How to help your Child overcome Separation Anxiety in Toddlers

A challenge that comes without having a yaya is the separation anxiety Enzo had for more than a year with us, his parents. Being his primary caregiver, we spend most of the time together. Working as a part time teacher gave me more time to spend with Enzo. Our work being a 10 minute walk from our house gave me and my hubby more time to spend with him. The only person we can leave him to is my sister-in-law. For more than a year or two, Enzo would always cry before we leave for work. Every time it happens, it was heartbreaking! I did not want to leave him cause I did not want to not be able to carry him along. It was made worse as even if we just had to go to the bath, he would cry relentlessly. It was both sad and frustrating.

But after about a month after he turned two he was already able to overcome separation anxiety, and I am happy to say I overcome it too. Another milestone we achieved this week is that me and hubby was able to go out for about 30 minutes leaving Enzo with his cousins at my sister-in-law's house! We were so happy and proud of Enzo because he just waved "Bye!" to us and when we came back he joyfully welcomed us. It was a triumphant moment for all us. It also meant we can now go on date nights more! Yey!! 

So just in case you'd been wanting to help your child transition from #SepAnx and more date nigths, I am sharing some strategies effective for us.

But first, what really is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage that children go through. As children become attached to their primary caregiver, usually the mother, they form a secure base and a safe haven for them. This means that whenever they are confronted with a difficult and unfamiliar situation, they will only feel safe when they see their parents or their caregiver. This is threatened even more when their secure base and safe haven is away from them. Thus, it is a vital stage for children to understand and recognize that their secure base and safe haven (in this matter, you) is going to return. It usually starts at age two, when children can better understand their parents and are now testing their independence. 

Although, it is normal, it is best to help our children to have a smooth transition from an anxious to an assured and confident child. Here are some effective and practical tips: 

1. Explain to your child where you are going. Children understand a lot more than we assume they do. The more we explain to them what is happening, the more they understand things clearly. It is also best to be honest, and just tell them where we are really going. In example, if you're going to work, tell them that you're going to work than make excuses. They will eventually understand it. 

2. Say your goodbyes just once. When you say goodbye to your child, make sure you do it just once. Saying goodbye and coming back to your crying child does more damage to the process. Say goodbye and mean it. Please also avoid doing it for fun or to tease our child. We say goodbye only if someone is leaving and not to scare our children that we'll leave them even if we're not. 

3. Tough Love. Yes, this stage of development is heartbreaking. Who would want to hear their child cry and leave them, right? But, remember that this temporary heartache will eventually be a permanent assurance to our children. Assuring them that we are coming back for them always. 

4. Let go of your OWN separation anxiety. I realized that more than Enzo's separation anxiety, it was me who had a stronger separation anxiety. I was always anticipating that he'll cry and throw tantrums when I leave. I was doubting my own child. That is when I decided to be more confident about Enzo and believe that he can overcome his #SepAnx. Only when I let go of my own #SepAnx were we able to transition smoothly.

5. Make a secure attachment with your children. To overcome #SepAnx, parents should be able to build on moments that will in turn assure our children that we are always with them. The more attached they are to us, the easier it will be for them to explore their world. A securely attached child is confident that if they are confronted with stressful situation, they can and will be able to overcome it. 

It was not easy to transition Enzo from an anxious to an assured child, but the difficulty, heartache, and struggle was all worth it. I admit, I sometimes miss when Enzo cries when I leave but I am more proud of his accomplishments. I am now assured as his mother that he can do more and be more with or without my presence. 

And I am looking forward to more date nights from now on!!!!;) 

Museo Pambata: Your Next Playdate Venue

Hello there! Here's the second part of our Museo Pambata Playdate where I will share with you the remaining four attractions or galleries in the museum.  You can read my previous post here:

http://www.thereyoujho.com/2015/07/museo-pambata-your-next-playdate-venue.html

Pamilihang Bayan/Marketplace

Right outside the Katawan ko/My Body Works is this Barbershop as part of the Marketplace. It is pretend neigborhood where kids can shop, and sell in different playstores. 

