Category Archives: Family

Raising Kids in the Digital Age: A Guide for Parents

The digital age has transformed the way we live, work, and interact with each other, including the way we raise our kids. With smartphones, tablets, and computers being a ubiquitous part of modern life, it’s more important than ever to help our children navigate the digital world in a safe and responsible way. Here are some tips for parents on how to raise kids in the digital age.

  1. Set Clear Rules: Set clear rules about when and how your child can use digital devices. For example, you might limit screen time to certain hours of the day or require that devices be used in common areas of the house.
  2. Model Good Behavior: Model good behavior by putting down your own devices and engaging with your child face-to-face. This shows them that technology is a tool to be used in moderation, rather than a constant distraction.
  3. Monitor Online Activity: Monitor your child’s online activity, including the websites they visit, the apps they use, and the people they interact with. Use parental controls and privacy settings to limit access to inappropriate content and protect your child’s personal information.
  4. Teach Cybersecurity: Teach your child about cybersecurity and the importance of protecting their personal information online. This includes creating strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and using privacy settings to limit access to their information.
  5. Encourage Creativity: Encourage your child to use technology in creative ways, such as creating their own digital artwork, making videos, or coding their own games. This can help them develop valuable skills and a positive relationship with technology.
  6. Foster Face-to-Face Relationships: Encourage your child to spend time with friends and family in person, rather than relying solely on digital communication. This helps them develop important social skills and builds stronger relationships.
  7. Teach Critical Thinking: Teach your child to think critically about the information they find online, including how to evaluate the credibility of sources and how to spot fake news.

In conclusion, raising kids in the digital age requires a thoughtful and proactive approach. By setting clear rules, modeling good behavior, monitoring online activity, teaching cybersecurity, encouraging creativity, fostering face-to-face relationships, and teaching critical thinking, parents can help their children navigate the digital world in a safe and responsible way.

Teaching Kids About the Environment the Fun Way

As parents, we want our children to learn about the environment and how to take care of it. It’s never too early to start teaching them about sustainability and the importance of recycling. However, it can be challenging to find engaging and educational resources that will capture their attention. Luckily, there are fun games that parents can use to teach their kids about the environment while having fun at the same time.

Wind And Solar

One game that stands out is the sustainable energy game called Wind And Solar. This game allows players to adjust the placements of windmills and solar panels to maximize energy production. Kids will learn how wind and solar power can generate electricity and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As they play the game, they will need to pay attention to the wind lines on the screen and move the blades on the windmill up or down to catch the wind. If they are catching the wind, the windmill blades will spin, and if they are not, they will stop.

They also need to look at the clouds in the sky and their movement, moving the solar cells left or right as needed to maximize sun exposure while minimizing the time spent under clouds. The game has a timer and a total energy meter, showing how much energy they have created.

Sort The Trash

Another game that is worth playing is Sort The Trash, a recycling game where players move the recycling bin across the screen to collect recyclables while avoiding other garbage. This game will teach kids about the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal. They will need to drag the bin side to side to collect recyclables, including bottles, cartons, and cans.

On the other hand, they need to avoid collecting batteries, straws, plastic bags, and compost items like apples, eggs, bananas, or used paper coffee cups. Missing recyclables or collecting non-recyclable items will result in a strike, and when they get three strikes, the game is over. As they advance through the game, the items fall faster, making it more challenging.

I enjoyed playing these games while taking a rest from my daily chores. Since my kids are adults now, I will tell my younger nieces and nephews about these fun and educational games. These environmentally-friendly games for kids are perfect for parents who want their children to learn about sustainability and the environment in a fun and engaging way.

By introducing these fun educational games for kids, parents can help their children develop an interest in environmental issues at an early age. Playing these games can instill a sense of responsibility for the planet and encourage kids to think about their actions and their impact on the environment. These games can also promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills as children learn to adjust the placements of windmills and solar panels or sort out recyclables from other garbage.

In conclusion, Wind and Solar and Sort The Trash are two games that parents can use to teach their kids about the environment while having fun at the same time. These games are perfect for kids who love playing games and learning about sustainability and environmental issues. As parents, we can help our children develop an interest in the environment by introducing them to these fun and educational games.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Five years ago, a cousin succumbed to breast cancer complications. I thought of sharing a brief story about her cancer journey in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

My cousin was newly married and starting to build a family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy to remove the early stage of cancer from the affected breast.

Photo by Klaus Nielsen from Pexels

But two years later, her oncologist disclosed she had stage IV cancer. The cancer cells from her breast were not contained but had spread to her brain.

Despite the pains and rigors of cancer treatment, my cousin remains positive through her battle. Even up to her few remaining days, we know that she is holding on to her life. She loves her family so much that despite being sick, she still thinks of their welfare. I remember her saying, “Kailangan maging malakas ang loob ko para sa pamilya” (I need to be strong for my family).

Photo by Olya Kobruseva from Pexels

She may be terminally ill, but nothing prepared us for her passing.

My cousin died peacefully at the hospital four days before Christmas. She was only 46.

Our extended family welcomed 2016 with a heavy heart. She was laid to rest after a long, painful fight with cancer.

My cousin, Cecil

The observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Philippines highlights the importance of regular self-breast examination and the early detection and treatment of breast cancer among Filipino women.

A breast self-examination (BSE) is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one’s breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one’s chances of successful treatment.

The 2020 Global Cancer Observatory showed that breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the Philippines.

The high global incidence of the disease paved the way for the popular movement called Pink October in the 1990s. Source: DOH