Not Your Typical Mom

I know a lot of moms who are very zealous in getting their kids involved in many activities (be it in or out of school) , joining competitions , learning a thousand and one stuff etc etc. I on the other hand wish that my kids are not so involved. I am always telling Heather... no more activities for you whether in school or in church. Being involved in the school brass band already consumes a lot of her time especially with the upcoming concert and Singapore trip. It's practice practice practice!!!!

Jordan is another one who gets this raw deal. Just keep to the minimal i.e Red crescent (no choice as he has to choose 1 uniform body ) and the Swimming Club. No Futsal or Football Clubs or Choral Speaking or whatever and also no tuition.

I take my hat off to moms who ferry their kids for the countless tuitions and activities. They are always on the road weaving thru traffic or jammed up somewhere.

I like to have my kids at home with us instead of out everywhere involving in various activities. Doing things together as a family is important to me and that includes doing house work together. Though chores are not high on their lists of nice things to do yet they are expected to do them as I believe that their contribution is not only towards their school, church or community but it is also towards their family. Helping each other is of utmost importance. My children grow up in an atmosphere where they see family members helping each other. We are a close knit family and we know that when help is needed we can call on each other. Heather was very touched and encouraged by Alex who helped her raise funds for her school brass band concert.

I also know of moms who let their kids do what they want and leave all choices to them... and in addition, they feel guilty if they were to chastise them saying that they couldn't bear to hurt them. I for one would not be able to walk that path. My kids make choices with our advice. Sometimes we let them do certain things and sometimes we put our foot down. They get grounded if they go out of line n Jordan will get spanked if he goes way out of line. My kids will tell you that mom is strict. My son has this phrase “ Mummy you are so bad.” Why ? Coz I tell him to study and practice piano!!! I had a tough time getting him prepared for his Grade 6 piano exam . It was a battle to get him to practice an hour everyday prior to the exam. My prayer then was “ Lord .. I only ask for a pass. 100 marks will do.”

Jordan's final practice before going to exam on 4 April.

My kids know I have expectations for them to excel especially in their character building. Many parents push their kids to be straight A students and give them plenty of tuitions etc but I find it sad that they stop there. They neglect the character building part where godly values are not considered important. All the parents are interested in is the scores of their test papers. I hear comments like “ As long as they do well in their studies that's all that matters.”

I beg to differ coz I feel that the call to be a mom is a high calling and I need to make sure that I do my part well.