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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