already so busy in the weeks leading up to the holidays. I had to wrap more gifts and buy a few more as well. It's tough having so many godchildren, but it's also fun!

Anyway, I came across a fantastic gift-wrapping idea on Pinterest—recycling magazine pages as gift wrap. What a great way to save on gift wrap! So without further ado, here are my masterpieces:

Since my magazine collection wasn’t enough, I used my hubby's instead because his mags are better than mine. They’re precious to him, but he gave them to me anyway—it’s Christmas! I love the texture of Pulp Magazine; some of its pages have cool designs, which are excellent for gift wrapping. The only problem was that most of my godchildren are girls, and the magazine is designed for "boys." However, we still used it!

Here are just a few of the gifts I got for them. I love giving something useful. When it comes to the little ones, I usually give educational items.

And here’s the result of my experiment. I’m proud of it! How about you? Share your Christmas DIY ideas—it’s not too late!

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The Man in the Pink Tutu

 (photo credit: Buzzfeed.com)

This story made my day - A man wears a pink tutu in every place he visits. Find out why. Read his story here.

If you want to see more pictures of Bob Carey and his pretty pink tutu, read his The Tutu Project blog..

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3 Life Stressors and How to Deal with Them

With so many distractions grabbing our attention, we never run out of things to do, making us constantly busy. Because of this, we become more prone to stress. Various factors contribute to it, depending on our habits, lifestyle, environment, and the food we eat. I’ve battled anxiety for many years, but it became a more significant issue when I became a parent. Recently, I experienced extreme fatigue and stress—reaching a point where I'd had enough. So, I decided to list the things that make me feel stressed. That way, I could evaluate them and find solutions. After identifying my stressors and finding ways to address them, I can say that my day-to-day life has improved. Here are some of the stressors I identified, which might help you determine your own:

Technology

As a freelancer, I usually spend 12 hours a day in front of the computer. Even when I'm relaxing, I often feel the urge to check my phone and browse the web. I realized that after using them, my eyes and back hurt a lot. It’s an unhealthy habit. To prevent stress early on, I focused on completing my work on time and limiting internet browsing when there’s nothing important to do. After my shift, I now spend time with my baby and husband.

Negative People

Sometimes, other people can cause us stress. I have a few friends who constantly complain about their lives and relationships, which affects me because I sympathize with them. However, I realized that I was becoming their emotional shock absorber, and in the end, I was the one carrying the burden. While there’s nothing wrong with listening, especially to a friend, make sure you’re strong enough to handle the negativity. If not, you can still listen, but if you're asked for advice, give a suggestion and then move on. I decided to take a break from absorbing negativity. When I’m with my friends, I bring up interesting topics and share happy stories that have nothing to do with their personal issues.

Environment

I usually spend most of the day or week at home, in my small office, without seeing other people or visiting new places. This can be stressful, especially when my room becomes messy. So, I organized my space and made time for cleaning and family bonding. A cluttered environment can be a major stressor, so it’s better to tidy up. A clean space helps clear the mind.

So far, these are my main stressors and how I’ve dealt with them. They may seem like minor issues, but when they pile up, they can become overwhelming. How do you deal with stress? Please share your experiences! :)

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4 Creative DIY Christmas Decorations to Make

Hey ya! Christmas is fast approaching, have you started decorating your home with Xmas decos?

I gathered some creative holiday diy decorations that you can add to your collection, so here they are:

1. SNOWFLAKE CHANDELIER by Homestoriesatoz
2.  CUTE CHRISTMAS DECOS by Audrey Jeanne 
3.  CHRISTMAS BALL DECOS by Star Inspirations
4.  DIY FIREPLACE w/ WASHI TAPES by Brit Co.

