The Curious Mom: Parenting

Mom’s Guide to Maintaining a Social Life Without Feeling Guilty

Apr 4, 2024

Motherhood is the greatest journey that any woman can ever experience, and being a mom will define you as a person. But while your little angel will always be the number one priority, it’s important to pay attention to your needs too like women health and fitness. After all, a healthy and happy mom will be better positioned to give the best version of herself to her family.

As with many aspects of modern life, the key is to strike a balance. Being a parent will naturally impact your social life, but the following tips will help you enjoy a social life without any guilt.

Socialize From The Comfort Of Your Home

Leaving your child behind to socialize with clothes can leave you feeling a little guilty. While this is a little irrational, it’s a very common issue. Socializing from the comfort of your home is one of the best ways to overcome this. You will be ready to attend to your child’s needs, whether that’s waking up from a nightmare or needing your support with homework.

Learning how to do a Netflix watch party allows you to enjoy a social streaming experience without leaving the sofa. It is the perfect way to share moments with friends when you can’t be together. Better still, you won’t need to spend money and retain all of your home comforts. Alternatively, you could host a garden BBQ or gathering at home works well.

Turn Fitness Into A Social Activity

As a mom, maintaining your health is vital. Otherwise, you will struggle to play an active role with the kids. Regular exercise is a key component of adopting a healthy lifestyle, and combining it with social activities is a great solution. It enhances your physical activities while also clawing back valuable time that can be enjoyed with your child. Perfect.

There are several options at your disposal. This could include taking a group boxercise class, joining an amateur sports league, or training for a 10k together. You may even find an activity where your child can play a sport at the same time in another part of the sports hall or fitness center. Encouraging your child to fall in love with sports will deliver many benefits.

Image - Pixabay CC0 License

Socialize With Other Families

Spending time with other families won’t only give you a chance to socialize with other adults. It also gives your child an opportunity to form stronger friendships. Better still, you can use this as a way to create magical memories as a group. Whether it’s days out, time visiting another family’s house, or a group vacation doesn’t matter. The moments will be cherished.

Arranging a camping trip, for example, can be a great option when you have kids of varying ages. There will be activities for everyone to stay entertained during the day. In the evenings, you can relax with the other adults in your party. Of course, being parent means that you will naturally have many different topics to discuss that non-parents do not.

Use Your Support Network

It’s great that you wish to spend as much time as you can with your child. However, kids love to see friends and other relatives too. Playdates or sleepovers at a grandparent’s house, for example, are something that they look forward to. From your perspective, they also open the door to social activities. Even one day or night off per month can make a huge difference.

Whether it’s a day out with friends or a date night with your partner doesn’t matter. Those moments of socializing with only adults are a key ingredient for a happy lifestyle. Of course, you need to have 100% trust in the babysitter. If using a friend or a family member that has children too, returning the favor gives your child an exciting moment at a late date too.

Socialize In Daily Settings

The harsh reality is that you might not be able to set aside much time for social activities like you used to before. However, there are several ways to squeeze social elements into daily tasks. Knowing how to arrange a carpool for the school run or journey to your child’s Little League games is ideal. Not least because it additionally helps the environment.

You may also find that it’s possible to socialize by going clothes shopping with a friend. Another option could be to work together on updating each other’s gardens. Rather than each doing one job alone, you could do two together. You’ll get each task done in half the time, meaning the overall time spent is the same. Yet you’ll have avoided lonely feelings.

Doing Everything You Can To Ensure That Your Child Has A Solid Education

Oct 21, 2023

Education is massively important to kids and adults alike. We constantly need to learn new things, we need to be able to know certain topics in order to be successful in life and that’s why education is an essential part of life. As a parent, it’s imperative that you are taking an interest in your child’s education, and playing as much of an active role as possible. The last thing that you want is to take a backseat, and not notice if there are any problems for example.

In this article, we’re going to be exploring some of the things that you can do to be sure that your child is getting a solid education. If you want to learn more, then you are welcome to keep reading to get the information you’re looking for.

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Get Involved With School Work

Getting involved in school work is going to be one of the things that you can do. Now, we’re not suggesting that you go to the school and hold their hand all the way through their work. But, when they get home and you ask about their day, ask them if they learned anything interesting. When they start speaking, engage with them about the topics that they learned about, especially if they seem to have been interested in what they learned. If they don’t seem that interested, try to find out why that is, and check that they got the information that they needed at least.

Most schools send home workbooks and things for the students to write in and work in, so you can always take a peek in there to see what’s being taught just to keep yourself in the loop. You can’t help if you don’t know what’s going on!

Help Them With Homework

There is going to come a time when your kid is struggling with homework, and you’ve got to hope and pray that you know the answers or you can figure it out. Or, at the very least, you can do a quick Google search to find what you need. It’s important that if your kid comes to you and asks you for your help with their homework you take the time to help them. It’s also important though to show them that sometimes it’s okay not to know the answer, and spend some time working it out together. You’re not expected to know everything just because you’re a parent, but you can get to the answer together and use it as some bonding time.

Don’t be one of those parents who shout at their kids for getting it wrong, and don’t be one of those parents who get frustrated when the child isn’t getting it. We’re not good at everything, and you’re only going to show them that they can’t trust you to help if you do this.

