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Education Nurture Parenting

Strengthening and Developing Better Family Habits this Summer

Being a #Somom has improved my life.

I have come upon new opportunities in my writing and for my blog.

I have made new Momma friends who come from all different walks of life.

I have been given the opportunity to learn and study with life coach, Pia Aceveda from The One Core through our #SoMoms #BetterMe sessions.

SoMoms and guest bloggers in attendance. L-R T-B

SoMoms and guest bloggers in attendance for the Strengthening and Developing Better Family Habits this Summer session: L-R T-B Patty, Anya, Cai, Eli, Jen, Pam, Conci, Chessy, Jenny, Kaye, Michelle, Jane, Noemi, Kris, Coach Pia, Tin, Jackie, and me! (Photo from Michelle Lim)

Every month, SoMoms enjoy the #BetterMe sessions with Coach Pia. We are given the opportunity to explore the decisions we make as moms, decisions for our families, and the decisions we make for ourselves. It’s probably my most favorite part of being a  SoMom. It makes me actively evaluate and improve my life and my happiness factor.

Just the other day, we were discussing what the kids wanted to do for the summer at the dinner table.  Our dinner table conversations are very important to me. It’s the time when I bring the kids together and we talk about one thing that made us really happy for the day (essentially “a high”) and one thing we could have done better ( ultimately “a low”) if given the chance to do it again. After we talked about our moments, the kids started discussing what they would like to do for the summer.

The usual trip to Marinduque during Holy Week was top on the list as a family activity, as well as my desire to steal away with Nino for a trip to either Sagada or Vigan so we can explore more of the Philippines together. But besides these plans, I usually try to enroll the kids in some activities for themselves.

In the past, I have enrolled all three kids in cooking classes together. What usually happens is the big kids end up reporting to me how the “little big kid” didn’t listen so well, didn’t follow instructions and was naughty. Based on that experience, I have now figured out that they all need to enroll in their own activities, separately.

Truth: I have never really given my kids a choice as to what they wanted to enroll in as a summer activity.

I would just look at what I thought they were interested in and then of course couple that with my own desire to further them as individuals. They like to eat. So therefore, all of them should know how to cook…right??? Besides, I can’t be expected to cook EVERY night for dinner can I? Ha ha ha ha ha.

(I have always wished that one of my kids would follow my love of soccer…er…football. Maybe Gellibean will be my last chance? Promise, Coach Pia-I won’t push her too hard!!! ha ha ha ha)

Kidding aside, the kids have all enrolled football, futsal, volleyball, swimming, track, taekwondo, art classes, music lessons and of course their cooking classes. I have always enrolled the kids in activities and then notified them AFTER they were already enrolled in an activity. THIS IS A BIG NO NO if you want your kids to value and enjoy their summer experiences and activities.

I really value the learning and the self examination that takes place in our Better Me Sessions.

I really value the learning and the self examination that takes place in our Better Me Sessions.

By using these 6 points that Coach Pia outlines for parents in making the kids’ (and your) summer more meaningful and productive you can save a whole lot of grief and aggravation.

1. Remember:  IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. This means that your child’s summer activities should NOT be everything YOU wanted to do as a child. Their summer is not a reaction to what you did or did not have as a child.

2. Do NOT enroll your child in an activity and then notify him afterwards. (I always did it this way before!)

3. Remember: Summer Activities are a guide for EXPLORING their talents. The best guide for considering this is keeping the sessions that you enroll your child in at a maximum of 4 sessions. You can always add sessions if your child enjoys the activity.

4. Let your children choose activities from general categories:

  • Outdoor/Sports/Adventure
  • Theater/Music
  • Art/Creativity Classes

5. Involve your children in the choice of activities, have a discussion about what they would like to enroll in and why. Engage them in the process and the decision making to ensure there will be a positive experience, even if it is an activity that they choose not to enroll in again.

6. Guide your child to look back, learn from the experiences  and move forward with the self knowledge. Asking leading questions about their activities and their experiences, but REMEMBER: Self discover is SELF DISCOVERY…it’s their process that they have to go through and experience. Teach them to be mindful about their experiences and what they learned not just in the activities but also what they learned about themselves.

Aside from enrolling your children in meaningful activities, I’m sure that as a parent you want to Develop Better Family Habits this Summer in general. We have habits that we foster in our household every day, but I hadn’t considered focusing on any specific family habits during the summer so this part of our session was good food for thought.

In providing meaningful family habits for your children and your family one thing must ring true. YOU MUST NOT DOUBT YOURSELF. You know what’s good for your kids AND what’s good for your family.  When you decide on what you would like to incorporate into your family’s routine take these steps to make it happen.

To make it easier on yourself, Coach Pia suggests that you should map out your year quarterly. Sometimes we might feel overwhelmed with all of the activities and family events we need to attend to. Did you ever take note of where your busiest time of year is as a family?

You can use this scanned image from our session to map out your own year. Take note which months are the busiest, and which months are less stressed.

You can use this scanned image from our session to map out your own year. Take note which months are the busiest, and which months are less stressful.

Use these pie graphs to map out special events, occasions and other important celebrations or anniversaries to help determine what part of the year is most stressful for you. After you have evaluated where you can simplify, stress over summer activities will certainly be minimized.

Decide on what kind of  “Family Habits” you would like to foster this summer. Do you want your activities to be outdoors? Do you want to have a family game night where you dust off the board games and sit around the table? Would you like to spend more time bike riding with your children this summer? Or would you like the children to become more active in preparing healthy meals together? Ideally, these activities should take place at least once a week. The activities should be recreational, AND when you are committed to this activity you should be sure to work on your listening skills all through out. In other words, DO NOT TALK DURING THESE ACTIVITIES. GATHER DATA. LISTEN. BE QUIET.

Really listen to your kids during these times. This will be an opportunity for them to share lots of things with you, especially when it is in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

You have heard of that time to “Date your child?” Well, make sure that aside from your family activities to take your kids out one on one. Make each one on one activity unique to the child you are dating, make it conducive for talking…but try to listen more and let your kid do the talking.

After all of these activities that you are have scheduled are finished…EVALUATE. Evaluate the time that you all spent together, ask the kids what they would want to change in the routine and when you ask-be sure you are OPEN to the changes that they suggest.

LASTLY, remember to take the time and energy you need not just for your family, but also for yourself. Be kind. If you can’t do it all, that’s ok too. Don’t judge. We are our own worst critics. Take it easy. It’s summer time after all….

Screen shot 2014-02-26 at 2.02.36 PM

 

Screen shot 2014-02-26 at 2.03.07 PM

This is a full list of chores that you can also work on establishing as a routine for your children this summer. I am a firm believer that children should actively participate in the smooth running of the household. My kids all have chores, however, they do not get an allowance for doing these chores.

Thank you Unilab for continuing to support our personal growth as SoMoms. Through our #BetterMe sessions with Coach Pia and The One Core we are able to raise healthier families.

 

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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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