Category Archives: Parenting

Time does Help… A Little…

Written on February 5, 2012 by in Life, Parenting

February I think is the hardest month for me to handle. Not just because it’s Valentine’s month, but it is also Sky’s birthday month. He will be turning 5 on the 7th of this fateful month. And I try to breeze through that day knowing that I will not hear from his father or in-laws. I have provided my address and our landline number before in hopes that he would at least get in touch by sending something to Sky, even if he hates my guts.

With me recovering from a really wicked stomach bug over the weekend did not help at all, making me more cranky and emotional than I already am.

So today, even if I wasn’t feeling all too well – I took Sky out for a quick movie date at Trinoma. And gulped down a big serving of Happy Lemon’s Yakult Green tea, which seemed to have stopped the stomach pains significantly. The movie “Journey 2,” was in order. Sky loved the movie while devouring on a cheesedog and a bucket of popcorn the whole time.

I, on the other hand can’t help but feel melancholic with the part of the plot, where the young man did not have father figure. And that his own stepdad’s dad left him when he was 8 years old.

As if in chorus, the tears start to swell up with tears in the middle of the movie and wiping my tears away before Sky can notice…

Yes, I know it’s just a movie. And I really shouldn’t feel affected or anything. But, it did make that gap in my heart bigger than it already is.

I cannot help but question myself. You know, the usual SHOULD’VE, WOULD’VE, COULD’VE that I COULD’VE done to make us a complete family.

Because filling the void of a father that is not there, is really HARD.

How will I guide him?

How do I talk to him about girls?

How can I foster his masculine interests? Carpentry? Building?

How do I teach him to become the man that I would like him to be?

Those kind of questions that seem to be breathing down my neck ever since February started.

He loves to play REALLY ROUGH. And it comes to a point that I REALLY GET HURT.

But, how do I let him play rough and ne myself when he MIGHT think that he’s hurting me on purpose, but he’s not?

Tonight, he fell asleep earlier than usual, giving me ample time to fix his loot bags for his classmates when he celebrates his birthday in school this coming Tuesday. I checked through his bag and his reminder’s notebook to see if I missed out anything last week.

There was a stapled letter from his teacher that I missed. And it said…

“CONGRATULATIONS! Your son is one of the students in Senior Nursery who passed TWO elimination rounds for the SPELLING BEE. He will be one of the FINALISTS this coming Thursday, so he is exempted from class that day to attend the contest. We hope that you can attend it and be there to support your child…”

Then I start crying all over again, this time with tears of happiness… It was going to be an awesome February after all. :)

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Top 10 Air Travel Tips when Traveling with Kids

Written on February 1, 2012 by in Parenting, Travel

Travelling with a young child

I was fortunate to travel at such an early age. When you’re a kid, all you need to worry about is what paraphernalia to bring along on a really LOOONG plane ride. And my parents worried about the rest. Especially my mama, who had the knack of knowing everything that we need, even BEFORE we don’t think we’d need it.

However, when I travelled alone when I was 18 or 19. It was a totally liberating to just be by myself running from one airport terminal to the next for a 24-hour flight (flight + layover time from Manila to Buffalo, NY). I remember getting an endorphin high, when I got to my last gate 5 minutes before the departure because of delay of the previous plane. The truth is, I almost had a heart attack – because I wouldn’t exactly know HOW TO HANDLE IT if my flight was indeed delayed.

Now, that I am connected by the hip with Sky. We make it a point to travel somewhere at least once a year. Travelling with a baby or a young child can be quite daunting if you’re not prepared. Last March 2011, we had a 24-hour travel ordeal flying in from Manila to Japan to Los Angeles to Las Vegas – both Sky and I were exhausted… But we still had fun.

Travelling with a child

Here are my Top 10 Airplane Travel Tips when Travelling with a Young Child:

1. GET YOUR SEAT ASSIGNMENTS IN ADVANCE. I always invest on getting a window or bulkhead seat when flying. And a seat near the John/ Toilet. Even if its just a domestic destination, knowing where you’ll be seated can reduce your travel stress. If you can afford it, ask for an upgrade from economy to business class. Sometimes, upgrading at the airport is cheaper than buying it outright.

Travelling with a Child

2. ASK FOR THE KID’S MEAL FOR LONG HAUL FLIGHTS. Better if you can bring your kid’s own food on your own. Airplane food is the unhealthiest because of the amount of preservatives they have. However, the kid’s meal usually brings joy to any child – since they feel special to have their “own” food.

3. BRING AN EXTRA SET OF CLOTHES. For Sky, I bring an extra set of clothes altogether, for me – I just add in an extra underwear and shirt. Just to be sure you have a change of clothes when one of you throws up or when you have to stay overnight somewhere because of a flight delay. A big sister shirt is even great to have around in your carry-on bag.