Do Fun, Educational Activities

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When at home, you can encourage learning by setting up some fun, educational activities for them to do. Of course, this is going to depend on what kind of stage your child is in, so you need to tailor this to your child’s age and ability. It’s no good giving a five-year-old an activity that’s meant to challenge a two-year-old, unless you think that your five-year-old needs to learn something from this.

If you don’t have many ideas on how to do this, then you can look around online where you will find plenty. Try things like puzzles, painting, learning the alphabet through play, and so on. It’s a lot of fun if you are willing to get into it, we promise. Don’t make your kids do these things alone either, get involved yourself as you are just as much part of the process as they are.

Find Out Where They Are Struggling

One of the most important things that you can do for your kids when it comes to ensuring that they have a solid education is to figure out where they are struggling. If you know where they are having a hard time, you can do everything in your power to help. For example, if they are not the best at working out triangles and everything to do with them, then you can learn yourself to help them understand. You can download an isosceles and equilateral triangles worksheet answer key and worksheet, going through them together. Get your kid to answer the worksheet to the best of their ability, and then check with the answer key, showing them what went wrong and why. Do this again in a few days, and see if there is an improvement. It’ll take time, but you’ll get there.

Find Educational Programs

The final thing that we’re going to suggest in this article is that you find some educational programs for them to watch. Of course, not everything has to be educational, but there is a good range of programs out there that you can take advantage of. If they’re going to plant themselves in front of that screen, then they can at least learn something while they are at it. Most of these shows are actually really popular, so it’s not as though they’re going to be bored the entire time, they’re probably going to really enjoy it, not knowing they’re absorbing information! It’s a win-win really.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways that you can get involved in your child’s education as a parent, and ensure that they are getting a solid education. It’s important that they are learning both at school and at home, without you actively throwing new information at them all the time when they are supposed to be relaxing. The more time that you take to do this, the better your child will achieve academically, getting the best education possible and helping them to build a solid future. But remember, don’t push too hard, or else you could turn them from finding learning fun.

MAKUKU Diapers For Cool Moms

Dec 1, 2022

It’s a pleasure to be part of @makukuph First Intimate PR & Bloggers Event held last November 29 at Seda Residences, Makati City with friends from media, blogger influencers, and VIP Moms. The event aims to educate the market on the unique features of MAKUKU diapers, as well as learn about stress-free parenting tips from clinical Psychologist, Alodia Cueno-Mercado, and exciting surprises for guests.

Makuku has given a year's supply of diapers to Maria Margarette Villorente, the mother of the world's 8 billionth baby, to kick off their product launch in the Philippines. Vinice Mabansag of Delpan, Tondo, Manila is the symbolic 8th billionth baby born in the Philippines, and as such, he deserves one of the best brands on the market. Rita "Badjao Girl" Gaviola also attended the event to share her MAKUKU experience with her firstborn baby.

MAKUKU was founded in 2020 in Shanghai, China. Makuku is dedicated to the research and development of high-quality, long-lasting products for moms and babies. A high-end user-oriented brand whose mission is to become a part of their customers' lives by creating the best products for mommies and babies all over the world.

Us moms, always make sure that the diapers we choose for our babies provide the comfort we wanted. Diapers have such a direct effect on a baby's comfort, movement, and, of course, peace of mind. Good thing, MAKUKU created its Slim and Comfort diaper series, especially for humid Asian countries like the Philippines. It provides the babies the comfort they need overnight because it is ultra-thin, lightweight, and made with Super Absorbent Polymer. It is also incorporated with Vitamin C to protect the baby's skin from redness and irritation.

MAKUKU's newest product, Balance Care diaper is also out on the market! Made with bubble waist wrap preventing red marks and skin irritation making it more comfortable to wear for our active babies.

Experience the MAKUKU diapers! Available at Puregold, SouthStar Drugstore, Watsons, Divimart, Landers, All Day Mart, Metro Gaisano, Shopwise, or Hi-Top Supermarket. Exclusive discounts and coupons are also available to first-time customers through popular online stores through Lazada, Shopee, Zalora, and Edamama. Visit www.makuku.com.ph for more details.

Follow @makuku_ph social media accounts to find out more about the high-quality, mom-and-baby products they'll be launching soon.

How To Ensure Your Kids Are Healthier And Happier

Sep 14, 2022

A healthy diet and plenty of exercises are essential for a child's growth and development, but did you know that there are other things you can do to help your kids be healthier? The following blog post will discuss tips on ensuring your children are as healthy as possible. Follow these tips, and you can be sure that your kids will be happier and healthier!

Photo by Samer daboul

1) Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep

Children must get enough sleep to function properly. A lack of sleep can lead to moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy levels. Therefore, ensure your child gets at least eight hours of sleep every night.

You can do a few things to help your child get enough sleep. First, establish a bedtime routine and stick to it as best as possible. This will help signal to your child's body that it's time to wind down for the night. You should also ensure their bedroom is dark and quiet so they can easily relax and fall asleep.

If your child is having trouble sleeping, talk to their pediatrician. There are many helpful resources available that can teach you how to deal with sleep problems in children.

