Wanted: Role Models

"Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating. Youngsters need good models more than they need critics. It's one of a parent's greatest responsibilities and opportunities."  - John Wooden

In the summer of last year,  one of the skills that we worked on with our children was waiting– waiting for their turn to play with a toy, lining up to wash their hands and lining up to pay for  goods purchased. We’ve had several trips to the supermarket where they had the chance to practice what they’ve learned and until now, I can say that all our effort was not put in vain.  When we go to the mall, the kids would want to visit a store or two. Opportunities such as this allow us to test for skills mastery. Yes, a simple store visit can provide so much learning opportunities. As soon as they enter the store, learning is starting to take place. From smiling at the security guard and greeting him back when he says good morning or good afternoon to paying for the goods purchased. Reading skills are practiced by reading the signs found inside the store to checking tags.  Math skills are honed, too. How much does it cost? Do I have enough money for it? (since I just give them a budget for their purchase). How much change should I get?  It is also a perfect time to teach proper behavior given a social situation.   Independence is practiced by allowing them to line up to pay for their goods. I can't help but feel a sense of achievement when I see them patiently line up, waiting for their turn to transact with the cashier. Yes, I am still the protective or should I say  "overprotective" mom.  I just stay close just in case they would be needing some assistance.



Joshua loves to build with his blocks
Notice how he wrote the letter G in the word "Goldilocks"
Looks familiar?

In one of our trips to the mall, the kids wanted to get something from Goldilocks. Everything was perfect as practiced until we got into the part where they had to line up and  pay for their merchandise. A woman standing behind my daughter, cut the line and went ahead of her. She placed the loaf of bread she was holding on the cashier’s table then moved out of the line to get another item. But since Isabela was too small to be seen by the cashier and the lady’s goods were already on the table, the cashier processed her transaction first.  Thankfully, Isabela did not notice what just happened (or else, I had a lot of explaining to do) I was forced to come to her rescue when I saw that the adult (that’s the lady behind her) did not make any move to let her be seen by the cashier or at least inform the cashier that there was a little girl ahead of her.  I  watched from the sides, hoping that the lady would notice the little girl in front of her and help her to get noticed by the cashier. But since she did not do what I was hoping for, I politely told the cashier that there was a little girl in the line and I pointed my daughter who still was patiently waiting for her turn. My son, who was behind his sister, was also patiently waiting in line.  I stood beside my daughter and commended both my children for waiting patiently in line,  making sure that the lady heard what I just said. Sadly, the lady just stood there and without offering an apology,  collected her bag of goods and left. Grrr....eat!!! 

As adults, I believe that we have the responsibility to model proper behavior at all times. I know its pretty difficult to be good all the time. We all have our moments of weakness. But we can always try to be conscious of the children who look up to us.  We are their role models.  Maria Montessori, first woman physician in Italy and founder of  montessori schools, noticed that young children's minds are like sponge, soaking up all the aspects of environment. And if you observe children closely, you will be amazed how well they absorb everything they hear and how they imitate almost everything they see. As parents, we  find ourselves constantly reminding our children to be good, kind and patient at all times but don't you think it is somewhat confusing for them  when they encounter people especially adults who do not seem to care about it at all?  

That incident affirmed our family's decision to personally take care of our children's education and it challenged us to give utmost importance to character formation secondary to academic learning. It is our desire for our children to have a solid moral foundation and we believe that the best time to teach them is now, while they are still young and open to learning.

As parents of young children, we have the power to make this world a better place for our children to live in. We are given the task of shaping  and molding their character.  We aim for a better society, a better world.  And it all begins in our own homes. Let us altogether create an environment where our children will have the chance to learn and  practice christian values and appreciate life's important lessons  that will eventually serve as their guide and inspiration as they embark in their lifelong journey of loving and learning. We only have one life to live, one chance to be parents in this lifetime, let's do it right! Let's give it our best shot!



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