Praise God that my kids don't get sick often.  I get really scared about illnesses that a mosquito bite may bring and another dreaded illness is anything related to their tummies.  Because when their tummies start aching and they couldn't describe how painful or which area, I think I would really panic.  I'm sure this worries any parents too right?
These tummy problems which are mostly digestive health-related diseases such as diarrhea and constipation, come from harmful bacteria. And boy, kahit tayo adults, our moods really change kapag tyan na ang pinag-uusapan, what more our children who couldn't articulate what exactly is going on in there? 

When our children become sick, how we wish tayo na lang sana, so this really causes us emotional stress.  Experts and moms in my community say probiotics may help ease your child’s digestive disorders and even make potty training more manageable.  Perfect timing for my baby Damien who will turn 2 in a few months. 

Okay, so let's now talk about Probiotics.

ABOUT PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract.  Did you know that a human digestive tract has about 100 trillion healthy bacteria. Bacteria aid in digestion and help the body defend itself against illness.

Thus, probiotics can aid with immunity and help protect us and our kids from common colds and flu.
But because of poor diet, stress or by taking antibiotics and other medication, balance couldn't be achieved most times.  We can get probiotics from food such as yogurt and beverages, but the quality in those may not be enough.  So how do we get the right amount of probiotics for our children?

INTRODUCING ERCEFLORA PROBIBEARS

Erceflora ProbiBears, a yummy tummy supplement with the combined 2-in-1 PROBIO-BOOSTER of not just Lactobacillus acidophilus, but also Bifidobacterium lactis – good bacteria that help prevent gut problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and other digestive illnesses to help keep kids happy and healthy everyday.

Lactobacillus is good bacteria that are present in a lot of food. A study has shown that Lactobacillus was an effective treatment against infant colic and even helped improve immunity. Bifidobacterium, on the other hand, helps ease digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence. It also has a longer shelf life.

It’s the delicious and healthy way to strengthen your child’s tummy in yummy chewable bears!  I opened one pack so you would know how it looks:
These cute Erceflora ProbiBears:

• Has NO Preservatives
• Is Trans Free
• Is Gluten Free
• Is Nut Free
• Kosher and Halal Certified

From the makers of the World’s #1 Probiotic, ProbiBears will reassure moms that their kids stay healthy in the tummy! Moreover, their kids will love it because it comes in fun and yummy chewable bears! Erceflora ProbiBears is the 2-in-1 Probiotic Supplement (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) that will help improve your child’s digestion.

Erceflora ProbiBears will be available in Mercury Drug by June for only Php540SRP per Box of 20s.

Now that I am a work at home mom, I get to manage the household very closely. By that I mean I take care of my children personally, I clean the house/dishes/clothes and whatever needs to be cleaned, and lastly, I get to plan, market, choose the food and cook at least twice every single day.

I feel fulfilled whenever I get to cook for my family.  Cooking is like an expression of my love through service to my husband and kids.  Though not a great cook, at least I can whip up a meal worth remembering and when I can't or don't have enough time but still want a delicious and healthy meal for my family, I get a convenient help from frozen food products I could get from the grocery and cook almost instantly - such as Fisher Farms PH.

Fisher Farms PH has a lot of frozen fish products and we're glad to receive some to try, but actually, we've already purchased a few of their products before and we really liked the taste.  So I got really excited to try their other frozen products.