2) Keep Your Home Clean

One of the best ways to keep your kids healthy is to clean your home. This means regular vacuuming, dusting, mopping floors, and cleaning surfaces. You should also make sure to wash bedding and towels frequently. If you have pets, be sure to groom them regularly and vacuum up any pet hair. In short, a clean home is a happy and healthy home.

Another way to ensure your kids are healthy is to keep your home free of pests. This means regular pest control and eyeing for any signs of pests. If you do spot a pest, be sure to call preventative pest control services immediately. Pest-free homes are not only healthier, but they're also happier.

3) Teach Them Good Hygiene Habits

One of the most important things you can do for your child's health is to teach them good hygiene habits. This includes washing their hands regularly, brushing their teeth twice a day, and showering or bathing daily. It's also important to teach kids about safe food handling, such as not touching food with their bare hands and cooking food properly.

You can help your child develop good hygiene habits by setting a good example yourself. For example, wash your own hands regularly, brush your teeth, and so on. You should also ensure that plenty of clean towels and washcloths are available for your child to use. Finally, don't forget to praise your child when they practice good hygiene! A little encouragement can go a long way.

In conclusion, there are many things you can do to ensure your kids are healthy. Of course, a healthy diet and plenty of exercises are essential, but you should also make sure your child is getting enough sleep, that your home is clean, and that they're practicing good hygiene habits. Follow these tips, and you can be sure that your kids will be happier and healthier!

How much will tutoring cost parents?

Aug 19, 2022

If your child has weaknesses in the school curriculum, then you need to make up for these moments. This is important because children may have difficulty with the further learning process. The best solution in this situation is to hire a tutor who will help to present the material in the most appropriate way.

You want your child to learn math so you are looking for a proven program. for this, there is Singapore math where you don't need a tutor. Open the site and choose the right program. Get materials online and study them wherever you want. If you do not have the time or opportunity, you do not want or do not understand how to teach a child at home, then the best choice is a qualified tutor.

These are professional teachers with extensive experience who use an individual approach to the needs of each child. To understand if your child needs individual lessons, it is best to talk with his teachers. Together you can learn about his learning gaps and find the right tutor. Most often, extra lessons can be taken from your child's teacher. Less commonly, you may find it separately.

Learn more about choosing a tutor

If you definitely decide to find additional lessons for your child, then you need to choose the type of classes. There are three types of training: private classes, online tutors, and corporate tutoring centers. Children can work in groups or individually. Of course, all types and features of training have different costs. Many parents think that group lessons will be less effective than individual lessons. But this is not always the right idea. Experienced tutors can perfectly teach the material even to a small group of 3-7 children. But the choice of parents is often based not on the reputation of the teacher, but on the budget and lesson schedule. How to determine the budget and how to find the best value for money?

How much do parents have to pay for tutoring?

First of all, look at your family's income and expenses. Determine what amount will be acceptable for additional classes. It is also important to discuss the details of scheduling classes with the selected tutor. Have your child take a simple test to find out their level of knowledge and what learning gaps need to be addressed. The tutor will tell you how many lessons per week your child needs, what the material will be, and how long each lesson lasts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many schoolchildren stopped learning so children switched to online lessons. This has led to the fact that the quality of education has decreased and the level of knowledge gained ha8s decreased. Parents preferred tutoring to make up for the lost material.

Typically, one hour of class can cost anywhere from $15 to $100. But there are also special government programs that provide free lessons for children from low-income families. You can also find online lessons where the price will be quite affordable. It is important to note that individual lessons are more expensive than group lessons. But children love to learn in small groups where they communicate and share emotions. Group classes are a great solution because your child will make new friends and be able to do homework together. Individual lessons will seem more boring to him. Talk to your child to find out what type of activities he enjoys. Choose multiple options together. The atmosphere and environment for learning are important for children, make sure the tutor is qualified and interesting.

There is no definite concept of how much you should pay for tutoring, what matters here is the quality of education and your financial capabilities. There are elite agencies that offer various lessons for children of different ages and different levels of training. There are also special programs that help parents get the necessary knowledge and then help the child with the lessons. For example, the Singapore Method of Learning Mathematics may seem difficult for children and parents. The Learning Center offers parents free classes to help their children with their homework. There are also other companies that will help with eSM tutoring. If you have moved and want to learn the language of a foreign country, then there are free schools at the embassy, in most cases their classes are free. There are also free online lessons where novice teachers gain experience and reputation, so they start their careers with free lessons.

Conclusion

There are tutors who combine their services with child care. At a certain time, the teacher comes to your child, prepares a meal, helps with school lessons, and gives an extra hour to fill in gaps in his knowledge. Such classes may cost more, but you will be sure that your child has eaten and done his homework. Determine your financial possibilities and find the ideal tutor who will satisfy all your needs. It is not all expensive and inaccessible even for people with an average income. There are many offers where you can find something suitable for your wallet. Another issue is the desire of your child to receive additional lessons apart from the school curriculum.

Mondelēz International Makes Friends with Miming

Jun 8, 2022

Snacks Company Mondelēz International is committed to growing its business by making its products in the right way, with a positive impact on people and the planet. The Company calls it “Sustainable Snacking,” with a vision to help create a future where people and the planet thrive. While sustainable snacking covers many areas of its supply chain, one area that the Company is focusing on is the packaging. Mondelēz International commits that by 2025, 100% of its packaging will be designed to be recycled.

