Hapy Birthday Kenle!

 

 

 

She always mention a classmate named Kinley. I'm not sure if this is the correct spelling of the name. And today, she's got free spaghetti, fried chicken and candies because of Kinley's birthday :)

 

Happy Birthday, Kinley! :) 

Attitude Of A 4-Year-Old 😊

Sushi is now learning a negative trait. For her, someone should share. My nephew Yohan mentioned that "sharing is caring".

And every time she wants something from someone, she expects the other person to share.

I told her that sharing should be done with the willingness from the other child.

She cannot force it. But she ended up crying. Today, she wanted Nat to share to her some of the clay because hers look smaller than what he's got. When Nat refused, she cried. 

How can I let a 4-year-old to be patient and to accept it? I thought parenting is so easy 🤭

 

 

 

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

 

 

I have first read about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in late 1990s or was it early 2000 through a Reader’s Digest magazine. It was my first encounter for such medical diagnosis.

It was nothing to me then. Until I had Nat.

 

One in nine children nowadays has ADHD. Let that sink in. Worldwide, there are 366 million people with ADHD.

During our Psychological evaluation, our Psychometrician mention on the result that Nat is showing ADHD symptoms. He cannot sit still for even 30 seconds. 

 

I knew this when he was 4 years old. His movements were different. I knew in my heart that his ways are not that of a typical child. I just don’t have the formal and final diagnosis from a professional to give it a name.

Words that would be used to these kinds: LANGAS, DI MAKAPUYO, WALAY FOCUS (sa butang nga dili sila interesado), SHORT ATTENTION SPAN, KARAW. 

 

Why am I sharing this? For many they might think I’m shaming Nat. It is never my intention.

In fact, I’d rather that I will share it, talk about it so we are aware, we will respond with compassion than judgement. Being in denial will never help, and doing so will deprive our children of interventions and help from institutions that will assist so they can live the best life ahead of them, given their conditions. 

 

ADHD has different level/spectrum and severity. Nat still needs further tests to really confirm it since he is showing the symptoms. 

 

Is ADHD a death sentence to a child? My answer is NO!

 

In fact, many people have conquered and managed their condition in order to live successfully.

Steven Bartlett – is a British podcaster, with 38M followers was diagnosed at 30 

Paris Hilton – admitted to being traumatized after being placed in a boarding school, came up with a song “ADHD” because of her experience and use her condition as her superpower to never stop creating businesses.

 

Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Adam Levine, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Terry Bradshaw, Emma Watson, Greta Gerwig, Will Smith, Jim Carrey, Channing Tatum and Justin Timberlake admitted to belong to neurodivergents, admitted to mostly being diagnosed with the condition.

May KNOWING make us more understanding. 

 

ADHD brains are genuinely wired differently. It is real and it is neurological.

ADHD can be a child’s weakness, or it can be his superpower.

October 2026 marks ADHD Awareness Month worldwide. May we become more understanding, patient, and compassionate parents as we learn more about ADHD. Now that we know better, may we do better in understanding, supporting, and raising our children with love and acceptance.

On Teaching Kids Death, Grieving and Loss :(

 

                                                            Tatay Claro's passing

 

                                                                         Lumba residence 
 

 

 

                                                               Cortes, Bohol 
 

We have visited many wakes, simply because I wanted them to know early on the idea of "death". Not to sound morbid but because hopefully I want them to face life seriously and to not waste it with wrong people and choices because we will not be here for long. 

Am I one scared Mama? Yes.  Until such time, that the idea of life's brevity will finally sink in on their consciousness, I will not even stop. 

 

Feast Of The Holy Rosary at DML Montessori

 

                                                                 costume guide for all            

                                                                costume guide for girls            

I am surprised to know that another event was scheduled for October 7. And this includes Sush being in a role play as one of the ’Temple People’ on their Tribute To Mama Mary day. 
They were given a guide on how to find their costume for the day. 
Hermie, my friend, came to the rescue again, allowing us to borrow Zoie’s former costume when she was younger. I feel so blessed by this. 
I was able to borrow my colleague’s scarf for Sush’s head covering, with hair pin. Humbling. I am grateful. 
Sush joined her classmates with a dance presentation at the stage. After almost just two hours, it was over. 

And there was no more class after their play. Yey!

Do You Know "Hilot"?

 

 

 

M texted me that they met an accident on the way home.  They fell on the grassy part of the road, at the town of Dagohoy. 

She mentioned not driving fast but she was very sleepy and she kind of have closed her eyes a bit. I remember, M was on her night shift and she had not had even an hour of sleep before leaving. I learned my lesson. Next time, she should at least sleep even three hours before driving that far.

I was totally in panic but thankful that they were both safe.  No bruises and wounds but Sush said her sides hurt. And a common practice in many provinces in the Philippines is to sought the service of a masseuse, for 'hilot'. This is not for the typical comfort to relax, but the kind to heal. Sometimes because of some dislocated muscles, joints or bones. Sometimes, because of fever. 

I'm not sure of this, but I can also attest that during my childhood years, I have had my share of 'hilot' to recover from fever, or twisted arms. 

Because Sush was complaining of her sides hurting, she was brought to the 'manghihilot' (masseuse).  

Always thankful for Sush's safety.  

Tatay's Second Death Anniversary

 

 

It has been two years since Grandpa's passing. I thought it was just last year.
Just like how everything is done in a Filipino culture, children will go home to pay their respect.
M and Sush went. Nat stayed behind, simply because he likes to stay when I'm not going.
I told M to drive safely and to take care of my little lady ;) 

They traveled to Trinidad with the motorbike. Travel time is like 2.5 hours to reach their place.  

 

Raining And Fetching Sush ~

Flooding is now happening in Tagbilaran too. It is quite a challenge, when fetching Sush after her class.

M wanted to do it herself but upon reaching the bridge before reaching the City, she decided she could not make it or Sush will have to go home soaking wet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, I'm glad I went on ahead. I'm glad because I was able to talk to her teacher about a certain classmate who seemed to always bully her.

Was able to fetch Sush when the rain almost subsided and we went to Alturas Mall to buy lugaw (porridge), from Ma'am Joy's request. It is so yummy during rainy season ~

But she doesn't like it. So it was only me enjoying the food :) 

 

 And here she is now at the office, comfortable and dry ;) 

 

 

Term 1 Assessment Done!

 

This little one is happy today.

Her Term 1 Assessment is done! It has been two days for r all her eight subjects.

Four subjects for each day. The good thing is, there’s a free day in between to allow them to rest, recharge and study for the next batch of subjects.

Bravo DML!

A Year by the Sea 2026! - 'For June' at San Pedro Public Beach - Bingag, Dauis

We have been busy roaming around the past days that we forgot our goal to see the beach as much as we can. Yet, we live near one and so there should be no excuse ;)

 

                                                             our deflated bouy 
                                              

 

 

 

 

  

 So here we are at our favorite beach, a ten-minute walk from our house actually, LOL. 

Aren't we so lucky?

This is meant for June, done on a September, : D 

 

 

Exercising Her Little Indepence

  

 

leaving me behind 
 

 finding her way on her own

 

 

 stopping by to play

 

just a second Mama

 

                                                                         let's go!

Sush is now shoving my hand away because she wanted to take another route going downstairs. She now knew options. It sting a little, knowing that my baby girl is not anymore baby and can now think for herself.

Am I dreading her new-found independence? Yes. Made me think of how many more years before she will eventually let go of my hand.

As Moms, this makes me happy and sad. I now feel a little of a Mom’s heart the moment they become empty nester. :(