Category: Important of education

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How Can Adults Guide Children in an AI-Powered World?

Today’s students use AI more than we think.  The most commonly used tools include ChatGPT, Gemini (by Google), Microsoft Copilot, Grammarly, and Quillbot. These platforms can help students write, brainstorm, summarise, and learn faster. When used properly, AI can support thinking, spark creativity, and make learning more engaging.  But like any tool, it depends on how it’s used.  This is where we adults come in.  We must teach our children how to use AI wisely, not blindly.  

So what skills and habits do they need?

First, children must learn to be inquisitive.  Teach them to ask questions, and then ask follow-up questions.  If they get an answer, tell them to ask, “Why is this the answer?” or “Can I look at it another way?”  AI often gives answers confidently, but that doesn’t always mean the answer is correct.

Second, fact-checking is a must.  Students should learn to cross-check answers with trusted sources, especially websites ending in .gov, .edu, or .org.  These are more likely to offer accurate and reliable information.

Third, teach students not to rely on just one source.  One AI answer is not enough.  Encourage children to read from multiple sources, watch interviews with real experts, and even talk to real people when possible.  AI is helpful, but it should not replace human judgment or experience.

Fourth, stop students from being lazy.  A recent study suggests that relying too much on tools like ChatGPT can reduce brain activity linked to critical thinking and memory.  If students let AI do all the thinking, their own thinking muscles weaken.  We must remind them that learning still requires effort.

And finally, remind students to use AI to their advantage – not as a shortcut, but as a support.  Let AI help you get started, give ideas, or explain difficult topics.  But always add your own thoughts, understanding, and voice.

In conclusion, AI is not something we should fear.  It’s something we should learn to manage.  As adults, we need to model curiosity, critical thinking, and responsibility.  With the right guidance, our children can thrive in this AI-powered world, not by following AI blindly, but by thinking smarter, deeper, and more independently.

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The Dangers Brought by AI: Why We Need to Stay Alert

AI is smart.  But sometimes, it can be too smart for our own good.  There have been real cases where adults and professionals who are educated and experienced have been tricked by AI.  One woman received a video call from what looked and sounded exactly like her boss.  He asked her to send money to a bank account, and she did.  Later, it turned out to be an AI-generated deepfake.  Another case involved a lawyer who used AI to help write a legal case.  To his dismay, the AI had invented fake cases and sources, costing him credibility.  In another story, a company manager followed instructions from an AI-generated voice of their CEO and unknowingly handed over sensitive company information.

If trained adults can be fooled by AI, what more our children?

Kids and teenagers are online all the time.  But they may not always know how AI is being used around them.  For example, in online games, children may talk to strangers who use AI tools to change their voice or face.  These strangers may not be who they say they are.  Some teens have even been tricked into online relationships with predators who use AI to appear young or friendly.  Others may be fooled into buying low-quality products after reading AI-generated fake reviews.  And with tools that can copy voices or faces, kids may believe things that simply are not real.

These dangers are real.  AI can be used to cheat, lie, or trap people, especially those who are young or unaware.  But while we cannot stop AI from growing, we can learn how to protect ourselves and our children.  Parents, teachers, and students all need to learn how to spot red flags, question what they see online, and stay alert.

In our next blog post, we will talk about what we adults can do to guide our children in this AI-filled world.  With the right awareness and habits, we can stay one step ahead, and help our kids do the same.

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Encouraging Milchelians to Participate in Charity Work

At Milchel, charity work is a regular part of the school year. It’s not just an activity—we treat it as a learning experience. 

Being compassionate is one of our 7 Core Values: Magnanimous, Integrity, Loving-kindness, Compassionate, Holistic Living, Effort, and Leadership. We make sure Milchelians learn what compassion truly means by getting involved in real acts of charity.

We start by asking questions. First, we show the children the reality of those in need. This could be through videos, news articles, or stories. Then we ask, “Why should you help?” or “What does this have to do with you?” These questions make them think deeply. They begin to reflect and often say, “Yes, why shouldn’t I help?” Children have a natural sense of empathy. We just guide it in the right direction.

We also teach that helping is not always about giving money. Yes, money helps—but time and presence matter just as much. Many of our Milchelians have joined non-monetary projects. They’ve organised games for underprivileged kids, visited the elderly, and packed groceries for low-income families. These acts require effort and heart. Through them, students learn that their hands and time can change lives.

