Archive for July, 2007

My Kid Asks Questions!

Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

Why panic?

You should be proud of her. That shows that she is smart.

You don’t know the answer? Don’t just sit there, then. Be as smart. Grab books, browse on the net, etc. There are many things you can do.

Start now!

Effective Ways to Discipline Your Loved Ones

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Suddenly one of your kids break his toy, the expensive ones that when you bought him this toy you made him promise to take good care of it.

You might be angry. But, hey, he might be upset, too. He might be very sorry that he did it. It could be an accident.

Don’t just go and spank him. Please.

There are three things you need to do to make him turn into a more discipline kid without having to spank him:

  • Find the cause – As I said earlier, he might have not meant it. It was an accident. But how did it happen? Ask him. And, try to understand why it happened. What if he purposely did it? Well, you could be the reason. He might need more of your attention, Mom.
  • Alternate the punishment – No scream, no spanking, nothing abusive, ok? Find other ways to make him learn that he made a mistake. In this case, don’t buy the same toy to replace the broken one. It might teach him to be more careful with his belongings. And tell him that if he takes good care of his things he will get better toys.
  • Be consistent – If you apply rewards for positive attitude and punishment for negative one, be consistent about it. Don’t ever forget to reward hisevery positive behavior. And, find a suitable yet non-abusive punishment for his bad attitude.

Don’t ever give up, Moms, Dads. No kids are born to be a bad kid.

Happy Monday!

For Who He Is, Not for What He Does…

Friday, July 27th, 2007

Unconditional love, it is. Parents’ love for their children.

Wordless Wednesday #14

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

A blessing and a brother…

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

Safe Vaccines for Pregnant Mothers

Monday, July 23rd, 2007

For both your baby’s and your health, there are some safe vaccines you’d better take:

  • The flu shot – the flu shot is made from killed (inactivated) influenza virus, it is considered safe during any stage of pregnancy. However, pregnant women should not use the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which is made with live, weakened influenza virus.
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria – tetanus toxoid and Td are safe to get during pregnancy. Women who have been fully immunized should have a Td booster if it has been more than 10 years since their last dose.
  • Hepatitis B – if you happen to be a health-care worker or day-care worker, or live with someone infected with hepatitis B, you must consider getting vaccinated with this genetically engineered vaccine. It is used to protect the mother and baby against infection both before and after delivery.

If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, consult with your doctor about these vaccines.

Let Them Play…

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

Thursday 13 – 13 Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Thursday, July 19th, 2007

I know how hard it is for kids with divorced parents since my closest cousin experienced it herself. She was 8 when her parents decided to live separately and the next year they decided to get divorced.

At first, it was hard for her to cope with the fact. We lived nearby and went to the same school so we became best friends and she told me all her misery about the divorce.

But then, as she grew older, she finally could cope with it. And, I believe her parents did everything to make her comfortable with the condition.

If you happen to go through a divorce, try to be like my aunt and uncle.

Here are some simple things divorced parents can do to have happy children:

    1. Try to appreciate and support your children’s relationship with the other parent. Basically children need both parents, so monopoly is not the game you should play. By having a good relationship with both parents, your children will grow best.
    2. Explain what exactly is going on. Depend on the age, try to give them an explanation. This is to avoid unnecessary thought that they are the cause of the divorce. Kids sometimes keep this thought to themselves and it might give bad influence to their emotional development.
    3. Explain that nothing changes but the fact that their parents are not together anymore. The rest, such as rules and consequences remain the same. This is to avoid confusedness on the children’s lifestyle.
    4. Show them that you care so much about them, that you love them more than anything. It pleases them to know that divorce doesn’t mean that you both stop loving them.
    5. Try to be friends. It might be hard for some ex-couples but if you can do it, it is good for the child. Seeing you getting along well eases them in dealing with the divorce. If they can see that divorce gives a good impact in your lives and theirs, they will accept it without difficulty.
    6. Make no arguments on past behavior, especially in front of the kids. Just forget whatever happened between the two of you. And, forgive your ex-spouse for whatever role he/she played in the divorce.
    7. Share the parenting responsibility with the other parent. Being divorced doesn’t mean you are the only one raising your children. He/she is as responsible. Sometimes, it is not easy but try your best, for your children, for it is important in their development process.
    8. Make an agreement on how you both are going to spend the time with the children. Create an effective schedule in the early separation, and stick to it. Consistency is necessary.
    9. Encourage the children to express their feelings. Kids are often worried, petrified and outraged when parents get a divorce. Help them to get them out in the open. Or if they get totally upset and wouldn’t share it with you, propose to talk about it to a counselor.
    10. Don’t spend extra money for your kids just because you’re feeling guilty. Discuss your new financial situation with them and be honest. This won’t make them love you any less. Explain that you need to save more in order to pay for their education and other essentials. Remember, no need to spoil them out of your guilt.
    11. Be reliable. In the new family situation, your children really rely on you to make them feel secure again, just like when bother their parents were together. Make sure they know that no matter what, they remain your highest priority.
    12. Do not use your children’s shoulder to cry on. It is hard what you’re going through but don’t share it with them. Get yourself a support group to help you through this period. Or you can share your feelings with relatives, friends and professionals. They can help you mourn and get yourself back from the broken marriage.
    13. Take a good care of yourself. Divorce is not an easy situation. It might hit hard on your self-esteem. Find any ways possible to get your self-worth back. Take some time to provide for your own emotional needs. The children don’t need a broken-to-pieces parent. They require you to be strong. Therefore, do all you need to be the parent your children expect to be.
    Going through a divorce is not easy. Yet, it is not the end of your world. It might be a lovely beginning.

Wordless Wednesday #13

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

Happy WW!

The Best Gift

Tuesday, July 17th, 2007