It’s official! School is out for both my kids. Yippeee!
Well, my boy was out since Thursday and today is my daughter’s last day of school. Two weeks of long undisturbed sleep which I am so looking forward to. I am also eagerly awaiting our annual family get-together which will be in a beach resort this time. I just pray that the weather will cooperate. 
Crossing my fingers!
I came home one day from my yoga practice and saw my eldest crying and whining. My first instinct was of course, to ask what happened. Then she blurted out the events of the day that led her to cry. One thing good though, she didn’t cry in school.
My daughter even when she was a kid, was such a “cry baby” just like her mom but I have learned through time that crying does not solve anything. And so while she was growing up, we have taught her how to be strong and not be hypersensitive about things. Thanks to her dad, she has slowly outgrown the cry-baby stage … until now.
I tried not to show pity but I really feel for her. She’s the captain of her batch cheering squad and it’s a very big responsibility. When things don’t go her way, it can sometimes make her fall to the ground. My advise is simple. “If things don’t go your way, your tears will not help solve any of your problems. You can cry to release those emotions, but only for awhile. Let go and pick yourself up and try to be objective about things, it will let you focus more on the problem at hand.” It took while for her to stop sobbing but after all the pep talk, I know that she’ll be alright.
Sometimes the reason, why we cry and drown ourselves with sadness is because we keep looking back at the mistakes or the misfortunes that took place. LET IT GO! I am reminded of the quote I saw in Facebook…
When life’s strong winds come blowing, bend with them and let go. By bending, you become stronger in new places. By letting go, you will be making room for the new and the better.
Nowadays, you need to be more flexible. Get out of your comfort zones and try out new things. I used to see myself as an office type of person, where I have a fixed workstation. But lo and behold! I am now an entrepreneur. If I need to work, I do not need a workstation. I can work anywhere just like those hospital computer carts, my mobility does not affect my efficiency.
It took me awhile to find my niche and now I tell myself, “I should have done this a long time ago.” Oh well, it’s never too late …
Ever since I got married, my ultimate dream was to have my our own house… a house and or a town house perhaps. Being married to an architect, every one probably thinks that would be an easy job but I guess, everything isn’t really easy for me and my hubs.
Hubby and I both grew up from a location that is quite far from the school we go to. At a young age, high school that is, I have to endure the rigors of commuting from Laguna to Manila, where my school is. My routine, obviously was house and school and vice versa. No time to do much lakwatsa, much to the content of my mom With that in mind, we promised not to give that kind of experience to our kids. So even if we can buy those affordable houses in the south or far north of Manila, we are maintaining a rented house here in the Metro so the kids can enjoy more time with their school activities rather than deal with the stress of going through traffic each and everyday of their lives. I guess when you are a parent, you have to really look after what’s good for your children rather than satisfy your own personal dream.
However….
As the years go by, I thing it’s about time to revisit that grand dream of mine and think of being more practical. Nothing bad with that. With the property boom, there are a lot of condominiums around our vicinity and even if I am not really a “condo girl”, I have to adjust a bit. It’s just a matter of mindset, dontchathink 
Hubby keeps telling me that I am the only who refuses to take a look a condominiums. Okay fine, I shall open my mind and prepare myself. That wouldn’t be hard. It’s not like their stealing my dreams away…. It’s more of tweaking it a bit.
This would probably end my emotional roller coaster ride. The stress of trying to find the perfect house, that fits our budget has really given me a lot anxiety like casters attached to my computer chair, I feel like I can swivel, go forward, sideward but in the end I go back to where I started. House hunting can be draining at times.
So if my family is happy with a condo, then condo it shall be Good luck to us!
I was overwhelmed when my home got home and excitedly handed me a pink handmade card. Awwwww! With all the technology available nowadays, I appreciate it more when my kids present with something they made on their own. It reminds me of my growing up years, when there were no computers and colored printers, my brother and I would make cards, be it birthday, valentine or Christmas, out of bond paper. We’ll try all sorts of stuff that we learned from art class. Cut papers, melting colors, etc. It was so much fun
My kids would often tell me that they don’t give me gifts because they do not have money but the thing is, I do not need expensive gifts. I tell them that you do not need money to make me happy. This year perhaps the most valuable gift I received is the handmade birthday card from my son. The though that he spent the time (in school –take note!) to make one birthday card for me is very much appreciated.
