I have been a SAHM for almost 6 months. Well, the initial plan was to be a short-term stay home mum till my mum's eyesight get better. My mum still have to go back for scheduled follow ups and it seems that her eye requires another surgery in Sept/Oct. Nonetheless, during this period, I have also discovered that my mum is no longer able to keep up with looking after an active toddler. Or maybe Jayven is really just too much to handle as compared to Janelle when she was at his age.
So what's the next step? To place Jayven in a childcare centre? Or to continue as a SAHM? Frankly we have placed him in waiting list in the childcare centre at the next block since early last year. But we were told that it is full till next year. Anyway, I have my reservations about placing the boy in childcare centre now as he is always getting into mischief and he needs to be looked after 1-on-1 and not in a group of 4 or more (he often trips and fall and end up with bumps & bruises).
On the other hand, Janelle has been showing signs of rejecting school by kicking a big fuss before we finally get her dressed for school or she will refuse to enter school premises at the door. Also, she has been demanding alot of attention from me lately. Hence we concluded that it could be that she is in school for longer hours than she is at home and she may be feeling insecure / sad about it. So we decided to enrol her for half day instead of full day, starting K1 next year. Does this mean that I have to continue to be stay home mum? I can't possibly get my mum to look after 2 kids and getting a helper is out of the question as my hubs and I were never for that idea.
Well, the role as a mum is really not easy regardless it is a FTWM or SAHM. To be honest, I missed working 1-2 months later after taking on the role as stay home mum. My kids can drive me crazy and the house requires constant cleaning and tidying since my kids (esp my boy) are so good in messing up the place and I cannot even go to the toilet in peace!
Then I realised:
I miss working as it gives me financial independence (I have to cut down on spa and impulse purchases)
I miss having lunches with my colleagues (and gossiping!)
I miss having the excuses to buy clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetic and skincare products as i needed to dress up and look good for wor
I miss having adult conversations and meeting people
When I was a FTWM, I have to admit that I do feel a great sense of achievement as I have a career and a family of my own (& a proud mummy of 2!). Then the greatest challenge came, which was balancing between work and family. And it posed as a greater challenge when my employer was not understanding towards employees with young children ("Why do you need to take CL?" "You need to have better support in your home." "This is very distracting to your work" etc etc).
But as a mum, I WANT to be there for my kids when they need me most. Since it was such a struggle trying to be a good mum and a good employee (the employer will never appreciate our work and effort as all they can remember is we took leave to attend to our needy kids. If we get someone else to attend to the sick or needy kids, we ended up not being able to focus at work and yet feel guilty about not being a good mum), I decided to stay home and care for our kids with the support from my hubs while my mum underwent surgery and recuperate at home.
Having been a SAHM for almost half a year, I would like to emphasize that it is such a great joy to be with my kids 24/7:
I get to witness their development milestones
I get to record happy, funny and memorable moments (I will take photos / videos to share with my hubs so that he will not miss out)
I get to watch them play together, argue together and fight together (it is pretty funny to see how they argue esp when my boy is not even able to form a sentence yet)
I get to shower them everyday and have fun splashing together
I get to send my firstborn to school every morning and fetch her from school every day
I get to spot any undesirable behaviour immediately and guide them well
I get to be with them when they are sick and I can nurse them back to health
I get to comfort my firstborn when she is feeling upset or unhappy
I get to receive random hugs, cuddles and kisses from them everyday
I get to hear "Mummy, I love you" randomly from my firstborn everyday
I get to act silly and crazy with them (that is a very good stress reliever!)
I get to carry my secondborn and dance with him to the melody from the tv shows
I get to sing and dance with my firstborn around the house
I get to do activities with my firstborn (and I know she want me to because she values my presence)
I get to cook for the family and ensure that they are eating right and well
I get to bond with them, strengthen our relationship and let them know that I will always be there to protect them
I'm really grateful that I have the opportunity to take on the full responsibility to care for my kids personally. Afterall, the best candidate to look after the children is usually the mother. As a mum, I want my kids to grow up healthy in a happy environment with lots of love, hugs, cuddles and kisses.
So will I consider returning to work? I wouldn't say no but I am happy & contented with the current situation. I know that my kids need me more now in their growing years. Furthermore, my hubs is holding on to the fort pretty well and is not urging me to return to work. So I guess I will continue to be a happy stay home mum till who knows when :)
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Monday, 26 August 2013
Saturday in parks
I had brunch with my friends at Canopy in Bishan Park in the morning.
And I had the luxury to steal some winks (since the whole kampong is snoozing) before we brought the kids out in the early evening.
