Wednesday, May 28
When people ask me what I do, I say, "I work with children who teach me more than any textbook ever could."
I am a special needs educator — but that’s only part of the story. I am also a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a woman still growing through the very lessons I teach.
My journey into special education wasn’t just a career choice — it was a calling that began when I was still a teenager doing relief teaching. Over the years, I’ve supported children with autism, ADHD, GDD, and intellectual disabilities. I’ve worked in inclusive classrooms overseas and back home, trying to make sure no child is left behind, especially those who see and feel the world differently.
What most people don’t see is how deeply this work intertwines with my personal life. I carry every lesson home — and not just in files and flashcards. My own children have grown up watching me create visual routines, tailor learning tools, and celebrate every little milestone with joy that might seem out of proportion to others. But to us, every step is a mountain climbed.
Some days, I bring the emotional weight home. When a child struggles to regulate or when a parent’s voice breaks during a meeting — those moments stay with me. But strangely, they also help me pause as a mother. I’ve learned to listen better. I’ve learned that “misbehavior” is often miscommunication. And I’ve learned that my children, like all children, need compassion more than correction.
Balancing work, home, and passion isn’t always easy. There are late nights, early mornings, and the quiet tug-of-war between wanting to give more to others and needing to keep something for myself. But I’ve found peace in knowing that the impact of what I do stretches beyond the classroom. My children see it. They feel it. And they too are growing into empathetic, resilient individuals.
Being a special needs educator has made me a better mother.
Being a mother has made me a more human educator.
It’s not perfect — but it’s meaningful. And in both roles, I’ve come to believe that when we lead with understanding, we open doors to possibilities we never imagined.
|6:04:00 pm|
Wednesday, February 22
Well Hello There,
Yes, I have to admit I had joined the list of those who wanted to blog, tried a few times, blogged here and there and then completely disappeared. To be honest, I thought my account would have been deleted, but I thought wrong. Well, I'm not going to be a hero and say that I will be blogging regularly, but I can try to do so whenever I can. Also there's so much that has happened from the last I blogged.
Will be in touch.
Tunitha
Yes, I have to admit I had joined the list of those who wanted to blog, tried a few times, blogged here and there and then completely disappeared. To be honest, I thought my account would have been deleted, but I thought wrong. Well, I'm not going to be a hero and say that I will be blogging regularly, but I can try to do so whenever I can. Also there's so much that has happened from the last I blogged.
Will be in touch.
Tunitha
|12:31:00 am|
Wednesday, February 8
Handling 3 kids isn't a joke. Frustrations, temper and impatience seem to swing by easily. I'm really amazed by it. I'm trying all ways to keep my composure, well trying to.
The two kids missed the school in Jakarta though. They love being back to school. Now, with their new teachers and new classes. Leshawn's now in Preschool C, which is kindergarten here in an international school. Lashell's in Twaddler, where it's Nursery 2.
My third baby's now 2 months old. A real fussy Diva! Comfort is her priority. Her name, Dashnelle. No, we didn't purposely choose very westernized names, we did follow numerology and astrology of course and picked out names using the first letter given to us. Trust me, it was no easy task.
Well, life is back on track in Jakarta. Even though I love the lifestyle and the people here, at times, amidst my busy schedule, I do feel I would like to do something productive. I'm still trying to find out what I exactly would like to do, but the problem with people like us is that, being a jack of all trades, but a master of none, is pretty upsetting, because, in a lot of ways I can do anything, but to really stick to one particular one and benefit from it comes the tricky part.
Well, currently I like to write, such as this, would love to build my writing skills more, but restrained at the moment due to me having small kids. I know to do something, there should be no excuses, however, it's not that easy. My entire day takes up with the kids. I don;t even have time to watch TV. It's either I am watching the kids, doing grocery or marketing, or spending some time such as this surfing and reading my mail.
If there are some who can let me know, what I can accomplish in the given "free personal limited time" please do let me know. I am all ears and welcome your suggestions.
Thanks guys,
and till my next post,
Cheers!
|11:38:00 am|
Sunday, July 31
So its the last Sunday of the month. I'm not doing anything much. Just took my shower and gonna make my son sleep. That's a real feat because of his super hyper active self.
A real stupid but sort of a dangerous thing happened last night. Being in Jakarta, the pleasures I get are massages. Being pregnant and to avoid my legs from swelling and cramming up, I try to do foot massages every 3 days once. So far, it has been great, but last night, I almost blacked out.
This is how the massage works. For 45 mins, the two legs, two hands, shoulders and the head will be massaged. So after finishing all, it came to my head, and this time for the first time the masseurs told me to tilt my head backwards for her to do the massage...halfway through the massage my shoulders started to strain, so I told her to just concentrate on my shoulders, but something was not right...... I started feeling this sense of numbness and like a sensation creeping up my head and I started seeing black shadows clouding my view. Realising the situation, I told her to top and asked my hubby to pour me a cup of coke. The effects were immediate. I felt much better. Gosh. After awhile I realized, it's because I have low blood pressure so due to this, I can't simply tilt my head and bring it back immediately apparently. This was a first and scary incident that took place. I never knew low blood pressure could be this bad. Oh well. Well, I still haven't recovered from the shock actually. I mean, just imagine what if I had blacked out. What about my kids? How is my hubby going to handle? I slept last night with all these questions in my head and trust me it's pretty scary!!!!
