All About Your Child

LZmommy asked how did we train my boys to eat spicy food in my ‘Last Day Being 5’ post.

It was tapping on their curiosity. As simple as that.

How often does your child take more interest in whatever that is on YOUR plate than theirs? How often do they ask, “Mommy what is that thing in your mouth? What are you eating?”

It is such moments that we say nothing more than “Try It!”

Many parents would go to the extend of describing the taste; giving warnings or even showing the ‘unsure‘ look. All these signs MAY prevent the child from attempting.

I must admit that I do not encourage introducing spicy food to young kids 5 and below, because of the ‘vulnerability‘ of children’s tummy.

However, Allan is the one who was adamant about it. He sees lots of benefits in training my boys to eat spicy yummies:

1. In Singapore, there are so many food which are spicy, hence by learning how to eat spicy stuff would increase my boys’ ‘personal menu‘.
2. One cannot deny that certain food simply taste better with chili and spice. Imagine Chili Crab without Chili or Bak Kut Teh without pepper *pout*.
3. Staying in a multi-racial country, Malay and Indian food adds so much varieties to what we can eat for a meal; and they are famous for their spicy dishes.
4. It is good for health too. Chili is a vegetable. Lots of Vitamin D. Other benefits of eating Chili are found here.

It all began with their favourite: McDonalds French Fries!

That was about 2-3 years ago. They have been so ‘ketchupchie‘, they got a little sick of it. Seeing us dipping away on our curry and chili sauce they asked: “Can I ‘dim dim’ this?” (*dim dim means ‘dip’)

“Sure! Why not?” was our response.

*giggle* Of cos’ their immediate reaction was “Hah Hahhh Hahhh” like puppies. Fanning their stuck-out tongues frantically. *giggle*

They didn’t know what to do. Well, no one taught them that water could ‘wash away‘ that “Hah Hahhhh” feeling.

So Allan and I passed them their Coke. Instant relieve. Those expressions on their faces will never be forgotten. *giggle*

They thought it was exciting, somehow. So they kept trying BUT ON ANOTHER DAY! *laugh* When their courage and curiosity had the perfect mix again.

So over time, they tried this and that. Many of which they fell in love with and kept on going.

When they taste something for the 2nd or 3rd time, Allan would challenge: “Be brave. Try to take 2 or 3 more bites before reaching for your cup.”

They took up the challenge. They improved. They compete, as all siblings would, to see who can finish their spicy treat before taking a sip of water.

*giggle* Usually at the end of the match, they are soaking wet!!! All drenched in their perspiration. *laugh*

Its all good fun for the kids and us, the spectators. *giggle*

So my boys started their spicy journey when Binbin was 2 and Keatkeat was 4. *wink*

Doesn’t he look like a big boy now in that Primary School Uniform? Aaawww… my boy has grown so much!

Last Saturday we went for his Primary One Orientation. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime.

He was led to a classroom where he was accessed, while we were at the hall addressed by the Principal.

After 2hours, we met up again…

Keatkeat: “Mommy, so did you guys had fun?”

Me: “Yup! Did you? What did you do?”

Keatkeat: “Yes. I do 10pages of worksheets. Many spellings. Then I draw something too.”

Me: “What words were you asked to spell?”

Keatkeat: “Clock, Frog, People, Chair, Ball and… I forget already.”

Me: “So do you know how to spell them?”

Keatkeat: “My teacher very nice. She say ‘Good Try’.”

My sis and I exchanged looks. We know very well what does ‘Good Try’ meant. Its just a nicer way of saying ‘You have Failed the Test.’

Indeed, when I asked my boy to spell the above words, he could only get 2 correct. Yup, that’s his standard, just like what his preschool teacher said in my previous post.

So that is how the newbies of the Primary school are being separated into their different classes since a few years back. The smart with the intelligent and the slower ones with the need-more-time-to-coach students.

I would not be surprise if my boy landed up in the latter class. Like I have said in my previous post, it does NOT affect me, so long as it does not kill his eagerness to learn. *smile*

***Dear Friends, these weeks have been a roller coaster ride for me. Now that school holidays have started, my ‘own‘ time-table is greatly adjusted. Hardly have time to blog or even blog hop to your place. So sorry… Once I get the new momentum, I’ll definitely leave a footprint over there…