We decided to check out Punggol Waterway Park and let the kids play with sand at the Recreation Zone. Janelle's beloved friend, Sherise also joined them in the sand play. It was a nice place and the weather was great (we avoided the sun by coming in early evening). We would love to venture further but it was dinner time. So we had to satisfy the hungry tummies. It's a pity that there are no dining places in the park so we had to move elsewhere in search for food. Saw that they have bicycles kiosk for rental too. Can bring the kids back for cycling someday.
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| The kiddos. Like i said, it's never easy to take decent shots of children together |
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| A group shot after brunch |
We decided to check out Punggol Waterway Park and let the kids play with sand at the Recreation Zone. Janelle's beloved friend, Sherise also joined them in the sand play. It was a nice place and the weather was great (we avoided the sun by coming in early evening). We would love to venture further but it was dinner time. So we had to satisfy the hungry tummies. It's a pity that there are no dining places in the park so we had to move elsewhere in search for food. Saw that they have bicycles kiosk for rental too. Can bring the kids back for cycling someday.
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| The Adventure Bridge at Recreation Zone |
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| 2Js playing with sand |
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| Funny expression by Jayven |
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| The trio were v focused in sandplay. |
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| Pretending to be asleep (and they were having fun). |
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| Simply too cute |
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| While waiting for food, the 2 girls were watching a clip from youtube together. And the daddies were watching soccer from the phone too. Well, at least all of them were kept well-entertained |
Friday, 23 August 2013
When it gets too quiet
We were having dinner while the 2 lil Js went into the room to play. Usually we will hear cries from the room as the 2 of them will either fight for toys or didi fell down. However it seems exceptionally quiet in the room tonight. I decided to take a look as it can be pretty scary when it gets too quiet (esp when we are so used to the cries, screams & yells).
I got a shock when I saw Janelle holding on to a soiled diaper with poop. Next I discovered that Jayven is not wearing his diaper. When Janelle saw me, she proudly said "Mummy, didi poo poo, I changing his pampers for him." And Jayven was seated on the bed, staining the bedsheet with his poo-stained bum. It was such a funny sight and I had to call my hubs to come into the room to help clean up.
It was very sweet to know that Janelle want to help Jayven change his diapers even though she may not know the proper method. I guess she may have wrap the new diaper over her brother's bum (unevenly stick-on) if I have come in any later.
Needless to say, we gotten the lil ones to take their shower & change into their PJs & get them ready for bed. Though it was a hilarious sight with a mess, it is very heartwarming to know that my sweet lil princess is willing & ready to execute her duty as an elder sister & take care of her lil brother. Good attempt my firstborn! Mummy is proud of you.
I got a shock when I saw Janelle holding on to a soiled diaper with poop. Next I discovered that Jayven is not wearing his diaper. When Janelle saw me, she proudly said "Mummy, didi poo poo, I changing his pampers for him." And Jayven was seated on the bed, staining the bedsheet with his poo-stained bum. It was such a funny sight and I had to call my hubs to come into the room to help clean up.
It was very sweet to know that Janelle want to help Jayven change his diapers even though she may not know the proper method. I guess she may have wrap the new diaper over her brother's bum (unevenly stick-on) if I have come in any later.
Needless to say, we gotten the lil ones to take their shower & change into their PJs & get them ready for bed. Though it was a hilarious sight with a mess, it is very heartwarming to know that my sweet lil princess is willing & ready to execute her duty as an elder sister & take care of her lil brother. Good attempt my firstborn! Mummy is proud of you.
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Eat. Shop. Massage - Bangkok Day 3
Well, we had to check out of the hotel and return to our babies today. Afterall, this is the first time that we are away from them so 3 days may seems like a long time for them.
We had brekkie at A&W and started our shopping at Pratunam Market. It was a wise choice to shop there early morning when the shops are opening as we realised that we can really get very good bargains especially if we were their first customers. Initially it did not occur to me that the shop owners believed that their first customer cannot walk out of the shop empty-handed till an auntie started saying something in thai and placed my change on her merchandise. Guess it was for a good start for her business for that day.
Though we have already packed our luggage, leaving absolutely no space for anymore purchases, we ended carrying bags of clothes and shoes back to the hotel. Thus, we have to re-pack the loots and squeezed as much stuff as the luggage can hold. The rest have to go into a carrier bag to be carried on board the flight.
We did our check out at 12.30pm and left the barang at the concierge. Our flight departs at 9pm and we target to leave the place at 5plus 6pm in event of jam. So we met up with my friends for lunch at MBK before we proceed to do our nails.
And to my pleasant surprise, the tom yam soup at MBK food island at level 6 is the yummiest tom yam soup that I had. Will definitely return for the soup when I visit BKK again.
