Learnshop highlights parenting

Parenting styles affect the character of the children as they become adults.

During the October first Friday affair of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), employee-participants underwent a learnshop on parenting, wherein theories and practices of developing a child’s character were discussed.

“A child grows in the family. The type of parenting goals will affect you and your child. We should be the person to decide what we want for our children,” said Joanne Antiquina, a family life and child development consultant.

Together with her husband Neil, the two consultants tackled modules on parenting styles assessment, parenting grid and approaches and best practices to character-centered parenting.

“My parenting goals are to become a source of inspiration, protector and provider to my family,” said Anthony Terence Ocampo, deputy director for Professional Development Programs of RAFI’s Kool Adventure Camp.

During the learnshop, the participants learned three types of parenting goals, namely, survival (to get through child rearing), default (provide shallow happiness to the children) and purposeful (building relationships with the children).

“Grandparents and nannies who are our frontline child care providers should also be oriented on parenting goals. When we are out, they are the ones who take care of our children,” Neil Antiquina stressed.

Joanne said that if parents want to build strong relationships in the family, they should make every occasion a celebration.

“Even if it is an ordinary day, make it a moment to bond together. It’s not necessary to hang outside. We can make small get together in our homes,” she said.

Some of the best practices on parenting presented were stress purpose, not performance; coach, don’t cheerlead; relate to engage, not to entertain; and set boundaries, not walls.

At the end of the learnshop, participants were challenged to draw using their foot.

“By using our foot in drawing, we establish self-control. Kids should also have the freedom to experience these things,” said Mileesa Lumanog, human resource specialist.

“If you want to understand your child, write with your foot. Empathy is walking in your child’s shoes. It’s rewarding to leave our children not feeling apprehensive but confident that they would become responsible persons,” Joanne said.

The first Friday afair is done every month to uphold the learning experience of RAFI employees outside their working assignments.

For more information about RAFI, please contact 418-7234 or visit www.rafi.org.phand www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.