the canDIshhh tales

A few Wednesdays ago, was another fruitful #BetterMe session with Coach Pia.  I am so thankful to be invited to attend these sessions as they are really helpful to me.  I get to have a better understanding and grasp of things therefore, I can make #BetterLifeDecisions. The topic was about Fathers.  It really hits a nerve you know, because I felt like I was brought up by my mother.  Whenever I think about it - it was always my mom that did most everything.  Mind you, my parents are still together.  But it was always my mom - that's why I think with myself - I became her.  I can do most anything a man does, I can change a light bulb, fix things - be a handyman (handy woman) actually.  And so I wished that my husband will be more hands on with the kids.  I wished that he not only just be a male figure but be a father in all essence of the word. I am happy that my Panget is a better dad (comparing him with mine)  He plays with the ki...

You can read more about my Yaya Diaries at THIS link. I'm sharing with you guys the guidelines that I have made in interviewing yayas.  This is not a foolproof way, but just a guide.  When I was looking for a yaya, I didn't have this, I made this up to help out friends.  I thought that this is one way to pay it forward and help new moms.  I apologize for the Tag-Lish language.. Hihi.. I hope you get to use this or at least help you guys narrow out what you need to ask.  Remember that there are some yayas who interview very well, but can't perform.  It's really a trial and error if you ask me, so Good Luck! If you have suggestions or added insights, please feel free to add them at the comment section!   1.  Ilan taon ka na?  May asawa?  Ilan ang anak?  Nasan ang pamilya? -  You must decide how old you want your yaya to be.  A young yaya may not know many things, but an old yaya might have a hard time with the...

I think it was instilled in me while growing up that it was ideal to have a loving family.  But being Chinese - well, it wasn't as evident as one that you would see in a 'normal' family.  When I say normal, I refer to those we see on TV and in the people we encounter.  I know it's quite silly to refer to the boobtube - but seriously, it was where I saw families loving each other the most.  It was very ideal, but in reality - I think as much as we would like things to be 'loving' there are so many things that get in the way. My parents were never affectionate, as most Chinese parents are.  They never told me 'I love you' nor did they hug me.  I knew they were very proud of me but they never said it to me.  I think I was hungry for those words of affirmation - but I never got them.  Instead, what I got were not so positive words.  I realized now that they were doing the reverse psychology thing on me.  And I have to say - there were pr...

I am honored ( and kilig ) to have been invited by Kris of OC Mom in Manila to join them in their BetterMe sessions with Coach Pia a few weeks ago. The session was all about The Art of Co-Parenting:  Raising a Child as a Team. This was very timely for me - as I am a fairly new mom (Kailee just turned 2.5yo) and raising her, well - challenges me and my Panget a lot.  We actually never discussed the specifics but we agreed on the 'good cop/bad cop' set up, and so far, we haven't had any situation that called for it.  Kailee has been good so far, I mean yeah - she would have her tantrums once in a while, but it wasn't something of a big issue for us. While listening to Coach Pia speak and share, I realized so many things about myself and my background.  My background as it turns out, has a big influence on how I have decided to raise my kids.  What I have been accustomed to - well, that doesn't necessarily translate into the right way or method.  An...