As
there was still time left before we have to leave for airport, I have
to go for manicure. I ended up choosing a design that I know my girl
will be delighted to see and that is, the minions from Despicable Me.
After the manicure, we proceeded to Siam Paragon as there was another hour left. I was surprised that there is Ocean World and Madame Tussauds
in Siam Paragon. Guess I will visit these attractions when I visit BKK
with my kids in future. Thanks goodness we did not buy more from Siam
Paragon and we walked back to the hotel, which took approximately
20mins.
We reached hotel around 5plus, collected our barang and hopped onto the public meter taxi which the hotel staff has helped to hail. Surprisely there was no jam and the taxi driver suggested that we take the highway to airport but we have to pay additional 25 baht for toll, hence we reached the airport within half an hour.
Well, guess it is always better to be early than late for check-in and we could move around leisurely and enjoyed one more massage session before boarding the flight. We walked alot in BKK and we never expected that we have to walk alot in the airport too. From getting the VAT refund document stamped to the check-in counter to the departure gate to the VAT refund cash counter, it seems that we have walked a very long way. Hence we just settled our dinner in Burger King (my hubs was looking for KFC but not available in the airport now) before going for the foot and shoulder massage (we need one badly after all the walking).
Then it was time to board the flight but the departure was delayed by 30mins. By the time we reached SIN, it was 12.40am.
It was a tiring (as we kept walking for 3 days) yet refreshing and good trip for me. Perhaps I should visit BKK once a year to shop, eat and massage.
We had brekkie at A&W and started our shopping at Pratunam Market. It was a wise choice to shop there early morning when the shops are opening as we realised that we can really get very good bargains especially if we were their first customers. Initially it did not occur to me that the shop owners believed that their first customer cannot walk out of the shop empty-handed till an auntie started saying something in thai and placed my change on her merchandise. Guess it was for a good start for her business for that day.
Though we have already packed our luggage, leaving absolutely no space for anymore purchases, we ended carrying bags of clothes and shoes back to the hotel. Thus, we have to re-pack the loots and squeezed as much stuff as the luggage can hold. The rest have to go into a carrier bag to be carried on board the flight.
We did our check out at 12.30pm and left the barang at the concierge. Our flight departs at 9pm and we target to leave the place at 5plus 6pm in event of jam. So we met up with my friends for lunch at MBK before we proceed to do our nails.
And to my pleasant surprise, the tom yam soup at MBK food island at level 6 is the yummiest tom yam soup that I had. Will definitely return for the soup when I visit BKK again.
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| The yummiest tom yam soup found in MBK |
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| Cute? My girl was fascinated to see my nails with minions when I gotten home |
We reached hotel around 5plus, collected our barang and hopped onto the public meter taxi which the hotel staff has helped to hail. Surprisely there was no jam and the taxi driver suggested that we take the highway to airport but we have to pay additional 25 baht for toll, hence we reached the airport within half an hour.
Well, guess it is always better to be early than late for check-in and we could move around leisurely and enjoyed one more massage session before boarding the flight. We walked alot in BKK and we never expected that we have to walk alot in the airport too. From getting the VAT refund document stamped to the check-in counter to the departure gate to the VAT refund cash counter, it seems that we have walked a very long way. Hence we just settled our dinner in Burger King (my hubs was looking for KFC but not available in the airport now) before going for the foot and shoulder massage (we need one badly after all the walking).
Then it was time to board the flight but the departure was delayed by 30mins. By the time we reached SIN, it was 12.40am.
It was a tiring (as we kept walking for 3 days) yet refreshing and good trip for me. Perhaps I should visit BKK once a year to shop, eat and massage.
Friday, 16 August 2013
Shop. Eat. Massage - Bangkok Day 2
This is the only day that we got to spend the full day in BKK. As BKK is an hour behind SIN, we woke up at 7am to do video call with my children before Janelle goes to school. Well, all parents will misses their children when they are away from them. And my girl looks forward to the video calls with us (she specifically stated that she want to see our faces when we call her from BKK haha).
After the call, we started the day with a yummy breakfast buffet in the hotel. The food was not too bad and the service was good. We met up with my friends at Platinum Mall to continue our shopping spree. Well, we could have spent an entire day in the mall if we do not pull ourselves away. Afterall, there are many other places that we want to visit too.
Hence, we decided to indulge in Somboon seafood at Samyam branch for lunch. We ordered curry crab, prawn balls, fish, basil minced pork and tom yam soup and it costs 1,500 baht. Such yummy and reasonably-priced lunch!
