Encourage your children to do what they like best and what they are good at. This is what we parents hear from other parents who’ve “been there and done that”.

Encouraging your children and giving them the much-needed support to be able to reach their goals and make their dreams a reality. There are no definite steps or ways to make these happen. More often than not, parents do not merely lead what they think is best for their children but they feel and know what it is their children like.

There are of course those parents who insist on making their children do things without regard if the children are liking the experiences but that is another story.

So, how can parents encourage their children?

• Develop their self-esteem.
• Be able to provide for avenues to let them have experiences and develop skills that will further hone their talents. These need not be expensive, with the right creative approach, parents can give their children the support they need.
• Encourage them to love learning new things like making best friend gift ideas rather than buying or by trying out new things to see what they really want to pursue.
• Encourage them to be creative because being creative can open avenues for them to explore further.
• Let them know that mistakes don’t mean that they failed, but these are chances for them to stand up and do better.
• Love them unconditionally.
• Set limits. As a parent, you’ll know when is the right time for setting limit

Summer is almost here and my children are asking what activities they will have for summer vacation.They are looking forward to spending time with my parents as well as spending time with MIL down south where they have two swings in her backyard garden and where these treasures can be found. I am sure aspen furniture would look apt there.

These days, children do not really get to enjoy what summer vacation has to offer. In Metro Manila cities, they do not have access to parks and recreational areas (well, except those who live in gated communities) where they can ride their bikes, run, play and just have fun without parent getting worried that they might get bumped by vehicles.

Recreation these days come in the form of handheld devices where they just click, tap and do small movements with their fingers.

What are your summer plans for your children?

No SPEED Limit yearly benefit run is happening on January 29, 2012. This run is sponsored by the Ateneo SPecial Education Society or Ateneo SPEED.

There are several categories to choose from: 3k, 5k, 10k and 15k. The route will be inside and outside Ateneo Campus.

This run is for the benefit of teacher development of Batino Elementary School, a public special education institution in Quezon City. continue reading this entry »

It’s been while since I posted a photo for Photo Hunters. I miss this weekly photo meme which I have been participating actively back in  2007.

For January 14th, the theme is CIRCULAR.

I thought of posting a photo of several stainless steel bracelets I took photo of but I decided to use this Christmas tree photo at the MIL’s house. Now this has a lot of circular, colorful and festive Christmas balls.

Can’t wait for 2012 Christmas!

How was your 2011?

I want to do a bit of introspection for the year that was 2011. I know, there are still a few days left before we finally say goodbye to 2011 and this seems something that looks like “forced” and too early.

• 2011 was a busy year with even more focus on the children’s needs and activities as well as more focus on my students whose needs are developing too.

• 2011 was a challenging year especially since the family has to deal with more pressing concerns in different aspects of our lives.

• 2011 was like a myriad of emotions when it comes to how we reacted to the different local and world events as they unfold

• 2011 was and still is a year I have to deal with health issues plaguing the family members but we try our best to stay healthy by choosing healthier food choices and getting rid of or avoiding things/events that bring a lot of stress

• 2011 made me realize I can do so much more if only I put more effort into what I know I can do best

Are you looking forward to doing more improvements to your life and meeting more challenges in 2012?

The MIL wants to set up a gift shop in the small store she has in her home down south. We have been looking for ideas that will help her conceptualize what she really wants to do.

Gift shops are wonderful, especially those that have hard-to-find items. Personally, I like browsing items in gifts shops, especially those that are daintily designed.

Shopping is slowly getting revolutionized due to the presence of online sites. The comforts of doing your shopping through online means is not something everyone can do though.

I think the ladies do this online shopping more than the guys. Not all guys can get their love ones gifts and buy her valentines gifts online though the number of them are starting to get the hang of it. For guys who are not really fond of going to the malls to shop, this is definitely welcome.

Meanwhile, I hope the MIL will decide on what she wants so I can go with her, if she asks me to, when she shops for what she wants to sell