HOPE YOU LIKE IT! :)

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SOME THANKSGIVING READINGS

photo: BirchandBird

Some readings about Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all! Hope you enjoy this list. :)  (Just click the title)

• 5 Scientific Facts that Prove Gratitude is Good for You
• What Peanuts got Right About Thanksgiving
• 8 Kids Who Totally Get This Thanksgiving Thing (Kind of) - This one's really funny but the kids are adorable! A must-see!
• Places Nobody Wants to be on Thanksgiving
• 51 Things You Can Be Thankful For On Any Day
• Read This Before You Come Out On Thanksgiving
• 5 Reasons Why Gratitude Is Good For Your Health
• Scientific Proof That Being Thankful Improves Your Health
• Silly, Happy, Heartwarming Reasons To Be Thankful For Our Kids
• 60 Things To Be Thankful For In Life

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7 DIY Baby Pants Projects You Should Make

Today, I want to share a compilation of DIY baby pants that I gathered from different mommy bloggers. I hope you like it! (Just click on the labels for the links.

1. Dear Lizzy's DIY: Baby Chevron Tights and Triangle Leggings

2, By Wilma's DIY Jersey Baby Pants

3. Junkaholique's DIY Baby

4. Cirque du Bebe's Baby Sarouels

5. Take Time to Smell the Rose 's Toddler Longies or Pants

6. Make It Love It 's 2 Legging Styles

 

7. The Crafty Doulah's  Baby Pants Tutorial

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Worth reading Indeed

I found this well written article worth reading for first time parents. For me, the best part of this article is

3. Your baby is not like the other babies.

"Your baby is the only one of herself who has ever been, and you and your partner are the only experts on her. Your baby will not behave like the books say, won't like what she's supposed to like, won't do what she's supposed to do when she's supposed to do it, and that's normal and great and perfectly OK. The best thing you can do is put down your literature and get to know your baby. What does she like? What makes her laugh? How does she best fall asleep? What does hungry sound like? The discovery of these things will serve you so much more than any stranger's care instructions ever will. You don't have to make your life or your family look like any particular model -- you don't have to follow the rules. You just have to create a life that works for you and fosters love and security and a whole lot of laughter. If that looks like 2 a.m. pancake parties, I'm not going to tell on you. I might actually admire you and be just a little bit jealous. "

So without further ado, here is the link to the article 10 True Things About the First Year of Parenthood

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Cutie Baby Shoes!

I was looking for some gift ideas for the holidays. Then I found these cutie baby booties. I want them for my baby fiefie. Pinterest is really a good place to find awesome stuff.

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I'm Back!

Hey everyone! Yes I'm back again. I've been very busy at home.  So I just want to clear that this blog is still active. :) Anyway, I am excited to share a lot of stuff! Hope I can finish them on time. Lots love :)

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The Devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines

I know this is off-topic, but I can’t help but write about Super Typhoon Yolanda and its victims. In my 27 years of existence, Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) is the strongest typhoon I have ever witnessed. Although it did not make direct landfall in our region, we still experienced its wrath, and it left some damage to our beloved city. The scene in Tacloban, one of the cities hit hardest by this destructive storm, is truly heartbreaking. The city lost nearly everything—houses, people, buildings, and more.

Super Typhoon Yolanda, or Haiyan, was described as the most unusual, strongest, and most devastating typhoon worldwide this year. It targeted the Visayas and its surrounding areas due to its massive size. National Geographic even referred to it as a "megastorm." You can read more about it here.

I’ve also seen a few videos that will leave anyone in shock. Here are some of the footage captured by our country’s brave media professionals.

Here are the links


Super Typhoon Yolanda Video 1


Super Typhoon Yolanda Video 2

In the city where I live, we also experienced strong winds and heavy rain. This isn’t the first time I’ve gone through a powerful typhoon. Typhoon Reming, though not as severe as Yolanda, was similar in strength. It may not have been a "perfect storm," but it was still one of the strongest, leaving behind many casualties. We were also flooded and lost our home, so I know how it feels.

I am praying for the fast recovery of the affected areas. I know it will take a long time to rebuild and that this event will leave a deep scar in our hearts and minds, but life goes on. We have to stay strong and be thankful that God saved most of us from this typhoon. Bangon Pinas! Kaya natin 'to.

