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.

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

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?

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.

RACE CATEGORIES and REGISTRATION FEES
15K Route: P700
10K Route: P550
5K Route: P450
3K Route: P400

GUN START
15K 4:45 AM
10K 5:00 AM
5K 5:15 AM
3K 5:30 AM

REGISTRATION VENUES
Online Registration
Download the registration form at http://ateneospeed.org/nsl and send an accomplished copy to nospeedlimit2012@yahoo.com. Payment and race kit pickup options will be sent to you.

Other Registration Venues:

ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
January 9-13 10:30AM – 4:30 PM MVP room 215, MVP Building
January 16-20, 23-26 10:30AM – 4:30 PM Doghouse, Zen Garden

ROX, FORT BONIFACIO (3rd flr)
January 13-15, 20-22, 23-28
2 – 7PM

RUNNR, TRINOMA
January 10-27
Monday to Thursday 10AM – 9PM
Friday to Sunday 10AM – 10PM

TOBY’S, MALL OF ASIA
January 10-27
10AM – 10PM

CONTACT
For Sponsorship & Registration Inquiries,
Text/ Call: Abby @ 0917-691-9500 and 0922-863-0433
Email: nospeedlimit2012@yahoo.com

Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/NSL2012
NSL website: http://ateneospeed.org/nsl

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!

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?