Category: Parenting

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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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AI: What Is It, and Why Do We Need to Understand It?

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, means machines that can “think” or make decisions like humans.  It uses data, patterns, and rules to solve problems, give suggestions, or even create content.  AI is already part of our daily lives, even if we don’t always notice it.

Adults often use AI in tools like online shopping apps (which suggest what to buy), GPS apps (which give the fastest route), or even social media feeds (which show what you might like).  Businesses also use AI to answer customer questions and track data.

For students, AI appears in learning apps, online translators, grammar checkers, and even math-solving tools.  Some use AI to write or generate ideas for homework and projects.

So, is AI good or bad? The answer is: it can be both.

On the positive side, AI can be very helpful.  First, it saves time.  It can quickly find answers, suggest ideas, and even check your work.  Second, it makes learning easier, giving students access to help anytime and anywhere.  Third, it can boost creativity by sparking new ideas and helping users think in fresh ways.

However, AI also has some downsides.  It can cause laziness, especially if students rely on it too much and stop thinking for themselves.  It can give wrong or biased information, since not all AI outputs are accurate or fair.  Lastly, it may affect privacy, as many AI tools collect user data, sometimes without users being fully aware.

Because of all this, we must learn how to live and learn with AI.  It is already part of our world, and it will only grow.  Students, especially, are more vulnerable.  That’s why they need guidance on how to use AI wisely and safely.

In our next blog posts, we’ll explore how we, as parents, can support our children in navigating this AI-powered world.  For now, what’s important is to stay informed and open-minded.  AI is not going away, so let’s learn how to live with it, and use it for good.

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How to Guide Children Through Decision-Making Processes

Teaching children how to make decisions is important. It helps them become confident and independent. As they grow older, they will face more choices in life. If they do not learn how to decide wisely, they may rely too much on others. This can lead to poor decisions that may affect their future.

From Small Choices to Big Decisions: How Children Learn to Decide

We can start teaching decision-making even at a young age. For children aged 1 to 3, give them limited choices. For example, ask if they want an apple or a banana. Let them choose between a doll or a bear. Allow them to pick clothes from two or three options. These simple choices help them feel in control. You can also explain things in a simple way, like, “If you don’t wear your jacket, you will feel cold.”

Raising Confident Thinkers: Teaching Kids to Make Good Choices

As they reach school age, children begin to understand reasoning. Now you can explain why one option is better than another. For example, “If you don’t do your homework, you may get low grades.” At this stage, it’s important to praise their thinking, not just the result. Say things like, “That was a smart choice,” or “You thought it through well.” Involve them in small family choices too—what to eat, where to go, or what movie to watch. This gives them practice and builds their decision-making skills.

Building Independence: The Power of Decision-Making in Childhood

Teenagers are ready for bigger decisions. Let them choose their hobbies or school courses. Ask them to think about pros and cons. Guide them to reflect after making a choice. What worked well? What didn’t? What can they do better next time? Help them connect their decisions to their personal values and family values. This helps them stay true to themselves.

Here in MILCHEL, we teach MILCHELians how to make decisions through their daily activities. For example, in Indulge, they plan games and activities together. They start with many suggestions, then discuss and choose what works best for their group’s needs and goals. After the event, they reflect on what decisions worked and what didn’t. Sometimes, they need to make quick choices on the spot—this is even more challenging than when they have time to plan. These experiences help them grow more confident, as they see the results of their decisions. The lessons they learn stay with them as they continue their journey in MILCHEL and in life.

In summary, children can learn how to make good decisions at every age. Start with small choices and grow from there. Use simple cause and effect with young kids. Teach reasoning and involve school-aged children in everyday decisions. With teens, allow bigger choices and deeper thinking. Support them with questions, praise, and reflection. This way, they grow into thoughtful and responsible adults.

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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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How to Help Children Deal with Anxiety and Stress

It is normal for the children and teens of today to experience varying levels of anxiety and stress.

Their common sources of stress are academic challenges, difficulty in maintaining satisfying social connections, and concerns about their physical appearance, especially as they grow up.

It is crucial that we, as parents, help them navigate these challenges. With social media amplifying their feelings of inadequacy—constantly comparing themselves to the idealized versions of their peers they see online—the pressure on our kids has skyrocketed.

So how do we help them deal with anxiety and stress?

