Raising a strong kid in a tough world

Every child goes through a challenge that will always be intimidating for his age. The fact remains that the child has to learn to fight his own battles, with his parents on the sidelines to give proper support.

Therefore, a child needs to be equipped with a strong foundation in preparation for each challenge, as he grows up and conquers his future. This is the premise which Bonakid, a growing up milk, endeavors to advocate – helping parents raise their children with a strong body and a strong sense of character.

Part of this advocacy is the Bonakid Tibay Tour wherein counselor, author and educator Ma. Isabel Sison Dionisio gave free parenting lectures to parents.

The tour was conducted in several malls around Metro Manila and Luzon from June 30 to Oct. 15.

Dionisio’s lectures emphasized the importance of teaching children values early on in life because learning begins as soon as a child is born.

Dionisio summarized the qualities needed to raise a child with inner strength, or ang paghubog ng isang tunay na batang may tibay, as Bonakid’s campaign slogan signifies: patience (tiyaga), self-confidence (tiwala sa sarili), respect (galang), and love of God (pagmamahal sa Diyos).

According to a book entitled "Teaching Children Patience in an Impatient World," kids are naturally hyperactive. However, some tend to become too aggressive when they are not able to control their impulses.

This is especially true when young children can’t get what they want right away. They immediately fall into tantrums or start hitting anyone within their reach. Parents can help by teaching their kids the virtue of patience – to wait, watch, and learn.

"When children learn that it takes time to work toward their goals, they adapt more easily whenever their desires are not met immediately. They learn to be tolerant and understanding. Children who learn patience overcome adversity in healthy, productive ways," said Dionisio.

This is not to say, however, that a child should become inhibited. On the contrary, a patient child develops a "can do" attitude simply because he has the ability to put off self-indulgence. This means he knows he can achieve what he puts his mind into and commits himself toward that end. All his parents need to do is to feed his self-confidence so that he will believe in himself and be willing to do more.

Another important virtue that a child needs to develop is respect for one’s self and for others. Citing Steve Chesney’s "How to Teach It and How to Show It," Dionisio said that children who are taught the value of respect learn to appreciate responsibilities more.

They also become aware of feelings and opinions of themselves and of others. As such, children who are respectful get along easily with their peers. The important thing is for the family to teach respect by example at home.

The fourth important quality a child needs to become a strong individual is his love of God. Whatever religion a family may follow, the important thing is for them to instill a good moral foundation in every child in the home.

Love of God helps a child grow up to be honest, fair, and selfless. It would also help him distinguish the difference between right and wrong. It may start with a simple prayer, a parable from the Bible, or a tradition of going to church.

Bonakid is one with parents in helping build a solid foundation for children. In building "tibay ng pagkatao," proper guidance from parents is important in instilling good values in children.