Cajucom: Looking forward

As of this writing, our two daughters, Kayla and Gelai, Grades V and I, respectively, are taking their final exams, and looking forward to two months of vacation.

Can’t blame them, as kids also experience some level of stress during the school year – stress caused by waking up early, getting ready for school 5 days a week, lessons, school work, home work, drills, quizzes, chapter tests, periodical exams and all other academic and non-academic activities in school.

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We parents have to admit – it is quite rare (if any) to find a child who is 100% eager to go to school everyday of the ten-month academic year. I have noticed this with my own kids who, for the entire school year would often always complain (read: whine) about waking up early, who gets up and who goes to the bathroom first.

This is one of the frustrations Mike and I have very often during the school year, but through the days, weeks and months, we have managed to deal with it and lessen the whining (of both kids and parents, I tell you) – well, sometimes.

Having three girls who are all assertive, hyperactive and smart can be a pain in the neck, but that is something we are thankful for everyday –parenting pains and all notwithstanding.

When Gelai entered first grade at SPED Center, I truly realized that oftentimes kids’ stress comes from the parents more than from any other aspect of their lives. True, school work can be really nerve-wracking, and social relations with classmates (especially some bullies and brats) can be quite stressful, but if parents can manage to lessen the pressure on them they will achieve some balance that they need to grow and learn as an ordinary kid would.

Our eldest had recently turned 11, and already manifesting signs of teenage angst and some level of stubbornness. Now our prayers for patience would constantly have to be doubled, because we as parents are expected to understand more – being (expectedly or hopefully?) wiser in years and experience.

I myself am looking forward to this year’s summer. There have been summers with them enrolled in this workshop and that – ballet lessons, keyboards, voice, arts. This summer we agreed (ok, admittedly, I strongly suggested) that we take the home schooling approach.

Since both our daughters have some difficulty in Math (dominant genes from me that should not have been passed!) I suggested we have daily exercises to review their past Math lessons, just to keep them doing something academic an hour a day at most, before they run off and play.

I am also “promoting” a summer reading program that will have all of us reading good books of our choice as a slow-down activity at least an hour before bedtime.

Nature trips and weekends away will also be part of this summer’s family program, as will be jogging/ walking sessions at the newly-renovated Teachers’ Camp Oval. I am quite excited about this new approach.

I believe simple joys can be found not only in the activity but more so in the company. In fact, with your family and amongst people you love and friends you adore, doing practically nothing together can even be so much fun.

Enjoy the summer! (serendipity.couch@gmail.com)