Dig It Up

I have a lot on my mind. Something is bugging me. I can not expect anyone else to do resolve my issues, I need to do something about my own situation. I need to tend to my own inner garden…which seems to be in a mess.

I love my kids, and spending time with them. But years on, I really do enjoy the times when I do not have them around, when I can just lay back with a motivating, spiritually lifting book. When I have time to look through a design magazine and marvel of how did they create something like that. Half of the programs designers use now, I have never seen before. The softwares I use to be familiar with are at least ten versions outdated.

I love being just a mom, but now, it isn’t enough for me.

I need to start thinking about digging back the skills and talent I buried when I traded my career for motherhood. I will not flip around 180 degrees and trade back motherhood for a career re-launch, but perhaps find a middle ground, where I still be with my kids and do the things with them that only I can make impact with, yet also make the time to develop myself. Some friends think that I am good with children and suggested to make them as part of my career: get a certificate in Children Services or work in the education sector. I don’t think that I am that good with kids; being able to work with them is a requirement to fill my responsibility now that I am a parent.

Instead I am going to start digging into my past. Brush the rust off. Perhaps there is still something worth digging for.

Mother's Day at Kinder

I can still remember the first day of Kinder for Malakai.  He has been so excited about starting Kinder where he will be a "big boy" and cycling to "school".  He packed his own snack, chose his bag, and rehearsed greeting his teachers by name with a big smile.

His social fear took over as soon as he steps into the glass door that separates the Kinder area.  He clung unto my legs really tight.  His smile replaced by the look of anxiety.  Since toddler, Malakai has never been really good coming into group situation, he would rather leave the toy he loves to play with than having to be around other kids.

Today, he is still far from being a sociable child, he still needs constant encouragement and prompting to greet others; but he have certainly grown, and I am proud of his efforts.  As his mom, it is my job to continue to work very hard to help him with his social skills and confidence - and I am very happy to do so.

One of the very special item I was presented with for Mother's Day is a library bag with his drawing on it.  It is a happy picture of him cycling and me walking behind him.   Something we do together regularly, something he enjoys.  Gone are the frustration of getting him ready to Kinder on time and convincing that a car ride is the better option than cycling in the cold.  

I am really blessed to be part of this journey with him. 
Happy Mother's Day indeed.

KiaSu Mum...

In my desperation and concern with my son's lack of interest in literacy at his kindy. I decided to take matters into my own hand. After all, who is better to teach a child than his mother?
I have been teaching my son block letters since he was young, and now he is asked to sign in to kindy using Victorian Script, he is quite thrown out.
I downloaded the Victorian Mod Script font from the Department of Education website, install it on my PC, and made worksheets for tracing.
Fingers crossed that I am commited to this and have the patience to assist my son to have better start in school...