Parenting the Envious Child

Turning Your Child’s Envious Attitude to the Positive Side

The past few days you have noticed your child has been speaking of a friend’s or a classmates achievements, new stuff and the like with an air of annoyance. One or two times, it may be a product of the child’s immaturity but more than, you should be worried that she may grow with it – the green cancer.  No worries, is it but normal to have such a crisis in a child’s life, my elder daughter has exhibited such too.

The Attitude Detection

When Angel was two or three years old I noticed that she frowned (means she never liked it) whenever I praised somebody else aside from her, even the children performing on tv shows, whew!  I knew that it may not come out from envy but maybe plain jealousy knowing her age.  I began telling her in a calm manner that she need not feel like that because she, her friend or that girl on tv can ALL BE beautiful, smart or witty at the same time – there is no need to choose or knock the other out. There is no competition at all.

Reaction Paper on Duterte's Inaugural Speech Plus

Editorial on President Duterte’s  Inaugural Speech

As Mayor Rody’s wish of a simple celebration, Malacañan Palace (Official Seat of the Philippine Gov’t.) is so simple but heartfelt. Fifteen, ten, five minutes until finally the clock turns twelve noon (12:00) on June 30, 2016 – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte took his oath as the 16^th president of the Republic. 

I am among those who have too much anticipation on his upcoming leadership. Congratulations President  ‘Mayor’, as he wanted to be called.

On his inaugural speech, President Duterte has remained as humble as he is. He instill in the minds of our fellow-countrymen (as well as the spectators worldwide) who is watching this turning point in the history that there is no successful leadership without good followers – that the ‘BIG CHANGE’  we may expect would not come from his work alone  BUT with the help of every citizen, it is a combined efforts.  I like what he said that change must come within us and in us – reading between the lines, he meant humility not attributing any future success in leading the country to himself alone  but to everybody.  He restated the reason why the electorate has placed him in the position – the thirst for a TRUE and meaningful change. I honestly believe it, the electorate did not vote for the ‘saint image’ candidate.  

Reaction: President Duterte's Interviews & Speeches Prior to Malacañang Inauguration

As of June 2, 2016

The reason for his non-appearance in the inauguration of his Presidency in Manila is brought about by the 'work' that people elected him for.  Travelling just to take an oath wastes his time (it is just formality and media should not make it a BIG ISSUE even provoking public attention - on saying that the President should have paid gratitude to the 16M voters) as he also said when he could have spent it doing the job he will get paid for and among those is ironing-out his cabinet officials. 

The Filipinos, we, are not easily-provoked and we always want to hear explanation, knowing what the President is up to in Davao excuses him from the inauguration. For him, paying gratitude is not just raising his hand for an oath BUT all the more performing his tasks as the head of the country. That kind of person in him is what makes him endearing to the public- his being practical and down-to-earth.  

Everybody who have been chosen as cabinet secretaries are just wearing plain clothes as simple as the President. No flashy, expensive Barongs and extravagant celebration/ceremony.  All were just sitting in monoblocks .  It looks like a good start.

President Duterte, Can You Keep the Lights on for the Filipino People?

I want to make an appeal to the incoming President Duterte to help IMPROVE electricity and reduce incidents of brown-out in the country especially here in the province of Quezon.  I really hope that the government can SUBSIDIZE Quezon Electric Cooperative (QueZelCo) if HE is SERIOUS to help the ordinary citizens. I cannot completely blame the cooperative for POOR service – it may be attributed to lack of funding. 

If you are living here especially in Lopez, Quezon – the people are SUFFERING because of frequent brown-outs (ranging from 8am – 5pm) as they say  most of the times as ‘maintenance schedule ‘ BUT it does not happen once a month sometimes twice a week PLUS hours of interruption like  from around 2am till 10am on that same week. Another eight more hours of interruption the next day, whew!

Imagine how hot the weather is and the school children wearing uniforms in dimmed classrooms and OFF electric fans?! You might pity yourself and the kids on that situation.  Consumers have nothing to complain about BECAUSE there is no choice – where to get electricity supply apart from the Coop?  I hope President Duterte or the Department of Energy (DOE) thru his COMMAND can PROVIDE funding –if not subsidy, a LOAN in a flexible terms to aid the cooperative.  It could be used to improve QueZelCo’s facilities and the transmission of energy to the end-users, us, the public.

