Only Time Will Tell
Next week will be the final exam schedule for this semester, on my oldest son’s elementary school. I am concern since Iqbal doesn’t have enough enthusiasm to prepare the exam.
So, I take an easy chit chat with a mommy of his classmate. Her daughter’s performance was superior. The second best rank in this school.
She asked me “Did you read their history book? It’s about the empires and kingdoms in Indonesia.It is a lot subject to learn”.
I just give a big smile. Actually I only review that book at a glance. Just to know their study stuff, then I said “Not really”
“Just doubt, how our kids could digest all that things?!!” she complains.
”Therefore I help her by make the summary by myself. Not only for history subject, but for all the subject, as well”
Summary? For the entire subject? I’m Surprise!! Unbelievable!!
“You’re working woman. How do you have those luxuries plenty of time to doing such thing for your daughter?” I just curious.
“You know, I have to priority on this examination rather than my paperwork. I postpone some of my task or take an overtime”
Wow!! I just a part time working woman. I have flexibility of time, but I don’t agree with these. I think it’s too much.
Became a star at school. To be the first rank. Who’s responsibility? The students? Or their parents?
Just share the inspiring story about my neighbor’s experience. She always help, monitor, supervise her first son’s studying activity. Tight and deep into details. No wonder her oldest son become the first rank at the school for many years.
Until that dedicated mom deliver her 4th son, unfortunately an unhealthy baby boy. Then the Mom’s focus was not for her oldest anymore. She has to put her attention mostly to the youngest one. And finally her oldest son’s performance at school has been dropped. He’s not a star anymore.
I understand the competition is tough. Our kids have to struggle at school. But In my opinion, it’s not wise to pamper them with too much parent’s effort on the stuff that should become their assignment. Read and understand the material, complete the homework, make summary and exercise, it’s the kids account. The exam is their responsibility
Our accountability is to encourage them to have motivation. To develop competition spirit for doing their best during the exam. To teach them how to handle the responsibility. And for final support, just simply hug and kiss them to say “good luck!” Show that we always proud, and love them.
Well, it’s not easy. It’s complicated, but it’s our challenge, right?
So, if they could be a star. It’s because of their effort. Not mommy or dad. It’s more realistic and lifelong, isn’t it?
Don’t feel guilty if your son/daughter does not have a good performance at school. Because believe me, maybe their have another gift that we did not realized yet. And at the end, only time will tell.
on June 5th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
You are not only mom’s for Iqbal, mbak…but I think you can be a friend for him
I agree with you, and kayanya gw akan banyak belajar dari mbak untuk jadi mommy…
on June 23rd, 2006 at 6:09 am
i have read some articles about homeschooling , mean children do not get their knowledge or study in institution about from their parents.
So, they do not have to go to SD,SMP,SMA. however,they will get certificate for this to continue to college.
Well, only happen in USA and european countries.
However, from that article,i just want to say, many ways to teach children to be able to solve problems. Just do what the best for your family, build your own family value.
on July 21st, 2006 at 12:32 am
Write vigoroulsy…good on you mba Ibin! It’s wonderful seeing you this way..hope to meet you one day..cheers!
on November 14th, 2006 at 11:21 am
hehe, i dont know what will i be when i become a parent, but when i was in elementary, i like it when my dad helped me with my homework, not so much, just when i could not understand by myself.
then i went to junior high, senior high, S1, S2, my parents no longer can help because they just went to STM and SMP. I felt dissapointed at the first place, felt sory why couldn’t they be as knowledgable as my friends’ parents. however now i understand, that it gaves me independency to learn.
and once upon a time, i was the national most outstanding student, my parents were so proud. Reading your post, makes me realize that the proud my parents had to me must be different from the proud your neighbor had to her raising star kid at school.
thanks ya mba!