Make Time for Story Time

I love my books and so does J. We also want to impart this love of ours to the little girl, as we want her to explore the world of books be it fact or fiction. I have always believed that reading books do have a lot of positive effects like widening one's vocabulary and improving your writing skills. I guess I was right all along because this recent article from Advance OT attests to that. :)

Studies suggest that different approaches to common parent-child activities, like storybook reading, conversation, and problem solving, affect pre-school cognitive and language development in ways that predict children's readiness to succeed at school. In fact, the language parents use in the home and their strategies as "first teachers" could account for 25-60 percent of the readiness gap prevalent among kids from low-income families, according to some estimates.

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"Children gained better vocabularies when mothers read books interactively and offer support and guidance as a teaching strategy," Pia Rebello Britto notes. "Merely providing support with little teaching does not appear to be linked with child outcomes. A parent who is interested in language development and school readiness should provide high levels of guided assistance, flexibility in giving instruction to match a child's need, clear verbal cues that a child can understand, and information to help a child learn and understand."

Read more »

In short, story time is not just a means of bonding with your kids, but it helps in their cognitive and language development as well. So, tonight when you tuck your children into bed, make sure to stay for few more minutes to read them a nice story. It's amazing how such a small effort can do wonders in the long run so this is definitely worth our while.

Red Flags

Having worked as an Occupational Therapist for six years before I settled down, it was but natural for me to keep a watchful eye over our little girl's developmental milestones. So apart from other concerns like getting term life insurance quotes, I also had to review my OT references to see how Erin was going along.

Fortunately, she is right on track. But if you are not much aware of what to expect of your kid, then I really would suggest for parents to read up on the milestones expected per age.

To start with, here are a few red flags to watch out for in your kid during the first two years of life:

Red Flags -- Seven Months
Alert the child’s parents and pediatrician if, by the end of seven months, the child:

• Seems either very stiff physically or very floppy like a rag doll.
• Does not roll over in either direction (front to back or back to front).
• Cannot sit with help or hold his or her head up when the body is put in a sitting position.
• Does not bear some weight on the legs.
• Reaches with one hand only, has difficulty getting objects to the mouth, or does not reach for objects at all.
• Refuses to cuddle, seems inconsolable at night, or shows no affection for the primary caregiver.
• Shows specific eye problems (persistent tearing, eye drainage or sensitivity to light) or vision impairments (inability to follow objects with both eyes at near and far ranges).
• Does not respond to sounds or turn her or his head to locate sounds.
• Does not laugh, make squealing sounds, smile spontaneously, babble, try to attract attention, or show interest in peek-a-boo.

Red Flags -- 12 Months
Alert the child’s parents and pediatrician if, by the end of 12 months, the child:

• Does not crawl or drags one side while crawling.
• Cannot stand when supported.
• Does not point to objects or pictures or search for objects that are hidden while he or she watches.
• Says no single words.
• Does not learn to use gestures, such as waving or head shaking.

Red Flags -- 18-24 Months
Alert the child’s parents and pediatrician if a child between 18–24 months old:

• Does not walk by 18 months or walks exclusively on the toes.
• Does not speak at least 15 words and begin to use two-word sentences.
• Does not seem to know the function of common household objects like telephones and eating utensils.
• Does not imitate actions or words or follow simple instructions.
• Cannot push a wheeled toy.

Source: Healthy Child Care

It doesn't hurt to be vigilant about these things. As a therapist, I have always believed in the effectivity of Early Intervention -- the earlier you can do something about the problem, the higher the chances that it get resolves and the easier it is for the child to catch up on his or her development. Also, as parents, it is our responsibility to watch out for our children and give them the best possible care so that they may lead independent and productive lives.

Looking Back

Ever since we had the little girl, life has been different for us. Well, that is an understatement, I reckon, as life has been one big rollercoaster.

It is no secret that Erin was not a good sleeper, which was probably why she was such an irritable infant. Of course, it was like a chain reaction on all of us, especially on my part, as I remember quite clearly that I did seem to have the postnatal blues for most of Erin's first six months of life. Never have I felt so much stress in my entire life! It was due to a combination of things -- not having enough breastmilk to feed the little girl, not getting enough sleep, and trying to keep Erin calm for most of the time. Gosh, the pressure was too much for me that I really had meltdowns every once in a while. No kidding!

In fact, when I look back at old photos when Erin was just a baby, I realise how much depression I was going through, because it really showed. I did not even bother to fix myself, get a great haircut or give myself acne treatment, which I know I truly deserve.

