When a person is injured due to someone else’s negligence – be it an accident case, a defective product case, or medical malpractice, it becomes a case of personal injury. And child personal injury cases are more complex as a minor can’t fight their case on their own or file a lawsuit.

Many times newborn babies suffer due to misuse of vacuum pumps or other medical equipment that are used at the time of pregnancy. Hence, it is imperative for parents to know how to deal with such situations.

In such cases, a person or a team is legally responsible for the injuries. If your child has suffered severe injuries which cost you a heavy amount of money, you can apply for a monetary claim from the defendant’s party. But for that, you will have to prove that the other party is at fault. Here we have discussed the steps you need to get your child’s personal injury claim.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Any personal injury case can get complex, but there are unique challenges with seeking a claim on behalf of a minor. Since a child case can be tricky and requires careful legal attention, parents should reach out to a personal injury attorney for help.

A lawyer is the best person to help you evaluate your child’s case and see if you are eligible for compensation. Moreover, personal injury cases always get difficult when it’s about calculating the estimated claim and convincing the defendant party.

A lawyer can help judge both sides, evaluate the child’s injuries and their long-term effects, and quote a genuine claim which is backed by facts and evidence.

Prove that the Other Party Is at Fault

Most child injury cases are due to the other party’s negligence, yet sometimes it can be grueling for the parents to prove the negligence. Moreover, you need to prove that the defendant owed a duty to your child and bring evidence to demonstrate that they failed to comply with their duty. Again, here your lawyer will help represent the evidence on your behalf.

Depending on your particular case, you also need to identify what kind of duty the other party owed to your child. For instance, if your child suffered due to medical malpractice, you need to prove that the healthcare providers didn’t act with reasonable care while attending to the child or failed to comply with their duties.

Speaking from the legal perspective, the child’s representative must prove the following terms in order to hold the other party liable:

• Duty of Care: The defendant had a duty of care to not harm the child in the given condition.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant breached their duty by doing something wrong, which a reasonable person should not have done in the same situation.
• Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty and care is what caused injuries to the child.
• Damages: You have medical bills and records to prove your child’s injuries.

Understand the Limitations of Your Case

Depending on the state you’re filing the case in, there will be certain limitations related to your child injury case. There are different statutes for different claim requests in different states, which an injury lawyer can help you guide about.

For instance, the statute of limitations for child injury cases in Florida is usually four years from the injury date, whereas, in Oakland, the child’s representative gets only two years after the accident to file the claim. Because child injury cases are more complex, complying carefully with the statute of limitations is imperative. Any misguidance in such cases can result in the dismissal of the lawsuit.

File a Claim Representing Your Child

Since an injured child cannot fight for their claim on their own, parents or legal guardians have the right to apply for the claim as their legal representative. In many states, they are known as the ‘next friend’ who is appointed by the court to protect the rights of the minor.

 A next friend could be one parent, both the parents, a legal guardian, or a court-appointed lawyer. Moreover, depending on your local laws, you might also need to take the court’s approval to deem you as your child’s legal representative.

Once these claims are settled, and the victim gets the reimbursement, the fund can be secured as a trust for the child and can be used for their higher education. The amount of the claim will depend on the extent of damages suffered by the victim.

Thank you for stopping by and till next post!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

The post <strong>What to Do if Your Child Got Injured Due to Someone Else’s Fault?</strong> appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Marriage can be difficult, but the relationship between two loving parents after a divorce can sometimes worsen. It’s not always easy to end things in a friendly way, especially when children are involved. For some parents, divorce can be as emotionally draining as financially crippling.

In order to get a healthy relationship back with the child, each of the parents must understand what the other person is feeling and how to best communicate about it. Co-parenting can be a lonely journey for both parties involved, but it will be worth taking. If a parent can learn the other person’s perspective and adjust their behavior, it will make a big difference in the long run.

Co-parenting can have positive results for both parents and children if they are willing to acknowledge each other’s feelings and emotions. It may even enrich each parent’s life as they have a chance to meet as friends outside of their marriage, allowing them to see each other in a different light. Although it’s sometimes easier said than done, there are a few healthy boundaries you should implement to keep things running smoothly.

Why do we need boundaries?

We all need boundaries in our lives. They help us feel safe and secure and know where we stand with other people. Without boundaries, we can easily become overwhelmed by others’ demands and expectations, and our own needs can get lost. Having strong boundaries also allows us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others because we can see them more clearly as separate individuals.

Observe Boundaries:

As co-parenting can be a lonely journey, you should carefully observe your boundaries with your ex-spouse. You need to consider what kind of relationship you want with them. Are you looking to be “just friends,” or are you trying to recreate the marriage? Do not respond emotionally to their actions unless it involves your child.

Remember that there may be times when your ex-spouse will try to get a reaction out of you, especially if they are feeling threatened by your presence in their life. It may be best to keep your emotions at bay and slowly move back into a friendship with their support.

As a parent, you always have the option to create boundaries with another parent. However, you must respect the other parent’s boundaries and treat them as an individual when raising your child. Do not criticize their parenting or character; instead, focus on being open to new ideas and support.

The following are five healthy co-parenting boundaries that you need to implement: 

1. Boundaries around communication 

Communication, especially around children, is challenging in co-parenting relationships. However, it’s a must-have for healthy bonds. The key is to consider your ex-spouse as someone separate from you and therefore can have a friendly conversation with them. While everyone may have an opinion about the best way to discipline their child, you will always respect another person’s viewpoint. 

To have effective communication with your ex-spouse, do not share the details about what was said in the house. You need to be careful not to appear like you are trying to control them or intimidate them. Also, for your child’s sake, try to avoid heated disagreements. Remember, your child is a sensitive person, and if you are constantly arguing with each other, it may confuse them.

2. Boundaries around parenting

When parents co-parent in the same household, they need to respect each other’s parenting styles. Although there will likely be disagreements in this area, it is important to avoid criticizing each other’s parenting. This can be tricky because both parties may feel like they are “winning” when chatting about their ex-spouse. However, these comments can lead to feeling permanently insecure and paranoid about their parents.

Be sure to avoid sarcasm and other behaviors when attempting to have a friendly conversation with your co-parent. Instead, focus on being open-minded and having patience as you watch your child interact with their new parent. It can be very frustrating when you’re used to the way things are done, but this will help the child adapt.

3. Boundaries around personal information

When you co-parent and share the same household, your ex-spouse will likely ask you personal questions. It can be difficult to explain the information they are looking for and what can be private, but it’s important to explain how to respect your right to privacy. If you feel comfortable, talk if there is anything you want to keep confidential. However, be careful not to share private information about their child or another relative that may hurt their wellbeing.

