The iPad effect

It's been more than a year since hubby bought an iPad. Our iPad is mostly used by Lyle and Lance for entertainment, reading/listening to books, and of course playing games =)

We are now seeing the iPad effect in our sons. Last Saturday we went to Bottle Tree park and we saw  a greenhouse and there are different plants grown inside. Then Lyle said "Mommy, look so many plants just like Plants vs Zombies". The other day while waiting for a taxi and we had been waiting for quite a long time. I said "ang tagal naman ng taxi" then Lyle commented "Mommy, still loading. We just wait". Hubby and I can't help but laugh because of those funny comments by Lyle. But we both realized that we need to take the kids out more often and limit their iPad time. We wouldn't want the time to come that they become so engrossed with it that they think it's their reality. Balance is the keyword =) We still allow them to use the iPad for 30mins to 1hour and make sure that either hubby or me is there guiding and playing with them.

Mommy's little helper

Lyle is starting to get interested in the kitchen. He's asking me what's the thing I'm holding or the vegetable I'm chopping and he tries to imitate what I'm doing.  It made me happy and proud when he said "Mommy, can I help you?" Of course this would mean that the kitchen will be messier if I let him but I dont want to put off the helpful spirit  he has on that moment. I assigned him the task of chopping the stalks of spinach. We search for the toy surgical knife from his play doctor set and that's what he used for chopping. He started his task and was so serious at it and at the same time having fun =) Here's a photo of Lyle while helping me in the kitchen.

This is just a start of Lyle's adventure in the kitchen. As for now, I'll just follow his interest and encourage him. I'll try my best not to worry so much about the mess (fellow moms, I know you unnderstand what I mean.. hehe). And of course, I'll schedule our cooking session when I'm not in a hurry and I have all the patience I can muster.

Here are some tips from a Babycenter guest blogger on how to have fun in the kitchen with your kids:

1. Do all your preparations before hand ~ unless you like getting them to help you find the ingredients needed. This just speeds up the process.

2. Find safe ways to involve them ~ I wouldn’t recommend they chop up the vegetables with the butcher knife, but they can do a lot more than you probably think.

3. Choose simple recipes ~ especially when first starting out. You don’t want to go big at first becuase you may end up frustrated and never want to cook with them again.

4. Allow taste testing ~ I know you stick your finger in to give it a taste so let them too! My favorite part of baking with my mom was licking the spoon, or the entire bowl for that matter.

5. Ask questions ~ “What do you think goes in next?” Kids can have a short attention span at the best of times and this will keep them interested.

6. Teach them a good chef always cleans up ~ There’s something very satisfactory when you’re done and it’s all cleaned up. Clutter/mess is just added stress you don’t need.

7. Take lots of pictures! ~ I don’t know about your kids, but my kids love to be the center of attention and with today’s digital generation, they love seeing themselves “on film”.

Here's the link to the the article - 7 tips for cooking with your kids

How to tell if your child is ready for preschool

Another good article from my favorite Parenting and Child development website - Babycenter.com. In this article are list of questions that will help parents to assess their children's readiness for preschool.

Here are the questions taken from the article:

• Is your child fairly independent?
• Has he spent time away from you?
• Can he work on projects on his own?
• Is he ready to participate in group activities?
• Is he used to keeping a regular schedule?
• Does he have the physical stamina for preschool?
• Why do you want to send him to preschool?

How To Choose a Preschool

I found the article below very helpful and gives me a guide on what I should do and prepare in search for a preschool for my son.


How To Choose a Preschool


By Audrey Okaneko
 
Choosing a preschool for your child requires knowing what you want in a preschool and then asking questions to see if the schools in your town match what you are looking for.


There are many philosophies on working with toddlers. Some programs offer academic curriculums and some don't. Some offer a pre reading program and some don't. Some offer a lot of social opportunities and some don't.


So what questions can you ask to see if the program offered is a match for you?


Let's start with the hours of the school. Some schools open as early as 7:00 a.m. for before school care and some school open at 9:00 a.m. when the preschool day begins. If you need to be at work at 8:00 a.m. then you'll first need to narrow your choices to those schools that offer before school care.


It is my suggestion that you visit the school without your child. Speak to the director of the school and ask what the best time of day is to visit. You'll learn more by visiting during indoor time versus outdoor time.


Most schools have a rough time schedule of what the kids do while at school. Does this time table fit what you hoped to have for your child? My children went to two different schools. My older daughter needed more structure. At the school she went to, the kids moved from class to class. One class was manipulatives such as puzzles, while another room had dress up clothes and yet another room held art supplies. Finally, the last room was what I called the academic room. You could find letters and numbers and books in this room. This system worked wonderfully for her.


My other daughter went to a school where academics were non existent, but socialization was constant. This very much fit the child she was and met both her needs and my needs.


So, it's very possible to find a good school with a great program, but have it not be the right fit for your child.


I also suggest meeting with a kindergarten teacher when making your choice to find out what the kindergarten teacher at YOUR school hopes to see when your child enters the kindergarten classroom on day one.


Here are some questions you can ask when visiting:


1. Do you teach reading and writing at all? Please remember, there is not a right or wrong answer. You, as a parent need to know whether this is important to you. As I mentioned, for one of my daughters it was quite important and for the other child, it was not at all on my list of what was important.


2. What is the adult/child ratio the school tries to maintain? Every state dictates what the state requires, but all schools have their own set of guidelines within the state system. My older daughter was in a school that did not use teacher's aides. However they kept the classes small. My younger daughter was in a school that utilized teacher's aides and so the ratio was very small like 3:1, even though the state allowed a much higher ratio. With more children in the class, there is also more opportunity for playmates.


3. What is the sick child policy? Every school has a different sick child policy. As a mom, I did not want my kids around sick kids all the time. On the other hand, I knew if my child had a runny nose, I'd probably be called to come pick her up.


4. How often are new toys bought and how often are old toys thrown out? This was important to me, both because of safety but also the longer a toy is in circulation the more germs live on it. At some point, the dirt just doesn't wash off anymore. Also, times change and new toys come out on the market. In addition, when dealing with items like puzzles, pieces will disappear. I wanted my child to be able to complete the puzzle, not have one piece missing.


5. What is the communication system between the school and the parent? Some schools send home a monthly calendar of the upcoming month, while some schools send out a letter on Friday that sums up the week in review. Most schools have conferences. Moms like to hear how wonderful their preschooler is. If the school detects what they believe might be a problem such as hearing, speech, sight, or even a behavioral problem, what is their method of informing you?


6. How are the children separated? Is it by age? Are there multiage classrooms? Does the system this school uses for developing classes meet your needs and the needs of your child? Every child is different. My older daughter did best with kids her own age. My younger daughter did great with kids of many ages.


7. What are the food rules at this school? Do children bring their own lunch? Are snacks served? Is the school peanut free? Some preschools choose to be peanut free to accommodate children who have peanut allergies. Are hot lunches served? If so, ask for a month long menu to see what foods are offered.




Without your child, it's important for you to observe a class. Do the children interact with each other and with the adults? Do the children play both alone and with others? Are you seeing activities and toys that allow the child to be unique and creative? Or is every child told to make the same color flower? Children are children. If you see two kids argue, how does the teacher solve the problem? How large are the classrooms? Is there enough space for different children to be playing with different items? For example is there space for two girls to play dress up while two boys build a train track? Where are the bathrooms in relation to the classroom?


Plan to visit the school during drop off time. Are kids eagerly running to their classrooms or are most kids unhappy to be there?


If you feel the school matches what you want, ask if you can bring your child for one day. Most schools will allow a test day. If your child is happy, you've just found the right school to enroll your child in.




Article Source: http://www.blogger.com/Article%20Source:%20http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Audrey_Okaneko

What's the right age for preschool?

According to Wikipedia "Preschool education or Infant education is the provision of education for children before the commencement of statutory and obligatory education, usually between the ages of zero and three or five, depending on the jurisdiction." 


