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Jing Cuciohttp://about.me/jingcucioCuddleholic. Hands-on. Over-caffeinated. Work-from-home mom. Former Technical Writer. Ex-Segment Producer. Music lover. Potato junkie. Aspiring world traveler.

Could Our Advanced Kids Be Losing Their Childhood?

September 28, 2016 by Jing Cucio

Can you still recall what you were doing when you were 5 or 6? 

I remember being outdoors, chasing dragonflies, running around with our neighbors, blowing plastic balloon together, sipping the nectar off the stems of santan flowers, eating aratilis, munching on haw flakes after saying body of christ (oops), and shouting Pink 5 after four other kids yelled Red 1, Green 2, Blue 3, and Yellow 4. Continue reading →

Everyday Life Parenting decline of playK to 12kindergarten of today

Parenting Hack Of All Time

August 25, 2016 by Jing Cucio

If there is one childcare tip you’d give to a newbie parent, what would it be?

I’ll skip my normally long introductions and give mine right away –

TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

“Yeah, yeah, we know that already,” you might say.

But I mean, LITERALLY.

For example.

If you miss the short sleepy window, that magic time Continue reading →

Everyday Life Parenting baby feeding schedulebaby sleep scheduleparenting hacksample baby schedule

My 5 Year Old Says She’s Soon Getting Married

August 5, 2016 by Jing Cucio

Aug. 4 : THE ANNOUNCEMENT

MIA: You know my boyfriend Zander, he is

JING: Wait wait. You have a boyfriend??!

MIA: Yes. Zander. Continue reading →

Everyday Life Parenting

You’re Not A Good Motherrrrr!

July 12, 2016 by Jing Cucio

You bet, I’m not. 

I wasn’t very proud of myself that day.

I remember it was the week before Christmas when Mia and I were in a crowded bazaar, and she was constantly getting bumped into by eager shoppers.

Must have been irritating for her. Clearly not a place for children.

But I needed to buy some gifts. Fast. Which I should have known is impossible to do with a kid in tow!

Continue reading →

Everyday Life meltdownstantrum triggers

What Yayas Do When We’re Not Looking

July 5, 2016 by Jing Cucio

On the numerous times I’ve been to parks and school pick-ups, I’ve seen different kinds of yayas and how they handle our kids.

I don’t watch their every move, of course. But I overhear them most of the time and they display similar behaviors in the absence of a “boss”.

So consider me your extra pair of eyes when you’re at work. Continue reading →

Everyday Life baby sitter problemsgood nannywarning signs of bad nannyyaya issues

On Stage In PJs

June 30, 2016 by Jing Cucio

Helloooo! I have been wanting to post about this since their recital day but the chores always keep getting in the way!

Okay, so without further ado, we took Children’s Theater workshops again last April and May and I’m so glad we did it for the second time around.

Set in a bedroom with a giant TALKING BOOK and toys that come ALIVE, Mia played the child in pajamas who witnessed all the MAGIC. It was entitled “The Best Toys” and I think everyone did great! Continue reading →

Early Learning We ♥ children's theaterinterestsmusical playsnurturingsummer workshops

When Being At Home Pulls You Down

April 15, 2016 by Jing Cucio

I love being a mom. I can shout that many times for all to hear. I LOVE BEING A MOM!!!

But…

I’d be a hypocrite if I say I love every bit of it everyday.

I don’t. I get bouts of sadness from time to time.

Longing to work again, wanting to earn like I used to again, yearning to continue the career I’ve started – you know, all those things that took a backseat when motherhood started.

Sometimes I ask myself, “What have I become?” Continue reading →

Everyday Life beating depressionstay at home blues

Meet Kayla

April 7, 2016 by Jing Cucio

Last week, our 4-year-old was questioning why we named her Mia. She wanted to know why we didn’t pick out a name that ends with La.

In her opinion, names that end with “La” and “Bel” sound prettier. And she of course wants to be.. pretty.

Me: Hey, you have Bel in your name, Mia Isabel.

Mia: But I want La too. Why did you agree with Daddy’s choice, Mommy? Continue reading →

Everyday Life

When Work Doesn’t End on Fridays

March 20, 2016 by Jing Cucio

If you’re fond of saying TGIF, I kind of envy you.

I love weekends but they are usually as hectic as my weekdays!

To give you an example, here’s a rundown of how one weekend is like for me from early morning until night.

SATURDAY:

COFFEE. Cook breakfast.

Eat with Mia. Feed for about 45mins. to an hour. Continue reading →

Everyday Life Mommy Confessions stay-at-home momswork-at-home moms

The Question You Shouldn’t Forget To Ask When Interviewing A Potential Yaya

March 17, 2016 by Jing Cucio

In our 6-month quest for an all-around-helper/yaya, I have interviewed a number of applicants, both from friend referrals and agencies, and there is one thing I’ve learned that I want to share to you.

I learned that the best way to know more about a candidate is to Continue reading →

Everyday Life hiring a maidinterview tipsinterviewing yayas 2 Comments

I Call Her Ninong, GIRL.

March 10, 2016 by Jing Cucio

This is Em.

