Preparing for Online Schooling at Home

Because August 24 is fast approaching, we are already preparing for our son's online schooling set-up. Let me share how we are preparing for online schooling at home.

First, since both of us are working outside home, we are training our son to study independently. I downloaded free workbooks at depedtambayan.org.

At first I just saved it at my son's iPad but I think it didn't help that it was on a gadget. He didn't like to answer the workshop and put the answers in a separate notebook. And I am also having hardtime checking the answers. So I just printed lessons per day. We have been doing this for more than a month now and he's getting used to it na. Ngayon nga he's doing advance study pa so gabi palang hinihingi na nya sa akin yun lessons for the next day. Ireview na daw nya or he will ask help from me and his dad for those lessons he didn't understand, especially sa Mathematics.

Then we enrolled him na. We got his books. Five subjects lang daw muna, Science, Filipino, Mathematics, English and Sibika. As per his school, they will do blended learning: online + module (books). They also told us that they will be using a software hooked to the books publication so teachers don'e need to make modules. That's great, however, we are just sad that most of our son's classmates are transferring to public schools.

I understand naman that everyone is really affected because of this pandemic, especially financially. We are not exempted too because our company reduced our work days and we are forced to file leaves. Syempre ang leave nauubos so our income is also reduced. Good thing is that we are saving a certain amount every month for his tuition fee. What we are doing is advance savings na like now what we are saving is for next school year na. Which means, for this school year, last year pa kami nagstart that is 12 months ago from the payment month, usually April or May.

That's why advance saving is a big help e. Will share how we do it in a separate post. Iba kasi kung may savings ka na atleast 6 months of your salary but some says atleast 6 months of your expenses. Hindi ka masyado mag-aalala in difficult times like this.

Going back to our preparation, we also fixed his study place. We have a small office table but he said he needs a bigger one. Syempre we want him to be comfortable so I asked Daddy A to look for a bigger study table. Luckily we found one at SM Home.

He also asked us to buy a computer chair since we don't have one at home. Again, to make him feel comfortable we looked for a computer chair. Ang mahal sa SM Home, but I was lucky to find an online seller who sells it for a cheaper price.

So that's his study and also gaming place at home. We have extra laptop and he has iPad and mobile phone naman so we don't need to buy a new one for now. I will share the details in my next post.

How are you preparing your kids and home for online schooling?

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Coronavirus Changes

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The hardest part of living through the pandemic is wanting things to go back to normal and knowing, on some level, that they never can. Even if a vaccine were widely available tomorrow, there would be a part of us unable to forget that this happened once before and could happen again at any time. Not every potential pandemic has to be like Covid-19, but in order to ensure that it isn't you will have to make substantial changes across the board.

Entertainment

Perhaps one of the most obvious areas where life has changed because of the pandemic, and will likely continue to be different is entertainment and leisure. Movie theaters, large venues and even food vendors Pittsburgh PA and other cities especially have had to adapt as the pandemic loomed. What changes will need to be permanently implemented in order to keep people safe? It's difficult to say.

Work

Close on the heels of entertainment, people's jobs and livelihoods were broadly affected by the pandemic, and likely will continue to be affected. Will work from home be the standard for most people from here on out? It's hard to say right now.

Education

Education is already becoming a huge part of the national discussion about pandemic safety. As worries about potential superspreader events collide with concerns about equity and access collide, it's hard to say what system will emerge, but it's certain that things are going to change.

The good news is that many of these changes will have great positive benefits in the long run. Schools, work and restaurants will struggle in the short term, but these changes will make people safer and have the potential to make life better, more accessible and more equitable, provided that we handle these changes consciously and carefully. People will make mistakes, of course, but the whole point of mistakes is to learn from them. 

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How to Cope with Fear, Stress and Anxiety during Covid-19 Pandemic

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The news of Covid-19 pandemic brought so much fear. With cities and even entire countries shutting down, it's a frightening time for many people. Some of us maybe living in areas already affected by Covid-19. Suddenly life is not normal. We cannot go out and do the things we used to do. Some are bracing for what may come.