Apart from the Company’s actions to create better and less packaging, it also aims to support net-zero waste through improved systems, aiming for a circular pack economy. They believe in education, in shaping recycling habits early on in childhood so that everyone can contribute to reducing waste today and in the future.

With this goal, Mondelēz International has renewed its partnership with the advocacy group Save Philippine Seas (SPS) for educational materials on waste management. This year, the two have collaborated with Miming and Friends, an all-Filipino and homegrown YouTube channel focused on providing valuable lessons to kids through animation and songs.

Continued Partnership with Save Philippine Seas
The first episode of Miming and Friends supported by Mondelēz International was released on World Oceans Day on June 8, 2022, and is the first in a series of five. It talks about the importance of segregating waste at home, to ensure they don’t end up in the ocean. SPS serves as consultant and advisor to the Miming episodes on waste collection. Led by Anna Oposa, Executive Director and “Chief Mermaid,” SPS is an organization that aims to empower citizens towards environmental consciousness, leading to collective action and behavior change. In 2021, Mondelēz International and SPS released a series of infographics sharing the real reasons behind marine litter, entitled “There’s Plenty of Plastics in the Sea; How did this happen?”

Partnering with Miming and Friends
Miming and Friends, led by Cat-Fish Miming, flying lizard Buboy, and Unicorn Anacorn, join the many friends they meet along the way in learning about the world. Other video topics include values, how to count and sing, and the importance of caring for each other and the environment - all from the multilingual and multicultural perspective of the Filipino experience. The channel is the creation of Miming and Fwends Animation Studios, formed by partners Ramon and Meryll del Prado from Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, “The values we espouse through Miming and Friends very much align with the values of Mondelēz International and Save Philippine Seas. We are thrilled about this partnership as it fully synergizes with the greater goal of having responsible children as they grow up to become mindful adults.”

“We are delighted to work with Mondelēz International and Miming and Friends for educational videos and songs about caring for our environment, particularly in helping shape waste collection habits early on among children,” adds Oposa. “We support waste collection projects in communities, and we also know that early education plays an important role in empowering everyone to prevent marine litter.”

Top Tips To Encourage Your Child’s Musical Talent

May 26, 2022

Image - Pixabay CC0 License

Playing music is a talent that can enrich a person’s life for many years to come. Moreover, there have been plenty of studies to show links between musically gifted kids and academic performance. As a loving parent, then, actively supporting your child’s love of music is highly advised.

However, knowing how to do this in style may not come naturally, especially if you are not a musically gifted person yourself. The following tips should point your family in the right direction.

Invest in Good Equipment

First and foremost, kids need instruments to play music. Whether it’s a half-sized guitar or an electronic drum kit doesn’t matter, they should be of a good quality. It doesn’t have to be professional quality equipment, but it should be reliable. As kids get older, they may also increase their skills with loop pedals and other advanced tech. Check out the Aeros loop studio as a great example. Kids naturally embrace tech with ease and will quickly find ways to make it enhance their music.

Most musically gifted kids will play several instruments. Having cheap keyboards, recorders, and tambourines can all aid the cause.

Incorporate Music Into Daily Activities

Music is all around us, and it can easily be incorporated into a variety of activities. When looking for fun online games, a focus on music can be key. Meanwhile, you can go back into the archives of Rock Band titles to take this to the next level. It’s not the same as playing an instrument but still helps with timing and keeping to the beat. It’s also a great way to enjoy social activities as a family and expand your child’s music tastes with classic songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s.

Singing can brighten up a host of daily chores and even support academic progress as tunes make it easy to teach valuable lessons.

Find A Tutor

Kids can develop their skills simply by picking up an instrument. However, a lack of guidance may lead to frustration. If you’re not a skilled musician yourself, finding a tutor can be highly rewarding. While some schools are naturally blessed with great music departments, many are not. Either way, the one-on-one sessions can facilitate far faster progress. It also encourages the development of key skills. These can translate to increased academic learning and human interactions.

Online tutors and video guides are available too. For the best results, though, a face-to-face tutor is the answer.

Get Them To Analyse Music

A deeper understanding of music, including their own efforts, will make a huge difference. Recording their music and listening back to it will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. Meanwhile, attending gigs will inspire them while also encouraging them to think more about how to improve their own music. Buying noise reduction headphones with help from Headphonesty will protect their young ears. So, it will be possible to interact with music as frequently as wanted.

Of course, you mustn’t let the analytical side of things stop them from having fun. As with most aspects of life, finding balance is the key. You’ve got this.

What Happens When People Dispute a Will?

People usually write a will before they die. This could be because they own valuable things and want their loved ones to get them when they die. But sometimes, after a person dies, family members can't agree on what the will says. It can cause confusion, fights, and broken relationships if it's not handled right. It's best to stop it in its tracks as soon as possible so it doesn't get out of hand. In this same vein, this article will tell you what happens when people disagree about a will.

Photo by Alex Green

They Decide Whether They Have Grounds

Before a will can be contested, there needs to be a reason for the other side to do so. Most of the time, they would need to be a spouse, family member, or someone who was financially dependent on the person who made the will before they could take the dispute to court. Also, there are some things that would need to be shown to be true first. This means that the person who died was of sound mind and that their will wasn't changed against their will. A will can also be contested if it wasn't signed according to state law or if it was made by lying. Once either side can prove this, they can decide whether or not to go to court.

