It's the time of the year again where Denver dreads to see me. Why? Examinations is around the corner and during this period, Mommy will give him more homework, nag at him and check on his work.
Comparing to his peers, Denver does not have other tuition apart from Chinese. Mommy is his tutor for the rest of the subjects including Chinese. This gets tougher and tougher for me each year as the scope of his studies expand in context across various subjects.
I'm pondering if I can still coach Denver when he is in Primary 3 next year. He has been careless and listless in his work lately. Hopefully I can spend more quality time with our boy and guide him back on track.
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Monday, October 03, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
~ Where's my Invitation Card? ~
Since last week, Gladys has been telling us that she is going to her classmate's birthday party in a hotel at Sentosa. Hubby and I got so confused by her statement that I gave her teacher a call this morning to seek clarification.
Indeed, Gladys' classmate will be celebrating his birthday in Sentosa but there was no official invitation yet. He got so excited that he told everyone in the class and that got Gladys extremely excited too! Gladys' form teacher helped to explain to the class that you will need an invitation card in order to attend the party.
When we got back home earlier this evening, Gladys very much assumed that she will have the invitation card (from us) and get invited. You can imagine how upset she was when we explained to her that the card needs to come from her classmate's parents and there isn't any concrete plans that she is going to get invited.
After many conversations and persuasion, Gladys still does not want to give up and decided to get her invitation card from her classmate pro-actively. Not only that, she even suggested to have her up-coming birthday party in a hotel! We are not obliging to her requests nor setting up her expectations.
Sometimes, it may be best not to tell the young child on party or travel plans in advance. We had a similar experience with Gladys when she over-heard that we will be going to Genting and she got so excited and broadcast this to her teacher and classmate for a couple of weeks!
It's good to bring out the good news, however, we will also need to manage expectations that may comes along the way.
Indeed, Gladys' classmate will be celebrating his birthday in Sentosa but there was no official invitation yet. He got so excited that he told everyone in the class and that got Gladys extremely excited too! Gladys' form teacher helped to explain to the class that you will need an invitation card in order to attend the party.
When we got back home earlier this evening, Gladys very much assumed that she will have the invitation card (from us) and get invited. You can imagine how upset she was when we explained to her that the card needs to come from her classmate's parents and there isn't any concrete plans that she is going to get invited.
After many conversations and persuasion, Gladys still does not want to give up and decided to get her invitation card from her classmate pro-actively. Not only that, she even suggested to have her up-coming birthday party in a hotel! We are not obliging to her requests nor setting up her expectations.
Sometimes, it may be best not to tell the young child on party or travel plans in advance. We had a similar experience with Gladys when she over-heard that we will be going to Genting and she got so excited and broadcast this to her teacher and classmate for a couple of weeks!
It's good to bring out the good news, however, we will also need to manage expectations that may comes along the way.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
~ Earth Hour - Our first media appearance on The New Paper! ~
I didn't expect a blog post on the Earth Hour will give us an opportunity to be featured on The New Paper! It is our 2nd time participating in this event at home and the children have experienced how hot and difficult it was to spend the hour without the lights and fans. Through this event, hopefully it has created more public awareness and more families will continue the effort to this movement even after the Earth Hour.
Thanks to Linette for dropping us a note and giving us a chance for my family to appeared on the papers. Thank you Gavin for the photo-takings and Shi-an for the phone interview.
Thanks to Linette for dropping us a note and giving us a chance for my family to appeared on the papers. Thank you Gavin for the photo-takings and Shi-an for the phone interview.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
~ Experiencing Earth Hour 2011 @ Home ~
This is our 2nd time participating in the Earth Hour movement at home. Around 7 plus, we switched off most of the lights and electrical appliances. At 830pm, all lights and fans were off. I have prepared some handheld torchlights, fans, tealight candles in preparation for the lights off. How did we "survive" the 1 hour without TV, fans and computer?
Gladys seems to find it more exciting to play with her hand-held torchlight. She can't wait to start switching off the lights to make the earth happy (her way of interpreting Earth Hour). We played some games in the dark and did some simple housework together. The children have been a good helper by shining the lights at where it needs to be.
Time seems to pass fairly slow and the night is getting hot. Without their favourite TV programs and computer games, the children are starting to get bored. Although it is not a real black-out situation, Denver and Gladys had their first time experience trying to draw and write by the candle-light and torchlights. Gladys realised that she wasn't able to find the colours that she wanted under the dim yellow light. Her intended purple shirt became a brown-coloured top. Nevertheless, she did a nice drawing.
Denver on the other hand said he had no problem writing in the dark. He has outgrown the age of playing shadow games and suggested to play board games instead. We started with Scrabble and it wasn't too bad afterall. I still remember the times I spent playing chess, boardgames (e.g. Monopoly, Risk) with my brothers before we were introduced to computer games. I wonder how popular are Board games with children nowadays (apart from monopoly)? We seem to be very dependent on electronic gadgets (PSP, PS3, XBox) that we lost touch with the initial basic simple pleasure?
