Parents must always be aware of what their kids are watching. We are bombarded daily with shows that showcase violence, sex, greed, or even lightly put - naughtiness and trash talk. I was alarmed when my eldest son uttered the word 'stupid'. We never use the word, nor other immediate members of the family my kid interacts with. No, not from school because he's not yet attending school when I heard him say the word. Where could he have heard it if it were not from some cartoons. I only let him watch cartoons when he's alone while I'm doing my household chores.

Cartoons should be for kids. But the way they are put, they hardly reflect values that should be inculcated to budding, innocent minds. The words sucker, dumb, stupid, looser are not for kids (neither are for adults as well). Sadly and frustrating, cartoons do use such. Sponge Bob Square Pants is one. There are even frequent slapping, attacking, and bullying like those from Tom and Jerry, Tweety, and even Mickey Mouse shows. I don't know why cartoons are not being regulated as to the use of language and content.

There are  just a few cartoons left that go for what they were made to be. But they're for preschoolers only. These are Nickelodeon shows, Nick Jr. cartoons. These are aired in the Philippines through the Nickelodeon Channel every morning, weekdays.

These Nick Jr's preschool shows promote social and thinking skills through playful entertainment and connected learning.

• Blue's Clues
• Wonder Pets
• Bubble Guppies
• Umi Zoomi
• Dora the Explorer
• Go, Diego Go!
• Ni Hao Kai-lan
  

But what about post preschool stage? I've been on the look for good grade-school and up cartoons but left disappointed because I can't find even just one ideal show that promotes right values and use no foul language.

In the meantime, while my kids are still preschoolers, I'll make most out of these preschool cartoons. After this stage, I shall continue my search for shows that will be of benefit, rather than pollute my kids' minds.

"A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary."
-- Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Yesterday we bid goodbye to my auntie Nel who went her way to Alaska to be with her daughters and grandchildren. Although we were not that close, my aunt sure did marked something on me. Everytime I get to have short talks with her, she never fails to crack a joke and then tell casual stories about motherhood and relationships. She seems to make motherhood lighter with her sense of humor and wisdom.

Yesterday, as I hugged her she told me "Always remember that motherhood is two-way. You let them take their choices - you don't dictate. Specially yours are boys."

I thought for a moment, yeah...parents are responsible in guiding children, not to the extent of imposing your every will for them. We don't own their lives, we just guide them in living their lives to the fullest.

I will surely miss Auntie Nel.

Yeah the word is nurturing. I prefer 'nurture' than 'develop'. Nurturing is taking care of what is developing. I believe that every person has, at the least, a pinch of creativity being developed as one grows. Creativity just needs encouragement, feeding, and training for it to spur out excellently.

I'm glad my kids don't need a lot of pushing in this area. At their early age, they are eager to watch art shows. They are appreciative of crafts and drawings.

Here's one show that arouses creativity within. My kids are enthused everytime they watch ARTZOOKA. It's Nickelodeon's Art Show catering kids ages 6-9. But my boys (aged 2 and 4) at their early age are so hooked on this show. ARTZOOKA helps enhance their imagination. In one of the segments, Jeremy (the host) creates something out of almost junk materials. My kids would then guess what is being created. Before the host would finish his work, my eldest have already guessed it right. And the host shall say, "It's all in how you look at it!".

When I was a kid, I assumed that motherhood is easy and comes out naturally. Never have i thought of its complexities.

I've had jobs that required much know-how and experience to perform well, and I can confidently say I excelled in the field. Never have I feared doing something - not until I gave birth. I feared taking care of another life aside from mine.

Now after almost five years of being a mom, I still consider myself a novice. Motherhood is the hardest job ever! haha. It requires much dedication, perseverance, and LOVE. It's an expression of what is beautiful in a home thus encompasses both difficulties and joy - that's why it's an art in itself.

Due to its demanding nature, a mother has to do more than enough to enjoy performing the tasks. That's where creativity comes in. Mothers find ways to create a conducive environment fit for every member of the family. It's definitely not a no brainer.