My daughter has extremely sensitive skin that seems to be prone to all kinds of insect bites. The worst part is that the bites get really red and huge due to her allergies. Unfortunately, most people in our family (including my little girl) are also sensitive to strong smells so Citronella wasn't our answer.
Or so I thought. Enter MommyPatch Anti Mosquito patches, an effective mosquito repellent crafted through Citronella oil. Although a tad pricier than its counterparts, it's subtle scent more than makes up for the added cost - saving both our irritable noses and my daughter's skin! No more mosquito bites and oddly enough, we noticed that the ants, bed bugs, roaches, and whatever else had been triggering her allergies have been successfully kept at bay as well. The patches are effective for 12 hours and because it uses 3M adhesive, we're able to reuse them throughout the day before one last application on my tot's pajamas at night.
You can find the patches at SESOU Nature Source in Alabang, Glorietta, Trinoma, or Market! Market! or at any of the MommyPatch local and international distributors listed on its website.
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippines. Show all posts
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Look before you Leap
Do NOT buy Leadpad 2 or any related product without asking the sales representative for full disclosure on how to install, set up, and download content for the system. My husband and I have spent a sleepless night trying to install their App Center (which failed on 2 out of 3 computers) only to discover that Asia is not included in the list of countries in the App Center. If you are from "other countries" (e.g., Asia), you will not have access to download the quality, branded apps that feature Disney and Nickelodeon characters. And this after waiting nearly a month for the release of the Leappad 2, which is sold at near double the price here in the Philippines (to say nothing of the additional charge to buy the rechargeable batteries). Now I will have to face a disappointed little girl on the morning of her birthday who was expecting a Leappad with a Dora or Disney Princess app. This is not at all what I expected from a renowned developer of children's toys and educational applications. I will do my best to resolve within the next two days - if I don't, I must say the company should not have bothered to sell their products internationally.
******UPDATE******
Below is the response from Leappad Support, which basically just says that "App Center content may vary by country" and that I can purchase cartridges instead. Unfortunately, the cartridges here in the Philippines are limited and a lot of the ebooks and applications on the App Center are not available in cartridge format. Also, the downloadable content doesn't just "vary." It's extremely limited and does not allow "other countries" to download ANY content related to Disney or Nickelodeon characters. This lackluster response does not resolve the issue and substantially brings down the product's value for money in Asian countries. Kudos to Rustan's Makati for processing our return without much fuss after we explained the situation and for allowing us to exchange for another toy of similar value.
"We apologize for the inconvenience.
There are 3 ways you can purchase items from the App Center:
1. Redeem an App Center or Leaplet Download Card or Code to fund your account balance
2. Redeem a bonus code
3. Use a credit card (credit cards may not be accepted in all countries)
Important: All App Center sales are final. Your account is charged when you click the Place Order button. App Center Download Cards are valid only for purchases in the LeapFrog App Center for the country in which the card was purchased. **App Center content may vary by country."
You can purchase the cartridge games for the device. You can contact your local distributor."
******UPDATE******
Below is the response from Leappad Support, which basically just says that "App Center content may vary by country" and that I can purchase cartridges instead. Unfortunately, the cartridges here in the Philippines are limited and a lot of the ebooks and applications on the App Center are not available in cartridge format. Also, the downloadable content doesn't just "vary." It's extremely limited and does not allow "other countries" to download ANY content related to Disney or Nickelodeon characters. This lackluster response does not resolve the issue and substantially brings down the product's value for money in Asian countries. Kudos to Rustan's Makati for processing our return without much fuss after we explained the situation and for allowing us to exchange for another toy of similar value.
"We apologize for the inconvenience.
There are 3 ways you can purchase items from the App Center:
1. Redeem an App Center or Leaplet Download Card or Code to fund your account balance
2. Redeem a bonus code
3. Use a credit card (credit cards may not be accepted in all countries)
Important: All App Center sales are final. Your account is charged when you click the Place Order button. App Center Download Cards are valid only for purchases in the LeapFrog App Center for the country in which the card was purchased. **App Center content may vary by country."
You can purchase the cartridge games for the device. You can contact your local distributor."
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Catch the SpongeBob Party on May 5, 2012
Is your tot fond of the little guy who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Mine's not, unfortunately. But I do know that there a lot of little kids who are fond of SpongeBob SquarePants and thought it best to share the flyer I received in my inbox today.
So if you do have a kid who's mad about SpongeBob, then drop by Bonifacio Global City Open Field on May 5, 2012 for some fun in the sun at the SpongeBob Yellow Party! Games, activities, and prizes await! Best of all, entrance is FREE. Note that the party is from 3PM to 6PM so be sure your kids are protected from the summer heat.
So if you do have a kid who's mad about SpongeBob, then drop by Bonifacio Global City Open Field on May 5, 2012 for some fun in the sun at the SpongeBob Yellow Party! Games, activities, and prizes await! Best of all, entrance is FREE. Note that the party is from 3PM to 6PM so be sure your kids are protected from the summer heat.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Tot Can't Cut It?
Is your child having a hard time handling scissors? Is your child holding the scissors incorrectly, with the thumb pointing downwards? Is he or she cutting for all its worth, but still unable to make any kind of cut on the paper? Join the club! After trying out some cutting exercises with my 3-year-old daughter - who was near tears when she realized she just couldn't cut the paper on her own - I turned to Google for help. Thankfully, the ever-faithful search engine did not disappoint. Here's how my child learned to cut on her own within 1 week:
(1) Have your child hold the scissors the proper way. The thumb should go in one of the holes. The other hole should have the middle and ring fingers. The pointer or index finger should be outside, helping the middle and ring fingers push the lower part of the handle. The thumb should always be on the top side. Sometimes it helps to put a sticker on the lower part of your child's thumb as a guide - he/she would know she's holding it right side up if he/she could see the sticker.