I sometimes thought of requesting them to distribute power-interruption hours to the early hours at dawn (three hours from 1am to 3am might NOT hurt)– not so hot weather and can not largely affect the consumers, while sleeping. And sometimes an interruption that is like a blink of an eye happens too– power is off for just about three seconds and back again before you can turn off the lights, refrigerator, PC, TV if you’re watching  – great chances of damaging machines and home appliances and may become a cause of FIRE due to instant surge of electric current., correct me if I am wrong…

Thoughts About the Retraction of Death Penalty

After the successful May 2016 National and Local Elections, again the country, Philippines is now beneath a cloud of disagreement over the Retraction of Death Penalty on Maximum Security Prisons – perpetrators of heinous crimes. 

We are aware of President Duterte’s take on this matter – in which he is very much eager to revoke the temporary lifting of the punishment BUT the Commission on Human Rights and other groups are opposed to it.  Again, I am not writing this to support any sides.  I am here to give you what I think pushes each side to stand on their ground.

Positive Side/In Favor

Pro-Death Penalty

- it may discourage or at least warn the criminals of committing heinous crimes that might subject them to the penalty.

- Drug Lords who are said to be ‘alive and kicking’ and as they say and STILL masterminding drug activities outside the prison thru their continuous leadership and connections can be lined-up for immediate execution.  I can see that this has weight – drug pushers as well as users have been an ordinary scenario in the country in the past years.

'Philippine Independence' from a Modern-day Filipino

Are we just remembering the PAST, are not we ready to feast for today’s Independence?

I am glad and proud to be Pinoy.  It took my ancestors hundreds of years of bloodshed and struggle to reclaim this country. Yes, we are all reminded of the very  first day (June 12, 1898) when our flag was raised in Kawit, Cavite. But as a Pinoy at this point in time, I do hope that the upcoming year and on this same month and day that we could celebrate ‘Independence Day’ not just in memory of the past BUT a celebration for the present day.

Do we really own this land called Philippines?

Nowadays, many Filipinos die literally fighting for their piece of land (farmers) in this country while the foreigners own one – not necessarily them but named after their dummies or wife maybe or even sometimes owned by BIG names or clans not just two but a lot more as long as their money can afford. Why is it not possible for every Juan to own a piece of land? The beggars on the street, are not they Filipinos? The farmers who had to work for somebody else, for a fellow Pinoy? The renters who are mostly the middle-class Pinoys who only work just to survive their Landlords?!

A Shift to Federal Form of Government, Why Not?

As a Filipino I have my own opinion with regards to a shift in the form of government as proposed by the incoming Duterte Administration.

Federalism – definitions:

Federalism by 'Merriam-Webster'

Federalism by Vocabulary.com

As I watched an interview by Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez to the Founding Chairman of the PDP Laban(if I get it right) former senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel in Reaksyon on TV5 5/29/2016 – it gave me additional information about it.

I would definitely choose to agree with having the Federal form of Government. It is the type that delegates the responsibility of every state to its own Governor.  I thought before that implementing it would mean that every province or region would be independently governing itself. But, the constitution CAN define the division (consisting of several provinces to be considered as one state) like the example of Pimentel, he would suggest eleven federal territories to consist the country  -  with the Bangsamoro Region, Bicol Region (I will update this list  as soon as I got  the  copy  of the interview , not able to jot it down).

This would somehow abolish the need for a separate Bangsamoro Basic Law Policy.  It gives freedom to each federal territory the capability of running its own affairs without the long process of centralized governance.  The National government can concentrate on other matters like the empowerment of government forces (police, AFP, Marine and Air Force) foreign relations and policies as well as the national matters as a whole.

Thoughts about the 'NO UNIFORM POLICY'

I was in doubt if I had to laud the incoming President Duterte on his plans of implementing the ‘NO UNIFORM’ policy on government-owned/public schools here in my country, Philippines because of the following reasons I want to share with you:

The idea at a glance can help cut the cost on educating students.  I have said at a glance because, if we have to think deeper – it will be added burden for parents to produce presentable clothes that their children can wear in school.  The frequent use of SAME clothes can be a subject to criticism and mockery of bullies might later cause the underdog shame eventually leading to episodes of unwillingness of going to school.

This will also affect the well-being of the children feeling inferior of others wearing flashy and expensive clothes unlike when wearing uniform that everybody dons a white top and a blue pleated  skirts for girls or blue  shorts for boys –  nobody looks better than the others.  Students, especially little children who do not know much about parents’ budgeting might feel insecure and pity themselves for not having what others have. 

