The Indispensable F

Back in college, we were told that our generation (those who were born 1987 up) belong to Generation “D” --- short for Generation Distracted. All the diversions in life were readily available such as Friendster, YouTube, Cellphones, PSP, and MP3 to name a few. These are said to be the culprits behind our generation’s lack of FOCUS, especially in our studies. That was years before the advent of Facebook, Twitter, Wi, and pre-paid mobile broadbands! In my mind, I tag the younger generation as GenD10… Distraction to the 10th power.


With the way technology has been evolving, it’s easy to conclude that the younger generation will have more and more distractions and diversions that will compete with their FOCUS in studies. More and more parents are faced with the challenge of raising children who will remain focused in their studies.
There is no perfect solution to this problem. However, parents can take a cup of T.E.A to develop the Indispensable F in their child:


T- Teach your child to play CHESS.
Chess is the most misunderstood, and oftentimes underrated, sport. People would always run away from learning the game as they’d say chess is either for the mentally-gifted, genius, or for the boring and uninteresting people.
However, a cognitive study conducted in Europe among children ages 5-12 years old found out that chess as a board game, is an excellent mind stimulant that helps children develop maturity thinking. More than that, chess puzzles and openings help children improve their memory skill.
Good memory + Sound judgment = FOCUS.


E- Enroll your child in academic programs that will make them love studying.
THAT WILL MAKE THEM LOVE STUDYING. This is the part that most parents overlook when enrolling their child in academic programs. Most schools offer after class programs that are geared towards improving a child’s academic performance. However, not all seem enjoyable. In fact, students who are placed in tutorial programs would complain about the bulk of work that they have to do. So better choose what program your child will be in or scout for schools that offer really good after-class activities.

One program that I know of is the Abacus Mental Math Program in Southville International School and Colleges, an international school South of Metro Manila. This program, also open to non-SISC students, teaches children more than just mental math; it teaches them concentration and focus. (Click on the link for after-class programs. www.southville.edu.ph)


A-Always train your child in the way that he/she should go.

Start them young. Train them up in the way that you would want them to be and with proper guidance and support, your child can never be in disarray. Help him/her discover and reach his/her goal. For sure, he/she will have that indispensable F not only in his/her studies but in his/her life as well.




Chess photo from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/terms.php