Do we actually SEE our kids’ potential?

My nephew Joshua graduated from high school while we were in Iloilo last month. We were invited to lunch after his recognition day ceremony, where he received many leadership awards. I heard the greatest thing from his mom, my first cousin Tata. She said to me, with a smile on her face, “YOU SEE, HE IS MAJORING IN BOY SCOUTING, SUB-MAJOR IN PHOTOGRAPHY, and MINOR IN ACADEMICS.” I laughed and said that at least he is doing what he is good at and is passionate about, to which she replied “YES! THAT’S WHY WE SUPPORT HIM.” I love that.

Our job as parents is to guide our children and help them discover not only their skills, but their purpose and passion. Academics are important and necessary, yes, but they are not the only. It should be more important for us to support and encourage our kids to do what they love and use their God-given talents, while teaching them the reality of the importance of doing well in school and teaching them to get what they can from it.

Our kids are still young. Although we already see some talents, we don’t yet know what their real interests are. Danae is an excellent reader and a great dancer, but she doesn’t enjoy reading as much as she enjoys dancing.  They change their minds often, although Danae has been saying she wants to be a designer and singer, while Noelle wants to be a “cooking chef.” They want to learn so many things. It’s too early to tell what they are going to be truly passionate about. I only personally know one extraordinary kid who is focused, passionate, skilled, and already knows what he is going to be, as early as age 4 — Lorenzo Mumar.

For our girls, King and I will be here to pray, teach, guide, support until we discover what their purpose and passion is, and then continue to pray, teach, guide, support as long as we are fit and able to. We want to be the kind of parents who SEE their kids’ potential and HELP THEM REACH IT the right way.