Do you remember that movie entitled, "Mean Girls" ?
Or have you recently watched, read or encountered something about kids being mean to other kids, or kids bullying other kids?
Last weekend, during the BESA gathering a Nette just shared some sad news about teenagers, taking their own life, four of which used the train tracks as the medium of their suicide.
It did not help that last week, there were two special features shown in the primetime news about teenagers, again, taking their own life, because of cyber bullying.
And this week, after working for three straight days, I saw with my very own eyes, how the threat of bullying (or meanness) and its effect to kids, is very real.
Example, last Tuesday while doing lunch duty, I saw a Yr 3 girl crying. I approached her and asked her what was wrong, she told me that "____ and _____ are my only real friends here in school, and now, they just told me that they don't want me as a friend anymore."
I could have easily told her to don't mind them or to stop crying, because that is just so petty! Knowing myself, I could have easily felt so annoyed with the reason she gave me. But the recent news and as a parent whose eldest child already goes to pre-school, I can't help but feel sorry for the kid. How can other kids be so mean? I am an adult. It may look and sound petty for me, but for that poor child, it was one big rejection! It was one big blow for her!
No wonder, kids nowadays do all crazy stuff just as so they can get accepted. And when rejected, they feel it's already the end of the world. Sadly, for some, it was indeed the end of their world.
It's sad and scary for me.
A few nights ago, Alvin and I were actually discussing why bullying is just rampant nowadays. Maybe because teachers can't discipline kids nowadays like during our time? Maybe because of some factors like family or culture? Technology is not helping too! We are worried, but more than that, we are praying, that both our kids will be spared from such meanness.
Even if we want to protect our kids and be with them 24/7, that is impossible.
Alvin and I know that we can only do so much. All we can do is to continue to help them and teach them values in life -- confidence, self-love, self-respect, respect for others, resiliency, to always choose to be happy and of course, to have faith.
It's really a scary and crazy world out there. We hope and pray that by the time both our kids are ready to conquer it, we have prepared them well.
Looking at both of them now, we are very thankful that both of them have happy dispositions.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Happy, again!
This week has been extra special for me. It was a week where I felt God's abundant blessings overflowing once again!
No, I still haven't won the lotto jackpot but my heart is just overflowing with gladness and thanksgiving.
Alvin doing well with his interview.
Alvin and I both fetching the kids from Yogies.
Alvin and I giving the kids a bath.
Simple joys like eating out for dinner as a family.
Walking hand in hand, all four of us, as we walked back to the car park.
My kids having a happy disposition and sharing us their special stories for the day as we drove back home.
Sam singing the Dora songs and showing her musicality while in the car.
Liam and I, and our salingkit, Sam, joining us as we tried to do some school work.
Liam, for his age of 4 years and 7 months old, is already reading very well simple sentences correctly. :-)
Another call for work.
A lot of lessons and realizations about how I am to prepare for next school year. Schools to be crossed out, schools to be ticked.
Class management techniques.
Positive feedback from workmates.
I am just happy.
I am just thankful.
Happy weekend everyone!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Random Thoughts 2012
Hala, naglilista na naman ako! Masama ito hehehe :)
Ano na naman nililista ko?
Una, mga "events" na hindi pwede makalimutan mula Setyembre hanggang Disyembre. Grabe, jam-packed na naman ang schedule namin! E parang full-time pa naman na ako mula next week. Fully booked ika nga. Buti na lang may break, school holidays na naman mid-September.
Come September, ra, ra, ra na! :)
******
Di ko alam kung over na ako, baka nga. Kasi si Liam enrolled na ng swimming at tennis. Pero when he turns 5, I will start sending him to Music school too. Piano lessons. Si Sam naman, next year, she will start with Kindermusik, tapos, she might start with Physie (or another sport or dance) alongside her swimming lessons. When she's a bit older, she will also start with music lessons. Piano too? I don't know.
I know over stimulation is also bad that is why I'm stopping myself too. Baka they might get exhausted na and mas lalong mawalan ng gana.
Sorry mga anak, just wanted to make sure that we have done everything on our part to hone the talents and skills He has given you.
******
I'm supposed to be reading my First Aid book in preparation for my First Aid Refresher Course. But I'm too tamad! I know! I should do this while the kids are not here! Oh well, just giving myself a break!
Pero on second thought, sige, magbabasa na ako! :)
Ano na naman nililista ko?
Una, mga "events" na hindi pwede makalimutan mula Setyembre hanggang Disyembre. Grabe, jam-packed na naman ang schedule namin! E parang full-time pa naman na ako mula next week. Fully booked ika nga. Buti na lang may break, school holidays na naman mid-September.
