A new school year has started! Aside from excitement, kids and their parents may also feel anxious about whether they are ready to face the new challenges in school. This is why much preparation is needed, especially since many schools are returning to face-to-face classes.

School readiness is often measured by the kids’ ability to read and write before school starts. However, aside from their physical and cognitive skills, parents should also give importance to developing their child's EQ, which involves social and emotional skills.

With children now more dependent on technology, their exposure and activities outside their homes may cause fears, anxieties, and even delayed brain development. Parents get more anxious during school opening season, plagued by the thought that they may not be doing enough to prepare their kids for school.

In an event presented by Enfagrow A+ Four NuraPro dubbed "Getting Kids School-Ready, Future Ready!" actress-TV host Iza Calzado-Wintle talked to fellow parents and experts about ways to develop children’s IQ and EQ to make them ready for challenges and have a smooth transition into the new school year.

DETERMINE THE RIGHT LEARNING APPROACH

Tina Zamora, Director of Nest School for Whole Child Development, stressed the importance of determining which learning approach is best for your kids.

"It starts with understanding your child's learning style and interests. Montessori education centers on self-directed learning and hands-on exploration. Traditional learning might be suitable if they thrive in structured environments and value clear guidelines. On the other hand, if they're curious, creative, and enjoy exploring progressive learning, they could be a better fit."

Dr. Ma. Theresa Arranz-Lim, founding member and former president of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, further explained how the different learning approaches help shape children’s IQ and EQ.

"Adopting the growth mindset is very relevant now—applying what you’ve learned, accepting feedback, and learning from mistakes. Children are happier when they are affirmed; they feel safe and protected. Whether it's Montessori, traditional, or progressive, giving the best care to children helps them become smart and emotionally aware. Keep in mind that every child is unique."

For example, child star Annika Co, has showcased her wit and talents on TV appearances.

According to her parents, Adrian and Anne Co, Annika has been using the applied learning approach as part of her homeschooling since she was six. As supportive parents, they allowed their child to do whatever activities would help her develop her talents further.

Adrian and Anne related, "Our parenting style is tactical—we expose her and involve her. An example of how she learns math better and finds it attractive is that when we go to the grocery store, she will do simple addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Also, consistency is key so we have the same rules and set of values. We don’t want to confuse Annika."

Celebrity mom Coleen Garcia shared the same experience with her son, Amari.

"We spend a lot of time with him and expose him to various experiences because we want Amari to adapt to different environments and interact with people. When we were in Paris, we rode buses and trains, and when we were at home, we exposed him to everyday chores like laundry day, cooking time, etc. We are doing it slowly, using a lot of intuitive tools. That way, we can observe his learning interests."

Educator Tina Zamora approves Coleen and Annika’s parents’ way of enriching their kids’ learning experience.

In addition, s/he said communicating these experiences to their teacher would help make them school-ready.

"It’s true what they say: it takes a village to raise a kid. The key is collaboration among teachers, parents, and caregivers. We need to observe and see their strengths and weaknesses to give them an essential support system.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MFGM IN DEVELOPING IQ AND EQ

Being a parent means wanting the absolute best for our child. It's about teaching them things and helping them be kind and strong in this big world.

Enfagrow A+ Four stands alongside parents on this journey, believing that a strong mind and a kind heart go hand in hand in making them ready for school.

Dr. Lim reminded parents of the importance of early nutrition to sustain and aid children’s overall development.

"If you want your kid to have a higher IQ and EQ, start them early," she said.

"A well-balanced diet and drinking milk, particularly with essential components, help support brain development, memory, and focus, ultimately enhancing a child's cognitive abilities. And a well-nourished brain also supports emotional regulation and social interactions."

Dr. Lim gives food samples rich in essential nutrients for a child’s IQ and EQ development.

MFGM, which stands for Milk Fat Globule Membrane, is an essential nutrient and contains bioactive compounds that support brain development, including cognitive function, emotional development, and overall growth in children.

To further help boost their IQ and EQ, experts still advise toddlers to drink milk regularly. Enfagrow A+ Four Nurapro and Enfagrow Gentlease 3+ are the only milk formula among staged milk with MFGM that is clinically proven to help give higher IQ and EQ to last until school age, with proper nutrition and stimulation. For kids with sensitive tummies, there is Enfagrow Gentlease 3+ with PHP (partially hydrolyzed proteins), a nutrient that aids a child’s digestion and gut health (with proper nutrition and stimulation).

Adding Enfagrow A+ Four Nurapro and Enfagrow Gentlease 3+ to your kid’s regular meal is a proactive way of helping kids develop fully and be school- and future-ready together with proper nutrition and stimulation. If you want to know more about MFGM, visit https://www.enfagrow.com.ph.