Most of my colleagues and friends here in Singapore who have children enrol their kids in preschool at age 3. Lyle is now 3 years and 7 months old but I haven't enrolled him yet. I personally feel that it's still too early to enroll him in school. I would like him to enjoy childhood and have fun learning without the rules and structure of school (..yet). Hubby would like to enroll him so that he'll meet other kids and learn to socialize. It's the "socialization" factor that hubby pointed out that convinced me that we should try to enroll him at school. Lyle meets other kids every Saturday for his swimming lessons, when we go to gatherings or special occasions like birthdays and when we go to the nearby playground or parks. His little brother is his playmate and best buddy (no choice.. hehe). Hubby and I talked to Lyle and asked him if he wanted to go to school and he answered a resounding "YES". Then I ask him what he'll do when he go to school he said that he'll bring his toy cars and play with other bata (tagalog term for kids). For him a school is just another playground where he can play =) Children especially at Lyle's age learn most thru play. 


I've done some searching online and here are very helpful sites for parents who are planning to enroll their kids in preschool here in Singapore:

• Ministry of Education - Frequently Asked Questions on Kindergarten Admission 
• Ministry of Education - Find a Kindergarten  
• List of PEPS Schools & Service Providers
• PAP Community Foundation - Registration Information 

How about you? At what age do you think a child should start preschool?  

Bedtime routines for toddlers

Here's my babies' bedtime routine which I can say has been working effectively for them to have a goodnight sleep.


- Watch and sing supersimplesongs from youtube. Lyle and Lance loves these videos and we would sing and dance along as we watch the videos.



- Clean-up and wash time to make them feel fresh.

- Story time. I read a story from a book or I tell stories which just came out of my head =)

- Lyle will ask for his milk and Lance for his pacifier.

- Play some music (Connie Talbot's songs - Somewhere over the rainbow, What a wonderful world, Ben, Imagine

- Lights off then I'll kiss them goodnight.

The above steps doesn't have to be in these order and sometimes we skip some step(s). This bedtime routine isn't just important for my kids but for me as well because of the bonding and quality time we spend together.

Below is an article I found in Babycenter.com about bedtime routines.



Bedtime basics
If you haven't already, now is a great time to establish a bedtime routine for your toddler. When you follow a set pattern every night, he'll quickly come to appreciate the consistency and predictability and feel more relaxed. The more relaxed he is, the more likely he'll go to bed easily and fall asleep quickly. Stick to your routine as best you can even when you're not home - it can make it easier for your toddler to settle down in unfamiliar surroundings.


What you include in your ritual is up to you. There's the standard bath, putting on pyjamas, reading a story and having a cuddle or you can play a quiet game. Just make sure you choose something that helps calm your toddler, not gee him up.


And while you can certainly start your ritual in the bathroom or the living room, it should end in your toddler's bedroom. It's important to teach your toddler that his room is a nice place to be, not just where he's "banished" at bedtime. If he gets upset as he sees you walk out the door after you tuck him in, tell him you'll be back to check on him in a few minutes. In all likelihood, he'll be fast asleep by the time you return.


Click here to continue reading the full article.

Lyle's good behavior at church

Last Sunday is very memorable for me because for the first time that Lyle was able to finish the the 1-hour mass without any tantrums and we didn't have to leave the church earlier. He is still making some fuss but they were manageable =) Looking forward for next Sunday's mass.

Below is an article from BabyCenter.com about some tips/advice on how you can get your toddler to sit still during church service. The one that works best for us is finding a seat that's along a side aisle and near the door so we can easily escape in case of emergency i.e. tantrums, crying, shouting. hehe

 

How can I get my toddler to sit still during church services?

Our church doesn't have a childcare program. How can I get my toddler to sit still during services?

 

Expert Answers

Patricia Henderson Shimm, parent educator and author

Toddlers have a limit to how long they can sit still, wherever you may be. Your daughter's too young to pay attention to the service, and eventually her natural toddler energy will make her want to get up and go. So instead of planning to attend the service for the entire time with a well-behaved toddler (probably a bit unrealistic), your best bet is to devise ways to keep her occupied. Before you leave for the service, pack her a bag with some of her favorite books, crayons and paper, a juice box, and maybe even a snack, as long as it's something she can eat quietly (nothing too crunchy!). When you get to church, try to find seats along a side aisle so you're away from the center of activity and she has space on the floor to play. Be prepared to take her outside a few times during the service so she doesn't get antsy. You and your partner can tag team, so that each of you gets to attend part of the service while the other entertains her outside. Another possibility is to organize your day so that your toddler is tired by the time you go to church — for example, you could skip her afternoon nap before an evening service, or wake her up early and take her out to play before a morning service. If she's tuckered out, she may fall asleep on your lap, thus allowing you to enjoy the service in peace.