Come September, ra, ra, ra na! :)
******
Di ko alam kung over na ako, baka nga. Kasi si Liam enrolled na ng swimming at tennis. Pero when he turns 5, I will start sending him to Music school too. Piano lessons. Si Sam naman, next year, she will start with Kindermusik, tapos, she might start with Physie (or another sport or dance) alongside her swimming lessons. When she's a bit older, she will also start with music lessons. Piano too? I don't know.
I know over stimulation is also bad that is why I'm stopping myself too. Baka they might get exhausted na and mas lalong mawalan ng gana.
Sorry mga anak, just wanted to make sure that we have done everything on our part to hone the talents and skills He has given you.
******
I'm supposed to be reading my First Aid book in preparation for my First Aid Refresher Course. But I'm too tamad! I know! I should do this while the kids are not here! Oh well, just giving myself a break!
Pero on second thought, sige, magbabasa na ako! :)
Our Sammie is Back!
Whew! Yes, definitely a sign of relief!
Our sweet, bubbly and happy Sammie is back! (touchwood!)
Hubby and I were both relieved to see Sam back to her usual bubbly, happy and malambing self.
Maybe, she was really indeed in pain because she was teething.
I oberved that her upper canine is about to come out and her lower left molar.
I am just relieved! :)
Pinakaba mo kami anak! hehehe
Our sweet, bubbly and happy Sammie is back! (touchwood!)
Hubby and I were both relieved to see Sam back to her usual bubbly, happy and malambing self.
Maybe, she was really indeed in pain because she was teething.
I oberved that her upper canine is about to come out and her lower left molar.
I am just relieved! :)
Pinakaba mo kami anak! hehehe
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
For My Mama's Retirement
Hi Mama, one of your co-teacher actually e-mailed me and asked me
if I can prepare something for you for their tribute to retirees.
I know this is long overdue since I was not able to prepare
something for your 60th. Anyway, I tried to read it myself but
it's just too long and the file will be too big for me to send it
thru e-mail. So I asked if it's possible that one of your
co-teachers to just read my message on my behalf.
When I was taking up my Masters at the Ateneo, one of my professors, Fr. James O' Donnel, S.J. said that teaching is not a profession. It is a vocation. And in this vocation, many are called, but only few are chosen.
I have only been teaching for ten years and yet sometimes, I have seen myself at a point were I wanted to quit, not because I lack the love for teaching, but because of the challenges that goes with this vocation.
Being a teacher for more than thirty years is one great big achievement and you should be very proud of yourself. You have been teaching longer than I can remember and althroughout those years of teaching, I can say that you have proven in your own way, that you are one of the chosen few. You really did not pursue to earn a Master's degree or a PhD and put your career at the back seat in favor of us, your family. Through your ways, you have shown us that we are your top priority and for that we are forever grateful. Even if your colleagues were already advancing in their careers, you did not show any sign of insecurity because you know that we your children are your trophies. We, your children, probably would not have excelled and became successful if you made your career your number 1 priority. But not pursuing these degrees does not make you a poor teacher. I believe that being an excellent teacher does not only imply having several degrees under your belt, having numerous teaching awards, handling the top sections or even being the head of the department. Ang sabi nga nila, ang sukatan ng isang magaling na guro ay hindi ang mga plake o tropeo, kung hindi, kung naging matagumpay ba ang mga estudyante mo sa buhay nila. Success here is not defined as having a 5 to 6 digit salary per month, but the kind of individuals or persons your students became after you becoming their teacher.
Mama you didn't only teach your students World History or Economics. I am sure, that just like with us, she you have taught all your students more valuable lessons in life, than knowing the life Napoleon Bonaparte or the World War 2 or the Law of Supply and Demand. You taught your students to have faith. When things are starting to get tough, cling on to Him, and He will surely take care of you. You taught your students to have hope. That even the sad and trying days will have an end. You taught your students, through your examples, that you can reach out to others and help even in a very small way. You might have even broken some rules just as so you can help your students. And I believe this is what makes you different from the rest. You are a person with a big heart. You are not only a teacher to your students, but you were also a mother to most of them. I know, that one way or another, you have inspired them and you have touched their hearts. You have made them better individuals.
To my Mama, I would like to thank you for choosing to respond to this vocation. You have been an inspiration. I know that your former students, wherever they maybe, will always remember you in their hearts with glee!
I know that your former and present co-teachers can atest too as to how big your heart is! I bet that your presence will surely be missed in the department.
Now that you are retired, we continue to pray for good health and long life for you. I know that even if you have stopped working as a teacher, you will always be a teacher at heart and you will continue to touch the hearts and lives of other people, in any way you can. We look forward to seeing you soon here in Sydney.
I love you Mama!
Love,
Your Jeana Pot
When I was taking up my Masters at the Ateneo, one of my professors, Fr. James O' Donnel, S.J. said that teaching is not a profession. It is a vocation. And in this vocation, many are called, but only few are chosen.