Travelling with a child

4. KNOW THE AIRPORT FACILITIES BEFOREHAND. So, you have an idea where to eat and where to hang out during those long layovers. Last March, we stayed for 7 hours at the Japan Narita airport because of flight delays. Because I’m familiar with the airport – I know that there is an area dedicated for kids that is nearby a McDonald’s. Not exactly the healthiest, but the most convenient for all of us to chow down when hunger strikes. There are certain airports that have shower facilities that you can use for as little as US$2.00! This one is in Incheon airport in Korea. This price was a couple of years ago, so it’s probably more expensive now.

5. BRING COLORING BOOKS, CRAYONS, GAME CONSOLE’S, ETC. Bring some contraptions to help your kids past the time. It can be pretty boring for your kid when you have no choice but to stay in a small space for 4-11 hours straight! Let your child walk around the plane to fight of boredom and get a bit of exercise when it’s safe to do so. Just ask the flight attendant first.

6. WHERE COMFORTABLE CLOTHES and SHOES and DON’T WEAR A BUCKLED BELT. Sky and I always wear easy on and off shoes. No belts or keys in our pockets especially when going through airport security inspection. So, all I have to worry about is the contents of our hand carry at this time.

Travelling with a child

7. PACK YOUR HAND CARRIED LUGGAGE RIGHT. Just bring small 50-100ml bottles of alco-gel, lotion, and toothpaste. And some wipes and a small bar of soap in your toiletry kit. Place it in a see-through bag and place it right on top of your bag. So, it’s the first thing that you can take out when you need to open your bag. Bring small cookies and crackers for snacks. Anything exotic will just be sent to the trash – especially in Japan. Just bring water bottle containers, you can always refill it when you get inside the airport. Place your clothes, toiletries, gadgets in small pouches – so it’s easier for you to dig it out your bag when needed – and it’s easier to pack when your time at the security checkpoint is all over.

8. WHEN YOU SEE A RESTROOM. JUST GO. You know when kids say that they don’t have to pee and yet ASKS TO GO at the most inappropriate times? So, when you happen to pass by a restroom JUST GO.

9. USE A VERY LIGHT and EASY TO PACK STROLLER IF YOU MUST. You know the kind of stroller that you don’t mind getting lost? A small stroller is a heaven-sent when going from one airport or one gate to another with a sleepy child in tow. Just plop him in the stroller and push.

10. USE A LIGHTWEIGHT BACK PACK OR A SMALL TROLLEY LUGGAGE FOR YOUR HAND CARRY LUGGAGE. I love the convenience of having both my hands free with a back pack. However, I also love the freedom of movement that a trolley luggage offers me when going from one terminal to another. If you’re pushing a stroller AND a trolley – just hookup your trolley handle on the stroller handle – and that’s it.

Travelling with a child

And lastly, DO NOT PANIC! Keep your cool as much as possible! I know it can be really hard when your kids get agitated – but if they feel you have a good vibe going on – they’ll catch it from you FAST!

Hope that you’ll learn a thing or two from this post. How about you? Do you do anything special that really helps you when travelling by air with your kids? :)

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Cold Towels for High Fevers

Written on January 22, 2012 by in Daily's, Parenting, Worth Sharing

After our romp in Bonifacio High Street last Friday night, Sky developed a REALLY bad case of fever on the morning of Saturday. At one point his fever shot up to 38.5, which got everyone worried around the house.

We gave him doses of Tempra every 4-6 hours and lots of water to bring his temperature down. However when he was BURNING UP, wiping his head and body with a cold and cool towel helped bring down his fever almost immediately.

How to Bring Down a High Fever

When Sky has a fever, I douse two towels with water and alcohol. Place them in plastic containers and place the in the chiller section of the refrigerator. Don’t place them in the freezer, it will be hard like ice candy and will sting the skin when used. I have two of this on hand prepared when my little man gets feverish. Just in case I need to use another one in the middle of the night.

And when you feel him burning up, give him a sponge bath with these towels to reduce your child’s fever temperature quickly. When Sky has a high fever, aside from getting a high reading from the thermometer and hotness from his skin – he usually talks, mumbles and cries. Which breaks my heart every time :(

After coming home from the Timex run this morning, Sky’s fever was almost gone. This afternoon; after plenty of rest, a double dose of Vitamin C and lots of hugs and kisses from Mom – and he’s back to his kulit self. :)

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Mirroring.

Written on December 14, 2011 by in Daily's, Life, Parenting, Worth Sharing

I conquered myself today.

Exactly 30 days that I have controlled the emotional me.

I’ve always been happy and free-spirited. However, going through a period of sadness also meant going through a bout of anger.

Anger at myself for regrets for some decisions made this past two years.

The downside of keeping anger bottled up inside? It eventually seeps out, one way or the other.

Sadly, Sky echoed my anger as well. And I know that no matter how many books we read, how many times I bring him to the playground or how many toys I buy him – his anger will not go away – until mine does.

So, that’s what I did this past 30 days. No shouting. No spanking. I let go of EVERYTHING that TICKED ME OFF.

I SMILED through my anger. And my heart smiled along with me.

