Toddlers are inquisitive by nature — they learn by exploring the environment using their five senses. But while this is crucial for their development, it can drive parents crazy especially because kids have complete disregard for their safety as they go on their little adventures. Childproofing is a must, in particular electrical outlets, which are a magnet for curious toddlers.
One mom from our Facebook community, Smart Parenting Village, came up with a clever trick to keep her kids away from plugs and electrical outlets: she printed out photos of a cockroach and placed it on the wall near the outlets.
“Hello parents! Share ko lang itong trick na ginawa ko para hindi na lapitan ni LO (little one) ang mga plug,” writes mom Anche Marcelino. “So far, effective naman!”
Anche with her husband and two sons.PHOTO BY courtesy of Anche MarcelinoADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWIn a quick interview with SmartParenting.com.ph through Facebook Messenger, Anche shares she came up with the hack to manage her 2-year-old son, Eross. “Kasi po si Eross ay energetic talaga at may pagka-pilyo. Kapag alam niyang sasawayin naming siya, sinasadya niya po [na gawin].”
After observing that her son would always avoid a cockroach every time he sees one, a lightbulb went on inside her head. So far, her simple trick has been effective!
“Tinatawanan niya pero ayaw niya pong mahawakan,” Anche shares. “After three weeks, naalis na rin ang dikit ng tape at natanggal na [ang printout] pero never na po siya lumapit ulit sa plugs.”
We hope to never encounter a cockroach as big as this in real life.PHOTO BY Anche MarcelinoCONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowThe moms in our Village also thought the idea was genius, not to mention amusing. They said they can put it in places that their toddlers should avoid, like the fridge, the stairs or even their phones!
“Kahit siguro adult momsh, matatakot lumapit. Ang laki e!” one mom quipped.
Anna replied in jest. “Minsan may times din na ‘pag gising [namin] shookt ng onti ‘til maalala ko na gawa ko nga pala ‘yun,” she says with a laughing emoji.
Another said that if she copies the trick, it won’t be her toddler who would get scared, but her husband. LOL!
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Anche says the cockroaches lasted on the wall for three weeks and her son Eross has already learned not to play with outlets even after the printouts were removed.PHOTO BY Anche MarcelinoADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWSome mothers, on the other hand, think it won’t be effective with their toddlers because their little ones are fearless and love insects! “Tuwang-tuwa pa kunin ‘yung insekto ‘pag nakakakita sila,” one mom shared.
“Na-imagine ko ang anak ko, hahampasin niya lang ‘yan ng tsinelas,” another said.
One mom wondered whether it would inadvertently develop phobia in kids. But other moms chimed in that “It’s just a picture. Later on, ma-re-realize din ng bata na picture lang ‘yun. Kids are smart.”
Anche admits that the idea crossed her mind before she placed the images on the wall. “Siguro nga po sa iba hindi siya advisable pero ang parents mapapansin agad kung may ibang effects po ito at agad ring tatanggalin ang ginawang improvised insects at ipapakita kay LO na it’s fake,” she explains.
Want to curb your children's snacking? Another mom shares her parenting hack here.
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