February 28, 2009
February 26, 2009
A CHILD'S TEN COMMANDMENTS TO PARENTS
1. My hands are small. Please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short. Please slow down so that I can keep up with you.
2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have. Please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.
3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time. Please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.
4. My feelings are tender. Please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.
5. I am a special gift from God. Please treasure me, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.
6. I need your encouragement and your praise to grow. Please go easy on the criticism. Remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday, I'll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.
8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brother or my sister.
9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.
10. Please take me to worship regularly, setting a good example for me to follow.
2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have. Please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.
3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for such a short time. Please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.
4. My feelings are tender. Please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.
5. I am a special gift from God. Please treasure me, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.
6. I need your encouragement and your praise to grow. Please go easy on the criticism. Remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.
7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday, I'll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.
8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brother or my sister.
9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.
10. Please take me to worship regularly, setting a good example for me to follow.
February 23, 2009
Learning from mistakes ...
Thomas Edison tried two thousand different materials in search of a filament for the light bulb. When none worked satisfactorily, his assistant complained, "All our work is in vain. We have learned nothing."
Edison replied very confidently, "Oh, we have come a long way and we have learned a lot. We now know that there are two thousand elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb."
ATTITUDE counts!
February 21, 2009
ATTITUDE - Rev. Charles Swindoll
The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, then circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, then circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.
February 20, 2009
I want to be Possible ...
The teacher asked her class what each wanted to become when they grew up. A chorus of responses came from all over the room.
"A football player," "A doctor," "An astronaut," "The president," "A fireman," "A teacher," "A race car driver."
Everyone that is, except Tommy.
The teacher noticed he was sitting there quiet and still.
So she said to him, "Tommy, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
"Possible" Tommy replied.
"Possible?" asked the teacher.
"Yes," Tommy said. "My mom is always telling me I'm impossible. So when I get to be big, I want to be possible."
"A football player," "A doctor," "An astronaut," "The president," "A fireman," "A teacher," "A race car driver."
Everyone that is, except Tommy.
The teacher noticed he was sitting there quiet and still.
So she said to him, "Tommy, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
"Possible" Tommy replied.
"Possible?" asked the teacher.
"Yes," Tommy said. "My mom is always telling me I'm impossible. So when I get to be big, I want to be possible."
February 15, 2009
THE INGREDIENTS OF THE DWS* TEACHING MODEL
"This means trust rather than fear,
encouragement rather than force,
cooperation rather than competition,
challenge rather than threat,
recognition rather than praise,
self-discipline rather than punishment, and
satisfaction rather than reward."
Learn more from: http://www.marvinmarshall.com/teaching_model.html
DWS* - Discipline Without Stress by Dr Marvin Marshall
encouragement rather than force,
cooperation rather than competition,
challenge rather than threat,
recognition rather than praise,
self-discipline rather than punishment, and
satisfaction rather than reward."
Learn more from: http://www.marvinmarshall.com/teaching_model.html
DWS* - Discipline Without Stress by Dr Marvin Marshall
February 13, 2009
The Aspirations of Trees ...
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story?
When things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you.
If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us.
We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."
Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story?
When things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you.
If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don't always know what God's plans are for us.
We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
February 10, 2009
PSG ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMING MONTHS ...
Interested parents, please state your interests when you reply to this email.
1. Assist as "co-invigilators" during examination periods.
2. Morning devotions (Tuesdays) 7.15-7.30am (Christian Parents)
3. School-related activities such as : Thanksgiving/Honours Night, Racial Harmony Day, International Friendship Day, Art Flair, Teachers' Day, National Day etc.
4. Craft Ministry - our PSG craft workshop features card-making, baking, craftwork, jewelry making
5. Fruit Basket Program - Arranging a basket of fruits to freshen our teachers on weekly Friday meetings.
6. Chaperone the students on class excursions.
7. PSG photographer
8. Decorating the school on major festivities e.g. Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas.
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK ... Will you lend a hand?
More questions, send us an email at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com.
1. Assist as "co-invigilators" during examination periods.
2. Morning devotions (Tuesdays) 7.15-7.30am (Christian Parents)
3. School-related activities such as : Thanksgiving/Honours Night, Racial Harmony Day, International Friendship Day, Art Flair, Teachers' Day, National Day etc.