I have only been teaching for ten years and yet sometimes, I have seen myself at a point were I wanted to quit, not because I lack the love for teaching, but because of the challenges that goes with this vocation.
Being a teacher for more than thirty years is one great big achievement and you should be very proud of yourself. You have been teaching longer than I can remember and althroughout those years of teaching, I can say that you have proven in your own way, that you are one of the chosen few. You really did not pursue to earn a Master's degree or a PhD and put your career at the back seat in favor of us, your family. Through your ways, you have shown us that we are your top priority and for that we are forever grateful. Even if your colleagues were already advancing in their careers, you did not show any sign of insecurity because you know that we your children are your trophies. We, your children, probably would not have excelled and became successful if you made your career your number 1 priority. But not pursuing these degrees does not make you a poor teacher. I believe that being an excellent teacher does not only imply having several degrees under your belt, having numerous teaching awards, handling the top sections or even being the head of the department. Ang sabi nga nila, ang sukatan ng isang magaling na guro ay hindi ang mga plake o tropeo, kung hindi, kung naging matagumpay ba ang mga estudyante mo sa buhay nila. Success here is not defined as having a 5 to 6 digit salary per month, but the kind of individuals or persons your students became after you becoming their teacher.
Mama you didn't only teach your students World History or Economics. I am sure, that just like with us, she you have taught all your students more valuable lessons in life, than knowing the life Napoleon Bonaparte or the World War 2 or the Law of Supply and Demand. You taught your students to have faith. When things are starting to get tough, cling on to Him, and He will surely take care of you. You taught your students to have hope. That even the sad and trying days will have an end. You taught your students, through your examples, that you can reach out to others and help even in a very small way. You might have even broken some rules just as so you can help your students. And I believe this is what makes you different from the rest. You are a person with a big heart. You are not only a teacher to your students, but you were also a mother to most of them. I know, that one way or another, you have inspired them and you have touched their hearts. You have made them better individuals.
To my Mama, I would like to thank you for choosing to respond to this vocation. You have been an inspiration. I know that your former students, wherever they maybe, will always remember you in their hearts with glee!
I know that your former and present co-teachers can atest too as to how big your heart is! I bet that your presence will surely be missed in the department.
Now that you are retired, we continue to pray for good health and long life for you. I know that even if you have stopped working as a teacher, you will always be a teacher at heart and you will continue to touch the hearts and lives of other people, in any way you can. We look forward to seeing you soon here in Sydney.
I love you Mama!
Love,
Your Jeana Pot
Saturday, August 11, 2012
A Sign of Things to Come?
Sam got sick two weeks ago.
She became very cranky and became very clingy. She had a very bad case of mood swings.
Stretched my patience because she was sick.
It's been almost two weeks now since I noticed the change. Her Papa also noticed it.
I don't know if it's still part of teething, but she is unbearable when she has tantrums!
As in, she says "no", she cries A LOT for TOO LONG not only at home but outside as well, she is clingy, she is cranky, she is supladita, she is naglulupasay sa sahig when she doesn't get what she wants, she changes her mind too quickly.
I'm going nuts! Alvin and I are so close to losing it! hehehe We tried everything!
Well, I guess she is now in that stage where she is testing boundaries. She is testing us and she is testing the power of "iyal at karga." So we are back at that stage where we have to be firm and consistent!
I'm just not used to these things because Liam didn't give us a hard time, really. Not to compare or anything.
Well, I guess it's true, no two kids are ever alike. And we can't have it all. I thought we were that lucky! hehehe
She is nearing her 2nd birthday, the terrible 2's and 3's stage ...if this is a sign of things to come,uh- oh.... I better prepare myself! Lord, bless me!
@-@
She became very cranky and became very clingy. She had a very bad case of mood swings.
Stretched my patience because she was sick.
It's been almost two weeks now since I noticed the change. Her Papa also noticed it.
I don't know if it's still part of teething, but she is unbearable when she has tantrums!
As in, she says "no", she cries A LOT for TOO LONG not only at home but outside as well, she is clingy, she is cranky, she is supladita, she is naglulupasay sa sahig when she doesn't get what she wants, she changes her mind too quickly.
I'm going nuts! Alvin and I are so close to losing it! hehehe We tried everything!
Well, I guess she is now in that stage where she is testing boundaries. She is testing us and she is testing the power of "iyal at karga." So we are back at that stage where we have to be firm and consistent!
I'm just not used to these things because Liam didn't give us a hard time, really. Not to compare or anything.
Well, I guess it's true, no two kids are ever alike. And we can't have it all. I thought we were that lucky! hehehe
She is nearing her 2nd birthday, the terrible 2's and 3's stage ...if this is a sign of things to come,uh- oh.... I better prepare myself! Lord, bless me!