My family is a heavy breakfast and fish or seafood eaters.  So having fish anytime of the day is a welcome treat!  And if you would be interested to ask if my kids like fish, YES, super!  And vegetables too.  So, how's the taste?  It is definitely crispy on the outside because of its  breading, and it's fully cooked and tender inside.  The taste reminds me of my mom who used to marinate Dinaing na Bangus herself.  This is 100% made of Bangus, breaded, deboned, and Garlic and Vinegar marinated.  The pack is good for 4-5 servings.  Serve it with garlic fried rice and slices of tomato, hot brewed coffee, and mag-kamay for the best Pinoy breakfast experience.  Of course don't forget to wash your hands! :)
Personally, more than dried fish and dinaing na Bangus, I like Tinapa so much ever since I was a child.  When I first tasted Fisher Farms PH's Smoked Deboned Milkfish, I instantly liked it.  The bangus meat is tender and fresh.  The serving size per pack is generous, could even feed 4-5 hungry persons.  Pair it with again, garlic fried rice, tomato/onion/cucumber side dish and voila, you're in for a delicious and inexpensive experience with your family.  Plus, it's no hassle to cook it.  I recommend this in your cart on your next grocery day.
Honestly like the Hungarian Sausage, I was expecting this to taste seafoody-sisig, because after all it's a frozen seafood product.  Other bangus sisig I've tried tastes like that, fish.  But THIS, oh my, it's Bangus but it didn't taste fishy or malansa.  It says microwaveable on its packaging, but in my case, since I ditched the microwave, cooking it in a pan did the trick.  Usually a Sisig would need toyo-mansi (soy sauce + kalamansi) to season it. Fisher Farms PH's Bangus Sisig do not need seasoning anymore because it's tasty and in fact, for a frozen product it passed my and husband's Sisig taste standards, this is in comparison to the Sisig in famous grill restos in Metro Manila. :)

FISHER FARMS PH's POGI POINTS
1.  TASTE - If you love food because you love the fusion of different tastes in your mouth as you savor a dish, then you would also like Fisher Farms PH's frozen products.  You could never go wrong buying Fisher Farms Ph's package, any of their product line actually, because it tastes good!  No need for seasoning, it stands out.  Extra rice please?

2.  DISTRIBUTION - Fisher Farms Ph's frozen products are available in select branches of the following supermarkets: Savemore, SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Allday Supermarket, Metro Gaisano, Rustans Supermarket, Shopwise, South Supermarket, Waltermart, Puregold, Daily Supermarket, Fishermall, LCC, Ayagold, Pioneer Centre, Robinsons, The Landmark, and Ng Chain.

3.  PRICE - Price points of their frozen products ranges from Php 120 - Php299.  Sometimes, they also have limited time promos where you could Buy 1 Take 1, such as the one I bought from All Day Supermarket last month.  It's Mommy Practicality approved because it's a value for money purchase.

4.  HEALTHY - Fisher Farms PH milkfish is a healthier choice! Bangus has lower fat content than pork belly.  Plus it's also a good source of heart-healthy Omega-3!

I recommend moms who are on the go who sometimes have little time to prepare healthy meals for their family, try Fisher Farms PH frozen products and make sure you include them in your next grocery list.  Above four are my favorites, but you may find your own favorite from the variety of their other milk fish products such categorized into:
- Gourmet Selections
- Microwaveable Meals
- All Natural Fish Sausages
- Regular Fish Deli
- Kiddie Fish Delis
- Deboned Milk Fish
- Frozen Whole Fish

Happy Healthy Eating! :)

Mother's Day is the most celebrated event for a mom's life in a year, next to her birthday and wedding anniversary.  Well this is the arrangement of occasion importance at least for me personally. :)  Do you agree to this?

Actually you know what, moms' selfless love and care, sacrifices, strength, and even resilience should be celebrated every day, all year round.  So should Valentine's Day right?  That's why, all these occasions are perfect timings to send us, Moms/Wives a beautiful bouquet of flowers, just like what I received last Mother's Day from Flower Chimp Philippines.

I received this with a large thick cellophane as protection

Beautiful and fresh flowers make me really happy!

Lovely combination of flowers for this particular bouquet

This Valleta bouquet came with a nice vase.  Look at the bouquet, it's HUGE and really pretty!

1. Go to www.flowerchimp.com.ph/
2. Find a bouquet that you like. On the product page, choose from options offered (e.g. including a glass vase). 
3. Add the bouquet to your cart.
4. Open the cart and input your special instructions like date of delivery, your personal message, and of course, sender name.
5. Proceed to checkout. Provide your email address and delivery plus contact details of the recipient.
6. Pick your shipping and payment method - Payment can be done via Visa and Master Card.