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Helpful Resources for Toddler Separation Anxiety and Clingy Baby

(photo credit: Parents.com)

Recently, my 17-month-old baby has been getting very clingy. She cries almost every day, and I have no idea what triggered it. After researching online, I found out that I’m not alone—many moms around the world are facing the same issue. On one website, Parenting.com, I found an article titled Make Your Clingy Baby Confident. It explained that this clinginess is called separation and stranger anxiety.

One part made me smile: "Babies who are the most connected early on have such strong trust in their parents that calm reassurance from mom and dad gives them the comfort to try new things or explore unfamiliar territory, knowing that help will be there if they need it."

If you want to know more about the article, you can read it here.

Now, I am already aware of the clingy part, so I tried to find tips that will help me get rid of it. And here are the helpful links I have found:

• Calming your Clingy Child
• Very Clingy 12 mo old - it is a forum discussion of moms worldwide giving tips and advices. A must-read.
• 10 Ways to handle a Clingy Kid
• 7 year old clingy, can't play alone, becoming disrespectful - if you have a kid like hers, you must read the doctor's advice in this Q&A.
• Attachment Parenting - How to break free - Some people believe that being clingy is a result of attachment parenting, but experts say 'it’s just a myth.'

  So there you go—I hope these links help you as much as they helped me. But honestly, there’s nothing to worry about because being clingy is just a normal phase. We just need to understand it and gently explain to our children why it’s not always ideal.

  UPDATE: She’s okay now! It seems that teething was the cause of her mood. Whew!

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Bored? Check out these cool links NOW!

The internet is such a huge place to wander. If you don't know where to go, you'll find yourself trap in the middle of crappy websites. And yes, it can be stressful too. If you know how to dig in deeper in the world wide web, you'll find tons of websites that will help you guide through life. Yes, you read that right. Well, aside from this, you will also learn and have fun. So without further ado, here is my first set of cool links that will free you from problems, stress etc.

Unstuck
Relevant Magazine
Thought Catalog
Mind Body Green
Good Net

Hope you liked it! Please comment if you want to add more sites here and I will update the list. Thanks a lot.

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How To Be More Confident

Happy Wednesday everyone! Be confident! love lots :)

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Missin' Single-hood?

To all the mommies and even daddies out there, have you ever found yourself missing your single life? I do, sometimes. I think it's normal for first-time parents to feel this way. I feel guilty whenever I think about it since I chose to have my own family.

The memories of my single life come back when things aren’t going well. I even catch myself wishing things were different sometimes. I can’t even have my "me time" because my daughter is so energetic and always wants to be held.

My hubby and I used to go on late-night food trips and explore different places to eat. After the baby arrived, we rarely get to do that anymore. But despite it all, we are truly blessed. Our baby has brought us endless joy. Whenever we're feeling down, she lifts our spirits.

Yes, single life gave me a lot of freedom to do things my way, but having my own family is the best experience, gift, and blessing. Why? That inexplicable joy you feel when you’re with your family or loved ones—that’s what I call a blessing. There are things in life we need to give up for something even more meaningful. And that’s how we let go of singlehood to welcome the joy of having our own family.

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The Break up Script - I want to Find Myself

Recently, I’ve encountered a lot of breakup stories from my friends, most of whom have been in long-term relationships—those 6 to 8-year relationships we almost thought would end in a wedding. And the reasons? Guys with their "I need to find myself" script. If you’re a girl, it’s devastating, right? I don’t see any good reason for wanting to find yourself after so many years. In fact, you can still find yourself with your partner's support. Or better yet, find yourself first before settling down or entering a relationship. I think that’s a better approach than hurting others, especially if you and your partner already have a child.

What’s even more painful is when that guy who says, "I want to find myself," ends up hooking up with another girl. That’s just sad. To the girls currently in this situation, remember that you are strong and blessed enough not to be with someone who cheated on you or played you for so many years. God has reasons for giving you that love story; He wants you to learn something. He has different ways of showing us what He wants us to do. Just trust Him—He’ll lead you to a happier life than the one you had with your previous partner.