I am glad those days are over now. I can honestly say though that all our sacrifices have paid off, Erin has been delighting us to no end with her antics. There is light at the end of the tunnel after all.

SP Kids Camp

Your kiddies must be busy with schoolwork and skimming through bookshelves trying to complete their requirements for the term. Give them a break and enrol them in Kids Camp. I got the following invitation below and am helping spread the word to all interested.

SUNKEN PLEASURE
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City

SP Kids Camp
October 4-5, 2008; Kampo Trexo, Tagaytay
Registration Fee of P2,200 per participant

SP Kids Camp is a beginner’s camping experience for kids organized by the Sunken Pleasure (SP) team, a University of the Philippines based group of Ultimate Frisbee athletes.

This event is being organized as a fund raising activity to bring the UP Sunken Pleasure to this year’s Pan Asian Ultimate Championships in Hong Kong on October 24-26, 2008. All proceeds of this activity will be used to directly fund the team’s bid in Hong Kong. Thank you very much for supporting our all-Filipino team representing the Philippines in the Pan Asian Tournament.

SP Kids Camp will be providing its participants an opportunity to participate in various group activities and interactions as well as a memorable outdoors camping experience. This activity has the following primary goals:
1. Increase environmental awareness and advocacy of participants;
2. Promote the stewardship of the natural environment;
3. Teach participants to become confident and responsible outdoors-persons; and,
4. Provide an opportunity for play, learning, and interaction with other children and their parents.

Intended objectives of the SP Kids Camp are the following:
1. Learn the basics of camping;
2. Develop basic outdoor skills that they can use when they go camping and hiking;
3. Develop a sense of stewardship for the environment;
4. Become environmental advocates in their home, school, and local community;
5. Build confidence through participation in different camping activities such as, but not limited to, wall climbing, “Slide for Life”, tight rope crossing, and the mini obstacle course; and,
6. Learn to play Ultimate Frisbee.

For further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Karla Corpuz at karlafrancisco@yahoo.com, karlacorpuz@gmail.com, (63) 9173352779, or (632) 4410592. Deadline of registration is October 1, 2008. Please submit duly accomplished registration form, and signed and notarized waiver and release form and photography release form personally or via email to the email addresses provided earlier. A 50% down payment of registration fee is also required.

Source: UP Mountaineers

I am loved!

Oh boy, I wasn't sure what I was tagged with this time, but I was certainly surprised at how this nice meme that Joey passed on to me made me smile. So, before I go ranting and raving about exercising, house fixtures and fence installation, let me do this bit first. I have to name seven people who's blogs I love and pass this meme to them. Here goes...

Joey - She's become a great online friend over the past few months. She is a doctor by profession but still has the time to manage all of her blogs. I reckon she is the jack of all trades as she is also a businesswoman and a loving and devoted wife and mom.

Jean - A fellow Canberran, I met her via W@W when she was asking about migration tips. I love her writing style. It's light, fun and thought provoking at the same time. She loves to travel and her make-up! :)

Mik - I met Mik through W@W as well. She is also based in Australia but in the western part of this continent. She writes well and to be honest I am actually envious because she is multilingual and speaks French!

Kat - Another Australian-based Filipino, she is also a freelance writer and loves her trashy romance novels to bits! She recently gave birth to twin girls and that pretty much has kept her pretty busy these days.

Jigi - I met Mrs. K via N@W-Oz and have found her to be really friendly. In fact, she rang me up when I was just a new migrant to welcome me. She's a very sweet person, and a very loving wife and mom to two kids.

Ging - I've known her since high school, but she has only become my true best friend after we graduated from college. She knows me inside out like no one else. She is a true gem.

Iris - I met Iris through work when I was still based in Manila. She is a headstrong lady and a feisty one at that. She speaks her mind when needed and I admire her for that. She is also a gifted writer.

Phew! What a list! Alright ladies, now it is your turn to spread the love. :)

My Body's Real Age

With all that has been happening in our daily lives, it sure does takes its toll on our poor bodies. Stress, medicines (including weight loss pills), illnesses, and our lifestyles can affect us in so many ways.

Anyway, I have chanced upon this test online and was able to find out my "real age."

I am 32.5 based on birthday so there's not much difference. One thing I'm glad about though is that at least it is not older than my chronological age. :)

It is a pretty long test, so if you are planning to take it yourself, make sure you got the time for it. Click here to find out your real age.