1. FREE delivery on ALL orders to ALL regions in the Philippines.
2. SAME DAY DELIVERY within Metro Manila for online orders made before 1pm (Mon-Sat).
3. They have a wide selection of ready made bouquets to choose from.
4. You could narrow down your bouquet selection based on the following filters:
• Occasion
• Color of flowers
• Price Range
• Flower Type
5. Guaranteed FRESH FLOWERS every day.
6. Practicality - you don't need to be hassled to go out of your way to go to flower shops yourself or even in Dangwa to choose the flowers yourself and have it arranged, wait until the arrangement finishes and only to pay almost the same price.  The premium you will pay to have your flowers delivered by Flower Chimp PH is for the convenience and comfort of just ordering it online.  You know how traffic could get the best of us right?

https://www.mommypracticality.com/2018/05/mommy-practicalitys-mothers-day-giveaway.html

Express your feelings and appreciation to the special persons in your life with flowers.  You can never go wrong with flowers.  Flower Chimp PH is your partner in bringing joy and brightening someone's day.  Flowers are guaranteed BEAUTIFUL and FRESH.  Thanks to technology, you don't need to go out of the comforts of your home to get big and pretty flowers, order it online.  Have it delivered for FREE same day pa! 

Are there times that as a woman fulfilling your multiple roles (a wife, a mom, a sister, a career person, a friend or an organization leader) you get too exhausted to the point of even asking yourself or the universe "Why am I doing what I am doing?"

Have you ever wondered if other women of any role at any stage also did, does or will do what you did, what you do or will do?

Have you ever felt unsure, confused, lost, depressed, empty or even pressed against the wall?  Have you figured out what your purpose is in your life as a woman?

If you've felt or thought about this one time in your life, it's okay, it's normal.  I personally had my personal struggles as well as a woman.  It's normal, we all go through a lot.  Though of different experiences, degrees of past pains and tolerance of it, we all go through something.

We've cried buckets of tears during our first heartbreak, we've risked ourselves when we carried our babies in our wombs, we went through physical pain during labor and childbirth, we also submit as wives to our husbands, we raise our children, we even take care of our aging parents, we fulfill our passions/dreams on the side, and so many more.

It's tough to be a woman, and I believe that every struggles and victories of a woman should be celebrated.  This is what the Jewels Conference is all about.

What is the Jewels Conference 2018?
The Jewels Conference is a one-day event that seeks to empower women in their personal journey of balancing their roles, careers, relationships, and dreams. Our attendees were made up of different segments of women ranging from mothers, young professionals, young adults, and the youth.

First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all moms who have been anticipating for this mega giveaway launch and who have been reading my updates on list of sponsors.

Actually, let me also say that I have been blessed enough kahit po paano by this blogging world.  It has made me financially secured enough to be able to leave my corporate life and focus on my children, continue blogging without thinking of a boss or a work deliverable that will affect my performance appraisal and my salary increase, and allow me to plan and pursue my other passions.

With this, I want to extend these blessings to my readers and followers who are moms as well, so I spoke to my present and past blog partners who are willing to participate in the MEGA GIVEAWAY.

So without further hoola-baloo, presenting #MommyPracticalityMothersDayGiveaway!
DETAILED MECHANICS:

1. Open to all MOM followers and readers of Mommy Practicality who are Philippine Residents, ages 21 and above, and willing to pick up prizes.
2. Get a chance to win ONE from the following packages:
• Mommy Time Package - 3 WINNERS
• Flower Chimp Bouquet (one of the three winners of this package)
• Watsons Gift Pack
• Aesthetic Science Facial GC
• Kerygma Paperback book (Family Goals or Your Newborn Is A Blessing)
• Baby Love Package - 3 WINNERS
• Pampers Basket (one of three winners of this package)
• Graco Bath Tub
• NUK Twin Pack
• Sweet Embrace Package - 3 WINNERS
• City Garden Suites Overnight Hotel Accommodation with Buffet Breakfast for two (one of three winners of this package)
• Kiddimin Gift Pack
• Fisher-Price Toy or Graco Feeding Items
3. Follow Mommy Practicality on Instagram and Facebook.
• http://instagram.com/mommypracticality
• http://facebook.com/mommypracticality
4. Follow giveaway sponsors on social media:
• PAMPERS PH: https://www.facebook.com/PampersPh/ and https://www.instagram.com/pampersph/
• CITY GARDEN SUITES MANILA: https://www.facebook.com/CityGardenSuitesManila.Ph and https://www.instagram.com/citygardensuites/
• FLOWER CHIMP PH: https://www.facebook.com/FlowerChimpPH/
• GRACO PH: https://www.facebook.com/Graco/
• NUK PH: https://www.facebook.com/nukphilippines/
• WATSONS PH: https://www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH/
• AESTHETIC SCIENCE: https://www.facebook.com/aestheticscienceclinic/
• FISHER-PRICE: https://www.facebook.com/FisherPriceSEA
• FERN KIDDIMIN: https://www.facebook.com/fernkiddimin/
• KERYGMA BOOKS: https://www.facebook.com/KerygmaBooks/
5. Re-post this poster PLUS post a photo of you and your child/children.  In your caption, answer "What's the best thing about being a MOTHER?"
6. Don't forget to tag @MommyPracticality and put the hashtag: #MommyPracticalityMothersDayGiveaway
7. Tag two (2) of your MOMMY friends (real accounts only) and encourage to join the giveaway.
8. Make sure your post is public (FB/IG).
9. Giveaway will run from today until May 31, 2018
10. Winners will be announced on June 7, 2018.

I've been all kinds of mom, a single mom, a full time SAHM, a busy working mom for many years, and after leaving more than 16 years in the corporate, I am now a WAHM. Different phases in my life, different situations and different circumstances made me decide which kind of mom I should be with God's guidance and strength. It's not because I was pressured to be who I should be and it's not because I was dictated by anyone as well. I persevered and conquered every stage all for the same reason, my children.
But the road wasn't smooth all the time. I've been a mom three times over and still I sometimes don't get it. Really. I've made many choices, in fact experimented on some, to make sure I make it right. Sometimes it works, sometimes it fails. But what's the most important of all - and what God looks at - is my HEART. My intentions. And all I want is to be an intentional and loving MOM. And whether I do it right or wrong, I know and I keep on reminding myself when I forget, that I AM ENOUGH. That's my #Mompowerment story.
What is #Mompowerment?
The #Mompowerment Campaign is all about the power of sharing stories that connect moms to each other, making them feel they belong to something bigger, making them want to do better and be better because authentic, heart-filled stories empower.
Through Expo Mom, #Mompowerment is set to be a 7-month long, multi-platform campaign highlighting the stories of more than 50 moms from Manila as well as from around the Philippines such as Cebu, Davao, Negros, Cagayan de Oro and Baguio, sharing their #mompowerment moments so they can inspire others.  These are stories of success in the everyday pursuit of balance; stories of courage from moms who’ve undergone major trials and struggles in life; stories of moms who have gone beyond their hearth and homes to make a difference for others.  Cumulatively, these are all stories of moms who empower moms whether they are real moms, mompreneurs, influencers, experts, trailblazers or philanthropists.

Mommy Mundo hopes that through these stories, moms from all over the nation will learn to recognize their own mompowerment and share these stories by coming to Expo Mom, or by sharing their stories online, creating a strong, positive movement of empowered women.

Expo Mom 2018: #Mompowerment
Mommy Mundo’s flagship event Expo Mom is attended by over 12,000- 15,000 moms annually since its conception 11 years ago. Expo Mom 2018: #Mompowerment, slated for May 18-20 in Glorietta Activity Center, is the biggest and longest running, nationwide, mom-focused event, and will kick off the nationwide roadshow.

Expo Mom features more than 80+ booths, hundreds of brands of the latest products and services for moms, babies, children and families, part of which is Expo Mom’s trademark “mompreneur market” which it pioneered in 2008 at the first Expo Mom event. It will also feature all day demos and activities onstage, as well as inspiring “Mompowerment Talks”.

Here are some of the mompreneurs' booths you could expect at the ExpoMom:

Oli & Carol - Natural Baby Toys

Beginnings - my bunso's every day uniform which he uses up to this day!

Incy Rooms, Finn + Emma

Indigo Baby - where I got my most favorite Boncho - nursing cover which I use even when not nursing!

Expo Mom is also one of Manila’s most mom-friendly events as it features a cozy Mom Lounge for breastfeeding and diaper changing, a Dad Lounge, as well as a Kids’ Play Area.

