Parenting Techniques?

Read a parenting book:

1. Develop autonomy, let the child find out her own answers instead of feeding her with information.

Sharleen was asking me "why did xxxxx".

I lifted the answer off the book "Why do u think it is this way?".

"No, I'm asking u, why u ask me back???"

2. Give the child his wishes in fantasy (when it cannot be fulfilled)

"Where is that place? I want to go!" (That's Disneyland on TV)

"I wish we are there now, playing with Mickey..."

"No, I want really go, not imagine!"

No textbook answers for raising children. 一种米养百种人

Sharleen's Bedtime Routine

The steps to be taken to prep for sleep:
1. Bathe and brush teeth
2. Play toys or computer game for a while
3a. If (can stop playing), Then mummy read book
3b. Concurrently, drink milk, then drink water
4. Put a handkerchief on pillow (which may be folded into a triangle, rectangle or flower depending on mood)
5. Wear socks
6. Put on safety amulet (so that no monsters will catch her during sleep)
7. If (nose is blocked), Then apply a vapour rub
8. If (tummy uncomfortable), Then apply ru2 yi4 you2 on tummy (nostalgia on her babyhood)
9. Build a 'sports car' with the bolsters and pillows on the bed
10. Lie down and cover with blanket
11. Mummy say 'Goodnight' and 'No dreams' (doesn't want sweet dreams...)
11. Finally, half close the door.

Whew!

First Times

Sharleen's got her first Child Transit Link Card last week, and used it all by herself to board the bus. During the first time, she couldn't find where to tap the card, and I had to fumble to guide her hand while other passengers were waiting behind. During the 2nd time, she did it without any hiccups and I can see from her face that she was so proud of herself. She must be thinking, 'I'm taking the bus like an adult now'!

Alyssa's got her first time too! She has already starting her gurgles of 'ah' and 'eh', and she's looking straight at me as she does that. Looks like she's having a conversation with me already.

Do they look alike?

Ok, as requested by Siew Meng, have retrieved Sharleen's baby photo.





















The below 2 are Alyssa (unmistakably), just for comparison.

Sharleen as the Jie Jie

I hope Sharleen is doing well as the big sister. She has always behaved like a da jie in school, this role at home suits her well. She seems to have a love-hate relationship with her little sister. One one hand, she is very protective of Alyssa, sometimes helping me to 'look after' her when I'm busy, talking to her and sayang her. One the other hand, we also see her throwing tantrums and vying for attention from Alyssa. I hate it when I have to scold Sharleen for disturbing Alyssa at unappriopriate times like when she is sleeping, but she has to learn living with Alyssa. She probably doesn't feel good about it as I can see from her rebellious behaviour at times. Need to tread on this carefully to avoid resentment from Sharleen... Well, at least Sharleen hasn't asked me to give Alyssa away, which I have heard of happened. Thank you Sharleen!

StitchHairband

Sharleen in the Stitch Hairband from uncle Siew Meng. It's a little too small for her head, and now it's retired to her vanity box, where she keeps all the pretty hairclips, kiddy necklaces and bracelets. Too bad I don't have the camera with me now to include the picture. Alyssa gets one hairband too... haven't gotten around putting it on her yet. One of these days...