Going for #2: Zayne’s bouts with constipation

Me with Zayne in a photo taken in Oct. 2012

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Yesterday I told you about my reunion with my five-year-old ward Zayne Mojica; I forgot to tell you that I would be with him for two days. 

So on Tuesday, I was with Zayne and all went well except for some old issues that I’ve discussed in the past. 

Today I discovered that he’s still having problem with his poop or as we call it between me and Zayne “the #2” or “number two.”  

Those who follow “My Nanny Stories” blog would recall that  Zayne would usually ask me to pray to God whenever he’s about “to go” and say my prayer out loud so God could hear my prayers. (See “(All About) Zayne’s World here). 
I guess when he asks me to do this, he’s really in pain. 

Late this afternoon, I accidentally saw his face grimace in pain which signaled to me that he’s about to go for a “#2.”  In the three months that I was away I thought Zayne’s problem of defecating had already been solved and so I told him to go to the bathroom.

He didn’t answer and instead continued grimacing, trying to let “go.”  I went near him and told him to hold my hand and together we went to the bathroom. While he sat on the toilet bowl, he again asked me if I can pray. 

I was surprised so with a smile on my face, I prayed loud so he can hear what I was asking. Luckily he had no problem, so we finished cleaning up and we went back watching TV. 

I asked him what he’s eating and he answered “Daddy told me to eat honey raisin brand so that my poop would be soft.” I told him what foods to eat. 

“Baby, listen to me- these you should eat- okay. Carrots- remember you like eating baby carrots- remember. Brocoli, remember you bring to school broccoli- that is good for you so you can release your poop. Also eat celery,” I told Zayne.

Taken from healthdoctrine.com

He also told me “Nanay (mother) I eat strawberries too,” and I said, that’s good, that’s the best for making it easy to release your poop. 

Indeed there are children, like adults having problems with their “# 2” and it should be addressed immediately with home remedies because the pain can sometimes be unbearable. 

It pays for the babysitter or nanny to inform the parents about the possibility of their child suffering from constipation and they should consult a doctor in order to deal with the situation. 

The Constipation Home remedies blog offers the following remedies: 

• One of the best remedies for children is to give them a nice warm glass of milk mixed with 2 tbsp of Castor oil. This is a great way to help with the constipation.

• Also you may want to give them milk with a little bit of honey so it will help loosen them up whenever they have to go; 

• Put lemon juice in a glass of water and have them drink that about 2 to 3 times a day;

• It’s also time for your child to undergo potty training.  Have them sit on the toilet bowl for at least 10 to 25 minutes. It can be hard to encourage a child to do this but it will be very helpful to them should they suffer from constipation;

• Boysenberry juice can be a very good natural laxative for the child and help them free up the clog in their system. 

We all had to deal with constipation in one way or another when we grew up and so we need to pass on what we know to our children and wards.

Strawberries can aid in excretion. Taken from amillionlives.net

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis).


You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063) 

My reunion with Zayne

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

It’s been quite a long time since I last posted about Zayne Mojica, my five-year- old ward here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

But last Monday, June 23, I was reunited with him after a three-month hiatus following some changes in my work schedule and circumstances. For those following my blog, you may recall that I was with Zayne since he was a year old.

Even if I wasn't with him I got informed about how he's doing from my daughter GG who took over babysitting duties from me. We would talk frequently about Zayne since he always has a special place in my heart.

On arriving at his home, my husband Ronnie said “look who's here” and a happy Zayne answered “Nanay (mother).” I hugged him and there was a brief moment of awkwardness before our eyes met and we smiled at each other.

I started he day by asking him “what do you want to do today babe?” and he didn't answer. In the old days, he would act indifferent every time we meet on Mondays. But this time he was all smiles.

He was still in his pajamas and was watching Disney Channel while eating Kellog's mini-wheats strawberry flavor and I sat at the floor not mentioning a word. Then I heard him say “Nanay I have a surprise for you.”

I was really surprised because he used my game of surprise every time we see each other; I have small or big things to remind him that he was in my thoughts even when I wasn't around.

It was my idea of showing people I care even if it is only a piece of “candy.” Usually when I say that I have a surprise for him, Zayne would close his eyes and when he opens them, he would see my small or big gift and he would kiss and hug me.

This time, he held my hand and told me to close my eyes as he led me to the other side of the living room. When he told me to open my eyes, I feigned surprise when he showed me his new helicopter made of Lego tiles and a new car.

“Wow this is new,” I told him and Zayne proudly answered that he got his gifts from his father and GG helped him assemble the Lego tiles into a helicopter.

“Get up Nanay I have another surprise for you. Close your eyes again,” Zayne said and as we climbed up the stairs he excitedly showed me his other new toys and clothes.

Simple gestures like teaching Zayne about appreciating the gifts given to him and of giving back fills me with a sense of fulfillment. 

It's showing the unexpected little things that often do matter. Anyone can give a grand gift but making it feel special to the recipient is something different altogether.

These simple gifts, these gestures of thoughtfulness and care go a long way towards building a happier, kinder and more optimistic Zayne as he continues on his life journey.

(Susan Palmes-Dennis is a veteran journalist from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Northern Mindanao in the Philippines who works as a nanny in North Carolina. This page will serve as a venue for news and discussion on Filipino communities in the Carolinas. Visit and read her website at www.susanpalmes-dennis.simplesite.com. Read her blogs on susanpalmesstraightfrom the Carolinas.com. These and other articles also appear at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/author/2582/susan-palmes-dennis.

You can also connect with her through her Pinterest account at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/41025046580074350/) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straight-from-the-Carolinas-/494156950678063)