Building A Treasure Trove of Memories

Let your boys test their wings. They may not be eagles, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't soar free. - C.J. Milbrandt 

Shortly before the end of School Year 2022-2023, the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School Grade 7 boys, together with their moms, had the two-part Mother and Son bonding activity. Creatively entitled, “SONshine MOMents,” the Mother and Son activity is the first onsite event collectively organized by the PREP-PUSH Office for the Grade 7 boys since onsite classes resumed in August 2022.

The first part of SONshine MOMents was a webinar entitled “Navigating The Roller Coaster Years,” that was held on April 19 with guest speaker Lissy Ann Puno. The webinar focused on helping our boys as they transition to their adolescent years. Ms. Puno guided mothers and sons as they assessed their parenting and personality styles, respectively. She also spoke about the importance of a mother’s role and influence in helping her son find a lifelong purpose and goal. She added that providing opportunities for learning and success, building confidence, constant communication, and being mindful of continuously encouraging the boys are key factors in forming our son’s goals.

Carefully curated, the webinar had discovery sessions on personality types that actively engaged the boys and moms. With an attendance of more than 500 Zoom participants, the webinar brought invaluable insights and tools in the engagement between sons and moms.

The second part was an onsite activity that was held in the High School Covered Courts last April 22.  The afternoon started with a hearty meal, an auction and raffle from the event sponsors. Photo booths were around for those who wanted groufies.

The highlight of the afternoon was the filling-up of the different pages of our respective Treasure Boxes. 

It was an opportunity for us to get to know our sons better and have an afternoon of conversation with them without the distraction of gadgets or the worry of academic work.  Not a few moms were teary-eyed as they went through the Treasure Box.  We were touched and surprised to read and hear our sons’ loving words especially since between our work and their studying, it is difficult to find time to talk to one another.  

It is hard to imagine that our babies are growing fast and will soon be teenagers. Some of them may have difficulty adjusting not just to this new phase in their lives – changes in their bodies and emotions - but adapting to the continuously changing environment as well. The SONshine MOMents allowed us mothers to grasp what they are feeling and to reassure them that we will be behind them, guiding them.  Another touching moment was the prayer for mothers and sons.  It is common for mothers to always pray for the safety of their sons, but it is rare to see sons praying over their mothers. The afternoon ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Mamert Manus, S.J.

SONshine MOMents was a truly memorable experience where core memories were built to last forever.