When your child puts family first, you know you raised them right! Learn from Sire Benedict Garcia, the BEAR BRAND Batang Matibay Awardee who consistently does well in school and at home. Ano ang sikreto niya sa pagiging matibay sa bahay at sa paaralan?
Raising children is hard, but it’s all worth it for you when you see your child growing up well. Whenever they are kind, respectful, and make good choices, it makes you smile. It’s a bonus when they not only excel in school but have the time to take care of their family—the family must always come first, after all!
What does it take to raise a Batang Matibay, someone who gives 110% both at home and in school? 12-year-old Sire Benedict Garcia, a Batang Matibay, a model student and child with extraordinary TIBAY for school and for life, shows that it is possible!
This "small but incredible" child is an inspiring example of what kids can achieve when they are equipped with tibay from a young age - not only is he an excellent student, he is also a reliable son and brother.
How can you raise someone to be like Sire? Here’s how:
Encourage them to show up.
Naturally, young children are more inclined to blend in with the crowd. What sets Sire apart is that he gained the confidence to let himself be seen and went out to represent his school. His teacher says, “Siya rin ay madalas ipanglaban sa mga patimpalak ng aming paaralan, gaya ng MTAP, Journalism, Techno, Robotics, Dance Troupe, at iba pa.”
Most kids shy away from activities that they’re not good at, to avoid feeling embarrassed or failing. But when you encourage children to show up, it exposes them to activities that they might like. Doing activities teaches them hard work, perseverance, and discipline. It gives them confidence if they excel or resilience if things don’t work out. Either way, it shows them that showing up is the first step towards achieving their dreams!
Give your child responsibilities that they can handle.
Having realistic expectations over what your child can and cannot do will save you a lot of time feeling upset with them. They’re growing up, and with age comes wisdom and more responsibility.
Sire’s father is an Overseas Filipino Worker, leaving Sire to be the “Padre de Pamilya” of the house, taking care of his mother and his older sister who has special needs. Sire’s teacher says, “Sa murang edad, ang bata ang siyang tumatayong kuya at kahalili ng kanyang ina sa pagaalaga sa dalawang kapatid,” The teacher adds that it was because of Sire that his sister is now a successful swimmer who participated in the Palarong Pambansa.
While not all families are in the same situation as Sire, all kids can learn to be responsible. From taking care of their toys by putting them away to taking care of particular chores around the house, not only are you teaching them responsibility, but you are also teaching them to be independent.
Prioritize their health and wellness.
Your child’s body is their vehicle to do what they want in the world. A Batang Matibay eats and drinks what will give them the energy they need to get through the day, plus will help them grow stronger and healthier, inside and out.
A glass of NEW BEAR BRAND Fortified, plus a healthy and balanced diet, can give him the right amount of Tibay-Resistensiya and Tibay-Katawan nutrients he needs to get through his day - for school, his competitions, and to help out his mom and siblings at home.
Teach them about sacrifice now, rewards later.
As a mom, you know all about making sacrifices for the greater good. Maybe you’ve left items in your cart because the family budget has been tight, and you can’t buy anything besides your needs. Maybe some chores are left undone because your little one was extra clingy and wanted to do a movie night with you.
Taking the easy way out is always tempting--no one wants to have a hard time, after all. But when making the sacrifice now means a great reward later, it makes the sacrifice worth it!
Teaching your child the meaning of sacrifice can be scary and hard, but sacrifice is best learned through guidance and example. Help them see the consequences of their actions. What happens if they play online games now and do homework later? They will lack the time to properly do it and feel sleepy and irritable the next day.
Sire knows full well what it means to have the determination and how to put in the work to make his dreams come true, all this without letting his family down. The hard work and tibay it takes to excel in school and take care of his family takes time away from other activities that might be enjoyable in the short run, like playing games or other hobbies. But Sire is determined to keep going, because it sets him and his family for a good future.
Sire is indeed a small and incredible child, a role model that, as his teacher puts it, “Marami ang sa kanya ay sumusunod at nakikinig na mag-aaral at kabataan... talagang laging handang maglingkod at naglilingkod ang batang ito sa paaralan, sa mga kapwa mag-aaral, sa komunidad.”
Get to know more about Sire and his story here.
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ALSO READ: Raising Well-behaved Kids