Sad to say, I’ve fallen into the conventional trap of being a Singapore mum. I’ve become KIASU. I’ve been so output driven when it comes to coaching him that I feel resentful when he doesn’t cooperate. I know he’s still young but I’m so fearful that he cannot catch up. I buy him countless assessment books. And everyday, whether he has school or not, I’ll make sure he does at least one page of assessment of each type at home, in addition to whatever school work he’s given.
He isn’t a poor learner but his handwriting is still a major concern for me. At one point, I even suspected him of being dyslexic. But I was told that if he’s dyslexic, he wouldn’t be able to read, and I have to say he’s quite good with word recognition.
I’m not expecting a genius out of my child. But I badly want him to be able to cope in two years’ time when he enters primary school at six. It’s really not possible to rely on the school entirely as realistically, he doesn’t get enough one-to-one guidance that he needs now in that kind of environment.
Maybe you’ll say I’m stressing ourselves out and I should learn to relax. Well, easier said because the child is mine and his problem isn’t anybody’s but mine. But having said that I do try not to stuff him with academic stuff. I understand very well that all work but no play will make Gavin a dull boy.
So while I’m typing my thoughts out here, he’s watching Sesame Street on the tele. He still has another 10 minutes. After which, it’s time to work on those assessments and finish up his work for his afternoon class.
The school system here is entirely diff. I bet the kids here will not be able to cope.. if they study in singapore. I also become more relax.. knowing that chloe will be schooled in Canada. .instead of singapore.
MB: Yalor…the system here is very pressurizing, for the kids and the parents!
Comment by Mama Bok — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 @ 2:55 pm
I am a huge fan of assessment books, I used to do them a lot in my early primary school days. And they were so easy too. It’s enjoyable and fun.
voxy: You’re a good kid then! Must have been easy for your parents then.
Comment by voxy — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 @ 3:21 pm
I think some of us really dont wish to be kiasu and press so hard on our children, but somehow our education system make us one, sub-consciously…
Hopefully when it comes to my time, Im able to strike a balance… :p
wtpg: Hiaz…we become institutionalized…
Comment by wtpg — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 @ 4:43 pm
What is kiasu?
ally: This is part of our local English. We call it Singlish and this word Kiasu means “afraid of losing”.
Comment by ally bean — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Dear, kiasu or not, we are all trying to do our best for our children. If we don’t help them, who will? That’s why I try to do some “educational activities” with Nikita whenever I have the time. We are in the same boat.
CM: But at least Nikita is interested and a very keen learner. My boy is a different story. Always making excuses…
Comment by crazymommy — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 @ 9:12 am
It’s inevitable and perfectly understandable. Who doesn’t want the best for their own kids? As long as you strike the right balance of work and play, I think that’s good enough.
DR: I try…
Comment by domestic rat — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 @ 10:51 am
I used to buy those assessment books and my kids loved them. I guess I was lucky because they were pretty independent. Do you know of child of G’s age who can study with him so learning would be more fun for them, as opposed to learning alone?
Belle: Only in school. At home, it’s just him…
Comment by Belle — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 @ 9:46 am
I’m sure my turn will come soon enough. (and my mr. sexyback is coming to concert on sept 5 =)
Irene: Oooh…another few more months…must start practicising those movements now!
Comment by Irene — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Soon it’ll be my turn..
My hubby is more kanchiong than me.. he’s trying to coach Zara to recognise the alphabets now, but she’s just not interested. Teach her new vocab, she’ll be an eager learner.. Ask her to recognise alphabets and numbers, she’ll say, “it’s very difficult” and walk away.
zm: She’s doesn’t like to learn words and numbers? Surprise. She struck me as a keen learner…
Comment by zara's mama — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 @ 9:47 pm