I always believe that a person’s character is engraved within. Through his actions and choice of words, one can demonstrate his character. It answers the what, how and why he did it. And at a tender age of four, I know that my second son had already built a character very distinct from his peers and even from his siblings. His actions and decisions are what form the very basis of his individuality. I call these defining moments.
Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right path, the the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.
Anne Frank
Defining Moments on Never Give up
January 29,2013
I visited my second son’s facebook and found this as his cover photo –
Defining moments on never give up
At some point in our lives, we get to the part when we feel like giving up. Oftentimes, we give up before we could even start. It is so inspiring to know that a nine-year-old boy believes in believing in himself and never ever giving up.
Keep going, second son!
Defining Moments on I can manage
August 12, 2013
I saw second son’s school bag. And it had a few uneven stitches. I looked closely and saw the big torn my nine-year -old boy tried to mend. He did not mention to his mama anything about the bag because as he told me, “I have managed to make it look decent.” He tried to apply some of the sewing principles and techniques he learned from school.
Defining moments on I can manage
I am so proud of you, my dear boy. You can always “manage.”
Defining Moments on resourcefulness
September 27, 2013
resourceful: adjective/ able to deal skillfully and promptly with new situations, difficulties, etc.
Defining moments on resourcefulness
Defining Moments on Helpful son
I once read that one can infuse a mundane task with a little bit of fun. This must have been what my 10-year-old boy saw thus decided to repair our key cabinet.
He went to our friendly neighborhood hardware store and bought six pieces small hooks. He removed all the old smaller hooks with his newly acquired ones. Good thing, too, he knows how to use pliers and screwdrivers to tighten things at home and do basic home repairs. Now, I need not worry about simple loose hinge or drawer handle. Good to have kids in the house!
Defining Moments on Helpful son
Defining Moments on Perseverance
August 12, 2014
I have seen your persistence so many times. I have felt your wanting to go beyond and excel. And I so love you very much for that drive.
I read in some of your school works your thoughts about our family. I felt your fear, my boy. But still, you always manage to drive that apprehension away and make do of what you have. I love you more for that.
I do not want to say “I am sorry” for the life we have now as I believe we can always manage. It is more of “thank you” for being such a sweet and understanding boy. You are becoming a real gentleman. The words you speak and your sensitivity far surpass anyone your age.
Thank you, dear second son.
Defining Moments on Perseverance
Defining Moments on Being Alone and Aloof
March 30, 2015
Omg. Second son is so like me when I was his age. While his brothers are playing, he prefers to sit by the bookshelf and read.
Defining moments on being alone and aloof
Defining Moments of Ingenuity
2. Second son unmindfully lost the screw that holds the frame of his eyeglasses.
3. The boy needs his eyeglasses at school.
4. Today is only Monday.
5. He uses a staple wire as a makeshift screw.
6. Second son can now use his eyeglasses temporarily and on Saturday, we will visit Del Mundo Eye Clinic for a quick eyeglasses repair.
Defining moments of ingenuity
Let them be. Just let them be. I remember how I was when I was a kid. I love to explore and discover. I made so many diskarte that on one situation, I made my dear mom so proud.
We used to have this alarm clock that was damaged. It just wouldn’t work. She brought it for service and was told it could not be fixed anymore. So it ended up being my toy. I used a nail cutter to remove the screws and tinkered with the mechanical gear, when I returned everything, I gave it to my mom. It was working, you see, and she was so damn proud.
The way our kids can really learn a lot in life is by allowing them to do what it seems to be done within their grasp. Their ability eventually will manifest. Without us putting pressure and just letting them be, we are teaching them independence too..as always, your kids are very adorable, makes you really proud of them.. 😉
This is so cute and touching. You must be a very proud parent! I agree that we should just let the kids define themselves and show their individuality. They’ll learn things eventually and I think it is happening now 🙂
As someone who is hoping to become a mom next year, I adore this! Love how personalities come out so quickly. You must be so proud 🙂
http://beyondblessedblog.com/
Wow. I adore posts like this because they teach me a lot of lesson. I may not have a mom who blogs but I know she always reminisces to the times that I was still a bub. Nevertheless, your son really is such a kind and wonderful kid. I do wonder when I have kid/s if they will be like that as well. HAHAHA!
I love the way you documented your son’s little moments/ experiences. I agree with most of the comments, I think I grew up a strong lady because of how my parents let me do the things I want as a child. Or how they allowed me to experience things, and learn things for me to grow. I think your son would appreciate what you’ve been doing for him. Just as how I appreciated how my parents allowed me to experience things by myself 🙂
This is so adorable, and it’s amazing how much they can learn on their own if we just let them do their own thing. In fact, it’s a lesson for us adults as well, and how some lessons we’ve learn when in children we often nowadays forget. He does remind me a bit of myself at his age as well 🙂
Amazing stories. It’s great how you are able to see the little things and the gold in it. I guess that’s what happens when you love someone deeply. I’m sure your sons will appreciate these records.
Oh wow what a great little boy you have. I can tell you are so proud of him and how he is growing up. Be reminded that this is also a good reflection on you as a parent and what an amazing job you are doing.
I think it’s great he’s so inventive. Such a creative child. It’s so nice that he tries to solve things and thinks of his own solutions. I can imagine that you’re really proud.
That’s like a really great deal. It’s a good thing that creativity is something that a part of your life so closely. I am sure you must be really proud.
Oh wow. Reading your post, all I can think is: please give tips on how you took care of your kids! I wish that my kids would also grow to be resourceful and madiskarte in life. The only time I remember being madiskarte in life is when I try to repair my torn clothes after I learned how to sew, and cleaning up the electric fan and trying to fix it like how dad did when he’s abroad. nung una hindi gumana. today though, ako na nag aayos and nag lilinis ng mga electric fan namin in our house. 😀
Hahaha. Fave kong task ang paglilinis ng electric fan. Lead by exAmple. The kids would follow their elders 🙂
It sounds like you are raising lovely young men. There is lot’s for you to be proud of here. I love that he tried to fix his school bag and glasses without having to bother you. Enjoy them while they are young as they grow up way too fast.
I hope he continues to be that independent. And yes, our kids really grow up way to fast.
Berlin, idol talaga kita! Please give me tips on how to raise kids! I’m just trying to wing it with Santi right now – it’s hard to balance being too hands on and just letting them be so they can discover stuff on their own. But it’s hard to let go, noh? I hope Santi grows up that way too.
P.S. I love the bookshelf 😛
Nina Sogue | http://www.ninasogue.com
I am so happy that your kid always has that kind of initiative to solve things on their own. Also, I can totally relate. I’d been independent since I turned 8 because I am the eldest in our family. But somehow, that kind of attitude plus perseverance made my parents proud. I guess it is a parent’s duty to guide their kids all throughout, but they should also be given the chance to grow and make mistakes as well 🙂
It must have been fulfilling to be an ate. I am an only child and never experienced having an sibling. Your experience must have helped you be the person you are now.