Each Child Is Different

Pam reminded me that each child is different and I totally agree with her. I have 3 children with 3 different characteristics and personalities. Bringing them up and grooming them is really not an easy task. The same approach just doesn't work for each one of them. It's really NOT like passing down clothes from the eldest to the youngest. It's much more!

That's a great challenge, isn't it?

Children are fun when they are nice and they are a headache when they are naughty. I remembered when I first became a mother, I knew nothing about parenting. I had to follow other people's advice on how to take care of a baby and how to teach a child. I learned different ways from different people but not all techniques work for me and my child.

Through time, I learned. I learned to analyse my children's personality, I learn to adapt and to change my approach to suit me and my children.

Karl is the gentle and timid type. When he was a baby, he'd jump at every sound. Now that he has grown into a 6 year old boy, he's still a cry baby but he's not shy anymore. With him, I had to be extra gentle. I praise Karl a lot and say things like "you can do it!", "I believe in you!" or "Karl is clever, I am sure you can think of a way." to encourage him to be more confident.

Wayne is bold, playful and very active. Sometimes, he can be very stubborn and demanding too. He loves me very much and yearns for my love. So, when he is up to mischieve, I would say: "I love the good Wayne but not the naughty Wayne. Where's my good boy Wayne?" He would say: "Here!" and he would calm down and hug me. He's afraid that I don't love him and would always be the good Wayne instead of the naughty Wayne.

Nyn is very understanding and sweet. When I am busy and she has to be with my maid, she would understand and will not disturb me. When she sees her father sleeping, she would say "shh" asking everyone to keep quiet. With my little honey angel, I don't have to yell. All I need to do is to explain.

Parenting is not easy and it is definitely not a one shoe fits all task. Be CREATIVE in your approach and change it when necessary to fit you and your child. Afterall, you are your children's parents and YOU know them best.