We have just completed our thinkingMath™ Parents Workshop (Part I and Part II) and I went away inspired by the parents, our participants. It may be unthinkable for some that parents are actually going to the extent of attending workshops on primary school subjects yet I have gained insights to this supposedly weird phenomenon otherwise known as ‘kiasuism’:
1) Humility
Never mind their success, they have humbled to learn what their children are learning or need to learn. They spent more than 20 hours working through challenging sums as any primary school students would so as to experience and understand their children’s challenge.
2) Children before self
They made the effort to inconvenient themselves including taking leave from work to avail to learn in order to better guide their children. I am sure many were uncertain about parting with the money for the workshop because it could well mean a much needed spa treatment or the latest electronic gadgets. Still, they robbed themselves off their personal pleasure for they derived their joy not from material pursuit or comfort.
3) Engagement & Support
They are not at the workshop for a career change. It was not a “How to grow your $” or “Be an inspirational leader” seminar that promises wealth, fame and success. It was an unlearning and re-learning process for many who went through the same local educational system as their children except decades ago. They will walk-the-talk, they will participate and they will demonstrate the support for their loved ones with action despite the other commitments that are shouting for their attention.
4) Role Modelling
They could have complained endlessly about the system and the what-not that comes with it but they chose to work alongside towards an amicable resolution. They joined in the learning to understand and to conquer the Goliath. They showed their children what tenacity meant and the concept of ‘when there is a will, there is a way – regardless of age and the nature of the challenge.’
From these parents, I have learnt much. Thank you.
I was recently asked by one of my new friends, who is also one of our onSponge parents, how can she improve her problem solving skills with the aim of assisting her son in solving math problem sums. Sound familiar? So rather than demand a night on the town with a free flow of drinks in return for my wisdom, I decided to share my "Seven Secrets to Problem Sums" for Parents here instead. But first, more on the issue ....
Here's a year round treat for Mum...create a cosy nook for her to unwind whenever she wants to, surrounded by her favourite things.
If you're using a lamp with an old shade, why not give it a fresh look? Vacuum the shade using the upholstery attachment, then glue on trim at the rims. Double sided tape would do just as well. I've chosen a beaded fringe (from Spotlight at Plaza Singapura) and topped that with gimp.
As parents we expect alot from our kids. I'm no exception....good grades a must. I was like a fiend when Nicholas was in Primary school. I remember the first test results he brought home. All excited and happy, this bespectacled kid waving his test paper like crazy. However, it fell short of my expectations but like a good Mummy, I pulled a wide plastic grin and said, 'That's VERY good!' Muack!