Entrance fee to Expo Mom is P25.00, 100% of which will go to Mommy Mundo’s Momshare outreach programs. Mommy Mundo Passport holders get a free tote bag.  To apply for a Mommy Mundo Passport, simply go to www.mommymundo.com/join or get one at Expo Mom.

Expo Mom 2018 Roadshow Schedule:
Expo Mom Cebu: June 16, Ayala Center
Expo Mom Negros:  June 23, The District Northpoint
Expo Mom South: July 20, Alabang Town Center
Expo Mom North I:  July 14-15, Trinoma
Expo Mom North II:  October 6-7, Trinoma
Expo Mom Davao: September 1, Abreeza Mall
Expo Mom Central: September 21-23, Central Square BGC
Expo Mom CDO: October 20, Centrio Mall
Expo Mom Baguio: November 24, TBA

The #Mompowerment campaign is currently engaging real moms online to share their #Mompowerment moment on Mommy Mundo’s Facebook and IG social platforms.

Mommy Mundo invites moms to recognize their own empowered moments whether it be their personal successes and achievements, surviving major life challenges, or even daily victories such as getting fit, being create, running on zero, striving for home/life work balance, getting over mom guilt, multi-tasking mastery, skills in the kitchen, no yaya challenges or single motherhood.
Mommy Mundo believes #mompowerment begins with an awareness of being empowered, facing any situation with chin held high, and owning one’s strength and capabilities.

Expo Mom 2018; #Mompowerment is made possible by its co-presentors Baby Dove, PLDT, Sun Life, and Sweet Baby Diapers.  With support from Jason Magbanua’s Little Big Day Films, Mott’s 100% Apple Juice, Aller Plasma Sterilizer and Baby Zone. Official Online Media Partners Inquirer.net and InqPOP! And other media partners are Nickelodeon, Rucs Group of Companies , Newlyweds at Work (N@W), Project Lilo as well as its venue partner Ayala Malls, Glorietta.

For more info on Mommy Mundo, visit www.mommymundo.com or follow its social media accounts @MommyMundo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

For more info on Expo Mom, visit www.mommymundo.com/expomom

For someone like me who just left the corporate world and chose to work at home or simply stay at home with kids, I personally know of the big difference working in a business organization compared to being self-employed.  One of the most important benefits that I now do not have is FREE medical benefits for myself and my dependents.

My husband who's still employed could get us all covered, but sadly, not for free.  He has to pay an enormous monthly fee amounting roughly to Php 8,000/month.  This amount will eat up part of our monthly allowance for food and groceries.  Ang mahal!  So since March, I have been searching online for more budget-friendly health cards which have the benefits I look for.

Two of the affordable and packed with benefits health cards I found that's perfect for myself and those with kids are MediCard RxER HealthCard and MediCard Health Check Card.

MediCard RxER Card
COST: RxER Health Card for Php 1,998 (good for one year). 
WHERE TO BUY: 
WHERE TO USE: You may use this card at any FREE STANDING MediCard clinic near you. Check this link for the location of these 14 clinics – http://fsc.medicardphils.com/
BENEFITS: 
Consultations/Tests/Procedures

• Free unlimited consults with primary care physicians, including pediatricians
• Pay only P350 for consultations with specialists and sub- specialists (ENT, ophthalmologists, cardiologists, etc.)
• 30% discount on laboratory and diagnostics tests
• 30% discount on surgeries and other services
• 30% discount on procedures at the Skin & Body Laser & Aesthetic Care Centre by MediCard

Preventive Healthcare Services - I personally LOVE this benefit because I was so used to having
my annual physical examination as required in my former 10-year employment.  With MediCard's RxER, you could enjoy this benefit.