While it's understandable that you'd want your daughter to join you at church, it's best to keep your expectations low. To a child this age, attending services may be no different from a long wait at the doctor's office. When she's a little older, she'll be able to participate more meaningfully.


Click here to view full article source.

Nasty Habits

Ever wonder where bad habits start? Whining, using "naughty" words, shrieking, sticking one's tongue out, hitting, and the like often begin by accident. It happens once — a bad word is overheard and repeated — and creates an instant strong reaction in you that makes your child think, "Wow! Let's do that again!" Ignoring minor misdeeds and calmly punishing major ones is the best way to nip unpleasant behavior in the bud.

Continue to read BabyCenter


I copied the picture and paragraph above from the weekly email I receive from BabyCenter. Lyle is quickly picking up new words and I love it that he's widening his vocabulary. But just like a sponge a child's brain is picking up everything they hear and see. There's no filtering system so what happens is that they'll imitate what they saw and will say whatever thay heard. Hubby had a memorable experience on this =) he just related to me this story because it happened when I was still in Singapore. And I want to also share this piece of story with you, so here it goes.. While hubby was at the kitchen and frying, the oil started to splatter. When one big splatter hit him,  he said "sh*t" and it was loud enough that Lyle heard him. The word had an impact for Lyle that he immediately said the word and hubby heard him said that. Lyle's Uncle Plok who was also there heard him. Hubby decided not to make a big fuss over what happened and just waited to react in case Lyle will repeat saying the word. Lyle didn't get any attention after saying the word and realizing that, he just continue on the things he was doing. Then when Lyle turn around, hubby and Plok laughed =) it was one funny experience for them. Good thing that Lyle didn't repeat saying the word and I haven't heard him saying that again (as of this writing).

Do you also have this kind of experiences? How did you handle it? I would love to hear your story.

How to Encourage Learning at Home

How to Encourage Learning at Home

By Baljit Sadhal

Home is where the heart is, and home is also where the heart of learning is. It is where we grow and flourish as children, and a place we never forget. Home is also the first stage where learning takes place. This article offers parents some tips on how to create a home that promotes and encourages the love of learning.

Making the effort to ensure your home encourages an open and fun attitude towards learning will make a big difference on how your child feels about learning. As a parent your attitude towards learning is vital. Does that mean you turn your home into a library or a class room? Not at all. Making learning FUN in your home can be easy, key items to consider for your home which encourage and foster learning and creativity are:

• Building Blocks
• Puzzles
• Finger Painting
• Drawing
• Play-Doh
• Clay
• Books and Magazines 

Stock up on colorful books, toys, games, pencils, paper, crayons, paint, play-doh. These items are fun to play with but are also helping your child to explore and learn by DOING. Each of these items challenges the mind to be creative and imaginative thus learning as you play.

As a parent your role is to create an ambience of happiness and enthusiasm through your fun-to-learn attitude. This includes showing your acceptance and approval of something your child has worked on. Your praise encourages your child to work harder and the desire to learn more

Nothing can replace sharing your time with your child. Not the best toy, book, movie, or best music....by sharing your time with your child you are telling your child that they are important and thus building their belief in themselves.

For more tips and information about brain building toy products that promote learning and creativity check out http://bestbrainbuildingtoys.com/


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Baljit_Sadhal

Whew! This saved me from my unnecessary worry

I'm so glad I had found this article from BabyCenter. This really helped a lot and knowing that I'm not the only mom undergoing the same situation.

Is it normal that my preschooler pretends that everything is a gun?

Expert Answers
The BabyCenter Editorial Team
Yes. It may be a little unsettling to see your cherubic little guy blasting away at everything in sight like a miniature John Wayne, but this behavior is definitely normal.

"I hear this question quite frequently in my practice, particularly from parents of boys," says pediatrician Ari Brown, co-author of Baby 411 and Toddler 411 and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. It seems there are quite a few mini John Waynes stomping about.