As soon as the Earth Hour is over, Denver and Gladys are definitely happy to see the lights and fans back on and be able to watch their cartoons again. As this year's Earth Hour's theme - Beyond the Hour suggest, we hope to substain this movement in our daily activities to save and conserve more energy. Hopefully that would means seeing a reduction in our electrical bills. Hahaha ^_^
Gladys seems to find it more exciting to play with her hand-held torchlight. She can't wait to start switching off the lights to make the earth happy (her way of interpreting Earth Hour). We played some games in the dark and did some simple housework together. The children have been a good helper by shining the lights at where it needs to be.
Time seems to pass fairly slow and the night is getting hot. Without their favourite TV programs and computer games, the children are starting to get bored. Although it is not a real black-out situation, Denver and Gladys had their first time experience trying to draw and write by the candle-light and torchlights. Gladys realised that she wasn't able to find the colours that she wanted under the dim yellow light. Her intended purple shirt became a brown-coloured top. Nevertheless, she did a nice drawing.
Denver on the other hand said he had no problem writing in the dark. He has outgrown the age of playing shadow games and suggested to play board games instead. We started with Scrabble and it wasn't too bad afterall. I still remember the times I spent playing chess, boardgames (e.g. Monopoly, Risk) with my brothers before we were introduced to computer games. I wonder how popular are Board games with children nowadays (apart from monopoly)? We seem to be very dependent on electronic gadgets (PSP, PS3, XBox) that we lost touch with the initial basic simple pleasure?
As soon as the Earth Hour is over, Denver and Gladys are definitely happy to see the lights and fans back on and be able to watch their cartoons again. As this year's Earth Hour's theme - Beyond the Hour suggest, we hope to substain this movement in our daily activities to save and conserve more energy. Hopefully that would means seeing a reduction in our electrical bills. Hahaha ^_^
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
~ Sleeping separation - Gladys ~
It has been a week since we put Gladys to sleep in the same room with her gor gor. It all started with Gladys promising us that she will sleep on her own when she is 5 years old. Hubby took the golden opportunity and started her off on 人日 even though her birthday is on September. ^_^ She was kind of reluctant at first but staying by her side till she sleeps helped for a start. When the children are sound asleep, I moved back to my own room.
Without the presence of the children, our bed felt so big and empty. I started missing Gladys' cute little sleepy face and how she likes to kiss and hold onto my hand as she sleeps. My consolation is we still find her sleeping by our side when we wake up in the morning. Like her brother, Gladys usually sneaks back into our room in the middle of the night without my knowing.
It might take a little more time before our dear princess get used to sleeping without her beloved Daddy and Mommy but we are not in a rush. Afterall, Denver only learned to sleep on his own when he was 6 years old. In the meantime, I still get to enjoy waking up with Gladys by my side.
Without the presence of the children, our bed felt so big and empty. I started missing Gladys' cute little sleepy face and how she likes to kiss and hold onto my hand as she sleeps. My consolation is we still find her sleeping by our side when we wake up in the morning. Like her brother, Gladys usually sneaks back into our room in the middle of the night without my knowing.
It might take a little more time before our dear princess get used to sleeping without her beloved Daddy and Mommy but we are not in a rush. Afterall, Denver only learned to sleep on his own when he was 6 years old. In the meantime, I still get to enjoy waking up with Gladys by my side.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
~ Calls from Gladys ~
Months after Gladys memorized my mobile number, she finally tried calling me from bbil's place while I was at work. This is exactly what happened when Denver memorized our numbers when he was 4. Back then, he will call me almost everyday to say that he misses me. Now, Gladys calls me every alternate day to tell me that she finishes her writings or waiting for me to return home to have dinner together instead.
The primary reason for the children to remember our mobile numbers and home address is to make sure they know who to call during emergency. I still recall Denver got lost near Carrefour at Plaza Singapura when he was 4 or 5 and Hubby got a call from the customer counter shortly as Denver gave them his number (even though he was crying badly already). That proves to be really helpful.
At times, the children abuses the calls and makes it very disturbing especially when I am busy at work. However, hearing their voices at the other end of the line can also be heartwarming and therapeutic from our hectic schedule. :)
The primary reason for the children to remember our mobile numbers and home address is to make sure they know who to call during emergency. I still recall Denver got lost near Carrefour at Plaza Singapura when he was 4 or 5 and Hubby got a call from the customer counter shortly as Denver gave them his number (even though he was crying badly already). That proves to be really helpful.
At times, the children abuses the calls and makes it very disturbing especially when I am busy at work. However, hearing their voices at the other end of the line can also be heartwarming and therapeutic from our hectic schedule. :)
Sunday, August 01, 2010
~ An Upset and Angry Mummy ~
Mummy is on a fiery mood today. Denver and Gladys has been testing my patience and made me really MAD this morning. Another contributing factor could also be I am in a sickly condition (down with cough, flu and suffering from a bad throat).