• Annual Physical Exam (at any MediCard free-standing clinic and UROIC)
• Comprehensive Physical Examination
• Complete Blood Count
• Urinalysis (Urine exam)
• Fecalysis (Stool exam)
• Chest X-Ray

Dental Care Services (at select MediCard free-standing clinics only)

• Free one time oral prophylaxis
• Free dental consultations
• 30% discount on dental procedures

Emergency Care Coverage - To check the inclusions and exclusions of the coverage, please see – https://www.medicardphils.com/terms-and-conditions/


On May 15, 2018, MediCard will offer Buy 1 Take 1 for their RxER card. So for practical moms like you and me, we better not let this opportunity pass.
MediCard Health Check Card
For moms like me who have more than one child, actually, even if you have just one, this is the BEST health card you could purchase for yourself and your children.  Imagine, UNLIMITED CHECK-UP for one year for only Php500.00.  This is definitely is a practical purchase and one that you will not regret paying for.  After all, it's for your child/children's welfare.
COST: MediCard Health Check Card is only Php 500 (good for 1 year)
AGE LIMIT: NONE. No pre-acceptance medical exam required
WHERE TO BUY: You may purchase this at any FREE STANDING MediCard clinic near you. Check this link for the location of these 14 clinics – http://fsc.medicardphils.com/
BENEFITS:

• Annual Physical Examination
• Comprehensive Physical Exam
• Complete Blood Count
• Urinalysis (urine exam)
• Fecalysis (stool exam)
• Chest X-Ray
• Unlimited consultations with MediCard primary care physicians (general practitioners and family medicine physicians), general internists, general surgeons, pediatrician, and gynecologists (except maternity-related consultation) * Other specialists = Php350 flat rate
• 20% discount on laboratory or diagnostic tests

All MediCard Health Check Card benefits may be availed from Mondays thru Fridays and by appointment at the MediCard free-standing clinic where the card was purchased.

Aren't you relieved to know this good news from MediCard's RxER HealthCard and Health Check Card?  I don't know about you, but I am! :)

To get the latest updates about MediCard and their offerings, follow them on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/medicard.philippines

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  I usually get teary-eyed when the month of May starts for so many reasons.  First, it's my late mom's birthday month.  Second, it's my parents' wedding anniversary month.  Lastly, it's Mother's Day month.  A month when mothers all over the world are appreciated by their children and even their husbands for all the selfless love, service, and nurturing she gives to her children, the comfortable life she gives her husband - for not having to worry much about bathing the children or changing nappies or making school or travel checklists or finding anything that's lost in the house. LOL!  Real story right there.

Moms are usually surprised or asked what gifts she'd like to receive.  But more often than not, we reply with "Kahit wala na, basta complete tayo, ayos na." or with "Kahit ano, basta galing sa inyo."  But deep inside, we really want to receive something that would shout "She's the BEST MOM in the world!" without being too picky nor extravagant.

So I posted a survey on my Facebook Page to ask my mom followers what they really really want to receive this Mother's Day as a gift from their children or their husbands. Here were the responses:


I summarized the wish lists and surprisingly, we tend to overthink what to give our moms but simple lang ang gusto nila/namin/natin.  To those who hasn't bought any for their moms or wives yet, here are great REAL GIFT WISH LISTS from REAL MOMs.

1.  DIY Greeting Card/Letter/Note - This wasn't part of the wish lists you've seen above because this is my personal gift wish list.  I have a penchant for handwritten letters, DIY cards, which my mom taught me to do, and a simple thoughtful expression of love and appreciation.  This is of course the most practical gift of all!  No cost, just pure love, thoughtfulness, and a little effort in writing.

2.  Flowers - Say your feelings with flowers!  As they say, you can never go wrong with a woMOM if you show up with flowers.  Moms love receiving flowers.  It makes us feel more appreciated, affirmed, loved, and beautiful.  Like you're saying we're the best mom there is in the universe.  Make that a bouquet of beautiful and wonderfully arranged flowers!  Just like the one I received from Flower Chimp Philippines.  It's SAME DAY FREE DELIVERY for orders placed online before 10am, to anywhere in the country!

You may surprise her with a gift box with all the beauty essentials she'll need.  Shop for these in just one shop, Watsons PH.  Products for the hair (shampoo, conditioner, keratin oil, hair coloring kit, etc.), face (make-up, cleansers, toner, moisturizers, etc), body (lotion, soap, shower gels, etc.) and even food supplements are all there!  Put them nicely in one wooden box then tie neatly with a cloth ribbon and personalize your gift tag.  I am sure any mom would love that gift!