As you see, being a parent in the same household means that you have the chance to interact with your ex-spouse. It’s important to follow certain boundaries when discussing private information and issues, such as discipline.

4. Boundaries around money

It’s important to set a dollar amount with your ex-spouse on how much you pay for your child’s care. If one parent does not share equal parenting time, then it may be difficult for that parent to pay for the child’s care if the other parent has custody. You should create a list of expenses and decide which expenses each parent will pay for; this list should include regular food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. 

Ideally, you should have a financial agreement to cover medical, prescription, and other miscellaneous expenses. However, it’s essential to establish these boundaries with your ex-spouse at the proper time. 

5. Boundaries around time

Many parents do not have enough time with their children due to the long distance. You can arrange for your child to have time with their other parent by giving them a specific location, date, and time. Furthermore, you should try to schedule a small amount of time so that you can discuss the importance of following through with it. This is important because your ex-spouse is more likely to respect your needs and give them the same consideration as they would want. 

As the child grows, it will be easy to spend time with their parents. If the child can spend time with each parent independently, this is even better. If you cannot have separate sleep times, consider using a baby monitor that connects you and your child. With this information, you can set boundaries around your child’s care and be prepared for when they come home from school or need to leave the house.

Tips for communicating with your child’s other parent

1. Do not criticize their parenting before your child or interpret what they do as being personal against you. At the same time, it is important to let them know that you are there for support if they need it and that you will be there for them if necessary.

2. Do not blame your ex-spouse for all of the problems in your child’s life. This can cause your child to be uncomfortable around their other parent and feel like they cannot be themselves around them. 

3. Make a point to get along with each other and be open-minded for the sake of your child. They will pick up on any tension and stress between you, so it’s good to keep things light. 

4. Be sure to have a pace for when you would like to discuss specific topics. It’s also a good idea to set up other family meetings in the future to avoid having unnecessary conflicts around your child’s care.

5. If you feel upset and uncomfortable, it is important to speak with your child’s other parents to know what is going on. They can always help support you, so they can determine if they want you to talk with their child or not. 

Final Thought

Setting boundaries as a parent in the same household can create a better environment for your child. It’s also important to remember what you want out of life and to focus on preventing any arguments from arising. Always make an effort to maintain a loving and supportive relationship with your child’s other parent and be willing to compromise on certain parenting issues. You will have to work together and determine what is best for your child, so it’s important to set these boundaries beforehand.

Author Bio

Andrea is currently the head of content management at SpringHive Web Design Company, a digital agency that provides creative web design, social media marketing, email marketing, and search engine optimization services to small businesses and entrepreneurs. She is also a blog contributor at Baby Steps Preschool where she writes storytime themes, parenting tips, and seasonal activities to entertain children.

The post Guest Post: 5 Healthy Co-Parenting Boundaries You Need to Implement appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Being a parent is a fulfilling endeavor, filled with many beautiful moments. However, it’s also a challenging responsibility that can give rise to feelings of frustration. Parenting has also become trickier to navigate in the modern world, with technology both proving to be a boon and bane when it comes to raising children.
However, there’s no reason for fear and pressure. Parenting is tough but it’s not impossible. Moreover, moms and dads aren’t alone in this endeavor. There’s a lot of help to be found, from fellow parents to health professionals and parenting experts. Also listed below are some tips that could hopefully give you more helpful insights:

Avoid “Helicopter Parenting”

As a parent, you don’t want any harm or danger to come to your kids. There’s certainly nothing wrong with this. The problem comes when you start overseeing every aspect of your children’s lives to the point of coddling them. This is what’s called helicopter parenting.
Do note that it’s perfectly fine to supervise your children, particularly when they’re still of a certain age. However, paying extremely close attention to their activities and doing everything for them can cause problems. After all, young children and even teenagers need to experience independence and learn from their mistakes in order to develop into well-rounded adults.
Examples of helicopter parenting can be seen often in school (e.g., parents answering learning modules on behalf of their children). Nevertheless, it can also manifest in other aspects of a child’s life such as in making friends.
The key is to strike a balance. For example, if your teenager is staying overnight at a friend’s place, you can  buy load online and remind them to keep in touch. However, don’t bug them hour after hour about what they’re doing. This way, you establish ground rules and at the same time show confidence that your child will follow them. It can be hard not to worry, but giving them a little leeway will be good for everyone.

Communicate

If you’re finding it hard to make your children do what you tell them to do, perhaps it’s time to evaluate how you communicate. The “because I said so” approach is counterproductive. Children need to know the “why” of things. Do you want them to put their toys back in their proper place? Tell them the importance of cleaning up and taking care of things. This will help them understand the basis of the things you’re asking them to do.
You should also take the time to listen to your child, giving their thoughts and opinions value. When they feel that they aren’t judged, they will be more open to sharing their ideas instead of repressing them. What’s more, kids who are involved in the decision-making process are more likely to hold up their end of an agreement.

Be Consistent With Discipline

Establishing house rules is important because it sets expectations and teaches your children how to respect authority and develop self-control. However, house rules would mean nothing if you don’t follow through with the consequences. Consistency is the key here; your children might test your patience but don’t give in. Setting limits early on and being consistent with implementation can teach your children how to be responsible for their actions.

Be Flexible

Being flexible might seem counterintuitive, since the previous point emphasized consistency. Still, there is such a thing as setting unrealistic expectations. What’s more, being consistent with discipline doesn’t mean you can’t change the way you approach it. Be open to possibilities and look at a situation from a different perspective. This is especially true as your child grows up and learns more from their teachers, classmates, friends, and environment.
Besides, allowing yourself to be a flexible parent shows your children that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you can change your mind. It shows that you can make better decisions by gathering new information.

Don’t Be Afraid to Show Affection

Younger children are generally more receptive to gestures of affection like hugs and kisses. As they grow older, they might be a little more reluctant (especially when they don’t want to be seen as “babies” anymore). Still, don’t be afraid to show your affection in other ways. Listen to their stories, encourage their interests, and spend quality time with them. Give them the freedom to make their own choices, but offer your guidance.
It’s also important to let your children know that your love is unconditional. Be encouraging, rather than fault-finding. Let them know that even though they make mistakes, you’re there to support and love them.

Last but certainly not least, modern parenting means recognizing your weaknesses. Be forgiving of yourself and understand that there really is no such thing as a perfect parent. Admit your mistakes, work on improving them, and admit when you need to take a break. Parenting takes a lot of work and you need to rest to be able to do it well.
Thanks for stopping by ladies, and till next post!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

The post 5 Parenting Tips for Filipinos in 2021 appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Tummy aches are a common occurrence among children, and they are usually not a cause for concern. The pain mostly comes from constipation, gas, indigestion, or a stomach bug. Unless your child is suffering from severe pain or the discomfort is accompanied by high fever and excessive vomiting or diarrhea, their sakit sa tyan or stomach ache is most likely harmless and does not require a visit to your pediatrician.

Mild abdominal pain often goes away after resting for some time. Nonetheless, you may want to speed up the recovery process so that your little one can go back to playing and laughing. Here are several home remedies for bellyaches that you can try to help your child feel better:

Warm Compress

One of the safest and most soothing home remedies you can try to relieve your kid’s tummy ache is by applying a warm compress on the belly area. The heat will help relax the abdominal muscles and increase blood flow, thereby providing quick and calming relief.

You can use a heating pad or make a warm compress using uncooked rice and a clean, long sock. Just fill the foot part of the sock with rice, then tie the top to secure it. Place the sock in the microwave for 30 seconds or so to warm it up. Whether you use a heating pad or a homemade compress, make sure that your child can handle the heat to prevent paso or burns. 

Engage in Physical Activities

Constipation is a common cause of abdominal pain among children, especially if they do not get enough water and fiber in their diet or tend to resist the urge to go to the toilet. If your precious one is suffering from constipation, it is best to bring them outdoors so that they can play and keep moving instead of lying down.

Besides taking their mind off the pain, physical activities can help with the movement of food in the gastro intestinal tract. Just make sure that they do not engage in “tummy twirling” activities that could intensify their discomfort, such as tumbling or hanging on monkey bars.

Yogurt

If your toddler can already eat solid foods, you may want to let them snack on yogurt since it is known to help alleviate basic stomach pains. Yogurt, like other probiotic foods, is packed with good bacteria that support a healthy gut. Try mixing slices of bananas in the yogurt to make it tastier. Besides being rich in potassium, bananas are also easily digestible and known to relieve indigestion and bellyache.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is one of nature’s most effective remedies for an upset stomach and digestive cramping. This root vegetable hastens the passing of food through the gastrointestinal tract and reduces gas and bloating. Although ginger is undoubtedly safe for children, its slightly spicy flavor may not sit well with your little one. To make it more palatable, you may want to add lemon and honey to the tea.

Preparing ginger tea or salabat is easy. You need about a teaspoon of chopped fresh ginger, a cup of water, two slices of lemon, and honey to taste. Just mix the first three ingredients in a pot and boil for about 5 minutes. Turn the heat off and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey to sweeten.

If your child is less than a year old, use brown sugar instead of honey. Take note that honey or any processed foods containing honey are not recommended for babies younger than 12 months to prevent infant botulism.

Tummy Rub

Perhaps the easiest and safest home remedy to relieve stomach pain among children is an abdominal massage. A good belly rub supports healthy digestion, reduces gastric upset, and soothes the organs connected to the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. You may not realize it, but your mere touch has healing powers.

When the skin of your hands touches the skin of your baby’s tummy, their body responds by increasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps alleviate pain and promote relaxation. Physical contact or touch also reduces cortisol or stress hormones.  As such, you should never discount the benefits of a gentle and loving massage.

To massage your child’s tummy, make a circular motion in a clockwise direction around the belly button area using your palms and fingers. Making repeated downward strokes from the chin to the lower part of the tummy may also help ease the discomfort.

While the home remedies discussed above have been proven safe and effective for most stomach aches, you should never let your guard down. If your child’s condition is not improving despite trying any of these methods, it is best to seek medical attention. You may also want to keep a diary of tummy aches with details of what they ate, the appearance of their stool, and the level of discomfort if your little one suffers from recurrent stomach pains. This information can significantly help your pediatrician in figuring out the issue and planning the best type of care.

Thank you for reading up mommies, hope your little one will feel better soon, and till next post!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

The post 5 Stomach Ache Home Remedies for Your Kids appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Artworks and letters from the brood

They are just too adorable and heartfelt to dispose. Children’s letters and artworks are treasures to any parents’ heart and they are just too hard to let go, at least for me.

I usually keep the cards, but when my three children start giving me love letters almost everyday, my collection of love letters have gotten so big. Then the artworks that they do, both in home school and during their free time. they pile up too. I decided to frame some, but now, I could not even choose which ones to frame. I sure hope I am not alone in this dilemma.

Can I just keep them all?

Lately, what works for me is to have a binder for each of the kids. I file all their nice artworks there. I take photos of these artworks too. For those that do not seem to make the cut, I take pictures of them as well, and tuck them away in our recycling box (away from the sight of little ones whose feelings get hurt when their letters are placed in the recycling bin). By having photos of the letters and artworks, I could have something to look at when parenting / motherhood gets tough.

I tell myself I will organize all these once they are all in high school? Hahaha! Anyway as the years go by I think I would receive less letters and artworks, unlike now when writing, painting, drawing, cutting and crafts are their pastime.

Love letters from your own children are the sweetest!

As for the letters, I keep them in another binder. Hopefully, Ill sort that out when they leave the nest. I think the letters would be like a time capsule for me by that time. I will get to relive the wonderful memories of the most tiring yet happiest season of my life.

But for now, I will just file, collect, and take pictures of the artworks and letters that they painstakingly worked hard for and wholeheartedly give me. I will have a lot of time to organize all these when they have all grown up. For now, I will enjoy the snuggles, and the kulits, and answering endless questions, and the feeling that I am their most loved person in the world.

Yes, I will enjoy this season of motherhood, and I know that I will not regret doing so

Till next post!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

The post Keeping the kids’ artworks appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Sharing with you ladies this very apt quote for today, from Clarence Kelland:

“My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.”

Clarence Buddington Kelland

I feel so blessed by the Lord as i have been given the privilege to be raised by the most wonderful man I have met. Daddy was my safe place, the best role model in life and career, and the beacon that continues to guide me until now. Salamat Dad, and miss na miss na kita

Much gratitude to God

Equally, much gratitude to our Heavenly Father for giving my little ones a great yet humble and loving man to call PAPA.

