He is Sick

It was Sunday after attending mass when Macky complained about his stomach. He said he has difficulty defecating so I asked him to go to my mom for medication. He was given minor massage using menthol liniment oil thinking that it was only caused by air and the sudden change of temperature. I have also let him drink tea for him to feel better. In our own dialect, we usually called his condition panuhot or kabag. 

But even after what we did, he said that he was still not feeling better and that he didn’t have a good sleep that night but he still went to school on Monday morning but went home in the afternoon due to the stomach ache. He is sick and he needed to rest early. 

Mama has given him some herbal medicine in fact, I have even found some leaves on his stomach earlier this evening when he was about to go to bed. I am awake almost the whole night monitoring him because I started to get worry about his condition. I told him that if he feels that the pain is still there, we will see his doctor today. I'm just glad that he didn't have fever so at least we know that he didn't have any infection. I really do hope our Kuya Macky will get better from his sickness soon. It scares me every time someone in the family gets sick especially the kiddos.

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Enrolled in a Public High School

Macky is currently enrolled in a public high school as a Grade 7 student since this is the first year of the implementation of the K to 12 Program in the Philippines. His father and the rest of us in the family have actually decided to enroll Macky in his old school even after considering how huge the enrolment fee is, but our big boy said that he want to transfer to a public high school where his neighbor friend is studying.

We didn’t like the idea at first although we understand that maybe he wanted a new and bigger environment. Even if I am not sold to the idea that he will be studying in a public school, I still inquired and was told that the enrolment will be after the Brigada Eskwela which is by the end of May. I talked to Macky about it but didn’t give him hope that he will be enrolled there because at first glance, I find the school’s location very intimidating since it was situated inside a crowded community. 

Please don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against public schools for I am a product of a public school from primary to high school but Macky’s case is different. We are giving prior consideration on his attitude and study habits because his former teachers told me that he needs proper guidance not only in his studies but more importantly on his attitude. We were thinking that it will not do him any good to be studying in a public school considering the enormous number of students in every classroom.

I searched and inquired in some other private schools but Macky was very consistent with his plea to be enrolled in a public school. He said that the school has a good training program for basketball players aside from the fact that we won’t be spending much on tuition fees. His father left the decision to us who are here since he said that we can easily assess Macky’s situation. 

The first week of June came and classes have already started in public schools but I was still undecided where to enroll Macky although I am considering two options – to enroll in a public school of his choice or return to his old school. Despite the apprehension, I finally decided to enroll my dear nephew in Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS) last week. It was actually my brother-in-law who has opened my awareness about Macky’s current situation. He said that he can totally relate to him because he was once enrolled in a private and public high school.

He shared that when he was studying in a private school, he has this feeling that he doesn’t belong and he doesn’t “fit in” considering that most of his classmates are well-off. He has developed this since of insecurity which I have also observed in my nephew especially during school activities wherein we need to pay something. He is always concerned about the payment and how expensive it is to be in their school plus the fact that he considered himself “poor” compared to his friends. Understanding what my brother-in-law was talking, I decided to enroll Macky in DRANHS that very same day.

When I went to the school, I was amazed because I didn’t pay anything for the enrolment. I was entertained by Sir Ian in the guidance counselor’s office and after filling out the needed information, I was told that Macky is already enrolled. Amazing! I was then referred to his class adviser to submit the needed documents. After everything was settled, I called Macky to let him know that he is already enrolled in the school of his choice. He was very happy as he jumped out of his bed when I asked him to see me in the nearest mall for us to shop for this school needs.

Our Kuya Macky is officially enrolled in a public high school and I am so thankful that his father and my parents supported my decision. I have realized that if we wanted Macky to be independent at an early age and be ready for the world, being in a public high school would help him a lot in becoming one. He seems very sheltered and protected in the private school which sometimes has a disadvantage as he can’t explore and discover his true potential since everything was provided. I just hope that he will be true to his promise that he will be home on time and will do well in his studies plus be very watchful of his manners.

I am looking forward that with his new school, new environment and new experiences, our Kuya will learn something that will equip him for the future.

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9 Hobbies For Busy Moms

Take a look at your friends and family. They probably all have different hobbies that they are bragging about. You might be so busy with work and the kids that you probably don't have any time to take up anything new. You just don't have time for storm chasing or mountain climbing like your friends. Luckily, there are some hobbies that you can do right from the comfort of your own home. This way, you can still be at the school in time to pick up the kids. You can still have time to make dinner for your family at night. But at least you will have a little joy for yourself during the day. Let's face it, everybody needs a hobby to make their life a little happier! Here are 9 hobbies you can do right at home:

1. Crafting. Pinterest! You are already pinning things left and right so why not actually do one of the things you pin?

2. Gardening. This is good for the soul. You can even start growing your own vegetables to save money on groceries and eat healthier.

