Tight Times
In this period of economic instability, we must all learn to be frugal. As adults, we can devise ways to economize, make the most of what we have and spend our hard-earned money on necessary and very important things only. But how about children? How can we make them understand a subject like the economy? If you’re a parent, how would you teach your kids the value of being thrifty?
I came across a b
ook for children during Adarna House’s Lecture Series in July entitled “Tight Times.” This book, in my opinion, is an effective tool to explain to children about our economic situation and make them value money. It is a 30-page illustrated storybook told in first person (from the point of view of one of the children in the family). The story opens with the phrase “Mamang says these are tight times, so we’ve got to be tough (Sabi ni Mamang, ito’y panahon ng taggipit kaya’t kailangan nating maging matatag). From this line, you know already it is touching a serious subject that is also complicated for a child. But the tale is very well-written: simple, direct, sensitive, and hopeful. Aside from being thrifty, “Tight Times” also teaches how to save and economize, appreciate the things you have, and be thankful for every little blessing you receive. It explains why certain activities you do regularly before you only do once in a while now.
Let me share a part of this tale that really made me smile:
I eat my eggs slowly now, and drink my chocolate even more slowly. It is strange how my chocolate and eggs taste yummier these days!
And it’s more heartwarming when translated in the native language:
Kinakain ko ang mga itlog ngayon nang dahan-dahan, at iniinom ang tsokolate nang mas mabagal. Nakapagtataka kung paanong ang mga itlog at tsokolate ay mas malinamnam nitong mga nakaraang araw!
The illustrations are very helpful, very Filipino, and full of symbolism. They’re not people but animals. And the main characters are a family mice, no less! So fit for the subject. In Filipino culture, when someone’s financially inadequate we’d say, “Mas mahirap pa `yan sa daga.” (He’s more miserable than a mouse).
Illustrations are an important part of children’s stories. They help young readers picture the situations presented in the story, give a face to every character, create and add mood, and sometimes, they even tell another story. One just needs to be observant.
Among my favorite illustrations in this book:
Not everything in the illustrations is in color. In the first photo, only the straws and the box of a choco drink have color. Maybe because the chocolate drink has become a source of joy in a time of hardship and the straws connect the members of the family; that they could bear anything because they are together. The circumstance they are in also taught them the value of sharing. 
In the second illustration, the colored view seen from the window is a symbol of hope; that there is no need to despair for there will be better days.
“Tight Times” is written by Jeanette C. Patindol (author of Papa’s House, Mama’s House) and illustrated by Sergio T. Bumatay III. It is a PBBY Salanga Prize (story) and PBBY Alcala Prize (illustration) Grand Winner for 2007.
______________________
It is my belief that books and literature are among the most effective tools for values formation. This is a highly recommended book for parents. Have fun reading!
Ganda naman ng kwento mo Manay! Sa aming mga Ilokano, ang tawag diyan ay Kuripot!
. But I find being kuripot is an asset 
Here’s how we do it during hard times: Ibitin namin yung “tuyo” at yung anino ng tuyo ang kakainin namin. Siempre, pang-breakfast at pang-dinner lang kami mag-uulam –mas malaki yung anino hehehe!
I wonder what the Philippine government is doing now to encourage citizens to economize? Dito sa BRU, you get tax refunds.
Noong “kapanahonan namin” sa PI, may ad campaign si Apo Macoy noon na ang tawag ay “Asyong Aksaya”.
Bah, padalhan kaya natin ng kopya ng libro si Ate Glo. It’s time for her to do something para sa ekonomia ng Pinas!
Yay, andito na naman ako na nangungulit!
Salve: Paborito ko `tong kwento na ito ngayon, VF. Gandang-ganda ako sa kanya. Kaya gusto ko syang i-share sa iba.
Sa tingin ko magagamit nga ni Ate Glo ang librong yun. Hanap ka ng kopya, VF. Pa-X’mas gift mo sa kanya.
I read this one when you showed it to me and I agree with you that this book can really help children understand the value of money especially now that times are hard.
Salve: Children should really learn this value, especially now. And parents should also make their children understand that you have to earn the money you spend.
I should have bought this too! Kaloka. The ones I bought are way too ‘high’ for my nephews, ages 2 yrs and 8 mos. hehehe…
Girl… sulatin mo na din yung ss mo… yung tutubi! Dali….
I’m gonna read your tutubi/paruparo to my nephews! Am sure magugustuhan nila yun!
brainteaser’s last blog post…New Address
thanks at napabasa mo sa akin ito, dahil kung hindi, wala akong comment… joke!
“congratch” sa pagkakasulat mo ng librong ito avi, este doon pala sa totoong sumulat. galing! mabuting maaga pa lang matutuhan na ng mga daga este mga bata na mahalaga ang magtipid at magtiis lalo na sa mga krisis ngayon.
kaya kayo mga bata, mamigay din kayo ng cheese tas ilagay ninyo sa platito pag okay na kayo.
I have yet to read this book, it seems interesting:)
Antonette’s last blog post…Erotic post
that’s a good book. yeah not only adults should flow with what our economy is experiencing right now, but children should be part too if only they are given proper knowledge about it. and that one’s a nice source.
Mumu sa Kanto’s last blog post…wooooh daya!
parang ang sarap basahin niyan…
Where is the erotic post? Abababababbaba, ate, di pwedeng di mo gawin yun. Naghihintay kami ni tatang… hahahahahahaa!
Brainteaser’s last blog post…Erotica…
nice
since the book promotes value for money
mura din ba sya?
hehe
i wanna get one for my nieces
raft3r’s last blog post…7 Things
Oo nga, where is the erotic post?
Antonette’s last blog post…My Manga Face
Thanks for the heartwarming comments!
I hope that readers see the main underlying message of the story too– that money may be tight but we don’t have to feel “poor”, especially when we consider all the other riches we have! And that “abundance mentality” is precisely what gets us through the tight times.
And yes, it’s very affordable–only around P60 with National Bookstores. : )
Jeanette Patindol´s last blog post…"My One-Boobed Mamma" Debuts!