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I have a two year old nephew that is so cute and adorable but wait tell he ask or want something and failed to get it, he would throw a tantrum that would surely ruin your day. He would throw at you anything he can get hold of if he is mad at you.

I happened to witness one such incident that made me shake my head in disbelief especially upon seeing my sister -in-law give in to her child’s demand. Maybe, my sister-in-law never realizes at this time that she is spoiling her son.

I believe that the first seven years of a child is important in teaching them the right attitude and discipline. This formative years of their life is essential because they will carry them in their growing up years.

What my children needs I buy for them, but for what they want they have to save or work hard to achieve it.
Of course there are different parenting styles of disciplining our children. What works for me might not work for others.

I can honestly say that I had tried different approaches to all of my 5 children. Each one had a distinct individuality and therefore requires different approach. Most of the times they understood so it means lesser dialogue while there are times that they tend to question my decision. When this happened, I would call a meeting requiring all family members to be present. An open forum would follow after the problem was discussed. I have made it a point never to bring back past mistakes and focused on the lesson learned in an incident. This way, the problem would never happen again.

Of course like all children, there are times when they violated our rules. The penalty depends on the family decision. If it is about violation on their computer playing time, he/ she forfeit their scheduled time or suspended for 1 playing day. Great isn’t it? There are times I have to put my put down.

One time (at home) when I am off from work, my Brother-in-law come to our house reeking of liquor and wanted me to reprimand my children for not cleaning up our house. He told me a lot of things which in my opinion is already intruding to our family life.

I politely told him that when I am home I don’t want to reprimand my children regarding trivial matter because this only happens once a week (unless it is something about our house rules). I want to enjoy their company without any hassle. I don’t react about other people disciplining our children. The only problem is when they try to hurt them, that is another matter and I would not permit that to happen.

In our family, I am the disciplinarian as what I written here: I am a disciplinarian but “cool” Daddy!

I am reserving this post for the 7th PPBC Pinoy Parenting Blog Carnival being hosted by The working Mom

I would like to reserve this post as my 1st entry to THE 5th edition of the Pinoy Parenting Blog Carnival (PPBC). and the topic is about - What would you like your children to be when they grow up, and why? This is being hosted now by Angel of Happy Family Matters. In case you do not know, this carnival was initiated by Doc Joey of The Working Mom and has been hosting the past four editions, and was joined by numerous Pinoy Parents.

What would I want my children to be when they grow up?

This question crops up to every parents mind especially when our children were young and there are signs we are seeing that would tend to go in that direction. My friend’s son is fond of playing with dolls so he is bracing himself for his son to take up Beauty and culture, and own a beauty parlor someday. Funny isn’t it?

My 3 year old nephew has a very strong arm for his age that is why my children often times joke about that we could train him early on as a boxer and we would act as his Manager. He could be another Manny Pacquaio in the making.

Of course every parent would love to see their children become successful in their chosen career. I don’t impose on my children what they should take up in College.

My wife and I are trying our best to talk with them what are their future plans, their favorite subjects or anything that could lead us for better assessment that would lead to their future career.

My 2^nd eldest daughter is now on her 4^th year as a Nursing student while my 3rd child now is on his 3^rdyear of Marine transportation. All of them decided for themselves and are happy and contended about their grades. My youngest son who is on his 3^rd year of high school would love to take up computer related education such as programming but have second thoughts because he is seeing his older sister quite successful in her work as a web designer. My youngest daughter who is in her grade 6 of elementary education wants to finish HRM or to become a President of this country. Wow, a tall order, I should say.

I have known a lot of parents who imposed their will on their children on what course to take up in their College education. Being a good children that they are they obeyed their parent’s wishes only to suffer later on in their life. Some were not able to finish their studies while other opted to shift courses a number of times until they finally find the right study that suit their personality. The end result is a waste of time, money and resources for both parent and child.

Of course having a college education alone is not a guarantee that they would become successful in life because we have seen a lot of school drop outs who become Billionaires. A lot of college graduate who are jobless. Some weren’t able to use their diploma and grab any available job just to earn a living.

All I want for them is to be a responsible, productive God fearing citizen of this country.

What ever come out of my children, I would fully support them in any way I can, all the way.