Okay, this article took me a total of 1 week to finish. I had to force myself down but often got side-tracked by my lovely man of the house (he switched on the dreaded tv!).
It's been more than 3 mos that we've moved here now....I am clearly seeing a lot of things and found that I have truly lost the plot. I really have to get my act together. As my aspirations and plans for the girls have somehow taken a back seat and little Mathena is missing out big time. I am starting a "parenting theme" to help myself get back on track as a working parent..
First allow me to define "working parent". Unlike the term where we actually get paid while we work and later go home to BE parents, my meaning is "A parent who works proactively to better the character, heart and mind of the child. This is done via preplanned days and routines, indoor-outdoor activities, down-times and lots of hugs/kisses involving hours and hours of time with the children"...quote: self!
These are my hopes and directions (things that are meaningful to us as a family) but I have found that I am seriously lagging behind:
1) Getting some "table" time into Mathena:
This involves getting her to sit next to me doing what she likes but also doing the stuff that she loathes. We've GIVEN her the run of the house and she has been granted TOO MUCH choice. So this little princess seems to be getting her way, whichever way suits her. This is a BIG no-no in our family structure and boy, have I got a lot of work to do!!
2) ABCs and 123s:
Typically the first child in each household has been given the "genius" treatment where he/she gets crashed course in all the wonderful world of education and learning. We have a little Miss Perfect in the making but lagging far behind is little Miss Bo-Peep! No 2 keeps loosing her sheep and is NOT able to count pass 3. Even the 1,2,3s are a little mixed up and when asked to count, she'll reach 3 then turn into a rendition of "h,i,j,k,..Ela-mana-pee..." (figure that one out?!). Shame, shame. shame as a mom!!
3) School systems
Remember the past few months where I worry and stress over getting Letitia into a good school etc. Well, it seems that schools here are not really as "wonderful" as it's cranked out to be. REALITY hits the ground, I still desire for the girls to be "schooled" but I am sooo dissapointed with the lack of control, discipline, knowledge and quality she's had to faced. Letitia is not questioning any of the system one bit. She's stress with the kids that's all... I am yet to find a level of involvement where I can still fully be in control with her educational journey. Sigh! I have failed in this area too,...and using "educational" tv as my substitute. Sigh!
4) Parenting Courses
Coming to Singapore, we've been very keen to start up our own family ministry following the GKGW system. But we are yet to touch base with the other "links" and settle into church. We have however decided to stay on with a nearby church call ARPC and see how we go. I am however not "moved" by any one sermon or speaker yet. Could it be my heart is not opened enough? Could it be I am a bit to "up myself"? From the above points, I really have no right to be snobby. I have been using Alex as my excuse, "He's been sooo busy!"
5) Household
Okay, all under control but still can't keep the haze and geckos at bay. Each morning, we wake with a whole new layer of oily soot on our floors plus the added bonus of gecko splash-works (gross!). So, I have NEVER been so dilligent at mopping before and I have resorted to wearing home slippers to keep the black feet at bay. P/s My toilets get cleaned once a week, how cool is that???
How are things with the gang?
We've been well though a round of sick bug has hit Alex big time (sickie today). The girls are spending 50/50 of their time together cuddling AND punching each other. Actually it's more Mathena punching Letitia. Letitia's real excited about her coming school concert where she'll be dancing on stage. I am feeling a lot better after a big CLEANUP pedicure. Phew!
2 comments:
Hiya! I finally got time to read more of your blog after seeing you post in mine! Back to Parenting Basics is something each of us have to do once in a while :( BTW do you live at Braddell View? If you do, we could have been neighbours!!! We rented a unit at 10F a yr ago.
well Lorien is currently playing with some rice at her table (and under and around and grinding into) does that count?
Sarah- you kind of know how I feel about all that stuff and I think it'sa bit much to expect to apply the GKGW prescription to different children and get the same all singing, all dancing, long dividing result. It has been HEAVILY documented that birth order has a strong bearing on personality type and internal goals. But there are strengths on all levels. Yes no. 1 may be eager to please and do well academically, but number 2's are more likely to implement social and organisational change and champion for human rights. Thet also need to stamp in and prove their independence more strongly. Is there a way Mathena could be allowed to do thiswithout you feeling like you've failed her?
I'm not saying 'don't bother'. If it's causing you panic and crumble in a heap then you need to do something but don't base it on having all the boxes ticked.
maybe thisshould have been an email
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