4. Craft Ministry - our PSG craft workshop features card-making, baking, craftwork, jewelry making
5. Fruit Basket Program - Arranging a basket of fruits to freshen our teachers on weekly Friday meetings.
6. Chaperone the students on class excursions.
7. PSG photographer
8. Decorating the school on major festivities e.g. Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas.
MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK ... Will you lend a hand?
More questions, send us an email at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com.
February 09, 2009
TOTAL DEFENCE DAY - 15th February
Total Defence Day is the 1st part of the National Education (NE) series.
15th February 1942 marks the fall of Singapore to the Japanese.
Total Defence Day is a reminder to pupils that Singapore is vulnerable and we should defend ourselves.
This year, school is having Total Defence Day on 13th February (Friday).
Students will be offered simple foods like steamed sweet potatoes or mung bean soup (during recess).
**Parents who would like to volunteer for distribution of food to the pupils, please email to:
Mrs. Jenny Chin at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com
15th February 1942 marks the fall of Singapore to the Japanese.
Total Defence Day is a reminder to pupils that Singapore is vulnerable and we should defend ourselves.
This year, school is having Total Defence Day on 13th February (Friday).
Students will be offered simple foods like steamed sweet potatoes or mung bean soup (during recess).
**Parents who would like to volunteer for distribution of food to the pupils, please email to:
Mrs. Jenny Chin at presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PSG BLOG
If there is an article, a real-life experience, a story to share, words of encouragement and praise, please feel free to email to presbyterianhighpsg@gmail.com.
We look forward to receive your contributions and if you wish to remain anonymous, do let us know.
The Story of St. Valentine
In 270 A.D., marriage had been outlawed by the emperor of Rome, Claudius II. Claudius issued this decree because he thought that married men made bad soldiers since they were reluctant to be torn away from their families in the case of war. Claudius had also outlawed Christianity in this time period because he wished to be praised as the one supreme god, the Emperor of Rome. Valentine was the bishop of Interamna during this period of oppression. Valentine thought that the decrees of Rome were wrong. He believed that people should be free to love God and to marry. Valentine invited the young couples of the area to come to him. When they came, Valentine secretly performed services of matrimony and united the couples.
Valentine was eventually caught and was brought before the emperor. The emperor saw that Valentine had conviction and drive that was unsurpassed among his men. Claudius tried and tried to persuade Valentine to leave Christianity, serve the Roman empire and the Roman gods. In exchange, Claudius would pardon him and make him one of his allies. St. Valentine held to his faith and did not renounce Christ. Because of this, the emperor sentenced him to a three-part execution. First, Valentine would be beaten, then stoned, and then finally, decapitated. Valentine died on February 14th, 270 A.D.
While in prison, waiting for his sentence to be carried out, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter, the blind Asterius. During the course of Valentine's prison stay, a miracle occurred and Asterius regained her sight. Valentine sent her a final farewell note. He signed his last note, "From Your Valentine." Even today, this message remains as the motto for our Valentine's Day celebrations.
February 07, 2009
Why has Thou forsaken me?
The Mississippi River was flooding its banks and the waters were rising around Clem's house. The waters had gotten to the level of the front porch where Clem was standing. A man in a rowboat came by and called to Clem, "Hop in and I'll take you to high ground."
Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"
The river continued to rise to the second story windows and Clem, looking out, saw a powerboat come up. The man in the powerboat called to Clem, "Hop in and I'll take you to high ground."
Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"
The river had now risen to the roof of the house. Clem was sitting on the ridge at the top of the house, with the waters swirling around his feet. He saw a helicoptor fly over and the people inside yelled over a bull horn, "Grab the rope and climb in and we'll take you to high ground."
Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"
The river continued to rise and finally it engulfed the house and Clem was drowned. The next thing he knew, Clem was standing before his God. In anger, he asked God, "I put my trust in you. Why have you forsaken me?"
And his God replied, "What do you want from me? I sent you a rowboat, a powerboat, and a helicopter!"
Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"
The river continued to rise to the second story windows and Clem, looking out, saw a powerboat come up. The man in the powerboat called to Clem, "Hop in and I'll take you to high ground."
Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"
The river had now risen to the roof of the house. Clem was sitting on the ridge at the top of the house, with the waters swirling around his feet. He saw a helicoptor fly over and the people inside yelled over a bull horn, "Grab the rope and climb in and we'll take you to high ground."
Clem replied, "No, my God will save me!"
The river continued to rise and finally it engulfed the house and Clem was drowned. The next thing he knew, Clem was standing before his God. In anger, he asked God, "I put my trust in you. Why have you forsaken me?"
And his God replied, "What do you want from me? I sent you a rowboat, a powerboat, and a helicopter!"
LOOKING AT LOVE ON VALENTINE'S DAY - THE BIG PICTURE
When we talk about Valentine's Day, we think of "love". In our minds, when we think of "love", we talk about that unexplainable fluttering of feelings that are coupled with romance, flowers, chocolates etc.
That's definitely one form of love! But the truth of love is looking at the big picture.
Love is around us in many, many forms.
Doesn't matter if you are married or dating, somehow, somewhere there is love in your life in some way.
For this Valentine's Day, maybe you would like to make a list of things that you would like to do for the people whom have loved you in one way of another.
That's definitely one form of love! But the truth of love is looking at the big picture.
Love is around us in many, many forms.
Doesn't matter if you are married or dating, somehow, somewhere there is love in your life in some way.
For this Valentine's Day, maybe you would like to make a list of things that you would like to do for the people whom have loved you in one way of another.
- Sending a card to someone you haven't seen for a while, just to say hi.
- Rejoicing with someone who's had a good day!
- Taking time to think about God's care for you—and finding a way to show that care to someone else.
- Holding the door for someone at the mall or helping someone with a load of grocery
- Changing your plans to hang out with a friend who seems a little lonely lately.
- Forgiving a sibling or good friend who's hurt your feelings. Andwork hard to get the relationship back on track.
- Baking a cake or a dessert for someone whom have been nice.
- Respecting your parents, even when you disagree with them.
- Sending your friends a Valentine's Day gift (need not be expensive, just from the heart), so they know they are loved.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. - 1 John 3:1
BLESSED VALENTINE'S DAY!
THE ALPHA COURSE
What is the point of life, what happens when we die?
Is forgiveness possible?
What relevance does Jesus have in our lives today?
WHAT IS ALPHA?
The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.
It's relaxed, non-threatening, low-key, friendly and fun!
Listen, learn, discuss and discover in small groups.
This course is supported by all the main Christian denominations.
WHO IS ALPHA FOR?
Alpha is for everyone, especially:
- Those who are interested to know about Christianity
- New Christians
- Newcomers to a church
- Those who would like to brush up on the basics
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THE ALPHA COURSE, ALTHOUGH YOU MAY WANT TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS FOOD*.
*There is a meal together at each session which gives you an opportunity to get to know one another.
For interested parents, please provide your Name, Address, Post Code, Home Phone, Mobile, Email address.
More detailed info on the course outline is available at www.alpha.org.sg
The Alpha Course @ St James' Church is starting on 18 Feb through 8 May 2009, at 7.00pm. For registration & info with the church, please contact: Christine Lin, email: Christine@sjc.org.sg (tel: 6469 0715)
February 06, 2009
"TOSS TO SPRING" LOHEI - A PHS tradition
It is said that "many hands make light work" and tonight, this was put into practice as everyone (teachers, staff, parents, alumni etc.) has jointly make this celebration more meaningful, more memorable. 
A BOUQUET OF THANKS TO...
A BOUQUET OF THANKS TO...Our event coordinator - Mrs. Jenny Chin (for her detailed organization and yummy selection of food)
Our reception coordinators:
Mr. & Mrs. Ang Lee San
Mrs. Noriko Ide
Mdm Wendy Yang
Mr. Amid (our new PSG volunteer) & family
Mrs. Celia Lee
Mrs. Rose Tan
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Michael
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Michael
AND TO ALL THE PARENTS WHO HAVE JOINED US!
LISTEN TO LEARN....
