No more crying, finally!!

It took Hao Re two months plus to FINALLY get use to and accept the new routine, the childcare, and other changes associated to our moving house. Xi Yu is doing much better than Hao Re, probably because she is still young, so just accepted whatever it is in front of her.

We have tried very hard to understand what Hao Re is thinking/feeling about his new school/routine. Wanted to know so much what made him refused to go to the childcare or rather cried so badly every morning when we dropped him off. We have eliminated the possible common causes like the childcare, the teachers, the classmates, etc, none of these seemed to be the linking to his crying. We have also used rewards of all sorts, reasoning, scolding, threatening, etc, and none seemed to be working.

We have even gone all the way to try to find out if this was due to his ex-classmate WJ, who was his best friend, whom he spent so much time with everyday for the past year. We knew he missed this best mate of him dearly, as they were very closed. Hao Re would tell me what WJ likes, the colors, the cartoons, the food, etc, they were chatting so much everyday like how we adults chatted. Their teachers said they couldn't be separated, they took nap side by side, had lunch and tea break together, did arts and crafts and worksheet together.

So I got the help of the principle of the ex-childcare, got into contact with WJ's mum, and asked if we can let the boys meet up. His mum was so happy that I contacted her. She immediately agreed to meet up. Because she had similar problem with her son!! Ever since Hao Re left that childcare, WJ had become very quiet. He refused to play with others, didn't want to talk, and isolated himself to a corner. So bad so that his parents decided to withdraw him from the childcare. He did much better at the new childcare and seemed to have pulled through this "tragedy". They are only 4 years old! So amazed by how strong their friendship is!!!

And so the boys met. They didn't glue to each other and they didn't chat at all, but we can feel that they were comforted after seeing each other. We promised to put in effort to let the boys meet up often, hoping this special friendship will continue to grow and flourish!

Then 2 weeks after the meet up, Hao Re decided he didn't want to cry anymore in the morning. He bid us goodbye and walked in to the childcare as what he should be. We are not sure if meeting up with his best mate has helped to soothe him.

Until now, we still don't know what exactly was the reason he cried so badly in the morning for the past 2 months. But that is not important anymore, isn't it?

Such a big relief to see them walk into the centre happily! One big big big load was taken off our shoulder, phew!! Hope the kids enjoy spending time at the childcare centre with their friends and teachers.

They were going for a field trip to Marina Barrage! In very good mood heading to school! Hao Re's first time wearing the school uniform (no stock for the past 2 months).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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Where have all the time gone???

It's unbelievable. Time just passes like that, day by day.

I am so exhausted after work nowadays. After cooking and feeding them dinner, played with them for a while, putting them to bed, it's already 11pm. Last time, I managed to stay up a little longer to do something, like housework, surfing net, blogging, FBing, etc. Be it for another hour or two, I managed to enjoy some "free" or "me" time, to at least complete some basis things that need to be done.

But lately. Toys left unkempt. Laundry left unfolded. Dishes left unwashed. Floor left uncleaned. No blog post posted. Less FB posts posted. I still stayed up a little longer after they go to bed, but mostly I was just stoning and not able to do anything, at all.

Sigh!

I noticed that since I started this current job, I am a lot more tired after work. Not because I have to do more work than my previous job, but it's the stress! It really has taken on me, I didn't realised it till I calmed down one day and reflected. Not only affected myself mentally and physically, it affected the entire family too. I have become such a terrible person to my kids and to my dearest husband, bad tempered and impatient.

I knew I need to do something about it. So I have tendered my resignation. I have made my priority very clear - family ALWAYS comes first, nothing can beat this. So for the sake of the family and my own wellness, I discussed with my hub and we decided I need to move on. My dear hub is forever supportive of me, thanks dear!

So, less than 2 months from now, I would be starting another job. A job that need no traveling - my main criteria set when I was looking for a job, and made it clear to my potential employers.

Things won't just change like magic once I change job. A huge lot of effort I need to put in to make myself becoming a better person - a loving and understanding wife, and a loving, caring, patient mum. To become to wife and mum that my hub and kids used to have.

I know I can do it. Give me some time, okay!

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Kids' arts is about the process......

..... but not the outcome.



A piece of arts and crafts made by a young kid doesn't have to be perfect.
It doesn't have to be cut straight without any flaw.
It doesn't need to be colour till perfection.
It doesn't have to be in perfect symmetry.
It doesn't need to follow any logic (adult's perception to be exact).
It doesn't need to be made into a final usable or displayable product.

It is about enjoying the process and having fun.
It is about learning through play.
Gross and fine motor skills.
Imagination.
Creativity.
Spatial arrangement.
Logic.
Learning new objects.
Mastering new tools.

So, just keep your cool (don't bother about the mess) and let them explore!

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