How to teach our child to be polite at the table

               Did you ever experienced or feel as if you were at the end of your rope with how he/she behaves at the table? If yes, then give your self time to read this post as I share with you simple steps that will end suppertime shenanigans once and for all.

1. Say "Please" and "Thank you"

We taught our child these words when he(she) was two or three, but maybe he(she) uses them inconsistently or only with reminders from us. So to get these words to become automatic for our child we can emphasize and enforce them at every meal. For example; "Please come to the table for breakfast." or when your child says he(she) wants juice/milk don't pour it until he(she) says "please" and wait until he(she) says "thank you" to hand him the glass.

Probably my worst night ever as a first time mom

             Past 9:00 in the evening of March 6, I was getting ready for bed (you know doing some mommy routine) while Nathan went to his bedroom/playroom to get his lego toys to play with. Big Daddy was in our living room doing some stuff. When I was done, I grabbed a magazine to read para pang patulog ko sana, then Nathan went back into our bedroom with a handful of lego. Halfway through my magazine, I reminded him NOT to put his toys into his mouth at baka nga malunok nya. Wala pa isang minuto kong pinaalala sakanya narinig ko nalang na umubo sya na para bang nacho-choke nag panic talaga ako grabe... I shouted on top of my lungs to call my husband. I was so worried na baka nasa

Books benefit our kids in so many ways

         Reading to our child at a very young age is the first step in installing to them the love for reading. It also helps to prepare them in learning how to read on their own because it promotes language and early literacy. If we read to them in a way that captures their interest and participation, our child would begin to look for these books. I started reading with Nathan as early as two years old. He has some favorite books that he took with him everywhere he goes and ask me or his dad to read to him again and again. He discover, learn, and asks so many questions. Of course he can't read pa at that age but I can tell that he love books (like his dad).     

A little Secret

        Feb. 26, an ordinary morning, same routine... cooked breakfast, walis dito walis doon, Nathan watching TV and hubby doing his routine. After breakfast, Nathan asked if he could have some bubblegum for desert.

I said yes, since he finished all his food. 20 minutes later, I asked him to spit it out the gum beacuse the noisy chewing sounds he makes really annoy me. And yes, (as expected) he refused. May lasa pa daw kasi ang bubblegum nya. Instead of arguing with my son I choose to walk away do some laundry and update my blog. 15 minutes after my conversation with him I was in front of the computer and noticed Nathan walked through the kitchen and heard some water pouring into a glass. The next thing, he walked to me, hugged me tight, then cried.


he said while he was crying:
               "mama, nalunok ko po yung bubblegum.."
               then I was like "HALA!" (in an exaggerated way hahaha)
               "kasi kala ko food tapos nalunok ko, tapos nag drink ako ng water.." he explained. I felt his heart beating so fast (kabado ang anak ko haha) he was really afraid talaga na baka kung ano mangyari sakanya.

               "mama, don't tell papa ha?"
               "why don't you want me to tell papa?"
               "kasi ooperahan ako... hihiwain yung tummy ko, masakit yun diba? Kaya wag mo po sasabihin kay papa ha? Secret natin yun." (still crying)
               "ok, I won't tell papa if you promise me that you are not gonna have bubblegum anymore". "ok, I promise." Nathan with his pinky swear gesture. 


               So after we made a deal there are so many thoughts run through my head. Like, this little guy trusted me with his little secret.. so innocent.. (not knowing that his mom also did this when she was young). Part wanted to tell my hubby what happened because I thought it was cute, but at the same time I couldn't, because I made a promise to this little guy and he trusts me.

Saying "I Love You" Often no Matter How Old Our Kid is

               Our relationship with our kid contributes a lot to his general health and well-being. A better bond between a mother and child usually means a happier, more secure, more independent, and more responsible kid. One way of strengthening bond to our child is by saying "I Love You" often, no matter how old he(she) is. We can tell to our kid what we love about them. A genuine appreciation build trust and self-esteem.

               It also helps to keep a unique and personal relationship with each of our child. For example: schedule a one-on-one bonding time with each of them. It could be a short talk or story time (me and my son like to have a story telling every night before going to bed) or special alone days doing something fun like cooking, malling or visiting the zoo. 

               This helps in making our kid know that he(she) has a special place in our heart that no one else can fill. And that is priceless as it is healthy.

Not Forever Young

          How often are you photographed with your child? Personally, I dislike being photographed (specially whole body shot). When I see photos of my self, I can't help but wish that the light was more forgiving, that I was 10 pounds lighter or that I wore something flattering. I just accepted this anti-photo quirk as a part of me.

         

            However, when I read Allison Tate's honest and enlivening article on the Huffington post about moms being in the picture, I had to rethink this habit of avoiding being photographed even with my child. Tate was right. Our kids want us in the picture. We should take advantage of this moment with them because when they grow up they don't even like to be kiss, hug (lalo na pag ihahatid sa school, kasama mga kaibigan nila, ayaw na tayo kasama sa mall), or to take picture with them.

               

            Think of your own childhood photos with your mom. Do you even notice how she looks in it? Do you detect her superficial flaws? Or are you just so glad to see those photos of your mom with you? The article ends with a challenge that I think we, as moms, should all accept to be in the picture because they are not forever young, treasure every moment with them ngayon nag papahalik pa sila, clingy, etc.

             

            This morning when I was reading magazine, my son noticed the gorgeous woman on the cover and asked me an interesting question. "Is she beautiful mama?" "I think so honey. Why? Who do you think is beautiful?" I asked. "You." he answered so simply and it clearly took my breath away. So I grab that camera and flash that smile!