Parenting Archive

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

Depressed No More

My depression is slowly wearing down. Remember I told you I was depressed because I think Chico, my third son, does not love me anymore. OK, not exactly but he no longer depends on me. he prefers to be with our helper than his mommy. I thought I would need natural depression treatment to treat my depression. It turns out that I only need some time with him. As of Monday afternoon, I have been trying very hard to stay away from the computer and just be with the kids. It feels so good. Suddenly the kids are more loving to their mommy.

bonding with Chico

It’s a bit hard though, I came to a point where I breathe blog and now I have to limit my time with it, it’s difficult. I am trying my best not to think about blogging. Whenever a good topic comes to my mind, I dismiss it immediately. If I would entertain it, I would just end up sitting in front of the computer and typing my thoughts away. And if you are wondering how I am able to blog right now, well, they are sleeping. That’s my new schedule, blog when the kids are sleeping, and yeah I am happier now.

I will Stop Blogging

Yes, I will stop blogging for now. Oh no, not really stop but limit my time blogging. My third child, Chico, was affected by my non stop typing and blabbing. For weeks now, I noticed that he no longer likes to sleep with and he ignores me most of he day. Kaye knew how depressed I am because of it. So now, you will see less of me. Although I will still go on with my blogging schedule (updating my blogs at least 2 times a week), I will have to make a time table for that. I decided that I will only go online when the kids are already sleeping (specially Chico). That means I can go online around 10 in the evening and/or 4 to 6 in the morning. Well, it would give me more time with the kids. At the height of my breakdown, Niko, suggested we go out on date. Me, Chico, her and Yena (and maybe Fedhz can come along). I think it’s a good idea, we will bond with our kids and have fun window shopping too. We can check out the latest in Free People. I hope we can find a boutique here. The car will be here (hopefully) this week, and yeah maybe we can have that “date” with our kids.

Handling Their Christmas Wish List

As part of the Filipino Christmas Tradition (or even other nation’s tradition) it is a must that we give gifts to our kids. My kids, knowing this is the time of the year where they can ask almost anything, asked for a climber and a slide. They also asked for bike. The thing is, it is beyond our budget. We saw a climber and a slide in a toy sale and it cost $300+ (16K in PhP). I can’t imagine spending that much for a toy. Good thing that my kids can understand the word NO and a little explaining can do the trick.

We told them that it is not practical to buy that toy since we have little space here. And the bikes they were asking for is not advisable for them since it would just gather rust just like the bikes we bought last year. They got my point and settled for Mega Blocks which we already bought last week.

Kids can be picky when you asked them what kind of gifts they want. They would ask for gifts that won’t even last a day or gifts that is worth your whole month salary. How do you say no to their whims? Especially if you think the toy is not practical or that is not within your budget?

NO is a very strong word for kids so as much as possible do not use it. Use logic when you think you have to use. If they want something and you don’t think it is good for them, explain it to them and give them alternative. Like for example they are asking you to buy them a toy car which you think will not last an hour o two. Tell them about the quality of the toy, explain to them that they would enjoy it as much because it is of low quality. And give them alternative divert their attention to a toy that is a better choice.

It always works for me, that’s why they got more than a thousand of building blocks. Aside from my obsessions with Mega Blocks, this is so worth it. They never got tired of playing it. Everyday is a new day to play and build creatures or robots or house or even castles!

Check out my article my TOY BUYING GUIDE and try it if it will work with you and your kids. Happy Shopping!