Parenting and Teaching

Before I was a parent, I knew everything about parenting. It is so easy and it was frustrating how parents could not see my point of view.

Now, I am a parent of two girls and I'll be the first to admit that I know nothing about parenting. Parenting is the most humbling experience of my sheltered life. Growing up in Singapore, life is a linear map. Go to school, get a good job and strive for 5 Cs.

Things became different when I got married and had to move to Sydney, cutting short my career as a MOE Teacher. I had enjoyed my teaching career in Singapore tremendously, so it was a bit sad to leave it behind. However, although things were tough settling into a new country, I have accumulated wonderful life experiences that I would otherwise be deprived of. In Sydney, I learn a whole new way of BEING.

Becoming a mother changed my life. Literally. My perspective on life became completely different. It was a slow process to embrace the change that motherhood brings. Parenthood teaches me to be a less selfish person. Being a parent in Sydney, I had to choose between family and work. Unlike living in Singapore, maids or hired help are not readily available there. Whilst all my friends in Singapore returned to work after childbirth, I decided to stay at home with my baby. At that time, jobs in public schools in Sydney was hard to come by, since I lived on the North Shore where schools are very established. Most of the position are filled by Australians who have been teaching there for many years. In order to start my teaching career there, I had to start as a casual teacher and drove 1 hour to the schools out west. After having a baby and no help, I had to give up teaching in schools. The decision to become an unglamorous housewife was hard to swallow at first but now I am grateful that God has led me through all that struggle. His plan is perfect indeed!

When my child was 2, I started a company to teach children English and Writing Skills. What astounded me was that being a stay-at-home Mum has equipped me with a lot of soft skills needed for good teaching. I became more patient and was able to understand and relate to both children and parents very well. My classes were full and had long waiting lists. Parents were reporting excellent results over short period of time. I felt empowered to teach! Although I no longer teach in Sydney, I miss the interactions with children and parents.

I have my Mothers Group friends to thank for my growth both as a Mother and a teacher. Observing the way these Australian mothers communicate with their children, I learn to respect even the tiniest toddler. In many Asian household, children are well loved but not heard.

Have you taken the time to stop and really really listen or talk to your child today?