Jewelry Designer Em Mariano

Jewelry Designer Em Mariano

And yes, you’re not mistaken, that’s Ms.Krissy and Kim Chiu on the set.

He is a long time friend of ours and we couldn’t be more proud of how far he has reached with his jewelry line. I tell you, his handmade pieces are STUNNING!  (Quick look at his designs HERE.)

Anyway, the reason he’s here today is because my 4-year-old is confused about why his godfather acts more like a fairy godmother. Continue reading →

Parenting explaining homosexualitytalking about gaysteaching kids early

Why You Should Not Let A Day Pass Without Hugging Your Children

February 18, 2016 by Jing Cucio

Have you hugged your kid today?

Hugging has recently moved up to the number 1 spot on our daily To-Do list after Mia left me speechless with her daunting train of thought the other night. It went like this:

MIA: Hug me, Mommy…

ME: Why, are you scared? I hugged you many times already.

MIA: Hug me because Continue reading →

Everyday Life love languageparental touchphysical affection

Life With A Kid In Tow

February 12, 2016 by Jing Cucio

HELLO everyone!!! It has been quiet here for almost 3 months and I couldn’t be happier that I got to finally post today!

I swear I always try to write. I really do. I have about 12 drafts waiting (each with a few sentences that I wrote in increments) but none of them seem to close.

Well, until today. Yey! Continue reading →

Everyday Life Mommy Confessions 4 year oldslife without maidout and aboutreal lifestay-at-home moms 1 Comment

A Ram SAHM WAHM

November 14, 2015 by Jing Cucio

It has been 7 weeks since we parted ways with our helper (looking for a new one, help!) and to be honest, I haven’t fully adjusted to my new duties yet.

Work has come to a halt and I must say that being a full-time homemaker has its sweet perks and pains.

For one, I am physically tired, more than ever! Haha. Continue reading →

Everyday Life Mommy Confessions full-time homemakerstay-at-home momswork-at-home moms 2 Comments

VIRAL: 4-Year-Old Maji Throws Tantrums For A Cause [Video]

October 8, 2015 by Jing Cucio

Kids often throw tantrums at the mall because there’s something they can’t have. Yes? Yes.

A toy or a candy that we refuse to buy can suddenly turn our angelic and normally behaved ones into unmanageable kiddos, kicking and screaming on the floor.

But throwing a fit isn’t exactly the same for 4-year-old boy, Maji. Continue reading →

Featured early readerstantrums

Run, Kid, Run!

October 2, 2015 by Jing Cucio

When I was little, I got reprimanded every time I got a wound.

Yep, a wound.

“Wag kang tatakbo. Madadapa ka!” was my mother’s frequent warning.

(Don’t run. You’ll trip!) Continue reading →

Everyday Life Parenting outdoor activitiesraising kidsrun and playtumble and fall

9 Extras That Are Worth The Space In Your Diaper Bag

September 7, 2015 by Jing Cucio

Back when Mia was 1-2 years old and we didn’t have a helper yet, I was always dying to go out to get some air, see some people, and have some much needed adult conversation. But every time an opportunity came, I’d all of sudden feel lazy and prefer to stay home.

My silly reason? It takes a lot of Continue reading →

We ♥ diaper bag essentialsmust havesToys we love

When The Misbehavior Is A Cry For Help

August 28, 2015 by Jing Cucio

It was a Monday afternoon, I was on my desk, when I suddenly heard our daughter shrieking and slamming her toys while playing with our helper.

(This was 3 days after I wrote To Spank Or Not To Spank and it could have been a perfect example for the post had I not published it yet.)

I don’t normally come to the rescue and I just wait for things to calm down when this happens. But Mia was unbelievably angry and my nerves told me to intervene.  Continue reading →

Everyday Life Parenting child disciplinemeltdownsmindful parentingpositive parentingpreschoolerspanking

To Spank Or Not To Spank

August 21, 2015 by Jing Cucio

I got a call from my mom the other week telling me she’d give me a pamalo (wooden rod/paddle) for our 4-year-old.

I laughed as I thought it was a joke but she continued to explain that I don’t have to hit the kid very hard – just a bit.

“It’s just a small one,” she added.

I paused and tried to process her words before I answered, Continue reading →

Parenting child disciplinechild raisingspanking

Do the highs outweigh the lows of parenting?

August 13, 2015 by Jing Cucio

If you have a difficult child, you are not alone.

We may seem happy on Facebook and all but that’s because the good times are the only ones I get to capture and post.

The bad ones, well, they are bad. The last thing I can think of during a full-blown tantrum is to take a snapshot. Most of the time, we are in an intense state correcting bad behavior and worrying afterwards if we are actually doing things right. Continue reading →

Everyday Life Parenting joys of parenthoodpriceless momentsraising kids

An Afternoon of Fun At Kidzooona Manila

August 3, 2015 by Jing Cucio

The days are long but the years are indeed short! I can’t believe that Mia is now 4. 🙂

I’m sure she would have enjoyed a Fairy & Pirate themed party but we opted for a simpler celebration this year.

