All About Your Child

This happened on 23rd January Friday outside Keatkeat’s classroom….

When we brought our boys to school, the angry mother of one of Keatkeat’s classmate was already firing away at the Teacher and another parent.

Auntie F: “How could you be so irresponsible? It’s obvious that the chicken pox are not totally dried yet. Bring him home.”

Auntie K: “But the doctor has already certified that my boy is well to go to school.”

Auntie F (turning towards the teacher): “As a teacher, you should take care of the health of your students. Imagine if the whole class get infected, that would affect their studies.”

Teacher: “But the doctor has already certified.” Showing the letter to Auntie F.

Aunite F (extremely pissed, turned to other parents who are there): “Don’t you agree with me? Imagine your kid gets the virus, how is he/she going to enjoy Chinese New Year?”

Everyone (not in unison though): “If the doctor thinks its safe, then it should be ok….”

Auntie F (fuming like a dragon, turned towards Auntie K): “I think you SHOULD bring your boy home now!”

Auntie K (called out to her boy who was already in the class long before we arrived): “Boy, would you like to go home now?”

Boy shook his head and ran back to his classmate, to continue their game.

Auntie F: “Aiyo!!! Why did you ask him? Just bring him HOME!”

By this time, all the kids have arrived. The teacher was ready to close the door.

Auntie F: “Teacher, are you sure you want to keep that boy in the class?”

The teacher smiled back and the door was shut.

Allan and I were walking away, but Auntie F refused to budge. She was raising her voice now, “Today is only an hour of fun, sharing CNY goodies with all the friends. Its not a study-day. Why did you bring him here? Its going to be CNY on Monday. How could you not consider the consequences of bringing your boy here today? It is completely unnecessary. You could have waited for the CNY holidays to be over, which is on Wednesday. In that way, the boy’s spots would have completely dried up and its safer for all the other children…..blah blah blah”

We left the uncomfortable scene. Allan and I shared the same view. If Auntie F is so afraid that ‘her’ daughter will get infected, then bring her home! If the doctor had certified that it is safe, then it should be.

But after 2 weeks from that incident outside the class, many doubted the credibility of the Doctor. Cos’ now, other than Keatkeat, several classmates are ABSENT from school because of Chicken Pox too. *sigh*

I had one of the most amazing time at my cousin’s house yesterday. Being with people who took care of me when I was a tiny little baby is an indescribable joy. The extend of joy is a direct connection to the amount of food I eat. Hence to maintain my figure, its wiser to feel miserable more often. *laugh*

Yesterday marked the end of my Chinese New Year visitings. Tonight we will allow the boys to open their Hong Baos. For the first time, we decided not to put ALL their Hong Baos’ money into their Bank account.

Feeling generous, we would like the kids to enjoy their rewards; nope, not all of it; BUT HALF OF IT. The other half will still go to their bank account.

They can use the 50% to get ANYTHING they want, provided its within the amount they have in their pockets. Neither Allan nor I will top up any amount, if they chose to buy something beyond what they could afford.

Cool?!
I love the idea!

Nope! I don’t think they are too young….

When I was my boys’ age, all my Hong Baos’ money were ‘re-cycled’ by my mother; since she had to give Hong Baos to other children too. It was till I was in Secondary School before I could keep ALL my Hong Baos. I do not blame my mother for doing so, cos’ its quite a hefty amount just by giving Hong Baos on CNY.

What your style? Do you allow your kids to keep the money? Spend the money? Or do you ‘re-cycle’ them too?