Start of a New Year

2013 has arrived. 2012 ended well - we had a great December holiday break even though we did not travel. December went by quickly because we were having so much fun. We went to places such as Snow City, Birds' Park, Botanic Garden but doing mundane things at home is quite fun too. What I have enjoyed most is picnicking at Botanic Garden. I enjoyed sitting by the lake, feeding fish, watching birds and sketching. This year has started well. The eldest has a very good form teacher. She is fair and firm, and has gained the respect of the children. She organizes them in teams and all activities are done with the same team members. She rewards them with points when they behave well. She gives most of them a leadership position and does not show favoritism to her students. My son enjoys going to school much more now and I feel a great sense of joy for him. At the start, my younger boy had a stern teacher who did not seem to care much for the children. Many parents have told me that the teacher is very good but my son's experience was far from good. Although she does not scold my son, she did not smile and appeared to be impatient and grouchy. I gave some serious thought, consulted a few people, and then asked for a transfer for him to another class. He was transferred to another class with a more cheerful and pleasant teacher. While some parents may not think that it is necessary to change their child's class for such reason, I feel that for a young child who has to go to school everyday, having a happier and patient teacher can make a lot of difference for his well-being. School is good for them this year and I am happier too. I have made the necessary moves to tell a teacher off for passing curt remarks to my eldest, request to school for change of class for my youngest and compliment a teacher for doing a great job of motivating my eldest's class. I think that as a parent, my interaction with the school and teachers is important in making things better for my children, and perhaps other children!!