The advancement of technology can sometimes bring a lot of disadvantages when our children are not properly guided. I love that mobile phones can make communication faster, that social networking can bridge the distance between people who are million miles away, that there is now a lot of gadgets like tablets, golf gps finder that make our lives easier. However, we need to guide our children in the proper use of technology, with all the news of crimes resulting from its use.
Likewise, we need to reiterate that we still need to have the “personal touch” when it comes to nurturing relationships with our family especially with our children and of course, our parents, who are mostly not adept with technology. Somehow having the “real presence” and “personal touch” still spells a lot of difference.
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it’s always a struggle to convince your kids to take in food every morning. Even with the daily reminder it is the first meal of the day that gives them an energy boost, the grueling experience still continue.
After my daughter was confined in the hospital, I once again had a chance to remind my children that they need to take care of their body by taking in healthy foods, drinking a lot of water and getting enough sleep. Especially my daughter, who is so figure-conscious. I told her she can opt to have a healthy breakfast by eating oats and cereals, which is always readily available at home, rather than not eating anything at all. I believe that the lack of nutrients coupled with insufficient sleep, was the culprit in weakening her immune system especially when you are an athlete.
For someone who seldom gets sick, who is vibrant and athletic, staying in the hospital for days was one experience my daughter abhored. I trust that my daughter has realized that there are ways to be fit without sacrificing the health.
Breakfast is the meal that fuels our body giving us the energy to carry out our tasks within the day, that is why it is important to “break your fast” everyday. Someday soon my children will be on their own and I do not intend to use spotting scopes to monitor their every move. I trust that I have instilled the habot of healthy eating that they will adhere to as long as they live.
My boy came home from school one day, full of enthusiasm.
Son: “Ma, will you let me borrow your point and shoot camera?”
Me: “Why?”
Son: “’Cause I signed up for the Camera Club.”
With a smile, I immediately said “Yes” without even thinking about his lack of responsibility when it comes to taking care of things. I wouldn’t dampen his eagerness. The smile that it placed on my face was priceless, knowing that I was instrumental in making him be keen on this new leisure pursuit of his. A “photographer wannabe” is what I often call myself and I guess my boy was inspired to take on the same thing.
Each time we go on vacation and even weekend getaways, I can always see his interest in taking photos. He would often borrow my camera and show me his photos as he seeks some kind of approval from me. It didn’t occur to me that he would take it on to the next level and enroll himself to a “camera club.”
As a parent, I cannot help but feel proud and excited. Parents have a role in nurturing their children’s talents and skills. Our full support will give them a boost in pursuing the whatever gifts they are passionate about. Like the flowers in our own garden, we sprinkle water everyday, enough sunlight and a lot of love and care and they will bloom on their own.
It is not all about intellect or what we desire for them but we need to keep in mind that they can only be successful if they fully enjoy what they are doing. Now and again, we will stumble upon things or situations that we often do not agree with however, we should learn to discern and consider the point of view of our children. It is their life, we are only here to guide them.
As to my boy, although I still am having second thoughts in letting him use my point and shoot camera (wink), but I am not stopping him from pursuing this interest. I’ll probably search around for some cheaper cameras like casio cameras digital or other brands.
~~~
The photo above which I named sunshine coffee was taken by son using my Nikon D3100.
Recently, daughter shouted this, “My dream job right now: Pedia ♥” in her Facebook account. My brother, who is a doctor, was the first one who commented encouraging her to pursue her dreams with a little warning for me, because everyone knows how expensive it is to send a child to college much more with a degree in medicine.
Honestly, it has always been my dream for one of my children to take up medicine, to go after the footsteps of my brother. I only have two, so the other one should be taking after their dad’s, who is an architect. Although I have voiced out this ambition of mine to my children, it is not in me to push them to do it. I always advise them to go after their dreams not mine or anyone else. No matter how expensive their studies will be, my husband and I have vowed to work hard and support them. I just tell them to simply focus on their goals and the Lord will provide.