Denver is supposed to take out his pocket garden (with some beansprouts) in it and observe their daily growth on his booklet. He totally forgotten about it and naturally the beansprout is squashed in his bag and almost dying. Not only that, he also didn't complete his colouring which I told him to do this morning. I even gave Denver numerous reminders and warnings yesterday. Upon waking up and still seeing Denver not doing his homework properly and taking care of his own things, I got so angry and gave him a hard time.
Gladys is also not being spared as well as she has been cheeky all the while and thought she can run away with it. Urgghhhhh...
After a series of scoldings, lecturing plus spanking (sorry to say, I don't spare the rod, especially in tough times like this), the after effect is an even much worn out throat. Why must Mummy put on a stern face before the children listen and take my words to heart?
Denver is supposed to take out his pocket garden (with some beansprouts) in it and observe their daily growth on his booklet. He totally forgotten about it and naturally the beansprout is squashed in his bag and almost dying. Not only that, he also didn't complete his colouring which I told him to do this morning. I even gave Denver numerous reminders and warnings yesterday. Upon waking up and still seeing Denver not doing his homework properly and taking care of his own things, I got so angry and gave him a hard time.
Gladys is also not being spared as well as she has been cheeky all the while and thought she can run away with it. Urgghhhhh...
After a series of scoldings, lecturing plus spanking (sorry to say, I don't spare the rod, especially in tough times like this), the after effect is an even much worn out throat. Why must Mummy put on a stern face before the children listen and take my words to heart?
Monday, July 12, 2010
~ Alarm Clock ~
Since Denver is in the morning session, he has slowly accustom to waking up by himself with the help on his alarm clock. We bought a simple one which has a louder alarm 2 months ago. Alarm is set to ring at 6:20am on weekdays and he usually wakes up on his own instead of having us dragging him up. It is really handy and I'm glad we got the clock for Denver.
Of course, sleeping early (before 10pm) helps Denver to wake up on time in the morning. Through time, he has learned, developed a standard routine and not having to depend on us. After waking up, he'll brush, eats his breakfast (which Daddy prepares), baths, put on his uniform, wears his socks and shoes, prays and gets ready to go to school. The only constant reminder is completing each task at a faster rate since he usually eats in dreamland, takes his own sweet time bathing and putting on his school's attire.
I still recall when I was schooling, I tend to ignore when my alarm clock rings. I'll tell myself...another 5mins.. then another 10mins have passed until I'm force to wake up before getting late. Hence, I thought Denver was pretty alert and disciplined to wake up as soon as the alarm rings. (at least better off than me as I am still dragging myself up everyday.) ^_^
Of course, sleeping early (before 10pm) helps Denver to wake up on time in the morning. Through time, he has learned, developed a standard routine and not having to depend on us. After waking up, he'll brush, eats his breakfast (which Daddy prepares), baths, put on his uniform, wears his socks and shoes, prays and gets ready to go to school. The only constant reminder is completing each task at a faster rate since he usually eats in dreamland, takes his own sweet time bathing and putting on his school's attire.
I still recall when I was schooling, I tend to ignore when my alarm clock rings. I'll tell myself...another 5mins.. then another 10mins have passed until I'm force to wake up before getting late. Hence, I thought Denver was pretty alert and disciplined to wake up as soon as the alarm rings. (at least better off than me as I am still dragging myself up everyday.) ^_^
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
~ Writing my name ~
Teaching Gladys to write her Chinese name is a big challenge compared to Denver. There are too many strokes in her name and even some adults have difficulty writing it correctly.
To start off, it all begins with teaching her learning some simple basic strokes, 横,竖,撇,捺 and eventually writing simple Chinese words like 大, 小, 上, 下, 人, 口.... etc. she started to recognize these words as she writes and reads.
Eventually, she was able to write 王 and 平 as soon as she starts Nursery but 馨 is simply too hard for her. (Why did we choose such a difficult word in the first place? :p) So, the word is 'broken' down into 声 and 香 where she practised writing it for a couple of weeks more. I guess the simple writings that Gladys did in Nursery school also helped to improve her understanding of Chinese strokes and enhanced her learning curve.
After 6 months of practising, Gladys finally learned how to write her Chinese name - 王馨平. Definitely an achievement for her! I didn't expect Gladys to learn this before she turns 4. She remembered the strokes and this is her name! :)
To start off, it all begins with teaching her learning some simple basic strokes, 横,竖,撇,捺 and eventually writing simple Chinese words like 大, 小, 上, 下, 人, 口.... etc. she started to recognize these words as she writes and reads.
Eventually, she was able to write 王 and 平 as soon as she starts Nursery but 馨 is simply too hard for her. (Why did we choose such a difficult word in the first place? :p) So, the word is 'broken' down into 声 and 香 where she practised writing it for a couple of weeks more. I guess the simple writings that Gladys did in Nursery school also helped to improve her understanding of Chinese strokes and enhanced her learning curve.