Oh by the way, have you seen their tear-jerker Mother's Day video which reminds us to love ourselves too?  Hindi pa?  See below:

City Garden Suites has an ongoing promo this Mother's Day called "A Suite Treat For Moms".  Book and stay until May 31st to get a free upgrade from a De Luxe to a One BR Suite with a buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, plus a complimentary massage for mom!

Or you may also check out other hotel staycations I had with my family in this post: List of Family Friendly Hotels With Swimming Pool

5.  Uninterrupted Sleep/Rest - THIS.. THIS IS PRICELESS.  Since I became a mom I don't remember having a complete and uninterrupted sleep.  But it's okay, but how we wish we could sleep longer and just do nothing.. well maybe Netflix and eat our favorite desserts or chips... sigh!  Nuff said.

6.  Food - Treat us please to a nice dinner or a lunch buffet, that's our wish.  But here we go again with being a selfless and simple mom, actually, just give us our favorite chocolate bar or a cake or a healthy food box or even a yummy sweet spaghetti such as these from Jollibee, Toblerone and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks

Zero to five years of age is the best time to take advantage of the baby's development of the brain, his language, social skills, and fine motor skills.  Parents should teach, sing, talk, and most importantly play with the children as much as they can during these important stages in their lives.

During play, our children learn a lot.  That's why it's essential to expose them to educational toys which will help them reach their learning potential.  One of the trusted toy manufacturers that support this is Fisher-Price.

According to Deborah, Weber, Ph.D. Director, Early Childhood Development Research from the USA, during an event I attended a few weeks ago, children develop at their own pace and reach milestones at different times.  Are you also guilty of comparing your child to another one of same age (only at the back of your head) when you see the things the other baby could already do?  Ako, yes, I am guilty of that.  But gladly, Dr. Deborah reminded every mom in the audience that each child is unique.  What parents could do to help their child learn is to support them with their learning road by giving them wonderful experiences as they grow from infants to young child. She also supports Fisher-Price's well-designed educational toys which has something for every child in different stages.

Sharing with you the differnt child stages, what they could already do and their milestones:
Ang ganda ng talk ni Dr. Deborah Webber and I really learned a lot.  Here were some of the parenting tips or learnings I picked up from her talk:

What's so important about choosing the right kind of toys for our kids?  Hindi ba pwedeng kung anong laruan ni Kuya, pwede na rin palaro sa bunso?  
No.  There are toys that could be over-stimulate a younger child which will not help in his brain development.  Always check the age-appropriate labels of the toys.  Toys which are interactive and challenging enough but without causing him frustration.  Plus, not all toys of older child's generation still meet the safety standard of toys today. 

How about exposing my child to differnt toys, kasi ang daming regalo nung birthday?
Dr. Webber answered this by saying, choose a few toys he would get used to seeing or playing each day.  Too much again would over stimulate the child.  If he gets tired of these set of toys, you may change the selection of toys every 3 months.

What is independent or unstructured play?
It's the time when our children play by themselves without us stepping in.  It's letting our children explore the educational toys and the surrounding by themselves so that they learn from these hands-on experience. 

Should I start reading to my child when he's already talking?
The earlier the better.  Read to the child even during infancy.  It's a great way to bond with them and studies show that reading could improve the child's language skills and increase their interest in reading.

Tantrums.  How to handle?
Let the child cry.  He throws tantrums when he can't express how he feels with words.  Give the child a few minutes to deal with his frustration.  When he's already calm, talk to the child about what the situation, reassure him of your love and be firm. 

Moms of this age are so lucky because there are so many resources that would help us (yes, kasama ako sa moms of little ones!) navigate through early childhood development and how toys play an integral part in their Physical, Cognitive, and Social & Emotional Development.  Honestly, being a mom of almost 15 years still doesn't make me an expert at all on motherhood and parenting.  There are still so many new things to learn each time.  Thanks to doctors who study how our children develops and of course to toy manufacturers such as Fisher-Price who have our children as their top of mind when designing quality and beneficial toys.  In every milestone, Fisher-Price is every step of the way.  Sharing with you age-appropriate Fisher-Price toys for your reference: