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Parenting

5 Ways to Bond with your Kids

“There are seasons to our life.” 

This is what Joy Tanchi Mendoza shared when she and her husband Edrick were on stage during their slot for our recent 2be1 Couples’ Enrichment weekend in Baguio. 

She was actually referring to the choices that they have made together for their family in terms of home schooling, career choices, and even her writing. It made so much sense to me. It actually reminded me of another saying I have heard before when referring to parenting.

“The days are long but the years are short.”

Joy shared how challenging some of her days are. She has five kids. I think she knows what challenging is. She and her husband had to make some hard choices and even some sacrifices so that they could both be present as parents. So they could create and witness all the glory and wonder of the childhood that they are providing for their family of 5 kiddos.

I get it.

As a mom, I make big and little decisions on a daily basis for what is good for my kids. Sometimes, it comes with a little less sleep (because I want to prepare their lunches) or even a lot more effort, (because I like to cook our meals).

We are the memory makers. The dream shapers. And we do this all through different moments we are gifted with. Some of these moments are teachable moments. Some of these moments can even just be time to bond.

QUALITY TIME IS BONDING TIME.

Here are some ideas and activities that we can do as a family to nurture the relationships my kids have with each other, and the relationship that I have with each of them. 

EXERCISE

Photo Credit: Photography by Lianne

When Nino was at the height of riding bikes, we all rode with him. Now that the kids are a little older, we can take the time to go to the gym together. We can play basketball together. And even take walks after dinner together. I like taking walks in the early morning or in the afternoon when the sun isn’t glaring down on us, but honestly, anytime we get moving together as a family is a great opportunity to stay fit and to bond.

GET COOKING

Getting the kids in the kitchen is not just a good idea to help them make healthier choices, it’s also a great way to get kids talking. 

 

I spent most of the day on Monday baking for a shoot which took place on Tuesday. Of course, I had some helping hands in the kitchen. Cute. Little. Hands. With chubby fingers. This little girl has changed my perspective on life. She has changed my world. Shifted my paradigm. And made me a better person. I just didn’t know what a wonderful gift God gave me through her extra chromosome. I sure do know it now. And I’m thankful. Thankful she chose me to be her momma. #grateful #iloveher #gellibean #t21 #downsyndromeawareness #downsyndromelove #instacool #instagood #instareal #parenting #specialneedsawareness #funinthekitchen #kidsinthekitchen #latergram

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Sep 21, 2016 at 3:38am PDT

When we are in the kitchen as a family, there is synergy.

A sense of team work…

We play music while we cook or bake. It’s a happy time for us. When we have the chance to prepare our meals together, I know that everyone is much more conscious of their eating habits, the things that they put into their bodies, and also how that makes each of them feel.

It is important for the kids to understand that the food that fuels them has a direct correlation in how they feel. Whether they have energy, or if they are foggy from too much sugar, and even if their digestive system is affected, it is important they recognize the one to one correlation of what they put into their bodies and how they feel physically.

Cooking together is a bonding activity that reaps many benefits. 

Sometimes, if everyone is in a really good mood, then we may even dance a little in the kitchen too…

GAME NIGHT

Uno.
Monopoly.
M-Deal.
Jenga.
Life.
Pictionary.
Othello.
Chess.

These are just a few of the games that we like to play when someone calls a “Game Night.” 

 

And after dinner we play cards… #family #gamenight #uno #cards #familytime #teamgellibean #familyfirst

A post shared by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 14, 2016 at 4:15am PST

Actually, we have a whole cabinet, full of board games which span across all the kids’ ages. I think the thing I love most about this, is that we are sure to disconnect from social media and the electronics. (Except for the occasional photo snap for IG, like the one above. hehehehe.)

MOVIE NIGHT

Movie Nights are perfect for sitting around in the living room. Miggy makes truffle cheese popcorn for everyone, and if I’m lucky, I get to cuddle one of my kiddos while we watch the movie of choice for the evening.

Recently, we all watched The Shack together. It was a movie rich with lessons in faith, love, and even loss. Actually, if I think about how it was for all of us to watch this movie together, I dare say it was a healing experience for everyone.

Taking the opportunity to use the movies that we watch as a family to reinforce lessons or values we want our children to embody, is an added perk. Some of the movies we like to watch are by Christian movie makers. It’s been incredibly helpful as our children grow.

When we hear of a new movie or a friend shares something that she has watched which was helpful in her own child rearing, I call my friend Kaye up, and ask her if they have that movie in stock. 

If you would like to look for some of these same movies, you can visit House of Praise or follow Worship Generation on Instagram. 

Some of the movies we have watched as a family are:

The War Room
Flywheel
Fireproof
Courageous
Facing the Giants

DANCE

For those of you who know me, you know I love to dance. I always have. Even as a teenager, my cousin, Triccia and I would enter the talent shows held in our high school, putting together routines with our friends for the stage.

We even did this at home for our relatives who were willing to be our “audience.” 

Dance like No One is Watching? 

Yes, please!

Perhaps, that’s another reason why we love to go to our Best Buddies Philippines Dance Nights together.

The release.
The laughter.
The exercise.
The time spent dancing it out, maybe even getting a little sweaty.
Holding hands.
Copying dance moves.
Letting go.
It feels good. 

Happy Playlist. Check. Played on the speaker here at home. Check. Superior dance moves from Gelli. Coming right up…

Family bonding doesn’t have to be elaborately planned, nor terribly expensive.

While many of our family memories have been created when we are on vacation, or doing something special, like celebrating a milestone occasion, these moments are not made extraordinary by the amount of money we spend to bond with our kids.

In fact, all of these activities, don’t cost a dime. We can do them at home, comfortably. Perhaps even in my yoga pants. Now, that makes it even a little easier, doesn’t it?

House of Praise
http://www.praise.com.ph/praiseworship/
https://www.facebook.com/houseofpraise/
https://www.instagram.com/houseofpraise/

Worship Generation
http://www.worshipgen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/worshipgen/
https://www.instagram.com/worshipgeneration/

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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