Truly i have been gifted with men who exude so much strength and kindness. Salamat po Lord. Hoping that my little chico will be a great dad too when the time comes.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, let us find time to thank Father God today for His immense blessings. Personally, thanking Papa Jesus for giving me a wonderful dad, and then an exceptional father to my kids. Thanks also for all the father figures Ive come across in my Earthly journey: RRRJCMVG you know who you all are, and you are all God’s angels!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to you, your dad, your husband, FIL, ninongs, and every dad and father figure in your life!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

For more articles on parenting hope you can check out the mom reflections section of our website, browse our Facebook albums, follow our Pinterest Parenting reflections board, and check out our Instagram feed. https://happypinaymommy.com/mommy-thoughts/

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At this day and age of too much distractions it is getting more difficult to encourage children to develop more positive habits. The fast paced world had most glued on their digital devices, and most activities have to be social media worthy to be considered worth their time. But do we want to raise children like such?

Today’s guest post discussed just that and what instead can we as parents to do enable our children to develop more positive habits. So without further ado, here’s the guest post from Lara of Scooter Scouter.

Spend time not money: 6 Amazing Habits Your Child Must Adopt

By: Lara Stewart

Raising children is not easy and demands time and responsibility. It is not enough to just buy them expensive toys and devices which they can spend their time on because these habits are harmful and will only spoil your children’s routine. You should focus on spending your time rather than money because that has more value. Here are six habits your child should adopt:

Reading

Reading is a habit that will help yourchild in more ways than you can know. It will not only improve the reading skill but also develops the stamina for reading, which other people might difficult to do. The best way to make your children love reading is to make it a part of their playtime and bedtime routine.

Choose the kind of books that would make reading a treat for your kids. Make it a daily habit and maintain it, otherwise there is no use. Reading will also help build the children’s self-esteem, and develop their imagination, vocabulary, and creativity. Your relationship and communication with the children will also improve.

Scooting In The Evening

The best outdoor activity in the evenings is perhaps riding around on a scooter. This not only proves to be a very enjoyable activity but it also serves as a kind of exercise for the children. You can read more about scooters here.

Have a Healthy Diet

It is not uncommon that all kids are attracted towards junk food which has zero nutritional value. It is your job to control that urge and make them understand that healthy food is far better than fast food. Include vegetables and fruits in their diet plan and while you are at it, try to eat healthy yourself so you can set a better example.

Enjoy Family Meals

Taking out time for yourself and your family in today’s busy lie is challenging, but necessary. Make it a daily routine to eat dinner together so you can all spend some time of the day together and your children do not feel distant. Your children will start getting more comfortable and will feel like they can talk to you about anything. This habit will also help the kids in eating healthy food with their parents.

Spending Time With Friends

Friendship is vital especially during childhood as at that time we all need our safe space and good friends can prove to be a good support system. Spending time with friends will have a positive impact as it will teach children to socialize and improve their communication skills and confidence level, not to mention the best memories are always made when you are with your friends.

Observing Proper Sleep Schedule

Having proper sleep especially at a young age is essential for mental and physical growth. Encourage your child to go to bed early so they can wake up early and stay fresh. Insufficient sleep will result in your kid being sleepy and tired all day with their day being wasted.
Having these habits will improve a number of skills and will aid in your children’s healthy growth.

About the Author:

Lara Stewart is a fitness expert and gym owner. She is obsessed with physical health as well as healthy eating. She has in-depth knowledge about the fitness needs of the body and how one can stay healthy on a budget. She regularly posts at Scooter Scouter.

So there you have it, hope you have somehow been inspired by Lara’s write-up. If you would like to share anything with our fellow mommies — an essay, a porm, an open letter or a list of tips, just get in touch with me through email or any of our social media channels. You do not need to have your own website to contribute a write up

Till next post!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

The post Guest Post: 6 Amazing Habits Your Child Must Adopt appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Great Read: Why every mother should have a will.

A last will and testament is a legal document that gives specifications on who inherits your cars, jewelry, real estate bank accounts and other property after you die and the terms surrounding that inheritance. You can do it however you want, such as leaving everything you own to a single person or dividing it into specific portions that you distribute to people. Your sister, for example, could inherit your cookbook collection while your best friend inherits your sweaters. A will is much more than this, however, besides distributing your property. As a mother, a will helps you ensure the future of your children.

Choose the Guardian for Your Children

It is important that a mother has been able to choose the best guardian for their child/children.

Making a will as a parent is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your children are taken care of by people that you trust to do the job if anything were to happen to you. You can designate such a person in your will as the legal guardian for your children if you die before your children attain the age of legal adulthood. You can designate a guardian for your property or a trustee who undertakes the task of managing the property you have bequeathed to your children until they reach adulthood. You can have one person to be the guardian to your children as well as the property they inherit, or you can have two different people carrying out the separate roles.

Appoint an Executor for Smooth Distribution of Property

Find the right person who can execute your will.

Also, if you would like everything to be handled in a smooth manner and your property distributed among your beneficiaries in the most timely fashion, you can appoint an executor for your will. This is the person that pays your taxes and debts after you have passed on and then makes sure that your remaining estate goes into the correct hands, which are those of the people you have chosen in your will.

A will can be sued for a variety of purposes, such as including a living will or health care directive to state your preferences when it comes to such matters as life support, making specific funeral arrangements, donating organs and making charitable contributions.

Noteworthy Considerations

Factors to consider in drawing up a will.

A word of warning, however: there are certain assets which have beneficiary forms that the courts give priority to over your will. These include your individual retirement accounts and life insurance policy. For these forms, the people who you named as beneficiaries are the ones to receive the funds in the accounts when you die, regardless of who you named as beneficiaries in your will. Make sure to align the beneficiaries you name in your will with those named in these accounts.

When you die without a will, you have virtually no guarantee that your property will go the people you would like it to go to. You also have no guarantee that your children will get the care you want them to have. In some states, the state-appointed administrator becomes in charge of your children’s inheritance until they attain legal adulthood, which means your spouse may find it difficult to access the money they need to raise the children. To avoid this, it is essential that you prepare a will early in advance, so your children are taken care of

So there you have it, hope you have somehow learned a thing or two from this post. For more reads on mommy-reflections, hope you can head over to the reflections section of our website. Hope you can also follow us over at Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook for regular website updates.

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

Leaving you with a video on happy parenting:

Super Easy Chicken Curry Recipe

The post Why Every Mother Needs to Create a Will appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

More and more families, especially those that hail in urban Manila (and now even in key cities in the country) are choosing to live in condominium units because of the many advantages that it offers. For one, it can help increase quality time among parents and children because it would mean that parents will be living nearer to their work place, and that the time getting stuck in the horrendous traffic is minimized. As long as the ways to make condominium child-friendly are observed, chances are families would enjoy living in a building.

