• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Nurture Parenting

On Multitasking, Motherhood and Technology

I read some where that there is no such thing as multi-tasking.

Funny, because this topic has been a discussion amongst some of the moms in the support groups that I am part of. The question is whether or not we really can get more done by doing many things at once?

Usually, I am the type of mom who is doing quite a few things at once. I have found, that I am more productive when I set out to complete a list of items and tick them off one by one. If I try to do more than one thing at a time, (as this article states) I would usually fall short, or make a mistake in the process.

Fact:  I am even more successful at completing these lists when I set out to complete my list first thing in the morning.

But, all things taken into consideration there are many tasks that can be accomplished simultaneously , with a little help from my support network. Most of the time I can accomplish what needs to be done, simply by asking for help, and by managing it all from my smart phone.

Consulting with Nino on our daughter's prom dress is made easier with photos that we can send thru iMessage or Facebook Messenger.

Consulting with Nino on our daughter’s prom dress is made easy with photos that we can send thru iMessage or Facebook Messenger.

I have complained about technology before, (maybe out loud but not here on the blog) and how I feel the iPad has taken away the childhood of yester-year. I grew up climbing trees, drinking from the garden hose, making mudpies, and riding my bike around the neighborhood for hours.

This is very different from my kids’ experiences of inviting friends over to play video games and stream movies. I understand the necessity of advancements in technology, but I also weigh these benefits as well as the challenges that accompany the use of electronic gadgets when raising children. (PSST. Steve Jobs never gave his kids an iPad. Coincidence? I think not.)

Even the way the kids watch movies has changed.

Even the way the kids watch movies has changed.

In November, I was in New York with my family for a medical emergency of my niece. I had to leave Manila in a hurry. I tried to prepare as much as possible while leaving instructions for the household staff on how to pack the kids’ lunches and manage their schedules. I did the food shopping for the first week that I would be gone. I wrote my lists for the help, and left instructions with Nino for kids’ different activities.

The beauty of advancements in technology, and smart phones, have afforded me amazing opportunities to stay connected to family and friends in the states, even if I’m living in Manila.

 

So early this morning I was able to spend some time with the administration, faculty, and staff of one very special public school. Together with Cathy Cham, and our @bestbuddiesphl ambassador, Vico Cham, we gave an orientation for parents and buddies to begin the endeavor of #inclusion through #friendship. It was a wonderful morning filled with amazing possibilities! #bestbuddies #bestbuddiesasiapac

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Dec 6, 2015 at 10:21pm PST

In fact, on the Sunday morning (in November) before I left Manila, my niece face timed me from the ICU. It was THAT FACETIME conversation that prompted me to look into flying in to see her.

On that Monday, in the car, on the way to an exploratory meeting to propagate a Best Buddies chapter in a public school in the Metro, I searched pricing for tickets with the help of my travel agent, and coordinated with Nino to see if the scheduling would work for our family.

By Tuesday midnight I was on my way to see my niece.

Once I arrived in NY, I would take the day shift at the hospital so my sister could freshen up and tend to other things. While I sat in the hospital with my niece, I received reminder viber messages from Gelli’s school and from co-parents about her baking activity for the next school day. I was able to forward the reminders to Gia and Nino through iMessage so that Gelli would be ready with cookies to share and sell for her activity in school. I did this all from my niece’s bedside in Westchester Medical.

I love the beauty of Gelli going to a school where parents, teachers, and administrators are all on one thread in a VIBER group. Remember "It takes a Village!"

I love the beauty of Gelli going to a school where parents, teachers, and administrators are all on one thread in a VIBER group. Remember “It takes a Village!”

The beauty of being a mother now is the experience of the collective. I have learned from many mothers. I have my own mother to thank for a great many things, but I have also been blessed with other mothers who have taught me, and shared so much of themselves with me. This collective motherhood, has gifted me with experiences, tips, and tricks in raising my own children. It’s with this collective, that I feel armed with a wealth of information and experiences to draw from. Some of these mothers are my friends. Some of these mothers I follow on social media, which I visit on my tablet, my laptop, and my smart phone.

As a mother, I have more than four children. I have nieces and nephews, I have students, I have my best friend’s kids, and I even have my own children’s friends. They are all children I mother, even if I did not give birth to them. To all of these children, I am all responsible (even if in some small way) to be a mindful mother to them as well. 

Perfect example of this type of motherhood? My sister Mary Jane is Ninang (Godmother) to my first born. She is the second mother to all of my children they way I am to hers. All of my kids call her NeMom. This name represents the influence and love and respect that my children will benefit from their relationship with her, much the same way Nino’s niece and nephew call me Mommy M.

Ok. So how does the title of this blog post bring everything together? 

I got to sit in the hospital with my niece, receive text messages from Gelli’s teacher in school, and forward the information to Nino and Gia who made the preparations for Gelli to go to school the next day. I also look to the mommas who are active in each of my children’s batches, for help with reminders as well. It is with their help that I can stay up to date and on top of the kids’ assignments and important events in school. 

Excited for the film showing that we are planning for Best Buddies during Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. Look for my post on it soon!

Excited for the film showing that we are planning for Best Buddies during Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. Look for my post on it soon!

I can sit by the beach on New Years Day and research the newest studies on Down Syndrome. I can check out the newest six episode reality series on A&E called Born This Way and wish my fellow mom bloggers from all over the world a Happy and Healthy New Year.  

 

Media2

And I can do all of this through my iPhone, my iPad and my laptop which are all armed with apps to make my life easier as I navigate this multi tasking job of being a mindful mother in the age of ever changing technology.

Because it’s all about achieving a balance that makes motherhood easier with the many hats that we wear…

Here’s to more balance and more motherhood hacks in the coming year. I’m looking forward to it all.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« End the R Word with Best Buddies
Sinulog 2016 & Nino’s Birthday »

Comments

  1. Helen Frances Inciong says

    January 21, 2016 at 8:26 am

    A very nice article to start the new year 🙂 Thank you Michelle! I especially love hearing about anything on Gelli and of course the rest of your family. God bless you! Looking forward to more of your informative and inspiring blogs!

    • michelle says

      January 23, 2016 at 9:28 pm

      Thanks Helen for stopping by again 🙂 Happy New Year!

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Our Dental Experience at Affinity Dental, One Bonifacio High Street
  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

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
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...