Why Duterte Won the Presidency

People around the world are a bit shock why Duterte won the presidency. He was showered with black propaganda and a lot of people criticize him for his rumored 'killer' image.  Why still he won the hearts of almost sixteen million Filipinos who voted him in the recently concluded elections.  

My analysis is that he is not the a 'trapo' (traditional politician) who always makes so many promises but if you are going to look at previous accomplishments - there is nothing impressive that can be proud of...and he is VERY VERY honest to the point that he is like an open-book revealing every secrets within.  He never brags of his being playboy but never denies his concubine.  He did not change the way he speaks how ever tactless he is - speaking of bad words not worthy of being a Christian as others might thought of him.  But the good thing  is that, we see who he really is unlike the others who are being playful, tactless plus corrupt behind the eyes of the public displaying image far from what we see as they project in the outside world.

I was impressed when I watched him during the debates, I never thought that he is that brilliant!He is a lawyer. Honestly, I see him as a 'gang leader' before, all-fist and no more BUT after the debates he emerged as a real good candidate to be the next leader of this land. He is not just sturdy, but witty! Possessing a will power that made Davao City a peaceful community bagging the fourth rank in Asia.

Accidents are Accidents, A True Story

The Mellow Afternoon of June 2010

Angel Reign has turned a year old last month. She reached that without any huge health trouble.  She can walk this time as well as climb back and forth in her blanket hammock.  That afternoon, we are both in her room. Her dad is lying down on the sofa watching tv waiting for his call of duty. 

The overexcited one year old, who has just learned to walk maybe a month ago, threw her pacifier on the floor.  I need to go to the dining area to sterilize it.  I left her playing in her ‘duyan’ and as I glance I saw her walking her way to the living room back and forth seems like practicing her steps.  I get the cap of the thermos and put the pacifier inside, pour water enough to cover the tip of the orthodontic pacifier.  It is on the left corner of our oblong-shaped wooden and glass dining table.  The distance of the thermos cap is maybe half of a ruler.  I felt some urge to drink a chocolate so I decided to leave it sterilizing for a while and I headed to the right far end of the table where the choco jar is. Since Angel is not wearing her beeping shoes, I did not notice she is near the table that is about two and a half feet tall. I always make it sure that all the chairs are tucked-in because she can climb it. I am about to pour the powder on my cup when I heard Angel terribly crying! I saw her beside the chair, sitting on the floor and her shirt is wet with boiled water –seeing the thermos cap and the pacifier scattered…The chair is not moved at all.  I speculated that she might just step on the chair’s foot support (wooden panel on each side so as to help it balance) that is why she was able to reach the thermos cap and accidentally drenched herself…

That water in the thermos, as I recall was just boiled twelve noon (12nn) and the incident happened 4pm, my diary says.  It is not the thermos that fell but its cap with the sterilizing pacifier, it is nearly a cupful! I was shocked!  I remember shouting “Angel!!!”  I just heard Raymer asking what is it…he then saw the baby. To my panic, I just lifted her up and was not able to remove her shirt at once to avoid more clinging – Ray told me to do so. Maybe for about twenty minutes, I heard my baby crying and screaming.  It is unbearable and hurting seeing her cannot stand the pain that she almost bend her body while standing.  Her skin below her right jaw, neck, right shoulder and armpit was red  but worse on her chest nearly hitting her nipple.  It dripped on the stomach but there, it is not that bad.  The wounds turned watery.

Best Tips for Expecting Moms

There is no shortcut for excited moms-to-be, here are few guides and hints to help you cope on the firsts months of your newborn:

The Birthing Day

Prepare a hospital bag, so husband and family members will not forget anything in panic, fill it with:

- your comfortable easy-to-slip on clothes

- underwears (panties and brassier)

- slippers or flat sandals for you

- your toothbrush

- your own spare blanket and pillow

- thermos with hot water (or plug-in airpot)

- Distilled water (Wilkins or Absolute)

- Baby wipes (do not buy generic and cheaper brands it may contain harsh chemicals)

- plastic cup, disposable spoon and fork, plate

- your baby’s blanket (pranela/lampin), booties, gloves and cap to cover her on the first minutes. Name your baby’s stuff, the nurses MIGHT interchange them accidentally with other babies in the nursery (it happened to my firstborn, we got an old blanket/pranella and the new ones was given to another baby – do not worry we did not protested, we let it be…just wanting you to be reminded of it).

* medium size towel

* soap (for the baby)  to give the birthing assistants

*adult diaper for you (the first days after giving birth – you will get a heavy flow (like menstruation).