(2) Use thin cardboard paper first. Calling card paper sold in National Bookstore or any Office Supplies store would do. Because the paper is firm, it will be easier for the child to cut through (i.e., most of the time ordinary paper would crumple easily or follow the scissors if the child does not yet have the proper grip or control). Because it's thicker than ordinary paper, it's also good for strengthening your child's grip and control of the scissors.
(3) Draw lines on the board paper for your child to follow. Start with simple straight lines, then slanted, then curved. Practice everyday, but stop when your child says he or she is tired.
After a week of practicing on at least one board paper a day, my daughter gained confidence. Her face simply lit up when she cut her first board paper! On the fifth day, I gave her the paper exercises again and this time, she finally had the proper hand grip and was able to cut through the lines without any problems.
Another good tip I found was in teaching the proper way to hold the scissors. Teach your child to grasp the blades (when closed) within their fist. Do a simple march after the cutting exercises to help them remember the proper way of holding scissors while walking.
Lastly, make sure you are using scissors appropriate for your child's size and age!
(1) Have your child hold the scissors the proper way. The thumb should go in one of the holes. The other hole should have the middle and ring fingers. The pointer or index finger should be outside, helping the middle and ring fingers push the lower part of the handle. The thumb should always be on the top side. Sometimes it helps to put a sticker on the lower part of your child's thumb as a guide - he/she would know she's holding it right side up if he/she could see the sticker.
(2) Use thin cardboard paper first. Calling card paper sold in National Bookstore or any Office Supplies store would do. Because the paper is firm, it will be easier for the child to cut through (i.e., most of the time ordinary paper would crumple easily or follow the scissors if the child does not yet have the proper grip or control). Because it's thicker than ordinary paper, it's also good for strengthening your child's grip and control of the scissors.
(3) Draw lines on the board paper for your child to follow. Start with simple straight lines, then slanted, then curved. Practice everyday, but stop when your child says he or she is tired.
After a week of practicing on at least one board paper a day, my daughter gained confidence. Her face simply lit up when she cut her first board paper! On the fifth day, I gave her the paper exercises again and this time, she finally had the proper hand grip and was able to cut through the lines without any problems.
Another good tip I found was in teaching the proper way to hold the scissors. Teach your child to grasp the blades (when closed) within their fist. Do a simple march after the cutting exercises to help them remember the proper way of holding scissors while walking.
Lastly, make sure you are using scissors appropriate for your child's size and age!
oDesk - Is It For You?
What is oDesk?
oDesk is a website (https://www.odesk.com/) that allows freelancers (potentially you) to create profiles/resumes and apply for jobs posted by employers. Here's an FB page for Filipino oDesk freelancers (http://www.facebook.com/thefreelancepinoy)
Is it a scam?
No, it's free to join/register and once you've been contracted you will get paid based on your agreed price or hourly rate. Of course, there might be unscrupulous employers out there, but every job posting includes an employer rating. If you're careful about only applying for those with good ratings and verified payment schemes you should be okay. I have not yet gotten a job where I wasn't paid.oDesk earns by getting 10% off your rate once you are hired and paid.
How do I get paid?
You either apply for a fixed-rate or hourly job. You propose your rate when you apply and if you get hired that would be the basis for payment. Payment is in USD. There's about a week or two to process each weekly payment. Once done, the $ are put in your oDeskaccount. From there, you can either withdraw to a local bank account (I haven't tried this yet) or withdraw to PayPal and from there, withdraw to a local bank account. Note that the bank may charge for every withdrawal - for BPI it is P150.
What kind of jobs are available?
Main categories are Web Development, Software Development, Networking & Information Systems, Writing & Translation, Administrative Support, Design & Multimedia, Customer Service, Sales & Marketing, Business Services. If you're computer savvy (especially with Microsoft Office) and have good English communication skills, one of the higher paying jobs is that of a Virtual Assistant (similar to being a secretary for someone in US, UK, or Australia). To learn more about this kind of work, you can research "virtual assistant" via Google or drop by this website http://www.filipinova.com/ which offers VA training for Filipinos (I haven't tried this myself).
What are the benefits?
You get to work from home and at your own pace/time. Pay is good once you get a regular job.
What are the drawbacks?
In the beginning, it will be hard to get a job because there are so many people applying. Be sure to complete your resume and portfolio, take the oDesk exams, and apply for as many jobs as you can. It might also help to lower your rate for the first few jobs and then make it higher as you gain more feedback.
Unlike in an office, there are no benefits (medical, leaves, etc.) and jobs aren't stable. If an employer chooses to end your contract, you'll have to find another job.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Freelance Work Through oDesk
So after a few weeks of trying out odesk, here's what I have to say:
(1) It's not a scam. I earned money after doing a couple of jobs. Just around $20, but enough for me to know that it's real and the potential to earn more is there.
(2) It's said that it takes about 40-60 job applications before you can land a job. This is true too. Online freelancing work is not for the weak, fainthearted, or impatient. There are hundreds of thousands of other freelancers all over the world - likely more skilled and experienced than you - who are vying for the same jobs you are. Learn how to make great cover letters. Take odesk skills tests to showcare your competency. Build your portfolio. Above all, read through the tips and help articles that odesk has to offer. These will help a lot.
(3) Stock up on your preferred choice of caffeine.
(4) If you find it all a bit overwhelming, check out The Freelance Pinoy for freelancing tips, particularly for Filipinos using odesk.
(5) Good luck!
I have a lot on my plate right now, but should have more to share in a couple of weeks. Til then!
(1) It's not a scam. I earned money after doing a couple of jobs. Just around $20, but enough for me to know that it's real and the potential to earn more is there.