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Product Review: Human Heart Nature Baby Wash

Many moms are complaining about the stinky smell of sweat on their babies. Yes, even our sweet little angels can develop a not-so-good odor! I’m one of those moms—Fiefie is a very active baby; she plays a lot and sweats a lot. I’ve tried various branded shampoos and soaps found in stores, but they haven’t been very effective. Until a friend recommended Human Heart Nature Baby Wash, I purchased a 50ml bottle to try, and I love it!

HHN Baby Wash is an all-in-one product made from organic ingredients. It has a heavenly lavender scent that is soothing. What’s great about this product is that, no matter how sweaty my baby gets, she still smells good. The scent doesn’t easily fade, so you don’t need to use baby cologne or anything else.

I primarily use it as a shampoo since it makes Fiefie’s hair smooth and shiny. However, as a liquid soap, it can make my baby’s skin a bit dry, which is a downside. Every baby’s skin is different, so it might not work well for my baby, but who knows—it might be great for your little one! What I’ve done is use it solely as her shampoo and stick to Dove Baby Soap for her body.

closer look to the ingredients

As you can see, the ingredients are mostly natural. Here are some of the ingredients:

• Decyl Glucoside - Decyl Glucoside is a natural, non-ionic surfactant, ideal for all foaming and cleansing products.  Our Decyl Glucoside, obtained from renewable raw materials, is a combination of plant based fatty alcohols (coconut c8-16) and glucose (corn starch).  Decyl Glucoside is a mild surfactant and because it does not dry it is ideal for the formulation of personal hygiene and toiletry cosmetics.  (Source: Ingredientstodiefor)


• Coco Glucoside - is an non-ionic surfactant that can be used as a foaming agent, conditioner or emulsifier. It is derived from renewable raw materials such as coconut oil and fruit sugars, and is completely biodegradable. It contains no diethanolamides, lauryl sulfates, laureth sulfates, parabens or formaldehyde. (Source: newdirectionsaromatics.ca)


• Gkyceryl Oleate - Glyceryl Oleate, also called, Glyceryl Monooleate, is obtained from naturally occurring oils and fats. It occurs as a clear amber or pale yellow liquid. In cosmetics and personal care products, it is predominantly used in the formulation of lipsticks, eye shadows, makeup bases, and skin care products. (Source: cosmeticsinfo.org)


• Sodium Lactate -  a 60% concentration in water, and is the sodium salt of natural L(+)-Lactic Acid, produced through the fermentation of sugar, an alpha hydroxy acid that occurs everywhere in nature. (Source: Ingredientstodiefor)


• Sodium Gluconate - is sodium salt of gluconic acid that is produced by the fermentation of glucose. PMP Sodium gluconate comes in a fine granular or powdered form. It is soluble in water, non corrosive, non toxic, biodegradable and biorenewable. (Source: pmpinc.com)


• Sodium Cocoyle Isethionate- is a sodium salt ester, or a fatty acid derived from coconut oil. It is used in cosmetics and personal care products as a surfactant and is often seen in hair care products like shampoos because of its ability to help water to mix with oil and dirt, allowing them to be more easily rinsed away, according to CosmeticsInfo.org. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is also seen as an ingredient in a variety of soaps and cleansing products. As a surfactant, it creates a wet feeling, it solubilizes oils and reduces surface tension, and can aid in foaming as well. (Source: Truthinaging.com)


• Xantham Gum - Xanthan Gum is used by people who are allergic to gluten to add volume and viscosity to bread and other gluten-free baked goods. It is made from a tiny microorganism called Xanthomonas campestris and is a natural carbohydrate. (source: bobsredmill.com)

There you go. I would say this is perfect for my baby Fiefie. Now, my 50ml bottle (44.75 pesos) is empty and I purchased a bigger size 200ml which is worth 129.75 pesos . :) For me it's affordable.

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Welcome to Mommyhood

Sleepless nights, exhausting days... but a rewarding job—that’s motherhood. I started to appreciate my mom even more when I had my own child and experienced everything that comes with taking care of a baby. I told myself, "So this is how I gave my mom headaches and how I made her cry from exhaustion back then." But she loved me even when I was giving her problems.

