I could still remember about three or four years ago, I really have sensed that there was already missing or something was wrong in the way I am treating (more of pushing) my children on the kind of activity they would undertake or direction they would go. To make the long story short, I would encourage them to join activities and programs that I perceived is good for them. Of course my children, Francis Ryan and Claudine Joy being obedient and naturally good natured, would reluctantly join, but that's it. After that, I have observed that they would become immediately disinterested with any sports or for that matter, any activities that they have joined.
Good thing that during that time, there was a friend, a very "makulit" friend who invited me to join a leadership and awareness seminar called PALS (Personal Awareness and Leadership Seminar). Back then, nobody knows "what kind of animal was that". After attending PALS, I am fascinated with the tremendous positive effect that happened to me.
I became more aware and sensitive to my staff, my subordinates and my children. I became aware that I have put so much pressure on my children to excel to the point that it is no longer something bearable and no longer fun. I have been so negative to them that when I was looking at their school cards, I can only see the "low grades" rather than the "high grades" or pointing out where they failed and never complimented them when they succeeded -- so to speak.
It never occurred to me that my children have talents but could be at that time also lacking in self confidence. I never sensed it before that the reason why they don't want to join is that it could be that they were too shy, or either it could be that they were not correctly motivated. It's just the same as the story of a mother who knows her daughter is a good singer but never realized that the girl is very shy facing an audience. And so when the time comes that the girl is about to sing the girl choked and could not sing, not because the girl lacked in talent, but because of self confidence -- and guess what the mother did? Instead of doing something about her daughter's lack of self-confidence, she berated her for being a failure or a choker.
This is the reason why I immediately created an opportunity to send my two children, Francis Ryan, now 20 and Claudine Joy, now 15 years old to PALS Teens when it was first offered in Cebu. After attending from PALS Teens I have seen in them the tremendous shift --- from being passive to actively involve in any activity they chose. They are now into sports, games and even those that adults have problem dealing with - such as public speaking. They can now deliver speeches without so much preparation. Now, they are always looking for events that they could participate with. After attending PALS for Teens, my children became more dynamic and that even at their young age, they have become more responsible and full of goals.
Looking back, I am convinced that attending PALS facilitated by Joey Reyes is one of the greatest events that happened to me and my family! If I had my way I would require every parent to attend and send their whole family to the seminar but do not take my word for it, experience it yourself, anyway there is a money back guarantee.
Incidentally there is another batch of PALS TEENS this coming October 29 to 31 at Parklane Hotel. For details call Marget Villarica at 0917-3252952 or Leny at tel no. 231-2461.