3. Painting: it's not just for kids. You don't have to be the next Picasso, but painting can be really fun! If paint scares you, then use your child's crayons to make your own creations.

4. Dancing. There are a lot of really cool DVDs that can teach you how to dance or you can simply put on some music and prance around your home!

5. Writing. Keeping a journal is a stress reliever. If you don't like the idea of having a journal, then write your own stories. Experiment and see if you are good at making up a childrens' story for your kids and read it to them before bed.

6. Cooking. If you don't know how to already, you should definitely learn. It will always be a useful tool on your personal resume and who knows? You might actually be really good and start whipping up meals left and right for all the bake sales and fundraisers.

7. Playing. Go play with your kids when they get home from school. Running around the backyard is good for your health and fun to do with your little ones.

8. Yoga. On the opposite end of playing, yoga can be equally good for your mind, body, and soul. Take a few minutes every day to relax. You'll be glad you did.

9. Photography. If you don't have a camera, there are tons of great apps to use to make your photos look really awesome!

Tag lines: hobbies, home, activities, ideas, happy, downtime, creative, personal

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Baptism Gifts For Boys: Ideas To Help You Pick The Right Gift Item

Baptism is one of the most highly held occasions among Christians. Thus, if you are attending this kind of ceremony and you wish to get a suitable gift for the child being baptized, you can get really great items by doing just a little search. While it is always easy to get a gift for a girl, the process is always a bit difficult when it comes to boys. Nevertheless, there are vendors who stock items designed specifically for such occasions; and with these, you can get hold of the exact item you need.

 Remember, obtaining the right gift enables you to depict better how much you appreciate the child. 

Additionally, it can help you portray what cannot be said in words. Here are some ideas on the kind of boy gift items you can go for:

• Clothing: When you choose something that can be worn by the child; it's always a great decision because anything wearable can be used over an extended period. Besides, these come in a variety of colors, designs, and sizes; therefore it's all up to you to single what is suitable.
• Mementos: These also make a good pick and they can last for a long time as long as they are stored in right conditions. In getting these kinds of items, you do not have to cause a dent in your pocket because there are those which are very fairly priced and these include baby rosaries and medals for the baby crib.
• Toys: While talking of baptism gifts for boys, one thing that cannot go unsaid is toys. Children are very playful, and what better way to show them your appreciation for their baptism than by getting them great toys to play with. Whether or not they will be able to use the toys immediately shouldn't be an issue for concern because as long as they get to use them, they will be appreciative of the efforts made by the person who provided them.
• Photo frames: Baptism is an occasion that takes place only once in a lifetime and for this reason, the parents of a child will in most instances take so many photos to serve as memoirs of the event. With this in mind, you can get a nice frame and give it as a gift. This will ensure that the best photos are kept and displayed in the best way possible.

With so many baptism gifts available online and in stores today, loved ones are always stuck with the dilemma of finding the perfect gift, especially baptism gifts for boys. The best thing about this is that no matter how much money one is willing to spend, you will find something that fits your budget. Thus, if you are attending a baptism ceremony, there's no reason to head there empty handed. All in all, practical utility gift items such as blankets always make a great alternative, thus if you are indecisive on the baptism gifts for boys  to select, settling on this option will make you stay a step ahead.

This article was written by Jack Ostein, a deacon and member of First Christian Church of Augusta. He enjoys writing and spending time with his grandchildren in his spare time.

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Understanding Your Teens

It is a bit challenging for parents to guide children especially when they are on their “teenage years”. Maybe it is because we used to see them dependent on us most of the time. Entering teenage years is an important and crucial stage for every child’s development that is why parents must see to it that their teens are properly guided. 

Every couple has different ways of dealing with their teens. Teenage boys and girls are different in many ways that is why handling them is a bit stressful. As for us, our teen in the house has become a little disturb especially when imposed with rules that he needs to obey. To help him loosen a bit, his father is usually spending more time with him to bond and to make him understand his current stage.

The father and son usually engage in activities for boys. They play basketball, video games, ride motorcycle and have fun with the all-terrain vehicles together. Part of their bonding time is replacing Polaris rzr parts when needed and also checking on the needed repairs for the motorcycle. The father wanted to teach his son some skills that every man should have. For him, it is the best way to prepare his son for the future.

All parents wanted the best for their child that is why aside from giving them good education and teaching them important values, it is also important to help them to be the true person they are. Knowing who they really are will give them the sense of confidence to face the world and the challenges in life. It may be a difficult task but understanding the need of your teens will enhance themselves and will really inspire them to achieve their dreams and be who they want to be in the future.