PPBC 8th Edition: Values

I admit this is a very hard yet interesting topic to talk about which is probably why only a few were able to join us (apart from the lack of lead time of course! my bad!). Anyway, as there were only a few to round up, I might as well make this a lengthy one. :)

What are values?

Wiktionary's concise definition states that values are...

... a collection of guiding, usually positive principles; what one deems to be correct and desirable in life, especially regarding personal conduct.

But this definition from Suite101, I think, says it better.

Values are deeply held beliefs that guide our behaviors and decisions. They reside deeply within the subconscious and are tightly integrated into the fabric of everyday living. We make decisions and choose behaviors, friends, employment, and entertainment based, in large part, on our values.

Survey says...

Well, of the three (and that's including me) who participated in this carnival, I think the top three values that are the most popular are honesty, respect and humility.

As respect comes in different forms, Mommy Joey gives us a breakdown on how it should be manifested.

-Respect for a Higher Being
Catholics and Christians believe in God, Muslims have Allah as the center of their faith, Buddhists uphold the teachings of Buddha. I believe it's important that we realize that there's a Force greater than us -- and that we must respect that.

- Respect for other people
Simple acts of courtesy like waiting for your turn, letting people pass, paying the proper amount in a transaction, these all show that you believe that the other people are as important as you are, and that they deserve to be treated the same way that you want to be treated.

- Respect for nature
Throwing garbage in their proper receptacles. No cutting of trees and plants. Cleaning up waterways. These all show respect for nature. Because nature deserves no less. Because if we do not respect nature, our lives would eventually be miserable.

- Respect for life
Every living thing deserves its place under the sun. Unless it's important (food, medicinal use, for example), there is no reason to kill other creatures (or humans, for that matter).

- Respect for laws, rules and people in authority
Even if sometimes (ok, a lot of times!), those in authority do not seem to worthy of respect, we do need to follow the laws and abide by the set rules because these are there in order to ensure a smooth running of the whole community.

Mommy Jigi, on the other hand, narrates her frustration in trying to teach her young daughter the value of being honest.

Kids tend to lie and make up stories just to avoid being in trouble thinking that mum and dad will not find out. I should know - our littlemissy have done this many times that its infuriating. Why is this value so hard to learn these days. I suppose because our children are exposed to others who may not hold this value important in their home. To this day, I get disappointed when I find out that our littlemissy still throws in some fibs here and there. I wish that she would realize that the reason why I discipline her when she bends the truth or not tell the truth at all is that because my mother instilled this to us and this have many benefits not only as a child but in all the dealings that we do in our everyday life.

As for humility, I have always been turned off with people who are boastful and more so, if they very vocal about it. Each one of us is unique and we have our own strengths and weaknesses. If we have something to be proud about, let others recognise it. In the same manner, as we are not perfect individuals, let us be humble enough to own up to our mistakes and be responsible for the consequences that result from it. That is what I want to instill in our little girl.

We all want to impart several things to our children, especially the nonmaterial ones which they can take with them wherever they go and whoever they may turn out to be in the future. I am sure we can all agree that materials things do not make the person that we are but rather, it is what is in our hearts and souls which define us as human beings.

Still on Exercise

If you've noticed, I am on an exercise roll here. I just had to post this bit of information below because I realise now how much important being and staying active is especially for us women. Those diet pills will definitely have to take a back seat after you read this.

Physical activity and being overweight have been shown to be independent factors related to breast cancer risk--activity reduces risk, while being overweight raises risk. Consensus documents conclude that there's approximately a 30 percent protective effect from regular exercise in postmenopausal women, says Kathryn H. Schmitz, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. So when it comes to breast cancer, even overweight women can benefit from physical activity; being sedentary and overweight can be double trouble.

While researchers are unsure of exactly what, if any, effect daily exercise has on premenopausal women, the incentive to exercise prior to menopause remains high. Literature looking at animal models suggests that exercise can positively impact longevity and cancer risk at the chromosomal level, says Dr. Smith. The implications of such research underscore the importance of a life-long emphasis on physical activity for overall health and wellness. These recent findings suggest that the physiological effects of exercise are exerted on numerous organ systems and molecular pathways.

In addition, postmenopausal women who've gained at least 20 pounds since age 18 have a higher risk of breast cancer, says Susan Brown, RN, MS, citing two studies. 3,4

While exercise alone may not reduce cancer risk prior to menopause, it can help women maintain a consistent, healthy weight throughout life, which does impact risk.

