I just attended a seminar about parenting and the speaker suggested an old book called 5 love languages by Gary Chapman. He said that it be helpful for parents to understand their children if they know their love language. He gave an example, one parent kept giving praises and encouragement to her child but her child didn't seem to appreciate it, only to find out that the love language of the child was Quality Time. As soon as she spent more time with her child, they understood and cared for each other more.

For those who have not read the book, there is a website where your child (5yrs old above) can take a test. I have yet to let my 7-yr old daughter try the test. You and your spouse can check your love language too.

The website is:
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/

Hi Susan! I tried visiting the website but I cannot see anything except the web address on top. Does anyone have the same problem?

That's cute!!! My 4-yr old son's name is also Wesley. He's still struggling from reading 3 letter words but he can make the sounds of the letters. We hope to get there soon.

Hi Does anybody have used the pre-school Math books set by Time Life?
http://www.educationaltechnologies.com/products/learning_math_with_albert
My son is already 4 years old. He doesn't like counting even when we're using his toys as props nor he likes sorting sets even if we're dealing with his cars. Then, I came upon this book set that really looks enticing. I already have bought their Knowledge books set which my son really likes and enjoys but I want to know from other parents who have bought the math set if it is indeed effective and appropriate for his age. It's quite costly about USD600 so I want to research before actually buying it.

Great Idea! Thanks for sharing. We got only few Duplos but a lot of little legos. I will try to combined 8-12 mini legos together so the words won't be too small.

My 4year old son still takes a nap in the afternoon. He sleeps at 9:30pm and wakes up at 7:30pm. I will continue this routine until he goes to big school next year. I think the naps help him recharge and be alert when I read books to him at night.

Dear aangeles,

I didn't know about the free music CD but I'm so happy to know that there is one. May I know where you studied in Manila? If you don't want to tell, it's alright.

I myself cannot speak Mandarin well so I am currently listening to the Chinese Pimsleur audiobook. Though the CD is more appropriate for travelers, it still helps me practice speaking Chinese inside my car without getting embarrassed. 

I just purchased the 6-CD pack. I hope my 4-year old boy will like it. I'm also glad that you created a traditional chinese version because most Chinese schools here in Manila teach traditional chinese. Most schools here follow Taiwan curriculum. I can't wait to received them.

Hi Bebes!

Enopi is a math and reading program just like Kumon. This is it's link... http://www.enopi.com/Olympiad/Introduction.aspx?sMainVisual=5
Well, I guess I will just wait until she's ready to join.

When you say that I should make it clear that it's her decision and nobody else, does that also mean we give them freedom to choose what they want? In your opinion, when should parents have control over things? They say authoritative style of parenting is still the best but I find it hard to balance between letting them decide on their own or making them listen to you.

Thanks,
Wendy

Thanks for the post. I now understand why my daughter seem to be afraid of failing even on the simplest games or tests. She would just refuse on doing something she thinks she won't win or be successful. I will definitely change my ways and praise for her efforts and not for being smart.

Wendy

Hi! My daughter has been taking Enopi since she was 4 years old. She is now 7 and Enopi center has invited her to join their annual contest wherein they rank children who took the test. She hasn't really been to any contests before and she has no idea of what the contest is like but she already is saying that she doesn't like joining contests and actually hates contest.

This happened already last year. I didn't insist her anymore since I didn't want to pressure her. I just told her that I used to join inter-school math contest too myself when I was in highschool. I kept explaining to her that contest is not about winning or losing. It's about experience you get, meeting new friends and being able to visit different schools. I made it sound like it was really fun. I also mentioned to her lightly that she should keep up with her math skills since she can be chosen as a representative of her school. I don't know if I gave her unnecessary pressure that made her hate contests so much.

Should I convince her to join even if she doesn't like? Or should I just let it go and let her join when she's ready. I need your opinion on this. Thanks!

Wendy
Mommy of 7yr old girl and 4yr old boy
My husband just passed away this year because of cancer

Here's another site I think is good for our kids. http://www.starfall.com/