2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[fifiyeo]

Hi Beanbear, always tot that I was the only mad person around setting timers for kids, rules and regulations with conditions attached. My ILs always feel that we were "crazy" too rigid with the kids and never respected our methods. So glad to know that I’m not "insane".

[janet88]

fifiyeo:

Hi Bearbear, always tot that I was the only mad person around setting timers for kids, rules and regulations with conditions attached. My ILs always feel that we were \"crazy\" too rigid with the kids and never respected our methods. So glad to know that I'm not \"insane\".

Hi fifiyeo,
My schedule for son this year is hardly followed...no thanks to the crazy load of homework given. But on certain days when there is little hw, I will squeeze in 1 practice like cloze or comprehension. Since I have tutors, I should have faith and trust.

[fifiyeo]

Hi Janet_lee88,


I don’t follow to a study plan as we have to flow along with the HUGE amount of homework from school. Wish I can though.

But I do put on the timer and set DS to complete task within given time and then like Beanbear’s DD, my DS gets to scooter around the house or play during the interval break time. I make DS put the timer in his pocket during his break and come back to the room to continue his work when the timer sounds. I feel it works well as he can free his mind for a short while and focus better.

[Zekezachzoom]

I set a routine for my DS since young. As I was working and traveling extensively during their younger days, I set some rules for them to follow. That is, homework has to be done before mummy comes back home. No tv on weekdays. Teach them delayed gratification, they know from young that they will be rewarded playtime when homework is done. Take small breaks in between works.Once practised and followed through, it will become part of them. My DS knows when to work and when to play. They even feel guilty when daddy allowed them to play during their homework time

[Zekezachzoom]

Finally… DS finished his last paper for CA1 today! One down before the big one. Not sure what to expect for his CA results though ;(

[Chenonceau]

zekezachzoom… my DS is starting only next week leh. Yours is so fast! We’re gonna start work again on the day after exams.

[beanbear]

fifiyeo:

Hi Beanbear, always tot that I was the only mad person around setting timers for kids, rules and regulations with conditions attached. My ILs always feel that we were \"crazy\" too rigid with the kids and never respected our methods. So glad to know that I'm not \"insane\".

Hi fifiyeo, Yah me also - thot I was nuts to do this. But then I was tearing my hair out when my kids first started primary school and found it too exhausting to keep running after the kids to do their homework. SO i said to myself - there must be a self-automating system!!! :evil:

Our parents' generation or even our peers who have a more \"laid-back\" parenting style may think we're like control freaks but they may not understand that structures actually create freedom. That's the paradox. Freedom without rules lead to chaos. Boundaries create sanity & security.

Incidentally, my DD's form teacher called me up about her how to get DD to stay on task in class and I told her to use a timer and provide clear structures in terms rules, consequences & rewards. Form teacher tried it out and now she's able to manage my DD well in class and DD is also happy in class.

[beanbear]

Chenonceau:

Beanbear... you're amazing!! The idea is simple but the implementation is challenging. It's impressive that you were able to carry this off.

Thanks Chen. There are some bad days but mostly good days. A few years ago DH and I also tried a new structure. When one child is watching TV and the other kids are not having their TV time, the child must use headphones so as to minimise distractions. Now the timer & headphones have become our favourite parenting tools!

[janet88]

fifiyeo:

Hi Janet_lee88,


I don't follow to a study plan as we have to flow along with the HUGE amount of homework from school. Wish I can though.

But I do put on the timer and set DS to complete task within given time and then like Beanbear's DD, my DS gets to scooter around the house or play during the interval break time.

I can't follow any study plan this year...too much homework from school.
On certain days when hw is lesser, I will get him to do an extra practice and then play with younger sibling.

[Zekezachzoom]

Chenonceau:

zekezachzoom... my DS is starting only next week leh. Yours is so fast! We're gonna start work again on the day after exams.

The school is really efficient when comes to this;) DS was so happy today when I picked him up after school. He kept singing \"freedom, freedom\" in the car I have promised DS that I will not be \"touching\" him for any extra work this weekend but told him that he needs to start some light revision again next week;)