Hubby and I were shocked and were dumbfounded for a few seconds - followed by a long and hard hug from me to Big Bee. It was very apparent that she was very pleased with our elation. However, I tore myself from the hug and asked her, "Mummy and Papa are so happy! But more importantly, are you happy with this piece of news yourself? Do you feel proud of yourself?" Big Bee gave a small bashful smile and nodded her head eagerly.
I was delighted that Big Bee could attain decent marks without the need for hothousing, tuition (as yet!) or any academic enrichment. All we provided is an environment of love, care, support and constant encouragement, as well as some extra effort on my part to revise through some work with her on a constant basis. I hope to continue this state of no external tuition for as long as I could, despite the many skeptical parents who had incessantly encouraged me to put Big Bee through tuition to ease my workload and for her to "realise her full potential".
But if realising her full potential with external tuition centres means not spending enough time to understand what your child is doing, I think I am content to spend a bit more effort and work to nurture my children myself - for as long as I can, and within what I am capable of - for now.
More importantly, it is fundamental to let her know that she should be proud of what she had achieved herself - and not to use this achievement to bribe for external gains, not to exchange it for our love (for our love will always be overflowing for her whatever happens) and not to brag about this to friends.
Life works in funny ways though. Barely an hour after I received the fabulous news from Big Bee, I received a piece of bad news. I will not blog about this as Big Bee reads my blog. I was terribly disappointed, and Big Bee knew it. I took this opportunity to impart something that I think would be even more intrinsic in our children's upbringing - that of life-long values. Not through harsh reprimands like what we used to receive as children. But, hopefully, by treating Big Bee as a friend and using logic and rationale to appeal to her. I hope it works and that she will be on my side.
It seemed to work tonight. And I pray that she will be this receptive to me forever.
3 comments:
*clap clap*
I couldn't agree more with this post. I feel exactly the same way. Some people had told me I'm being idealistic, that ALL kids need tuition. I'm hoping mine won't, for as long as possible at least. you are one dedicated mum and a huge inspiration. :)
Well done! Obviously, Mom's good work and Big Bee's diligence paid off!
K: I am also keeping my fingers crossed, but I suspect by the time the 2 girls are in pri school, or when work gets tougher in P3, I may have to succumb to the pressures, sigh. It is very stressful and tiring to be teaching them without the help of tuition teachers, but we should endeavour to keep it up for as long as possible!
Yellowgiraffe: Thanks, dear...I must say I am pretty happy with this, but of course, we need to teach the children not to be complacent! Lesson learned from good old Mummy last time!
Post a Comment