Finding Balance

Every parent would like to form a well-rounded child, exposed in the different areas of culture, arts and possibly sports. Mier and I have always tried to expose our girls to different aspects of life whether here in Cagayan de Oro or when we go to Manila for vacations. We’re lucky that the girls’ school has various offerings of extra-curricular activities for the wholistic development of the children.

Since summer, both Nadine and Raya have expressed interest in learning a musical instrument. But since they were involved in their golf sessions and enrichment activities (not to mention, I was still feeling bouts of morning sickness), they didn’t have a chance to get into it. Fortunately, their school is now offering music lessons to the students. Nadine has chosen to continue her piano lessons and Raya has decided to learn how to play the flute.

Likewise the girls have decided to continue their swimming lessons even if it is only once a week. They used to swim three times a week two years ago when Nadine was in Grade One and at that time still half day in school except Fridays. That gave them time to study when they get back from school and still make it to their 330pm swimming lessons. They took a break from swimming last year when Nadine started whole day classes.

This year, although both girls are already whole day (the school has changed the schedule and Raya is also whole day now despite being in Grade One), we’ve decided to allow them to start swimming again even if it’s just once a week. Swimming will give them the needed exercise for their bodies. Maybe by next month, they can start swimming twice a week, including Wednesdays, since they hardly have tests and activities the next day.

I’ve explained to both girls that the key to handling all these activities is to find balance in it all. Studies should always be their priority and I’m happy to say that they’ve both agreed to this and have been diligently studying their lessons everyday without complaints.

Twice a week, after school, they go to their music lessons at the top floor of their school building and once a week they continue swimming lessons at the local clubhouse. In between those extra curricular activities, they are busy with studying for tests and spelling lists, memorizing poems and putting actions in their storytelling presentations.

Yes, they have been pretty busy with school and other activities that they have actually stopped watching TV during weekdays. (Yehey!) I remember when my sisters and I were school girls so long ago, TV was not allowed during school days. With my kids, I’ve decided to compromise since there are a lot of educational shows anyway that’s shown. National Geographic, Discovery and Animal Planet are favorite channels. But lately, they don’t mind watching only on weekends, which is what I prefer anyway.

This week is exam week and we’ve been gearing up and preparing for three days of diagnostic tests. Since last week, I’ve been busy creating reviewers for the different subjects they’ll be having. Good thing I was able to team up with some of the mothers in the school so we can each create different reviewers for certain subjects and then just exchange them. I used to make these tests for each subject and it can be quite tiring, especially now since both girls are in grade school. At least now, I can share the burden with other mothers.

   It has been pretty busy around our house since school started but I don’t mind, really. I expect it to be busier when I give birth in 2-3 weeks from now. Life for us will definitely change again with a new baby in the house. But it is a good change. The key here is finding balance in everything that we do.