(2) It's said that it takes about 40-60 job applications before you can land a job. This is true too. Online freelancing work is not for the weak, fainthearted, or impatient. There are hundreds of thousands of other freelancers all over the world - likely more skilled and experienced than you - who are vying for the same jobs you are. Learn how to make great cover letters. Take odesk skills tests to showcare your competency. Build your portfolio. Above all, read through the tips and help articles that odesk has to offer. These will help a lot.
(3) Stock up on your preferred choice of caffeine.
(4) If you find it all a bit overwhelming, check out The Freelance Pinoy for freelancing tips, particularly for Filipinos using odesk.
(5) Good luck!
I have a lot on my plate right now, but should have more to share in a couple of weeks. Til then!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Manila Book Fair 2011
Great place to find good books with at least 20% off the tag price. There are a number of stalls dedicated to children's books and toys. I bought my daughter's Mickey Mouse mat and blocks set here a year ago.
www.manilabookfair.com
www.manilabookfair.com
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Canyon Cove - Day Trip Disappointment
Canyon Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas was a true disappointment for our day trip beach excursion. The beach was littered with garbage, the waters were brown and filthy. While this may be attributed to the fact that the past few days have been quite stormy, there's still no getting around the fact that the resort has no suitable showers for their day tour guests. The only showers available are the cluster situated next to the beach and pool areas (meant for pre-shower before jumping in the waters) and a line of around half a dozen showers set up outside the public toilets, in full view of the resort facilities. The toilet has three measly stalls and is often crowded.
Another proof of the beach's lackluster appeal was that majority of the guests preferred to use the pool instead of the actual beach. Unfortunately, the pool waters were also murky and peppered with sand and leaves.
To add to our frustrations, the restaurants refused to serve day tour guests because the resort was fully booked. This rendered the consumable P300 coupon useless. I tried using the coupon at the beach shop, only to be informed that the coupon was only valid at the restaurant. We left shortly after in search of food and better entertainment value. At P800/person, this day trip was a certified bust!
Another proof of the beach's lackluster appeal was that majority of the guests preferred to use the pool instead of the actual beach. Unfortunately, the pool waters were also murky and peppered with sand and leaves.
To add to our frustrations, the restaurants refused to serve day tour guests because the resort was fully booked. This rendered the consumable P300 coupon useless. I tried using the coupon at the beach shop, only to be informed that the coupon was only valid at the restaurant. We left shortly after in search of food and better entertainment value. At P800/person, this day trip was a certified bust!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Gymboree Music
Listen to your tot's favorite Gymboree tunes for FREE! Simply visit the Music section of the Parachute Express website(http://www.parachuteexpress.com/?page_id=85) and click on a CD to listen to a song (subject to availability for free play on the site.
"Bubbles" can be found in the Feel The Music album, while "Shakin' It" is in the Shakin' It album. Enjoy!
"Bubbles" can be found in the Feel The Music album, while "Shakin' It" is in the Shakin' It album. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Top Television Show Choices for Toddlers
While I believe that too much TV is hazardous to a tot’s physical and mental well-being (perhaps even emotional? I swear my daughter gets extra bratty after watching Dibo The Gift Dragon!), I do admit to being part of the guilty ranks of mothers who give in to it as a means of getting a few minutes of peace or as a quick remedy to a brewing tantrum. I do, however, try (it's mostly a losing battle on my end, though I do still give it my best efforts) to limit her choice of shows.
For one thing, I do not find all shows under the Disney Junior banner suitable for my toddler. All the characters in Timmy Time, for example, communicate through animal sounds, which is not at all conducive to helping tots speak their first words. Not to mention that the characters eat paper, draw/paint on walls, and destroy books/toys. The concept of Dibo The Gift Dragon, wherein someone can get their wish granted simply by saying the magic words – regardless of whether they are deserving or not – does not sit well with me either. My daughter tends to emulate Bunny, who is quite vain and selfish. I once saw an episode of The Hive where one of the bees made an imaginary friend after being ignored. While all these cartoons do end on a high note with a moral lesson, it’s not likely to get through to the very young viewers. As my daughter grows older, I’m sure she’ll learn to appreciate these shows, but for now I’m keeping close tabs on her viewing preferences.
Below are the shows that top my list of preferred viewing for my toddler:
(1) WorldWorld features a world where anything can be created simply by putting together the requisite letters – i.e., build the word! The series is a great introduction to words, letters, and phonics. The characters are colorful, funny, and engaging – I’ve yet to meet a tot who didn’t like animals – and the stories are age-appropriate.
(2) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse teaches colors, shapes, numbers, and problem-solving. And who doesn't love Mickey Mouse, the pioneer of all things Disney?
(3) Barney and Friends however nauseating this purple dinosaur can be to adults, he still promotes love, friendship, family, and good manners while teaching ABCs, colors, shapes, and numbers.
(4) Special Agent Oso as annoying as the main character can be - how can someone so brainless have been accepted as an agent??? - the show features real-life problems and solutions that young children can relate to; a good deviation to the typical ABCs and 123s.
(5) Handy Manny my two-year-old daughter impressed everyone at the play school by correctly identifying a screwdriver. Thanks to the Handy Manny section in Disney Junior magazine, she is also familiar with a crane, forklift, digger, and excavator (which, she told me proudly, rhymes with elevator!).
(6) Dora The Explorer while I find Mickey Mouse Clubhouse a better and more educational alternative, this show has its good points as well. Though I'm more fond of the wide variety of Dora books than the oft poor quality animation provided by the TV series (even the original DVD offers little better quality and with no subtitles to boot).
(7) Little Einsteins if you want to introduce your toddler to classical music and fine art, nothing beats the Little Einsteins! They will take your tot on adventures around the world, all the while instilling an early appreciation for culture and arts.