It’s the exact feeling I have for my daughter, who is currently giving me a hard time sleeping and tiring me out during the day. However, I know this is just the beginning. My daughter won’t always be a baby, and there will come a time when I’ll miss those days of holding her when she’s crying, playing, kissing her endlessly, and cuddling her when she’s sad.

Now I realize that the hardest job in the world isn’t being the leader of a country or anything like that; it’s being a mother. :) I salute all the mothers out there who are trying to balance life as a mom, a wife, and just being themselves.

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Organic Brands and Sellers in the Philippines

After I gave birth, I decided to go organic. There are many reasons why I chose this path, and one of them is to keep my family healthy and safe. I enjoy shopping for organic products, especially for my baby. However, I do it online since our province does not have a store that offers pure organic products—hopefully soon! Because of my obsession with organic items, I’ve listed the stores and companies offering natural products in the Philippines.

Human Heart Nature - A friend who is a dealer asked me to like her Facebook page, and I decided to check if they have baby products. I was impressed by the positive reviews from their customers. HHN has affordable products and an easy-to-navigate website. I haven’t tried their products yet since I just ordered from my friend. They have a huge variety of products at prices that every mom will love. HHN offers products for babies, women, and men.

Tiny Buds - I discovered this brand when I was pregnant. I used their rice baby powder, and it was awesome! I actually bought it for my baby, but since I sweat a lot during my pregnancy, I used it myself, and it worked wonders. It keeps me dry and fresh. This powder is biodegradable and hypoallergenic, completely free from harmful talc and other chemicals. It keeps the baby’s skin healthy, fresh, moisturized, and dry from perspiration. Aside from this, I also tried their Tiny Buds Baby Bottle & Utensil Wash, which is made from mild natural cleaners. It is safe for babies since it is made from 100% food-safe fruit extracts. It easily gets rid of bacteria and foul odors from leftover formula. Since my baby frequently gets insect bites, I used the Tiny Buds Scratch Off Natural Soothing Cool Gel, which is specially formulated with natural ingredients to help soothe common skin discomfort like itching, swelling, and redness from insect bites and other minor skin irritations for children and adults. (Source: Tiny Buds Facebook Page) Their products are quite pricey; however, they are effective and safe.

Milea Organics - I haven't tried their products yet, but they have tons of positive reviews as well. They offer products for babies, women, and men, and they also sell organic honey in different flavors, which I would love to try.

GIGA Ventures - One of the most well-known sellers of natural beauty products, I’ve heard a lot about their Giga Shampoo Bar, with many customers reporting miraculous results. I will add this item to my grocery list for product review. They have many outlets in Manila; unfortunately, here in Albay, we don’t have a branch, so I have to purchase online.

Messy Bessy - Known for their natural household cleaning products, I haven’t tried their products yet, but I definitely want to purchase some to see if they are effective. I also love their vintage-like packaging; it’s so cute! However, their products are pricey (oops!). But if you mommies are interested, you can always check out their website.

Zenutrients - This family-owned business offers various types of organic products. They have different branches in Manila and provide everything you need from head to toe and more! Their all-natural and organic shampoos, soaps, lotions, scrubs, butters, and other products are made from the best that nature has to offer, all handmade and bottled for you. (Source: Zenutrients Facebook Page)

Leyende - From the Spanish word "leyenda," meaning “legend” or “story,” Leyende is an emerging Filipino brand of handmade, natural, and organic bath and body products, following eco-friendly artisanal principles. (Source: FB Leyende Page)

Indigo Baby - A one-stop shop baby store, their mission is to promote attachment parenting—breastfeeding, co-sleeping, babywearing, and using all-natural products for moms, dads, and babies! (Source: Indigo Baby FB page)

Sensou Nature Source - This shop sells almost all the products from the brands listed here. In 2007, a group of friends began to individually discover how not just their lifestyle but also the products they chose to use could affect the well-being of both their families and the world outside. In their search for cleaner alternatives, they realized they had to go all over Greater Manila to maintain this renewed lifestyle. These friends agreed on the irony: buying green also meant buying more gas! (Source: Sesou Nature Source FB Page)

Ilog Maria - One of my favorite organic sellers, they offer affordable organic products from their honeybee farm. I would also love to try their products.