They Take It To Court

When people disagree about a will, one thing that often happens is that they want to go to court. This usually means taking the beneficiary to court or trying to show that the will is not valid. Most of the time, you need a professional estate planning attorney to help you through this process. They can best represent you and tell you what steps to take. It has been found that many cases involving wills are solved before they go to court. So, this is a choice you should think about because it will probably cost you much less money and time.

They Try Mediation

As we briefly talked about above, mediation is often used when people disagree about a will. This is when the lawyer helps you and the other person agree on the best way to solve the problem so that everyone is happy. This works best when both parties are willing to agree and are at peace with each other. Since it's usually a family dispute, it might also be best to see if you can listen to each other and talk to each other in a good way to come to an agreement. It could also be a better choice than having the courts make a decision that might not be good for both sides. But mediation isn't always an option. If that's the case, they would have to fight it out in court, which could take years and cost both sides a lot of money in legal fees.

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want is to spend the time you should be spending grieving fighting over their will. But when money and property are involved, it can be hard for people to agree on fair terms. If the right steps are taken to find a peaceful solution, it could all end in a way that is good for most people and gives respect to the dead.

Best Gifts You Can Give Your Mothers

May 12, 2022

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. And just like how you usually prepare for any season, you are probably glued to your screen searching for the best gift for your mom. And, with just a few clicks, you will get suggestions like “72 Unique Gifts for Moms” or “Flowers for Moms.”

A fragrant bouquet, a silky dress, a designer purse, a new ceramic dinnerware, or plant pots may excite her, but what if you give something beyond these usual gift items? What if you surprise her by showing your love and appreciation? After all, actions speak louder than words. This Mother’s Day, the best gift you can give might be a clean, virus-free home!

With all the household chores and the time she devotes to her family every day, she has less time for herself. The gift of a clean and organized home lifts a heavy load on her shoulder, giving her more time to bond with her family and do the things she loves. In fact, a survey conducted by The Clorox Company revealed that 80 percent of people felt more relaxed and 60 percent felt less stressed in a clean home.

Indeed, cleaning your sweet abode is a tedious job. Your mom can attest to that. Worry no more because you’ve got a partner!

Clorox Philippines, one of the country’s leading providers of cleaning and disinfecting products, is your partner in giving that tough power against germs and tender love to your mom!

Ready to wrap your present? Get yourself the Clorox Disinfecting Bleach. Not only does it clean your bathroom walls, floors, and sink, but it also kills up to 99.9% of germs, including the COVID-19 virus. Going with it hand in hand is the Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner. With a bleaching power that destroys tough stains and kills germs, it leaves your toilet clean and shiny. With scents ranging from lavender to lemon, it also delivers a refreshing fragrance in your toilet bowl.

Most of the time, your mom spends a lot of time cooking in the kitchen. So now, it is your time to tidy things up! With all the delicate surfaces in the kitchen, you need a reliable partner to do the job. Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner is perfect for various surfaces, such as synthetic marble, stainless steel, glazed ceramic tile, plastic, glazed porcelain, and sealed granite.

Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes helps you with quick cleanup for items like gadgets and toys. And to put the ribbon on top, use Clorox Expert Disinfectant Spray for a 30-second sanitization of the soft and hard surfaces for a germ-free and odor-free home. (Follow Clorox Cleaners’ usage instructions as per label.)

"Having a clean home may be one of the best gifts you can give your mothers. We hope that with Clorox Cleaners, we can help Filipinos provide this heart-warming and perfect gift to moms out there. Let’s make this special occasion more memorable for mothers." said Monique Gonzales, marketing manager for Southeast Asia at Clorox International.

It’s time to reciprocate your mom’s labor with your labor of love. Not just on a particular day, but every day.

OH MY GULAY: Camille Prats’ kids love eating veggies?! Here’s how to make your kids love them too!

May 7, 2022

Have you sat with your kids way past mealtime just to make sure they eat their veggies on the plate? How about resorting to bargaining more gadget time for just one more bite of that carrots? Well, you’re definitely not the only momma doing that. Even celebrities like Camille Prats have to do a bit of negotiating just to get her kids to eat their veggies.

Luckily, she shares some handy hacks with Spot.ph to do the trick without the crying, the bargaining, and the unnecessary drama that fills mealtime.

Here are 3 easy peasy ways to get your kids to eat their veggies according to Camille:

1. Oh My Gulay! May Gulay! – Instead of only serving your kids veggies, partner your kids’ meals with Tang Fruit & Veg. It comes in two flavors: Orange Carrot, which has the Vitamin C from oranges and Vitamin A from carrots, and Dalandan Malunggay, which has the Vitamin C from dalandan and the Iron of malunggay. Tang Fruit & Veg has the delicious taste of fruits AND the nutrition from veggies in a drink that kids love! Camille can vouch for this – her kids love its taste so much, that they actually ask her for it themselves! Yummy na, masustansya pa!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg here: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg

2. SmartMom Recipes - No need to work hard, just work smart! Incorporate veggies in delectable recipes that you know your kids will surely love. Your kids won’t notice that veggies are actually the main ingredient because of their delicious taste!