There however are some disadvantages like smaller spaces, and less storage area. But for most families, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages it may have. For us, with young children, enjoying the vertical lifestyle would entail safety precautions so that we can all enjoy with our children with  peace of mind. Allow me to usher in then, a Guest Post of fellow writer, Maricar Borlagdatan, who will be sharing with us tips on making our condo units more child-friendly.

Here is her Guest Post:

Ways to make your condominium child-friendly

How to Make your condominium unit more child-friendly. (Image Credits)

Convenient and accessible, condominiums are the hottest type of property available in the country today. Condominiums are all over Metro Manila making it the obvious choice for families who work and attend school in the city. Aside from the convenience that it brings, condominiums also offer amenities such as swimming pool and malls that are truly fit for the whole family.

But one of the downsides of condominium units is space. Limited space is fine unless you have kids who are always running and playing around. Ensure your kiddos’ safety by following the tips below on how to create a safe space in your condominium unit.

Invest on good and proper lighting

Good lighting lessens the chances of your child to trip or fall. Convenient for kitchens and bathrooms are task lighting where specific areas can be highlighted and given ample lighting. Good lighting can also create a warm and homey atmosphere that any child needs.

Window watch

Condominiums in the Philippines often have blinds for better air flow and circulation. Many parents are afraid that the blind cords can cause harm to their children. Always tie up the cords to the blinds and make sure that it’s far away from your children.

Let some of the furniture go

We all know how hard it is to let go of our precious furniture. But since condominium units have limited space and some furniture are deemed dangerous for kids, it’s time to decide whether a piece should stay or go. For furniture that have sharp edges provide baby bumpers to avoid bumps. Make sure that all of your furniture do not topple easily.

Your family can enjoy more when you know that your whole surrounding is child-friendly. (Image Credits)

Make it sound proof

Not all condominiums are sound proof. To avoid startling your neighbors during playtime, put carpet on your floor or to the space where they most spend their active time.

Secure doors and elevators

Elevators are a must in any condominium. Don’t risk your child’s safety by securing your unit’s door. Prevent your child from going to these exit points by using doorknob covers. Put a safety door stop on the edge of the door so that finger slams can be avoided.

Choose a development with a playground

When buying a condominium, make sure to choose a development that puts safety first. There should also be amenities dedicated for the kids like a children’s playground, library, and kid’s swimming pool.

Always cover electric plugs

Children can’t be stopped from trying to hold things around your home. Tuck wires out of your child’s sight and put covers on electric plugs to avoid electric shocks.

Slip-proof bathroom

Slips and falls are common in a bathroom. Avoid an accident by keeping a non slip mat to be hidden under your decorative rug. Installing spot cover can help in preventing the child from hitting his or her head while taking a bath.

Security check

Condominiums come with reliable security team. In case of any emergency do not hesitate on contacting the condominium’s Homeowners’ Association or its admin team.

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So there you have it, hope you have learned a thing or two on keeping our vertical spaces safer for our youngsters. The author of the guest post, Maricar Borlagdatan, is a creative writer who studied BA Mass Communication in Ateneo De Davao. Aside from writing about real estate, finance, and lifestyle she spends her spare time reading, petting her cat Nina, and playing video games. She currently resides in Makati. You can read more of her writings in Dot Property Philippines.

To my dear readers, let me know if you would like to contribute an article, a poem, or even a song you composed, so that we can share it with our fellow parents – this goes whether you have or you do not have your own website. You may get in touch with me by dropping by my Facebook page or leaving me a direct message over at my Instagram account. Hope you can also hit the like button while you are there so you can receive regular updates from Happypinaymommy.com direct on your newsfeed. You may also follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest Accounts!

Thank you so much!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

Leaving you with this video on minimalist living with kids:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83c1MdNntfo

Best way to declutter toys towards happier homes

The post Ways to make your condominium child-friendly appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Moms seeking to get organized are always in search of the best way to declutter toys.

Moms seeking to get organized are always in search of the best way to declutter toys.

Unlike my eldest, my bunso only has a few toys. Maybe because there are already existing toys from his big sisters, or maybe because I have learned that they do not need much really. I’d like to think that i have learned already about keeping toy shopping at a minimum, decluttering and toy rotation.

Declutter toys

Before, we used to buy toys on a weekly basis. Now, we just buy during special occasions, when the merit board calls for it, and some happy meal toys in between. Less clutter, less expense too.

Every week we ask the girls to just get their top five faves in their toy bin then keep those at the end of the week, and choose another five for the coming week. The rest of their activities would be coloring and arts and crafts.

(Post Continued Below)

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This practice helps me a lot too in keeping our home more orderly. Having three kids without a helper can be challenging and all the more when there is too much kalat around. I encourage you to declutter toys and donate to your barangay daycare. Involve your kids in the process. If you dont have the time and the strength, get in touch with the church’s Buena Mana so they can pick it up in your home.

Toy Decluttering guide

I scoured the internet for various ways to pare down and declutter children’s toys. Like any mom seeking to have a more organized home, I was on the lookout for the best way to declutter toys. Practically Hippie for instance shared a way to organize and trim down your children’s toys using the KonMari method. The author mentioned non-negotiable toys, or the toys that they will have to get rid of. “Before beginning to declutter toys, we agreed on a list of non-negotionable items to discard: (1) broken toys; (2) duplicate toys; (3) unsafe toys; (4) loud toys; and (5) toys that aren’t age appropriate.” As for the toys that they will be keeping, the author said these will be toys that spark joy for their family (consistent with the Konmari principle, those that promote imagination, and those that are healthy for both their family and the environment. Check out their whole guide here.

Another blog that helps a lot in sparking the urge to declutter toys is the website called Becoming Minimalist. It shared tips on how to have just the right amount of toys for your family, while operating on the thought that “enough” can be subjective for each family. The author of the article, Joshua Becker in essence, is convincing parents that having just the right amount of toys will benefit children, and at the same he emphasized that parents have the ultimate control when it comes to decluttering. Check the website here.

The struggle can be real

For some parents, the struggle to keep toys at a bare minimum can be real, and I have been there and I can totally relate. But when we started paring down the number of toys that we have and regularly declutter (or destash for those that can be resold), I have come to appreciate the joys of having a “tamed” toy collection that has both benefitted us as parents, and our children.

Till next post everyone. If you have the time, hope you could drop by my Facebook page and hit the like button, so you can receive regular updates from Happypinaymommy.com direct on your newsfeed. You may also follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest Accounts! Hope you could find the time to hit the like or follow button in these pages.

