After 10 years, I went again to school at the age of 32. My son is four years old then and he keeps on asking why I went to school. And I keep on saying, “So that I could be intelligent and can have a better job”.

Our attitudes about education can inspire and can show children how to take charge of their own educational journey. In the early years, parents are their children’s first teachers — exploring nature, reading together, cooking together, and counting together. When parents and families are involved in their children’s schools, the children do better and have better feelings about going to school.

When my young child begins formal school, I show him how school can extend the learning that began at home, and how exciting and meaningful this learning can be. I become his learning coach.

Last month, his teacher told me that he will represent his school for story-telling contest. I was surprised when his teacher showed me his piece. It was a long story for my son at his age, I thought, and it seemed impossible to be memorized word for word. But I told my son,“You cando it”. I want to help him in charge of his learning and become responsible for it. So, I recorded the story in my mobile phone and ask him listen to it as much as possible. And he did. I always spend time with him as he listen and have him practicing story telling. To my surprised, after two weeks, he has already memorized almost every line. I was amazed with his ability.

My son loves to draw. It’s another way of showing what’s in his mind. He always draws a house and his family. He keeps on telling me that he wants our house to be beautiful and he willbuy a red car. He will go to Japan and buy True Sleeper bed for his Lola. I’m a proud mother of my beloved son who shows great dreams. I also told him that he is very good and must keep on practicing to be superb.

I always take him to church every Sunday. I want him to live a balance life- progressing not only in secular learning but also in spiritual learning, educating not only the mind but also the heart.

I see to it that he always have time for  playing and other activities that he must experience while he still a kid.

By showing interest in children’s education, parents and families can spark enthusiasm in them and lead them to a very important understanding-that learning can be enjoyable as well as rewarding and is well worth the effort required. Letting them know that you’re there to help if they need you should be enough to let them know that you’re supportive. Acknowledging your children’s successes is also an important part of motivating them and supporting them. Studies have shown that children whose parents get involved in their education tend to achieve better grades, have higher self-esteem and are better behaved at school!

By: Carmelita F. Cuizon, LPT