Sooooo, with this in my head, I thought maybe I should take a short vacation with the hubby and kids. I was looking at some deals in Bintan. I had been to Bintan before where my hubby had planned a birthday surprise for me in Bintan Mayang Sari Resort Chalet by the beach. That was a wonderful and relaxing experience and I thought perhaps this time we could go back to Bintan, but not to the same resort because this time I'm with the kids and they are still below 3. So maybe a proper hotel or even a villa would be great, but unfortunately hubby can't make it so plans are scrapped. I guess, the next best thing is when I go back to Singapore in October, probably choose a day at the beach or something with the kids, my parents and my cousins. We had an outing like that and it was awesome. It was really a memorable day. All thanks to my sister's boyfriend for wanting to give her a surprise birthday at the beach.
Yup, so now, things I need to do is, book my delivery suite at Mount Alvernia, confirm my kids' schooling at PCF, spend more time reading. I have to start now, or else once the little one comes out, there will be absolutely no time. The 3 kids will for sure take up my entire time, and I'm not sure if I will have time for myself too. Maybe, when the kids are at school. Hmmmm, I'm also planning to join the Mummy and tots class where I can bring my little one to play and learn too.
So yeah, it seems that plans are all fully laid out more or less.
Till more blogging next time,
Cheers,
Tunitha
|11:34:00 am|
Friday, July 29
Yeah I know! Well, let's just say I have been family planning....yeah literally...
So I got pregnant and gave birth to my son in Feb 2009, got pregnant again and gave birth to to my daughter in Dec 2009. Yup, 10 months apart. Parenthood is quite fun once you get the hang of things. I do have help of course. I have a part time maid, but I look over most of the cake.
And.......I am now pregnant again. I'm coming to 5 months. Don't really know the sex yet, but actually hoping for a boy. I want to stop after a second boy. It kinda feels complete with 2 boys and a girl. I can then concentrate fully on their development and whatever they need. Not working has it's advantages and disadvantages. Well advantages would be, I get to see and cherish every moment with my kids, and the disadvantage is, sometimes I really get tired and just need a break.
Its not really easy having children and coping mentally. There are of course a lot of stress related issues involved. It's similar to training a pet I guess. Well, whatever it is, a lot and I mean really a lot of patience and tolerance is needed. I am not that sort of mum that doesn't scold or beat the children. I admit, I do. There are times where I think that sometimes, a little reminder of pain is needed to let them know, certain things have to be learnt certain ways and principles have to be maintained.
My kids are now coming to 3 and 2, and 1 thing I have learnt is that, I can't run away from the fact that, no matter how much independence I try to instill in my kids, they still need my security. But as I learn from one kid to another, its tastefully different in the approach of taking care of them. I am now more curious than ever to find out how my third one differs from the other two. It's gonna be a pretty interesting bonding.
I actually come from a family of a two children policy, so me having a third one has raised many many eyebrows. Well, for some perhaps, its pure concern of how will she manage and how will her health be, and for some would be, oh she thinks its easy having so many kids, wait till she stumbles. Yeah. That's the world unfortunately, but hey, life still moves on, and whatever that comes along I take it in my stride and of course I ain't perfect. I do have my breakdowns once in awhile, but hey, who doesn't :)
So alright guys, just wanna say I'm back to blogging. Will try to do more on the regular basis. Actually with kids, there is just so much to write about, but then I would need to clone myself to do the looking after part :P
Ok then,
Cya,
Tunitha
|10:11:00 am|
Thursday, November 13
Advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Tunitha
|11:29:00 am|
Wednesday, November 12
Well, the last you heard from me was me being in Jakarta for Language Training with my hubby because of his posting. Well, now I'm back in Singapore.
Ok, so both my hubby and me completed our Bahasa Indonesia with my hubby passing off with an Advanced Grade *Yay*. Well, you see if he passes of with an Advanced, he gets to have extra allowances, now who wouldn't want that?! *Big Smile* I didn't have a grade simply because mine was just based on conversational. So no test as well, but I can manage a conversation now and understand the person speaking it, and oh by the way, you are simply mistaken if you think it's similar to Malay! Ain't ain't ain't! World of a difference, and you won't know it till you speak it.
Right, so now we're both back although my hubby's gotta fly back for his official posting end of this month. Most of our packing is done. Our apartment in Jakarta is deliciously fab! In fact, the motivation I have for wanting to go back to Jakarta is the fact that I can finally cook!!! Oh yeah, I suffered without home-cooked food the four months of my language training as our apartment didn't have a kitchen. So everyday, we had to order in, or buy back from the shopping malls. So yes, finally I get to cook and Yippy, mum and dad will be following me back for a week or so to Jakarta.
Yup, so that's what's been happening. Hmmm, other than that, latest movie I caught was Quantum of Solace. I'm a fan of the ol James Bonds, but somehow, I wasn't too bonded with this movie. I would maybe just give a 5.5 over a scale of 10. Well, waiting for the other movies to come up and also waiting for the Chalet this weekend. It's gonna be sort of like a farewell Chalet with our friends and us. Looking forward to that as well.
Oh and I'm gonna cut my line! Yes, I'm switching over......finally after ages. I'm not going to have to do anything with Starhub anymore. I'm going for Singtel. Somehow I've been brainwashed! Hahaha! And yes, I'm switching over from Nokia to some other model....yes yes I know...I have changed! I guess, instead of wanting to be spoon-fed by Nokia, I need a challenging phone. So yeah, I'm making alot of changes. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I got to change in order for me to survive the worst during this transition period.
I also wanna go on Holidays........I forsee Bali being one of it and Krabi again!!! Yay!!! Can't wait for the beaches once more and the relaxing Spas. Yes, I'm getting to wanna feel pampered. I think I deserve it. It's gonna be incredible living away from Singapore. It's gonna make me feel more patriotic towards Singapore I guess, it may. Currently I'm getting the best of both worlds and I'm loving it. People say that's wrong, well I say, too bad for them, they ain't getting half of what I have! To me, my heart's clear. I've made the necessary apologies and I was sincere with them, if people still wanna be bitter about it, suit yourself. Life's short, screw the negatives and embrace the positives!
Cheers,
Tunitha
|10:14:00 am|
Saturday, July 19
Sindhu I totally apologise for my lack of blogging. Haha.
Well guys, I'm now in Jakarta! That's cos my hubby's got a posting here so I get to follow! Yay! Postings for 3 years by the way. Well we're now staying in a Service Apartment at the moment before we move to a proper condo apartment. I'm learning the language as well. Hmm, so far I can maintain a conversation with someone for 5 mins. Thats already a feat for me.
Other than that I'm ok and doing well.
Today we're like slacking in the room. I guess we haven't had the confidence much to move around wildly yet......Soon I guess.
Till my next post bye guys.
Cheers,
Tunitha
|4:37:00 pm|
Thursday, May 8
- I need to sleep with a bolster or a pillow in between my legs, or else I CANT SLEEP!
- I like to sing very loudly in the shower, I'm sure no one else can hear.
- I have a temper, though it may seem I'm cool-headed, I have a temper!
- I wear my watch on my right hand as well - a habit since young! Followed Dad.
- I make friends very extremely easily!
- I need to have a KAKI in order for me to shop, exercise and kill time with!
- I Can Keep Secrets!
- I'm paranoid with extra-marrital affairs!
- I love stuffing money into my pockets when I'm too lazy to put it into my wallet!
- I day-dream alot! Sometimes I play pretend with myself.
- I enjoy fights & quarrels with my hubby.
- I CAN be very Irritable!
Cheers,
Tunitha
|11:07:00 am|
Tuesday, April 22
1.WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKEDTO TODAY?My dad
2.WHAT IS YOUR LUCKY NUMBER?8
3.WHAT IS YOU FAV COLOURS?White, Red, Blue
4.DO YOU HATE ANY ONE RIGHT NW?Yeah! Myself!
5.HOW MANY CLOSE FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?Only one…at the moment..
6.WHAT WILL YOU DO IF YOU CANNOTCONTROLL YOUR ANGER?CRY!!!
7.WILL U GET JEALOUS EASILY?Hah! I’ve learnt to get jealous.
8.ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH ANYONE?Yes
9.DO U HAVE EX?Yes
10.YOUR FAV FRUIT?Mangoes
11.YOUR FAV DRINK?Sweet Lassi
12.DO U LUV UR FRIENDS?Occasionally.
13.DOES ANY ONE HATE YOU?Wouldn’t be surprised.
14.MEMORABLE INCIDENT IN YOU LIFE?17.12.03
15.WHAT IS UR FAV FLOWER?Any sort.
16.U PREFER BEING SINGLE OR ATTACH?Both are ok.
17.IF U WANT SMTH IN YOU LIFE 4EVERWhAT WOULD IT BE?Money. Duh!
18.DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE?I guess.
19.DID YOU GET ANGRY RECENTLY?Yes
20.WHAT DID YOU DO AT 2 THIS AFTERNOON?Surfed the Net.
21.WHAT BOTHERS U ALWAYS?Too many a stuff!
22.WHAT ARE UR GOALS RIGHT NW?Totally stopped believing in goals.
23.ARE U INTERESTED IN MARRIAGE?I’m already married.
24.DO U LIKE CHILDRENS?Do I!
25.DID YOU EVER TRIED CONTACT LENS?Been wearin them since 16.
26.DO YOU SMOKE?No.
27.WHAT TIME WILL YOU USUALLY SLEEP?Tenish-Elevenish, depends which day.
28.WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PERSON YOULIKE THE MOST?Nishan
29.WHAT IS ON YOU MIND RIGHT NW?Nothing! Totally Blank!
Cheers,
Tunitha
|2:30:00 pm|
~*@GoSSiP_CoLuMN@*~