For one thing, I do not find all shows under the Disney Junior banner suitable for my toddler. All the characters in Timmy Time, for example, communicate through animal sounds, which is not at all conducive to helping tots speak their first words. Not to mention that the characters eat paper, draw/paint on walls, and destroy books/toys. The concept of Dibo The Gift Dragon, wherein someone can get their wish granted simply by saying the magic words – regardless of whether they are deserving or not – does not sit well with me either. My daughter tends to emulate Bunny, who is quite vain and selfish. I once saw an episode of The Hive where one of the bees made an imaginary friend after being ignored. While all these cartoons do end on a high note with a moral lesson, it’s not likely to get through to the very young viewers. As my daughter grows older, I’m sure she’ll learn to appreciate these shows, but for now I’m keeping close tabs on her viewing preferences.
Below are the shows that top my list of preferred viewing for my toddler:
(1) WorldWorld features a world where anything can be created simply by putting together the requisite letters – i.e., build the word! The series is a great introduction to words, letters, and phonics. The characters are colorful, funny, and engaging – I’ve yet to meet a tot who didn’t like animals – and the stories are age-appropriate.
(2) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse teaches colors, shapes, numbers, and problem-solving. And who doesn't love Mickey Mouse, the pioneer of all things Disney?
(3) Barney and Friends however nauseating this purple dinosaur can be to adults, he still promotes love, friendship, family, and good manners while teaching ABCs, colors, shapes, and numbers.
(4) Special Agent Oso as annoying as the main character can be - how can someone so brainless have been accepted as an agent??? - the show features real-life problems and solutions that young children can relate to; a good deviation to the typical ABCs and 123s.
(5) Handy Manny my two-year-old daughter impressed everyone at the play school by correctly identifying a screwdriver. Thanks to the Handy Manny section in Disney Junior magazine, she is also familiar with a crane, forklift, digger, and excavator (which, she told me proudly, rhymes with elevator!).
(6) Dora The Explorer while I find Mickey Mouse Clubhouse a better and more educational alternative, this show has its good points as well. Though I'm more fond of the wide variety of Dora books than the oft poor quality animation provided by the TV series (even the original DVD offers little better quality and with no subtitles to boot).
(7) Little Einsteins if you want to introduce your toddler to classical music and fine art, nothing beats the Little Einsteins! They will take your tot on adventures around the world, all the while instilling an early appreciation for culture and arts.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Work At Home Mothers - Dissecting Myth From Reality
Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Is it possible to work at home and still earn more than your past day job? Absolutely! In this age of high speed Internet connectivity, mobile devices, and numerous networking sites, there is no reason you cannot work in the confines of your own personal space, in the comfort of hearth and home.
So then you start to wonder - why don't more people do it? Why don't I do it? It's the ultimate dream job - I get to be my own boss, work at my own time and pace, spend more time with the kids, and still earn enough to...
Stop right there. Yes, it is possible to work from home. Yes, so many people have successfully set up businesses in their own houses, sold products online, became true-blue "entrepreneurs" and earned a bundle. Yes, several more people are living solely on online jobs, making use of skills such as writing, editing, programming, transcribing, clerical/secreterial work, bookkeeping, etc...
...and they do so by exerting more time and effort than is required in a 8AM-5PM day job.
Most people have the misconception that working at home equates to a cushy job with less hours and more pay. However, you will soon find that attempting to get a job done within the prescribed deadline can be quite stressful and challenging amidst constant disruptions such as telephone calls, a baby that doesn't sleep, children screaming while you're in that all-important meeting, deliveries, pesky salesmen, laundry that won't wash themselves...and oh, is it time to prepare lunch already?
You may be your own boss, but without someone to push and drive you towards completing your deliverables, you will need an extreme sense of responsibility, resourcefulness, and diligence to do it on your own - after all, there's no one around to help you! You will then discover that toiling this close to the TV, PS3/XBOX, fridge, and that cute-as-a-button toddler who wants to play with you is a form of torture in itself. Eventually, you will realize that by the time you've completed your tasks for the day, you've put in the same amount of hours as you've done in an office - likely even more.
Trying to start your own business is even worse. If you want to earn enough to merit quitting your day job, you will spend most of your waking hours (and a good bit of the ones you normally use for sleeping) making and selling your product, and catering to discerning, pushy clients.
With the right frame of mind and a proper set of expectations, however, you can work from home and earn a good deal of money. Here are some of the many opportunities available for you:
(1) Find online jobs that suit your skills - The most popular of which are content/SEO writing, programming, virtual assistance, web design, and transcribing. The hardest thing about this would be filtering the scams and non-paying employers from the legitimate ones. Pinoy Home Worker provides tips, information, and sites to help get you started.
(2) Start an online business - While this may be the most rewarding of jobs, this is also the most grueling. There is no longer an "office" or "company" that handles all the little details of tax, inventory, bookkeeping and expenses - it's all in your hands now. The good news is that there are a lot of resources - both offline and online - to guide you on your path to entrepreneurship. If you're new to online selling, Multiply and Sulit are good places to start. Make the most of seminars and expos to gain more ideas, suppliers, clients, and contacts.
(3) Offer tutorial services - More and more working parents are turning to tutors to help their children cope with the current school system, which, in the recent years, has began the trend of bombarding students with tons of projects, assignments, fast-paced learning and foreign methods (Singapore math, anyone?). If you're already helping your child with his/her studies, you may want to consider adding 1-2 more kids to earn extra money. Who knows? This may be the beginning of your new career as a tutor/teacher.
(4) Bake/Cater - If you're handy in the kitchen, you'll be loved by moms who are not. Sell cakes and brownies (these are very popular as party souvenirs) or make packed lunches or meals for moms who are too busy to cook (or just don't know how!).