And, women who are overweight before menopause tend to be overweight after menopause-a known risk factor for breast cancer, says Brown, director of health education for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research, education and health services.

Read more »

Working Out For Two

I confess, I have never been in a regular exercise regimen in my entire life, until now of course. I have always been lazy (if you will) when it came to that, probably because when I was younger I was thin and did not have to worry about fitting into those tight jeans.

But now that I have a kid (and not to mention getting older), my body just isn't the same anymore. And no matter how much dieting I do, the weight just won't shake off. This is how I got myself into exercising. I realise it's a really hard habit to acquire, much like eating your veggies from a child's standpoint.

But did you know that you need to be fit even while you are pregnant? Well, I used to think that I could get away with anything while I was pregnant with our little girl. But, that should not be the case, says a lot of experts.

For those not in the know, we need to exercise while we are pregnant for the following reasons as enumerated in an Advance for OT article:

• Reduce weight gain during pregnancy and obtain more rapid weight loss after pregnancy;
• Improve mood and sleep patterns;
• Decrease risk of urinary incontinence due to pelvic floor muscle weakness and dysfunction;
• Relieve or prevent low-back pain;
• Potentially prevent gestational diabetes;
• Increase her rate of postpartum recovery;
• Strengthen muscles in preparation for labor and to support joint laxity;
• Increase flexibility;
• Increase or maintain aerobic endurance;
• Decrease muscle tension that helps promote relaxation;
• Increase understanding of how posture is affected by pregnancy;
• Promote feelings of well-being and a positive self-image;
• Obtain an invaluable support system through exercise classes.

If I have managed to convince all you preggy moms out there to get up and break a sweat, make sure to also take note of the following reminders as we don't want anything untoward to happen.

Cardiovascular changes that occur in pregnant women also affect how a woman feels at rest and during exercise. These changes include increases in blood volume, cardiac output and resting heart rate.

As a result of such changes, pregnant women experience shortness of breath, sometimes with minimal exertion. Pregnant women should always monitor their symptoms during exercise or exertion.

In addition, expectant mothers should avoid the supine position after the first trimester to avoid obstruction of venous return, which decreases cardiac output and results in orthostatic hypotension. Motionless standing can also decrease cardiac output and should be avoided.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day for healthy pregnant women.2As a guideline, being able to talk during exercise is a good gauge of exercise intensity.

Women should exercise within their comfort zone and stop with any pain, dizziness, faintness, excessive fatigue, vaginal bleeding or unusual symptoms. Women should not exercise to the point of exhaustion.

It is also important for this population to drink sufficient fluids before, during and after exercise to avoid dehydration because in pregnancy there is an increase in metabolism, which increases body temperature. Proper nutrition is also imperative and due to this increased metabolism, pregnant women should consume an extra 300 calories per day.

To read more on this article from Advance OT, click here.

Deadline of Submission Extended for PPBC 8th Edition

Just a short note. I know most of us are busy on the weekends so I am extending the deadline for submission for PPBC's 8th edition so that more people can join us. The new deadline is now on the 16th of September. There'll be no more extensions after that. I will be posting the round up the following day, the 17th.

Thanks to the few who were able to make it on time though! :)

Call For Articles: PPBC 8th Edition

Alright, it is my turn this month. I apologise for not coming up with a topic for this month's first installment at an earlier time, but you know how busy we can get as parents. :)

Being parents, we want our children to grow up as people of good character. It is our jobs to guide our kids in the right direction so that they may be productive members of society. With all the influence of peers and media these days, that task can become quite challenging. So now I pose this question to you: What values or lessons in life do you want to instill in your children, and why? Please name only 3.

Here are just a few guide questions to help you get started on your article:

Are there values that your parents instilled in you that you want to pass on to your kids? Are there ones which you do not want your kids to take on?

The media and your children's peers play a great role in your child's value formation. How do you go about telling your kids what and what not to take on? Where do you draw the line?

For a review of the guidelines in joining this carnival, please click here.

The deadline for submission of articles for this edition is on the 14th of September, Sunday, 10 PM (Manila time). I will be rounding up all submitted articles and post my summary on the following day, the 15th of September. For those who would want to submit their articles, just leave a comment on this blog post and make sure to indicate the URL where your article may be found.

Mozart Downloads For The Little Ones

We all love a little freebie every now and then. Rather, we love freebies all the time, don't we? So it was such a treat to find out about this from a fellow N@W member. And you don't even have to get extra self storage space for this one as you can just keep it in your trusty laptop or MP3 player.