Coming from a lower middle class family, I have seen how my mom has sacrificed so much in order for my brother to pursue his dreams of being a doctor. Now he has achieved his dreams and doing very well in his practice. Mind you, I have also seen how he had so much focus in reaching his goals… and that is I what I want to impart to my children.
I once heard this quote in one of the workshops I attended, it is a quote by Earl Nightingale, “People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.” I have always believed in this. There’s always a time for everything but before you try to enjoy life, you should strive hard for it. Some people seem to think that if they lie in bed all day, blessing will come pouring in and when it does not, they start being bitter at the world. You can dream all you want but if you do not do anything about it, it will remain a wish. The world needs doers not dreamers.
For my daughter, dream big, set your goals! We will be here. I couldn’t wait to see you in one of those nursing scrubs that I have seen your Uncle wore during his residency. Set your heart and your mind to achieving your dreams and let the Lord bless your plans.
Yes, summer is definitely over! My eldest is back to school and the rains are here. Good news for me since I am saying good-bye to my heat rash and you can only see the specks of them on my skin. Everything is back to normal, waking up in the morning, planning for their school meals, scheduling my errands — in order to finish them before I pick up my children and most of all, silence in the house.
I don’t know but as I get older, I seem to appreciate silence. I normally am a sociable person mingling with different kinds of people always brings delight however, now I have developed the fondness for “SILENCE.” I remember my son, whom I call “blabber mouth”, wouldn’t stop talking once he steps inside the car. I used to nod and acknowledge his stories but there are times that I seem to be caught in a world of nothingness. After realizing that I am not paying attention, he would utter, “Mom, your silence is killing me!” I could only laugh. I would explain that sometimes I need peace and quiet so I can relax.
That’s why nowadays, I would pick a weekend getaway place that is serene, without the bustling sound of the city. A place where I can just lounge around those Adirondack chairs and watch the beautiful sunset go by while I hear the chirping of the birds and the relaxing sound of the waves. Ahhh, I could almost feel the gentle breeze on my face. That is a picture of a perfect getaway for me.
Our children from things they do everyday, they are like sponges that are ready to absorb everything. As parents, we need to motivate them to learn as they explore and discover the world around them,
Positive reinforcement against negative criticism Kids will have a long list of achievement and it is important that parents recognize their accomplishment rather than chastise them for all the shortcomings that they have done. Ever wonder why pre-school teachers came up with stamps that says “Good Job!”, “Excellent’, a smiley face or a star, these are just some tools to motivate children to achieve more. It is much better than only seeing the lack of it. These tools are not only effective inside the school but it can be used at home as well. It does not only gives them the sense of achievement but it boosts their morale as well. You do not need to have trophies and medals to give happiness to a child.
Rewarding your child is a form of motivation and is very different from bribery. Some parents push their child to achieve by giving them some rewards at the end of a difficult task. For instance a child gets a chance to buy a toy when he gets perfect in his/her long quiz. However, you need to take extra precaution in doing these kind of stuff. Other children would push themselves too hard in order to please the parents and would sometimes result to something negative. It is therefore, important that parents recognize the limitations of their children and acknowledge the areas where he is skilled and has talent.
Parenting does not have come with a textbook. It is for the parents to understand each child’s individuality and make sure that he learns to explore by himself while you stand as their guide.
Daughter will be celebrating her birthday next month, this was the conversation we just had today regarding her proposed birthday gift.
Daughter: “Mom, can I sell my cellphone?”
Me: “Huuuwaaat?”, with a stunned reaction.
Daughter: “Mom, it keeps on hanging,” she explained. “I want to sell this and buy a new one.”
Me: “Where will you get the extra money for the new phone?” I was beginning to probe knowing that this conversation will lead somewhere.
Daughter: “I wanted to ask from you if that can be my birthday gift.”
Me: I can only smile as I replied, “I’ll think about it.”
What’s with kids these days? They always want the latest, it’s not as if I can keep with buying them the fad. And to think that my daughter’s phone is not that old and it’s one of the latest. I am sure that she’ll choose a more expensive one as in the likes of an iPhone or any smartphone like the new htc incredibel s. I just wish I have the means to provide but if not, she will have to settle for what she has until we can afford a new one.