(5) Write A Book - Seriously, if you have a great story to tell, write it. Gone are the days when you have to print several copies of your work, send it to a publisher via snail mail (with a SASE, of course) and wait several months for a rejection letter. There are a lot of online publications that pay well - and deal with you electronically. Duotrope's Digest is a good source for such publishers. The downside to this profession is that it make take years before you get your big break - unless your name is JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Rainy Day Activities for the Active Toddler
Rainy days + Active toddlers = Stressed Out Mommies!
Here are some activities to keep toddlers busy while waiting for Mr. Sun to reappear (assuming that you don't want your TV tuned to Disney Junior all day):
(1) RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT. When you shout "Green Light", your toddler is free to run around. When you shout "Red Light", he/she has to freeze until you say "Green Light" again. My daughter loves this game and it does come in handy. Once, my tot was running straight for disaster and wouldn't stop no matter what we shouted. I finally screamed, "RED LIGHT!!!" and she automatically froze.
(2) HUNT AND GATHER. Arm your tot with a basket or bucket and have him/her gather toy bugs, fruits/vegetables, easter eggs, etc. (depending on what toys are readily available) that you have scattered (or hidden) around the house. You can have your toddler count or identify the objects along the way.
(3) BUILD A FORT. Tie a blanket to some furniture to make a makeshift tent/fort so your child can have a pretend campout within your home! Note that if you do this once, your tot will likely ask you to do it again and again. Proceed with caution unless you're cool with seeing a blanket draped over your furniture every now and then.
(4) GET CRAFTY. It can be something as simple as getting out the crayons, paint, and coloring books, or an arts and crafts project (Want more? Check out Toddler Craft). This is a good opportunity to bond with your child. I often sit quietly and paint/color along with my tot. It's a great way to wind down and de-stress.
(5) HIDE AND SEEK. Nothing beats a classic! Have your child close his/her eyes and count to ten while you find a suitable hiding place. Then the search begins! This teaches your child to wait patiently and practice counting skills while engaging in fun and active play. If your toddler is too young, you might want to consider having someone guide him/her through the process of the game.
(6) HOP ABOARD! Have your tot hold on to your waist and march around the house as you pretend to be a boat, plane, train, or car. Sing songs (i.e., Row, Row Your Boat) as you move along. Grab Daddy, Granny, Yaya, or whoever you pass by to make a longer (and merrier!) line.
(7) DANCE! Crank up the music and let loose! Bring out some toy instruments (maracas, castanets, tambourine, drums) to add to the fun.
(8) HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, and TOES. Another classic activity that helps your tot learn about body parts. Click here for the music and lyrics for this and other popular children's songs.
(9) THUMB THROUGH OLD PHOTO ALBUMS. Take this time to reminisce and teach your toddler about your family as you show him/her your family photos.
(10) READ A BOOK. If you haven't had the time to sit down and read to your child, now is the perfect time to do so. :)
Have fun, hang loose, and don't worry - the sun will shine again!
Here are some activities to keep toddlers busy while waiting for Mr. Sun to reappear (assuming that you don't want your TV tuned to Disney Junior all day):
(1) RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT. When you shout "Green Light", your toddler is free to run around. When you shout "Red Light", he/she has to freeze until you say "Green Light" again. My daughter loves this game and it does come in handy. Once, my tot was running straight for disaster and wouldn't stop no matter what we shouted. I finally screamed, "RED LIGHT!!!" and she automatically froze.
(2) HUNT AND GATHER. Arm your tot with a basket or bucket and have him/her gather toy bugs, fruits/vegetables, easter eggs, etc. (depending on what toys are readily available) that you have scattered (or hidden) around the house. You can have your toddler count or identify the objects along the way.
(3) BUILD A FORT. Tie a blanket to some furniture to make a makeshift tent/fort so your child can have a pretend campout within your home! Note that if you do this once, your tot will likely ask you to do it again and again. Proceed with caution unless you're cool with seeing a blanket draped over your furniture every now and then.
(4) GET CRAFTY. It can be something as simple as getting out the crayons, paint, and coloring books, or an arts and crafts project (Want more? Check out Toddler Craft). This is a good opportunity to bond with your child. I often sit quietly and paint/color along with my tot. It's a great way to wind down and de-stress.
(5) HIDE AND SEEK. Nothing beats a classic! Have your child close his/her eyes and count to ten while you find a suitable hiding place. Then the search begins! This teaches your child to wait patiently and practice counting skills while engaging in fun and active play. If your toddler is too young, you might want to consider having someone guide him/her through the process of the game.
(6) HOP ABOARD! Have your tot hold on to your waist and march around the house as you pretend to be a boat, plane, train, or car. Sing songs (i.e., Row, Row Your Boat) as you move along. Grab Daddy, Granny, Yaya, or whoever you pass by to make a longer (and merrier!) line.
(7) DANCE! Crank up the music and let loose! Bring out some toy instruments (maracas, castanets, tambourine, drums) to add to the fun.
(8) HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, and TOES. Another classic activity that helps your tot learn about body parts. Click here for the music and lyrics for this and other popular children's songs.
(9) THUMB THROUGH OLD PHOTO ALBUMS. Take this time to reminisce and teach your toddler about your family as you show him/her your family photos.
(10) READ A BOOK. If you haven't had the time to sit down and read to your child, now is the perfect time to do so. :)
Have fun, hang loose, and don't worry - the sun will shine again!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Toilet Training: Tips, Trials, and Tribulations
As is evident in the numerous articles, tips, and mommy tales on the subject - the right approach to potty training appears to be a case-to-case basis. Below is my own personal experience in training my tot, as well as the highs and lows of the process.
(1) We started by showing my daughter how the rest of us use the toilet to help her get used to the idea. There are also a lot of books (FisherPrice, Dora, etc.) available to introduce your toddler to the concept of using the toilet or potty.