Listening and valuing young people's feelings and idea promotes effective communication with them.
Listen to learn means ...
not inserting your opinons
not judging
As parents, we have a tendency to approve or disapprove what our child says. We tend to place our point of view above theirs.
It is important to let our child knows that we are a listening parent, willing to listen even though it may not result in agreement.
Listen to learn means ...
not inserting your opinons
not judging
As parents, we have a tendency to approve or disapprove what our child says. We tend to place our point of view above theirs.
It is important to let our child knows that we are a listening parent, willing to listen even though it may not result in agreement.
February 05, 2009
PRAYER IS THE TIE THAT BINDS US ...For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Jesus has promised us that where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He will be with us.
Our Parent Support Group is requesting for parents who are interested to pray for the students, teachers & school to email to us your contact so that we can arrange for a Prayer Support Group (no pun intended!) Please let us know your preferred day/s and time of the week so that we can work out a schedule.
FIND TIME TO
P - Preparing your day
R - Reaching out to others
A - Attaching less importance to material needs
Y - Yielding to God!
A prayer for all at PHS...
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame(I knew you wouldn't mind)
I asked Him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd be near you
At the start of each new day
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small
But it was for His loving care
I prayed for most of all!
February 04, 2009
Fifteen Things God Won’t Ask
God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.
God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won’t ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed.
God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.
God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.
God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.
God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you reformed your job to the best of your ability.
God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.
God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t.
God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
God won’t ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.
God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed.
God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.
God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.
God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.
God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.
God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you reformed your job to the best of your ability.
God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.
God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.
God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.
God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.
God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.
God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t.
February 03, 2009
ENCOURAGE REFLECTION ...
What is reflection?
Simply put, it is the act of thinking about our relationships, our desires and our behaviors.
The Purpose?
To stimulate internal motivation.
Internal motivation?
Most of the time, we impose on our children "externally".
Even though this will work temporarily to control them, we won't change them.
In fact, controlling others is counterproductive to the actual message we want to send.
So, how do we influence others to change themselves?
The most effective approach is to have them reflect.
Use effective questions to help in their reflection.
Here are 4 invaluable set of questions that leads to a change in behavior:
(1) What do you want?
This question stimulates thinking and leads to reflection.
(2) Is that what you are choosing to do helping get what you want?
This question leads to evaluation of one's behavior
(3) If what you are choosing to do is not getting your what you want, then what is your plan?
This question encourages the making of a plan.
(4) What are your procedures to implement the plans?
This question leads to specific steps required to carry out the plan.
Asking effective questions is a skill that requires practice.
At times, when we are about to criticize a child, STOP & THINK (of a positive question and ask)
An after-thought would be "Am I proud of the way I interacted with my child."
Simply put, it is the act of thinking about our relationships, our desires and our behaviors.
The Purpose?
To stimulate internal motivation.
Internal motivation?
Most of the time, we impose on our children "externally".
Even though this will work temporarily to control them, we won't change them.
In fact, controlling others is counterproductive to the actual message we want to send.
So, how do we influence others to change themselves?
The most effective approach is to have them reflect.
Use effective questions to help in their reflection.
Here are 4 invaluable set of questions that leads to a change in behavior:
(1) What do you want?
This question stimulates thinking and leads to reflection.
(2) Is that what you are choosing to do helping get what you want?
This question leads to evaluation of one's behavior
(3) If what you are choosing to do is not getting your what you want, then what is your plan?
This question encourages the making of a plan.
(4) What are your procedures to implement the plans?
This question leads to specific steps required to carry out the plan.
Asking effective questions is a skill that requires practice.
At times, when we are about to criticize a child, STOP & THINK (of a positive question and ask)
An after-thought would be "Am I proud of the way I interacted with my child."
February 02, 2009
MEETING GOD ... from different perspective
There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer and he started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted ! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." But before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry, so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again she smiled at him. The boy was delighted ! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old woman and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? She's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, "Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?" She replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." But before her son responded, she added, "You know, he's much younger than I expected."
A BOUQUET OF THANKS ...
Parents and staff of PHS, thank you for your support during PSG's Chinese New Year cookies' sale.
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