One might immediately think that availability of information over the internet and television, and flow of information via social networks and cell phones would result in better public awareness about the need to conserve biological diversity. But it's not the case, according to a UN official, especially among the younger people who would be the decision makers of tomorrow.

There were no specific studies aimed at directly answering the question, but related studies on biodiversity awareness, urbanization trends, and habits as well as internet and television usage among young people were cited to support the claim.

I would be cautious about any conclusion of direct causation without direct study, but I can see the logic behind the correlation. How can someone conserve something that he or she is not even aware of?

Mama Sez and I have already made a stand on the need to limit television, computer and internet time for our kids. This is despite our current engagements online and the belief that much of the future developments would rely on the internet and related technologies. There has to be a balance; i.e. for our kids to be out there directly interacting with other kids and enjoy the outdoors while not falling behind what they need to know about technologies and the internet.

Photo courtesy of Bas Boerman

For television, it's way down there at the bottom of our list such that we don't even have one in our house right now. They can only watch specific programs or films at their grandparents' house, thus making sure that the purpose is interaction, relaxation and/or educational, and not merely to waste time and be "a-mused" (meaning not think).  It may sound impossible to do but we know of many parents who have done it or still doing it, so there's no question whether or not it can be done.

Give it a try.  We might see more naturalists, entomologists, scientists, athletes, generally healthy individuals and better informed leaders among the next generations by reducing kids' television, computer and television time (by the way, electronic games is included in this list). The planet would be in better hands by ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow have a balanced perspective of life.

Learn some tips on how to minimize kids' TV viewing from Mama Sez.

School has ended and our kids are looking forward to two months of summer fun and learning. Our eldest child, Rica, is 11, and the youngest, Nadine, is 2 years of age. Considering that our four kids have different interests, talents and developmental needs, we are planning a different set of summer activities for each. For a quick view, they are summarized in the table below. Enclosed in parenthesis in the first column is the frequency of the mentioned activity, while the numbers enclosed in parenthesis after our child’s name is their respective age. Expected output for each activity is also indicated whenever applicable.

Papa Sez and I believe in what Stephen Covey (author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) has shared - i.e. without involvement there will be no commitment. So we made consultations with them, especially the school-aged kids, before finalizing this table to ensure that the planned activities captured their interests and the targets set are achievable. When asked about activities that they consider FUN to do, ideas from Rica and Leon kept coming.

They decided to discontinue formal art lessons from their Tito Jay because apparently Rica has been contemplating on guitar lessons that she wanted to request from Tito Jay.  They thought that two lessons from their uncle will be too much to ask. They even volunteered the household chores they wanted to learn this summer, so that our helper can relax a bit.  Humility aside, we realized that we have added two considerate beings on earth.

There are activities specific to a child for talent enrichment or skills development. Some activities are interactive while others would require them to work on their own. There are indoor as well as outdoor activities. It is obvious that we are trying to strike a balance among several considerations like fun/excitement, talent enrichment, skills development, learning, family bonding, budget and many others.

We have openly expressed our view about the negative effect of too much television viewing (computer use included) on child development but because we also recognize that in the information age, computer literacy is part of the need of growing children.  Therefore, a regulated computer time is permitted on top of the weekly movie time with the family.

The table may seem overwhelming with activities but please note the frequency of each such that the activities listed will not happen all together in a given week. Swimming lessons, for example, will be over in two weeks and will be replaced by another activity of their choice on the third week.

Rica is already preparing her weekly timetable, awaiting the final schedule of her piano lessons, and this will be featured in the next post. The agreement is for them to have a fun and fruitful summer but not to exhaust themselves too much and forfeit the main goal in the process. Leon’s checklist of activities and applicable expected output will also be prepared so that he is able to track his accomplishments.

The Computer Time Log is posted to effectively regulate computer use...They are already enlisted for their swimming lessons...Leon’s tomato seedlings are almost ready for transplanting...They are energized and eager to start the summer ball rolling!!!

Having a preprogrammed summer activities will help parents ensure a worthwhile summer experience for their kids. This will also help you identify what is expected of you and give you time to prepare. Having a line-up of ready activities will prevent your kids from bugging you with “We are so bored Mom, what do we do now?” Discussing the plan, especially with the older kids, will make them understand what to expect and what is expected of them.  Always remember: No Involvement, No Commitment!

On top of everything, be sure to have fun yourself…Have a happy summer!!!

