Each child is an Individual

Every child is different and matures at different rates and has different strengths and weaknesses. Children go through a gradual process of maturation, growth and development over the years of their childhood. Sometimes we can hit a rough patch where our child is exhibiting some unwanted behaviour and we're finding it really stressful. (It is probably the case now for me......)

Paris is going to the stage of 'terrible 2'!! More frequent in throwing tantrums, scream when she's upset, and fight for her own 'rights'. Scary ya? Fortunately, she is not as 'clusmy' as her brother, who fall and hit on his head like 20 times? She is more 'sensible' as in when i told her the toilet is slippery, cannot go in, you will fall down. She understands, and bring her chair to sit and wait outside the bathroom. Unlike Princeton, who dashed in while I'm bathing, in the end, knocked himself left right centre.  

Even though every child grows and develops at his or her own pace. Still, child development tends to follow a fairly predictable path.

  

I got this from the child care centre, and i snap it for curiosity... Read it, and am glad both lil Ps are on track. I'm more concerned in their independent skills, rather than their academic knowledge. These chart consoled me, for my decision to put Princeton in a full day child care is a right choice. He is able to finish his meal by himself, to go to the toilet without assistance, to dress/undress himself:) The amazing thing: he is able to pack and unpack his own school bag. (Which contain, sleeping mattress, bathing towel, his undergarment, one set of school uniform, and an exercise book.)

Princeton was slow in speech. His first word was ah ma, and only ah ma.... until he reached exactly 24 months, suddenly he could speak in short sentences! I want sleep, i want eat. I don't want, mummy come, etc. Since infant, Princeton doesn't make many noises. Just simple woo, ha, ah, that's all. But now, I'm very happy he is speaking and communicating well now. So, i always tell my sis, it's OK, don't worry Zachary is not bubbling noises. It's still early... Princeton is a good example, he can even tell me a joke now. 

"Mummy i tell you something very funny today. I comb Shu Xian hair. hahaha" (laughed by himself)
Me: Oh really? So is Shu xian happy?
"Mummy, i never use comb leh, i use my hand to comb her hair" hahaha. (the laughter gets louder)
Me: Did you wash you hand???
"No leh, shu xian never ask me go wash.
Me: HAHAHA!! You dirty fellow!

Recently, i was considering of signing up Princeton for another course -I CAN READ . The reviews were very positive, and the location is at Jurong East Gateway. I was in dilemma, because the school fees are of higher range, and i might not have the time to rush them to all these programs next year (when I'm back in workforce). But right now, Princeton is absorbing positively, and he has got the passion and desire to learn. Shouldn't i go all out to let him explore his ability?

I believed in long term commitment in all these classes. I don't like the idea of going for first few months, after that give up and change to something else. This will only waste time and disrupt their learning process. Got to discuss with Zhenyu in details...

I believe playtime is equally important to study time. Many children, only obsess in playing and enjoying everyday. Minimum time to study. While other children are too stress up by all the books and enrichment programs.

Are we unwittingly lowering the quality of life for those we mean to nurture? Or Are we degrading childhood by demanding ever more of our children?