Two Lessons I Learned from My Child Today

It’s been sometime since I last thoroughly organized the contents of my Little Lady’s school bag. So when I had the chance a while ago, I turned it upside down to get broken crayons, short and over-sharpened pencils, candies and lots of pieces of pad paper folded into different shapes.

Some of them crumpled, while the others are neatly folded with the label “secret” on top. No- they are not love letters this time. :)

I patiently looked at each piece of paper. I'm not the type to throw things right away; I'm too sentimental for that. I keep her notes, drawings and anything worth saving to stash in her memory box.

In the pile of paper, there were drawings, quizzes, stories, letters from her classmates and her own letters to God. Everyday her teacher asks the students to write to God first thing in the morning, before starting class. What a way to start the day!

It made me think of my own daily prayer habit. Sometimes, I forget to say my morning prayers because I’m always rushing off to work; then at night, when I feel so tired, I doze off without even saying, “Thank you, Lord.”

I'm guilty to the nth degree.

Lesson #1: Always put God first.

We get too busy and sometimes self-absorbed in our own world, to even say a quick prayer to the ONE who gave us everything we have today.

It's always good to start the day with a prayer to ask for strength and protection to carry out our daily tasks, guidance to do what is right and just, and both physical and spiritual blessings to get us through.

She was happy when she came home today because she received a St. Michael medal for sharing last Sunday’s Gospel. I thought she found the paper she’s been looking for early this morning - her interpretation of the Gospel. She was very eager to show it to Sr. Estrella, a nun in her school, but it turned out that she wasn’t able to find her work, so she just explained it to the class. The nun commended her because she knew the Gospel not only in words, but by heart.

Lesson #2: Listen and understand the Gospel.

How often do you find yourself sleepy in church when it comes to hearing the priest’s sermon? Why do people start to feel drowsy at that exact moment?

A priest once said that it must be the work of the devil, and I believe him. I always experience being awake the whole time, but when the sermon starts, my eyes feel heavy right away as if I’ve been sprinkled with sleeping dust; only to feel awake again the minute it’s done.

Psychological? I don't think so.

When people fail to hear the Gospel, they miss out on the teaching; and that makes the devil rejoice. It’s like going to class, falling asleep during the lecture, learning nothing and flunking the exams afterward.

God asks for only an hour of our time each week, and yet we come late, fall asleep, and become altogether inattentive while we're in His home.

Why is it so hard to spare an hour of undivided attention to Him, when we can do meetings and appointments that we willingly devote our focus and attention to?

They say it's human nature. Yes, we always blame it to human nature.

I’m thankful I have my daughter to constantly remind me of important lessons I’m missing out because I’m too jaded and preoccupied living my life as a multitasked adult.

She nudges me to stop and smell the flowers once in a while. She is my life, but I never thought I could also learn from her how to truly live.


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To My Child

School Thoughts

It is a sad reality that education nowadays has become more of a privilege than a right, as what it ideally should be. With the sky-rocketing school fees of private school education, most families who could not afford it either settle to enroll their children in public schools, or just skip education altogether.

This thought keep running circles in my mind as I face the challenge of plunging into the world of big school education. From small school to what I consider the big and real world of education.

The little lady took the entrance exam last week in a private Catholic school a ride away from my office. She is 6 years old and an incoming Grade 2 this school year.

Too Much, Too Soon

Everybody thinks she is too young to be Grade 2, as most students normally start elementary education at the age of 7. She started Nursery at the age of 4 and skipped Kindergarten because she passed the qualifying exam for Preparatory. I was lucky to save a year’s worth of tuition fee.

Still, there are times when I think if I made the right decision. Of course, I was thrilled when she was accelerated to a higher level. It only meant that she is intellectually capable and well advanced for her age.

That was undeniably a certified proud parent moment! But what I am more concerned about is the fact that she has advanced to a level where she needed to study more and play less.

As I go through her subjects and homework on a daily basis, I am always surprised with how much lessons they take up in a single day. Lessons that were taught to me as a 5th grader are now being taught in Grade 1!

How time really flies. I remember struggling with multiplication when I was in Grade 4, now my daughter is expected to memorize it earlier (Sheesh. I am having another flashback about how much I loathe every Math subject in school).

I always let the little lady play after school and we do all her assignments before going to bed. I do not want to put too much pressure on her, as she might get tired and bored with studying. I know kids’ brains are like sponge, but they also need a squeeze every now and then whenever they get all soaked up, or they won’t be able to absorb more.

I think schools today give kids too much academic work. I also noticed that younger kids are now being pushed to attend school by parents who worry too much that their kids might be lagging behind other children their age.

So what is the rush anyway? In my time, I did not even attend Nursery and I turned out just fine.

Schools have even invented a number of levels that they tout as a pre-requisite before attending formal elementary education - Kinder 123, Pre-K, Junior Casa and Senior Casa, to name a few. They have become ingenious in creating a need for society to succumb to. And they have so far been successful, harvesting huge profits in the process.

Small School or Big School?

Small schools are ideal for preschoolers who need to test the waters first before plunging into the big school arena. They need a place conducive for both learning and play. A fun place where they can be comfortable, not intimidated. A quaint place they will look forward to visiting again on a regular basis.

Although the little lady studied in two good small schools where she learned a lot of things apart from the basics, I decided it is time for her to continue her education in a private Catholic school, just like I did.

My dilemma was actually more on what school to choose. I had to consider proximity, safety, curriculum, values and of course, the price tag. As much as I want to send her to the most expensive school in the country, I have to be realistic. Spending an amount more than enough for a house and lot down payment is just too much, in my opinion. But of course, if you have the means, then go for it.

The school that I chose fits perfectly into my standards. It costs 150% more than the last school, but I am crossing my fingers that it will all be worth it.

Education is a very important investment. A good quality education can give a child a bright future ahead, but still there are no guarantees. Sending your child to the most expensive school may give you status symbol, but it does not assure him of a successful future. It is just one of the major components that make up a success story. Apart from that, parents have to continuously nurture their children’s gifts and potential and guide them all the way, to help them achieve their goals.

It still remains to be one of the best gifts that we can give to our children.