*70%  alcohol

-In a PLASTIC ENVELOP (put inside the bag):

*Philhealth/Medicard Documents and receipts (photocopied)

*Marriage Contract of Parents (original and photocopy 2pcs)

*Credit Card/Cash/ATM

*Black ball pen

* Be sure to have a CLEARLY WRITTEN COPY of your child’s name for the hospital to register – check on the birth certificate (spelling, date, parents’ name, middle initial –for sure check the whole document)

The moment you see blood spotting on your underwear that is the time...

Buying Clothes

Size

It is not so practical to buy lots of clothes for the first six months because your baby is growing too fast but still, there is another option if you still insist on buying – buy larger sizes (BUT not too big to swallow the whole of your baby!), that is to make sure that the baby can use the clothes for more than just a month or two and you need not buy another set sooner…

Color

If you are too excited to buy clothes for the baby and you do not know the gender yet – you can not go wrong with white and or yellow – it looks fine on both sexes.

Colorful (resembling flowers) clothes might attract insects more although they look really nice to see.

It is important to buy BIB too. Include it on your buying list.

Design

It is best to choose plain than the printed ones so you can easily see or catch even the smallest insect that might pester the baby.  It is also recommended in buying linens (pillow case and bed spreads).

Another thing to consider is comfort in clothes-changing, cotton shirts and undershirt (sando) might look best and comfy design, the cloth itself is the best because it is breathable but BETTER choose the buttoned or Velcroed front clothes even for overall (clothes with socks and hood) clothes. Babies are very delicate and might easily get hurt just getting the shirt out while the buttoned once can easily be removed by simply lifting her back while protecting her head. Make sure to get the one with smallest and buttons (sometimes hidden by a piece of cloth) and always check if they are still adhering tightly every after washing – accidents on swallowing is possible. Zippers might irritate the baby’s skin.

Comfort

Babies want to feel warm like they are inside the womb – especially in the cold days. Do not forget to buy her three-fourths shirts.

Choosing Diapers

Although the use of cloth diapers is the best for baby’s skin and comfort, busy ‘mom and dads’ prefer diapers that offer the same convenience plus more.  Considerations:

- the efforts (if you can pay for a laundry, good). The time you will spend on washing can be your rest timeo bonding time with your baby.

- the consumables like water bill, electricity bill (on ironing for disinfecting), detergent soap

To sum it up, it almost costs you the same, indeed! Why not choose convenience? There are diapers that feels like cloth and as soft as cotton. Do not go for the plastic ones.

Pagtuturo ng Bokabularyo sa Baby

Sa mga magiging mommy pa lang naririto ang mga epektibong pamamaraan kung papaano natin matuturuan at madaragdagan ang bokabularyo ng ating mga anak:

1. Kahit sa tingin natin sila ay napakaliit pa at ni hindi pa nagmumulat halos ang mga mata, kausap-kausapin natin sila sa mahinang tinig. Mga paglalambing o paghele (pagkanta ng pampatulog sa kanila).

2. Habang dumaragdag ang buwang gulang nila, ituro natin ang mga bagay-bagay sa paligid at sabihin sa kanila ag tawag dito. Kagaya ng kama, cabinet, halaman – maari din nating pagsalitin ang pagtuturo sa Filipino at English para pareho nilang matutunan ito. Halimbawa kung sa araw na ito ay puro Filipino ang mga salitang ituturo natin bukas ay English naman.  Huwag tayog magsawa – lahat ng bagay kahit sa lahat ng bahay, sa mga larawan o magazine man kahit anong bagay na makikita roon at maituturo natin sa kanila, sabihin natin sa malinaw na pagbigkas.

3. Huwag na huwag nating ituro sa kanila ang pabulol na mga salita sapagkat makakasanayan nila ito kaya hindi po ba may mga napapansin tayong bulol pa kahit bahagyang may gulang na. Nakatutuwa po ang gayong pagkausap subalit may masama poi tong kumplikasyon kaya maging sa iba pa nating mga kasambahay ay ipaalala po natin na iwasan po ito. Kapag sila ay nag-aaral na magiging tampulan sila ng tukso at mapapahiya na magdudulot naman sa kanila ng pagbaba ng tiwala at pagtingin sa sarili (low self-confidence and low self-esteem). Kawing-kawing na po ang epekto niyon – maari ding mauwi sa depresyon kapag dinamdam nila ng labis.