After 6 months of practising, Gladys finally learned how to write her Chinese name - 王馨平. Definitely an achievement for her! I didn't expect Gladys to learn this before she turns 4. She remembered the strokes and this is her name! :)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
~ 拔牙记 ~
今天富生去拔牙了。从几天前起, 他就一直告诉我：“妈妈，要打针啊，会不会痛？我怕。” 昨天也是。。。 他每天一想到要去拔牙，便会问我。我没有说太多，只是说牙医姐姐会很小心，很温柔。不会有太多的疼痛。要勇敢一点！ 有时后对孩子解释太多反而可能造成他的压力。：）
今早我去上班了。我不去也好.. 孩子不会对我撒娇和闹别扭。 老公负责带富生去学校看牙医，不到１５分钟，就好了！富生一到家便打电话给我说：“妈妈，真的一点都不痛！我把牙齿带回家了。” ：） 我在想，该把它放在哪。。还是丢了算了?
富生拔了牙后，牙齿不整齐了。
富生第一次的拔牙记 - 成功!
Friday, June 18, 2010
~ Filial Piety - Touching Videos ~
Nowadays I rarely watch TV programs on the local channels and probably has been missing out a lot on what's the latest advertisements. I happen to come across this particular video online (The latest installment of National Family Council's Family campaign) and was so touched!
This advertisement brings out a strong message "How one generation loves, the next generation learns." How true indeed..... from the eyes of the young boy, he sees and feel that his grandmother has been a difficult person... but the father has always show patience, respect and honour his mother who took care and love him so much when he was a child. Isn't this something that we should reflect and learn from.
This advertisement brings out a strong message "How one generation loves, the next generation learns." How true indeed..... from the eyes of the young boy, he sees and feel that his grandmother has been a difficult person... but the father has always show patience, respect and honour his mother who took care and love him so much when he was a child. Isn't this something that we should reflect and learn from.
Here's another clip to share....
Tomorrow is Father's Day.. Here's wishing all fathers! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
~ New tooth behind baby tooth ~
Yesterday evening, Denver told me that he went to see his school dentist because he felt something at his lower jaw. It was then we realised that he has a new tooth growing behind his baby tooth.
I panic for awhile because the new tooth is right behind his baby tooth and doesn't seems to be straight. Hence, I asked Denver to have the dentist call me to understand his condition better.
I must say the dentist is very friendly and helpful. During my time, all of us were afraid to go for dental appointments simply because the dentist is super fierce and we always get scolded. But it is a whole lot different now... the lady dentist who contacted me was so sweet and even re-assure me with the information that I needed to know.
I also did some research on the Internet and apparently, this is a very common situation among children 5 to 6 years old and at the lower front teeth (70% of the children will experience this).
In common scenario, the permanent teeth will slowly dissolves the baby tooth root as it comes up and when there is not much root left, the baby tooth will get loose, falls out and comes in where the baby tooth used to be.
However, in Denver's case, I was told that he has a very nice set of baby teeth. (From birth till now, he has not drop any of his baby tooth yet.) But this is not a good sign as Denver's teeth and jaw is small, this means the permanent tooth has no room for growth and hence comes in behind the baby tooth.
The good thing is that the permanent tooth will eventually move forward into the correct position provided there is nothing in the way. Hence, the dentist has suggested to extract Denver's baby tooth (scheduled on 23rd June) to ensure that there is enough room for the tooth to set in place eventually. This will take many months or even years and the dentist has advised us to be patient and it will get better as Denver grow up with a bigger jaw.
On the other hand, it also means Denver will get a jab on his gum before his extraction. We did not tell him about the jab to avoid unnecessary worries and fear since his appointment will be a month later. It's best to leave it to the professional and we hope everything will be done smoothly and swiftly to spare Denver with too much pain and discomfort.
I panic for awhile because the new tooth is right behind his baby tooth and doesn't seems to be straight. Hence, I asked Denver to have the dentist call me to understand his condition better.
I must say the dentist is very friendly and helpful. During my time, all of us were afraid to go for dental appointments simply because the dentist is super fierce and we always get scolded. But it is a whole lot different now... the lady dentist who contacted me was so sweet and even re-assure me with the information that I needed to know.
I also did some research on the Internet and apparently, this is a very common situation among children 5 to 6 years old and at the lower front teeth (70% of the children will experience this).
In common scenario, the permanent teeth will slowly dissolves the baby tooth root as it comes up and when there is not much root left, the baby tooth will get loose, falls out and comes in where the baby tooth used to be.
However, in Denver's case, I was told that he has a very nice set of baby teeth. (From birth till now, he has not drop any of his baby tooth yet.) But this is not a good sign as Denver's teeth and jaw is small, this means the permanent tooth has no room for growth and hence comes in behind the baby tooth.
