My route of education - too long?

I haven't written a post in a while. Not that I haven't got anything to write but I simply have no time with work, studies (teaching diploma) and family. So, why am I writing a post today?

It's the third day of Chinese New Year, the horse year. No big deal really. However, CNY is very much the time for family catch-ups. We meet up with relatives whom we probably rarely meet throughout the year.

A discussion I had with an aunt left me slightly disturbed and I felt the need to share my perspectives.

We started talking enthusiastically about Early Childhood Education (my passion) and Isaac (my love). The topic veered off to choosing a primary school for my little boy who is barely two. I am not being anxious. I was trying to find out the prospect of enroling him into the only not-too-bad Christian school in Singapore, which her son is studying in. That, for your information, is ACS junior. 

My reason for thinking about this school is as simple as "I want a Christian school for Isaac". For some reason, we started discussing the differences between "good" and "not-so-good" schools, peer influences and academic routes in the future.

Suddenly, the topic turned to me. She mentioned "I took a long route". At that moment, I wasn't quite sure what she meant. She talked about how she always sees me "studying" (more like pursuing my education). 

For the benefit of my readers, I went through the standard education and went to junior college. I dropped out and studied in polytechnic. I emerged a top student (not because I was more studious). And I took a part time degree as I was anxious to join the workforce. The degree I took was a scholarship too. Now, I am studying for a teaching diploma at 30 years old because I made a career switch after 10 years. 

This discussion really disturbed me. It took me two days to ponder. 

Simply put, I have never regretted the routes I took. I may have friends who climbed the corporate ladder. How many of them are really happy? I am not sure.

Also, I got to where I am today because Singapore's education system never prepared me for post-secondary school. I was so clueless about my strengths and weaknesses. I loved the arts but it wasn't as flourished then and my parents were against my pursuit. I took to the path most Singapore students took. I went to JC only to realize I hated the mundane academic style of JC. Eventually, I had to go through trial and errors and many experiences along the way to discover what I really want and like to do in life!

Little did I know back then I am a kinestatic learner! No one told me that. I am not even sure if that was because I went to a neighborhood school so the teachers weren't capable of identifying my learning styles and strengths for me.

It took me a good 10-15 years to finally follow my heart and passion. That was after trying hard to do well in stuffs I didn't like doing. So many times I wanted to leave everything and go into Early Childhood. 

There were too many risks and negativity then. I have God and Isaac to thank. Probably The Lord felt the time was right and he opened the door of early childhood to me. It gave me insights into education and child raising. I am better at managing my expectations and managing Isaac. 

To sum up my post, I do not agree with the education system in Singapore. I feel that children do not get enough exposure to allow them certainty about what they would like to do to choose the choice of specialization in the university. 

Therefore, my philosophy in education is simply, children are curious. The more exposure they receive when they are young, the better. At least, they are able to identify themselves and decide their future pursuits early.

I want Isaac to be resilient. To be able to take risks, failures and discover the world and his life all by himself. 

Someone asked me about "strawberry generation". I think it came about because protective parents plan their children's lives!

What do we want for our children? A high flying career? Or success being measured by achievements from their interests and passion - usually accompanied with satisfaction and happiness? 

Isaac's Drawing of a Car

Isaac doodled and said "car". Creative!

Art and I

It has been a really long time since I complete a visual art piece. 

The lack of time and motivation have put off any art piece I tried commencing. Finally, the chance came for me to complete a few pieces. 

All thanks to my art module that I am able to re-engage in something I enjoy. And it's amazing how I still retain certain skills.

Here's a rendition of my Afghan girl. Inspired by Jason Wee's installation of Mr Lee, No More Tears, I wanted to put together something that has a mosaic effect, but more colorful. I retained the idea of a portrait that told a story.

The story of the Afghan girl was a sad one. I wanted her to be in a better situation. The most unique feature must be her arresting eyes. And I maintained her unsmiling look.

Baby said the make over was too drastic that people wouldn't be able to link back to her. My take is, it's my way of telling her story, not the photographer's. And I fantasized for her. That's the beauty of art! I can be all whimsical.

Putting together the art piece was a team effort from Chrystal, Esther, Suhailin and Shirley. We had to complete this piece in 2 hours.

Following this work, I am now inspired and motivated to put together more art works. And I am inspired to make water color, water resist and collage as my main techniques of work.

Life is getting exciting when you engage in your passion. Thank God for leading me back to one of my first loves in life!

Lastly, art is a very important form of learning for children. It holistically build up a child! I incorporate a lot of art in my curriculum. When I am ready and following God's guidance, I would love to expose more children to art.

The next module is music and movement, another love of my life. Anticipating!

Here's my group's masterpiece.

The sketch before the make over. My first portrait sketch in eons.

The final piece that will eventually hang in my new place. I love the collage - use of paper, crepe paper and cloth.

Isaac's new "toy"

This is his favourite new "toy". He drags it around the house, pretends to row a boat with it when I sing "row, row, row your boat", bites and licks it like it's the tastiest lollipop, tries to pick up stuffs with it and help me with my chores. He runs to it the first thing he comes home, wakes up and whenever he is at home. 

Happy Father's Day in advance (to my baby)

The journey of parenting is an arduous and tedious one. It is most certainly not a walk in the park. And fathers are worthy to be commended for their efforts in parenting.

I would like to dedicate this special post to my baby.

From being a child himself (child at heart), he has taken on the role of being a daddy to Isaac. His love for Isaac is indescribable. Even though I feared before delivery about Baby not adapting well, he has surpassed my expectation of him as a father.

There were so many times he controlled situations much better than me. I have learnt a lot from him. Ironically, I read more about parenting and spoke more to people.

In the end, it was him who taught me that every child is unique and thus, no guide is perfect. 

