Renewing and Rekindling: Meaningful Parent-Child Moments

Grade 7 and 8 students of MGC New Life Christian Academy enjoyed a fun and fruitful Renewal and Rekindling (RnR) Day with their parents last February 13 and 20, respectively. The event featured various activities, games, and guest speakers in the auditorium and gymnasium.

The Guidance and Testing Center organizes the yearly RnR event to strengthen the connection between parents and students. Nazareth students attended the event with their mothers, while Berea students were joined by their fathers. 

During the RnR with Moms, multiple speakers addressed the importance of healthy family relationships for the Nazareth students and their mothers. Alumna and guidance counselor Lucy Rose Charlamagne Go, together with her mother Gilerose Go, shared insights on topics such as discipline, friendships, and the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships through real-life experiences. 

The day concluded with alumna and Senior High School teacher Shaina Gail Cua facilitating several bonding and reflective activities, allowing mothers to foster a deeper connection with their children. One parent shared that the event was meaningful to her as her son opened up about personal topics they did not typically discuss, making the session truly special.

Meanwhile, the Berea students enjoyed a heartwarming session at their RnR with Dads with Pastor Jebo Banzuelo, who spoke about the essence of the father-child relationship and the role of fathers in guiding their children. Following this session, a series of engaging games and sporty activities encouraged teamwork and collaboration between fathers and their children.

Sadie Bryanna Chen of Berea B explained that she and her father have conflicting schedules, making genuine conversations without distractions rare. However, this  event allowed  them to set a higher standard for  their time together. 

“With events like the RnR, you can see how taking the time out of your appointments to just have a break with your dad and talk. It shows you how much you miss [of] someone’s life, even if you’ve been gone for only a bit. It stresses the importance of updating each other and feeling comfortable enough to reconnect when you have the time,” said Chen. 

Giuliana Isabelle Tan from Nazareth B shared how the RnR strengthened her relationship with her mother, helping them communicate better, understand each other’s feelings, and handle conflicts positively. 

“I feel like our bonding time is always since we're together daily, but today was different. We did activities and shared how we feel about each other so we can improve our actions towards each other,” Tan expressed. 

“Sometimes, we need to pause and do this. Yes, we do see each other at home, but it's different when you sit down and talk,” shared Grade 7 parent Shelaine Cheung. “After the event, I realized I need to be more intentional, especially as my kids are growing and their personalities and interests change too.”