(2) As soon as my daughter was able to sit on her own, we started sitting her on the toilet whenever she would poop. This takes a lot of patience and alertness on the part of the parent/caregiver. The moment we see her put on her "poop" face, we would rush her to the toilet and told her that this was "poo poo". Eventually she was able to say "poo poo" before the actual deed, giving us ample time to find a restroom. We have not yet transitioned her from diapers to underwear at this point.
(3) At around 18 months, when my daughter was already able to communicate with us using words and short phrases, we started removing her diapers and putting her in underwear for a couple of hours every morning. This involved a lot of accidents at first, afterwhich we would explain that this was "pee pee" and she should use the potty to avoid getting wet. The adjustment time varies. This was done to my niece when she was 2 years old and she was so disgusted after she wet herself that she immediately took to the potty. My daughter took a bit longer. For a few days, I sat her on the toilet during times when I expect her to pee, such as right after waking up and after snacks. When we did away with the diaper entirely, I sat her at least once every 1-2 hours. One of my neighbors put her daughter on the toilet every 15 minutes, but I think this may have been a little extreme. Eventually my daughter managed to say "poo poo" and allowed us to rush her to the nearest toilet before relieving herself.
(4) Sometimes a reward system helps. Most books on potty training come with stickers to give to a toddler for every successful use of the potty. Since I did not allow my daughter to eat sweets or candy, we got into the habit of giving her a marshmallow every time she used the potty.
(5) At first, I thought having her use the toilet directly was a good thing, but soon discovered why a potty was handier - particularly while traveling. The farther we traveled, it became increasingly difficult to find a clean public toilet and my daughter refused to use the potty. She started holding her pee until we got home which put her at risk for urinary tract infection. Thus, we trained her to use a potty at home. Now she's able to adjust and use either a toilet or a potty. We've took it up a notch by teaching her to use a potty for "pee" and the toilet for "poop".
(6) Teach your tot early on to wash up after relieving himself/herself.
(7) It's good to get a toilet seat made especially for toddler and young children - the type you place on top of your own toilet - to lessen the risk of them falling in. Make sure to check if you're using a regular or elongated toilet in order to buy the appropriate seat.
(8) Make sure your child uses the toilet before he/she sleeps. This lessens the probability of wetting the bed.
My daughter was fully toilet trained by age 2. She was the one who told me when she didn't want to wear diapers anymore. We've had some instances of her "wetting the bed" and for the longest time, poo-poo and pee-pee were both "poo-poo" to her, but we eventually worked out the kinks. This process takes a lot of patience and practice on both your parts. The important thing is to keep at it and not to be discouraged. Everyone eventually gets it right. My favorite advice on this subject is from a parenting magazine I once read that said (loosely translated as I don't remember the exact wording) "you don't see seven-year-old kids running around in diapers - a sure sign that at some point, all kids learn how to use a toilet".
(1) We started by showing my daughter how the rest of us use the toilet to help her get used to the idea. There are also a lot of books (FisherPrice, Dora, etc.) available to introduce your toddler to the concept of using the toilet or potty.
(2) As soon as my daughter was able to sit on her own, we started sitting her on the toilet whenever she would poop. This takes a lot of patience and alertness on the part of the parent/caregiver. The moment we see her put on her "poop" face, we would rush her to the toilet and told her that this was "poo poo". Eventually she was able to say "poo poo" before the actual deed, giving us ample time to find a restroom. We have not yet transitioned her from diapers to underwear at this point.
(3) At around 18 months, when my daughter was already able to communicate with us using words and short phrases, we started removing her diapers and putting her in underwear for a couple of hours every morning. This involved a lot of accidents at first, afterwhich we would explain that this was "pee pee" and she should use the potty to avoid getting wet. The adjustment time varies. This was done to my niece when she was 2 years old and she was so disgusted after she wet herself that she immediately took to the potty. My daughter took a bit longer. For a few days, I sat her on the toilet during times when I expect her to pee, such as right after waking up and after snacks. When we did away with the diaper entirely, I sat her at least once every 1-2 hours. One of my neighbors put her daughter on the toilet every 15 minutes, but I think this may have been a little extreme. Eventually my daughter managed to say "poo poo" and allowed us to rush her to the nearest toilet before relieving herself.
(4) Sometimes a reward system helps. Most books on potty training come with stickers to give to a toddler for every successful use of the potty. Since I did not allow my daughter to eat sweets or candy, we got into the habit of giving her a marshmallow every time she used the potty.
(5) At first, I thought having her use the toilet directly was a good thing, but soon discovered why a potty was handier - particularly while traveling. The farther we traveled, it became increasingly difficult to find a clean public toilet and my daughter refused to use the potty. She started holding her pee until we got home which put her at risk for urinary tract infection. Thus, we trained her to use a potty at home. Now she's able to adjust and use either a toilet or a potty. We've took it up a notch by teaching her to use a potty for "pee" and the toilet for "poop".
(6) Teach your tot early on to wash up after relieving himself/herself.
(7) It's good to get a toilet seat made especially for toddler and young children - the type you place on top of your own toilet - to lessen the risk of them falling in. Make sure to check if you're using a regular or elongated toilet in order to buy the appropriate seat.
(8) Make sure your child uses the toilet before he/she sleeps. This lessens the probability of wetting the bed.
My daughter was fully toilet trained by age 2. She was the one who told me when she didn't want to wear diapers anymore. We've had some instances of her "wetting the bed" and for the longest time, poo-poo and pee-pee were both "poo-poo" to her, but we eventually worked out the kinks. This process takes a lot of patience and practice on both your parts. The important thing is to keep at it and not to be discouraged. Everyone eventually gets it right. My favorite advice on this subject is from a parenting magazine I once read that said (loosely translated as I don't remember the exact wording) "you don't see seven-year-old kids running around in diapers - a sure sign that at some point, all kids learn how to use a toilet".
