If your kids are too shy or not interested in joining school competitions and activities, don’t push them; just wait for them to be confident and participate at their own pace. Same goes for kids who don’t like to mingle with other kids, said Maribel Sison Dionisio, author of the book “Helping Our Children Do Well in School” (Anvil 2004).

“Some kids excel only in the later part of their grade-school years, some even when already in college,” she said. “Don’t force your kids.”

Dionisio is also the founder of Love Institute, an organization which gives lectures on how to maintain a sound relationship, and appears on the TV show “Umagang Kay Ganda” as a parenting resource person. She gives tips to parents on how to encourage kids to excel:

Spend regular time together. As much as possible don’t leave to work abroad until the kids are already 12 years old. Be there while they are growing up. Catching up is difficult if the child is already in adolescence. “This is the problem with parents who work all the time for money, but miss out on what their kids actually need—guidance. No gift can make up for that.”

For single parents, have a “co-parent.” It may be the lola, tito or tita, even the yaya. “You can’t do it alone even if you are a very strong woman; you need help in raising a child,” Dionisio said.

Have one weekly date, even when there’s little budget.

Be your child’s chief cheerleader. Make them feel good, and build self-worth. Help them feel confident to conquer new places.

Listen. Don’t dismiss what they say as nonsense. Take them seriously.

Have guidelines, and communicate with children like adults. Establish house rules.

Try not to be a stage parent, even if you are frustrated. Some kids are really late bloomers.

Exceptional kids search

To celebrate the greatness in kids, powder-juice brand Tang is holding the search for exceptional children ages 7-12 years old.

The Tang Galing Kids campaign aims to remind adults that, despite age and innocence, kids can be a channel for change.

An individual may nominate several kids. Each kid is equal to one entry. An entry must have a one-page story of the child that shows how he/she is a source of inspiration. E-mail inquiries and entries to [email protected], with subject: “Tang Galing Nomination Form,” or mail to 5thP Advertising, 55D Matahimik St., Teacher’s Village, West Diliman, Quezon City. Call 9283388.

All entries must be in by Aug. 6. Seven winners will be chosen; the kids and the nominating party will each receive P100,000 cash to be used to implement a project of their choice. Winners will be announced Aug. 23.

For dads, Dionisio also left a reminder: “Be a good husband. If a woman is happy as a wife, she will be a great mother.”