Encourage Open Conversations

Many children bottle up their worries, unsure of how to express them or fearing judgment. As parents, we need to create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of criticism. Simple acts like listening attentively, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel stressed can make a huge difference. When children know they are heard and understood, their anxiety often eases.

Teach Healthy Coping Strategies

Instead of allowing stress to overwhelm them, children need practical tools to manage it. Encourage simple, effective techniques like deep breathing, journaling, or engaging in physical activities. Hobbies such as drawing, playing a musical instrument, or even taking a walk can serve as healthy outlets. By guiding them toward constructive coping mechanisms, we help them build resilience and emotional strength.

Model a Balanced Approach to Life

Children learn best by observing the adults around them. If we, as parents, are constantly anxious, overworked, or glued to our phones, they will absorb those habits. Instead, we should demonstrate a balanced approach—prioritising rest, setting realistic goals, and handling stress in a healthy manner. When they see us taking care of our own well-being, they are more likely to do the same.

In closing, anxiety and stress are part of life, but they don’t have to control our children’s well-being. By being present, equipping them with the right tools, and modelling a healthy mindset, we can guide them through these challenges with confidence. Most importantly, they need to know they are never alone in their struggles—we are always here for them.

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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
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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
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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.

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Making the Most of Your Children’s School Holiday

With the year-end school holidays upon us, it’s time for children to enjoy a well-deserved break after a year of hard work. If you’re a parent of a MILCHELian enjoying this holiday season, read on for tips to make the most of this precious time together.

First of all, children are naturally drawn to gadgets and could easily spend all day on screens if allowed. But you can guide them towards more meaningful activities by planning, suggesting, or even joining in! Every family has different levels of flexibility and availability, so remember, it’s all about balancing your responsibilities at home and work.

The single best tip is to focus on quality of activities over quantity. Quality means asking a few key questions: Will you spend time with your child in person? Will this activity expose them to new learning experiences? Will they have the chance to try or see something new? If so, it’s a great choice.

An overseas trip is a wonderful way to spend quality time together. First, traveling brings the family together in a new setting and encourages bonding. Secondly, it offers new cultural and culinary experiences that expand your child’s view of the world. Finally, whether it’s a first-time visit or a favourite destination, there’s always something exciting and fresh to see.

woman man and girl sitting on snow
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But if a trip abroad isn’t possible, there are many ways to create meaningful memories close to home. For one, you can take your child to a theatre play and introduce them to the world of performing arts. Attend a concert featuring a band they admire and show that you value their interests. Furthermore, you can try a new restaurant together, sharing a new culinary experience, or cook something special at home. Let your kids join in on grocery shopping, meal prep, and even cleanup. Finally, for a cozy option, start a movie marathon or a new series together on your favourite streaming platform.

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The options are endless, and there’s no shortage of ways to spend meaningful time with your children this holiday season. We hope these ideas inspire you to create joyful and memorable experiences with your family this year-end!

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Managing Kids’ Screen Time

In today’s digital age, screen time has become an integral part of children’s lives. While technology offers valuable learning opportunities, too much screen exposure can have negative consequences. Excessive screen time has been linked to issues like poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and impaired social skills. To ensure children grow up healthy and well-rounded, it is crucial to maintain a balanced approach to screen time and other activities.  Here are some simple strategies to manage kids’ screen time: 

Set Clear Screen Time Limits

When kids think they can use their devices for an unlimited period of time, they will happily do so.  It is important that parents set clear screen time limits for them.   As a general guide, 7 to 8-year-olds may get 1 to 1.5 hours screen time per day.  9 to 10-year-olds may get 1.5 to 2 hours per day.  11 to 12-year-olds may get 2 to 2.5 hours screen time per day.  13 to 14-year-olds may get 2.5 to 3 hours screen time per day.  15-16-year-olds may get 3 to 4 hours per day. 

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Encourage Outdoor Activities

Kids need to get outdoors, get some fresh air, and be exposed to some sun.  Get them away from their gadgets by engaging in outdoor activities.  This can be as simple as walking around or playing sports.  These activities need not be competitive.  You don’t even need to get a sports coach if you don’t want to.  Put on your shoes and spend some outdoor time with your kids.  This will be good not only for them, but also for you. 

children playing with colorful kites in the yard
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Designate Tech-Free Zones

There are times when outdoor activities are not possible, so there’s no choice but to stay indoors.  When this happens, you can assign tech-free zones at home.  Tech-free zones are places where kids and adults are not allowed to use gadgets.  A common tech-free zone at home is the dining area and the bed.  During meal times, discourage phone usage and encourage healthy conversations among family members.  During bedtime, try not to let kids use their gadgets so they can be ready for a good night’s rest. 

