Jerilyn has a very close friend. Her name - Shirley Teh. When Jerilyn started schooling since Day 1, Shirley had captured my attention. She was the most outstanding student in that class. What did she do? Firstly, she was blinking continuously, I assumed she had an eye problem, wondering if it was contagious. Secondly, she was the most poorly clothed. In this era, you don't often see kids who wear old uniforms especially for Year 1. Her pinafore was quite faded. Thirdly, she was overly excited to play with her sister who was there during the orientation. It was obvious that they have very close relationship. Unlike the other kids, Shirley did not look shy or insecure being in a new environment.
1 year after that, she has become Jerilyn's close friend. Over the year, there have been many extraordinary stories about her which I still find a mystery. You see, I love to analyse people's actions and thoughts. I am quite accurate too at reading people. However, with this little girl. I can't. She is still a mystery to me.
Anyway, few days back, while I was watching my routine 7 o'clock Hong Kong dramas, I heard Jerilyn's name being called from the gate. It was Shirley. Her mother drove her here. Not sure if it's not purpose or pass by. By the way, she exchanged some words with the girls and left.
Yesterday, while bathing I heard her voice again. Screaming for Jerilyn at the top of her lungs. The girls had to dress at top speed or the whole neighbourhood would know Jerilyn's name. So, the girls ran as fast as their legs could carry them to welcome their friend while I quickly clothed myself.
I was surprised to see Shirley in my living room as I walked down the stairs. The mother? She had driven off. I am more surprised that a mother can trust her daughter's friends enough to just leave her at a stranger's door without even a "Hello". I would not allow my kids to her friends' house without exchanging a word or two with their parents.
The girls were very excited with their first visitor. Shirley is their first friend who came over to play (alone). Jesslyn, in particular, showed her around the house; from books to photos. Jesslyn even pointed to the air-cond on the wall. The three of them were chatting like there was no tomorrow. Shirley stayed for 2 hours before her mum picked her up.
I am happy if the girls' friends come over to play or study together once in a while. However, I wish that there are less surprises as we may have our programmes too.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Extra Curricular Activities
Children nowadays are so pre-occupied with activities. I know many who have to attend tuition 5 days a week, even 7 days! On top of that, they go to different centres according to subjects. Not to mention the distance. The parents do not mind sending their kids kilometres away just so that they get the best tuition. Pity the parents who have to chaperon EVERY DAY!!!
As for myself, I already wishing that Jerilyn can get her own driving license as soon as possible. No. Not tuition but fetching them from school is enough to give me that thought. Other than that, I have to send them for piano classes and ballet lessons. On Tuesdays, Jess attend piano class. On Thursday nights, they have ballet lessons and Jerilyn has piano lessons on Saturdays. In comparison to other mothers, I am the lucky one.
In school, the girls are quite active. They are both interested in badminton and arts. However, arts have to be sacrificed as they have recently joined Mathematical Olympiad classes. I encourage them to join activities to widen their social network and learn actively, not passively.
Do they miss anything for not taking tuition? Maybe. I am sure they will do much better academically (if education is about As) if they were to have extra Mandarin lessons. In addition, imagine all the extra time I have for myself instead of nagging them to do extra work at home. The house will be more peaceful too.
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