Charity work also teaches gratitude. As Milchelians help others, they start to see their own blessings. They become more thankful for their families, education, and daily comforts. They grow in awareness and begin to value what they have even more.

In summary, Milchel believes in building character through action. We expose children to the realities of others, ask the right questions, and let them experience the joy of helping. A compassionate child grows up to be a caring adult. That adult, in turn, teaches compassion to their own children. Imagine the impact if every generation carried this forward. At Milchel, we’re doing our part—one compassionate child at a time.

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Developing Confident Milchelians

Today, let’s talk about how Milchel helps Milchelians grow in confidence and self-esteem. There is no single way to build a child’s character. It takes a mix of different methods, consistent effort, and lots of practice in real-life situations. Confidence and self-worth don’t just happen—they’re developed with care, intention, and time.

Why is confidence important? For students, confidence helps them try new things, speak up in class, and handle challenges. It allows them to take risks and learn from mistakes. Later in life, this same confidence helps them thrive in the workplace. They’ll be able to communicate well, lead projects, and adapt to change. When they become parents, confidence allows them to guide their own children with strength and assurance. Confidence carries over into every stage of life.

At Milchel, we believe in these 5 Key Traits: Awareness, Discipline, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Confidence. These values guide everything we do. Confidence is one of our Key Traits because we believe it’s essential to a child’s growth. When a child believes in themselves, they unlock their full potential.

One of our main confidence-building activities is Indulge. In this program, students plan and carry out activities on their own. They brainstorm, organise meetings, manage logistics, create posters, make announcements, and run the event. Afterward, they meet to reflect on what went well and what they can improve. They all start at the same level, so no one feels left out. This helps them feel safe to try, fail, learn, and try again. It’s hands-on, it’s student-led, and it works. These real experiences are also supported by occasional guidance talks and structured teaching sessions.

Confidence also grows through academics. At Milchel, students regularly set their own targets. When they work hard and start reaching those goals—bit by bit—their self-confidence grows. Small wins matter. Every completed assignment, every improved grade, every step forward tells them, “I can do this.” This mindset fuels their motivation and builds a deeper belief in their own abilities.

In summary, Milchel builds confidence in many ways. Through values education, group activities, target-setting, and everyday wins, our students develop self-belief that lasts. Confidence doesn’t happen overnight. But here at Milchel, students learn to trust themselves—one experience at a time.

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How to Inspire Children to Pursue Their Passions and Interests

While academics are essential in a child’s life, their world should not revolve around school alone. From toddlerhood, children show early signs of interest—whether in sports, music, arts, or other activities beyond books. Others may discover their passions later. No matter when these interests appear, it’s important for us as parents to notice them and offer support in any way we can.

So, what kind of support can we give to inspire them? If your child loves sports, enrol them in lessons. Buy them the proper gear. Watch games together. Introduce them to other kids who share the same passion. This not only boosts their motivation but also builds early connections.

If your child leans toward the arts, find them a good teacher. Provide quality art materials. Bring them to galleries or art fairs. Encourage them to express themselves freely.

For children who love music, hire a vocal coach or music teacher. Let them join singing groups or bands. Play music at home. Let them explore different genres. Talent alone isn’t enough. Children need training, guidance, and exposure to grow.

If their interests are in science, computers, or other fields, do your research. Look for workshops, online courses, clubs, or mentors. There are many ways to nurture their curiosity.

Even if their interests differ from ours, we must accept that our children are not our clones. It’s okay if they choose a different path. What matters is that they show passion and potential. Our job is to encourage and support them.

In summary, supporting children’s passions means being present, investing time, and providing the right tools and exposure. School and personal interests can go hand in hand. Both can help build a more balanced, confident, and well-rounded individual. As they grow, guide them in managing their time and setting priorities. With our support, they can pursue their dreams without losing sight of their education—and become the best versions of themselves.

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What Students Learn While Staying at Milchel

At Milchel, we care for students in every aspect of their development—physical, academic, and character. We go far beyond simply providing a place to stay. Milchelians, as we fondly call them, grow into responsible, balanced, and purpose-driven individuals.

