Compulsory Overseas Trip

[summer]

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[kuzco]

When ds went for his school’s P5 overseas trip to Kunming two years back, I was worried initially. The school did not allow parent volunteers as they wanted them to be independent. The school felt that with parents around, the kids would be distracted. They also discouraged the kids from calling home, as they were afraid that by calling home, some may feel homesick and disrupt the spirit of the bonding. However, the school did send a nightly sms to assure parents that everything was ok.


My ds, being a blur sotong at times, surprised me when he came back. I had expected his luggage to be in a mess and some things to go missing. He came back all in one piece with nothing missing. He seemed to have enjoyed his new-found independence.

Sometimes, as parents, we have to trust our children and let go bit by bit. You will be surprised that your child is tougher than you would imagine. Have faith in the teachers too. I am sure the teachers do not want anything to go wrong as well. You will be pleasantly surprised at how things may work out.

[csc]

kuzco:

When ds went for his school's P5 overseas trip to Kunming two years back, I was worried initially. The school did not allow parent volunteers as they wanted them to be independent. The school felt that with parents around, the kids would be distracted. They also discouraged the kids from calling home, as they were afraid that by calling home, some may feel homesick and disrupt the spirit of the bonding. However, the school did send a nightly sms to assure parents that everything was ok.


My ds, being a blur sotong at times, surprised me when he came back. I had expected his luggage to be in a mess and some things to go missing. He came back all in one piece with nothing missing. He seemed to have enjoyed his new-found independence.

Sometimes, as parents, we have to trust our children and let go bit by bit. You will be surprised that your child is tougher than you would imagine. Have faith in the teachers too. I am sure the teachers do not want anything to go wrong as well. You will be pleasantly surprised at how things may work out.

:celebrate: Same sentiments, kuzco.

Not forgetting, the children will learn to appreciate their parents more and not to take them for granted.

[sleepy]

nani:

sleepy:

I pre-empt my dd, told her I do not want her to go on any overseas trips unless I can tag along. Reason 1. I will miss her soooooo very much. Reason 2. There are too many kids & teachers don't have that many pairs of eyes. My dd said she wouldn't want to go if I'm not going since she would miss me too much to enjoy the trip :love:



At least get your dd on your side. Then deal with the school

How old is your dd now?

Mine only P2. Her school will have overseas trips from P4. Hence the pre-empt so that it's no surprise to her if I refuse to sign consent form then.

Local excursion, I let her go selectively. Usually I will sign up as parent volunteer to tag along for those excursions I approved. I admit I'm an over protective clingy mom

[daisyt]

csc:

kuzco:

When ds went for his school's P5 overseas trip to Kunming two years back, I was worried initially. The school did not allow parent volunteers as they wanted them to be independent. The school felt that with parents around, the kids would be distracted. They also discouraged the kids from calling home, as they were afraid that by calling home, some may feel homesick and disrupt the spirit of the bonding. However, the school did send a nightly sms to assure parents that everything was ok.


My ds, being a blur sotong at times, surprised me when he came back. I had expected his luggage to be in a mess and some things to go missing. He came back all in one piece with nothing missing. He seemed to have enjoyed his new-found independence.

Sometimes, as parents, we have to trust our children and let go bit by bit. You will be surprised that your child is tougher than you would imagine. Have faith in the teachers too. I am sure the teachers do not want anything to go wrong as well. You will be pleasantly surprised at how things may work out.

:celebrate: Same sentiments, kuzco.

Not forgetting, the children will learn to appreciate their parents more and not to take them for granted.

Haha ! I think they appreciate their comfortable bed and warm shower more. :lol:

[Lynn2010]

hi all parents,


My 5 cents worth of thoughts here. I have 2 dd, older one in Sec 2.

(My personal opinion) I feel that parents here (in Singapore) are sheltering their children TOO much. I have no problems letting my dd go on a 5 days trip to Beijing last year (Sec 1). Of course a little worried but I have always taught her independence since 2 yrs old.

When we were in Australia, the children there start going for camps since P1. P1 camp is a one night in school, to teach them independence and doing things themselves. P2: 2-night camp nearby, P3 3-night camp and so on. These camps teach the children to be independent, pitching their own tents, cooking, cleaning duty and so on. In Singapore, the children start going for the a 2-day camp in P5 and it is in Singapore, all fenced up with dorms. When my daughter came back to Singapore and went for the P5 camp, she was shocked… "mummy, why is it call camping when the camp site is fenced up". What I’m trying to say is… if children in other countries can do, why cant our children.

So parents, we must always teach children to be independent and learn to let go. Our kids here are smart!!

[ChiefKiasu]

Lynn2010:

(My personal opinion) I feel that parents here (in Singapore) are sheltering their children TOO much. I have no problems letting my dd go on a 5 days trip to Beijing last year (Sec 1). Of course a little worried but I have always taught her independence since 2 yrs old...

Indeed. I let my P4 son go to Guangdong with his fencing team for a couple of weeks over the Dec holidays. Of course we were worried to death, but it turned out fine and he himself was more happy to get away from our daily nagging than being homesick :roll:

[xxjustakidxx]

summer:

girlmum:

[quote=\"summer\"]Off topic....the first time dd was away from home was the K2 graduation camp. It was a 3 days 2 nights camp at St John Island. No parent volunteers. I really salute the teachers for their responsibilities...Some of the children were too busy to miss the parents....

K2 camp at St John Island????? 3 days & 2 nights??? :!: :!:

I DOUBLE :salute: :salute: the teachers. Bringing the K2s out to the zoo/underwater world is enough to drain me out. Making sure that they're alright, following the correct group/teacher, eating well/drink enough water and most importantly - learning objective met. (the list goes on....)
Nevertheless, it's an golden opportunity for the child to learn and I admire the courage the school had to organize such a daring camp.

Care to disclose the name of the school?

Creative O.[/quote]This camp for HCI sec 1 leh.

[janet88]

Camp for K2 kids in St John’s ???

The principal and teachers are really brave to take on such a challenging task.

My neighbour’s son was homesick when he had to stay overnight in school in P3, but in P4 he wanted to go to Muar for the weekend. The class had to write an essay to explain why they should be allowed to go. In the end, he managed to convince the teacher and his parents.

ChiefKiasu,
Did your son sleep over at grandparents place by himself b4 the trip to China ? My son refuses to do that even for 1 night. I guess I have to learn to let go sooner or later since he has to do NS.

[ChiefKiasu]

janet_lee88:

ChiefKiasu,

Did your son sleep over at grandparents place by himself b4 the trip to China ? My son refuses to do that even for 1 night. I guess I have to learn to let go sooner or later since he has to do NS.

Nope. He only had a 1 night sleepover at a camp in P3.