Fruit and vegetable and Bigasang Bayan

Gab, Rhianne, and Enzo playing pretend at the stall. They each have baskets of fruits too!;) 

Panaderia/Hot Pandesal Store

Pacing's Carinderia

A simple Tatak Pinoy store, a carinderia with complete set meals!!;) 

Other play stores include: Pharmacy,Sari Sari Store and Sapatusan!;) 

But what Enzo really loved is the Fire Truck!!!;) He loves cars and driving them so he really stayed a long time there. 

Then we went to my favorite spot in the museum. Can you guess what it is?

Yes!!! It's the Aklatang Pambata/Children's Library. The library has a wide collection of books for all ages. The area is just right for a reading or storytelling station. Kids can find their own reading nook and enjoy their books. They also have storytelling sessions but unfortunately they did not have one when we visited. Kids can also borrow books from the library which is a real bonus for them. 

Next to the library is the Paglaki ko/Career Options section. This is where kids can visualize the infinite possibilities of what career to get into when they grow up. The area highlights different career options in writing a children's book. They showed the different phases of a book and what jobs are needed to create one. It was a nice experience seeing the work put into one book. It makes them appreciate books more. 

Next and the last stop is I Love My Planet Earth. This showcases the difference of times before and after where families and houses did not have a lot of gadgets just yet. It exhibits climate change and what everyone can do to save the planet. 

That ends our trip to Museo Pambata and anyone who visits will surely go back again. You can never get enough of the exhibist and the learnings children can get from it. There is no time limit to stay and kids can play as long as they want. Go and spend a playdate in Museo Pambata. 

Museo Pambata: Your Next Playdate Venue Part 1

Playdates are important in a child's development. They learn to socialize with other children of different ages which helps them discover learnings, identify different emotions, and how to appropriately behave with other little people like them. I look forward to playdate because what challenges our condo living is finding playmates for Enzo. 

Last two weeks ago, an overdue playdate with my other Mommy bloggers finally happened. We decided to visit Museo Pambata because its the nearest playdat venue for all of us, and we haven't been there yet. Although I have been there twice already, I was super excited that time because it was Enzo's first time. 

Museo Pambata is a children's discovery museum and resource center promoting Filipino culture, children's advocacirs and creative educational programs with linkages to global communities. 

Enzo and I came a little early so he had aome time to toam around the entrance and lobby while I took some photos. 

At the ride part of Museo is a playground and a helicopter display. Enzo got interested and curios to play on it but I got hesitant at first because it looked kinda worn out and the grass was already tall. I was afraid he might get bruised by the metals on the playground and catch dengue because of the grass and the water from after the rain. I hope they do something about it too.

So anyway, we decided to enter the museum as we wait for our other playmates and Enzo was getting a little excited to see what was inside and it was also getting hot by that time. We wete there by 1pm so the sun was really scorching hot. 

What's inside Museo Pambata? 

Maynila Noon/Old Manila 

The first exhibit at the right side of the lobby is a journey back to turn-of-the-century Manila! There is a tranvia, a Spanish Galleon with different herbs and spices, a miniature Cathedral and bahay na bato. 

Kalikasan/Environment 

Adjacent to the Maynila Noon, is the Kalikasan/Environment room. It has a simulated rainforest, rice field, and seabed that teaches children to preserve the Mother Nature. The kids spent a lot of time running around this room plus the slide was a total hit. The tunnel that looked like a burrow was also an instant play area to the kids and they looked like creepy creatures er... Cute creatures actually!;) 

At the second floor of the museum, the other remaining five (5) galleries are there. At the left side of the stairs is the Katawan Ko/My Body Works. It was one of the most interesting galleries for em as I enjoyed all of the activities there. The place looked like an inside of the mouth literally. It helps children understand how he different body organ works in harmony to keep he body functioning. 

The kids and us mommies stayed a lot longer here because of the tunnels and the shadow play. The entire place was a body at large and lessons about the organs were endless. The kids really enjoyed their time there. 

Please stay tuned on my next post about the other galleries and exhibits in Museo Pambata. There are fou (4) more interesting places inside that will keep your children's minds stimulated and their creativity and imagination challenged. See you all tomorrow!;)

July Manila Workshops: From Womb to Teenage years

It's been awhile since I posted about Manila Workshops event and activities, and I truly apologize for that. I'm sure you miss having updates on their workshops, especially that their events are really practical, informative, and helpful to everyone. It is such a nice feeling knowing that a group of private individuals have families, like us and our needs in mind, and that their main objective is to educate and empower each individual.