4. Bumili ng mga educational CDs/DVDs or mag-download ng mga educational shows, nursery rhymes – ang mairerekomeda kong ibinili ko sa panganay ko ay yung ‘Brainy Baby’ – nagtuturo ito ng mga kulay, hugis, bilang atpb. Sa wikang English. Ipinapayo ko ding turuan sila ng mga bagay na nabanggit sa wika natin. Kung English na ang mga listening at watching materials, Tagalog o Filipino na lang ang ituro natin – sapat na ang mga iyon para matuto sila sa kanilang edad.  Ang gawa ko po, dahil kami lang mag-ina noon pag-alis ng bahay ng tatay ni Angel, para mailbag siya habang may tinatapos ko ang mga gawaing-bahay o pagluluto; naka-play ang mga DVDs kaya habang naka-walker o nakaupo (naka-seatbelt sa stroller) ay talagang tutok siya sa panonood.

Warning: Tiyakin lamag po na nakasara ang pinto at tanaw pa rin siya habang may gingawa ka at kailangang lingunin paminsan-minsan lalo na kung naka-walker. 

5. Magkaroon ng kopya ng Mozart Effect o Beethoven na music/instrumental o anumang classical music sapagkat ito ay napatunayan ng pag-aaral ng mga siyentipiko na may kaugnayan sa paghubog ng katalinuhan ng bata. Ginagawa ko naman iyong background music habang natutulog sila Angel at Riana simula pagka-baby nila. Kasi habang gising hindi nila iyon gaanong ma-aapreciate kapag tulog na-iistimulate ang brain nila sa pamamagitan ng ganitong tunog.

6. Para hindi maging boring sa bata ang pagtuturo halimbawa sa pagbilang, gawin ito kasama ng regular na pang-araw-araw na aktibidad gaya ng pagkain ng mallows, o minsan bilangin ang toys. Iwasan ang madami, idepende/i-akma ito sa edad kung baby pa at ni hindi pa talaga nakapagsasalita – kahit hanggang tatlo lamang muna ang paulit-ulit ituro o kapag mga anim na buwan hanggang bilang lima, bilang sampu at kapag isang taon na kahit hanggang dalawampu. Pero kung dadaanin ito sa musika, mayroon kasing mga children’s songs na naka-incorporate ang pagtuturo ng pagbilang, hindi po ba? Sikapin po nating maibili sila nito. Patutugtugin o ipapalabas naman natin ito kapag naglalaro sila ng stuff toys at hindi rin kasi sila gaanong ma-iinteresado kapag iyon lamang talaga ang haharapin nila. Ang goal natin dito mapasabay natin silang kumanta sa tugtog kapag na-memorize nila ito (sapagkat lagi nila itong naririnig). Hindi nila napapansing natuto na rin silang bumilang o mag-recite ng abakada.

Clay Craft Design

Here is my seven-year-old's (Riana Ysobel's) masterpiece - peeled bananas:

Let your kids look at it to get the idea of this design.  

SCAN International – Aid to Humanity, a Glory to God

Hi, everyone. Being a bona fide member of the ‘Church of Christ’ (Iglesia ni Cristo), I could not just sit and let other people (especially non-members) believe that SCAN members being mistakenly tagged as  social offenders depriving others of human rights, causing chaos and even hurting other people. For I knew for myself and I witnessed how these noble people dignifiedly performed their duties primarily to our Lord God and to humanity.

Hello po sa lahat. Bilang tunay na miyembro ng Iglesia ni Cristo, hindi ko po kakayaning maupo na lamang at hayaang maniwala ang publiko (lalo na ang mga hindi kaanib sa Iglesia) na ang mga kapatid naming SCAN ay  mga taong mapanikil ng karapatan ng iba , nakapagdudulot ng kaguluhan at mapanakit pa nga daw, dahil alam ko sa sarili ko, nakikita ko mismo (at ng ibang tao) kung paanong ang mga dakilang tao na ito ay buong katapatan tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin pangunahin na sa ating Panginoong Diyos at ikalawa sa kapwa-tao.

SCAN was first started as a hobby by the members who shared the same interest of liking the two-way radio communication. Because of the increasing membership, it has been registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

Sa umpisa libangan daw lamang ito ng mga kapatid na mayroong hilig sa paggamit ng radio. Dahil sa pagdami ng mga miyembro, ipinarehistro ito sa SEC.

The simple use of the radio equipment has been brought to a higher level by ensuring the members are trained and later on passing the examination given by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). In February 6, 1986 it was registered in the Philippines as a Radio Amateur Group (RAG) who later been known to have the largest number of members in the Philippines for the category. 

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