MANILA, Philippines — This Christmas, before thinking of giving out toys or gadgets, beauty queen and image enhancement expert Abbygale Arenas-de Leon urged parents to give their children an intangible gift, something that cannot be stolen and broken; and one such example is self-confidence.
To boost a child’s confidence, parents must first, be a model of confidence, said Abbygale, a mother of two and who was hailed as Miss Photogenic at the 1997 Miss Universe.
Second, give children choices.
“Whether it is in clothing or food, we must always give them choices,” Abbygale advised.
Third, instead of saying “no,” always say “yes” to kids’ choices. This, however, does not mean you are spoiling your child.
“Make it a ‘Yes’ day every day, even if it means, ‘Yes and’ or ‘Yes, but… Yes, but you have to finish your food first; Yes, but you have to take a bath first… Validate children’s choices so they can be more confident to make their own decisions,” Abbygale explained.
Abbygale was the guest speaker at the recent fall-winter and holiday 2018 collection launch of Elle Kids.
Found in Ogalala Store in Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Ayala Malls The 30th, and at leading department stores nationwide, the children’s apparel brand’s new collection includes tailored dresses, shoes, separates, and classic capelets that Abbygale recommend for Christmas parties and OoTDs (outfits of the day). — Video by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo