Are you a mom or a dad?  Have you found yourself in the middle of changing diapers or during a pretend play with your toddler or during a pep talk with your teenager if you are indeed doing IT right?  As a parent, you think you are being too strict or too cool?  Are you giving enough attention to the kids even if you're at work the whole day or you compensate the time you're away from them with gifts.  Do you use time-outs?  Do you spank?  Do you yell?  Do you feel guilty sometimes?  Do you sometimes want to give up work and just stay with the kids at home because of guilt?

If yes, that's normal.  We're normal.  My take on this is, parenting per household is unique because our children are unique from other children.  Parent them the way that you think works best for you and for the family.  Surprisingly, there's also parenting-style-war going around and if you've been a victim (those who tell you you're doing it all wrong or giving unsolicited advice), DON'T MIND THEM.  You are your children's parent and you should know better.  But it helps if we listen and attend a summit or talk from parenting experts who are there to HELP and SUPPORT not judge or prove our styles are wrong.

Good thing, the #1 Amazon bestselling author and international speaker Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag is organizing a parenting event: Hands-On Parents while Earning or H.O.P.E. Summit.

Hands-On Parents while Earning or H.O.P.E. Summit  April 22, 2017 | 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM  Bulwagang Haribon, Insular Life Corporate Center Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

"I had been running time management, goal-setting and work-life balance workshops for decades," Gumap-as Dumadag, a consultant who has traveled around the Philippines and in other Asian countries to conduct workshops, shares. "I’ve always enjoyed and looked forward to these kinds of workshops because I know that every time I run these workshops, I’m making a big difference not only in the lives of the participants but also in the lives of their family members.”

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE H.O.P.E. SUMMIT:

• Participants will be able to clarify their priorities and learn strategies and tips on how to live them out.
• Parents will be able to come up with a list of new habits that they can easily and consistently implement after the workshop so they can be more involved in their children’s lives. 
• Parents will discover ways to work smarter so they can free up more time in their schedules to bond with their children. 
• Parents will be inspired by the stories of the featured moms and dads (guest panelists) in the H.O.P.E. Summit and learn tips and strategies from them on how to be successful in their careers/businesses while being hands-on with their children.
• Parents will have an opportunity to meet and interact with other parents who also want to become hands-on parents while earning.
• Have fun while learning.
• Come out of the workshop more determined and committed to being a better parent.

Apart from the learning you will take home with you, you will also receive giveaways from some of the event sponsors. You also get a chance to win exciting prizes in the raffle like books published by Shepherd’s Voice Publication. Also the first 20 participants will get customized Hands-On Parent while Earning bags courtesy of My Little Ikbi.

GIVEAWAY:
Charged up to attend the H.O.P.E. Summit?  Here's one great news, I'm giving away ONE (1) Complimentary Ticket worth Php 3,000.00 to one you my dear readers.  It's so easy!

Mechanics:

1. Beginning today until April 20, 2017, just post a photo of you and your children on Facebook, Twitter or IG (make sure it's public)
2. In the caption tell me or share a quick tip on Hands-On Parenting while Earning that works for your and your kids.  
3. Tag me on your post and include the hashtags #HOPESummit2017 #iHOPE 
4. Copy and past the link of your post on the comment section below.

What past participants say about the H.O.P.E. Summit:

“It gave me the inspiration to become the parent that has freedom from corporate work while providing for our family through an entrepreneurial pursuit I am passionate about,” says Dennis Anguluan about the first H.O.P.E. Summit.

“I am inviting you to attend this second run of the H.O.P.E. Summit this 2017. I can guarantee that this is a must-attend seminar,” says Jenina Tuazon, a breastfeeding mom, blogger and a participant of the first H.O.P.E. Summit. “I am sure this is really worth every penny of your investment,” Tuazon adds.

