Parenting Archive

My thoughts on parenthood, and what it's like to be a mom in the Philippines.

Helping Your Kids Develop Good Habits

Not all habits are bad and no matter what age your kids are there are a few universally regarded ways to keep them healthy, responsible and in line for a great future. As a parent, you want to steer them in the right direction without being a dictator. If your kids see you as a dictator, they will do the opposite of what you say. Therefore you should encourage healthy, fun habits that will stick with them as they become young adults:

Be careful with credit cards. From the time they are old enough to want to buy something you should be teaching your kids responsible spending behaviors. Get them one of the best cash reward credit cards and let them experiment with finances. At the end of the month if they can’t pay off their bills (which, of course, should be extremely low–$50 max) with chore money their spending luxuries are cut off. This will teach them valuable lessons for the real world.

Reading is cool. I don’t just mean the Chase Sapphire preferred review (although I guess if you’re teaching them about credit cards, it would be useful). Get your kids hooked (remember, not all habits are bad) on reading literature. Young adult (YA) fiction is bigger than ever with the Twilight series and the Hunger Games following closely in the footsteps of Harry Potter, and new high quality work appears every year. Studies have shown that kids who develop a love of reading early are more likely to be happy and succeed in life.

Be aware of Internet privacy. Most kids are smarter with social media than their parents but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily safe. The Internet can be used for good and it can be used for bad and your kids should know that they have to be careful with what they post about themselves and who they interact with online. This will be important for the rest of their lives, as the Internet won’t be going away anytime soon. In addition to restricting what sites they visit you may have to set ground rules about what information (for example, where they live) they can share.

Raising kids in today’s society is not easy. With so much irresponsible spending and Internet sites, many dangers lurk about and bad influences come from all directions. But there are ways to steer your kids in the right direction without cramping their love of fun and being known as Mommy the Dictator.

This is a guest article

Never Underestimate Your Kid’s Capacity To Manipulate You

When I first learned about my pregnancy for my first born, I was really happy.. but of course, a very big part of me was worried.. I am not sure how it is to be a parent. I read books, lot of books and in the end I learned that parenting is a never ending learning process. Parenting differs from one parent to another and though I already have four kids I know I still have a lot more to learn. I will share with you some of thine things that I learned along the way:

For first time parents, getting advice from your parents will be your best ally but in the end, what your child needs should still be your guide. You have to remember that every child is different, every technique is different.. Do not be influence with what people says. Take their advice, learn from it but don’t live for it.

Having another child can be difficult at times, you will be dealing with jealousy and siblings rivalry. You cannot prevent petty quarrels but you prevent jealousy. Start right by educating your first born about the incoming baby and from there work it out for them to love each other.

Having a lot of kids (more than 2) is a lot harder.. there is too much that needs your attention and admit it or not, it is really hard to manage time, and spending the same number of hours with each kid.. the best advise I got is to date my kids, spend a time for each, take them out and make them special.

Lastly, parenting involves your partner too.. both of you should practice or agree on the same technique, the kids will know if you do not agree and will use it to their advantage 🙂

Never underestimate your kid’s capacity to manipulate you, they’re very good on that and of course never forget to let your kids know how much you love.. I believe that’s the most effective parenting style 🙂

Throw Away the GTA

My kids are not allowed to use the computer as much as possible.. we only allow them for about an hour once a week and sometimes once a month.. aside from the fact that if I allow them to use it, they would mess my work place, I just do no not like the idea of them being exposed to computer at this early age. Yes, this age is all about computers but I still do believe that my kids can have a normal life without being exposed to computer at an early age. There is always the right time for everything.. after all they already have their computer subject in their school.. there is no sense being techy if your kids are unhealthy.

So for Mommy Moments this week where in the theme is techy tips, I only have one.. never ever leave your child alone in the PC.. and as much as possible do not expose them to it.. The right age, I think is 7 years old. My first born is now allowed to have his FB account given the fact that I monitor his friend and all the people he interact with.. OK wait, I said I only have one techy tip.. that’s another one.. always monitor your child’s internet actions..

During the Parentin.TV 2nd anniversary, one of the topics discussed was Internet Addiction and it’s quite alarming how a child can learn a lot on the internet. And because of that I am getting more careful with the kids and the internet.. even on gadgets.. they no longer play with an Ipod or any gaming console and if ever I will buy an Iphone, I will have it an iphone 3g cases that the kids can’t open.. well except for playing on PS3 from time to time.. but yeah my tip is still the same.. never ever leave yuor kids unattended..

And oh, please do throw away ny of your GTA (Gran Theft Auto) games.. it’s the most disturbing game I ever heard.