Format and Headers and Page Numbers, Oh My!
In submitting stories to fantasy and science fiction publications, I normally follow (unless otherwise specified by the guidelines) Proper Manuscript Format by William Shunn. It's simple, easy to follow, and is accepted by most publications. Best of all, removing the standard header (Last Name / Title / Page Number) from the first page is as simple as ticking Different First Page in the Header design box of Microsoft Word.
But what if you're required to follow a different format, like say, Manuscript Preparation by Vonda McIntyre, that requires a cover page? Now your header has to start on the third page instead of the second. All of a sudden, Different First Page property just won't cut it anymore.
What you need to do is introduce sections in your document, so Microsoft Word can identify the different types of headers (or lack thereof) that you require for each section. Here's an article that shows you how to do this, particularly, how to remove the header from the second page.
Now you think you're all set, but not quite yet. You realize your first header shows the page number "3", when it should start at "2" (i.e., disregard the cover page in the numbering). You need to tweak the page number properties to get this right. Here's another article that shows you how to start page numbering on page 2.
Hope this helps! Keep on writing!
But what if you're required to follow a different format, like say, Manuscript Preparation by Vonda McIntyre, that requires a cover page? Now your header has to start on the third page instead of the second. All of a sudden, Different First Page property just won't cut it anymore.
What you need to do is introduce sections in your document, so Microsoft Word can identify the different types of headers (or lack thereof) that you require for each section. Here's an article that shows you how to do this, particularly, how to remove the header from the second page.
Now you think you're all set, but not quite yet. You realize your first header shows the page number "3", when it should start at "2" (i.e., disregard the cover page in the numbering). You need to tweak the page number properties to get this right. Here's another article that shows you how to start page numbering on page 2.
Hope this helps! Keep on writing!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Tot's Doctor Blues
How do you convince your baby that a trip to the doctor's clinic, which usually starts as a routine check and ends with a painful injection, is not as torturous as it appears to be? While some infants take it all in a stride, there are those who wail, scream, and kick through the entire process from the moment they see the person in the white coat until you settle the bill at the receptionist's desk and head for the exit. My baby falls in the latter category. Unfortunately, convincing someone who can only stare up at you with those big, innocent, "why me?" eyes that vac-ci-na-tion is for their own good is a pretty hard sell. Not to worry though - they eventually grow out of it, and here are some steps to help them along:
Once your tot hits the toddler years, you can start using books and toys to help him/her understand what a doctor does and why. Fans of Dora The Explorer can turn to the "Dora Goes to the Doctor" book, while those who prefer Mickey Mouse can try "Dr. Daisy". Some FisherPrice books also feature doctor characters. You can help your toddler relate to the books by letting them play doctor with a toy doctor's kit (available is most toy stores). Once they get the basic concept down pat, you can engage in pretend play with your tot as the doctor and his/her stuffed toys (or mommy and daddy) as the patients.
On our last trip to the doctor's office, my daughter was already familiar with the stethoscope, thermometer, and other tools; and actually seemed eager to see the real things in action. Finally, an entire session without the tears and screams. We bought her a small toy at the hospital gift shop to celebrate the milestone.
Once your tot hits the toddler years, you can start using books and toys to help him/her understand what a doctor does and why. Fans of Dora The Explorer can turn to the "Dora Goes to the Doctor" book, while those who prefer Mickey Mouse can try "Dr. Daisy". Some FisherPrice books also feature doctor characters. You can help your toddler relate to the books by letting them play doctor with a toy doctor's kit (available is most toy stores). Once they get the basic concept down pat, you can engage in pretend play with your tot as the doctor and his/her stuffed toys (or mommy and daddy) as the patients.
On our last trip to the doctor's office, my daughter was already familiar with the stethoscope, thermometer, and other tools; and actually seemed eager to see the real things in action. Finally, an entire session without the tears and screams. We bought her a small toy at the hospital gift shop to celebrate the milestone.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Useful Articles on Toddlers and Babies
I signed up for Babyzone Newsletter shortly after giving birth and have become so accustomed to receiving updates and newsletters that it never occurred to me to blog about it until now. To be honest, I feel like it's part of my regular routine to see the telltale email in my inbox. The site provides news, information, and updates that are extremely helpful to a new mother. The best part is that it follows your baby's age. During my tot's first year, I would receive newsletters highlighting the milestone for the week, things to expect, and how to deal with changes in my baby. After the first year, I thought it would stop (and was quite disappointed at the thought). To my surprise, I still get emails from Babyzone and this time with articles fit for my toddler! The most memorable and useful articles would be on first aid (particularly what to do when baby starts choking), toys that have been recalled, teaching a toddler manners, and how to keep a toddler occupied. My husband was particularly grateful for the article on how to keep a toddler entertained. He was having problems dealing with our baby and the article taught him several ways to play with our tot to keep her entertained while mommy is busy.
The newsletter is free so you have nothing to lose and so much information to gain by registering :)
The newsletter is free so you have nothing to lose and so much information to gain by registering :)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Kindle for the Book Lovin' Mommy
I bought a Kindle about a year ago and though I thought I'd miss the feel of paper and ink, I haven't found much need to buy a book (for myself, that is) from the bookstore since. Here are the highs and lows of Kindle as an e-book reader for mommies:
1 - Great battery life. It takes weeks before I need to recharge it and I read morning, noon, and night.
2 - Lightweight and thin. Perfect for tossing in my purse when I'm on the go. Especially great for keeping me company while in the waiting area of my tot's school.
3 - Surprisingly sturdy despite the light frame. I've dropped it so many times and it's still functional (knock wood).
