The Top 3 'Best Purchases' That Truly Helped Me During a Year of Leave and Solo Parenting

Hello, I am Zawa-Zawa Mama, who spent this past year on leave and then resigning.

Looking back, it has been a year of constant hustle for both my mind and body.
Even so, there were things that quietly supported me and made me think, 'I'm so glad I bought this!'

I have always been the type who wants to recommend things I've enjoyed using to others.
However, since I'm a modest salesperson, the only person I've really been able to push things on until now is my younger sister (lol).

But after starting note, I thought,
'Maybe it's okay to be a bit meddlesome here?'

So, this time, I will divide them into the
Healthcare Category and the Childcare Goods Category, and announce Zawa-Zawa Mama's 'Top 3 Best Purchases of the Year'.

*This article contains links using the Amazon Associates Program.

🩺 Healthcare Category

🥉 3rd Place | Azuki no Chikara (for Neck and Shoulders)

I believe that when it comes to the autonomic nervous system, he who controls the neck and shoulders wins.

Since around autumn, my routine has been: microwave for 2 minutes → place on neck → finish remaining chores.

If I get into bed while it's still warm, my body relaxes completely, and I find it easy to drift off to sleep.

🥈 2nd Place | Mediquick H

Since developing adjustment disorder, the number of days where allergic symptoms flare up strongly has increased.

I have suffered from scalp eczema (dandruff/itching) due to dryness since I was in junior high, and I have dry skin that can only handle Curel or Sebamed shampoo.

If I apply a little just before I feel the urge to scratch, I can avoid scratching, it doesn't sting, and my condition stays stable.

Plus, it's a large bottle, and I'm still on my first one, so it's very cost-effective.

🥇 1st Place | Fashion Glasses-Style Sunglasses

As I introduced in a previous article, for brain fatigue, you should wear sunglasses even in winter to block UV rays from your eyes. It provides peace of mind against fatigue during commuting or going out.

👶 Childcare Goods Category

🥉 3rd Place | Ubongo Mini

A puzzle game where you use 7 pieces to perfectly fill in a given shape.

This is, actually quite difficult even for adults.

Sometimes my 6-year-old daughter is the fastest,
and for some reason, my husband is really good at it (lol).

It shows and improves spatial awareness,
and it seems like it will be useful when people gather, like during the New Year holidays.

🥈 2nd Place | Bath Cleaner

You're probably thinking, 'Huh? A childcare product?'

But for some reason,
kids love to help clean the bathtub.

However, the usual 'no-scrub' detergents
have strong surfactants, so I worry about skin irritation...

So, I introduced a safe detergent made from 100% food-grade ingredients. I let the kids scrub the tiles while I just watch from the side.

🥇 1st Place | 100-Bead Abacus × Pokémon Workbook

My 6-year-old daughter is obsessed with Chiikawa and Pokémon.

I bought her a workbook, but
honestly, teaching her addition and subtraction every single time is exhausting...

That's when I introduced the 100-bead abacus.

I was torn between the large version and this one,
but this is a foldable tabletop version that saves space.

By saying, 'Try counting with this,'
my daughter in her final year of preschool has almost completed the first-grade math workbook.

↓ These were well-crafted problems that even adults have to think about a bit.

Next week, our home will have a
daycare closure × husband working solo parenting day.

I think I'll spend it relaxing (as much as I can)
while organizing photos and videos of the kids.

Please share your own 'best purchases of the year' in an article as well.
I really love reading them. ☺️

Updated periodically ↓