A mother may love her child much. A father's love isn't lesser. Baby has to travel far for his work all over Singapore. He would rush back to pick up Isaac. 

He would settle him while I do the dishes, change his diapers and check if he has rashes or if his stool was normal. 

When Isaac had very high fever, he stayed up to take care of him even though he had to work the next day. He sponged him, took him to the doctor's and fed him medicines and took care of him. There were also the moments of vomiting where Isaac puked all over Baby.

He took care of him so mummy can work, cook, run and enjoy some me-time. All done without assistance. 

For someone who is an only child and have been independent, Baby has stepped out of his boundary and beyond. He is a great father.

His love is like that of Jesus. He gives unconditional love to Isaac. It is a no-wonder Isaac would call "Daddy". And until today, that remains one of his favorite phrases. Sadly, "mummy" isn't in his vocabulary yet. 

Baby may appear nonchalant. Deep down, I know he loves Isaac a lot. He is unknowingly loving him more than himself. No, I am not jealous. Cos he still loves me a lot. I know.

So, Baby Derrick Teng, thanks for all the thins you have done for Isaac and me. No word can describe how appreciative I am. And I am sure Isaac feels your loves and knows because he is happy in your care. He loves to be with you. And he looks forward to being with you.

You have been an amazing father and I am really proud of you. We love you. Happy Father's Day baby.

Being a new parent... Isaac was only 5/6 days old.

Giving Isaac a peck... Lovingly...

My Little Boss

Absolutely love this article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blackberry/p.html?id=3209305

At one point in motherhood, I was absolutely uptight and very much affected by what people think and the expectations of the "social norms" of parenting.

At one point, I was disturbed by comments and standards set up some so-called experts. 

At the end of the day, I became miserable and I didn't enjoy parenthood. What changed me was one word from my husband "chillax".

If someone says that it requires a lot of patience to be a parent, he would disagree. He would say the key to parenting is to chill and relax, this "chillax".

Since I learnt to be more laid back in my parenting style, we enjoy one another more. Isaac has a lot of liberty to explore and we watch and keep him safe.

I allow him to eat fries and he loves it. He eats chocolate wafer and ice cream sometimes. On some weekends, we skip the morning showers together. And sometimes, we go to bed late. I allow him to mess up and we learn to keep his toys together.

He plays with what my husband calls "industrial toys", such as wooden spoon used for cooking, Tupperware, a full milo tin and cutleries in the restaurant (not to mention creating a din). 

There were times he screamed and cried because he waited too long sitting with us at a restaurant, we just let him have his moment while we finish up our food. The same applies to when we have to finish up some urgent matters such as a visit to the restroom and he wouldn't allow us to. We would tell him,"too bad. You have to wait."

Who cares? If we, as parents allow him to explore the world, he will eventually learn. And yes. He turns out to be able to take instructions much better at 14 months.

He learnt that when he sees smoke from a cup or bowl, it is hot. And when there is vapour, it is cold. He learnt that when he lie down too quickly to throw tantrum, he would hit his head too hard. So, he gently put down his head before rolling and kicking, much to our amusement and often, we let him be and then pick him up to explain to him.

The incidents reduced. And he began to understand us much better. 

Some friends are amazed at my calmness. But like the article, I don't feel I am a bad parent.

I just choose to ignore all comments, views and social acceptable standards, and run my family my own way. I choose to bring up my child my own way.

And when friends think I am such a "poor thing" having to bring Isaac out everywhere. Actually, I want to! And I enjoy it. I love bringing my little terror out.

Who cares? To me, giving Isaac security and love is the most important. With security, he can be confident to expire his world. 

This little adventure I introduce him to. The liberty I allow him to have - of course, watched and loosely controlled, is how I want him to be when he grows up.

To always have the spirit of adventure to explore, take calculated risks and always keep the curiousity burning - to learn for life.

Note: Just to clarify... When I said I ignored comments, it includes compliments. I humbly thank compliments for Isaac but I don't feel proud. My pride is for my own to enjoy in his development. Having said that, I also do not judge myself. Cos judging myself means, judging others. And this also means comparison. I just bask in my own confidence as Isaac's mummy and the joy of bring a parent. That's as simple as that. And this spirit has been brought into my entire being. Not just parenthood anymore.

Breathing

I am breathing. I am glad. To be breathing. This very simple act of human basic body response is a sign of life!

Yet, have we ever consider the air we breathe?

I just read about noble gases after an enriching conversation this afternoon. Love meeting this friend who always fuels my brain with more perspectives and knowledge.

Instinctively, I came home and researched rare gases. Of them, I saw Argon.

Recently, I saw a documentary film by Tom Shadyac, and Argon was mentioned. I vividly remember it said that Argon exists in the atmosphere since there was an atmosphere. Using Argon as a metaphor to show how interconnected human beings are to our environment, it was said that through breathing in and out of Argon, we share the same breath as those who ever lived. That includes Jesus, Aristotle, the dinosaurs and any other living creatures that breathed!

Breathing the same air, literally! Perhaps that was how this phrase was conjured!

So, gases do stay in our environment. What happens when harmful gases are added to the atmosphere? What if one day, the atmosphere become saturated with the harmful gases?

Will we still be able to continue breathing?

Or at least, breathe with ease?

It is funny how it is so easy for us to forget what the natural human make up is and how entwined we are with nature and our environment.

We have forgotten and only remember our relationship with money - through industrialization and commercialism.

And it was recently as well that I found out Helium is depleting worldwide. That goes to show how one day, everything we have on earth will exhaust from over usage and misuse.

When will human beings realise we need nature to live and not so much of nature needing us to live then?

Will we still be glad till then that we are still breathing when one day, what we breathe are harmful gases?