Ellasphere

Cooking for your Loved-Ones January 3, 2009

My mother used to advise me during my youth (hehehe) that I should learn how to cook. This will bring pleasure and delight to my future husband, she says. At first I would disagree to this fact for I thought it was unneccessary and old fashioned in the sense. I would often reason out, “well, I might as well hire myself a nanny to do that…” I used to believe that women are not always meant to serve their husbands. I find this a little bit unfair of course, on the part of the women.

But then I’ve come to realize where my mother was coming from when she said that, now that I am married with kids. It wasn’t that my mom wanted me to enslave myself to my husband and be miserable about it but there was more into that. Learning to cook and to be acquianted with household chores for that matter are just few of the many things that you can do as a wife and a homemaker, all for the love for your family. In my six years of marriage with my husband Bono, I had nothing but the intentions of making him happy and doing things for him and of course for my kids.

And so I have attempted to cook tinola, a very simple dish made of chicken, papaya, ginger, chili leaves and soup that goes with it. It wasn’t as tedious as it seems but seeing my kids and my husband taking delight on the cooking was very rewarding and it somehow made me feel good not only about myself but with the love behind the act.

Because of this, I would ask my mom and lola to text me some recipes that I’ve grown up with… Yeah, I know it’s a little lame but one is not too old to learn, right? And of course the net is always loaded up with lots of free recipes anyways.

And so as a conclusion, learning these household chores should not be seen as a mere responsibility but as a labor of love. From there, creativity would be unleashed.

So we’ll see more of what I can prepare soon… for my boys! hihihi!

Do you Want to Blog? January 1, 2009

Since I’ve changed the theme of ellasphere, I can’t help but write things that I know of, things that captures my interest. And so the blogging experience has become a habit of mine once again, well at least for this christmas vacation. It is also nice to know that more and more Filipinos are now into blogging, which also serves as a rich avenue for one’s writing creativity, as well as to enhance capability of optimizing it to cater to a much larger number of readers.

So, are you new to this blogging thing? If you are, then let me tell you something about this. Blogging will definitely hasten your ability to write and will open more doors for online earning in the long run. Possibilities are endless, as they say.

But first things first, what are the prerequisite of blogging?

Of course, you need to have that keen interest in writing. Being passionate to writing contributes greatly to your success as a blogger. If you know how to juggle your vocabulary and come up with writings that can stimulate readers, well then you can go a long way as a blogger.

Also, if you are a wide reader, then you can combine the information from what you have read with the knowledge and views that you have altogether, thus making your blog more sensible and reliable, and therefore, you will acquire that power to influence and attract more readers to your blog.

Then think about the niche or topic you want to write and what others would search for in the net. You can search for these popular niches and choose what you would like to focus on. But you need to write what you know so you can communicate your ideas effectively and efficiently.

A blogger must also know how to convey and communicate ideas well and effectively. This way, you won’t be misunderstood. Also, the key to blogging is your ability to get into the readers mind, tickle their interest, and provoke them to think about what you write and encourage them to write their comments about your content. There was also an advice that I have acquired from a blogger friend, saying that you need to write on the second person’s view (You…). This allows your blog seems to personally communicate to your readers.

Creativity allows your blog to be attractive and will invite more readers to visit your site. A lot of bloggers now choose to design their themes for their blog to give it a personal touch, but of course there are other precustomized themes for you that will definitely match your personality and the profile of your blog. Also, you may want to communicate to your readers.

Creativity allows your blog to be attractive and will invite more readers to visit your site. A lot of bloggers now choose to design their themes for their blog to give it a personal touch, but of course there are other precustomized themes for you that will definitely match your personality and the profile of your blog. Also, you may want to add images or videos to accompany your content as well. Also, your personal creativity will gain positive feedback from your viewers.

Patience is indeed a virtue, epsecially with blogging. Blogging does not only entails writing alone but it also involves comment moderation, optimizing the blogsite to attract readers and visitors as well as  learning the technicalities of design. You cannot learn these in one sitting. And so patience plus your learning attitude will greatly contribute to your blogging expertise. I would admit, I myself have my nosebleeds when it comes to the techie part, and sometimes I would want to settle for less to make my blogging less complicated but when you get to see and encounter other blogs, your interest in blogging ignites once more. Having a pal around who is already an expert can help you out. But for starters, of course, be proud of what you can do at the moment and you will get the hang of it in the process. Be determined to learn and execute these as you go along.