That's it! So far, this is my compiled list of organic product sellers in the Philippines. I will update this post to add more brands and sellers. Ciao!

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I can do this!

I have always dreamed of becoming a writer, but it seems that writing doesn’t like me. I struggle with grammar, and I know it takes a lot of practice, especially since English is not my mother tongue. Thousands of ideas cloud my thoughts every day, but when I write, I can’t seem to express the right words. There are still many things I need to learn. Hopefully, you (my readers) will support me on this journey.

Please, no discrimination! I know I still have many grammatical flaws, but I'm getting there. Thank you so much for your understanding. This blog will serve as my draft.

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Mortal Instruments - City of Bones + Jace = Super Cool!

Has anyone seen the movie Mortal Instruments: City of Bones? Has anyone else noticed how hot Jace is? Am I asking too many questions? Okay, I know the movie was released several months ago, but sorry I haven’t been that updated about movies as I used to be. You know, when you’re serious about being a mom, you tend to forget everything—well, almost everything!

I know my hubby is adorable and everything, but I still appreciate the gorgeous creations in this world (lol). Anyway, I just wanted to share this giddiness with anyone interested in reading this post. I can say I am now a big fan of this movie and the actors Jamie Campbell Bower and Lily Collins. I will definitely watch the sequel (City of Ashes). I’m planning to buy the books; however, I want to see Jace's face, so I'll just wait for part 2. :)

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Are you Thirtyphobic?

Are you thirtyphobic? Yes, you read that right! It's a fear of turning 30 or reaching the age of 30. Well, "thirtyphobic" is just a word I invented (peace). Anyway, let's get serious. Many people, especially women, are quite hesitant to embrace being 30. This is because 30 is considered the first stage of aging according to some old notions. I think most people I know are afraid of getting old. The thousands of anti-aging products and articles on how to delay aging are just a few pieces of evidence that many people fear turning 30.

While some people don’t make it a big deal, you’d be surprised that others do. As for me, I am not afraid of it—it's a part of life, and we have to accept the fact that we are going to get old, die, and turn to ash. Instead of slathering on anti-aging creams, you should embrace aging and be happy with yourself. According to the Daily Mail UK, “a study carried out by Danish researchers and published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that rather than passing through the skin, the liposomes break into pieces almost as soon as they make contact.” In short, anti-aging creams are not effective.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good to at least hide the signs of aging, but you must also focus your attention on other areas, such as:

1. Keeping a healthy lifestyle: Reduce your intake of junk food, fast food, and the like. You know what they do to your body—they make you look older fast.

2. Remaining positive and getting rid of negative thoughts: If you want to avoid wrinkles on your face, stop stressing yourself out with unnecessary thoughts.

3. Developing a group of friends you can laugh with: Make sure they don’t bring you headaches and problems, or else they will add more stress to your life, making you look older.

4. Praying: Always talk to God. Maintain a good relationship with Him, and you’ll be fine even as you get older. He will be your strength in times of fear and problems.

You can never stop yourself from reaching the age of 30 or getting old. As you fill your mind with positive thoughts, the time will come when you’ll accept everything. Be thankful for how far you’ve come in this world.

Be happy—it's the best anti-aging treatment. :)

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How to Discipline a Naughty Child

I asked my mom if she ever hit or spanked us when we were younger. I know it’s kind of a weird question to ask your mother, but I asked her anyway. I’ve read that it’s okay to hit a child as a form of discipline; however, there are also studies saying that hitting is not the right way to correct a naughty child. My mother told me that it is never right to hit or spank a child, especially if they are under 2 years old. Children that age usually mimic what adults do and may assume it’s acceptable to hit someone.

I’ve observed this with my 13-month-old niece. Her mom often tells her nanny that it’s alright to hit her baby’s hand if she’s being bad. So, the nanny does what she’s told. When my niece is naughty, the nanny hits her hand. Several weeks later, I noticed my niece starting to hit my baby while they were playing. That’s when I realized my mom was right. Thankfully, we don’t do that to our baby.