4 - No glare! The screen and text are easy on the eyes. Note that no glare and reads just like a book should be taken literally. It's not an LCD screen; it's meant to emulate paper and ink. If you want to read at night you have to have the lights on, just like an actual printed book.
5 - The page up and down buttons are available on both the left and right hand sides. This is a plus for mommies as you never know which arm/hand is available at any given time and which one your child has decided to use as a pillow or monkey bar.
6 - If you like to go back or jump to a specific page in a book, it's a bit unwieldy due to the lack of a numeric keypad (you'd think this would be an obvious inclusion for an ebook reader :P). You have to open a Symbol menu to get the numbers out. The search functionality for keywords is a bit faulty also. If you read books from start to finish then it's not a problem. The Kindle remembers where you last viewed the book and will start from there when you open it, even if you're reading multiple books at the same time.
7 - There are extra costs if you choose to buy books online or through the Amazon site. First you have to pay for the book, and then there's an additional fee for downloading. One of my friends also said there are books that can't be downloaded if you're overseas.
8 - Although the Kindle supports HTML, DOC, PDF, etc, you'll find that these formats don't fit the screen well (i.e., text too big and you have to scroll to the right instead of just going up and down). There are converters available to change these formats to PRC (Kindle native), though it's a bit of a chore. Also, you might want to check the availability of your fave authors and titles first.
9 - Adding files (once you have the right format) is as simple as a USB cable and drag drop. There's a delete functionality on the Kindle menu itself for removing files.
10 - While I enjoy the random pictures being displayed while the Kindle is off, I must admit the haunting picture of Emily Dickenson has scared me more than once. It has an odd habit of popping up late at night or in the wee hours of the morning.
1 - Great battery life. It takes weeks before I need to recharge it and I read morning, noon, and night.
2 - Lightweight and thin. Perfect for tossing in my purse when I'm on the go. Especially great for keeping me company while in the waiting area of my tot's school.
3 - Surprisingly sturdy despite the light frame. I've dropped it so many times and it's still functional (knock wood).
4 - No glare! The screen and text are easy on the eyes. Note that no glare and reads just like a book should be taken literally. It's not an LCD screen; it's meant to emulate paper and ink. If you want to read at night you have to have the lights on, just like an actual printed book.
5 - The page up and down buttons are available on both the left and right hand sides. This is a plus for mommies as you never know which arm/hand is available at any given time and which one your child has decided to use as a pillow or monkey bar.
6 - If you like to go back or jump to a specific page in a book, it's a bit unwieldy due to the lack of a numeric keypad (you'd think this would be an obvious inclusion for an ebook reader :P). You have to open a Symbol menu to get the numbers out. The search functionality for keywords is a bit faulty also. If you read books from start to finish then it's not a problem. The Kindle remembers where you last viewed the book and will start from there when you open it, even if you're reading multiple books at the same time.
7 - There are extra costs if you choose to buy books online or through the Amazon site. First you have to pay for the book, and then there's an additional fee for downloading. One of my friends also said there are books that can't be downloaded if you're overseas.
8 - Although the Kindle supports HTML, DOC, PDF, etc, you'll find that these formats don't fit the screen well (i.e., text too big and you have to scroll to the right instead of just going up and down). There are converters available to change these formats to PRC (Kindle native), though it's a bit of a chore. Also, you might want to check the availability of your fave authors and titles first.
9 - Adding files (once you have the right format) is as simple as a USB cable and drag drop. There's a delete functionality on the Kindle menu itself for removing files.
10 - While I enjoy the random pictures being displayed while the Kindle is off, I must admit the haunting picture of Emily Dickenson has scared me more than once. It has an odd habit of popping up late at night or in the wee hours of the morning.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Numbers - Exploring Counting and Maths
My toddler was more interested in colors, shapes, and letters at first - counting and numbers held little appeal for her (this was, of course, before she discovered Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). One of the books that helped build her interest in numbers is the My World Numbers - Exploring Counting and Maths. This is a rather large book featuring colorful pictures of everyday objects that are appealing to toddlers such as cakes, candies, buttons, fruits, and toys. My daughter enjoyed counting the objects - she even uses the book to pretend that she has a bakery and store (i.e., pretends to pull items out of the book). The book covers the numbers 1 to 20. More than that, it also provides a first look at colors, shapes, patterns, and matching. Truly worth its cost of P200.
The book is available locally, at National Bookstore.
The book is available locally, at National Bookstore.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A Healthy Update to Wendy's Fries
Wendy's has recently introduced a new kind of french fries - made from russet potatoes, fried in 0 trans fat oil, and sprinkled with sea salt. Finally, a french fry I can give to my toddler - without the heavy guilt trip of feeding her junk food! The serving is quite small, but the fries themselves are tasty. They leave the skin on to prove that it's actually made from potatoes. ;)
First Ferris Wheel
After seeing Dora take a trip to the carnival (Dora's Big Pinata), my daughter has been bugging us to take her to an actual ferris wheel and merry go round. I've been searching for one that's just right - i.e., small, colorful, and doesn't go very high - and I finally found one in SM Southmall (newly renovated, by the way, very nice place now - clean and spacious with tons of shops and play areas). It's a bit pricey at P50 per head (no discounts for babies and toddlers!), but it was perfect for my daughter. Upon seeing it, she was immediately fearful and stated that "the ferris wheel is scary", but after some gentle insistence, she hopped on board. Soon she was going "whee!!!" and begging to ride it again. The attraction is very small and slow, but again, it's just the thing to introduce babies/toddlers to the concept of a ferris wheel.
Next up is the merry go round - I have it on good authority that there's one at SM Hypermart in Las Pinas City. Looks like another trip south is in order!
Next up is the merry go round - I have it on good authority that there's one at SM Hypermart in Las Pinas City. Looks like another trip south is in order!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)