Positive discipline is about the dignity, protection, and participation of children.

This was the central point of discussion in yet another Empowering Learning Sessions for Indigenous Peoples Initiative (ELIPI) organized by Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. (CFI) for Sama-Bajau parents residing in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City,  held on September 10, 2021 at the Sama-Bajau Activity Center. They were joined by  educator and theater artist Fredyl Hernandez of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) via an online platform, deepening insights on positive discipline initially explored in a previous ELIPI session.

 

 

Looking back, looking inward

The group recalled important points made from their last gathering: the central role of parents in raising  their children, their responsibility to guide and teach them through positive means.

Parent-participants were then invited to think back at the ways they were disciplined when they were younger.  They drew images of their memories and together, created a collage from their own artwork. Encouraging reflection, they were asked: would these be the same ways you would want to discipline your own children too?

 

Punishment vs. discipline

Sharing thought-provoking short videos as prompts, Mr. Hernandez led the parents through a discussion on what true discipline for children entails. He emphasized the distinction between punishment and discipline – the first causes fear and shame, while the other allows for teaching good.

It was also established that no form of violence against children can ever be justified. With relation to this, it was acknowledged that parents may often feel exhausted and that situations are out of their control. Especially with regard to dealing with their own children, they were reminded to keep from getting too carried away by their own strong, sometimes negative emotions. Instead of reacting violently in anger, they were reminded to respond gently: “Remember to think, to feel, and to talk.”

One parent shared that even though she would find herself feeling upset at home, she would give herself space to rest and think before dealing with her son’s misbehavior. Mr. Hernandez affirmed this as healthy practice, thinking through the forms of discipline that will truly encourage children to improve.

Presented as the building blocks of positive discipline were several points on the nature of children: their need for warmth and love especially from their parents, their uniqueness from others, their own capacity to feel and think. It was also highlighted how establishing clear rules at home builds a strong foundation that significantly contributes to a child’s development.

 

 

Let them soar! 

As a final activity, parents created folded paper airplanes. They were encouraged to think about their hopes and dreams for their children. Many mentioned being able to go to school and continue learning.

All together, they let their paper planes fly while again saying aloud their aspirations — a most meaningful way of reminding themselves of the important role they play as parents, in raising and disciplining their children, and ultimately letting them soar.

 

The series of Empowering Learning Sessions for Indigenous Peoples Initiative (ELIPI) for the Sama-Bajau was organized in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Parañaque, and in partnership Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation.*

 

*Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation a private, U.S.-based foundation that works for the prevention and treatment of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, women, and their families in the Philippines and in Hawai’i. Our foundation is named after our Founder, the late Consuelo Zobel Alger, whose generosity and genuine love for children allowed us to renew hope for those who have lost it and give hope to those who never had it.

For over 30 years, Consuelo Foundation has been taking action for our children and their families—uplifting one child, one family, one community, at a time.

Consuelo Foundation’s Life Skills Plus program empowers children and youth through education and skills training so they, too, can lead, dream, and reach their full potential—and make a difference in our world. This program provides the learners with relevant learning materials to ensure sustained access to quality education. Children and youth are assisted with essential interventions to further build their knowledge, skills, and competencies to be empowered individuals. 

For inquiries and info about Consuelo Foundation and this project, you may email: ask@consuelo.org or visit their social media accounts at Facebook and YouTube.