By: JEMNAH A.MACABE ,Ph.D.

     If “time and tide wait for no man “ then ,certainly ,the passage of the years and the rise and ebb of changing values have made their inroads into the basic social unit that we know of as the family.

     Filipinos in general regard the education of their children as a capital investment  , so much so ,that no sacrifice is too great just to enable them to realize their goal.  Where  , before ,education was not given so much importance, at present it is held in high regard .

     But in return for the sacrifice of  time , money ,and effort ,what kind of education does he get ? Most often the end result falls far short of the expectation  . In this highly competitive world where job opportunities wait for those with the necessary qualifications ,what kind of education will fill the individual’s needs ?

      The education of the child begins at home .Parents play an active role in the realization of the kind of future they would like their children to have and in the kind of community they would like them to live in. This is especially true in this pandemic which has brought about the New  Normal . Face-to face classes have been replaced with the different learning modalities. Distant learning has taken roots in every household. Learners have been  at home to continue with their studies.

       Parents have taken another role as learning facilitators forging partnership with the teachers of their children .It is high time for the parents to seriously examine their relationship with their child .Besides the knowledge gained from the modules ,books , activity sheets ,radio-based instruction  and the like ,the mistaken belief that money and material things guarantee a lasting bond still holds true. There can be no substitute for love and affection , for caring ,for a little time to forge a meaningful relationship .Things should not be taken for granted . Children should know that their parents care ,in words and in deeds. They need the reassurance that what happens to them affects their parents .They need to know that their joys and successes are their parents ,too, their frustrations and disappointments can hurt and hurt deep.

      Parents must be role models of their children. If they have prepared their children to an education that comes up with providing them material security ,satisfaction for their quest for knowledge ,inspiration and encouragement for achievement, regard for values and appreciation for beauty ,and a strong faith in the Almighty-then I can truly say, “Well done ,my dear parents !”