@-@
Friday, August 10, 2012
To Make Some People Happy
Something's cooking but I cannot elaborate what it is.
It is another wish or prayer granted. :D
Here are some clues:blog.lucky kids.God providing.
Ipipikit na lang namin ang mga mata namin ni Alvin sa lahat ng GASTOS para makapagpaligaya ng mga mahal namin sa buhay :)
Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin namin dahil maliban dito ay marami din kami na naka-line up na ibang proyekto at mga to-buy pa.
But God is assuring us that He will take care of everything, so, go!
I've been busy the past few weeks not only because of the kids but also because of work. The good news is, I will be busier the next few weeks :)
It is another wish or prayer granted. :D
Here are some clues:blog.lucky kids.God providing.
Ipipikit na lang namin ang mga mata namin ni Alvin sa lahat ng GASTOS para makapagpaligaya ng mga mahal namin sa buhay :)
Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin namin dahil maliban dito ay marami din kami na naka-line up na ibang proyekto at mga to-buy pa.
But God is assuring us that He will take care of everything, so, go!
I've been busy the past few weeks not only because of the kids but also because of work. The good news is, I will be busier the next few weeks :)
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Respecting Their Feelings
Yesterday, after Sam's swimming lessons, I decided to go to the library which was in the same centre since I didn't have much to do back at home.
After five minutes and reading two books to Sam, I thought it was time to go. When I decided to go home, Sam was just starting to get interested. In other words, she felt she wanted to stay longer in the library to explore.
E makulit ang nanay. I was thinking I didn't bring my library card so no use staying. I carried her against her will. She didn't try but she was saying, "no, no, no Mama. Inside" while pointing to the library as we headed out to the parking lot.
When I put her on her car seat, dun na siya nag-wala. As in, she wasy crying the whole ten minutes from the place up until we reached home.
I didn't lose it, but I felt bad. Naalala ko yung isang article that I read in Attachment Parenting, about parents should learn how to respect their children's emotions.
Para sa atin kasing mga matatanda, since tayo ang matanda, dapat tayo ang masusunod. We forget about what our kids might have felt or might be feeling during the time of the ordeal. Believe it or not, there has been a big improvement when I learned and did the "giving time" approach to Liam. Seldom do I get mad now at Liam or seldom do we argue or him crying because I give him time to finish the activity he is involved with or he is stucked with. I give him allowance, I patiently wait for him to settle and when he is ready to move on. I read that it is one way of respecting them, and true enough, it worked.
So yesterday, I felt that I didn't do it with Sam. She wasn't ready yet. I should have let her stay and respected her time and emotions.
Tayo ngang mga matatanda ayaw ng naiistorbo pag may ginagawa, di ba? Our kids are no different. We just take them for granted because we think everything is okay. And we get mad when there is a violent reaction -- tantrums, etc., on their part. What we do not know is they can already feel different emotions di lang nila kaya pang sabihin ng derecho sa atin.
I promised myself to do better next time. I promised that like what I do with Liam, I will also be more sensible and respectful of the emotions of my little girl.
:D
After five minutes and reading two books to Sam, I thought it was time to go. When I decided to go home, Sam was just starting to get interested. In other words, she felt she wanted to stay longer in the library to explore.
E makulit ang nanay. I was thinking I didn't bring my library card so no use staying. I carried her against her will. She didn't try but she was saying, "no, no, no Mama. Inside" while pointing to the library as we headed out to the parking lot.
When I put her on her car seat, dun na siya nag-wala. As in, she wasy crying the whole ten minutes from the place up until we reached home.
I didn't lose it, but I felt bad. Naalala ko yung isang article that I read in Attachment Parenting, about parents should learn how to respect their children's emotions.
Para sa atin kasing mga matatanda, since tayo ang matanda, dapat tayo ang masusunod. We forget about what our kids might have felt or might be feeling during the time of the ordeal. Believe it or not, there has been a big improvement when I learned and did the "giving time" approach to Liam. Seldom do I get mad now at Liam or seldom do we argue or him crying because I give him time to finish the activity he is involved with or he is stucked with. I give him allowance, I patiently wait for him to settle and when he is ready to move on. I read that it is one way of respecting them, and true enough, it worked.
So yesterday, I felt that I didn't do it with Sam. She wasn't ready yet. I should have let her stay and respected her time and emotions.
Tayo ngang mga matatanda ayaw ng naiistorbo pag may ginagawa, di ba? Our kids are no different. We just take them for granted because we think everything is okay. And we get mad when there is a violent reaction -- tantrums, etc., on their part. What we do not know is they can already feel different emotions di lang nila kaya pang sabihin ng derecho sa atin.
I promised myself to do better next time. I promised that like what I do with Liam, I will also be more sensible and respectful of the emotions of my little girl.
:D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)