We were all very excited this morning getting ready for malling. Papa Sez has to meet a client somewhere in Pasig and we agreed that I bring the kids to SM Mega Mall while he’s in a meeting. We’ll buy a few stuff, dine-out and perhaps see the art gallery. The kids started to choose their clothes and I started to ready the baby bag, packing clothes, milk and diaper for the little ones when all of a sudden a commotion erupted.

Our eldest Rica halted Zeki who was trying to pull his towel that was being stepped on by Nadine to prevent the latter from losing her balance. I later found out that the three-year old Zeki was teasing the two-year old Nadine, so the latter was trying to get back at his older brother by stepping on his towel. This scene is normal for a family with four growing kids... and we even thought that it’s cute.

When Zeki saw his shirt that I’m about to put in the baby bag, he protested with a loud voice that he doesn’t like to bring an extra shirt because he is a big boy already and only babies bring extra clothes. I just told him to lower his voice and explained that the shirt is necessary for accidental mess that may happen even to adults. Zeki then loudly insisted that he takes his bath together with his older brother Leon, which I immediately acceded to.

Everything was going well until we heard Leon complain about Zeki wanting the tabo or water dipper only for himself. Oh dear, it's Zeki again…and this is not cute anymore! When he was done putting on his clothes, he yelled his complaint that we were taking so long to leave. We asked him again to lower his voice and told him that if he cannot control himself from shouting and causing trouble, we will cancel the family malling. Probably because of this threat, he started yelling and crying to pressure me to give a commitment to bring him to the mall in complete disregard of his behavior.  It went further downhill from there on with everyone, including the nanny, already being bullied into submission to his whims.

Though it was very tempting, Papa Sez and I tried so hard to avoid punishing Zeki. We understand that this is just another tantrum episode and it’s a good thing we are still at home. But still we need to show him (and Nadine as well as she now likes to copy whatever Zeki does) that we say what we mean and mean what we say and his misconduct will not be rewarded. 

The family event was cancelled and this brought Rica to tears. She is a very cooperative child and yet she was also penalized. We explained that this has to happen to teach her brother a lesson and she should fret no more because it will definitely push through in some other time. A little delay for discipline’s sake would not hurt and that it'll be better next time. It was also pointed out that being part of a group, there are things beyond our control. Her brother’s behavior and the consequence of that behavior is beyond her control.  But because she is in control of her response to the situation, she can choose to cheer herself up and decide on alternative activities for the rest of the day. 

As I write this blog while waiting for my husband's return, Rica was busy writing a story, Leon was reading a magazine, Zeki was playing with his blocks together with a playmate, and Nadine was chatting with our neighbors. Child temper tantrum spoiled our supposed to be fun day at the mall, a small price to pay for discipline.  Anyway, we managed to have fun time at the comfort of our home with everyone wishing that our cancelled malling will happen soon and things will be better next time.

When the need to temporarily move to a smaller house came about, every family member had to do his/her share of adjustment because everyone already got used to wide open spaces that our former residences generously offered.

Staying focused on the affirmative side of our situation allowed me to enumerate several positive outcomes or events that the small house offered.

In this small house,

…the atmosphere is very cozy; the situation promoted lots of interactions among family members. The fact that we do not have a television unit also helped. Physical closeness encouraged emotional intimacy as well.

…the value of resilience was taught to the kids among other things. As parents, we now know that they can easily adapt to changes, come what may.

…we get to live close to my parents and siblings whom we missed for almost seven years. Having an established support system/extended family, especially while the kids are younger, is priceless.

…we were able to make my parents happier. They now have the chance to spoil our kids :D

... our kid's Tita Tin gets to drop by very often and Tito Jay gets to teach them art lessons.  For this, I am very thankful.

... there's a safe open area for kids to play and a parking space for our car within the compound, both of which are relatively scarce in the area.

…the neighborhood is safe and friendly. Our normally socially inhibited daughter learned to make friends and the gregarious nature of our sons was fueled as they enjoy playing with other children.

…became a witness to Nadine’s developmental milestones. She learned to talk, run, dance, sing, comb her hair, brush her teeth and do lots of other things.

... everything is just a few steps away... from the beauty parlor to the barbershop; from the resort to the park; from the public foot spa (hot spring) to the public transport; from the wet market to a variety of stores...you name it.

…Immaculate Concepcion Parish is just a stone throw away. I got the chance to reflect more often and benefit from the serenity of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel that is a few steps away.

…we were protected from ravaging impacts of typhoon. We feel safe inside this small house.

Our stay in this small house is just temporary but wherever our next destination maybe, to this small house truly grateful we'll always be!!!