Thank you so much!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

Leaving you with some tips on decluttering toys:

Teaching English Online for Stay-at-Home Moms

The post Best way to declutter toys towards happier homes appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Here are some bible verses for overwhelmed moms that are just like me. I love my children to bits but there are times that I really am exhausted and drained beyond words. I should not be complaining at all because motherhood is a gift from God and so is the good health of everyone in the family that gives them energy to become little critters. But as a human person, exhaustion can be inevitable.

Bible Verses for Overwhelmed Moms

My day usually starts at 530 in the morning and after the children’s bedtime at seven, I do the chores and then do my writing gigs. Just as I hit the sheets, someone would suddenly whimper and would need to be attended to. Whoever is that whimpering is would ask to be nursed (I am tandem feeding two little humans). The tandem will then alternate throughout the night requesting to be nursed. Until the youngest one would wake me up for another day.

Day in and day out, this has been our routine, and one thing that helps me keep things together as a Nanny-less mother is our nightly bible devotion. We try our best to read and comprehend what God has to say  and what it means in our lives.

The days are long but the years are short

I always remind myself about this phrase, because whenever I look at my eldest, this phrase echoes in my ears. And so is that Indian proverb, that says “Children Tie the Feet of their Mother.” It reminds me to slow down and enjoy the Grace and Blessings of being a mom.

I’ve read somewhere that in all those days of sheer exhaustion, we should lean on the Lord and ask our heavenly father for strength. After all He was the one who entrusted these little humans to us, and as our Father and Provider, it is but right to call on to Him and hold on to His words for respite, strength, and inspiration.

I am not an expert on the bible, nor am I a very religious person. But I keep the faith, and I try my best to teach the Word to my children. I myself take comfort in the Written Word because at the end of the day, it is the one thing that can comfort us in both physical and emotional exhaustion.

14 Bible Verses I hold on to when I am too tired to Mother

Allow me to share with you the bible verses that I cling on to, every single mothering day – and most especially on those days when I feel like I cannot wash another plate, another butt, another load of diapers, and another pair of dirty hands. Here goes:

1. Corinthians 13:4-8. When I feel like I am at a loss because of exhaustion, when I’d like to yell and unleash the monster mom inside me, I try to remember the lines in this particular passage. I feel like it is God telling me how I should parent my children, specifically the lines that I highlighted: “Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

2. John 10:10. I always remember this one article that I have read about not letting the enemy steal the joy of mothering your children. And reading this passage grounds me into appreciating God’s abundance through the children that I have to mother. “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”

3. 2 Corinthians 12:9. When I feel like I’m not good enough for my children because I tire easily, I get impatient sometimes, and I am not the very cheerful mom I have always hoped to become, I remind myself about God’s promise in this verse. “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

4. Psalm 61:2. This verse just comes to me each time I think I’d break down from tiredness, mental exhaustion, and mundane domestic concerns that have piled up. It is just so perfect for me to remember “When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Grace for the weary mom.

5. 1 Kings 17:14. Here’s a verse that assures me whenever I worry about material things and provisions. I always know in my heart that God will always provide, and this passage is my favorite reminder. “’The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’”

One of my favorite verses, as it reminds me that God will provide.

6. Ephesians 4:29: I think this passage is a message on Positive Parenting. On days that I have yelled or forgot about the many graces and blessings my children’s high energy mean, due to sheer exhaustion and frustration I re-read this passage. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

7. Philippians 4:13. Mothering can be very overwhelming, and this is one of the bible verses that I keep on repeating on my mind whenever I feel like pushing the “self-eject” button because of sheer tiredness and being overwhelmed with the many back-to-back chores and responsibilities. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Let Christ be your source of emotional and physical strength as a mom.

8. Psalms 147:4. Here’s another verse that I hold on to, and remember as I pray and reflect about the day that has passed and the days ahead. A passage that assures me that I am not forgotten by our Father in Heaven. “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.”

9. Psalm 46:10. This verse is one of the best assurances that I have read, as I become anxious about my kids’ health and safety given the present times, as well as in keeping at bay all other usual worries any parent may have about their children. “Be still and know that I am God.”

10. Philippians 4:19. Another assurance from the Lord that grounds me whenever I have worries about our future, our needs, and other worldly things that in reality, I should not be worrying about too much. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

11. Proverbs 31:25. For me this is a passage that assures all tired mothers like me, that God has our back and got us covered so we should not worry too much. “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

12. Isaiah 43:2. In those days when I am too overwhelmed, I have this verse to hold on to. When postpartum hormones, lack of sleep, sheer tiredness, and overwhelming chores get the better of me and I feel like drowning. This passage reminds me of the wonderful promise of the Lord that he will never abandon us. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”

Bible verses to lift up weary moms.

13. Ecclesiastes 3:11. This phrase reminds me that everything is in the right place, and is happening at the right moment because God is in control, and this is actually His plan, and what He wants to happen. That I should trust and believe always. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

This verse always reminded me that there is a season for everything, and that raising young children is the current season of my life, and that this time is planned and perfected in God’s will, so I just have to keep the faith.

14. Joshua 24:15: This verse helps me keep our focus, keeps us grounded on our whole family’s mission here on earth. When it gets overwhelming, it helps to get reminded that I as a parent, and our whole family is here for the Lord. We are not here to please anyone, except for Christ, and we should act so accordingly/ No need to be anxious about other people and what their thoughts may be. And that we should not forget our religious obligations and charity works, because it will please God.  “But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”

This passage grounds us about our mission as a family, which is to obey and serve the Lord.

So there you have it, thank you for taking time to read my sharing and reflections. I rarely write about these stuff because it is all me, and I know that as your web author I should be writing about what will interest you.

But since I know that there are tired moms like me who may be reading this, at least I can point them to where they can find solace amid the beautiful chaos that is mothering littles.

Till next post everyone. If you have the time, hope you could drop by my Facebook page and hit the like button, so you can receive regular updates from Happypinaymommy.com direct on your newsfeed. You may also follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest Accounts! I cascade on a daily basis inspirational quotes, bible passages, as well as other helpful mothering cascades ion our social media accounts, so I hope you could find the time to hit the like or follow button in these pages.

Thank you so much!

A Happy Homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy.

Leaving you with this video on God and motherhood.

Where to buy Carrier Oils in the Philippines

The post 14 Bible Verses for Overwhelmed Moms appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Happypinaymommy.com’s Work-at-Home-Mommy of the Week #1 is Mommy Jaclyn Elma Chua of Myook Butts Cloth Diapers. (All photos have been published with the permission Mommy Jaclyn)

Being a mom is such a happy but hard work. If you combine trying to help in augmenting the family budget, then the mommying gets all the more challenging.

