I have not been writing an entry about Nisa for a long time. She's now 5 years 3 months. I think she's at the age whereby you can really see development and changes. And it's at this stage whereby the influence of people around her plays a huge part. Like if you act a certain way, you can be sure that she's observing you and will take that act with her. I'm obviously not an expert in this field. I only write based on observations. (Do correct me if you think I'm wrong :)) So here are some of the things i've observed:

1) Kids learn fast.
Heh. I know this point is really obvious but i still find it fascinating how fast kids can grasp certain words very fast. The lastest 'big' word i've heard Nisa say is 'ear piece'. 'Somehow i don't expect her to know that word. So was very surprised when she pointed to my ear piece and said out the word. And she said that in such a proud manner, like showing off. Hah. Apparently, her brother taught her that word. But i always think that when kids show that she has learn new things, we should praise them. It'll motivate them to learn more. Like what i've learnt from supernanny, praise the good and reprimand the bad.

So the fact that kids pick up words very fast, we must always always, be careful of the words we use. For example, if you watch those indonesian dramas and say words or phrases like 'bodoh' and such. (sidenote: Don't you think alot of indonesian dramas are too ermm.. drama-ish? The villains are way too jahat. A bit unrealistic) I guess in normal circumstances 'bodoh' is not such a bad word (to use on a TV character) coz you're merely saying that the person's act is stupid. But kids will interpret it in a different manner. It's a ticket for them to use that word in real life situation. For example, if you don't give in to their wants, they would use that word because you used it too, so why can't they right? (okay, i think i'm being a tad too long winded. Moving on..)

2) Kids nowdays are technology-smart.

Nisa can use the computer independently when she was 4+ years old. She knows the basic function of the keyboard such as spacebar, enter and caps lock. I think she mainly learn either from school or at her home. She also knows how to surf the net independently though i'll be right beside her to make sure she did not go to anywhere which she should not. So not to worry. Hah. The sites she go to are kids-friendly.

She also knows the basic function of a handphone. She can now take pictures using my camera-phone. I only need to teach her once. I tell you, kids really do learn fast. My little cousin, Aishah ( 1 yr younger than Nisa), also knows how to take pictures by herself. She frequently hijack my phone to play games or take pictures. She'll leave little surprises in form of pictures in my phone. And some of the pictures are pretty good la. She also take pictures using my digi cam. Her grandma, mum and aunts will freak out when they see her holding my camera. Hah. I guess they are afraid she's going to drop it. But i find her mature in that sense. Like i know i can trust her. Maybe i'm just too naive. I think i still have a few of the pictures they took. Let's see..

My grandma and younger sis. Photographer: Aishah

3-month old Nadra. Photographer: Nisa

(see those cheeks? It's so meant for pinching right?)

3) Speak to them in a soft tone. Shouting doesn't help.
Kids usually only respond to you if you speak nicely to them. Times have changed. During our time, our mums just have to take out the canes and the feather dusters or raise their voices to get our attention. That tactic is useless in this era. Kids nowdays tend to talk back to their elderly. They will always have their arguments and will shout back if you shout at them. So it's best to prevent that and speak to them nicely. If they behave badly, tell them their behavior is not tolerable and tell them how they should behave instead (remember, they are still at the learning stage.) Speak with authority and stern-ness, though try not to raise your voice. Tell them the consequences of their actions.

4) Kids are a curious bunch.

Kids love to ask questions. So you have to be prepared. Sometimes it's hard to explain to them meaning of some words. But i think the best way to explain to them is through giving examples. Nisa recently asked me the meaning of 'fed up' when i was reading to her a storybook (which I realised is meant for pri school kids rather than pre school) So i explained the meaning of the word by giving a real life situation example.

Yesterday she was playing with my sister's compact powder so i told her to put it down.

Nisa: what is 'compact'? Is it like 'swimming compact'?

Me: -laughs- No, that is complex

Nisa: Oh.

I remember my cousin Kak Wai told me this fellow kinder teacher of hers was asked what "nature" means by her student. How do you explain that?? I won't be able to put that in words. Will be tempted to just say "Can you please check that in the dictionary?" Hah. She also told me one of the students asked what 'saliva' means.

5)Let them cool down when they get angry.

Even 4 or 5 year olds have their diva moments. So what do we do? I'll say just leave them alone to cool down. Or try to do that by giving them activities they enjoy doing. For Nisa's case, it's either the TV or give her paper and pencil to doodle. They'll eventually come around and talk to you.

I think there are a few more points but can't think of those at the moment. Furthermore, i'm taking too much time on this entry. I better go back to job hunting. Oh, and i just found out in order to take up degree in early childhood education, i need 2 sets of diploma - diploma in early childhood (teaching) and diploma in early childhood (leadership). I feel so cheated can. That time this guy say can straight away take degree. Blahhh. But still weighing my options. I find the modules in child psychology more interesting. Like child development. And thank you to all my super sweet girlfriends for offering me your listening ears and advices. It's nice (and not to mention ego-boosting) to have people say they think i'll make a good kinder teacher and that i'll be good with kids. And a few go even further and say i'll make a good mother and wife. Heh. InsyaAllah. (God willing)

And Oh..! There's this new local production. A movie-documentary about singapore soccer. Go to this website to learn more