Physical care

We provide physical care by giving students a clean and safe place to live. We serve them healthy, nutritious meals daily. Our team encourages them to build habits that support well-being. They learn to shower regularly, eat healthily, and stay active instead of being sedentary. These routines help them build a foundation for lifelong wellness.

Academic Care

We also support academic growth and offer a quiet and focused study environment. We guide students in setting academic goals and planning their studies. They learn to organise tasks and manage their time. When needed, we provide tutorial support. In the process, Milchelians learn to take charge of their learning journey.

Character Care

What truly sets Milchel apart is our commitment to character development. From primary to tertiary levels, all students join programs that build values and integrity. These activities match their age and stage in life. Character-building isn’t a side effort—it’s at the core of everything we do.

Our values form the heart of Milchel. These seven core principles spell out MILCHEL: Magnanimous, Integrity, Loving-kindness, Compassionate, Holistic living, Effort, and Leadership. To help students live out these values, we develop five key traits in them: Awareness, Discipline, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Confidence.

We do this through daily teaching, guidance talks, group games, and shared experiences. These activities shape character in simple, meaningful ways.

At Milchel, we believe academic success isn’t enough. Our true mission is to raise principled individuals—students who leave not only with knowledge, but with strong character.

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The Role of Technology in Enhancing Children’s Learning Experiences

Many parents have plenty of concerns about the harms of technology on our children. And this worry is warranted. It’s really a scary world out there—from online bullying and AI that’s everywhere, to distracting online games, social media, and harmful individuals hiding behind screens—parents are right to be worried.

One of the biggest concerns parents have is how technology disrupts students’ learning. However, this should not always be the case. Technology is a double-edged sword, and if our kids know how to protect themselves from its dangers, they can use its advances to their advantage—especially when it comes to learning. Here are some ways:

Access to a World of Knowledge

The internet has placed an endless amount of information at our children’s fingertips. Educational platforms, e-books, online courses, and even free documentaries allow them to explore subjects beyond their school curriculum. Whether they want to learn a new language, explore science experiments, or study history, technology provides resources that make learning more engaging and self-directed.

Interactive and Personalized Learning

Unlike traditional learning methods, technology enables interactive learning experiences through educational apps, games, and simulations. Many platforms also adapt to a child’s pace, providing personalized lessons based on their strengths and weaknesses. This helps children grasp concepts better and stay motivated in their studies.

Enhancing Creativity and Critical Thinking

Many digital tools encourage creativity, from music and art apps to coding platforms and video editing software. Technology allows children to create, experiment, and problem-solve, helping them develop critical thinking skills that will be useful in their academic and future careers.

In closing, technology is neither inherently good nor bad—it depends on how it is used. While there are legitimate concerns about its negative impact, we must also recognize its potential to enrich learning. By guiding our children to use technology responsibly and purposefully, we can help them unlock opportunities that enhance their education, creativity, and critical thinking. Instead of fearing technology, we should equip our children to use it wisely and to their advantage.

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The Importance of Time Management for Kids and Teens

As parents, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities—work, household chores, errands, and family time. No matter how much we try, there never seems to be enough hours in a day. Have you ever wished you had learned time management earlier in life? Many of us struggle with balancing priorities because we were never explicitly taught how to manage our time effectively.

Now, think about our children. With school, homework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, they are also facing a growing list of responsibilities. If time management is a challenge for us as adults, how much more for them? Teaching kids this essential skill early on will not only help them manage their daily tasks but also set them up for success in the future.

Here are some key points on the importance of learning time management for kids and teens: 

Helps with Academic Success

Good time management allows children to complete homework, study effectively, and avoid last-minute cramming. It leads to better grades and less stress.

Reduces Stress and Overwhelm

Kids and teens who manage their time well feel more in control of their tasks and responsibilities, reducing anxiety and frustration.

Builds Responsibility and Independence

Learning to plan and prioritize teaches children to take ownership of their schedules, making them more responsible as they grow.

Creates a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Effective time management ensures that children have time for school, hobbies, relaxation, and socialising, preventing burnout.

Prepares Them for Adulthood

Mastering time management early helps children develop habits that will benefit them in their careers and personal lives in the future.