Why do children do this? According to Brown, part of the reason might be that they're mimicking grown-ups. This doesn't mean that these children come from violent homes, however. Images of guns are all around us — on the evening news, for example. Children who pretend to shoot each other may simply be playacting what they see on television.

But we can't chalk it all up to exposure. Even children with limited access to violent images can become enthralled with pretend guns, and experts can't really explain why.

While the behavior is common, there are times when it can get out of hand. Perhaps your child is playing pretend shoot 'em up to the exclusion of other games. If this is the case, you may want to help him branch out.

Brown suggests that you start by thinking about what your child sees and hears. Is the news on during dinner? Is an older brother playing aggressive computer games in the living room? Reducing your child's exposure to these types of things will give him less fodder for his own reenactments.

Along with working to discourage pretend gunplay, Brown suggests parents go a step further and offer suggestions for other types of pretend play. For example, suggest playing "restaurant" and have your child be the waiter, or play "school bus" and your child can be the driver.

"Sometimes offering suggestions to a child who's obsessed with guns will help him start to think outside the box," says Brown. Your little one may be stuck in a gun rut for now, but once he understands the sheer vastness of the make-believe world, he'll probably step out of it.

Article Source:  BabyCenter - Is it normal that my preschooler pretends that everything is a gun?

Lyle sing & dance along Justin Bieber's song

My sons together with my mama and papa stayed longer in Manila. I go back here in Singapore earlier because I only got 2 days leave and need to return to work. After 1 week and 3 days stay in Manila, Lyle is now singing and dancing along Justin Bieber's song - Baby. This song is always played on the radio and my sisters & cousins are watching Justin's music video on YouTube. This music video "Baby" by Justin Bieber is now the most viewed video on YouTube pushing Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" into second place. Below is the video from YouTube.



Honestly, I don't know Justin Bieber until we went back to Manila. I have to admit I'm now older than I used to be =) or let's rephrase it I'm more mature now. I'm no longer part of the target audience of Justin's songs that's why I haven't heard of him. But this had taught me a lesson, I have to keep myself updated with the things that my kids will soon get interested in - music, movies, arts, etc. I want to connect and understand their interests and to be always there to guide them. But for now, I can still sit down and relax because their interests still revolves around food, milk, toys, shapes, colors, nursery rhymes and tv (kiddie channels).

Toy Story - The Need of Toys For Little Folks

Below is an article that I would like to share. It's really good to know that kids learn a lot from playing. They learn from doing the thing they love the most =) Both my sons loves toy cars, trains and airplanes. They  could spend their entire day holding and playing with toy cars. Making car sounds 'brooomm' and moving the toy cars around the house. Flipping it over rolling the tires and checking the parts. Lyle is now getting imaginative and creative. He would held his hands up then move them sideways and when I asked him what he is doing he said, "Airplane mommy, see". Recently, I bought some 4 to 6 pieces puzzles and hubby taught him how to put the pieces together. Lyle is now able to put these pieces together on his own. These are some little things that makes parents so proud.

Continue reading the article below. Enjoy reading!

Toy Story - The Need of Toys For Little Folks

By Samyu Tam

Today, as in the days of our childhood, toys are an invaluable part of upbringing the child. As they play with toys, children obtain and perk up the skills necessary for formal learning in later stages of their lives. They learn to use their five senses, they acquire and hone the skills of eye-hand co-ordination and control, and develop concepts - they acquire an understanding of the meaning of relationships and the intrinsic characteristics of objects.

And the success that comes from playing with and / or mastering a toy helps develop a child's self-confidence. If your child doesn't get to play with toys, she / he might be at a limitation where forming a solid foundation for literacy and maths and developing adaptive behaviour are concerned.

Playing with toys involves almost every part of your child - her eyes, her hands, often her whole body. Toys, therefore are props to blend a child's imagination. Successful toys are those that combine authenticity and castle in the sky, and down the ages have included dolls, vehicles, dishes, blocks and planes.
Watching your child playing will give you clues on how she is feeling. If she says, " Bad dolly, you're very naughty and mama doesn't love you,". It doesn't not mean that you've been saying just that to her; it's more likely that she is done something naughty and fears punishment and is working things out for herself.