I have decided to write a series of posts to honor Work at Home Moms (WAHMs) who combine mothering and earning an income. This is also meant to inspire those that are still on the fence about working from home, that yes it can be done, and a lot of moms are successful in doing it. This is not exclusive for the WAHMs of the Cloth Diapering World, as we will also be featuring work-at-home-moms with various lines of work such as those who do virtual assistance, online tutorials, bake pastries, own shops whether online or brick and mortar, etc. This also not meant to sideline stay at home moms, or work-outside-the-home-moms. This is just spreading positive mothering vibes. We are all in one team remember?

Anyway, this will be a weekly thing, and for our pilot post, allow me to introduce you to our WAHM of the Week, Ms. Jaclyn Elma Chua, the mommy behind Myook Butts Cloth Diapers.

Let’s peek into Mommy Jaclyn’s WAHM life, through excerpts of our interview:

Happypinaymommy.com’s WAHM of the WEEK is Mommy Jaclyn Elma Chua. Photo Shows Mommy Jaclyn with her family.

Happy Pinay Mommy: When did you decide to be a WAHM?

Mommy Jaclyn: “I already started working at home while I was pregnant last 2013 because I had a complicated pregnancy that required me to be on bed rest. So, in a way, I became a WAHM as soon as I gave birth. Myook Butts started around April 2014 but I was selling (on and off) hand sewn crafts on Etsy as far back as 2008.”

HPM: What made you decide to Work at Home?

Mommy Jaclyn: “It was quite a natural decision for us, my husband and I never hired any help since we were married, so it was natural for me to stay at home to take care of the baby. Work is an outlet so I still feel productive and creative even if I’m staying at home. Starting my own business is somewhat another easy decision because it allowed me to control my timings and priorities as I deem necessary.”

(Post continued below)

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HPM: What is the greatest challenge you have faced in relation to being a WAHM?

Mommy Jaclyn: “Greatest challenge would be addressing mistakes that I made along the way (wrong fabric types, materials, sewing style, etc), but I’m really lucky and thankful that my mommy customers have been very forgiving and accommodating to my mistakes. They were willing to listen to my explanation and were open to give me another chance to improve on my products. This is the reason I am still making nappies until now. I would have been disheartened if fate had handed me a different set of mommy customers.

Another great challenge that I think all artists/crafters encounter is being copied. I used to be really bothered whenever I see copies of my style being done. I personally do a lot of research and experiments to make my products unique, so it really hurt to see some of my original ideas and styles being copied without permission. Now I’ve learned to let go of the negativity and just focus on improving my own brand.”

One of Mommy Jaclyn’s latest doodle designs. Hunger Games-inspired Lovestruck Baker Boy.

HPM: What advice can you give to those who may want to become a WAHM?

Mommy Jaclyn: “Being a WAHM is not easy because you will need to push yourself (you’re your own boss), but being able to spend time a lot of time with your kid/s while still earning on the side is awesome. You need to be highly motivated; if you’re lazy, your income or non-income will reflect it.”

Myook Butts’ Doodle Harry HF. According to Mommy Jaclyn, this is her first time to get her doodles made into a nappy design. “I have a habit of doodling random things on my phone; this is an accidental design because I really wasn’t planning to have it made into a nappy.”

HPM: Who inspires you?

Mommy Jaclyn: “My husband and son inspires me to do better every day.”

HPM: How does your husband/partner support you?

Mommy Jaclyn: “My husband is very supportive; he’s my investor and number one fan. (He also helps me cut and snap sometimes!) He said that I should be doing what makes me happy and was also the one who encouraged me to quit my day job when I was complaining about work every day. He believes that people should be doing work that makes them feel happy and positive.”

When asked what was her favorite among all the nappies she made, she said this:

Mommy Jaclyn on her GCDC HF. “I made this for the GCDC 2015 event and got license from RDA to use their logo on the nappy. These are Myook Butts exclusive, individually numbered, limited edition nappies.”

We also interviewed some of Mommy Jaclyn’s Loyal Clients. Mommy Clarisse Kay is a self-confessed Myook Butts Fan who has no qualms in waiting in line for months and months just to get hold of a Myook Butts HF “I’m an avid fan of Myook because I love her original doodles, her craftsmanship and because the soakers last considerably longer than other HFs in our stash. Also, Mommy Jac is one of the nicest WAHMs I know. She is very accommodating, warm and generous (she gave us free soakers and cloth bags!)”

Mommy Clarisse on Myook Butts: “I stalked the Watawat stocking for over an hour on my phone over crappy internet while nursing my LO because I knew only one Watawat would be put up for sale” Photo #2: Little Carmelo wearing Baker Boy doodle nappy “Got this thru the wait-list din.” Mommy Clarisse’s Stash are LE’s of Myook Butts.

Another Myook Butts avid fan is Mommy Cheng Dajalos. She says: “I got our Batibot HF from their Stocking 3.0 in September 2014. It was love at first sight when I received it! And it fitted well on my then six-month old little man. B was–and still is–on the lean side and the few HFs we had looked really bulky on him. But not this one. The rest was history. I believe I got something from each of Myook Butts’ stockings since then. Stalker mode talaga.”

This is the first time Mommy Cheng’s Little One wore his Batibot HF from Myook Butts

Mommy Cheng added “Performance-wise, I did not have any issues with it. We use HFs as nap time nappies, including our MB’s. That means nappies on baby’s bum between 2 and 4 hours. Never had leaks with them. And for the record, MB soakers are by far the longest among the HF brands that we have. (We have a few, all local WAHMs.) Another thing that I love about our Myook Butts HFs is that most of them are original prints created by mommy Jac herself: Batibot, Doodle Harry, Watawat, Peeta and Kumaw. I plan to collect them all and they will definitely be part of our permastash!”

Mommy Cheng’s Myook Butts stash. “Still waiting for our GCDC nappy and I have just ordered for the other 2 MB original prints (Peeta and Kumaw) to complete our collection”

Another hard-core Myook Butts Fan is Mommy Nickie Lemen-Dahingo. “I am a self-confessed potterhead. Super huge fan! My dream is to have a harry potter print nappy that is from an awesome WAHM. I viewed the (Myook Butts Cloth Diapers) albums of previous stockings and when I saw the famous DOODLE HARRY I fell head over heels with it. It was my unicorn! I told myself I really need to have my hands on that nappy! I patiently waited for the next stocking and when stocking 6.0 was announced I immediately checked on the prints. Sad to say Doodle Harry was not part of the stocking but the Mexican Woven Cotton Blanket (which incidentally fits) baby Gavin’s birthday’s theme. Sad to say though I wasn’t able to get the slot, but I sent a message to Mommy Jaclyn and told her about Gavin’s Birthday theme. She did not promise anything, but she did say that she will sew something for us – two weeks later she sent me a photo of the HF and the rest was history.”