And when you get famous for your blog, then get ready for inquiries like how you pulled it off and for a lot of comments plus the fact that you should maintain it. It is not impossible for you to reach that point as long as you’ve aimed for the right niche for your potential readers.

As you begin to blog, you might want to have a free hosted site to start with so you can setup your site easily. These free hosted sites are very friendly for they provide you with tutorials and themes for you to work with.

Blogging is not as tedious as it seems. But honestly speaking, the techies and the HTML codes would make it a little bit complicated for those who are just starting with this field but never fear. Your curiousity and interest will not hinder you from seeking the ins and outs of it and soon you will be successful in blogging. The important thing is that you can write! That goes a long way!

Happy blogging!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) December 30, 2008

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of those behavioral problems displayed by some kids and adults characterized by distractibility or having a poor sustained attention to tasks given to the person; impulsivity, and excessive activity and restlessness. Usually, this is common nowadays among children, estimated around 3-5 percent.

According to research and scientific studies, children who are easily distracted by irrelevant conditions around them, or if they fail to pay attention to details and follow directions carefully and accurately, and some signs of forgetfulness about basic things they need to get a specific task done, most likely the child may have inattention disorder which apparently can be a sign of having ADHD. But then, we have to note that this should be in a consistent manner before we can jump into conclusions that the child may have this disability.

Another symptom of ADHD aside from inattention is hyperactivity and impulsivility. Usually, if a person tends to feel restless, or would often fidget with hands or feet, squirms a lot, or if he or she finds it hard to keep still on the seat in occasions where he or she is expected to behave, runs and climbs excessively, or when he or she tends to blurt out answers right away, then most likely, the person can be diagnosed as hyperactive.

If you feel that someone display these behavior excessively, then you may want to seek an expert opinion from developmental pediatricians or from psychologists. They have the right evaluative tools in order to carefully examine the person who is suspected to have ADHD. Again, if the person exhibits these symptoms, we cannot conclude that he or she has ADHD right away. But at least, if we hear it from experts, we can be assured that we had the necessary basis for it. And tests conducted to gear to the intellect, emotions, social, and psychomotor cannot be done in one sitting to examine the person with this condition. These tests are done in different setting, like at home and at school at different times of the day. Several observations are conducted to make sure that data are valid and reliable.

But if the person was diagnosed of ADHD, this can be addressed as well with the help of the home, school and the doctor. Establish daily routines firmly and make sure that limits are communicated to the patient with the right approach. Usually, children with ADHD can cope with demands and expectations with constant practice. Also a friendly environment; fostered with love, care and understanding will help the child cope and will make him or her feel accepted rather than being rejected and criticized.  Also, ADHD does not limit the child in understanding the do’s and don’ts of things so you can still let him or her know your expectations and in letting the child feel loved.

Expect that your temper and patience will be put to the test. Be ready for this. You may feel frustrated in the process but never loose hope in trying to help the person with this condition. Be open to your doctor and the teacher about this in order for them to help you cope and learn about it. Share your concerns to them so you may get the proper guidance in order for you to understand the child better and you may both cope with the situation together and have successful parenting with him or her.

You may also educate yourself about ADHD so you yourself can understand it fully and you can try your own approach for the child. You may also want to extend help to those who are also in need of guidance on how to deal with their own struggles with people with ADHD.

But let us also know that people with ADHD have their own special abilities that make them really special and that they are not apart from us. Like the rest of us, they are unique and needed to be loved and respected.

*image courtesy of http://www.massagetableoutlet.com/massage-table-blog/

On Treating Impetigo

Just recently, Kyle, my youngest son had these tiny reddish wounds and sores which at first thought to be just simple insect bites. But as days passed, these bites grew bigger and they started to spread out rapidly on some areas of his skin: one on his right elbow, one on the left arm, and one on his right leg. After searching the net and consulting with the pedia, we’ve found out that Kyle has a case of what we call Impetigo, a skin disease common to children especially toddlers. Impetigo begins from a tiny insect bite then grows bigger and reddish if not treated right away. Actually Impetigo occurs when the child scratches this bites with dirty hands which can lead to bacteria growth. Moreover, impetigo are contagious by means of touch.

As treatment, we set aside Kyle’s towel and clothes from his kuya Keith, then we strictly imposed the use of alcohol and frequent handwashing at home. Also these wounds have to be treated at least five times or so in a day. All you need is an antisceptic, then apply an antibacterial ointment (Bactroban, the best!) unto the wound. Cover the wound with gauge to protect it from being scratched. We also had to trim Kyle’s fingernails to prevent them from acquiring dirt that would aggravate bacteria growth once they get contact with the wound. We also made sure that the house is cleaned and disenfected frequently.