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Maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and other activities is essential for children’s physical, emotional, and social development. By setting clear limits and encouraging outdoor activities parents can help their kids cultivate a well-rounded lifestyle. Creating screen-free spaces will further reinforce the importance of balance. With these strategies in place, children can enjoy the benefits of technology without sacrificing their health and well-being.

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Character Development and Academic Success

Aside from physical health, there are two other utmost concerns of parents when it comes to their children.  These are their character development and academic success. We all want our children to grow up as good people who possess qualities like kindness, responsibility, and integrity.  At the same time, we hope for their academic success so they can have a bright future ahead of them. This article will explore how character development and academic success are intertwined, with the former influencing the latter.

To delve into this concept, we will examine three character traits that a child must possess and how they contribute to academic success: self-discipline, resilience, and empathy.

First, self-discipline leads to better time management and study habits. Self-disciplined children are more likely to complete their schoolwork on time and balance their academic responsibilities with other aspects of their lives. Overall, consistent effort driven by self-discipline results in improved academic performance.

kids gorming a line in scholl
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Second, resilience helps students persist through difficulties and setbacks they encounter in their studies. When they receive poor grades or fail an exam, resilient children bounce back instead of giving up. A child with a strong sense of resilience views challenges as opportunities for growth, leading to long-term success.

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Finally, empathy enables students to collaborate effectively with their peers. This ability to work well in groups is a crucial skill in today’s academic environment. For instance, group projects and peer learning benefit greatly when students practice understanding and respect. Over time, strong collaborative skills, developed through empathy, contribute to success not only academically but also in future professional settings.

the word empathy spelled out in scrabble letters
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In conclusion, these are just three examples of how character traits contribute to academic success. Indeed, character development is as important as the grades we see in our children’s report books. Therefore, fostering character development from an early age should be a priority for both parents and educators, as it directly impacts children’s academic success.

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Overcoming Communication Barriers with Your Teen

There are times when a child, especially a teen, stops talking to their parents.  Such withdrawal is concerning and very challenging.  Possible reasons for such behaviour are: the teen is seeking independence; the teen is experiencing emotional changes; the teen is experiencing stress and anxiety and could not express it well; there are conflicts and misunderstandings at home; and the teen may be feeling unsupported or judged and thus shuts other people down. 

When this happens, it is understandable for a parent to be worried.  Still, you have to step back and analyse the situation.  There is no one single solution to this problem, so we’ll talk about a three-pronged approach that could possibly work. 

focused young asian mother working remotely while children playing on sofa
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First, reflect on your communication style.  We always talk about teens needing to have self-awareness, but parents need to have high self-awareness too. Are you harsh and judgmental when you speak to your teen?  Do you focus too much on the negatives and downplay their achievements?  Are you impatient?  There are times when a child’s actions are just their response to their parents’ actions.  Reflect on your communication style and see if you could be part of the problem. 

Next, after reflecting on your communication style, create a safe and open environment for your child.  Ensure that your home is a safe and judgement-free space where your teen will feel comfortable to talk.  Truly allot time listening to your child.  Keep your gadgets away and give your teen your full attention.  Try not to aim so solve the issue immediately.  Sometimes, it may take a while for your child to really open up.  Patience is key. 

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Finally, if all else fails, it may be time to involve a trusted third party.  It could be your parents or your siblings.  Sometimes, teens may find it easier to open up to someone outside the family.  You can get help from your pastor, a therapist, or a counsellor.  Sometimes, a third party can be like a coach who can see your family issues from a different, unbiased perspective.  They may be able to facilitate you and your child patching up your relationship since they will not be taking anyone’s side. 

Remember, the goal is to reconnect with your teenager and create an environment where they feel safe and valued. While the journey may be challenging, patience, self-reflection, and the willingness to seek external support can make a significant difference. By understanding the underlying reasons for their withdrawal and taking proactive steps, you can rebuild your relationship and foster a more open communication with your teen.