Within days, both Sky and I mirrored each other’s happiness. Even in the advent of me reprimanding him. Our talks does not end with tears anymore. But with hugs and consolation that we will love each other no matter what our differences are.

We both are after all, not perfect too. I understand that there are times that he can’t help but get frustrated with some things, and I the same.

So, here we are now… Echoing happiness wherever we find ourselves in. Hoping that other people will catch on as we REFLECT JOY to another.

 

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Fieldtrippin’ at Pizza Hut, Seriland and at the Science Centrum

Written on December 1, 2011 by in Events, Parenting, Raves

This is Sky’s second school field trip and hands down the funnest time we’ve had ever.

But I have to tell you that I wasn;t really jumping for joy when I had to pay an extra 1K for myself and just thinking of being in a BUS full of 4-5 year old BOYS was going to be one BIG headache for me.

Our Itinerary was:

6:30AM – Assembly time at school

7:00AM – Depart for Pizza Hut, Bluewave, Macapagal

9:30AM – Depart for Seriland inside Manila Ocean Park

12:00NN – LUNCH wherever

1:00 – Science Centrum at Marikina

3:30PM – ETA at school

Needless to say, we never got to follow the schedule. With 6 buses all in all of small crazy boys (and a handful of dainty girls) is indeed more than a handful to take care of.

I didn’t know what I was thinking. But I had enough food to last Sky and I for an overnight trip to the boondocks. So, I was carrying a backpack, a cooler and a small lunch bag; which are not so big, but kind of weighed like a ton when I was waiting for us to board the bus.

Because of the excitement the eve of the fieldtrip, both of us didn’t get much sleep. So, as soon as we boarded the bus and ate some of the cut-up peanut butter we had. We got ourselves settled and was ready to take a nap all the way to the destination. And then…

“OKAAAAYYYYY KIDDS! HOW ARE YOU DOING THIS MORNING?!!! C’MON LET’s SING THE ALPHABET!!!”

Holy crap. I wanted to grab Sky and hurl ourselves out the window. It’s an hour and a half drive and don’t tell me you’re going to talk all the way! Please HAVE MERCY!

Sky looked equally disturbed as I was with the screeching voice that was the tour operator. But, at the same time he was so sleepy he couldn’t care less and fell into deep sleep in a matter of minutes.

I, on the other hand, stuck my ever-reliable ipod and blasted the music to help drown out that screeching voice. And then, I was gone…

********************

We got to Bluewave around 8:30AM. And the kid’s made their own pizza, while donned in a complete chef’s outfit. Even the mommies and daddies got their own outfits and pizza’s too!

The waiting for the pizza to cook was the boring part. We waited for our own custom-made pizza in the bus. It was 10:30AM when we got it, and it was also then that we proceeded to the next venue.

********************

SERILAND.

We’ve been going back at Manila Ocean Park twice this year. And I never thought of bringing Sky into that part of the ocean complex. Well, because it looked LAME.

Or so I thought.

There were 4 “lands” inside Seriland. There was the Trick Art room where everything is painted like it was in 3D, which for some weird reason the kids went crazy posing for pictures when they saw the images inside.

And then the 3D Cinema plus, where we watched a 10-minute Dinosaur show. For most part, I think the kids just loved being with their classmates and liked scaring each other inside the dark theatre.

Next one, was the Fantasy world; which is an indoor playground where you can let the animals in your boys roam free-like crazy.

Last one was the mirror maze, where we wore white gloves and had to find the exit on our own. And Sky found the exit in less than 5 minutes… So, he went back inside to join in the rouse inside the mirror maze.

We were in Seriland for two hours. It really felt like a half marathon of sorts. And we were ravenously hungry by the time we got in the bus.

And our lunch was gone in a matter of minutes. Pretty soon the boys were playing again.

We left Seriland at 2:00PM. From Manila, we trudged over Marikina at the Science Centrum.

The Science centrum was awesomely big. We only got to stay there for an hour and a half. I have to admit that I was pretty impressed with this hands-on museum. Sky was EVERYWHERE. He didn’t know where to begin. He would jump from one contraption over the other, and another and then back again to another.

I can see that maniacal ecstatic look in his eyes everytime he tries out one of the gadgets. And I bet that going inside a BUBBLE was dream come true for him.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel tired at all. And I was running alongside him when he wants to check out something with me.

We had a spectacular time!

When it was time to go. He started crying and bawling.

“I don’t want to leave yet MOM! I want to STAY HERE!”

I carried him and kept reassuring him that we’ll come back to Science centrum again. And we’ll spend the whole day discovering together.

It’s been a week since that field trip and I know I have to keep that promise REAL SOON! :D

In case you’re wondering, we got back home at 5:45PM and we were both ASLEEP by 8:00PM! Kasayang-kapagod :D

I highly recommend both Seriland and the Science Centrum as one of the best places you can bring your kid’s in Manila.

Visit Seriland’s Facebook page here and read more about Science centrum’s website here.

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