What worries me about having a child is the discipline aspect. First-time moms often struggle with this. We never know the best way to raise a well-behaved child without resorting to hitting. As a new parent, I researched other methods to help us raise a happy child—not a perfect one, but a child who won’t cause too much trouble and will grow up to be a good person.

Here are some short tips to raise a happy and disciplined baby:

1. Make some rules: It’s important to create rules and set limitations. Let your baby know that not everything is easily obtainable. They may be young, but they can understand you. Also, make it a habit to explain things whenever you impose discipline; this will benefit both of you and maintain a peaceful home.

2. Teach your child the art of decision-making: This can be a tough task that requires patience. Ask your child simple questions such as, “What clothes do you want to wear?” “What toys do you want to play with?” and “What foods do you want to eat?” You can also add the “why” question to help them figure out the do’s and don’ts.

3. Learn to ignore tantrums: Tantrums can be one of the most annoying things that babies and toddlers do. As a parent and an adult, you should learn how to control your emotions. Don’t let tantrums affect you. Instead, tell your child, “I know you are upset now; I’ll come back when you’re ready to talk,” and then walk away. Don’t watch your child during a tantrum, as this may prolong it.

4. Teach your child patience: This may seem difficult, but it’s manageable. Teach your child patience by making them wait whenever they ask for something. For example, if they want the comb you’re using, don’t hand it over right away. Instead, say “wait” and count silently to five. If your child waits without insisting, that’s a good start. Just keep practicing.

5. Celebrate your child’s acts of kindness: When your little one behaves well, let them know that mommy and daddy are happy with their behavior. Make it a celebration by treating them to their favorite food or something special. Be sure to explain why you are pleased with their good behavior.

Implementing these strategies will help improve your child’s emotional intelligence (EQ). This list is not exhaustive, but these are some of the most doable tips. If you have suggestions, comments, or feedback, feel free to hit the comment button. I’m excited to hear from you. Love lots!

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How to Teach Your One year old to Read

Hey there! I haven’t posted in a while due to my hectic home life, but I’m excited to share this post with all the moms out there. It’s about teaching your child to read and speak—not necessarily to be fluent, but to give them a solid starting point in language development.

As a first-time mom, I rely on the advice of elders, like my mom, mother-in-law, grandparents, and friends. However, despite having abundant guidance from experienced individuals, I still feel like I’m lacking knowledge in motherhood. That’s why I also turn to books, magazines, and the internet for additional information that I haven’t learned elsewhere. While reading through mothers’ forums and discussions, I came across some helpful suggestions on teaching toddlers to read and speak. I decided to try a few of these strategies.

I started noticing that my baby was captivated by nursery rhymes and phonics from her early months. I think she was about 5 months old when we began letting her watch baby phonics. During that time, she didn’t cry or ask for attention while she was engaged. A few months later, she began to recognize objects, although her words were not clear yet. By the time she turned one, she could speak more words than many other kids her age.

Here’s what we did, and I wanted to share it in case you’d like to try it with your child:

1. Watch phonics and nursery rhymes: Focus on baby channels that teach the ABCs, sounds, colors, and similar concepts. We let our baby watch for at least an hour a day during her early months, and as she grew, she spent even more time watching phonics and nursery rhymes. Take note of her favorites and let her watch them repeatedly so she can absorb the lessons from the videos. Remember, children are like sponges, soaking up what they see and hear. The more they hear, the more easily they will pick up and remember words. Some recommended baby channels include Super Simple Songs, Songs for Children, and Mother Goose Club. It’s important to be present with your child while they watch, guiding and explaining everything being shown.

2. Read books with your baby every day: This requires a lot of patience since not all young children want to listen or read. Look for the perfect timing when they are in the mood, and don’t force your child to read. I see many parents pressuring their children to learn too quickly. Remember, pressure and overstimulation can be detrimental to a child’s learning.

