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.

Pop that Soda Habit

  The amount of sugar in softdrinks is not advisable for our child's health. As a substitute, we can get them into habit of drinking fresh fruit or vegetable juice, smoothies, or shakes. Preparing the beverages our self ensures that our kids consume only the right kind of ingredients and natural sugars. Mix things up by combining different fruits such as mango, avocado, pineapple, banana, apple, lychee, berries, etc. We can even secretly slip in vegetables such as carrots, kangkong, camote tops, malungay leaves, collards, spinach, kale, etc. to their smoothie (shake or juice).

Here is one of my favorite smoothie recipe to make for my son.

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!

               

What's for Sunday Breakfast?

Nothing says "weekend" like easy homemade pancakes for breakfast. My easy pancake with chocolate chip recipe will help you easily whip up this weekend favorite in less than 30 minutes! When you see how easy it is to make delicious, light, and fluffy homemade pancakes from scratch, you'll wonder why you never tried this before!

Meet the girl behind this blog!

               Hi everyone! Welcome to my mommy world. I'm MK (mommykris), wife to Arnold and mom to 6 year-old Nathaniel. As a stay at home mom, one of my biggest challenges is to balance everything. Raising my son, keeping the house clean and organize, trying to whittle down this mommy belly (you moms know what I'm talking about!), saving money at the grocery store, cooking, and learning how to be a better Christian Catholic, wife and mother. 

I blog about:

• Home Organizing- Home inspiration, Balancing and organizing life
• Mommy's Corner- DIY's, Skin care, Married life, Mommy-hood, Faith talk 
• Random Thoughts - Parenting, Memory keeping, Restaurants we go to, Family travel/vacation 

BLOG POLICY
 
I spent a lot of time writing, editing, and taking pictures for this blog. A lot of time, effort, and consideration goes into each post, so I don't appreciate blatant theft of any content and/or photos. All content published on the blog is under strict copyright law. Any unauthorized copying, reproduction, republishing, uploading, posting, transmitting or duplicating of any of the material is prohibited without my express written permission. If you want to use content on your own site, you must ask permission and send me an email at happilyorganizedmom@gmail.com first before you do so under these restrictions.

DISCLAIMER

Most of the products reviewed on this blog are bought and paid by me. I am not affiliated with any companies or brands, therefore the opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own. Sometimes, companies will send me products to review, but that will never affect my opinion about the product in any way. If a post contain a product or products that have been sent for review purposes, I will be sure that there is a desclaimer indicated at the bottom of the post. All reviews are based on my personal experience with the product, so what works for me may or may not work for you.