The good thing is that the permanent tooth will eventually move forward into the correct position provided there is nothing in the way. Hence, the dentist has suggested to extract Denver's baby tooth (scheduled on 23rd June) to ensure that there is enough room for the tooth to set in place eventually. This will take many months or even years and the dentist has advised us to be patient and it will get better as Denver grow up with a bigger jaw.
On the other hand, it also means Denver will get a jab on his gum before his extraction. We did not tell him about the jab to avoid unnecessary worries and fear since his appointment will be a month later. It's best to leave it to the professional and we hope everything will be done smoothly and swiftly to spare Denver with too much pain and discomfort.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
~ Horray! Mid Year Examinations are over! ~
Yeah! Denver's Mid-year examinations are over! ^_^ We are definitely happy that he finished all his papers. It has been a month of studying, revision and monitoring by Mommy and Denver can finally have more play time. hehehe I can also start to slack a bit. :p
After dinner, Hubby & I took the children to play at the arcade (Timezone) at Hougang Mall. Denver's current favourite game is Animal Kaiser. This game (from Japan) has been a HOT favourite not only to little boys but little girls as well as adults! During peak hours or weekends, you can see children queuing up to play. Parents were even seen joining in the queue on behalf of their kids. Because of the LONG waiting time, once they hook onto the station, they will put 5 or even more credits of play and you have to wait at least 20 mins or even more before the next in line gets a chance! (Imagine how much $$$$ parents are spending!)
Very often, we observed that parents/adults/children got too engross with the game and forgetting or ignoring the fact that there are still people behind waiting for their turn. Some cried, some got frastrated, others just waited patiently for their turn. Perhaps it is the mentality that "I have waited very long for my turn and deserve my fair share of play time too". This is where controlling the addiction comes in play and parents play a very important role in teaching their younger ones to control, be considerate and learning to give and share.
Denver has been enjoying Animal Kaiser from the initial Version 1 launch till now it is Version 3 and still enjoys seeing and collecting new game cards. Hubby and I enjoy the game too but as parents, we have to lead and set a good example. Setting the right expectations and not letting our desires overrule our mind. Denver has cried a few times over not having a chance to play and wondering why others are not being considerate as well. He got frastrated when I forbid him to play at times and wonder why Mommy won't let him. Explaining the situation helps to make him understand better and the importance of doing our part. Gradually, he knows if the queue is long, he'll wait till next time where Daddy & Mommy will bring him to play during off peak. He does feel disappointed when he couldn't play and I know he wanted to very much... Afterall, he is a child... but I'm glad Denver is easily contented with just having a chance to play 2 or 3 times so that the children behind also gets their chance.
After dinner, Hubby & I took the children to play at the arcade (Timezone) at Hougang Mall. Denver's current favourite game is Animal Kaiser. This game (from Japan) has been a HOT favourite not only to little boys but little girls as well as adults! During peak hours or weekends, you can see children queuing up to play. Parents were even seen joining in the queue on behalf of their kids. Because of the LONG waiting time, once they hook onto the station, they will put 5 or even more credits of play and you have to wait at least 20 mins or even more before the next in line gets a chance! (Imagine how much $$$$ parents are spending!)
Very often, we observed that parents/adults/children got too engross with the game and forgetting or ignoring the fact that there are still people behind waiting for their turn. Some cried, some got frastrated, others just waited patiently for their turn. Perhaps it is the mentality that "I have waited very long for my turn and deserve my fair share of play time too". This is where controlling the addiction comes in play and parents play a very important role in teaching their younger ones to control, be considerate and learning to give and share.
Denver has been enjoying Animal Kaiser from the initial Version 1 launch till now it is Version 3 and still enjoys seeing and collecting new game cards. Hubby and I enjoy the game too but as parents, we have to lead and set a good example. Setting the right expectations and not letting our desires overrule our mind. Denver has cried a few times over not having a chance to play and wondering why others are not being considerate as well. He got frastrated when I forbid him to play at times and wonder why Mommy won't let him. Explaining the situation helps to make him understand better and the importance of doing our part. Gradually, he knows if the queue is long, he'll wait till next time where Daddy & Mommy will bring him to play during off peak. He does feel disappointed when he couldn't play and I know he wanted to very much... Afterall, he is a child... but I'm glad Denver is easily contented with just having a chance to play 2 or 3 times so that the children behind also gets their chance.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
~ Mid Year Examination 'Fever' Week ~
It is the Mid-Year Examination week and I guess parents and students have been really busy burning 'mid-night oil' or "陪太子读书". I have not been spared as well and doing some last minute revision work with Denver who is currently in Primary 1. Starting tomorrow, he will be taking his examinations for English, Chinese and Mathematics.
The Ministry of Education has announced to do away with examinations in the first two years of Primary School and this will be implemented across the primary schools over several years. Some schools have already adopted this approach and taken away the examination piece out of the curriculum. There are parents who welcome the move and some others who do not.