Every day, all of us are waiting for the news and headlines. Thinking what will happen next, the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 is the hardest to thing to handle for many people. Suddenly life is uncertain. We don't know how bad things might get or what will be the impact on us. This thinking brings overwhelming fear, stress and anxiety.

People suffering from stress may experience difficulty in sleeping or concentrating, changes in sleep or eating patterns, and excessive worrying about your own and your loved ones' health. For some with chronic health or mental health conditions, it may get worse. While some may increase the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

We react differently to such stressful situations. But there are ways and things we can do to cope with fear. stress and anxiety during  Covid-19 Pandemic.

Stay informed but limit how often you check updates

It's very important to stay informed to follow safety precautions as advised by authorities to help in slowing down the spread of coronavirus. But you need to be careful with the what you read and watch because a lot of misinformation and sensational coverage are going around  that creates more fear to people.

Stick with trustworthy sources like the World Health Organization. Learn to step away from media when you start feeling overwhelmed. Also, be careful on what you share and take time to verify information first. We should do our part to avoid spreading of rumors that may create more panic.

Take care of your body and spirit

In this very difficult time, take care of your body by eating healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising or meditating. If possible, get out in nature. Sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Find ways to exercise and stay active to help you release anxiety, relieve stress, and manage your mood. Make time to unwind. Take time also to do activities you enjoy.

Be kind to your self

When you are experiencing more depression or anxiety than usual, go easy and be kind to your self. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles.

Maintain a routine even if you're stuck at home

To create a sense of normalcy, try to stick with your regular sleep, school, meal or work schedule.

Avoid self-medicating

Don't use alcohol or other substances to deal with anxiety or depression. It is best to avoid alcohol and other substances for now.

Instead take up a relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga that can bring you back into a state of equilibrium when stressors throw your nervous system out of balance. Set aside even a little time everyday because regular practice delivers the greatest benefits.

Stay connected despite social distancing

The practice of social distancing is one way to help stop the spread of coronavirus disease. However, social distancing may cause health risk to people because humans are social animals. Isolation and loneliness can worsen fear, stress and anxiety. So it is very important to stay connected with people you trust about your concerns and feelings, and reach out for support when you need it.

Use social media to connect not only with your friends, families and acquaintances, but for the feeling connection in a greater sense to our communities, country, and the world. To remind us that we are not alone on this.

Check in with your loved ones often

Stay connected with friends and family. Schedule a regular phone or video call or chat dates to counteract the tendency to withdraw when you feel anxious. The face-to-face contact in video calling is like a "vitamin" for your mental health that may help ease stress and anxiety.

Help keep your loved ones safe. Know the status of their health, physically and mentally, and the medications they are taking in. Like you, they might be having fears, stress and anxiety too.

Help others

Remember you are not alone on this. Many people are in more difficult situation. During this times of crises, helping others not only makes a difference to your community but can also support your own mental health and well-being. Being kind and helping people can make you happy. It can help you regain a sense of control over your life, adding meaning and purpose.

Those are ways to cope with fear, stress and anxiety during Covid-19 pandemic. Always remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Millions of people all over the world is going through difficult times losing job and loved ones. Keep your spirit high by praying and trusting that God will not give us anything we can not handle.

Keep safe everyone!

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What You Should Know About Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Like any other parents, I am too worried about how rapidly coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is spreading. In fact, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic on Wednesday as it spreads in more than 100 countries around the world, which includes Philippines.

President Rodrigo Duterte puts Metro Manila under 30-day ‘community quarantine’. This prohibits traveling to and from the national capital until April 14 and banning “planned or spontaneous” mass gatherings. Also, the suspension of classes in the metropolis (and in near by province like Bulacan) is extended until April 12. This is after the Department of Health confirmed 52 cases and five deaths from the pneumonia-like disease COVID-19.

Sounds really scary but getting the right information can save lives. Here are what you should know about coronavirus disease (source: www.unicef.org);

Like what I have said, spreading awareness on coronavirus disease can save lives. Proper hand washing, having good hygiene, and boosting our immune system can keep us safe from the disease. Also, in times like this we should stay calm, don't worry and trust God. He is always in control.

Stay safe everyone!

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