Childhood

Was watching Being a Child on Channelnewsasia this evening and as I was watching, I felt really glad that little Ba Ba has dual citizenship at this point of time. The kids in the show were only about 5 to 6 year old and their parents or rather their mothers seemed to be pushing their kids really hard. And I keep getting this message from the mothers that if their children slow down or not attend enrichment classes, everyone else will catch up with them. They want head starts for their children. One mother commented that she wants her child to have money, contentment and happiness and another child said that he wanted to be a millionaire when he grows up.

I can understand parents wanting the best for their children. I want the best for Ba Ba too. But what is this obsession with money? Couldn't that mother see the contradiction in itself when she said that she want money and contentment for her child. How can wanting money and contentment can never be in the same category? And with the other 5 year old where did he get the idea that he wants to be a millionaire? And the next point, where are their childhoods? Where's the fun? The kids in the show attend enrichment classes after enrichment classes. And the mothers are very clear in their message that the kids can't take a break because others will catch up. In other words, their kids will be losers.

So where do I stand? Honestly, I'm really glad that Ba Ba can choose to go to an international school if we so wish for him. And at this stage, we're gearing him towards that direction. I don't need an examination to tell me that Ba Ba did not score well enough to get into express stream and therefore his chances of doing his 'O' levels are lesser and thus his chances of entering universities in Singapore. Basically, I don't care! We're happy to send Ba Ba to Australia or America as long as we can afford it. Thus, we have to start saving now! But not writing about that, that's for another day. I just want Ba Ba to have a wonderful childhood. I want him to know that his parents love him even if he bring Bs and Cs home as long as he tried his best.

I want him to know that we love him not because he does well academically or plays the piano or violin really well or that he's such a great soccer player. If he does well in any of the above, that's a bonus and we thank God for it! We want him to know that we love him because we love him! There's no strings attached to our love for him. We want him to know that. And we want him to know that we just want him to be what God wants him to be. And that's all. We want a God fearing and happy boy! That's isn't too much to ask right?