Supporting Our Child's Activities in School
5:53 PM
My youngest daughter loves being part of any school activity that requires her to dress up for the role. The excitement we see in her whenever she does manage to be included in such an activity is so genuine that we find it hard to tell her not to. It isn't that we don't like her to be active in school, in fact, we do. The main problem here is having to produce the required costumes. Mothers like me can readily identify with this dilemma given the high cost of ready-made costumes, and to think that it will only be used for several hours at the most.
The simplest children's costume can easily run up to a thousand pesos especially if accessories will be required to complete the look. We bought costumes for her for the first two activities she joined but later found a more cost-effective way of supporting my daughter's interest. My husband and I became "experts" in converting her existing clothes into convincing costumes.
Every time her need for a costume arises, the first thing we do is find one or two clothes of hers that will form the basic costume. After which, I raid my supply of trinkets and accessories which are comprised of previously used and worn items. Most of them came from my mother who has a propensity for buying accessories that are in fashion. Whenever she tires of these accessories, she knows who to call on disposal time - me.
My husband for his part taps on his artistic talent to come up with accessories that will have to be handcrafted from available art supplies. By sheer determination, we will come up with something to wear for my daughter in spite of limited funds. We even manage to surprise ourselves with some of the most outstanding results of our efforts.
My Say
There are times that it will be difficult to support our children's activities, interests, and dreams. It is during these times that parents learn to be resourceful because whatever our situation, we will always be the last persons to want our children to appear "lacking" in parental support.
Today, my daughter plays the part of a strawberry for their school's annual celebration of Nutrition Month. Nothing beats seeing her proudly wearing the fruits (pun intended) of our efforts.
That said, I am expecting more creative challenges to come as my husband and I continuously support our children's activities in school. If there are schools like Preshil that encourages children to follow their passion and discover their potential, we parents can do no less to our own children.
28 comments
aww! that's so cute! supporting your child all the way is one of the best ways to get their trust - even when they are older. :)
ReplyDeleteyes, it requires effort but is definitely worthwhile. You should be hearing her now while I'm writing this about how her teacher and classmates praised her costume, very fulfilling.
ReplyDeleteParenting is such a challenging job but it looks like you're doing well and finding ways to meet your daughter's needs.
ReplyDeleteGoodness! Now, you're a costume designer. What other talents have you got under your sleeve? Aahh.. the things parents do for their children. They are so blessed.
ReplyDeleteParents have no choice but to be a jack of all trades, that's how we survive ha ha!
ReplyDeletesaluting you and your hubby for being supportive parents! hope you can drop by: http://www.occasionsofjoy.com/2012/07/wisdom-of-seasoned-ladies.html
ReplyDeleteI love to join my kids to activities too without worrying the expenses too.I learned to recycle old stuff and even go to thrift store to save money.
ReplyDeleteAs a budding costume designer (for your children) ,you'll be able to enhance your creativity through time and that would be great! Hehe! If that makes them happy, so go and be creative!!
ReplyDeleteThe varying school requirements of kids does teach you to be resourceful.
ReplyDeleteSupporting your kids all through out while they are young will help them build self confidence.
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to this. Two years ago my daughter had a UN activity and we spent 2k for her Panama costume. Tsk. We decided to transfer her to another school. Her old school kept on having these expensive activities to the detriment of her academic education and the pockets of her parents!
ReplyDeleteIn fairness to my daughter's school, most of their activities that require costumes are voluntary. It just so happens that my daughter really likes to be part of such activities. We just don't have the heart to say no thus our efforts to come up with "home-styled" costumes.
ReplyDeleteyou daughter's so lucky to have you as a mom. you're very supportive!
ReplyDeleteThanks rachelle, we do try our best in our given circumstances
ReplyDeleteinvestment in time but all worth the memories
ReplyDeleteGenius costume! Such resourceful and creative 'rents! Bracing myself for similar issues when the baby doll grows older. Should be fun.
ReplyDeleteVery supportive indeed! Its good that she's active not just with her acads but also with the extra curricular activities in school.
ReplyDeletevery creative! we do the same.. mmm, not me pala ung hubby ko, he'd be creative too with the mending and all hehe..
ReplyDeleteVery cool costume!! Thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteRizza (beingwell)
really good paretns you both dear!! i always admire parents like you guys! keep inspiring! xx
ReplyDeleteMany thanks. Parents must always try,right?
ReplyDeleteIt is good for both of you parents do genuinely support your child's activities. You want her to be actively participate in such activity just like joining in a Nutrition Month. Parents, I know, love their children so much. That's a good parenting.
ReplyDeleteI admire hands-on parents who are very supportive to their children. My son just started schooling and I will do my best to support him as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to always support your childs activities in school. I do that with my sister and my son.
ReplyDeletewow congratulation! working with your kids to create the costume in a very engaging way paves a way for you and your kids to bond more while you are actually helping them create their creative part.
ReplyDeleteAwww, your daughther is a very pretty strawberry! Admirable craftmanship. :)
ReplyDeleteI could only nod in agreement to many truths, while reading your blog.
It's the same predicament every where around the globe for all parents. Whether we were still living in Germany or now in the Netherlands.
We have three girls, and the cost of buying costumes for all three could be a dizzying experience the whole year around!
Recyling the clothes (handing it down from the oldest to the youngest) has been the first valuable lesson we were thought by more experienced parents. Redesigning, is another favourite. Also we have learnt to buy clothes/costumes that are multi-purpose, so the girls do not only wear it for a particular event but they could either use it for the entire season i.e. cute white eyelet dresses as a costume for 100 year celebration of the school will be their Summer dresses.
Thanks very much Joanna. As they say, only parents can understand parents.
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice strawberry costume. You're very creative. My daughter loves joining school activities too and just like you, I am her designer.
ReplyDeleteLet us know what you think