The HO.P.E. Summit is co-presented by Full Life Cube Publishing and Events Services and Insular Life. The event is also supported by Payoneer, Kindermusik by Teacher Suzette and friends, Moringana by Organics Asia, Merry Macarons, Mom and Milly Educational Toys and KANSIS Made. Media partners include Experience of a super mommy, Lally’s Reflections, Mommy Bares All, Mommy Practicality, My Metro Lifestyle, My World by Mommy Anna, Roller Coaster Ride, Seminar Philippines, The Filipino Homeschooler, The Vine that Writes, Mums Daily PH and WhenInManila.com.

About Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag
TERESA GUMAP-AS DUMADAG is a Filipino mom who shares inspiration and wisdom through her books, articles, blogs (Mommy Bares All and When My Bridegroom Comes), talks, training programs and workshops. She’s the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller BREASTFEEDING: A Journey Worth Taking. She recently published her first children’s book titled Mommy Loves You Just the Same. One of her upcoming books is How to Be A Hands-On Parent while Earning. She works from home as a consultant for management, human resources and training solutions, a career coach and counselor and blogger. She is the President and Founder of Full Life Cube Publishing and Events Services (http://www.fulllifecube.com), through which she inspires and equips her clients to succeed in their businesses/careers while living out their priorities and life’s purposes. She does all these while homeschooling her two older kids and breastfeeding her youngest son who is now a toddler. Connect with Teresa through Twitter (@TeresaGDumadag) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/teresadumadag/).

Mommy Practicality turned four last July 1.  And as announced on my IG and Facebook Page, I will be celebrating this milestone with you by holding a simple giveaway.  It's been four great years of sharing a piece of myself and opening a window to our family life in ways I could inspire my readers to always be positive and look at the brighter side of things, in whatever circumstance they may be in.  At least that's what I hope I am imparting and the emotional aspect that I'm leaving the readers in my posts.

You’ve been thinking about Holy Week and you’ve been planning what to do during your downtime with the whole family. By now, you’ve probably finished listing down the churches to visit for the traditional Visita Iglesia. You’ve probably decided where to bring the family for a fun Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, too.

Now, while we’re all looking forward to some moments of silence and reflection during the upcoming Holy Week, how about scheduling a special “date” with your loved ones at the Mall of Asia Arena before heading on to your favorite Easter Egg Hunt?

Who says motherhood is easy?  I think no one did.  It's a 24/7 job.  One has to always be on her toes to ensure her family is safe and happy.  One of her challenges is how to keep her kids away from harm at all times.  Personally, I know that accidents could always happen.  But I also believe that it could be prevented.

In an intimate gathering I attended together with my fellow Circle of Trust Moms, organized by Wilkins Distilled water, we learned some do-it-yourself safety hacks from other trusted expert moms using materials that are easily accessible from their own homes.  It was a fun afternoon of learning and sharing with other moms in the crowd.

Here are some of the tips shared during the Wilkins event which you could also try at home.

Scout the Territory. 
Take a child’s eye view of your home. Get down on your knees to see for yourself what’s within reach, what looks tempting, and what could be dangerous for your kids.

Cushion Sharp Edges and Soften Up Corners. 
Invest on furniture edge guards and corner protectors; foam pipe insulations for instance are easily available at hardware stores. When your child starts running around the house, you’ll be thankful you brought that extra protection.

Keep Window Cords Up High. 
Loop and tie window cords to keep them out of reach of children, but not too high that you can’t lower the shade all the way down.

Duct Tape on Power Outlets. 
Cover reachable openings with duct tape or band aid to avoid the risk of electrocution.  There are also readily available power outlet covers you could buy in DIY shops for less than one hundred pesos for 4 pieces.  I personally use these at home to keep my kids safe.

My Dad is my first love and he will always be.  I still remember myself as the four year old girl who was carried by my dad on our way to Fiesta Carnival in Cubao.  He held me as I chose the prettiest looking bump car.  He guided me how to drive it and later on let me do it myself so I would enjoy the ride.  When I crashed with another car, I looked at him with sorry and scared eyes, but he just gave me an assuring look that it was ok, to go on and drive again.