Instead of having a party, we invited three of her closest friends and we had a mini-barkada fieldtrip to Kidzooona at Robinsons Galleria. Continue reading →

Specials We ♥ 4th birthdayindoor playgroundplayhouse

Bringing The Pixie Magic To Life

July 23, 2015 by Jing Cucio

A year ago, Mia’s birthday wish was to have a chocolate cake and candles to blow.

This year, it’s PIXIE DUST. Continue reading →

Play Activities Specials 4th birthdaypixie dusttinkerbell and friends

Sprinkle Me With Pixie Dust

July 10, 2015 by Jing Cucio

Mommy, did you send my message?

To Daddy? Yes, I did.

Did he buy pixie dust already?

I think he needs more time in finding a pixie dust store.

And if he could not find? Continue reading →

Everyday Life We ♥ books we loveearlykids imaginationstorybooks

Ready, Set, Fly!

July 6, 2015 by Jing Cucio

Yesterday evening, her imagination was on fire. Her mind was more than alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic and much as I would like to nag her to sleep, I ended up writing down her lines.

She would get up to tell me one thing and then go back to bed, only to get up again to tell me more.

She talked to me in all seriousness and excitement and this was exactly how it went. Continue reading →

Everyday Life fairieskids imaginationpixie dust

Choosing the Right Storybooks For Your Child

July 2, 2015 by Jing Cucio

Every once in a while, I would spend an hour or two in Booksale, looking on every shelf, reading cover summaries, and browsing through pages, to find books that would match our child’s interests and reading level.

It is quite challenging to spot stories that are not too lengthy for our 3-year-old but are stimulating enough for her growing vocabulary. Books that are not too complex but are interesting enough to keep her engaged.

If only I could explain that to the store attendants. Continue reading →

Early Learning We ♥ book buying guidebooks we loveearly readersstorybooks

Over in the Meadow: A Musical Story

June 30, 2015 by Jing Cucio

It was six in the morning and our alarm hadn’t rung yet when Mia woke me up in her whispering voice and asked,

Where is our Over in the Meadow book, Mommy?

“It’s on top of my desk…”

Oh, there! Okay, you can sleep for 5 more minutes and then we will read again together Mommy, okay? Continue reading →

Early Learning Play Activities We ♥ books we loveearly readersmusical playsstorybooks

Finger Puppet Fun

June 25, 2015 by Jing Cucio

Our 3-year-old has always been fascinated with hands and fingers. I’m not sure why but she gets excited whenever she sees pictures or videos of writing hands, cooking hands, painting hands, or pointing fingers.

She would watch every version of The Finger Family Song and Where is Thumbkin on YouTube and would sing the songs over and over until I could already hear myself humming the same tune even when she’s not around.

So to make those videos come to life, Continue reading →

Play Activities We ♥ fine motor skillsfinger playpuppets

Makeshift Tents Rock!

June 22, 2015 by Jing Cucio

You must have seen it on every parenting and kids-activities website there is – play tents are fun and kids love them. There is something about having their own space, with a roof over it, that they totally like. So if you haven’t tried it at home, it’s time to bring those blankets out (never mind if they get dirty), put them over tables and chairs, and let your kids have a good time!

Of course, you can always buy a real tent and camp on your front or backyard – that would be more awesome! But if you haven’t bought one or you’re like us who enjoy impromptu and use-whatever-is-on-hand play days, makeshift would totally do. It is equally enjoyable! Continue reading →

Play Activities DIYindoor activitiesplaydates

Celebrating Dads: 12 Commercials That Touched Our Hearts

June 21, 2015 by Jing Cucio

It’s your turn, Daddies! Whether your children call you Dad, Daddy, Papa, Tatay, Itay, Papi, or Pops, we are celebrating YOU and all the great and wonderful things you do!

This also goes out to all grandpas, mommy-dads, gay dads, adoptive dads, step dads, and single dads who genuinely love their kids from head to toe! We SALUTE you all. You are SUPERHEROES in so many little ways and a true blessing in our lives.

So today, we are treating you to an ad-marathon of our favorite dadvertisements over the years. These 12 picks are going to take you from clear skies to stormy clouds of awww-dorably cute and i-can’t-stop-sobbing commercials. Continue reading →

Specials DaddiesDadsFather's Day

How To Burn Off Your Kid’s Energy Indoors

June 18, 2015 by Jing Cucio

It is so much easier to put kids to sleep when they are physically tired. Bedtime is almost effortless for us after an outing or an afternoon at the park because Mia would be dead tired by the time we get home.

But on days when we don’t feel like going out and there is nowhere to channel her ENERGY, we turn to  Continue reading →

Play Activities We ♥ indoor activitiesmusic and movementmusical PEvideos we love

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welcome greeting on sandHi there! Glad you’re on our page!

I’m Jing and that’s our witty and imaginative 8-year-old, Mia, who talked in paragraphs at age 1 and started reading at age 2.

Follow our everyday journey of love and kid discoveries as I share tips on how early learning through music and play can be a fun and wonderful experience for you and your child.

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About Mommy Jing

Cuddleholic. Hands-on. Over-caffeinated. Work-from-home mom. Former Technical Writer. Ex-Segment Producer. Music lover. Potato junkie. Aspiring world traveler.

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