Personally, I do not resist the idea with Denver going through some tests/exams. (maybe because I grew up in an environment where we went through the examination methodology.) Sometimes, I tell Denver it is just like solving the different puzzles to go to the next level in a game. We do not necessarily need to stress them that they must do well or what happen if they failed to perform. Having said that, I don't deny the fact that I have my flaws and tend to get impatient and agitated while teaching at times. After all, I am only human. Of course, I will be happy if Denver does well academically.. but building his character and personality also counts.
So what happens to our little princess? Gladys is also doing some simple writings while her gor gor is studying. :p 一天写一点. She always want me to give her a Star and a Smiley face when she writes well. ^_^. Gladys likes story books too and so Mommy is spending time reading and teaching her to recognise some simple words like "the", "he", "on", "my" etc..
Looking forward to take the children out next weekend to celebrate a great effort well done!
The Ministry of Education has announced to do away with examinations in the first two years of Primary School and this will be implemented across the primary schools over several years. Some schools have already adopted this approach and taken away the examination piece out of the curriculum. There are parents who welcome the move and some others who do not.Personally, I do not resist the idea with Denver going through some tests/exams. (maybe because I grew up in an environment where we went through the examination methodology.) Sometimes, I tell Denver it is just like solving the different puzzles to go to the next level in a game. We do not necessarily need to stress them that they must do well or what happen if they failed to perform. Having said that, I don't deny the fact that I have my flaws and tend to get impatient and agitated while teaching at times. After all, I am only human. Of course, I will be happy if Denver does well academically.. but building his character and personality also counts.
So what happens to our little princess? Gladys is also doing some simple writings while her gor gor is studying. :p 一天写一点. She always want me to give her a Star and a Smiley face when she writes well. ^_^. Gladys likes story books too and so Mommy is spending time reading and teaching her to recognise some simple words like "the", "he", "on", "my" etc..Looking forward to take the children out next weekend to celebrate a great effort well done!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
~ Tests, Exams are keeping us BUSY! ~
April - May period is the month we are busy with the preparation for the tests and Mid-year examinations. Long gone are the days where the children are still in Nursery or Kindergarten where I can relax a bit and just concentrate on teaching them reading and writing.
Denver just had his Oral exams last week and this week is followed by a series of tests... Starting next week will be Listening Comprehension and his English, Maths and Chinese Mid-Year Examinations. He just had his English test yesterday and tomorrow till be Maths and Chinese. I have been spending more time going through Denver's homework, exercises and doing revision with him. Parents' role are so demanding nowadays and I wonder how the children are coping?
Denver got his English test paper back today, scoring 37.5/40 and says that he is the 4th in class (which is good!). He even told me that a girl scored full marks, followed by 2 boys taking the 2nd and 3rd placing while he and another girl took the 4th position. Hmm.. I guess his teacher gave out the papers to the students from the Highest to the Lowest marks? Motivating for some or De-moralizing for the others?
I must admit I was a little dissappointed seeing the careless mistakes that Denver made being the fact that I have spent quite a fair bit of effort and time teaching him. Then again, I guess that is how parents are feeling with the pressure and competition. So, a gentle reminder to myself is NOT to put the same pressure on the children that will kills them off their interest to learn. Of course, having said that, I also have to learn to control my temper which I tend to 'blast off' at times. :p Opps.. Pardon me.. Is that a common side-effect of a working parent? hehehehe...
Denver just had his Oral exams last week and this week is followed by a series of tests... Starting next week will be Listening Comprehension and his English, Maths and Chinese Mid-Year Examinations. He just had his English test yesterday and tomorrow till be Maths and Chinese. I have been spending more time going through Denver's homework, exercises and doing revision with him. Parents' role are so demanding nowadays and I wonder how the children are coping?
Denver got his English test paper back today, scoring 37.5/40 and says that he is the 4th in class (which is good!). He even told me that a girl scored full marks, followed by 2 boys taking the 2nd and 3rd placing while he and another girl took the 4th position. Hmm.. I guess his teacher gave out the papers to the students from the Highest to the Lowest marks? Motivating for some or De-moralizing for the others?
I must admit I was a little dissappointed seeing the careless mistakes that Denver made being the fact that I have spent quite a fair bit of effort and time teaching him. Then again, I guess that is how parents are feeling with the pressure and competition. So, a gentle reminder to myself is NOT to put the same pressure on the children that will kills them off their interest to learn. Of course, having said that, I also have to learn to control my temper which I tend to 'blast off' at times. :p Opps.. Pardon me.. Is that a common side-effect of a working parent? hehehehe...
