I read from books that, a child up to the age of six months, a parent need not worry that comforting a crying child will result in spoiling, but after that time they should encourage children to comfort themselves, let them begin to associate crying with a ritual. Parents should prepare themselves for children being obstructive and attempting to test limits between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, should set firm and clear limits, should provide choices for children during stand-offs, and should not become aggravated or feel guilty about doing these. Yes, all these are general guidelines, but we should used it and learn from it.
Princeton had been in the child care centre since 1st April 2010:) He was 23months. I remembered very clearly my first three days with him in school. He survived his first month there after going through all the crying and shouting. He adapted well after that, and I'm glad our effort pays:) He made many friends there, and he learnt how to talk and express his thoughts after 2months in school. He simply enjoy having lesson and his playtime.
During his first year there, there wasn't any complain about fighting. All i remembered was that he was bitten twice (badly). Friends pushed him, his arms was hurt or his legs gotten bruises. But now, no more friends bully. Teachers feedback to me, Princeton self defence skills was great, he fought back! His friend used a dustpan to hit him, Princeton quickly grab a broom and whacked back! The teacher told me, she don't know whether to laugh or to scold them. hahaha...... Another time, Princeton's friend Ashton, used a book to hit on Princeton's head. Before the teacher could stop, Princeton was so angry that he used a bigger book and beat his friend back 10 times! The teacher stopped him, but Princeton forced his way through and continued! Teacher Shelly told me about it, and i had reprimanded him. I told him, if your friend beat you too hard, you can beat back, but beat back one time can already. hee....
It's very difficult to teach them in this area. I couldn't possibly asked Princeton to stand there and got beat and bully right? But i wouldn't want him to start the fight too. In the past, when he got into a fight, he will cry. Now? No more tears, he will stand firm and fight. LOL.
To me, these are parts and puzzles of growing up. Esp boys... if we take it too hard, then how to see them through primary school and secondary school? My sister once saw the video in ikea whereby Princeton was beaten up by another boy. She asked " huh.... you can take it ah... if she saw it her own eyes, she sure go help tian" Well, of course i'm heart pain.... In a fight, there's no right or wrong party. Doesn't mean my boy cry means your boy bully mine, Vice versa. I told Princeton, if people beat you, you can go and tell teacher or you run away. But if you want to fight, then you cannot cry. He nodded his head (dunno fully understand or not)
At home is a different case. Everything he must learn to give way to his sister. Everything he must learn to share with his sister. He loves to make fun of Paris, but overall he dote xin alot. Everyday first thing he comes home, is to kiss meimei and hug her. Children reaction tells all.
This is a video of my bb first 3 days in school, hee.... see how much he had grown? From a blur blur bb, to a big size toddler now! The other video was taken 06 August 2010 when the school was celebrating National Day. See, its one year ago! And they r going to have another party soon. haha.... I will go snap some photos too this year. Do your best Princeton boy, continue learning (the good & better ways). Be our strong and independent man. Daddy and Mummy so proud of you!
