Simple Happiness

 It was a really great day today!! As the interviewer announced "Congratulations, your child has passed the entrance examinations", and she further continued that my child has surpassed beyond the average level. I was just happy that my 7 year old daughter excelled in the tests that was conducted in order for her to be transferred because ever since she started school, she has been transferring schools and this would be the third school for her. Furthermore, my 11 year old daughter also passed the entrance examination!!  It would be a good thing that both of them would be on the same school, supporting each other. As a single parent, I expect myself to be able to provide full support on their education, mental, emotional support, every aspect of their lives, that I expect nothing but the best.  I am content that these would add up to their confidence.


Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

Playing with Isabella

these were gifts to her on her 1st birthday, now we get to play with it :). it's amazing, though I can't find time to regularly teach her, thank goodness she already knows these shapes, 1-5 numbers & colors. What we do: I would put the shapes on the puzzle/floor, move 5 feet away from it or more, then I would ask her, "Isabella, can you get the circle for me, pls?" then she'd go & get the circle, with a giggle she lays it on my hand then I would ask for more shapes. We would do the same for the colors but sometimes I would have to say "isabella, please get the color brown, or the color of teddy bear, " or the color blue for "blue" (from blues clues). she trully enjoys getting those shapes & colors! For the numbers, i will get the number puzzles 1 to 5, then she will be the one to put back the numbers one by one starting with the number 1.

I enjoyed this morning, playing with her :)

7 Ways to Nurture EQ

I have forgotten where I came across these tips but I still would like to share it with you. This also serves as a reminder to myself.

A lot has been said & written about EQ or Emotional Intelligence & how it can be more important than IQ. Psychologists have warned us not to focus exclusively on our children's cognitive development while neglecting their emotional & psychological well-being. Here are some keys to remember:

1) Be aware of social & emotional development milstones. Like physical & mental skills, emotional skills also have their own timetable, so it helps to learn about them. This way, we can be more responsible to our children.

2) Our parenting & teaching styles make a difference. Studies show that an "authoritative" style, which is a balance between being authoritarian & being permissive works. We have to try and be nurturing and supportive, yet able to set clear and firm limits for our children.

3) Make sure our children's time is well balanced between studies, household responsibilities and leisure time. Try to create opportunities for learning about responsibility and discipline through household chores and try to minimize time spent on TV

4) Encourage your children to nurture and sustain friendships especially when they are 9-12 years old. This is a very important milestone in learning about intimate relationships which they will have as they grow.

5) Spend regular time each day fully focused at play and in conversation with your children. This enhances their self-image and self-confidence.

6) Give children opportunities to solve their problems or participate in family problem-solving. Try not to step in too fast or too soon.

7) The most important way to nurture emotional intelligence is by providing our children with positive role models. Through our own example, we can show them what it means to be caring, compassionate, principles, motivated, goal-oriented, persistent and able to understand and express their feelings.

Ways to start on solid food for your baby

As a mother of a very picky daughter, it takes so much energy just to try to let her eat everymealtime. Everytime she eats, the food stays inside her mouth for a long time so I would always have to remind her to chew her food, swallow her food. Letting her eat was very hard that there was a time that she really lost weight when she started schooling. I hope mothers out there would find these tips helpful to those whose babies are just starting on their solid food will have better eating habits.



To improve eating:

* serve small portions

* make mealtime pleasant

* help your child recognize hunger

* have your child eat sitting down with the family for at least 1 meal/day

* make her feel in control

* serve it so often so she can be familiar with it.

* have her eat at the table with you

* have her around other children & let her see them eat. It may spark her curiosity & motivation to try it herself.

* timing counts: appetites are keenest at the start of a meal, so offer new foods first & have a backup

* When introducing new food, wait at least 3 days before introducing another one.

* it takes at least 8-10 tries of a new food before it becomes an accepted food. Research has shown that the more often a young child sees and tries a new food the more apt she is to like it. If she rejects new food, you need to repeat your offer up to 15 times, at one week intervals. Don't force your child to eat a new food, but at least 2 bites.

* servings should gradually increase from a few teaspoons to about 2 tablespoons twice a day

* Have your child participate. Accompany her to the market to help choose a new vegetable or fruit for the whole family to try.

*Most kids don't like mushy foods, specially on veggies, start on carrots, yams, squash. Don't overcook for most veggies, color, crunch, and character are preserved with just a brief blanching

* Set a good example yourself works better than pushing her to swallow every bite of strained vegetables.

* When parents get stressed out over toddler's actions, he feels even more powerful and is likely to keep repeating the behavior to get attention. If you don't push her to eat, there's nothing to resist. So to put an end to the battle, don't bribe or beg-- and try to ignore her antics.

* another way to satisfy a toddler's need for control is to give her a role in preparing the meal.