3. Appearance is key – Kids are very visual so it’s really all about making their plate look fun! Focus on making veggies look appetizing by using creative shapes and brightly colored bowls to increase their appetite. You can even add in their favorite animal or cartoon character for that extra wow factor! You can go as simple as making trees out of broccoli or more complex as making pirates from cucumbers-- the idea stays the same: make it fun!

Oh My Gulay! Shop the NEW Tang Fruit & Veg now to get the yummy taste of fruits with the nutrition benefits of veggies!: http://bit.ly/TangFruitNVeg.

#SweetButHealthy with Sweet Best Natural Sweeteners

May 2, 2022

As a mom, it's important for me to make healthy choices for my kids plus I am not getting younger, I need to work on that too because our family loves sweets most of the time. I am now focusing on their growth and development and encouraging them more on eating healthy foods, but making healthy food choices is a challenge, right?

Because of the pandemic, I have become more and more conscious of the way our family lives. For starters, I have started on my wellness journey this year to become fitter through some physical activities and also cutting down on unnecessary junk that we eat.

That is why I am so happy to have discovered Sweet Best natural sweeteners. I did not realize how cutting back on sugar can make a big difference. When I come across articles that talk about eliminating sugar in my life, I get a little sad because I am not quite ready to give up on my cakes and cookies. Little did I know that there are products like Sweet Best that can help me achieve a #SweetbutHealthy life. Take this yummy easy recipe I made this weekend with Sweet Best. My kids love this easy sugar-free recipe too!

SUGAR-FREE GRAHAM BALLS

INGREDIENTS

200g crushed graham

4 Tbsp Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol

¾ cup Alaska All Purpose Cream

Sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed graham, stevia – erythritol, and all-purpose cream.

2. Using a fork or a spatula, mix together until well blended and form a dough. 3. Use food safety gloves or clean hands when making a ball.

4. Coat each graham ball in sprinkles, and roll to coat evenly.

5. Serve graham balls, chilled or at room temperature.

That looks awesome, right? You can also pair these graham balls with coffee sweetened with Sweet Best Stevia sticks. If you are looking to shift your lifestyle and live sugar-free, check out Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol and other products today.

Sweet Best products are all plant-based sugar alternatives. They are sugar-free, low carb, vegan, FDA-registered, and certified organic, too!

Sweet Best Stevia-Erythritol does not contain maltodextrin or dextrose (like some other brands). It’s a hidden sugar that can cause insulin spikes! Yikes! Don’t fall into the trap of getting artificial sweeteners that could mess up your system worse than sugar. Try out Sweet Best natural sweeteners instead.

And while you are still at this, join me and many others at bit.ly/sblowcarbgroup while we push for a healthier lifestyle and cheer each other for our weekly wins. Plus, you’ll get loads of recipes that will support this lifestyle, too! Hope to see you there!

Why Should You Consider Organic Baby Food?

Jan 31, 2022

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Babies are fussy eaters, but that should never bother doting mothers and keep them away from the biggest joys in your life. When looking to provide your baby with the best of everything, ensure that they grow up well and focus on their food. Your regular food is not enough for your baby because they need to grow into healthy and happy toddlers.

When considering the best baby food organic is the way to go. Many dietary experts and pediatricians support organic baby food for many good reasons.

If you are looking to go organic, here are five reasons.

Not Genetically Modified

Genetically modified food has been controversial for quite some time. While the long-term side effects have not been revealed, many people are already on the fence about it. When you want to ensure that your baby is getting good nourishment and energy from their food, it is good to stay away from GMOs until research can tell you more.

Organic food comes in handy in this aspect as the fruits and vegetables are guaranteed to be non-GMO. For families who believe their child has been affected, legal support is available to address the harm caused by toxic baby food, helping those impacted seek justice and compensation. It can be ideal to ensure your baby gets the best food possible.

Fewer Herbicides and Pesticides

Chemicals are detrimental, whether for an adult or a baby. Your baby is most vulnerable when young, and you have to ensure that nothing can disrupt their growing up.

When you want to ensure that your baby’s hormones are not affected by chemicals in their food, it is best to go organic. Organic baby food contains fewer herbicides and pesticides, so your baby’s health is not compromised.

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to be more sustainable or eco-conscious, organic food is optimal. Because the processing time is significantly less, you do not have to worry about how much pollution is caused.

You will find that in most baby food, organic ones come in sustainable packaging that you can either recycle or use again. Organic baby food that comes in glass packaging is most convenient, as you can use the jars for other purposes later on. Many companies also offer discounts on your next purchase if you return the product packaging to them. It can help you save more money as you go.

More Flavorful

When looking to give your baby delicious and nutritious food, organic is the right choice to make. Because of the absence of preservatives and artificial flavoring, your baby can taste the fruits and vegetables in the food.

If you want to make your baby love vegetables and fruits, choosing organic food might be the best option. Companies that focus on organic food know the best combinations and best ingredients that will make your baby excited every time mealtime comes around.

Fresh From the Farm

With organic food, once the product has been picked from the farm, it will hit the shelves within a few days. Because of no preservatives in the food, they do not have a long shelf life, which means you will have to use them within a few days of being opened.

