Hello 2009!

This is my first ever post for 2009 and this being the third day of a brand new year. I love new beginnings. Despite the tough economic times, I remain optimistic and excited about this year. My instinct just tells me that some of the great things will happen in near future.

I know I really should post something profound for the brand new year, but I just don't have it in me at the moment. But seriously, the word 'school' seems to be lingering on my mind so, I will just post this.

There are only a couple of days left before the new school semester opens which means a new class, new teachers, new lessons and everything new. This will be the last few days of the kids to indulge in cartoons and video games before homework starts piling up. It seems my kids are now enjoying every precious minute of their remaining holidays. On the other hand, I guess they are enthusiastically looking forward to the new semester to start, and so begins another year of fun, challenges and excitement. Needless to say, the past few weeks have been a great escapade for the kids away from their stressful moments, thoughts, and concerns.

Orientation session begins today but this time it is for my daughter's brand new year in school for the Secondary 1 classes. My hubby drives her to school today and hopefully she'll adapt to her new environment and everything will work out fine for her.

The first week of school has always been the toughest moment as everyone struggles to get back into a routine and remember the daily activities that help make things work smoothly. As school begins, I guess I would need to wake up early with the help of my alarm clock, of course and ferry them to school. That said, there will be the usual morning rush hour when school is open. Of course the school bus schedules play a major factor as well.

Anyway, here’s to another incredible 365 days of:

Much to be thankful for
and
Much to look forward to…

Cheers to 2009!

School bags are a pain in the back

How time flies! The new school semester will start in 2 weeks' time. As school begins, the perennial issue of heavy school bags crops up again. I often noticed heroic pupils on their way to and from school battling with huge overloaded school bags. The bags outsized some of the poor little children. It's total madness. That in turn puts more stress on the rest of the body, regardless they are moving or at rest.

Owing to the weight of the books, most parents are now buying bags that equipped with rollers. Even though roller bags are widely used, they are way too heavy and impractical for little ones to navigate along stairways. Can you imagine the weight the children have to carry when climbing the steps to their classrooms? At times, they would go off balance when they have to drag them over drains, steps or uneven surfaces too. How downright pathetic!

Due to the heavy amount of materials my kids had to carry to school, I had to purchase two school bags each for my kids, the one with rollers and another backpack to ease their burden. When it comes to buying school bags, I often choose the ones with good qualities even if it is a little pricey. This is due to the fact that such quality bags offer better strength and durability.

In the good old days, I didn’t have to endure such heavy bags. Sadly, school bags have increased in size over the past few years as students' lives these days are more preoccupied with activities, both in and after school. And there are just way too many books in the syllabus. Some subjects, require five or six exercise books alone, excluding the textbooks. Maybe our minister thinks that if you carry more books, you are more brainy. DUH!

With the heavy loads of school bags our poor little ones have to carry to school these days, it's only a matter of time before we get a generation of hunchbacks with badly formed postures.

Exam Blues

The exams are approaching and as usual, my kids scarcely worry about their exams these days. When I try to explain the philosophy of exams, their heads will start spinning and eyes rolling towards all directions. he he....It seems like the kids aren’t nervous and feel intense at all.

In today's fast-paced world, every parents want their kids to be competent and efficient in order to strive good grades in school. As a parent, I think time management is important. I make it a point to organise my kids' study time, at least an hour a day.

With the exams just around the corner, I'm trying to juggle my schedule timely to help them in their revision. Having said that, I want them to study in a fun and stress-free environment. That's only because I don't want to turn their minds upside down. Well, kids need fun and relaxation in between. Moreover, I need to ensure my children are eating well and sleeping well with no late nights before the exams.

So kids, no more daydreaming of your animes or cartoons for the time being. If you want a bright future, start worshipping your books. LOL!