Reading is something we really love doing, my firstborn and I, and because Yakee cannot read yet, we read together.
Now, I must admit I sometimes deny him this when he's especially unruly and misbehaving. Rather than scold or spank or put him on timeout, I sometimes feel it's the best punishment or consequence of his misbehavior. Because I know it really gets to him, it's something he misses, it's something he wants back.
But I also worry that I might be reinforcing a negative association here... that he'd someday despise reading because I used it to 'maintain control.'
I do read to him in so many ways, in different hours (not just bedtime), using so many books and even as a reward sometimes for good behavior. I want him to grow up thinking that whether happy or not, bored or not, behaved or not, reading is something he can do.
And I can't exactly read to him when he's misbehaving and being uncooperative since he wouldn't feel deprived of caring and bonding. Sigh. But maybe when he's still on probation, I can choose the book instead and pick one that brings home the lesson I want him to learn. Which also means, we may have to read a lot of Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum.
And no, denying him toys doesn't really work with him. He's not that dependent on them for play, anyway.
*~*
Oh, Yakee... I really hope I am doing okay with you!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Waldorf Homeschooling
Like I said in my FB status.... I sometimes wish I hand't encountered the words "homeschooling," "Waldorf" and "intentional parenting. Because I always feel like I am cramming for something and I feel challenged in every way possible.
But let me backtrack a little.
The decision to be a SAHM was agreed upon even before we got married... provided we could accommodate it. Since hubs was Asst. Technical Manager already then, we gave it a go. While pregnant, I encountered "homeschooling" and something inside me just clicked. It was perfect for our setup... and well, back then, I had dreams of us being an expat family so homeschooling would really be useful and practical.
As you can see though, we;re still here in the Philippines. With another child.
Now, Waldorf... I have encountered the word many times before... but it was only recently that I thought to give it a try because the day care that we had a trial class in doesn't teach academics! For me, it jived well with homeschooling's mantra of "better later than sooner."
And then I found out there's such a thing as Waldorf Homeschooling! And someone who's doing it with her children have already made contact with me so it feels like things are really falling into place!
However, the reading I have to do is piling up, I may not be able to help my brother with the hgh reviews he wanted to look into. Turns out, Steiner was a very prolific author... and I also have to read up on making homeschooling work for us, aside from all my parenting books and activity guides so I can come up with the curriculum that will work for my family.
Wish me luck!
*~*
I sometimes wonder if I just want us to be a little elite, or different, or unique, or whatever. I mean, why make things harder for myself? Why invite these struggles?
But I realize that my I really want every opportunity for my family to be more of a family... and that my most fervent wish is to send out my boys into the great big world as emotionally and psychologically-equipped as I can make them.
After all, how else will they suceed? How else will they be happy?
But let me backtrack a little.
The decision to be a SAHM was agreed upon even before we got married... provided we could accommodate it. Since hubs was Asst. Technical Manager already then, we gave it a go. While pregnant, I encountered "homeschooling" and something inside me just clicked. It was perfect for our setup... and well, back then, I had dreams of us being an expat family so homeschooling would really be useful and practical.
As you can see though, we;re still here in the Philippines. With another child.
Now, Waldorf... I have encountered the word many times before... but it was only recently that I thought to give it a try because the day care that we had a trial class in doesn't teach academics! For me, it jived well with homeschooling's mantra of "better later than sooner."
And then I found out there's such a thing as Waldorf Homeschooling! And someone who's doing it with her children have already made contact with me so it feels like things are really falling into place!
However, the reading I have to do is piling up, I may not be able to help my brother with the hgh reviews he wanted to look into. Turns out, Steiner was a very prolific author... and I also have to read up on making homeschooling work for us, aside from all my parenting books and activity guides so I can come up with the curriculum that will work for my family.
Wish me luck!
*~*
I sometimes wonder if I just want us to be a little elite, or different, or unique, or whatever. I mean, why make things harder for myself? Why invite these struggles?
But I realize that my I really want every opportunity for my family to be more of a family... and that my most fervent wish is to send out my boys into the great big world as emotionally and psychologically-equipped as I can make them.
After all, how else will they suceed? How else will they be happy?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Bloggers Engagement for DOH's Breastfeeding TSEK Program
Last May 14, 2011, I had the privilege of attending the Bloggers Engagement for the Department of Health's (DOH) Breastfeeding TSEK Campaign at Alejandra Hotel in Makati.
I was at the launch of the Breastfeeding TSEK campaign months ago but was not really familiar with the details. Still, it was really nice to see the government funding the promotion of breastfeeding awareness and support. It was now tapping new media even!
