I just came up with the term "personal time" so that the kids can identify this one on one bonding time is an unique experience to them.
{one on one}
Weeks ago when Kaelyn didn't follow her brother over to my mom's place, and while her daddy is sleeping, I brought her out to BPP to do our routine grocery shopping.
That was sort of the start and our first one on one personal time.
After we've loaded the groceries into the car, we went to take the kiddy rides. It costs a dollar each (5times more expensive as compared to my time, or maybe twice if we compare the most expensive rides, which is only 50cents at my time).
Then we went to buy lunch for her daddy and I bought her a yogurt ice-cream. I told her this is a secret treat, just between me and her.
Then yesterday, Ethan's nose bled again, so I decided to bring forward his appointment with the ENT specialist immediately.
Since the appointment was early, I decided to bring him to Vivocity after the doctor visit. I guess lady luck was with me cos he was in the mood and agreed to go when I suggested to bring him go shopping.
Along the way, I got lost but I also took the opportunity to let him understand it is okay to make mistakes, as long as we correct them and learn from it.
When we reached, we did a little shopping at Fox Baby and then Toy'R'us to get the stuff I wanted to buy. He was looking forward to the visit at the Toy shop.
I am also happy that while he requested to buy something, he did not persist after I told him we cannot buy because there was no need or no occasion for it. I told him he can choose his pressie when his birthday is here in 2 months' time.
After buying the stuff, we went to MacD. I promised to buy him ice-cream and he requested for fries too. Actually thought of surprising the in-laws at their office since we were around the area, but when I repeatedly ask Ethan if he wanted to go to the office, he said no. So home we went.
{parenting}
On the way home, I asked if he was happy with the day's trip and if he could be more gentle, nice and all, he promised yes. For a long while, I thought it's a sweet dream come true since his nature is sweet and nice.
Sadly, he threw his tantrum just before we wanted to leave the house to pick mei mei from school. He insisted on bringing a toy car but I resisted the idea and said that if he wants to bring, he stays home. He just followed me, even when I went round the block taking the stairs and lift. But later on, after we washed up (cos he was crying), he changed his mind to stay home after I kept his car away.
For moments (again), I felt really bad for making him go round and being loud to him. I guess a part of me just wanted to prove that he can keep to his promise of 'listening to mommy'. That didn't work out.
After fetching mei mei, I came home to the normal child. As if nothing has happened.
This morning he did something wrong too and I took him aside in the class. He teared. The classmates noticed it and I think he was a little embarrassed about it. After I was done with the lectures, I went away (to work) feeling very bad. Kept wondering if I did the right thing. He ought to be taught the right values, but was it a right place, right time? During my time in office, I had the strong urge to give him a hug straightaway and tell him that mommy didn't mean to embarrass him. And when I picked him up, he was again, like nothing has happened, his usual mischievous self.
I would say both my children are good-natured and sensible kids but they don't show this and often get chided for their mischievous acts.
Kaelyn, if you repeatedly remind her of the consequences, she will restrain herself. On the other hand, Ethan is aware of the consequences, yet pushing the limits.
I love the two. They are a joy, yet a handful sometimes, to the point it is driving me crazy.
I really wonder when will kor kor wise up and show that he is as sensible as he can be.
I am not hoping for a lot, I just want them to have good health and be thoughtful. Hopefully this wish comes true.