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5 Activities Your Kids Can Do This Summer To Cure Boredom

It's almost here. May is already upon us and that means summer is a mere few more weeks away. Summer is great for your kids, but not so great for you. As a big kid, you have to go to your grown-up job. As a little kid, your young ones get to stay up late watching TV and eating junk food all day long. While this is fun for about a day, your kids are sure to become bored with it. Here are 5 activities your kids can do this summer to make sure boredom doesn't strike their summer life.

1. Play outside

Too many kids are obsessed with technology. They have iPads, Kindles, iPhones, computers, and all other little devices that do nothing but enable them to veg out on the couch for hours on end. Your kids probably do this all the time, but you know that they will get bored with it. Instead of allowing them 'wireless device time' for eight hours out of a day, give them the option to go play outside. Set up a basketball court behind your house or give them a soccer ball that they can kick around in the backyard. If they have a babysitter, the pool is always a great option for long summer days when you are stuck at the office.

2. Grab a book

Your kids will probably give you a weird look when you suggest this one. But if they get to read it on their Kindle or iPad, they might be more inclined. There are a ton of exciting books that your kids can read depending on their age. From The Hunger Games to Harry Potter, there is something that is bound to attract their attention in some way. Reading always passes the time faster than watching a ton of TV. Plus, it's good for their intellectual development!

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A Guide on the Best Styles of Baby Clothes for Your Little One

For those parents who are given the news that they are going to have a new addition into the family, the task of getting prepared for welcoming the little one begins then. Getting ready and being well prepared for your toddler would mean, setting up a nursery, purchasing all the necessary items for feeding and nurturing, buying baby toys, baby products and most importantly baby clothes for the little one.

Toddler clothes are the same shape and size for mostly all new born children. It depends on the style and kind that each parent would like to buy for their child, taking into consideration, the weather, the occasion and the gender of the baby. Little infants are the most easiest and fun to shop for. Parents must keep in mind the trend and must be sure to identify the styles that would best fit their surroundings. Baby clothes consist of body suits, pajamas, socks, baby gowns, sets, hats, bibs, sleepers etc. Clothes that are imprinted with cartoon characters, bears, butterflies, cycles and flowers are what make the child look even cuter. Below is a list of different styles and types of baby apparel that would help parents to choose wisely.

Onsies: This is the most common and fun way to dress your infant. Parents love this kind of clothing as it is very easy to put on a takeoff. It consists of a shirt and an extended attached diaper. There is an easy opening at the bottom that enables easy removal of diapers. There is no worry about your baby exposing his or her tummy when wearing Onsies.

Sleepers and Footsies: Comprising of long sleeves and long pants, this is a single piece of clothing that can be unbutton from top to bottom, also having attaching booties. Ideal for sleepwear, many parents even like taking their infants out with this kind of clothing.

Baby sets: Matching outfits, consisting of color coordinated pants and shirts are a very trendy look for your child. It could either be a two piece or even a four piece that comprises of not only the shirt and pant but also matching booties and a matching cap. Other add-ons are matching bibs and jackets that are optional depending on the weather.

Baby gowns: Depending on the gender of your infant, gowns are a great look for your little girl. With beautiful imprinted flowers and teddy bears, the designs make your child look even cuter. This kind of clothing has an opening at the bottom, without any zippers or buttons and is ideal during diaper changing.

Sporty Attire: parents who are passionate about sports can dress their children with tiny jerseys or little t-shirts with their team logo on it. Tiny jackets shorts are also available from many branded stores.

Hats, caps and footwear: head gear and footwear is something every parent can improvise on. Colorful caps and hats with pretty designs and little booties or sneakers are available in many shops online as well as in local branded stores.

These are a few styles in which you can dress your infant to stand out from the crowd. With the many different choices of colors, trends and styles, every parent can fill their toddler's wardrobe with the best kind of clothes and shoes. So why wait, start shopping before your baby gets here!

Sasithon Bella is the cool in The Kewl Shop, a place to find things you really want. She knows a good thing when she sees it and is proud to let you know too!

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6 Guidelines for Safe Toys

When you think of toys for your young children (under 5), probably one of the last things you think about is them being harmful. But sadly, a 2009 statistic shows over 200,000 toy related injuries in U.S. emergency rooms. So obviously we need to be more aware of the dangers of toys to our children. Here are a few guidelines for how to pick out safe and fun toys.

1. Developmental Age: Just because a toy falls under the age range of your child does not mean that your child is ready for that particular toy. Every once in awhile I will catch my 3 year old attempting to put small objects in his mouth. So we do not buy toys that have small pieces as of yet. If you know that a toy is just going to get your child in trouble (launching toys) then maybe hold off till you think they are mature enough to handle them safely.

