My childhood memories. I am really a very quiet type of a child living within very busy streets in Baguio. I remember when I was 10 years old, every time my mom got her “basket” I know she is ready to go to the market. So I would get up and prepare myself. Each morning my mom had to take me with her in the market. I was always excited to see lots of dolls everywhere in that area. So one day I asked mom if she can buy one for me and she did it. She bought the doll with one condition. I better take good care of my things because I can’t have anything I want. This piece of advice laid the foundations of my values, attitude, my beliefs and my character.
Though I used to be with my mom, I remember I’ve always wanted to be by my dad’s side. I could say, he is a disciplinarian dad but with a soft heart. My mom and dad thought me a lot, from washing the dishes to fold laundry. They had the best deal when I and my brothers want to play outside. Finish household chores and go!
Our parents always reminded us to love each other no matter how big or small the fight is. Perhaps sibling rivalry is normal. I can’t remember if my parents ever spanked us. A few slaps on our hands is enough for the wrong things we have done. Slaps makes us angry because we can’t do what we wanted to do for the moment. I believe that there is nothing wrong with slapping on the hands. Then he would ask us to re-think over our mistakes. They always emphasized us that they loved us. This was my parents approach same as B.F Skinner’s approach to correct our behaviors and to be responsible well-mannered child. Why would I angry to them? Our love for them never changed. Our parents provided a roof, a bed to sleep in and a food to survive.
My childhood experiences helped me to become the best version of myself. I improved sense of my responsibility and decision making. I see confidence in me because of my loved ones. I know that living in a digital world where few of the parents, if any, are do not believe in this kind of punishment nowadays. There are some practices that I want to repeat with my own child in the future. Every parent is trying their best way to brings up their children to end up being a good member of the society. I would always cherish my childhood days!
Marie Paz's Journey 