She told me that she had to put up her best performance. “Why?” I asked. Her answer was simple. “Because you are here. Because I am dancing for you.”
I was so touched. It struck me that our children try their best to make us happy; and that our praise and delight means the world to them. It was a humbling revelation – knowing how influential I am in my child’s life. I promised myself never to take that for granted, never to misuse this power of influence, and always to appreciate my children for all that they do for me.
2. Take it slow
At her Reception year, E-Ching’s teacher told me that she needed to repeat a year level. As English was not her first language, she could not cope in school. My mother-in-law was upset and insisted otherwise. She felt that it was an embarrassment especially when both parents are graduates and excelled academically. However, I agreed with the teacher’s suggestion. I wanted to give E-Ching time and space to be ready to enter the next year level with confidence.
It turned out to be the best decision I made for E-Ching. She developed a fervent love for reading, and her interest in the English language grew by leaps and bounds. By the end of the year, she could independently read all the books in the school’s reading programme. Today, she holds a PhD in Linguistics from Yale University.
Sometimes, children need time and space. What adults want may not be what children need.
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3. Celebrate family