Conclusion

When you look forward to your baby growing up healthy and being concerned for their well-being, you need to research organic farming. It is the best way to ensure their digestion and health are on track.

Fun Online Games For The Fam!

Dec 24, 2021

As a mother, I choose my kids to play indoor and sometimes online games because of the pandemic. Of course, I want them to be safe. But, honestly, staying at home and keeping the kids entertained is a very challenging job. Sometimes I am actually running out of options. Before you say what's on your mind, yes they have screen time. There's a limit when using gadgets; we do pretend to play too. Sometimes we listened to stories for our nighttime bonding before going to bed, and as for me, I do love playing games online. The other day, my friends and I were chatting in our group chat about how to find or identify what games pay real money so we can have fun in our spare time and make money at the same time. Because, as you know, we cannot waste time. Everyone is actually suggesting sites to visit and try.

The above photo is of my youngest son playing games from www.culinaryschools.org which I just discovered as a website for kids and also for the whole family. It teaches kids the importance of eating healthy foods while playing. A lot of games to choose from and even I enjoyed playing games. My youngest loves to play the SpongeBob SquarePants Krabby Patty Crisis because he loves SpongeBob SquarePants and he really enjoyed playing these games.

When I have my me-time moment I also play games, yes for my mind to relax and enjoy too! I personally love to play the Find Pair and Guess the Food games because it feels like my mind is in refresh mode. This is also good for the kids, the Find Pair help children develop pattern recognition skills. Surely my kids will be interested in these games too!

What I love about kids' games at Culinary Schools Org is that it's ad-free even games are free to play, sites are not bombarded with ads and not necessarily pop-ups link ads that kids don't like when they are playing. Instructions to play are easy, and there are many classic games that kids and parents will enjoy. It's an educational game actually and I hope they release an app that all the games can be downloaded in one app.

And if you are looking for online games for your kids I am recommending this site. Ending this post because I am currently playing now haha! let me know if you tried too and tell me your favorites!

Is your home clean and safe this holiday season?

Dec 22, 2021

Create a Pine-tastic, worry-free Christmas at home with Pine-Sol Original

Last year, the pandemic stole our Christmas as if the COVID-19 virus was the Grinch. But this year, due to people’s continued compliance with safety protocols, as well as the ongoing rollout of the nationwide vaccination program, quarantine restrictions have now been less stringent, especially since health authorities record a lower number of COVID-19 cases every day.

While everything is, in a way, now slowly going back to normal, with the holiday season just around the corner, welcoming Christmas guests is inevitable. And yes, it does not mean that we need to let our guards down since the sickness-causing virus still lurks around.

Aside from continuously following health protocols, what more can you do to ensure that your home remains free from the harmful COVID-19? Here are some tips as listed by Pine-Sol, a trusted cleaner for the home since 1929, to keep your home safe and clean so you can have a merry, worry-free, and Pine-tastic Christmas this season.

Start to declutter

Admit it. There’s nothing that feels homier whenever you see your house organized—no dirty dishes in the kitchen, no traces of shoe dirt on your walkway, no dirty laundry on the floor, and no random food wrappers sitting under the sofa.

So, unleash your inner Marie Kondo, and start tidying your space as the first step to make your home clean. Also, be sure to throw away the garbage. Remember, less mess, less stress.

Wipe down your home

Regularly cleaning your home after welcoming guests reduces the risk of spreading the virus. So, with a mixture of water and Pine-Sol Original, the No.1 pine-scented dilutable cleaner, always remember to clean the places your guests' visit at your home.

As it has no rinsing requirement except for rubber or asphalt tile, you can just wipe down your entryway, floors, tables, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, doorknobs, windows, and other high-touch surfaces. And while it powerfully cleans your home and is safe on surfaces, it also deodorizes terrible odors and gives you a fresh and longer-lasting pine fragrance to enjoy this Christmas season.

Always disinfect

Isn’t cleaning the same as disinfecting? For the books, cleaning uses a mixture of water and soap for surface dirt and impurities, while disinfecting uses products to kill germs and viruses.

We don’t want our home to be the mutation ground of bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases, like the COVID-19 virus. That is why it is also necessary to disinfect your spaces thoroughly by using Pine-Sol Original to kill viruses on high-touch or exposed surfaces.

With the power to kill 99.9% of germs, including the COVID-19 virus, pour a concentrated portion of Pine-Sol Original in a sponge or cloth and wipe it on a wet surface. To effectively disinfect and help control the spread of the coronavirus, let it remain for 10 minutes on hard and nonporous surfaces, such as finished hardwood, cement, ceramic tiles, glass, plastic, carpet, linoleum, and granite, then wash it off.

“This holiday season, we at Clorox want to make sure that everyone is safe from the COVID-19 virus. Even if the country is slowly going back to normal, we must protect our loved ones from sickness. That’s why it’s important always to keep our home safe and clean so everyone can have a merry and worry-free Christmas,” said Monique Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Clorox Southeast Asia.

To learn more about Pine-Sol Original, visit the website at https://www.pinesol.com/products/original-pine-cleaner/.