Although impetigo is a common skin problem among toddlers, we can protect our children from it by ensuring the cleanliness of our homes, making sure that our homes are insect and dirt free, plus providing our kids with food rich in vitamin C. We also need to be alert and vigilant with things that are unusual especially with our kids so we can act upon them right away. Then, prevention, prevention, prevention!

*image courtesy of http://www.sumnerhealth.co.nz/infosheets/impetigo.html

Encouraging Children through Praise December 28, 2008

Praising your children for a job well done is one of the best tools that you can use to encourage positive behavior from them. Yet giving praises should be done with much consideration. Here are some suggestions:

Keep your words in an even and positive tone. Children are very smart and sensitive to what is beyond the message you convey. They see and hear more from what you say to them. They key to this is to avoid criticizing our children because they won’t definitely respond to it. For example, “John, you’ve finally decided to come on time.” This approach is a little hostile and offending, thus might fail to reinforce the positive act.

Make sure that your children see your praises as favoring rather than disdainful. Some have tendencies to send messages that tend to be condescending that children often construe from the praises they receive. Avoid sending mixed messages like that.

Avoid comparing children or holding up a child as a model. (Well, I’m guilty of this when I try to discipline my kids.) Try not to use remarks like, “Look at Keith, he’s behaving well while I read the story.” Instead, consider saying, “Thanks Keith for listening attentively as I read.”

Give remarks on the accomplishment or the positive act. Give specific details as you give praise to what has been done to show that you really appreciated the effort, rather that just giving quick notes like, “Good work, Mike!” Details by describing the act will definitely boost the child in keeping up the good work he or she is doing.

Refrain from making pronouncements. The use of “I” in statements might suggest favoritism. Rather than saying, “I like how you did your project here.”, how about saying it this way; “Jane, this is really nice. How did you do it?” This eliminates biases on comments that we give to our kids.Give praise from the heart. Sincere praises and appreciation on the efforts exerted by your children will definitely contribute in boosting their confidence in doing things. This also gives your children an assurance that you are really interested in what they can do and in what they can be. Be generous of giving praises to your kids and help your kids grow in doing the right thing.

Conducting Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conducting a parent-teacher conference is one of those opportunities we give to our parents to know more about their children in the school setting, and how they fair with their classmates, and to find out ways on how to help them with school work.

As a teacher, it is our responsibility to report to them accurately the performance of their child, both in the academic and their character formation.

But a lot of teachers tend to create this fear of facing the parents and as a result, they are caught offguard when it comes to tough questions, or perhaps, they lose their focus with the true purpose of the conference- to discuss the welfare of the child and to establish that teamwork and partnership of teachers and parents. Problably it is because teachers would like to be at their best when they face the parents, to make sure that they make a good impression with the parents, that their children are in good hands.

This is just normal and natural to feel. But the thing is, teachers need to overcome this fear, and so confidence have to be established and at the same time, bear in mind that a teacher needs to be prepared with the possibilities, and expect things in order to be prepared for them.

Little do some teachers know also that parents are also as terrified as they are. They too have the anxiety of finding out how their children are in school and at the same time, they are very much interested with how they can help their children, rather than judging the teacher’s capacity to answer questions.

So here is what a teacher must know…

1. A teacher can have a background check of how the parents are from the previous teachers who have handled them. This way the teacher can have an idea on what to expect and can prepare for them.

2. A teacher can prepare an anecdotal record of each child and record the strengths, weaknesses and some instances that may be helpful and reliable for feedbacks that will be given to the parents. This will also give the parents the impression that the teacher is really taking track of their child’s progress since the teacher had her observations in writing.

3. A teacher should be sincere as he/she reports to the parents. Let the parents feel that you are one with them for the well-being of their child. That way, you can gain the trust of parents and at the same time, let them know how much you care.

4. A teacher must not try to please the parents in order not to hurt their feelings or to offend them. The thing is, the teacher has to be tactful when he/she communicates to parents. With sincerity and truthfulness to what is needed to be expressed, then nothing can go wrong.

And so seize this opportunity to learn from this experience and build friendship with parents as well!

