Archive for » April, 2005 «

Thumb Sucking

30 Apr 2005 by

Justin has an habit of sucking his thumb when he’s sleepy, hungry, insecure, tired, mommy’s not around, bored, …. Basically, his sucks his thumb all the time. It doesn’t bother me much, unless he prefers his thumb than taking milk.

However, hubby and my in-laws dislike it. They always try to pull out his hand and Justin will get irritated and cries sometimes. Hubby says he’ll have ugly teeth if he keeps sucking thumb, and also taking in lots of germs. Mmmm….I don’t pull out Justin’s thumb, but in fact I think it’s cute.

Does your baby sleep like him too?

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To Mama

27 Apr 2005 by

When I was young, my mum was really strict to me, comparing to my brother. Probably because I’m a girl and generally parents are being over-protective over their daughters. My mum used to cane us when we did mistakes, but not abusing us, mind you. She just used the rod when necessary and sparingly.

However, I was deeply hurt whenever I was being punished. I knew about the mistakes I made, but just felt unfair for her to punish me physically. So, I became quite rebellious during my teenage years. Our relationship was getting worse when I was dating during my SPM, and my mum was very angry about it. Now I know that she’s worrying about how could I cope with my exams when I had butterflies in my stomach and in love-love dreamy world. But back then, I thought she’s being unreasonable, and we always ended up with fights (verbally).

After I went to university, our relationship got better because seeing less of each other means less conflict as well. But I was still dating the same guy from high school, and my mum was against it, saying that he’s not the right guy for me. Being naive and angry, I wanted to prove to her that I’ve grown up enough to make my own decision, and I stood by him.

Then, things changed in my 2nd year. My mum was suddenly ill when I was back for holiday. After some check-up, she’s diagnosed as 2nd stage breast cancer. My dad, brother and mum were crying badly when we received the news. I didn’t shed a tear, and was trying to be strong. Mostly in denial that how could this happen to my mum? She doesn’t smoke, drink, or …..But it’s confirmed that she had it. I only cried in my room by myself because I don’t wanna let my mum worry about me. I know she’s worrying sick if she died and what will happen to her 20-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son.

After two operations, my mum was on radiotherapy and chemo for a year. We drove her to the hospital for the first few session, then she insisted on driving herself for radiotherapy. She doesn’t want to be treated as a sick patient at home, and still doing simple chores. I know she’s trying to show us that having cancer doesn’t mean the end of the world, and she can still lead on a normal life.

When I was back at campus, and away from her, I couldn’t help worrying and thinking about my mum. It was then I began to think from her point of view, and understand her better. I was nearly losing her, and I’ll be feeling like shit if I don’t even understand what she has been trying to do for me. Needless to say, I began realising I was seeing that guy to hurt her, not because I loved him that much. So we broke up.

After marrying to my hubby and being away from my mum again, I realise that I miss my mum even more. Our relationship is getting even better with my son, Justin’s arrival. She’s a granny now, and still healthy! I’ve alwasy wanted to tell my mum I love her, but really shy to do so. Maybe I’ll do it on this coming Mother’s Day.

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Harder School Work – Better for kids?

27 Apr 2005 by

I have children from different background at my learning centre. There’re 2 cute Japanese girls newly enrolled this month for maths class, age 5 and 7 years old each. Since they’re from Jap-Msia Chinese parentage, they are studying at international school, which has different syllabus from our normal primary schools.

However, their mum insisted that the two girls study Std 1 and Std 2 maths, which after 2 weeks of coaching by myself, I found that they’re having a tough time to cope. Their mum (a sui lai lai) however thinks that the children will benefit from it.

I tried to explain the girls learning stage to their mum, but she insisted on the levels and asked me to take more time teaching them. I just don’t understand why the girls have to study something beyond their abilities now. Exp, the 5-year-old still can’t spell one to hundred (which normal 5-year-old can?), but the Std 1 exercises required her to do so; and the 7-year-old can’t remember multiplication by heart, but the Std 2 exercises already reach division. Mana boleh buat?

I personnally don’t think kids should do something which is too hard for them. I think as parents we should know what can our children do, and only encourage them to try something harder. But if they can’t do it yet, there’s no point forcing. Won’t the children feel insecure and doubt their own abilities if they’re being “challenged” by failures / hardship in their school works? Or will that made the child a better / brilliant kid? What’s your view?

Category: Ngam ngam cham cham  Comments off