Yesterday which was Saturday, we had a gathering at our place with Princeton's ex teachers and one of his classmate, Ashley's family. Ashley had a brother Jethan who was 5 yrs old. His ex classmate Steven was supposed to join us, but went back to Myanmar last month. Steven was Princeton's favourite playmate!
We prepared curry, fried bee hoon, fried scallop and fishball. The guests ate alot and praised that the curry was fantastic! haha... Well, mum helped me with the food actually, i don't have the time to cook as Sat after Tian's phonics, we attended my Poly friend, Shiling bb girl full month celebration. This weekend was indeed packed, hubby suggested to me not to arrange such tight schedule the next round, heehee...
Today we went to the Botanic Garden, to let the children get in touch with natural air and environment, instead of shopping centres everytime. Next week, the dad is going to bring us to Marina Barrage for kite flying and picnic! :) Princeton enjoyed the one and a half hour walk! He is at a stage of asking the WHY WHERE WHAT WHO WHEN HOW. Though quite long ago, he had been asking Why Why Why, now he had all the 5W 1H. He is a curious child, and is very knee in learning. The questions kids are asking are often very interesting and they really can give very creative answers. Me: Princeton are you a good boy? Tian: No mummy, i am a good MAN. Me: wow, so what can good MAN do? Tian: Good man can be superman and spiderman (then show me how the hand released spiderman's web) haha!!!
Tian: Mummy, you want to eat lelibes? (vegetables) Mummy: Yes, i want, thank you. Tian: Why you like? (Before i could answered, he said: Bcoz eat already can grow tall tall and play basketball right?) hahaha!! I nodded and said yes yes, you faster eat. Tian replied, no thank you, i already very tall. (>.<)Princeton could tell us how he feel. For example, he is too cold or too hot. He is tired hungry already. He is able to express and tell me whether is he happy, sad or scared etc. Today he skipped his nap again, but we were contented he did not throw tantrums:) He just asked daddy to carry him after almost 2hours of walk at the garden. We wished to train his stamina to walk for long hours, to keep him fit as well.
Paris was far too tired, it was her nap time actually... Though she wanted to nap, but her eyes were wide opened, looking at the scenery and the fishes and turtles. She dozed off on her car seat while we were on our way back. heehee.... I wished to enroll her in kids gym. Daytime, i could bring her there myself. To train her motor skills as well as to let her interact with peers. Because apparently she really don't like strangers:( Yesterday during the gathering, she was so moody. She was tired as well, plus seeing so many unfamiliar faces makes her feel very insecure.
The only time she was smiling, was when the children were running and playing with balls. Hopefully she can be more open towards people, just like her brother. Although Princeton also needs time to warm up, but he won't whine like meimei lol.
Yesterday, we saw how other kids behaved during meal times. Zhenyu agreed that he seldom can see children who can sit still and have their meals on a table. Except his own boy.... Jethan who is 5 yrs old, run around the place, and his mum was chasing him with a bowl of bee hoon. Ashley behaved the same way, driving the car while mummy feed her spoon by spoon. Hubby then added on, he was glad Princeton was taught to sit still and finished his meal. Princeton will set a good example for xin to follow.. I told hubby that whatever the child had or could achieved, we shouldn't treat it as 理所当然. 
There was an incident happened during the gathering. Ashley's hand was hurt by the main door. She cried out loudly and was shouting in pain. Princeton was the first one who put down his gun and rushed over for her. I quickly took out the zambuk and Princeton immediately applied the medication on her. He blew on her finger and told her no pain no pain. We as Parents felt very 欣慰, and his ex teachers commented Princeton 比自己的哥哥还紧张。Jethan saw it but got no reaction, just continue playing his gun.
Somehow i felt that, Yes, we are proud that our child are clever, because they can count from 1-20? or 1-30? Able to say abc, can even write at the age of 3 or 4. Can sing and dance very well. For me, i don't praise for all these. I will tell Tian to keep it up, or you can do it. Praising unnecessary will make the child feel arrogant and hence 自豪。To let them feel confidence, Yes we should. 但不可以把真厉害或真聪明挂在嘴边。My cousin advised me, only praised when the child did something morally right, example to throw the litters into the dustbin, to tidy up their bed, to keep their toys, to fold their clothes etc. We then should praised them and encouraged them to do it more often. Moral education is one level which children nowadays lacking in. My cousin also told me, abc, 123 singing dvd are secondary. Try to intro them with documentary, let the child be interested in 大自然，and get in touch with the environment, to love their earth.