Look for a toy that is safe, responsive, self explanatory, multisensory and re-assuring. Also look for toys that encouraging children to imitate real life, inspire problem solving and invite creativity.
Also keep in mind that children don't always play with toys the way we think they should - and that is part of their learning process. Make sure your child's toys don't encourage violent tendencies. And remember, the best toys are not the most expensive - which is why perhaps the toys of our childhoods should be given a welcome back.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samyu_Tam

When did your little one(s) took their first step?

Seeing those first few steps of your baby is one of the first proudest moment you'll have as a parent. I got emotional and teary eyed when I saw my two sons walked their first steps to independence.

It was a day before Lyle's 1st birthday that he took his first steps. Lyle pulled himself up to stand then walked without holding on to anything. Some couple of weeks after that he mastered the art of walking. Then he's off and running leaving babyhood behind.

For my youngest son Lance, he made me wait a bit longer. At 1 year old he was still crawling and didn't show any signs that he's ready to walk. This made hubby and me worried but my mom assured us that there's nothing to worry about because some children are late walkers - so we waited. At around 14months he learned to pull himself up and hold on to furniture to stand. Then at 16months he bravely took his first steps. It just happened its like he just decided to stand up and walk. I couldn't be anymore happier and thankful on that day =)

Each and every child has their own timetable and they'll walk when they are ready. Just keep on encouraging them and continue those activities that will help prepare your child to that much awaited milestone.

And here are my sons running around. This video was taken last 18th May 2010 at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Sharing in a toddler's point of view

My husband and I taught (and constantly teaching) Lyle about sharing. "Share your toys with your baby brother", "Sharing is good" that's what we'll always say. This would be a perfect world if he will just do as we say and would always let his brother play with his toys. When Lance wants to play with the toys he is playing he will put it under the chair or table where his brother can't reach it - this is the reason why Lance is so good going under chairs and tables (see this very cute photo below) or sometimes he would give a toy to Lance but it's because it's not he's favorite and doesn't want it.

I remember a funny mommy experience, Lyle was playing with my umbrella  and I need to get it from him and when I'm taking it out of his hand he said "Mommy, share". He knows the concept of sharing its just that share means sharing things to him and not him sharing things to others. I did let him play with the umbrella because the moment called to lead by example. Sharing is a skill that develops over some years. Knowing that Lyle is just acting his age helps to keep us sane =) We just need to be patient and keep on teaching him and soon he'll get the knack of it. 

A cute little boy - Rolando Ng III

I saw this video of Rolando Ng III in youtube. This was his performance last Saturday for the 3rd batch of semi-finalist. My youngest son Lance liked Rolando's performance. He sings and dance along during the entire song. But sadly he didn't made it to the finals because he lost to the Velasco brothers (whom are really deserving to get the seat at the finals). Rolando's best talent is his charm and being 'bibong bata' (smart kid). It broke my heart to see him go and his speech made me cry. Saying thank you and that it's okay even if he
had lost his chance to win. He has a big and understanding heart for a seven yr old. I can relate with his mom caught in cam raising her hands with two thumbs up and saying I love you to his son. The love and support of his mom is very much needed at that moment. Every child needs all the support and love from their parents.
But I have a feeling I wouldn't miss Rolando much because I'll be seeing him on TFC soon because FMG and Ms. Kris Aquino told him that he'll have a show in abs-cbn. I'll be looking forward to that =)

One Lazy Sunday Afternoon

It's a sunny Sunday today and the weather is good outside but here we are staying inside the house. Lyle and Lance are watching the tv "baby can read" videos and at the same time playing. Lance already had his afternoon nap and I'm waiting for Lyle to get sleepy and fussy (well that's his sign that's its time for his nap). It means that he had enough and got tired of the day's activities. He now only take 1 nap a day usually around 1 - 3pm while Lance takes 2 naps a day. Those naps are very important not just for them but for me too =) The house will be quiet for some time while they take their naps and I can do other chores or I can also take a mommy nap. More about naps here at BabyCenter (Naps: The Basics).


Here are some pictures I took while they are busy watching and playing.