To the Top – Nourished by Parent’s Love and Encouragement – Christine Lagarde, France
Tag Archives: Training
Yay! We Found Honest Aliyah – “Honesty Pays”
Naalehu, Hi. – Last year elementary school student Aliyah found a $10.00 bill in Union 76 Wiki-Wiki Mart; it was on the floor in front of the sales counter. Knowing somebody lost money she shared her story with Peter, her bus driver, who turned it over to the store’s lost and found. Since nobody claimed it we had to find Aliyah during school break.
A Facebook post looking for Aliyah was initiated. YAY, we found Aliyah! “Liking” the story other people donated to Aliyah to reward her for her integrity and honesty, including a California Judge who has been on the bench for 27 years. Aliyah was presented with the $10 bill plus $161.00.”Honesty Pays”.
In today’s society it seems people are losing their honesty and integrity; our children are seeing horrific news on TV and portable social media devices. Children are seeing too much about presidential candidates accused of lying or cheating. What kinds of impression are we leaving for our children who will lead our communities and country’s future. We all can help by encouraging and promoting honesty and integrity… let’s make a country of honest children.
Thank you to Aliyah’s parents Pastor Troy and Heather Gacayan; we were pleasantly surprised that Aliyah’s parents are the senior pastor at River of Life Church in Pahala. Peter Serfin, Bus Driver, works for the Volcano School of Arts and Science; Peter is the former Editor of Orchid Isle Magazine, he enjoys helping children.
Together we can train children in the way to go.
by Carl Okuyama
Teach No Fear, Confidence, and Focus
Haleiwa Hawaii – Today was Jeffo’s day off from his work. While on the golf course he get’s a call to take President Barack Obama for a jet ski ride; he didn’t answer his phone. Jeffo’s reply was, “missed a chance of a lifetime”. Jeffo and buddies have built a good reputation “Best Lifeguards on the Planet” by Honolulu Magazine December 2013.
Here’s our son Jeffery Okuyama, aka “Jeffo”, doing what he loves doing best, saving lives.
How did Jeffo get this way:
1) Show them how without fear or reservations. He started swimming before walking.
2) Dispel myths before the children watch the TV that may teach them fear. A good idea was taking the children to the graveyard on a full moon to share with the children how peaceful a graveyard is. The headstones were reflecting the full moon, we enjoyed the peacefulness.
3) During a freak 5:00 am, 80 mile per hour wind storm bringing the children out from their comfortable beds to show them this “cool” experience and opportunity was a good idea. Tall tree’s were snapping across the street; we just had to remind the children to be careful and be focused on what’s going on… think!
4) Prayer works. After winning the State swimming event for the Butter Fly stroke, Jeffo calls as I’m out-of-town, he asked “I prayed before the event, did that help?”
Today, Jeffo is a water safety officer for the City & County of Honolulu, “buddy doubles” as a stunt on Hawaii Five-O, swims with sharks in their caves, hire to do commercials, has a jet ski service business, gave Heather Locklear surfing lessons, and loves taking his niece for a swim or ride on the surfboard. Jeffo remains quiet and keeps a humble social presence. He love’s what he does, we thank God for everything.
We have three children, each one different, with different talents, skills, with the same friendly spirit with less fear than many.
Encourage and train them in the way to go. Have fun with your children and enjoy parenting.
By Carl Okuyama
Teach Children to Cook – Let Them Try with Encouragment
It was a surprise to see this photo of our grand child Andee cooking next at the hot gas stove. At first, I was afraid of Andee burning herself; she’s only 3 1/2 years old. Mommy, Kimberly reassured me that it was safe and she was next to Andee each step of the way, from coating the egg wash, adding the flour, and slowly placing the pork cutlet (Tonkastu style) into the hot pan. Kimberly happily said , “you should have seen the kitchen later, what a mess!”. As a Christmas holiday idea here’s the recipe for Ginger Bread Men Cookies.
Children are eager to learn and they want to try; allowing them to try builds their confidence and knowledge. It’s alright for them not to success the first time, it’s a good opportunity to encourage them to try again.
When we patiently train a child in the way go, it works! It’s sure better than them always wanting to eat out at endless fast food restaurants. Train them to cook and eat healthy, it’s also economical. Grandma Amy, Party Time Pals, says, “children learn when you show them.”
By Grandpa Carl Okuyama
Starts at Home 