Tweens? Tweens are children whose age are between 8 and 12. They exhibit the physical, social, behavioral as well as mental changes that teenagers go through years, decades ago. These are pre-adolescent years or the so-called middle childhood, or are they? It used to be that girls have their menstruation at the age of 14 or 15 or even 16. Now, girls as young as 10 or even younger have their monthly menstrual periods. It used to be that chest development happens sometime at the time menstrual cycle but endocrinologists now have been studying about girls developing as early as first or second grade. Some of the contributing factors being considered are improved nutrition or in some cases, obesity.

These children have power. They know they do and they will use these powers to do what they enjoy doing, to get what they want or to just manipulate their parents. They have technology at their fingertips, or at the click of the mouse, they have information they need in front of them, without breaking a sweat, unlike their parents who use to go to the library or haul heavy books just to get the information they need. In fact, they can see what the world has to offer for them at their fingertips. They download music as well as other stuff without regards to copyright issues. They comprise a big chunk of the family budget: school-related expenses, electronic gadgets, extra-curricular activities, etc. They insist they have a voice in family decisions like where to dine or where to go for a vacation. They are indeed, a handful during this stage.

This is a very delicate stage that they are in. This stage prepares them for adulthood, for achieving independence, so it is best that parents, educators as well as care-givers know what this stage is all about. Click here to understand them more, here to read something about family dynamics, here to know how we can help them develop their full potential, here to read a book dedicated to this developmental stage.

How far and how much are parents willing to spend to buy playthings for their children, or for themselves? Here are a few suggestions to think about for the coming holidays. Beware: these items are very, very expensive. Click here to see what these toys are. Be prepared to be shocked at the prices.

Christmas 2006 will be celebrated in a few weeks time. I can’t help but notice that stores/malls bravely display Christmas decors and what-have-yous, gift suggestions and other Christmas-themed things. A few weeks ago, these were displayed alongside candles for the All Souls Day and Halloween paraphernalia. Usually at this time of the year, a number of houses are all prepped up with lights and Christmas decorations. It seems that people  will just await for Christmas coming just around the corner to prepare. Is it because of the surge in electric bill charge that goes with the season, or the atmosphere of despair over the way things are being run by people who are supposed to run the government? Is it because there are so many bills to be paid and the more important needs should be given priorities in terms of spending, people have become wise in letting go of their hard-earned money. Is it because people have somehow lost the eagerness to celebrate the season that is equated with spending, spending and more spending? Is it because people have lost hope in their ability and capacity to stand tall and face the odds and uncertainty of things to come? Whatever the reason, let us remember that Christmas is not just about partying, gifts, spending and decorations. It is about hope, love and faith in God who continues to watch over us, teaching us lessons about simplicity and focusing on the main reason of the season: Jesus.

Christmas spirit is very much in the air though it is still only November. People are already packing the malls to be able to complete their shopping list for their love ones. Here in the Philippines, shoppers are already getting ready to go to Divisoria or Tutuban to get the best bargains for their gifts. But have we considered giving something else for our loved ones? The toy for our children which will be discarded after a few days or weeks. The book will be read after a few days. The clothes which will go out of fashion after a few months. The electronic gadget will become an older version after a few months. So, what will be an alternative? A trip.

A trip out of town. A trip out of the country. A trip that doesn’t have to be far and expensive as long as it has been well-planned would be nice. It doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. We can try to be creative and have lots of fun without spending too much as long as planning was done well. A trip would be cherished, memories would stay on. Bonding among family members will be established during this downtime. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to take loads and loads of photos so that everyone can remember the fun.

Start planning your trip now!

Combating Autism Act is an act that is set to be approved by the Senate. The United States of America’s Senate, that is. Once this act has been approved, it will be giving much resources to a national health agency and other health agencies to do extensive research about autism. Click here to read about the article. This is certainly good news. Though we may not be a part of this country, we still could benefit from the findings that they will get, maybe after a few years. Is this still good news? I think it still is.

Much has been said about the benefits of coconut oil. For the Filipinos belonging tothe younger generation, they know about coconut oil probably as hair softener, or as oil applied to massage aching joints, or as oil extracted from pressing coconut flesh, or as oil more recently used in spa and beauty treatments. But what is really this coconut oil that has spawned so much publicity over the past couple years or maybe more? (Though history would tell us otherwise that the benefits of this oil has been beneficial to our ancestors. Click here to read about a glimpse of the past.) The health benefits maybe? The dietary benefits? The skin care benefits? It can not be just one but all the above-mentioned benefits can be derived from using coconut oil.

The coconut oil is considered as the most healthy coconut oil in the world. Sounds like an exaggeration? Or perhaps an ad so that more people will buy the product? Click here to read about some of the health benefits. Click here for a wikipedia definition. To those who may have, or know of someone with diabetes,click here. The Philippines, a tropical country is one of the major players in the coconut oil business but Click here for some additional information regarding the health benefits of the coconut oil. Click here for the dietary benefits. Click here for the economic benefits the product gives to the country.