 *images courtesy of http://kindergartengs.wordpress.com/2007/11/ and http://greenwood.alpinedistrict.org/Root%20Greenwood%20/Pages/links.html

Seeing my Old Friends…

Yesterday, I spent half of the day with my Baguio friends at Trinoma. The company i had with them even for such a short time made it really worthwhile, knowing that we’re still there for one another. It has been like five years since the last time I was with them and I really, really miss them so.  These friends I’m talking about are my frat brothers and sisters where I am affiliated to… Sigma Kappa Pi Fraternity and Sigma Pi Sorority Baguio Chapter. The amazing thing about this group is that this is not really my home chapter. However, these people made Baguio “my home away from home” because of their company and care. My years in Baguio have been a blast because of the company of my brods and sisses there.

Yeah, I’m very sentimental about the friendship and the family I have built with them… Through thick and thin, they have always been there to assist me in every way, and have learn a lot of life’s lessons in the process. Then as I’ve seen them yesterday, and with all the stories that we’ve shared up to five o’clock in the morning, I have felt that time has stopped for awhile and enjoyed every minute with them.

Although it would be long before we would see each other again, we’re still positive that we would be there for each other no matter what.

Love you guys! (-kamay-)

A New Look for the New Year December 18, 2008

Hope you like this new look of my site… I like the floral effect plus the colors that were put together in this theme –it somehow matches me and my personality, I guess. As my friend Fannie puts it, “This is so you!”

And to accompany the new look of my blog, I am also into changing my hairstyle as well. I am planning to have a new hairdo next year. Probably i will be having curls this year, or have a bob. Either way, i’m pretty excited about it!

Also, anytime soon, my family and i will be moving to a new home at Fiesta Communities. Just recently, my husband and i have decided to invest on a house and lot and set ourselves free from paying house rental. After much deliberation and weighing of the pros and cons, and finding means for it, finally things are finally falling into place.

God is really working in our lives. (halleluiah!)

And so, i hope you enjoy the new look…

How Ready is your Child for Potty Training? December 12, 2008

Before you attempt to potty train your child, you might want to check how ready your child is to learn and do it. Bear in mind that a child must be ready for this physically, mentally and emotionally to avoid frustration on your part as well. Observe the physical ability and the behavior of your child. If he’s ready to climb on the toilet seat and sit comfortably, then most likely he is ready for it. Also observe how regular and predictable his bowel movements so you can more or less tell him if it is “time to go”. You can also check if your child can pull his pants up and down by himself or if he still needs minimal assistance. If so, then potty training will be a breeze.

It is also important that your child can sense whether he needs to urinate or decaficate. You can ask him to let you know right away if he needs to go so you can assist him to the toilet. This will be easier if the child is able to follow simple directions and has good attention span. You may also want to use words for him to easily communicate with you his needs, like weewee or poopoo. Another sign of readiness that you might want to take note of is when he asks you to change him when he’s wet or soiled.

As for his psycho-social emotional readiness, watch for your child’s sense of self… if he demonstrates that sense of pride in her accomplishments, so you may reinforce his potty success through rewards and praises.  Also, when your child starts to be curious with the toilet, then take this opportunity for you to teach him about the toilet and encourage him to use it. You may also demonstrate how to use it so he can imitate you on how to use it. Don’t forget to praise him for a job well done, and always let him feel how proud you are of him. Children are also interested to wear grown-up pants and underpants and take delight in knowing that they are not babies anymore.

Now if your child lacks interest on potty training and still urinates frequently, then you may want to set aside the training and give more time for your child to grasp it. Never force your child to do it or this might result to trauma and frustration. Potty training is a milestone for your child and so this should be something fun for you and your child. Remember that the more your child is ready for it, the more efficient and effective your training will be.

A Petty but Cute Little Fight with Kyle November 7, 2008

Let me share with you an experience with my youngest son, Kyle…

I asked him a very innocent question:

“Anak, who is prettier, your Teacher or Mommy?”

He answered, “My teacher.”

So you can guess how my reaction was…

I said, “‘Nak, it’s mommy who should be prettier, right?”

Then he said, “Okay, mommy and teacher.”

But I countered, “No, it’s just mommy… nobody else.”

Then, he pinched me and spanked my arm and walked out on me! With his arms folded, he turned his back and said, “I’m mad na.”

But of course I was just kidding all along, so I went to him and apologized but he was really upset! hahahay!

Then after awhile, he went to me and gave me a kiss and a hug. Then I said, “‘nak, I was just joking…”

Funny and cute huh? LOL!