I’ve always emphasised on developing a healthy self esteem and self confidence for my kids. I grab opportunities whenever they come knocking, be it competitions, performances on stage, I will almost always go out of my way to support them. EJ has always been quick in learning new things, alert, possessses excellent memory and mindful of the learning environment. This applies to almost every thing that comes in his way that is academic. He is in a less challenging environment in school currently, so he has been receiving merit awards for academic performances. For AJ, I know that her school environment is very different. School work is slightly more challenging, and more importantly, children in her school are of different family background. So I predicted that she has a lesser chance of receiving merit awards.
What did I do? I planned ahead, so that she wouldnt feel any less accomplished than her brother. I made sure she was well prepared for her Inter School TKD competition this year so that she would win a medal for her school. Despite nursing a high fever for 2wks, and recovering on the day of the competition, she clinched a Silver medal, fighting against girls as old as 5 years older. That, garnered her a medal award by her school. She got to go on stage, just like her brother, to receive this. In fact, she became quite a little celebrity as the Principal and teachers were so amazed that such a small person can spar (actually, she didnt compete in sparring). True enough, she didnt do well enough academically for her to receive a merit award. I feel guilty that I didnt put in more effort in her Chinese, but then, hey, something’s gotta give way if we want a balanced lifestyle for our kids, rite?
Anyway, that’s the kinda mother I am.
