Private School vs. Public School

Ensuring that our children recieve a high quality education is one of the foundation for better lives for them. We all know that for sure. But as many families, particularly those with modest incomes, have troubles in financing its cost.  Low wages tend to promote poor quality care about children's education, which should not be.

Our first child spent her first learning in private school which really cost much. With our mind wanting the best for her, we give her the best we could give. But the burden got harder when two of our children were then had to go to school. 

And so we decided to send them in public schools. And what a big relief especially that we had saved P30,000 each plus the books and workbooks needed. lol.  I can't really say that we had saved that because as I can remember we can't even raise the amount. haha.

also see  KUMON: the best learning center?

We then noticed that public schools are not that bad at all (by the way, we live in the province now). The lessons and the books used are almost the same. Just minus the workbooks in the private institutions which cost really much.  There are more activities and inter-school competitions that promotes our children's competitiveness, sportsmanship, friendliness, self-esteem and much more.

But one factor should be put into consideration. Be your child goes to private or public school, home is still the best learning place for them. Parents should always be there.  Asking how's their schooling when they arrive.  Reminding them about their homeworks.  Helping them in difficult topics.  Asisting them.  Coaching them.

Be patient with our children.  It's a virtue. And remember this: Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.

  

Confident Parents: Kids Are The Best Teacher!

Creating and raising another individual is a hard work. And so is parenting. It's not an easy task to do but it is doable. New parents and parents-to-be should not lose their heart. This can be learned and the best teachers are  our own kids!

There are many books and magazines about parenting of course. They are helpful why not. But in the end, you are going to adjust them to suit your kids temperament and needs.

My 8-year-old daughter is a crying lady... err girl. And when her temper bursts with crying, it's hard to make her stop. One day she came from school crying. Two of her classmates were following her telling us she had a quarrel with their teacher.

Camille didn't want to talk when asked what had happened. But making her feel that we know how she felt, she started to tell us in details.

One of her classmate hid her crayons and she started to cry. No one can stopped her even her teacher. And as a result, she and her teacher got a not so good conversation that only make her crying worse. When asked to leave the room, that 8-year-old kid made a louder cry. 

The next day, her teacher told us many bad things against my daughter's behavior. Was that made my confidence to be shattered? Not at all.

That one math session did not define my daughter. Kids may do crazy things, but that didn't mean that they are bad or you fail as a parent. That incident taught me to be patient and made me more determined to instill good behavior in my child. Why should I let that one silly incident stop me from doing my duties as her dad?  I realized that during those times, that I learned the most!

The best thing to do in those times is to get back to being a dad right away regardless how other people sees my kids. Remember, we know our child more than they.

One of my friends had an austistic son. Imagine what he had felt the day he learned about that. His self-esteem parts. He blamed himself constantly. He was inconsolable. But after sometime, he said enough is enough.  The winds were howling and the rain is heavy.  "My son needed me and there is no way I am going to leave him in the middle of nowhere!", he said full of courage.

Learning to be a confident parent is not limited to books. It is best learned from experience. From years of taking care of your children.

Smooth seas do not make good sailors. I became stronger, more confident father in the eye of the storm.
 

:)

TIPS on Saving Money

Are you having some trouble in saving money? Are you trying to save for a rainy days but feeling like you can't get ahead of the storm? Welcome to the club!

In these trying times, saving money are getting tougher. In fact, there instances that it seems as if the whole world is conspiring against you. Ha ha... you're not alone.

But making some money-saving tips may help us a little in our money problems. How ever small are these but collectively it can make a big difference.

Here are some:

Transportation

Walk in every chance you get. Not only save energy but also you also get energized (unless of course if you have a heart problem). Or have a grocery shopping every two weeks to save gas.

Groceries

Have a list and a calculator with you. This will help you buy all what you need before you buy what you want. And don't hesitate to join in supermarket promotions. You not only save some pesos but get some freebies as well. If you can, Buy in a bulk and wholesale. Buying big pack of detergent powder is actually cheaper than buying in a stacks of sachets. 

LPG

When cooking, put the heat to low to medium level. It may take you a little longer in cooking but your LPG consumption will be lower.

Electricity

Minimize the consumption of electric appliances. Have the ironing of clothes once a week for example. When you only have a couple of clothes left to iron, you can unplug it. Use energy-efficient appliances over electricity eating monster. 

Phone bills

These days, cell phone companies are offering discounts and unlimited offers on texts and calls. Smart got good deals on their consumers. Globe telecoms  got their own terms. TMs subcribers also give less discounts. Some are giving free cell phone which you can sell. 

Or get a Sun Cellular. Really!  

Life is hard. The economy is still down. But sometimes, finding more money is not only the solution. One need to be very intentional with the money we have. 

Hey, I bet you got a brilliant idea! Please share.

:) TIPS ON WHAT TO DO ON ELECTION DAY