by rossanahead | Aug 13, 2011 | children, family, Karen Galarpe, parenting, woman
By Karen Galarpe
“Oh look, it’s Domo-kun!” I said, pointing to stuffed toys of the brown Japanese character at Toy Con 2011, the annual toy convention recently held at SM Megamall. “And Angry Birds, and lots of anime characters. Do they have Lucky Star?”
Yup, that’s me talking. Thanks to my son’s interest in Japanese anime, I am not so unfamiliar with what some kids and teens are into these days. When Miley Cyrus was in town recently, someone in the office asked, “Does Miley Cyrus have a lot of fans?” And I said, “Hello? Hannah Montana!”
And when the video of that 4-year-old Fil-Am boy singing a Warbler song a la Darren Criss on “Glee” became viral, someone in the office again said he’s not familiar with the song as he doesn’t watch “Glee”.
I know who Miley Cyrus is, and I watch “Glee.” And “Lucky Star.” And some years back, “High School Musical” and “Gundam Seed Destiny.”
I try to make time to get to know what kids today like because it’s a way to bond and build relationships with today’s generation.
I know I’m not alone in this mission because when Taylor Swift was here a few months ago, two of my friends watched the concert with their daughters and their daughters’ friends. And they realized Taylor is really a great performer and a good role model for today’s kids.
Same thing when Justin Bieber arrived in Manila this year. Guess who were photographed with preteens and teens in the crowd? Their parents.
What is your child into? Find out, get into it yourself, and in the process get to know your child more.
Since my son loves cars, I have seen my share of auto shows and even drift competitions from which I have come home smelling like burnt rubber. Is it worth it, grime and all? It is. Our children are priceless, and time spent with them is valuable.
by rossanahead | May 8, 2011 | children, family, mother's day, Rossana Llenado, woman
I’ve been a mother for almost 16 years, and I have to tell you that there have been good days and there have been bad days. There have been times when I’ve been overwhelmed with joy. And there have been times when I’ve been sickened with frustration.
What does it take to be a good mom? This is one question that I always ask myself. The basics are easy enough: feed them, clothe them, shelter them, provide them with good education, teach them about faith, and shower them with love. I make sure that they grow in a psychologically and financially stable environment so they can be free to explore their various hobbies, interests, and passions.
But as a mother of twin teen boys and two young girls, I ask myself, what does it take to be the best mom? That’s because I always value excellence in everything I do, especially when it comes to parenting. And so, I read books, learn from other parents, and pray for guidance.
But what I’ve learned through all those years is that I can only try my best. For example, my children say that I don’t spend enough time with them. But as far as I could tell, I spend all my non-working hours with them. We not only see plays and watch movies, we also engage in sports. They say I’m too strict when it comes to rules. But then, I am only doing so to instill a sense of discipline and responsibility in them. I try to make them realize that there are consequences to their actions—or inactions.
I’ve realized that there is no one way to raise a child. One child is different from the next. And so, what worked for Angel may not do so for Meggy. Although I also get complaints on that: “You’re unfair!”
And so I keep trying. I keep working at being the best mom I can be because when I see my four children, I know that all my efforts have been worth it.
by rossanahead | Mar 22, 2011 | parenting, Ruth M. Floresca, woman
By Ruth Manimtim-Floresca
For years, I always get asked how I cope with the all the responsibilities that come with having four kids. I usually tell them I take valid shortcuts that make our lives easier without compromising results. Here are three tips that saved me effort, time, and money which I either learned from fellow moms or discovered on my own and successfully applied in raising my boys.
* All my boys’ first names start with G. My husband’s and his four siblings’ names also start with G. Most of my firstborn’s things were labeled with G. FLORESCA. Whenever his brothers “inherit” stuff from Kuya, I don’t need to change the name anymore. These days, they could even swap and borrow each others’ bags, caps, jackets, umbrellas, etc. and bring them to school without worrying much if the item would be returned to them in case it gets lost.
* When they were still small, I periodically trace my kids’ left foot on paper, cut the drawings out, and keep them in my wallet. Whenever I see a pair of shoes or sandals that I think they would like, I could buy the footwear there and then because I didn’t need to come back to the store and bring the kid to make him try out the shoes.
* I breastfed all my children but did mixed feedings when they were several months old. My Ob-Gyne taught me that I should never let my baby get used to drinking warm milk. “Always use boiled water that has been cooled to room temperature.” That advice saved me from bringing a thermos of hot water everywhere we go. I’ve seen other moms deal with the hassle of preparing warm formula inside a moving vehicle because their baby won’t drink milk that’s not warm enough! I’m thankful that it is not something I had to go through with any of my kids.
Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash
