four questions

I went on a great walk today, not a run, mind you, but a walk, (respectful of most recent injury), but just to mix it up a little, I did 20 push ups as well.

So that's me out of the way.

Peeps are asking whazzup with the kids. Here are four random questions:

1) What is up with Sebastian and his "issues"

Earlier this year we had him on Ritalin for two weeks. I have no problem medicating, but unfortunately, this was not a good mix. He wasn't sleeping or eating...I would get up at 5.30 and he would be awake. You can't concentrate if you're tired. After a couple of meetings with his teachers, we took him off.

Since then, he is still behind in maths and takes a painfully slow time to write things down. His grasp of English is pretty good, but he just takes a while to commit it to paper. His memorization of basic maths is not. I have been trying to supplement his maths at home. This was really taking a toll on our relationship until Seb's teacher found an online maths program for us. I am still mean mummy who makes Seb do extra homework, (basically reinforcing what they are learning at school and trying to get those multiplication tables, subtraction/addition basics and that dratted division nailed down), but at least I am no longer the one asking the confounded questions. I am the person beside him, cheering him on. In the past three weeks I have really been diligent, and I have seen improvements. His timestables are sinking in. Subtraction is his biggest challenge.

2) Is Jasper hugely popular?

Not really. In his mind he is a bit of a legend, but no, he's not hugely popular. He isn't incredibly talented at sport, he doesn't have any one good friend, nor does he make the effort to. He is making one friend right now, but that seems to be about it. He's a floater. He gets invited to a lot of birthday parties, but he doesn't have one BFF.

3) Anything new with Carys?

Actually yes. She's developed a couple of phobias. The other day she came to me and burst into tears. When prompted, she confessed that she was afraid she was going to be sent "to the pwincipals office and he would be cwoss." I whipped a quick email off to her teacher, who does not send children to the principal's office, and she had a quick word in the corridor with Carys, which included Carys crying again, and then after being reassured that she makes sensible choices and isn't going down to see the principal, going to the toilet to wash her face.

Now, Carys' latest thing is not wanting to visit friend's houses. Why? The parent might shout, the cat might scratch. Whazzup?

4) Did Sela finally lose her tooth?

She's lost two, thank you very much. She's having a good final term. She has a playdate with a friend on Thurs and is very, very excited. So am I...she's waited a long time for this. When the playdate was finalised, she requested that she call the mum and say how happy she was. Why not? Her vocabulary is growing and she is a very verbal young person. She still wants to be an artist when she grows up. 

My parents left on Saturday. It was the best visit ever, except for the bloody pollution. But wow, we had a great time. I am going to ask my mum to write a guest blog, but you get to choose the topic. Is it?

a) what life is really like in my home

b) what hong kong is really like

c) do i really treat my kids like i think i treat my kids?

d) your choice

if we ask nicely and pay him some money (or peanuts...literally), my dad might do a guest blog as well.

Comments

[lita]

I will go with letter c).
please Blake do the guest blog and i will pay you peanuts from the philippines..

[joeinvegas]

Have them both do 'd) your choice' posts. If you don't treat your kids like you think you treat them she will take it upon herself to tell us. And get Blake to tell us about his adventure with the 'girls direct to you' thiing on his Vegas trip.

[Liz]

I am going to be greedy here and asking her if she would do a bit of both A and B. Please? :)

[polly]

Oh I choose A! And B. Well, C would be great too for that matter...

[Bec]

Can I ask something unrelated to your last question please? What is the maths site you are using? I have found a great reading one for my daughter (6), but am looking for a maths one for my sone (7). Would you mind sending me a link?
I have read your blog for a long time - I think I found it as an expat blog somehow? I am an Aussie living in my 4th country in 10 years. Thanks for writing!!

[Dad Lyons]

I have never blogged a guest and am somewhat hesitant to know what that might mean or consist of.

Love to all....Dad....the curious parent.