By helping our children develop time management skills, we are giving them a lifelong advantage. When they learn to balance their responsibilities early on, they grow into adults who can handle challenges with confidence and efficiency. More importantly, they gain the ability to make time for what truly matters—learning, personal growth, relationships, and well-being. As parents, we can guide them in this journey, ensuring they build a foundation that will serve them well into the future.

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How to Cultivate Resilience in Children to Face Life’s Challenges

Last week, we explored the value of gratitude and why it is essential for children and teens to learn it. This week, we turn our focus to another crucial trait that children must develop—one that will serve them well into adulthood. That trait is resilience.

What is resilience?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversities, adapting to challenges, setbacks, and difficulties. Simply put, it is staying strong in tough times, learning from failures, and continuing to move forward despite obstacles. With the highly stressful academic demands that children face today, resilience is a crucial skill. In a world where social interactions are increasingly shifting online, resilience can also help children navigate relationships and overcome difficulties in their social lives.

How can we teach children to be resilient?

Here are some simple yet effective ways to start:

First, teach children that failures and mistakes are part of learning. Praise their effort rather than just their success so they see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to quit. When children understand that setbacks are stepping stones to success, they become more motivated to keep trying.

Second, allow children to solve their own problems. This does not mean neglecting them, but rather giving them the space to think critically and find their own solutions. Avoid rushing to fix everything for them. When they face difficulties, guide them in thinking through possible solutions instead of providing immediate answers. This builds confidence and problem-solving skills. Be there in the background, offering support while allowing them to take centre stage.

Lastly, help children understand and manage their emotions. Encourage them to talk about their feelings, use deep breathing when upset, and find positive ways to cope with stress. Resilient children are not those who never feel frustration or disappointment but those who learn how to handle these emotions in a healthy way.

Resilience is not built overnight, but with patience, encouragement, and the right mindset, children can develop the strength to face life’s challenges with confidence. By teaching them to embrace failures as learning experiences, solve their own problems, and regulate their emotions, we equip them with a lifelong skill that will serve them well in school, relationships, and future careers. Let’s nurture resilience in our children today so they can stand strong no matter what life throws their way.

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Teaching Children the Importance of Gratitude

Do you remember your own childhood days when your parents reminded you to say some “magic words” whenever you received something? That magic word was “thank you.” For most of us, those gentle reminders were the first lessons in gratitude.

What is gratitude?

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It is the ability to recognize and appreciate the kindness of others and the good things in life. A grateful child grows into an adult who values relationships, sees the positive in situations, and understands the importance of giving back.

a woman in blue denim jeans hugging her daughter while holding flowers
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com

Why should we teach our children gratitude?

First, children who practice gratitude tend to be more positive and satisfied with life. Instead of focusing on what they don’t have, they learn to appreciate what they do have. This simple shift in mindset leads to greater joy and emotional well-being.

Second, a child who learns to say “thank you” sincerely builds deeper connections with family, friends, and teachers. When children appreciate others, they become more caring and thoughtful, which helps them form meaningful relationships.

Finally, when children recognise the kindness of others, they are more likely to be kind themselves. Gratitude teaches them to look beyond their own needs and to consider how they can give back, whether through small acts of kindness or simply expressing appreciation.

How can we teach gratitude at home?

The best way is to practice it daily. Make saying “thank you” an automatic response in appropriate situations. Show gratitude in your own actions—thank your children when they help, appreciate your spouse’s efforts, and acknowledge even the small kindnesses in daily life. Children learn best by example.

happy mother and children hugging at home
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

How do we teach gratitude in Milchel?

Beyond reminding Milchelians to express thanks to staff and to one another, we also lead by example.  We thank them for their efforts in their studies. We appreciate their participation in activities.  We also show appreciation when they take care of the house.

More than this, we expose them to charity so they can learn gratitude.  How so?  When children participate in charity, they see life beyond their own experiences and learn to appreciate what they have. Helping those in need shifts their mindset from entitlement to gratitude, as they realise not everyone has the same privileges. They also learn that happiness isn’t about material things but about kindness, relationships, and giving. Most importantly, they experience the joy of making a difference, which deepens their appreciation for both what they have and their ability to help others.

Gratitude is a habit that begins at home. By teaching our children to appreciate the good around them, we give them a gift that will benefit them for years to come.