Welcome Remarks and call for support was made by Asec. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial while Dr. Anthony Calibo (Supervising Officer for Essential Newborn Care, NDCC-DOH) presented the Breastfeeding TSEK Primer. The PR is being handled by Campaigns Cebu.
Highlights of/Notes taken from the bloggers engagement include:
* We actually have better breastfeeding laws compared to other countries; we have a problem with implementation though
* Aside from the usual Milk Code Violations, we also have a culture where most pregnant mothers do not go for prenatal pediatric consultation to know their rights and responsibilities
* There is a growing trend now of OB-GYNs also pushing milk formula by colluding with their 'partner' pediatricians; "if you don't push this milk, I will not send clients your way" (on top of hospitals issuing formula cans; pediatricians ordering formula feeding for any number of reasons; and public health workers giving away formula to mothers they see in their clinics... all funded by milk company giants, of course)
* Good news: Aside from designated breastfeeding areas in public places in Davao, there are also reserved bus seats for breastfeeding moms
* Based on their most recent studies, 53% of mothers breastfeed after giving birth, but only 33.5% do it exclusively for the first 6 months of life. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding is 2.8 months, corresponding to length of maternity leave and an obvious room for improvement on information dissemination (that it is doable to exclusively breastfeed even after going back to work, and how) and support (both from family and employer). Sorry I cannot cite the specific study and year but maybe we can ask from the Breastfeeding TSEK Facebook page
* There is actually about 20% or more who breastfeed for the first six months and do not give formula, but give water or other things (solids, honey, etc) and it is DOH's hope to target this population to just exclusively breastfeed to bring the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding to over 50%
* A story of a breastfeeding mom who pumped in a toilet cubicle: a colleague only heard the low hum of the pump motor, reported it to the supervisor and the whole thing resulted in Bomb Squad, NBI, etc being called
* 38.4% of the labor force is composed of women; 33% of union members are women... which should empower women to insist on their needs and roles being considered and addressed
* Mothers who want to delay rooming in should also be informed of the increased chance of catching infections the longer their newborn stays in the nursery (issue of support system will come in here for the newly-delivered mom)
* Region VI (Western Visayas) showed consistent low scores in proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding scores; Region X (Northern Mindanao) consistently scored high
* Underweight problems set in at age of solid introduction which suggests a problem with proper complementary feeding
* Formula milk has to have added iron as the allergens in it result in microbleeding for babies
* to my question of whether the Breastfeeding TSEK program has anything in it to also effect changes in the training of medical students, there was no clear answer (breastfeeding is just a course topic, not even an entire subject for med students, when breastfeeding experts cannot even cover everything about it in two weeks)... however, it seems the World Health Organization (WHO) has already issued a guide for curriculum developers and that they are targetting nutritionists especially (since they are actually required to master formula components & preparation); there has also been a curriculum integration meeting where medical schools were represented last year;
* I brought the matter up because aside from the OB and the pedia, nursing mothers who get sick also see a slew of other doctor specialists who are quick to prescribe medications without considering its safety for a nursing mom or who refuse to prescribe/look up safer drug alternatives
* A good thing is the government's conditional cash transfer program (CCT) involving DepEd, DSWD and DOH wherein P5.7 billion has been allocated for DOH's social service package to cover basic emergency obstetrical and neonatal care facilities. "Under the CCT program, the government provides a monthly stipend of P500 to mothers plus P300 per child up to three on condition that they keep their children in school, that they receive immunization, and that the mothers avail themselves of pre-natal and other check-ups. (Source)" Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also given Vitamin A and Iron supplements.
Training for breastfeeding peer counselors all over the country will also commence this June, so yes, the government is now doing more so breastfeeding can save lives.
*~*
I was a little annoyed and disappointed that only half of the bloggers who confirmed for the event showed up. As a former government employee, I know just how limited the funds are and no-shows are a waste of resources.
I spoke about this with Campaigns Cebu and asked them, should there be another blogcon on DOH's breastfeeding program, that I be contacted so I can also invite actual breastfeeding advocate bloggers.
It is good to have converts among those who make a career out of blogger events but inviting those who are already advocates too will effect bigger improvements as we can work better with the government, offer more informed feedback and see how else we can help.
I have also asked DOH to let me cover their peer counselors training so I can blog about it. Hopefully, I can be accommodated. I really believe that knowing what the government is doing, no matter how slow or small, can result in more cooperative constituents.
