“Happy presents raise happy children”
“Good parents raise good children”

Both statements speak the truth about parenting.
Instilling confidence in their children is one of the most challenging responsibilities of parents.  Setting foot on motivating and encouraging their children to showcase their strengths and innate wonderful qualities is a “must to do” for every parent.
Apart from being good providers of your child’s basic necessities you, as his parent, are his sole stronghold along his journey in facing the crossroads of his life.

A child by nature is fragile due to his pure innocence.
Praises are effective moral boosters. It builds positive character and does wonder in assuring/validating that he is valued and is doing great.

But on the contrary, which most parents don’t know, aren’t aware of, and are guilty of , that either by direct intention or not, due circumstances, constant criticism inflicted on a child’s mind / heart can dramatically “rip off” his sacred self esteem, self made image and sadly demoralizes him as well.

In addition, psychologists strongly agree, criticism defeats its purpose of changing one’s behavior. Instead, it only opens the door for defensiveness and anger on the side of the person being criticized. And worst, violence in some cases.  After presenting both worlds before your eyes my dear parent, my question is… Now, what is your take as a parent? Will you be your child’s stronghold regardless of any circumstances? Or will you be his pointing finger amidst the storms in his life and iniquity? Your choice!

By: Marilyn D. Sacdalan | Teacher III | Bataan National High School City of Balanga