Mommy Nickie’s Little Gavin at his pre-birthday photoshoot. With pride Mommy Nickie said that her baby Gavin is wearing “the first and one and only MB Mexican Woven Cotton Blanket On the bum.” Mommy Nickie said she also appreciates a lot, the handwritten notes of Mommy Jaclyn.

When asked what Mommy Nickie likes most about Myook Butts, this is what she had to say: “What I love about MB is the quality of the nappy and its UNIQUENESS. Honestly I compared MB to the other Hybrid Fitted nappies that we have that was made by other WAHMs and it is the only nappy that has a very fluffy and soft inner lining and insert. I am really amazed on how soft it is! The first time we got the nappy I literally buried my face inside the nappy! Its quality is at par to an expensive and well known nappy made also by a WAHM in the US. We tried to use it as an overnight nappy no leaks for 8 hours! Mommy Jac is one of the WAHMs that I truly love! Soooo generous, very humble and kind hearted! I really fell head over heels with MB and so I have heaps in line as pre ordered and on waitlist. My unicorn Doodle Harry Hybrid Fitted with matching Doodle Harry Tula Carrier hood and drool pads is currently being sewn by Mommy Jac and will come home on October!”

Mommy Nickie relates the story behind the matching HF and Dribble bib: “Gavin at 12months and 1 week wearing his favourite dribble bib given as a birthday gift by Mommy Jac.” Photos on the right side are taken during Gavin’s Pre-Birthday Photo Shoot.

So there you have it, that wraps up our pilot edition of happypinaymommy.com’s WAHM of the week. If you have a WAHM in mind that you wanna be featured, please drop by my Facebook page and leave me a message, and please hit the like button too.

Till Next Post!

Leaving you with this video on scheduling for Work at Home Moms:

https://happypinaymommy.com/2015/09/02/quick-and-easy-ways-to-clean-and-disinfect-toys/

The post Happypinaymommy.com’s Work-at-Home-Mommy of the Week #1 appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Determination, and Hardwork are just some of the many things i want my kids to learn from Manny Pacquiao. (Photo Credits: Roger Alcantara, cc: Some Rights Reserved)

We watch the early evening news almost every night, like clock work, and lately it is all about Manny Pacquiao and his upcoming fight with Floyd Mayweather.

And while Little H is already very familiar with Manny as her dad is a big fan, I have now noticed that she, too, is getting excited about that big fight on May 2 (May 3 for us in the Philippines).

Apart from making a Dubsmash with her dad – both of them singing “Lalaban Ako Para sa Mundo” – I lately hear my four-year old singing Manny’s song of the moment while playing with her teddy bears. Kilalang-kilala na nya si Manny, and it seems like she is already a fan. Gone were the days she calls him ‘money pacquiao’ out of innocence.

Well, I am not against her being a fan of the Pambansang Kamao. After all, Manny is a good inspiration not just to us Pinoys, but to the whole world as well.

So what do I want my kids to gain from being a Pacman Fan? Here are nine things I want my kids to learn from Manny Pacquiao:

1. The value of hardwork and determination – Manny kept on saying that he never imagined that he will be where he is now, especially during his younger days when he would go hungry, and walk the streets sans slippers. Kids these days are very lucky to be given what they want at their whim. I want my kids to learn that they should persevere in order to get what they want, and that if they do, the hard work and determination pays off, big time.

2. Bring back the Glory to the Lord – Manny has always glorified the Lord. Even before he became a Born Again Christian, Manny never forgot to heed the Lord’s help, make the sign of the cross, wear his scapular/rosary, and thank the Lord, every after a big fight. I want my kids to know that through all the successes and trials that they will meet, there is a God that watches over them, whom they have to thank for. I want them to be prayerful and faithful to the Lord, no matter what.

3. It pays to be Physically Fit –Manny’s physical routine may be very rigorous but it is a good example of a healthy habit I want my kids to acquire growing up. No they do not have to do those monster sit-ups and shadow boxing, they just have to stay active, and have a healthy outlook in life.

4. Dream Big – I have always subscribed to this saying, that Manny apparently mirrors in his life. I want my kids to know that there is nothing wrong with dreaming big, and the chances of getting what you want starts once you conceive it on your mind. Gaya nga ng sinabi ni Inay, “wala namang bayad mangarap, kaya mangangarap ka nalang, taasan mo na.” No use on limiting your own potential.

5. Failure happens, but you have to move on, and try to be better – Whenever Manny loses a major fight, it becomes a practical lesson to illustrate that even champions lose, and that failure happens. one of the things i want my kids to learn from Manny Pacquiao is that in life, there will be failures, and that it is fine to feel sad about it. HOWEVER, they should be able to get back on their feet as soon as they can, move on, and move strongly towards their goal, just like what Manny does.

6. People change – Manny is a self-confessed former womanizer, gambler, and if I remember right, a substance-abuser (correct me if this is a wrong notion because I only saw this on one of his true-to-life films – not Kid Kulafu though). He now said, he is a changed man, and he is happier and more at peace. Although I would not want to imagine my kids going through those trials, I just want them to know that they should not give up on a person because with a person’s willingness to change, coupled with perseverance, and God’s grace, he could change for the better.

7. Generosity – I love that Manny had always been featured on TV sharing to his relatives, friends, colleagues, and constituents, the many blessings he has received. I want my children to learn the value of generosity, and that sharing should always be done with joy in their hearts, and without expecting anything in return.

8. Love for country – I admit that I am not the most patriotic person, and so I want my kids to be nationalistic and proud of their heritage. Manny, in his many fights, has united Filipinos in more ways than one helping us to be proud of our country. I better get serious in teaching Little H, the Lupang Hinirang so that I could explain to her further during the bout what that song is for.

9. Keep sense of humor amid stress – Being the worry wart that I am, I am not a good model of this for my kids. Manny is the cool-type, and I want my kids to know that having that attitude of calmness amid stress would greatly benefit them in the long-run.

I may have said too much already, but one thing is certain – My little familia unites with the whole Filipino Nation in supporting our One and Only Pambansang Kamao. Manny is not just the best boxer our country has produced, he is also a great inspiration to all of us who are struggling in one way or another. Thank you Manny for the inspiration. Mabuhay Ka Pacman, and Kaya Mo Yan!

The post Nine Things I Want My Kids to Learn From Manny Pacquiao appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.