A reminder to self: Let our kids be kids and enjoy their growing up years.
So the story here is the big sister, who is in P3 this year, has been refusing to do her home assignments or revision for her upcoming exams. We had a long weekend and on Thurday, we watched a movie and let her take time off from studies. Friday came, she didn't want to do anything in the morning and we went out almost the whole day. Saturday came and first half of the day, she just wanted to sleep and play. That was when I kind of lost my cool and snapped at her for being so unmotivated.
It took me a while to realise that maybe I just needed to take a step back and let her be in control of her time, even though I'd much prefer that she finishes her work before we head out for play. Perhaps, constant nagging and trying to be in control are slowly having an adverse effect and for someone like her who is usually dependable and responsible, and who will be hitting double digits of age next year, it is time for me to let go and trust her more.
Eventually, we managed to cool down, talk it out and she surprised me by finishing her written homework and even packing her bag on Saturday night. I guess, she just wanted herself to be in more control of her time and the things she could or could not do.
As for me, I probably have a long way to go in learning to discipline my kids and instilling the right values in them while not keeping too tight a leash. After almost a decade of being a mum, I still feel like a newbie on some days because there are so many new challenges that take me by surprise now and then, and they never fail to test my patience and my limits.
That said, I'm happy to see her enjoying our outdoor time on weekends, be it strolling in the park, visiting the gardens, jumping in puddles, scooting in our neighbourhood or having fun at the playground with her siblings. This one is growing up just too quickly and I hope to cherish more of such moments with her before she becomes a young lady.
#ahappymum #ahappymumtalks #firstborn #letourchildrenplay #letkidsbekids #weekends #childhoodonlyhappensonce