It was his way of showing his trust and love for me.  He was never the vocal type of dad, like most dads are, but he has a way of letting me know.  The way he taught me how to ride the bump car was pretty much how he taught life's lessons.  Growing up, he had guided me silently.  I think he always knew that I was the strong one among my three brothers.  That's why when life crashed on me some years back, he just let me.  Not because he didn't care.  But because he knew that I can handle it gracefully and pick up the broken pieces and fight back.  He has given me that much trust and while I stumble from one decision to another and finally had chosen the path that was still complicated yet happy and more at peace, he was just there.  He never left me.  I never heard him say that I was wrong.  All he showed was support, understanding and love for me.

With that, I became the person that I am now.  There were no regrets in my life even if I've bumped and crashed, because I learned to: accept things better, pick up lessons quickly, and move on easily.  A big part of the character I formed along the way is my DAD.  Our relationship has always been the non-verbal type but I never felt, not even once, that he didn't care.

My Dad is my hero because he took care of the family and sent his children to good schools.  We had a modest living, which taught us to be grounded.  He didn't spoil me even if I was the only rose among three thorns.  He was very supportive of my school activities and has always been proud of my achievements up to this day.  He is my number one fan, as I am his.
When you see him, he exudes peace and simplicity on his face, non-pretentious, good-natured, positive, peace-loving and respectable.  That's why I perfectly know why even at his age of 73, he's popular among his peers and well-loved by any group he joins.

I am blessed to have a father like my dad.  He taught me well in life, but was never too strict to hold me too tight.  Instead, he let me fly, lose a wing and watched me get back on track.  With that, I thank him for raising me and my siblings well.  I thank him for the years he sacrificed working everyday to give us good lives.  I thank him for loving us unconditionally and for standing by us even if we've made some mistakes in our lives.
With everything he's done for me, whatever I am returning right now, will never be enough.  He may be under my wings now but I know that I could never level to what he did for us, for me particularly.  From loving and taking care not only of me but my kids too, I know my dad deserves more and only the best from me and my brothers.

So Dad, for as long as you're still with us, I promise to take care of you, hold your hand and guide you should the time come when you couldn't see well nor hear my voice clearly nor have the strength to walk from a point to the other, just like you did for me when I was still a small child.  It will never ever be enough, but I assure you that I will give you the best I could.

Thank you Daddy for everything!  I love you so much!  Happy Father's Day!

Ah November, here you are!  You came too fast from last year.  Because November is my birthday month, I've been reminiscing over the past year, my blessings, my accomplishments, my failures (just so I could focus on how to correct them and make it better) and my life in all its aspects: family, friends, career, including this blog.

To celebrate my birthday with my family and closest friends, is more than enough (although an out-of-town or an out-of-the-country trip would be nice too.)  Just to share, here was how I celebrated my birthday last year:

“Cake is happiness! If you know the way of the cake, you know the way of happiness! If you have a cake in front of you, you should not look any further for joy!”  - C. JoyBell C.

That is all but TRUE!  That's why a birthday or any occasion for that matter seems incomplete without a cake.  A cake makes celebrations happy and sweet.  From simple cakes to now personalized cake or cupcake tower, once you blow the candle on top of it, you know it's your life's milestone being celebrated!

I just want to share some of my cake happiness. These are suppliers whom I get my cakes from and I truly recommend.

Triple Delight Round Cake.  Layers of chocolate, vanilla and mocha chiffon cake filled with luscious chocolate frosting  and vanilla cream icing. Price: P 385.00 (round)   P 595.00 (8 x 12) P 935.00 (12 x 16)   P 2,460.00 (16 x 24) Visit Goldilocks' website for more information on their products and prices.  Goldilocks is also on Facebook