First Day of School, And Beyond...

Paper, pencil, crayons and sharpener...checked! Now what? Aren't we all excited with our child's first day of school? And probably weeks, following that. We, parents are often more excited than our child. But, what are we really should be prepared for? Every child has his own attitude towards schooling. Yours may be eager and excited; others may be apprehensive, worse, scared. We should set the minds of our children. Let them play school at home. Prepare them slowly as to what may happen when they actually go to school. Explain why he needs to be there at the same time, how fun it is going to be once he gets used to it.

Take into consideration that they may feel uneasy as everything is new to them. Surroundings they’ve never been and face they’ve never seen before. They will be adjusting and eventually fitting into a bigger community. They will be outside your home, alone for the first time. It may be overwhelming, considering that they will be entering into a new phase of life, where they will be on their own, no mommy or nanny to tend to their every need or whim. They may be bullied by much bigger classmates or they can be a teacher’s pet.

Whatever it is that our children is becoming at school, we should always support them. Show them what is right when they are getting slack and never forget to praise them when they get home with a "star". One thing we should not do is  force our children into becoming an “A” student to the point of  losing ‘play time’ in their formative years, just to meet the standard we've set. Let them learn and progress on their own; guide them but do not rob them of their younger years by putting too much pressure too soon. It is the foundation that will help them mold into a better individual later on in life.

We do not want them to look back with such a bitter taste in the mouth, but reminisce with a smile for having such a wonderful experience.

How To Survive A Difficult Pregnancy

Pregnancy is always discussed by women. From conceiving up to delivery. There were lucky moms who made it to the delivery rooms without much of a fuss, while there are others who nearly swears to never get pregnant again. From the first month on, it was a struggle. Morning sickness, headache, backache, gas pain and ultra sensitivity to smell...you name it all. A friend once told me, there was a time (as in all at the same time) that she's got hot water bottle on her back, ice bag on her head and another little hot pack on her upper tummy just to ease the pain. Her doctor had almost run out of advise as to how to alleviate the pain she's experiencing.

But, no matter how hard the pregnancy is, there is always a brighter side to look forward to. Just the thought of adding another member to your family is a gift in itself. Despite the difficulties, you have to find a way to cheer yourself up and think about the people who makes you feel cherished. They are always there to support you and makes you feel beautiful despite the bulge and swelling feet. Think of delightful pregnancy stories you have heard from other people. Try not to think of the difficulties but the rewards. Also, it does not hurt to ask for help when it's getting too much for you to handle. Get your partner to do things that you cannot, considering your condition. Let him prepare meals, wash the dishes and do the laundry. Yes, milk it for what its worth! Finally, take comfort on the thought that all the difficulties are temporary. They will be outweighed by the joy and happiness when your cherub has finally arrived. When you look back, you will only have one thing to say...yes - it is all worth it all along.