And I have no agenda other than to help save lives... both the baby's and the mother's.
I was at the launch of the Breastfeeding TSEK campaign months ago but was not really familiar with the details. Still, it was really nice to see the government funding the promotion of breastfeeding awareness and support. It was now tapping new media even!
Welcome Remarks and call for support was made by Asec. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial while Dr. Anthony Calibo (Supervising Officer for Essential Newborn Care, NDCC-DOH) presented the Breastfeeding TSEK Primer. The PR is being handled by Campaigns Cebu.
Highlights of/Notes taken from the bloggers engagement include:
* We actually have better breastfeeding laws compared to other countries; we have a problem with implementation though
* Aside from the usual Milk Code Violations, we also have a culture where most pregnant mothers do not go for prenatal pediatric consultation to know their rights and responsibilities
* There is a growing trend now of OB-GYNs also pushing milk formula by colluding with their 'partner' pediatricians; "if you don't push this milk, I will not send clients your way" (on top of hospitals issuing formula cans; pediatricians ordering formula feeding for any number of reasons; and public health workers giving away formula to mothers they see in their clinics... all funded by milk company giants, of course)
* Good news: Aside from designated breastfeeding areas in public places in Davao, there are also reserved bus seats for breastfeeding moms
* Based on their most recent studies, 53% of mothers breastfeed after giving birth, but only 33.5% do it exclusively for the first 6 months of life. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding is 2.8 months, corresponding to length of maternity leave and an obvious room for improvement on information dissemination (that it is doable to exclusively breastfeed even after going back to work, and how) and support (both from family and employer). Sorry I cannot cite the specific study and year but maybe we can ask from the Breastfeeding TSEK Facebook page
* There is actually about 20% or more who breastfeed for the first six months and do not give formula, but give water or other things (solids, honey, etc) and it is DOH's hope to target this population to just exclusively breastfeed to bring the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding to over 50%
* A story of a breastfeeding mom who pumped in a toilet cubicle: a colleague only heard the low hum of the pump motor, reported it to the supervisor and the whole thing resulted in Bomb Squad, NBI, etc being called
* 38.4% of the labor force is composed of women; 33% of union members are women... which should empower women to insist on their needs and roles being considered and addressed
* Mothers who want to delay rooming in should also be informed of the increased chance of catching infections the longer their newborn stays in the nursery (issue of support system will come in here for the newly-delivered mom)
* Region VI (Western Visayas) showed consistent low scores in proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding scores; Region X (Northern Mindanao) consistently scored high
* Underweight problems set in at age of solid introduction which suggests a problem with proper complementary feeding
* Formula milk has to have added iron as the allergens in it result in microbleeding for babies
* to my question of whether the Breastfeeding TSEK program has anything in it to also effect changes in the training of medical students, there was no clear answer (breastfeeding is just a course topic, not even an entire subject for med students, when breastfeeding experts cannot even cover everything about it in two weeks)... however, it seems the World Health Organization (WHO) has already issued a guide for curriculum developers and that they are targetting nutritionists especially (since they are actually required to master formula components & preparation); there has also been a curriculum integration meeting where medical schools were represented last year;
* I brought the matter up because aside from the OB and the pedia, nursing mothers who get sick also see a slew of other doctor specialists who are quick to prescribe medications without considering its safety for a nursing mom or who refuse to prescribe/look up safer drug alternatives
* A good thing is the government's conditional cash transfer program (CCT) involving DepEd, DSWD and DOH wherein P5.7 billion has been allocated for DOH's social service package to cover basic emergency obstetrical and neonatal care facilities. "Under the CCT program, the government provides a monthly stipend of P500 to mothers plus P300 per child up to three on condition that they keep their children in school, that they receive immunization, and that the mothers avail themselves of pre-natal and other check-ups. (Source)" Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are also given Vitamin A and Iron supplements.
Training for breastfeeding peer counselors all over the country will also commence this June, so yes, the government is now doing more so breastfeeding can save lives.
*~*
I was a little annoyed and disappointed that only half of the bloggers who confirmed for the event showed up. As a former government employee, I know just how limited the funds are and no-shows are a waste of resources.
I spoke about this with Campaigns Cebu and asked them, should there be another blogcon on DOH's breastfeeding program, that I be contacted so I can also invite actual breastfeeding advocate bloggers.
It is good to have converts among those who make a career out of blogger events but inviting those who are already advocates too will effect bigger improvements as we can work better with the government, offer more informed feedback and see how else we can help.
I have also asked DOH to let me cover their peer counselors training so I can blog about it. Hopefully, I can be accommodated. I really believe that knowing what the government is doing, no matter how slow or small, can result in more cooperative constituents.
And I have no agenda other than to help save lives... both the baby's and the mother's.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Better Time Management, Please!
We're actually loads better now... because we generally wake up between 7-9 AM (Yakee and I) and Yamee sleeps through the night. His night feedings do not bother me much because he just feeds and sleeps.
Yakee generally knows that it's play time after breakfast and then lunch and then tub time and then nap time. After that is play time again, snacks, play time again until supper.
But I think we'd still benefit from better time management. Just so, I can have more structured interaction with Yakee... and I can enjoy Yamee more. I just cried to hubs last night about being sad that I am missing alone moments just enjoying Yamee coo and giggle (because I have to attend to Yakee too) and being scared and sorry that Yakee is growing up more competitive for attention as Yamee grows more interactive and cute. Just the other day, Yakee was hitting Yamee because Yamee kicked his face (yes, Yamee is at that age where he likes seeing people's reaction to his kicking and slapping).
The only upside to having to attend to both boys is that I don't have to buy liporexall at all because I am usually just sweating like a pig. Sometimes, i'd shower first at night before giving the boys their evening baths... then would have to shower again after. Maybe we should just really lay out a pool and spend the day there, hehe.
Plus, I discovered that there is such a thing as Waldorf homeschooling. I am now still deciding if I'd enrol Yakee there only, or do that with another curriculum (double the pressure for me? double the expense for educational materials for us?).
Better time management, please!
Yakee generally knows that it's play time after breakfast and then lunch and then tub time and then nap time. After that is play time again, snacks, play time again until supper.
But I think we'd still benefit from better time management. Just so, I can have more structured interaction with Yakee... and I can enjoy Yamee more. I just cried to hubs last night about being sad that I am missing alone moments just enjoying Yamee coo and giggle (because I have to attend to Yakee too) and being scared and sorry that Yakee is growing up more competitive for attention as Yamee grows more interactive and cute. Just the other day, Yakee was hitting Yamee because Yamee kicked his face (yes, Yamee is at that age where he likes seeing people's reaction to his kicking and slapping).
The only upside to having to attend to both boys is that I don't have to buy liporexall at all because I am usually just sweating like a pig. Sometimes, i'd shower first at night before giving the boys their evening baths... then would have to shower again after. Maybe we should just really lay out a pool and spend the day there, hehe.
Plus, I discovered that there is such a thing as Waldorf homeschooling. I am now still deciding if I'd enrol Yakee there only, or do that with another curriculum (double the pressure for me? double the expense for educational materials for us?).
Better time management, please!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Philplans Insurance Strategy
We got a call that we 'won' an insurancecertificate from Philplans. I decided to check it out because it is supposedly free. Well, it is. I now have a P25,000 insurance from them. They give that for free for a chance of being able to conduct a sales talk for their Prodigy Account, which was actually interesting and tempting.
The Prodigy account is more like a time deposit sort of something wherein you commit to a certain amount to invest in them (say, P100k) payable within 5 years (so P20k annually, or staggered payment of around P1,700 monthly if charged to credit card and that would only accrue 1.5% and not the usual 3-3.5% credit card companies usually charge for unpaid balances). It will mature after 7 years and you will have the option to collect it as lump sum, or use it for educational purposes for your kiddos or memorial fund for you. It also gives you the same amount of insurance money should you die. And your money earns 4-7% annually compared to a bank's 1-2%.
The catch, of course, is I had to commit to it there and then... which I couldn't do because I had to talk it over with my husband first. Plus, he just got a new policy from Sony Life. And tuition time is up.
But it sounded a nice investment, right?
*~*
Because I took Yakee with me and he was like a withering plant in the heat, I treated him to dalandan juice the minute we got home. It would have been nice to just sink into an Adirondack chair and rest but I had to prepare Yamee's food the minute we got home because he was hungry too.
The Prodigy account is more like a time deposit sort of something wherein you commit to a certain amount to invest in them (say, P100k) payable within 5 years (so P20k annually, or staggered payment of around P1,700 monthly if charged to credit card and that would only accrue 1.5% and not the usual 3-3.5% credit card companies usually charge for unpaid balances). It will mature after 7 years and you will have the option to collect it as lump sum, or use it for educational purposes for your kiddos or memorial fund for you. It also gives you the same amount of insurance money should you die. And your money earns 4-7% annually compared to a bank's 1-2%.
The catch, of course, is I had to commit to it there and then... which I couldn't do because I had to talk it over with my husband first. Plus, he just got a new policy from Sony Life. And tuition time is up.
But it sounded a nice investment, right?
*~*
Because I took Yakee with me and he was like a withering plant in the heat, I treated him to dalandan juice the minute we got home. It would have been nice to just sink into an Adirondack chair and rest but I had to prepare Yamee's food the minute we got home because he was hungry too.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Babysitter Away For Three Weeks
My cousin, my main babysitter and girl Friday is away for three weeks to finish up all her caregiving OJT. She was already stressed packing her stuff and needed to wash the scrubs she wore to her class even because she needed to bring one to where they were going. It was too late to get her some extra discount scrubs. She also had to wash my old earth pad yesterday in time for her departure today. Good thing it's so hot, everything dried in time.
But anyway, my cousin's wife (her sister-in-law) has stepped in to help me, since I have to be away every Monday for Yakee's class. Good thing Yamee adores her to pieces. Unfortunately, this setup isn't without its challenges.
I forgot to tell her that I had extra expressed milk in the ref. She did see it but believed it was spoiled because of the color and the cream having separated from the main milk. Ahehe. Then, she also washed Yamee's feeding stuff using our regular sponge and dishwashing liquid. And she didn't steam enough squash for Yamee. Hehe. Little things I took for granted because my cousin knew these things (well, she also didn't like giving Yakee stored milk before and is still against thawing frozen milk).
But I am still very lucky. I know. And I am thankful!
But anyway, my cousin's wife (her sister-in-law) has stepped in to help me, since I have to be away every Monday for Yakee's class. Good thing Yamee adores her to pieces. Unfortunately, this setup isn't without its challenges.
I forgot to tell her that I had extra expressed milk in the ref. She did see it but believed it was spoiled because of the color and the cream having separated from the main milk. Ahehe. Then, she also washed Yamee's feeding stuff using our regular sponge and dishwashing liquid. And she didn't steam enough squash for Yamee. Hehe. Little things I took for granted because my cousin knew these things (well, she also didn't like giving Yakee stored milk before and is still against thawing frozen milk).
But I am still very lucky. I know. And I am thankful!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Two Asthma Stories
Around two weeks ago, I finally gave in and brought Yamee to an HMO pedia to have his rashes checked. The pedia was the same one who diagnosed Yakee to have primary complex, so, needless to say, I was wary of her. True enough, she just took a quick look and said it was skin asthma. She told me to use only the mildest soap, buy a steroid-based ointment and that was it.
I decided instead to bath Yamee twice a day (yes, even at 10 in the evening!) and observe the rashes. They have improved but not disappeared. I also decided i'd just wait for the next sked with our main pedia and follow his prescriptions instead.
Last Thursday, we waited 5 hours to be seen by our main pedia. Yes, it was really rather horrendous. But out of boredom and having missed a nap, Yakee thought to amuse himself by jogging around the room (especially since we were the only ones waiting in the room, the others after us were outside). That was between 15-20 minutes of non-stop jogging. The secertary was bothered by this (haha) and offered him a candy just so he'd stop and rest. He got the candy and started jogging again.
Then, it was our turn with the doctor. Using his stethoscope, the doc heard wheezing in Yakee's breathing. Mind you, Yakee wasn't even out of breath when we saw the doctor. He could also talk just fine. But the wheezing was there. The doc even made me listen to it. Yakee has asthma... the kind that doesn't need maintenance nor medication.
And Yamee? His rashes were fungal.
I decided instead to bath Yamee twice a day (yes, even at 10 in the evening!) and observe the rashes. They have improved but not disappeared. I also decided i'd just wait for the next sked with our main pedia and follow his prescriptions instead.
Last Thursday, we waited 5 hours to be seen by our main pedia. Yes, it was really rather horrendous. But out of boredom and having missed a nap, Yakee thought to amuse himself by jogging around the room (especially since we were the only ones waiting in the room, the others after us were outside). That was between 15-20 minutes of non-stop jogging. The secertary was bothered by this (haha) and offered him a candy just so he'd stop and rest. He got the candy and started jogging again.
Then, it was our turn with the doctor. Using his stethoscope, the doc heard wheezing in Yakee's breathing. Mind you, Yakee wasn't even out of breath when we saw the doctor. He could also talk just fine. But the wheezing was there. The doc even made me listen to it. Yakee has asthma... the kind that doesn't need maintenance nor medication.
And Yamee? His rashes were fungal.
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