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How Does Parenting Change With A Chronic Illness?

It's one of the most intense moments in your life to be diagnosed with a chronic illness. Conditions that will change your life forever are never really going to become normal. We have our lives planned out and not once did we ever think we were going to either pass away sooner or live in pain for most of our remaining years. It's even more daunting when you have a young family to raise. A million worrying thoughts will go through your mind in a single moment. How will you take care of your kids, can you do chores like washing their clothes and cook them dinner or helps them with their homework? How long will you be able to manage on your own before the later and more aggressive stages of your illness begin to show up? It's an incredibly difficult set of circumstances. To stay on top of these challenges, you must plan ahead and change the way you live based around your condition.





Ask for help
Local authorities are one of the avenues you can go down to ask for help. Many local authorities will actually assign helpers and carers to families with parents that cannot cope with the number of things their children need. This may be to simply cook dinner or to help them with their homework. If parents with chronic illnesses have slowed down and are unable to provide the basics such as this, local authorities must be contacted. Such entities of governance will want to step in and provide some kind of support because the last thing they want to have to do is take the children away. So, it's within your right to ask for professional services from the local authorities to help around your home and make life as normal as possible while you cope with your health condition.

Caught In the Care Sandwich Of Young Kids & Elderly Parents

It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do, what social background you are from, your ethnicity, gender, religion, or anything, there has never been a better time to be alive than now. As a society, we are so tolerant, so caring, so interconnected, so mobilized, and just generally so much more awesome.

But for all the movements and changes that have improved society as a whole, there is one that still hasn’t really got the attention that it deserves: looking after our elderly parents.

The problem most people face nowadays is, as a whole, couples are having children much later on in life, something that has seen more and more families have to care for their elderly parents at the same time they care for their young children, which has to be one of the most challenging balancing acts ever known to humankind. But not just challenging; complex and emotional too.

You’re having to balance your own needs, your family’s needs, your children’s needs, and the needs of your elderly parents who, let us not forget, are the people that brought us up. Nonetheless, it is this complete u-turning-role-reversal that is so hard to get used to. Suddenly, you are having to play parent to your parent and that’s not easy to accept or do.

You are, in case you are wondering, part of the Sandwich Generation, which isn’t just hugely under-talked about, it is also on the rise thanks to couples having children later, kids not being able to get onto the property ladder, and people living to a much older age. It’s tough.

So, without further ado, here are some things you can do to keep the plates spinning and the people in your life smiling:

1. Always Seek Some Support
Nothing is going to take the stress of so much responsibility away, not completely, but sometimes just having someone to talk to, vent out or cry with can lead to a massive sense of relief. We know it’s never easy, but you should really try and talk to your family and friends about what you are feeling and what you are dealing with. Don’t feel guilty for it because it’s a lot to handle, just talk. If, however, you don’t want to talk to people you know, try joining a local support group of some kind. What you’ll find is, well, you're not alone; your feelings are not isolated. Here’s the best bit about finding a support system though: not only will you be able to get the support you need or the advice that will help, but you will also be able to support others too.

2. You Don’t Have To Be The Fulcrum
All too often it can feel like you need to do everything, which is because you take on most of the caring responsibilities. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You don’t have to do absolutely everything yourself. In fact, we recommend you don’t. We recommend you find out a system where everyone can help everyone. It could be that your kids take on more chores around the house, something that will take the burden from you and teach them independence. Alternatively, you could schedule time each day where your elderly parents entertain your young kids; teach them to paint or help them conquer puzzles or anything like that. This will remove some of the responsibility and time and that can make a world of difference.

3. Know Where To Care
It may seem like an unusual point to raise, but there are actually many options to consider. For instance, if your parent is determined to remain in their own home, you’ll need to assess whether you can realistically schedule time to support them yourself or if hiring a homecare visitor for personal tasks would be more feasible. If neither option is workable, individualized memory care services might be worth exploring. As mentioned earlier, finding a solution could also mean leaning on each other for support and working together to make it manageable.

It could be that you have a spare room, you might need to add a fully-fitted garden room to your backyard, or if mobility is an option, give up a downstairs room. Of course, if none of this is viable (and, let’s be honest, there would be a lot of stress and strain with both), you should consider more long-term care options, such as moving your parent into a care home. To do this in the most loving way possible, we recommend you keep your standards high and look around ones that still promote a lot of independence, offer a wonderful community spirit, and all the amenities a person could want.

4. Self-Care Still Needs Focus
When we were growing up, we were taught you won’t be able to properly look after someone else if you don’t take care of yourself first. And it’s true. Plain and simple. The problem is, it can be so easy to stop looking after yourself when you have to look after both your children and your parents at the same time. It’s natural to stop prioritizing yourself when life is hectic. Don’t let this happen. Our advice: pop a note on your fridge that reminds you to exercise, eat properly, get enough sleep, and see your doctor regularly. Don’t just stop there, though. Find a way that you can have some time too. It could be that your best friend can have the kids for a night and your sister can look after your parents, in which case go and enjoy whatever it is you love doing. The more you look after your own sanity, physical wellbeing, and mental health, the easier you will find it to care for those you love.

Like we said, if you’re feeling the pressure of looking after your parents and your kids simultaneously, you are not alone. So don’t let yourself feel as though you are and don’t feel guilty if you start to struggle. The best thing you can do is accept the hardships and then find a solution for them.

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




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.




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

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


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

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!



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!