With that, I am sharing with you this month of July's Manila Workshops that I entitled from Womb to Teenage Years. I got pretty excited learning about their upcoming workshops as it directly answers different questions or concerns that we have as parents, or as moms to our children. Manila Workshops has indeed created events that will guide us through this journey.

For Expecting Parents:

Pregnancy and giving birth can be both exciting and confusing at the same time. I remembered my days of panic and confusion with my first born and getting all the help we can get in this stage is important. But what better way to prepare but to learn ahead of time, before the baby is even born. 

Preparing for Baby's Birth Day on July 25, 2015 1-5pm at The Parenting Emporium, QC

After the baby is born, some would prefer to have a yaya to help with the home making or assist in child rearing. For working moms, a yaya is necessary. So to prevent #YayaProblems, why not send your Yayas to training and equip them with practical skills to help them fulfill their jobs better.

Basic Yaya Training is a series of sessions from care, basic first aid, and money management. 

Venue: Mothercare Podium

Time:1:00-5:00

Now as time flies really fast, we'll be surprised how our children have become teenagers already. Being teenagers before, parents should recognize possible struggles and issues of teenagers and help them overcome these. Luckily, Manila Workshops have designed a series of sessions that could promote character development in teenagers and help them Win in Life.

Sessions include: 

Developing your Person

Expressing Yourself

balancing Lofe

Becoming Culturally Sensitive 

Learning fee is Php1000 per person. 

Venue: BGC

Whatever stage or phase in parenting you are, there is help always avaialable for you. Check out these workhops and hoose what best fits you!;) 

Baby Care Plus+ Milk Baby Bath and Lotion Review

Babies and toddlers have a special scent to them that most people love to smell. I often hear some people say "Ang bango ng baby, amoy gatas!", I eventually said those same words too when I had Enzo. I love smelling him especially because of his baby milk scent. As he grows up into a toddler, there are times that he smells nothing like milk haha! That's because he plays under the sun and makes a lot of mess at times. I don't like him smelling "asim" or "amoy pawis" that is why I would guve him a shower immediately.

Fortunately, I had an opportunity to try Tupperware's Baby Care Plus+ Baby Bath and Lotion, thanks to Ms. Charis and Ms. Alexa of Brandspeak Asia. 

Being an excited person that I am, we immediately tried the baby bath in Enzo's next bath. I loved the smell as it reminds me of his baby milk scent. The scent stays for a longer time so more playtime fun for him. I also liked that it leaves milk scent on our bathroom everytime he finishes his shower. I want to get in the shower myself everytime we use it on Enzo. 

 Sorry for the blurred photo hihi. Couldnt get him to pose for a photo eh. 

The Baby Care Plus+ Milk Baby Bath gently cleanses and conditions baby's sensitive skin and hair. It has a Lamesoft Skin protector that helps form a natural barrier to prevent the loss of moisture while bathing. 

After bath, we tried the Baby Care Plus+ Milk Baby Lotion as I want Enzo to have a smooth and moisturized skin as well. The weather somehow leaves his skin dry so the lotion is just what we need. It also becomes our bonding and massage time which calms him down too! This has also become a bed routine for us.

Baby Care Plus+ Baby Lotion has a ligt formulation, which locks in mositure for up to 24 hours, plus Vitamin E that nourishes baby's skin, making it elvety smooth, soft, and smelling good all day long. 

Other Baby Care Plus+ Baby prodcts are soap and powder, all of whih are dermatologically tested and mild making them perfect for babies and young children. 

Now, smelling "amoy gatas" and "amoy baby" is achievable with Tupperware's Baby Care Plus+ products. 

---------------------------------------

About Tupperware Brands:

Tupperware Brands Philippines diatributes well-loved brands including Tupperwar, Baby Care Plus+, Kids+, Colour Collection, Ivana and White Result. For your questions and inquiries on how to be a dealer, log on to www.tupperwarebrands.ph, email at questions@tupperware.ph or call the hotline number 8672222.. Like hem on facebook at http://facebook.com/tupperwarebrandsph