2. Large Scale: Usually around the 3 year old range (not in my case, re-read number 1) children lose the desire to put things in their mouth. Until then buy toys that have larger pieces or that are just a solid piece (trucks, trains, dolls). You can use the toilet paper roll test to see if a toy is large enough. Try to fit the questionable item through a toilet paper roll, if it doesn't fit, it is probably safe for your little one.

3. Hercules: Make sure that the toy isn't too heavy. You don't want your child straining to lift or the toy falling on top of them.

4. Made Well: Make sure that the product is made well. If it is a stuffed animal, make sure the limbs, tail, buttons, ribbon are all sewn on properly and tightly, it is better to not get a toy with buttons or ribbons to be honest. Also, check the edges and paint make sure there is no peeling or sharp corners.

5. Cords and Strings: These can be tricky, since one year model of a toy, lets say a phone, can have a longer cord than an updated version of the same phone. Be mindful of hand-me-downs and garage sale items.

6. Toxic Toys: Even though a toy might fit the above guidelines there are still other dangers that a toy can pose to your child. It is the one I do not like to think about, toxic chemicals. I am not "that mom" that goes overboard on childcare issues, but this one is definitely worth you double checking. There are all sorts of chemicals found in all sorts of toys. You can go to Healthystuff.org and review their full data base of toys.

Toys are great, don't get me wrong. Heck, my kids have rooms full, we don't just make them play with fruit and vegetables. But, when selecting toys it is good to have these guidelines to go by. You will feel much better knowing you are providing the safest play possible and your kid will feel better not being in the emergency room.

Larah Shelton is a blogger for Smith Monitoring, a leader in the Houston home alarm industry. She enjoys spending time with her family, shopping and eating dessert.

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5 Common Backyard Insects That Your Kids Need To Watch Out For

The summer months are what kids look forward to the most. However, there are insects lurking in the grass, in the air and elsewhere outside the house that want to make life difficult for your child. If he or she is not careful, your child could suffer from an allergic reaction or a painful sting.

Black Widow Spiders

If you see this type of spider, you should run away as fast as you can. Do not attempt to touch it or trap it. It is best to call an exterminator or another professional who can get rid of it for you. Although this type of spider tends to live in South America, they can hitch a ride to just about anywhere in the world.

Wasps

During the summer months, there are a variety of bees that like to share the outdoors with your child. The wasp may be one of the most common that your children will see. Luckily, wasps aren't as aggressive as hornets or yellow jackets. However, they have a painful sting and can swarm without warning. If your child sees a wasp, the best thing to do is give it its space and don't make it angry.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are given their name mostly because of their red color. They are also given their name because it literally burns if you step on them or are bitten by them. Althoguh the burning sensation is temporary, there can be health issues that arise from being stung by entire army of fire ants.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are dangerous because they can hide just about anywhere. In some cases, the pool is not a safe place for a child. This is because bees and other stinging insects are attracted to the water. To keep them away from your child, you can fill a jar with soda or another sticky liquid. The yellow jackets are particularly prone to this trick. Make sure you exterminate them as soon as possible because they are an aggressive species that can stay angry for days at a time.

Hornets

Hornets are not something that you want to mess with. They are large and will do harm to your child if they cross paths. This means that you should have hornet spray handy if you notice even one of the flying around your home. There is a good chance that there are others lurking nearby. If your child has allergies, staying away from certain insects could be a matter of life or death. Make sure that you have a phone handy in case you need to call for emergency personnel. If left untreated, a child could die in minutes from a sting or bite from an insect.

Amanda recently employed Down Under Screens to install insect screens in her Brisbane home after her youngest child was unfortunately stung by a wasp inside their house. 

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A Great Summer Activity for the Family

People nowadays seem so occupied with a lot of things that they sometimes forget to spend quality time with their families. Most of the time, they are with the company of their colleagues, friends and even spend a lot of their time with their gadgets thus wasting precious opportunities to foster better relationships with siblings and parents.

Spending quality time with loved ones plays an integral role in keeping a stronger family ties. There are various fun and worthwhile activities that you can do to keep your family united especially this summer and one of these is swimming. It is one of the most-liked family activities because it is not just enjoyable for kids but it is also healthy for everyone. It improves your endurance and cardiovascular fitness especially for the parents.

When you go swimming with your family, make sure to prepare scrumptious but nutritious food that the whole family will enjoy. You can prepare fresh colourful fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, sports drinks and a lot of water. If you are a mom, and you are having a hard time choosing what to wear on swimming parties, you can visit online shopping sites or brick-and-mortar stores to look for Speedo womens swimwear. This brand sells a wide array of swimwear for all ages and it is famous for its comfort and durability so it is worth every penny.

Swimming is a great summer activity for the family and also a good way to chill out and strengthen the family’s connection so find time to hit the beach or the pool and create wonderful memories with your kids and relatives.

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