Musing Points
For the past months, I have been observing our groove and patterns with the kids especially how we are forming them. I have been busy and so I feel guilty at times if I cannot sit down with them to do the usual way of studying. But seeing his progress report card and this award affirmed that we may be doing what works for the kids. They are doing what we ask them to do and maybe even going beyond our minimum expectations.
What works for my kids?
Every afternoon, upon coming home from school, Migo does his usual routine: Rest and have snacks for about 30 mins., then do his homework and study for quizzes (unsupervised but monitored) for another 30 minutes and so. After which, he has at least an hour or more of glorious play time – shooting hoops in the garage, sometimes playing active with neighborhood kids or biking in our streets. He is allowed about 20 to 30 mins gadget time as a priveledge (and maybe taken out at times).
Our formula for Migo may be fitting for him at his stage of development – when it is important to balance focused studying, learning, playing and life skills building. It may be working as we have a grasp on his interests, area of intelligence, mental capacity, learning style and his discipline and personality. And so knowing these key areas, makes us aware of what may work for him.
We choose to let the school develop him well in his academics. And we choose to complement it But we choose to let him have the playtime, and support him on matters that may bring out the best in him and lead him to his life purpose!
Unplug and let them play! Play and engaging kids at this stage is probably the big deal they can have as they develop in their skills, sense of self and self-worth. Give them roots now for them to fly on their own wings later! They are only kids once, and we have one shot to raise them well too! This formula might change as he grows and interests vary. Yet, I believe that as long as we parents are connecting to who are kids are – we have somehow have put the foundation of lifelong connections.