I am a mother of four boys. Three of them are already attending school and there are times that I still struggle understanding them or often feel putting too much pressure on my boys.
Very timely that my favorite parenting partner, Smart Parenting, arranged another Mom Workshop focusing on school-age kids. And they tapped three experts to share their insights to guide parents on 1) how to help kids learn best and 2) how to nurture their creative side.
Those brave souls who attended the Smart Parenting Mom Workshops 2 despite the stormy weather that Saturday.
Despite the bad weather that Saturday, many moms, and dads as well, braved the storm just to attend the Smart Parenting Mom Workshops 2: All about School-Aged Kids at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas. And I took part of the workshops, too, as I know it would be something I could benefit from.
At the start of the event, I easily got comfortable as Ms. Chary Mercado shared one mom’s perspective on raising creative kids. As a mother of two and an education consultant for teens, Ms. Chary spoke from her own personal experience and shared valuable inputs such as:
- Do not dictate your child’s talent. You have to find it together through a trial and error approach.
- Let the child realize that he has the power to create. If he is into art, support him by buying or providing materials. Do not mind the kalat, lampas-lampas na kulay and what’s bagay or not. Why? Because it will only limit his creativity. Art is a concept and not beauty.
- Go easy on the criticism or advice. We as parents should know when to stop with our litanyas, if not, love may turn to hate.
- Support your child’s interest. He may, for instance, love anime. Though you are not a fan of anime, support him still.
Homeschooling mom Milona Barraca discussed whether homeschooling is for YOU and your kid. #SPmomworkshops all about school-age kids at Discovery Suites. (from Smart Parenting Facebook page)
Another speaker, Ms. Milona Barraca, a calligraphy artist and a homeschooler, shared tips on how to decide if homeschooling is the best option for a child. Homeschooling, defined as the education of children at home by their parents, is fabulously hard as described by Ms. Milona. And if parents are unsure of this option, the kind-hearted speaker shared a few steps on how to properly decide:
- Pray and align your desire with God’s plans and purposes for your family and your children’s education
- Unite and agree with your spouse
- Seek counsel from others who are already homeschooling.
- Heart work aside from hard work is needed
Of course, the Smart Parenting Mom Workshop wouldn’t be a workshop without getting the participants’ hands dirty. With the guidance of Ms. Jen Inumerable-Suarez, former art director of Smart Parenting magazine, the moms and dads made some do-it-yourself projects. After the session, the participants realized that one does not need to be a DIY expert in order to create some crafts and arts.
My DIY cupcake liner buntings for my handsome baby boy.
I had fun last Saturday. Aside from new friends gained and lessons learned, I went home enlightened.
I am a mother of four boys and sometimes, I find it hard to understanding my children. I would feel the pressure I am throwing on them. I know I need to stop before my love would be misinterpreted to hate.
I am a parent and the recent Smart Parenting Workshop helped me realize that I am my sons’ primary influencer. And aside from helping them excel academically, I will help them discover their unique gift and help them nurture it. As their mother, I will empower them and support their passion. Because our journey together is its own reward.
Thank you, Smart Parenting, for these valuable lessons learned.
Momi Berlin’s Directory
Smart Parenting Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
When it comes to parenting, parents must stop and ask themselves when it comes to activities and others concerning children. Is this what I want or is it really in the best interest of the children?
A question like that should often be asked. Being adults, we sometimes forget that children have to be children and children do what they do or don’t do because that is what they do… nothing different from dogs barking, because that is what they do.
I like that they are helping parents with kids and learning. We parents can always use more help with this.
This is awesome, great for parents to learn how to teach!!
That’s a pretty nice workshop. I think it’s awesome to attend this because you learn a lot of things, especially about raising your child. Glad you had a lot of fun!
This sounds like a great workshop. It gets the parents involved in understanding the kids learning.
It sounds like a really good event! You should enjoyed so much.
What a great workshop! Those crafts are adorable <3
Very interesting, i wish my mom would read it when i was in my teenage period
I don’t have school aged kids but this looked like a great event!
Events like these are great because parents learn a lot while also having fun with fellow parents. It’s nice to hear that you had a great time! It sounds like a fun event to attend!
Sounds like a very educative workshop. Thanks for sharing
That sounds like a very nice event. I would have loved to attend something like this. I love the crafts too!
It sounds wonderful! Sometimes we need to be swerved in the right direction when we don’t notice the little faults we are doing. For me, this hit home: “Do not dictate your child’s talent.” It’s so right – I need to let things flow!
I would have loved to attend. What a great discussion. I agree with the pushing talents on your child. I Singh my son up for so many clubs, camps and sports and he narrows down his interests as he experiences different talents and meets new friends http://www.parentinghealthy.com
Sounds like a great workshop for any parent interested in going! Great opportunity.
Sounds like a great workshop! We are a homeschooling family and our kids are always given the lead in things that matter to them, we listen to what they want, not us. Glad you enjoyed it!
This sounds like a great workshop. It gets the parents involved in understanding the way kids learn! I love it!
This looks like it was a fun and engaging workshop. If I had a child I would definitely attend one of these.
What a great workshop! I wish I can attend something like this, I am so sure there are lots to learn!
This looks like a great workshop. I love that it helps parents too!
This looks so neat. I am glad there are now things for parents to learn about schooling
I love that the parents went out in the inclement weather. And I love that the homeschool mom mentioned God as a key part of her planning process. 🙂
What a fun day. Seems like you took a lot away from it too.
This workshop sounds great, My kids aren’t in school yet but when they are I hope I can find a similar workshop.
Smart Parenting sounds like a wonderful workshop event and it is going to be so much fun when you get to meet other parents around. I love that DIY cupcake liner buntings you have made and I am sure you had a great session out there.
Are you attending the HAPI conference this October? It will help you gain more insights about homeschooling and meet homeschooling families too. Milona is a friend, btw. 🙂 She’s awesome and she’s got amazing fruits (kids). She has one who’s making raves at the International School here in BGC already.
I have a friend who has a newborn child and I am pretty sure she will need this. I will share this to her.
You are right about that; we are our kids’ first influencers. They watch what we do so it’s important to be good examples.
Seems like a great workshop! Glad you were able to pick up a few tricks!
I love the message behind this and great to hear all about your experience at this awesome workshop.
Such a great joy to attend workshops like this as you will really learn a lot from the speakers and fellow mom participants.
I understand you dear, i’am a mother of four too. But you are great because you have a guide from other parents.
You are great because you have a chance to go to a workshop like this. I hope i’am a time too to attend this kind of workshop.
I want to learn more about to handling and to know more about the kids behavior. You are so lucky.
Thank you. I always find time for this kind of workshop. I hope you be able to attend too or find a community where you could belong and help you in your journey.