5 Things to Take When You're Taking Your Baby Outside

Nov 25, 2021

A change of scene is always welcome for your baby and you. If your little one has learned to walk, sourcing good walking shoes for baby is preferable. Your daughter or son will enjoy exploring the outside world on their two feet.

Equipping your baby bag with all the essentials ensures you have a memorable outing. Knowing you have all you need for your child at hand is reassuring and allows you to venture out with a peaceful state of mind.

Baby’s Day Out

Depending on how long you will be away from home with your baby dictates the extent of baby stuff you ought to carry. Investing in neutral pairs of good walking shoes for the baby will thrill your kid no end.

For a longish stay out, pack an extra pair of footwear for your little one. Enumerated below is a list of five items you must carry along when you step outdoors with a baby in tow.

Sufficient Diapers

Disposable diapers are such a boon, especially when your baby is not quite potty trained. Always cater for extras to cover unforeseen eventualities when outdoors.

Suppose you possess a foldable diaper changing station. In that case, cart it along, too, so you need not struggle with this exercise while on the move. Baby wipes make the cleaning process easy, and diaper rash cream keeps your baby out of discomfort when constantly wearing diapers.

Bags for Soiled Stuff

When used diapers need disposing of, you can wrap them in disposable bags. Dirty baby clothes that are pending a wash also warrant a dedicated bag on you when out. You can then conveniently segregate these items instead of mixing them with the clean stuff.

First-Aid Kit

Carrying pain relievers, ointments, and lotions is a necessity. Should your baby get hurt when out, rubbing the infected area with a soothing cream brings much relief to your kid? Equipping the first aid kit with general-purpose medicines for a common cold, fever, cough, and diarrhea prepares you to tackle the worst-case scenario.

Change of Clothes

Fresh sets of clothes for your baby are invariably needed as there is always a possibility of accidental leaks from the diaper. Babies also tend to dirty their clothes, especially when in a playful mood.

Make sure you carry pairs of baby clothes based on the weather outside. Warm clothing will make your baby miserable when out in humid conditions while adequately layering your little one keeps them snug in the chill outdoors.

Favorite Toys

Your baby will invariably have a favorite stuffed animal or soft toy that they sleep with and carry everywhere. Before stepping out, make sure you carry a couple of your kid’s favorite leisure activities.

Whether your child enjoys reading, playing with a toy, or playing games, keeping them distracted and gainfully engaged will do you good. When in a different environment, you must make your baby feel comfortable, so they do not battle with adjustment issues.

Take your charger along, so you are always connected should you need to reach out for help when out.

Equip yourself with all the requisite baby accessories, including a car seat, so you can make the most of your trip outdoors.

5 Ways To Celebrate Your Newborn’s Homecoming Day

Nov 13, 2021

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The birth of a baby is a remarkable time for the whole family. And the day you bring the newborn to their home should be marked with a warm welcome celebration. Whether you're planning to have a grand party or just a small get-together, there are many ways to celebrate your joy. One of the ways to celebrate a baby's arrival is by displaying welcome home baby signs. If you have no clue how to start designing or choosing your custom yard sign for the occasion, here are some themes to take inspiration from.

Cute and Simple

If you're looking for a simple and heartfelt sign to congratulate the parents on the baby's homecoming, choosing cute and simple signs can be the most ideal. You could also choose to put a customized message on the sign instead of the usual 'Welcome Back' phrase.

Depending on whether the baby is a boy or a girl, you could also use appropriate color schemes to make the sign look personalized for the baby and parents. Ensure that it's surrounded by balloons to make it look super cute!

Extravagant Signs

If extravagance and over-the-top designs are your styles, then go all the way out with the colors and fonts. When you can't contain your happiness and excitement about having a baby in the house, choose to celebrate it lavishly by getting numerous welcome home baby signs and displaying them everywhere.

You could choose to make one giant yard sign so that even people at the far end of your neighborhood will be able to see it. To make it seem extravagant, consider adding as much bling and sparkle to it as you can.

Sophisticated and Chic

Not everyone is a big fan of over-the-top designs that engulf their whole property. When you're looking for a modest but fun way of showing your excitement about having a baby in the house, choosing sophisticated signs is ideal.

When choosing a design for your sign, ensure that it doesn't have too many bright or neon colors. This will dismiss the elegance of the theme. It would be best to consider cursive or flowy letter fonts to make the whole sign look more classic and chic. Moreover, you should avoid sparkly letters or confetti around the sign to ensure that it remains minimalist but gets the message across.

Based On A Theme

If you're confused about what type of design or personalization would be appropriate for a baby's homecoming, choosing a theme is an easy way to prepare a sign, especially if you're short on time.

You could choose a theme based on the design of the baby's nursery or by using a kid's movie as a reference. Getting a 'Finding Nemo' or 'Lion King' inspired sign is a sure way to please everyone while conveying the message.

With Additional Decorations

Sometimes, just getting a sign isn't enough. Consider getting additional decorations alongside your welcome home yard sign when you're looking to do more with less. These additional decorations could consist of:

Balloons
Confetti
Banners
Lights

Depending on your requirements, you could customize these props after getting the sign delivered.

A yard sign is a perfect celebratory decoration when you're looking to welcome a baby with style and flair. Be a part of the happy moments of your loved ones and show them how much you appreciate them for being in your life.

The Curious Mom