Friday, April 09, 2010
~ 学习做个好帮手 ~
老公出国已经第四天了。可能是太忙和太累了。。忙着工作，照顾小孩和打理家里的事情，所以都没有时间想念老公了。
为了减轻我的负担也为了让富生培养责任感, 我开始教富生做他每天放学后, 回到家中时应该整理的东西。以前, 富生一进门, 把书包一放, 不是看电视, 便是玩游戏。我每天都得唠叨他, 提醒他要做什么, 还蛮累的。所以我写了一个 "Must Do" list。 虽然说是 Must Do... 但是还是可以更改的啦。现在富生会跟着纸上的项目, 渐渐的, 慢慢的, 一一做好。:) 还不错。
为了减轻我的负担也为了让富生培养责任感, 我开始教富生做他每天放学后, 回到家中时应该整理的东西。以前, 富生一进门, 把书包一放, 不是看电视, 便是玩游戏。我每天都得唠叨他, 提醒他要做什么, 还蛮累的。所以我写了一个 "Must Do" list。 虽然说是 Must Do... 但是还是可以更改的啦。现在富生会跟着纸上的项目, 渐渐的, 慢慢的, 一一做好。:) 还不错。
记得前几天, 富生因为一些事情让我动怒了。现在的孩子是不是太幸福了? 在温室中长大, 有更多的物质享受, 所以一切都变得理所当然? 要风得风, 要雨得雨。也因为那件事件, 我决得孩子们因该看看, 偿偿和了解父母亲的辛苦。今天是星期五, 我和富生说好要教他洗他的鞋子。他还蛮兴奋的... 可能是一时的新鲜感吧。擦擦擦, 唰唰唰, 洗洗洗... 难得富生第一次洗鞋还蛮用力和用心的。鞋子还擦得蛮干净的。^_^ 我说要拍下来给爸爸看。哈哈。洗完后, 我问他有何感想。 他说: "好累哦！手都没力了"。我说： "现在你知道妈妈的辛苦了吧？而且这只是其中之一而已"。
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
~ Multi-Tasking and Striking a Balance ~
Being a mother is not easy.. Being a working mother makes it even tougher. Apart from working during the day, there is never-ending housework and on top of that, I need to spend time with the children studying and playing.
Term 2 started yesterday and Denver's school work starting to pile up. For example, he is having more tests lately. He just finished his Chinese test before the March Holidays, completed his English test today and I am just informed that there will be a Maths test this Friday. He got his Term 2 English spelling list today and spelling starts on Thursday. Then I suddenly remember that he has Chinese spelling this Thursday which I have totally forgotten. Opps!
Hmmm..where did all my time gone to???? By the time we got home from dinner, it's checking through Denver's school bag and reviewing his work. In addition, Gladys also needed attention with her writings and readings. She can write her english name, alphabets (A-Z) and numbers (1-10) already and I'm trying to teach her simple chinese wordings from 一到十. Gladys is an active girl who gets distracted easily and wouldn't pay attention or sit still like Denver. I need greater patience to teach my little girl.
Wednesday nights is always a mad rush for me since I got teleconference with my U.S Team weekly. I'm lucky if I do not have other meetings scheduled on other nights. If there are time to spare, the children will enjoy storytelling time with Mommy. If not, they will be keeping themselves occupied either with cartoons or computer games. (That really helps to give me some time to do part of my housework.) Gladys is pretty good using the mouse and playing the games in Playhouse Disney online. It is her favourite website and once, I happen to see that she can use the keyboard to enter her name. WoW...
Term 2 started yesterday and Denver's school work starting to pile up. For example, he is having more tests lately. He just finished his Chinese test before the March Holidays, completed his English test today and I am just informed that there will be a Maths test this Friday. He got his Term 2 English spelling list today and spelling starts on Thursday. Then I suddenly remember that he has Chinese spelling this Thursday which I have totally forgotten. Opps!
Hmmm..where did all my time gone to???? By the time we got home from dinner, it's checking through Denver's school bag and reviewing his work. In addition, Gladys also needed attention with her writings and readings. She can write her english name, alphabets (A-Z) and numbers (1-10) already and I'm trying to teach her simple chinese wordings from 一到十. Gladys is an active girl who gets distracted easily and wouldn't pay attention or sit still like Denver. I need greater patience to teach my little girl.
Wednesday nights is always a mad rush for me since I got teleconference with my U.S Team weekly. I'm lucky if I do not have other meetings scheduled on other nights. If there are time to spare, the children will enjoy storytelling time with Mommy. If not, they will be keeping themselves occupied either with cartoons or computer games. (That really helps to give me some time to do part of my housework.) Gladys is pretty good using the mouse and playing the games in Playhouse Disney online. It is her favourite website and once, I happen to see that she can use the keyboard to enter her name. WoW...
Work, housework, schoolwork, playtime, juggling the time between the children, family and not forgetting personal leisure enjoyment is really a lot on every parents' plate. Striking a "Work-Family-Life" balance is not easy but something that I am looking forward to acheive.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
~ Denver made us MAD today ~
Yup! Denver made us super angry this morning. Hubby's face was BLACK after bringing him back home from his swimming lesson. Why I ask? Denver said he got scolded by his teacher because he was caught talking and playing with his friend and did not complete swimming 8 laps as instructed by his teacher in preparation for his test on Monday. :(
I was so disappointed and that made me angry too cos we already told him many many times to pay attention during lessons. It is not the first time he has been chatting and playing with his friends in the pool. Not only his teacher was angry, the other child's parent was also frustrated. This has cause so much disruption and inconvenience.