If you are one of those who believe that music does have some influence in the cognitive development in children, then I am sure you will be happy to know of this free download of Mozart favorites for both infants and toddlers.

These Mozart favorites have been developed and arranged by Dr. Norman M. Weinberger, a renowned neurobiologist, and Jimmie Haskell, a 3-time GRAMMY® award winner.

Introduction by Dr. Weinberger
Music provides a powerful means of mental and physical development. Research has revealed that babies are born with the abilities to hear, organize and understand many aspects of music. Babies' capacity to recognize, invent and play with music increases as they develop through childhood. Music is natural to children and should be used as an important part of their experiences during development.

Parents can best promote children's natural interest in music by playing music that is developmentally appropriate for various stages of childhood. To encourage more attention to the music, play together with music. It not only provides beneficial stimulation, but also important bonding time for you and your child.

Click here to download select songs or the full album now.

Eczema Awareness Week

September 1 to 7 is Eczema Awareness Week!

Our little girl has eczema. She was diagnosed by our GP a year ago. It was the height of winter and she had terrible rashes all over her body at the young age of 4 months. We even brought her to the emergency room because we initially had no idea what it was as she had difficulty sleeping and was afraid that it might have been a really bad allergy attack.

But it was nothing like that. All we really had to do was moisturise, moisturise, and moisturise her skin regularly. In fact, moisturisers play a major role in the management of dry skin conditions like eczema. However, not all moisturisers are the same. Here are some key points to consider when choosing the best product that will suit you.

Tina Aspres, Pharmacist, Author and Clinical Researcher from Dermal Research Laboratories, Sydney says there are a number of key features to look out for when choosing a moisturiser.

"It's important to choose a product that is fragrance-free, ideally with a pH of around 5.5. Avoid 'cosmetic moisturisers', as they may contain sunscreen, fragrance, antioxidants, anti-aging ingredients and other chemicals.

"Hypoallergenic products are the least likely to irritate the skin. If possible, test the moisturiser on a small area of skin first for a few weeks to ensure that it does not sting, burn or irritate the skin. Never be guided by price or fancy packaging. A moisturiser should be affordable, as you need to use it several times a day," said Ms Aspres.

Well, that is your bit of trivia for the day. To read the full media release on Eczema Awareness Week by the Eczema Association of Australasia Inc, click here.

Wearing the pants in the family

I took this test just for the fun of it. But am not really surprised with the results. I think the husband can sometimes attest to that! :P

You Are the Father

You are a strong, powerful figure in the lives of your friends and families. In general, you value justice and fairness. You appreciate structure and rules. At your best, you protect and guide those close to you. You are a born leader. You are good at establishing order in chaotic situations. At your worst, you are a tyrant who rules through intimidation and criticism. You are quick to condemn other people as pathetic losers not worth your time.

What Family Role Do You Play?

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens®

It's not easy being a parent, especially to teenagers who we know would want to assert their independence even at such a young age.

Well, here is a program that all parents of teenagers may benefit from. Here is an invitation from the Center for Leadership and Change, Inc.

Dear Parents,
We are very pleased to announce our youth program that is changing the lives of many around the world. Today's teen challenges range from peer pressure, maintaining high grades, balancing a life outside computer games and social networks and most of all—growing up as a person of character. Furthermore, traditional institutions, like schools, need strong partners in guiding the youth.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens® was created specifically to meet obstacles your children normally deal with. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens® provides the principles that will help your children address the challenges of their fast-changing world. These timeless principles help them form life habits that reinforce the values and right attitude they learn in school, in the community and at home. It is time to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

There's no time to waste, turn setbacks and problems into opportunities for growth. Register your children for the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens® on October 4-5, 2008. Open to high school students. For more information, call 8172726 local 132 (Gino) /133 (Christine).

KNOW MORE ABOUT OUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE
AND FAMILY PROGRAMS VISIT:
www.7Habits4Families.blogspot.com

Center for Leadership and Change, Inc.
4/f Ateneo Professional Schools,
130 HV dela Costa St. Salcedo, Makati City

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Lirio Ongpin-Mapa
Vice-President,
Center for Leadership and Change Inc
Tel: 8400879 // 8172726 ext 120
Mobile: 0918-9035579 // 0917-7909638
4th fl. Ateneo Professional Schools
130 H. V. de la Costa St,
Salcedo Village, Makati City