I beckoned the pupil over to clarify what I had just heard (to check if she was simply being cheeky) and she reiterated that she really did not know how the lights and fans worked. She has never had the privilege of flipping the switches simply because her helper does that for her all the time.
Well, it made me realise that wonderful parents we may all be (and I'm positive that her parents are fabulous in providing for her and caring for her) having our own unique parenting style, we all do have our gaps; blind spots. These are areas that we need others (mirrors) to point out to us so that we can plug these areas.
"The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."
I like the above quote because one facet of parenting is about preparing your child for life without you. It sounds awful, but do think about it...
All our children are at different stages of independence; some are still holding on to your apron-strings, others are already soaring on wings of independence. Some of you have trained your child so well that they can already cook. I, for one, know that Jun Xiang can cook, and I told the class girls that he is good husband material :)
The education system in Singapore may be rigorous, but let us build our children's intellect, together with their entire being as a person. Let us build independence, 'toughness' and common sense in our children. Hold their hand but do let go, one step at a time.
When the going gets rough, they will keep going.
Check-in...Your child should have the skills to perform these tasks independently:
- bathing
- brushing teeth
- washing face (wringing out the face towel)
- tying shoelaces
- dressing/undressing themselves
- folding their own clothes
- packing their own school bag
- tidying their own area
- setting their own alarm
Simple ways your child can help you (skills):
- holding the lift button for you (serving others)
- carrying grocery bags for you (toughness)
- packing a snack box/picnic basket for an outing (planning)
- laying the dinner table (etiquette)
- clearing the table after meals (motor skills)
- drying the crockery (motor skills)
- folding the laundry (proportion, estimation, motor skills)
- placing clothes in the wardrobe (organising/sorting)
- hanging clothes out on a hanger (handling)
- washing their shoes
- making their own bed (organising)
- changing bedsheet/pillowcases/bolstercases (handling)
- packing their own toys (organising)
- dusting furniture / vacuuming/sweeping the floor (handling)
- bringing chairs out for guests (serving others)
- helping you to jot down your shopping list (English)
- estimating the cost of items as you shop (Math : mental calculation)
- weighing items for you at the store (Math : reading of scales)
- feeding/teaching/reading to their younger siblings (taking care of others)
- washing the car (handling)
Don't expect these things to be done perfectly, but as you consciously train them, they eventually will. And they'll be a great help not only at home, but in society. Have fun as you work out these chores with your child, especially during the holidays!
Do register at the website below for more weekly online ideas posted to your email if you're interested. https://www.babycenter.com/login.htm?intcmp=Nav_Global_rightside_stamp_invitefriend