THE best gift we can give our kids is genuine love, care, and a desire to help them be the best they can be.

Susan Jorge asks: I have a Grade Four son who envisions himself becoming president someday. Please recommend books about leadership appropriate for his age. I have several books on attitude and character. Are there workshops he can attend that can provide training?

My reply: Congratulations, Susan! We live in a cynical world, and I am happy that your son believes in our country enough to want to be president. Our son Scott, also in Grade Four, has similar goals (though I have tried to deflect his interest to other areas, such as science or writing). This school year, for instance, he campaigned for and became batch representative to the Student Council. He is also class officer and a club president.

I do not recall giving him any books on leadership because often, these traits are imbibed (from parents, family, friends) rather than directly taught. When Scott was younger, he loved the book “Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul,” which has a short section on leadership.

I think your books on attitude and character already provide a good basis for leadership, since these qualities are essential for leaders.

For you and your husband, I can recommend the book “Coaching Your Kids to be Leaders” by Pat Williams, vice president of the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic team and the father of 19 children (including 14 adopted from four different countries).

From interviews with leaders such as Red Auerbach, Jeb Bush, John Maxwell, Donna Shalala and many more, he talks about ways to spot leadership ability, deal with people, and motivate leaders.

As for workshops, perhaps he can ask the Ateneo Central Guidance Bureau about Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits for Teens, which can be a starting point. When he is in college, he can always join the Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

But remember, the best way to raise leaders is to model the desired traits ourselves. When your son sees the people he cares for treat others with respect, dignity, and consideration; when he sees them working on behalf of others, then he will most likely do the same.

Math Dance

Alleli C. Domingo, a professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics in the University of the Philippines Los Baños, writes: I hope you will find time to look at Math Dance and another program called Math in Your Feet. Math Dance pioneers Karl Schaffer, Erik Stern and Scott Kim sent me a copy of their book (and) I tried some adaptations of whole-body math and movement activities (for elementary and high school students) with my college students. Yes, they had fun math dancing!

I was invited to present a paper on harnessing the power of math dance at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Conference on Quality Innovations for Teaching and Learning in Thailand. I need to let you know because I derived so much encouragement from your books and Eureka column.

My reply: Thank you for informing me about Math Dance. I urge teachers, parents, and students to check out the site www.mathdance.org for ideas on how to incorporate dance in the math classroom. These activities are primarily for young students but, as Alleli Domingo mentioned, her college students had fun math dancing!

I am happy that Filipino teachers are doing great innovations to make math more lively and interesting.

Generation Me

Jerwin Santos says: I’m head of department in an IT (information technology) consulting firm where turnover is high. I’m disturbed by this generation’s many complaints: “I don’t want this project because it’s not according to my planned career path.” “I don’t want to take this training because of the clauses in the bond.” “I don’t want to be stuck in the same routine for the next year.” I did not have these qualms ten years ago when I was starting.

Why do fresh graduates feel they are better than their bosses? Well, sometimes they really (are), and we must acknowledge that possibility and take better care of their potential. But for employees, young as they are, to have entitlement as a premise from day one? Narcissistic. I remember telling several colleagues how narcissistic our new generation has become.

My reply: I received several messages from readers agreeing with the premise of the book “Generation Me.” Have your other department heads read it, too. At the very least, you can understand our new generation more.

Permissive parenting

Ellen Ong asks: What’s the complete title and (who is the) author of the book on permissive parenting you mentioned in your article on Oct. 27?

My reply: “Think!” by Michael R. LeGault is not just about permissive parenting, but about the need for sharp and critical thinking in all areas of life. You can also read the book “Generation Me.”

Filipino families

Lt. Dan Abadilla, Waimea district commander in Hawaii, writes: Aloha! I am working in the field of law enforcement. My district has many Filipino families that may benefit from your literary works. Can you provide information on how I can obtain the book “Filipino Families Surviving the World” through the mail?

My reply: You can contact Anvil Publishing at anvilpublishing@yahoo.com or Gwenn Galvez, marketing head, at gwenn.galvez@anvilpublishing.com for details.

Science Discovery

Ellen Garcia asks: How much is the entrance fee to Science Discovery Center?

My reply: I mentioned the web site www.smsciencediscovery.com in my article on Oct. 20. According to the site, individuals are charged P330 each for unlimited access to galleries and one planetarium show. Discounted group rates, especially for schools, are available. I suggest you visit the site or call 5562153. Happy New Year!

E-mail Queena N. Lee-Chua at blessbook@yahoo.com.