Raising talented children
MANILA, Philippines - Parents should take a more active role in nurturing their children’s talents. This was the core message stressed by childhood education expert Mary Ellen Ryan at the 12th annual convention-workshop of the Philippine Association for the Gifted (PAG) held recently at the Mandarin Oriental Suites, Gateway Mall, Quezon City.
“It’s a whole package; when you have a talented child, the parenting role is more difficult. Learn as much as you can about the type of child you have and love them for who they are. Focus on their strengths,” said Ryan.
Other event speakers were Dr. Jose “Butch” Dalisay Jr. of the Creative Writing Center (CWC) of UP Diliman who gave a talk on “Addressing Multi-Potentiality” and Dr. Josette Biyo of the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus who raised issues on “The Challenge of Teaching the Gifted in Science.”
The event was also graced by talented kids such as long-distance swimmer Justin Daniel Junio, classical pianist Lorenzo Medel, painter CJ de Silva, and writer Christopher Ryan Tumbocon, who all shared their inspiring personal insights as gifted and talented children.
PAG president and clinical psychologist Leticia Peñano-Ho echoed this sentiment. “It’s important not to push the children, but instead inculcate their love for learning, especially reading.”
Meanwhile, PAG vice president for parents Cecile Tamura stressed the importance of a mother’s varying roles in dealing with a child: “She is a parent who should guide the child but at the same time be an understanding friend. She should be a mentor and a student at the same time.”
PAG board member Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta reminded parents to apply a holistic approach and not just focus on the child’s talent. It is also important to spend quality time with the child as well as his siblings.
Sponsoring this annual event is Promil Pre-School, a powdered milk drink for children four to seven years old. It contains Nutrissentials, a unique combination of essential nutrients to help optimize a child’s full potential.
