The youngest daughter got her guitar last December. We are currently scouting music schools nearby where she can have her summer lessons. The brother also showed interest in playing guitar so we might get him one too.

Why is it that having extra-curricular activities like learning how to play the guitar is important in the development of children?

First, they learn discipline. One can’t be a good gymnast without spending hundreds of hours practicing. The same discipline goes with playing musical instruments as well as learning how to paint.They don’t need to know everything at one time, just go slowly step by step until they master what they’re really good at.

The passion for music does not just mean playing musical instrument, it could also mean learning about tracktion 3 or even composing new songs.

Second is that learning new skill boosts the children’s self-confidence because they know they have talents and skills to show.

Third would be knowing that because they were able to master a skill, they will understand that whatever they want to achieve in the future, with the right dedication and hard work plus support from their family, they can be what they want to be.

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!