Playhouse Disney Magazine - Still A Fan!

First day of school and my toddler had her biggest battle yet - against a bottle of glue :P It was her first time to handle glue and she didn't count on how sticky it was; particularly on her little fingers! She refused to finish the activity on account of wanting desperately to wash her hands. I dropped by National Bookstore to buy her her own glue to practice at home. I was also hoping to buy the Kumon workbook for pasting. Unfortunately, it was all sold out. Only the Pasting book for 3-4 years old remained. I bought the glue nonetheless and rummaged through old magazines when I got home, intent on cutting out pictures she could paste on a blank sheet of paper. I came upon her back issues of Playhouse Disney and realized that each issue has a cut and paste exercise! I buy these magazines for the tracing, counting, and coloring exercies (and the read aloud stories), so this is a bonus treat for me. My daughter had a blast pasting in pictures of Mickey Mouse, Pooh Bear, and Handy Manny. Each activity differs from the rest so it never gets boring. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next issue of Playhouse Disney...soon to be Disney Junior!

Toddler Travels: Gymboree, Westgate Alabang

Gymboree Westgate Alabang - unlike other kids' play areas that I'd rather not mention - proved to be kid-friendly with staff that is accommodating and courteous to Filipino and foreign children alike.  My active toddler enjoyed her romp around the variety of colored tunnels, slides, ladders, balls, mats, and bridges.  And mommy got quite a workout chasing her around too!

What sets this Gymboree branch apart from others of its kind (besides the competent and welcoming staff - sorry, I can't help but gripe about a bad experience with another branch) is its size, which is larger than some branches.  The entrance also makes an impression.  When you go through the doors, you'll first find yourself in a small space where you'll be asked to leave your shoes.  The guard will also give you a generous spray of alcogel before you go through the second set of doors to the main reception and play area.

It's a bit pricey at P300+/hour (for non-members) - pretty much the same as similar kids' gyms, but of course nothing beats the price of a free run around the neighborhood playground ;)  Still, if you're dealing with a baby or energetic toddler, its best to stick to playgrounds of this caliber that are fitted out with every kind of mat, foam, and safety measure.

Travel Tips:

(1) Only 1 adult can accompany the child once in the play area.

(2) Adults are required to wear socks.  Children must not wear socks in the play area.

(3) Bring a change of clothing for your baby - and you!

(4) Pack a water bottle for your baby - and you!

(5) There's a sign that says you must keep your baby within hug's reach.  Heed this well.  Although the matted flooring keeps your child relatively unharmed from the unavoidable stumble/fall, there's little it can do against your toddler's attempt to launch herself from the top of the ladder.