My friends may see me as a very easy and nice person but I am very stern and fierce when it comes to disciplining my children. Denver got a spanking from me for not behaving after repeated warnings and reminders given. Hubby also forbidded Denver to go to his school's Health Fun Fair which we were suppose to bring him after his lesson. He was very upset and cried... insisting that he wishes to go! Ha! That only make us more ANGRY with him!
Well, Denver missed the Fun Fair today and if he is still not behaving, he will blow his chances away going to the Education Tour next Thursday. Will he learns his Lesson??
I was so disappointed and that made me angry too cos we already told him many many times to pay attention during lessons. It is not the first time he has been chatting and playing with his friends in the pool. Not only his teacher was angry, the other child's parent was also frustrated. This has cause so much disruption and inconvenience.
My friends may see me as a very easy and nice person but I am very stern and fierce when it comes to disciplining my children. Denver got a spanking from me for not behaving after repeated warnings and reminders given. Hubby also forbidded Denver to go to his school's Health Fun Fair which we were suppose to bring him after his lesson. He was very upset and cried... insisting that he wishes to go! Ha! That only make us more ANGRY with him!
Well, Denver missed the Fun Fair today and if he is still not behaving, he will blow his chances away going to the Education Tour next Thursday. Will he learns his Lesson??
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
~ Diaper Free Training Continues ~
Recently we put Gladys back to her 'Diaper Free Training program' again. :p Currently she only wear diapers in the night and we are trying to get rid of it once and for all.
Actually, we started to train her about 10 months ago. (http://phoebelau.blogspot.com/2009/05/diaper-free-training.html) But even taking Gladys to her potty twice in the night doesn't stop her from wetting the bed. She was not even disturbed when her pants and shirt got wet.. and continues with her sleep. Eventually we stopped trying after a few weeks when Hubby went overseas for his job assignments and I became too tired to wake up.
Until recently, Gladys seems to be able to control her bowels better. I have been monitoring her diapers for months and realize it is not as heavy as before and there are times when it was dry. With this observation, I decided to put her back to her potty once in the night.
Instead of taking her to the bathroom (which is so tiring), we have placed the potty by the side of our bed. Since the previous weekend, she has been carried to her potty and by morning, her diaper continues to stay dry! ^_^ So far so good!
If this continues till the end of the week, I'll remove her diaper completely and we'll see how it goes this weekend. This will be her real test!
Denver was able to go diaper free in the nights before going to Nursery school. I hope Gladys will be able to grow out of it too. With patience and preserverance, I'm sure we can do it! 加油!!
Actually, we started to train her about 10 months ago. (http://phoebelau.blogspot.com/2009/05/diaper-free-training.html) But even taking Gladys to her potty twice in the night doesn't stop her from wetting the bed. She was not even disturbed when her pants and shirt got wet.. and continues with her sleep. Eventually we stopped trying after a few weeks when Hubby went overseas for his job assignments and I became too tired to wake up.
Until recently, Gladys seems to be able to control her bowels better. I have been monitoring her diapers for months and realize it is not as heavy as before and there are times when it was dry. With this observation, I decided to put her back to her potty once in the night.
Instead of taking her to the bathroom (which is so tiring), we have placed the potty by the side of our bed. Since the previous weekend, she has been carried to her potty and by morning, her diaper continues to stay dry! ^_^ So far so good!
If this continues till the end of the week, I'll remove her diaper completely and we'll see how it goes this weekend. This will be her real test!
Denver was able to go diaper free in the nights before going to Nursery school. I hope Gladys will be able to grow out of it too. With patience and preserverance, I'm sure we can do it! 加油!!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
~ Housework - Folding Clothes ~
Today marks the end of Jasper & Royston's 6 Days 4 Nights stay at our place. (Why 4 nights? cos the cousins went home to sleep on 1 of the nights :p). They will be bunking in with their aunt for another 2 nights before my inlaws return from their vacation.
Peace is temporarily restored.. so today I got Denver to help me fold the smaller clothings and towels. (Mummy needs to delegate task to ease my load :D. Moreover, it's good to train them early with simple house work). Started teaching Denver some months ago and he needs more practice or he'll forgets how to do it - like today. Gladys on the other hand is busy following how gor gor is doing and tries folding it herself. Although it is consuming more time and energy to have the kids fold the clothes compared to me doing it myself now, the returns will be great in the future. :D
Peace is temporarily restored.. so today I got Denver to help me fold the smaller clothings and towels. (Mummy needs to delegate task to ease my load :D. Moreover, it's good to train them early with simple house work). Started teaching Denver some months ago and he needs more practice or he'll forgets how to do it - like today. Gladys on the other hand is busy following how gor gor is doing and tries folding it herself. Although it is consuming more time and energy to have the kids fold the clothes compared to me doing it myself now, the returns will be great in the future. :D
Good job!
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