3. Conduct a recitation: When my baby turned one, we established a routine where we would ask her to say a word. She happily participated! However, just like reading, this approach takes time and patience.

4. Be an example: If you want your child to focus on learning, demonstrate that you enjoy learning too—whether it’s reading a book, writing, or engaging in other educational activities.

5. Expose them to real objects: Children absorb lessons more effectively when they can see or touch real-life objects. There are companies that sell educational tools alongside nursery rhymes, allowing babies to not only listen but also physically engage with the concepts. Grolier is one example, though their products can be a bit pricey. If you prefer a budget-friendly option, consider making DIY objects to pair with their favorite nursery rhymes.

6. Let them play: This is crucial! Playtime is an essential part of childhood, giving your child the freedom to interact with others, be themselves, and explore. Through play, children can learn a multitude of skills. Just ensure the play area is childproof to keep them safe.

So far, these are just some of the practical strategies we've implemented with our baby. I hope you find them helpful! Please share your experiences and techniques for teaching your child in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!

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How to Teach your child to be Patient

Patience is something I've always wanted to teach my child. I consider it a necessity for facing everyday challenges and one of the greatest armors she can use to navigate life in the future. Being short-tempered or having a quick fuse won't help her become a desirable person. I want my baby to approach her problems calmly and with a positive mindset.

From her early months, we focused on introducing her to the art of patience. This may sound a bit unusual to some, but we believe it’s important to instill this value early on. When she wanted something—except for food and milk, of course—we wouldn’t immediately give in to her requests. For example, if she desired a toy or something that caught her attention, she would sometimes throw a tantrum or cry. Rather than depriving her, we would gently remind her, “WAIT, please…” and then count to three. After that, we would hand her what she asked for. This became a routine as she grew.

At first, the results were subtle. However, by the time she turned 15 months, our efforts started to pay off. We were delighted to see that she learned to be patient, even in small situations. Now, when we say "wait," she does so without complaint.

So, my advice to fellow moms out there is to be patient while teaching your child. They will absorb these lessons bit by bit. Don’t give up when you don’t see immediate results; it’s not always easy. Remember, our kids look up to us and see us as their role models, so it’s essential to demonstrate the qualities we want them to embody. Avoid pressuring your child, as it can be counterproductive. Stay calm and be patient—it's worth it!

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Picky eater toddler - No! No!

I spent the whole day tweaking this blog, and I'm excited to say it’s 90% finished! I’m really loving the way it looks. As I was writing this first "formal" post, the weather outside turned gloomy, prompting me to think of a specific topic to discuss. (Ding!)

Two weeks ago, I was scouring the web for tips and tricks to get my toddler to eat better, as she’s quite a picky eater. I know many parents struggle with this, and it really worries me. During my search, I came across Samantha Lee, a cook and a mom who also faced challenges with her children’s eating habits. To tackle this, she began creating unique food arrangements for each meal to entice her little ones to eat.

Here’s a photo taken from her Instagram:

How I wish I could do the same thing! If you're also a mom facing similar challenges with a picky eater, you might want to try those creative food arrangements to make meals more appealing. But if that’s not your style, I have a great book recommendation for you. 

French Kids Eat Everything is a fantastic read that delves into parenting, nutrition, and fun ways to engage your little ones at the dinner table. It offers practical tips and strategies that can help you encourage healthier eating habits without the stress.

I have a soft copy of this book that I bought from an online site, but I haven’t finished reading it yet. I’ll update you soon with my review!

In my quest to help my picky eater, I’ve found some additional tips that seem to be working. So far, she’s eating a lot more cereals and fruits, which I think is great! During mealtimes, I’ve learned not to force her to eat, as I really don’t want her to develop a negative association with food. When it comes to the foods she doesn’t like, we still offer them but in moderation. I believe that over time, she’ll grow to appreciate the taste as she matures.

We also make a conscious effort to limit her intake of salt and sugar, and I’m happy to report that she’s doing much better compared to the last few months. I’ll definitely create a part 2 of this post to share more tips and updates on our journey with picky eating! Stay tuned! :)

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