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| The menu |
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| Our lunch at somboon |
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| My hubs and I |
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| Me and my friends |
Thereafter, we proceeded to MBK (Naraya and Tokyu) to shop for gifts and innerwear. It was a lucky day for us as there was a promotion for innerwear. It was already cheaper to get the innerwear in BKK than SIN and it became even more irresistibly attractive to shop when there is additional 20% off with purchase of 5 items and more. Plus! We got tax refund when we spent more than 2,000 baht.
With all the shopping bags on hand, we returned to hotel to drop them off and rest our feet before we made our way to the newest night market in BKK, Asiatique The Riverfront. The best way to get there is by boat rather than taxi. We walked to Siam BTS and took the skytrain to Saphan Taksin station (approximately 5 stations away). Then we got onto a free ferry boat to Asiatique The Riverfront. The boat ride is about 15 minutes and we got to enjoy the nice view of the Chao Phraya river. The boat leaves from the Saphan Taksin station every 15 minutes, starting at 4:30 p.m. and the last boat leaves from the Asiatique pier back to Saphan Thaksin at 11:30 p.m.
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| Taken during the boat ride |
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| Enjoying the ride |
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| Welcome to The Asiatique |
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| There is a ferris wheel but we skipped the ride |
From Asiatique, we hopped onto a cab to Chinatown, mainly to buy the local specialty snacks and for savouring the sharkfins and bird nest. After a long day, we finally returned to the hotel where i had to do some serious packing before we check out the next day. We totally underestimated ourselves and brought a medium luggage instead of the largest luggage. Ended up we had more loots to bring back than what the luggage can hold. So we decided that we have to carry a paper bag (full of clothes) on board the flight.
Shop. Eat. Massage - Bangkok Day 1
Finally! My hubs and I have been planning for this trip. Initial plan was to travel in May but it's never easy to plan a couple getaway when you have kids and you need to make childcare arrangements before you can proceed.
The chance finally came when my friends asked if I was keen to join them in BKK during the August long weekend hols. So I asked my hubs, he said should be able to get away from work, then I have to ask my dad (check if he is able to return home early during our absence so that he can fetch Janelle from school and help to look after the lil monkeys), check if my mum will be comfortable with Jayven alone when my dad is at work and lastly, book the flight and hotel. Frankly, help and support from family really means alot.
Initially, we planned to travel via Jetstar Asia but the online booking process really gets on my nerve. Well, that is another story for another day. Eventually we realised that the fare difference for SQ is minimal compared to Jetstar Asia so SQ is the choice with the convenience of online check-in, baggage check-in and meals on board. Afterall, it is a holiday so the journey should be comfortable, hassle-free and enjoyable.
The day finally arrived! Though my girl was feeling upset about us being away from her for a few days (The Sensitive Child), I can't help but feel excited about the trip. It was the first trip that we are travelling without the kids. And it has been 8 years ago when I last went to BKK.
We reached T2 early and enjoyed coffee at Starbucks before we board the plane. When we reached BKK, we enquired about the limousine fare to our hotel and the price is exorbitant as compared to a public meter taxi. They quoted us 1,600 baht and they lowered to 1,100 baht. We decided to take a public taxi and the fare was 300plus baht. That is a very huge difference.
We checked in to Amari Watergate (I stayed there when I was in BKK 8 years ago too) and we did video call with my kids first before we crossed over to The Platinum Fashion Mall to eat and shop. I met up with my friends at the food court and I wasted no time in savouring the tom yam soup. Yums! On my way to food court, I passed by level 6 which is Children's level and I can't wait to shop for my children. Hence after we satisfied our tummy, it was time to shop!
Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale fashion mall with more than 2,000 shops. Yes, it is really huge. We shopped in the mall for 3 days and we have not covered the entire place. Most shops offer wholesale prices if we purchase more than one or two items.
However, I have no idea that the mall closes at 7pm so we were pretty disappointed when we saw the shops packing up especially when I was still in the shopping mood. Luckily the hotel is just opposite the mall so we can continue shopping in the mall the next day.
We returned to the hotel to drop our shopping bags, did a video call with the children again and we went out for massage. All of us opted for thai massage and enjoyed 60mins of massage. After that, we went in search for night market and street food along the stretch at Baiyoke Hotel. I was delighted when I saw a hawker selling pad thai (my fav!) and the taste did not disappoint me.
Thereafter, we went back to hotel to rest and recharge for the next day.
The chance finally came when my friends asked if I was keen to join them in BKK during the August long weekend hols. So I asked my hubs, he said should be able to get away from work, then I have to ask my dad (check if he is able to return home early during our absence so that he can fetch Janelle from school and help to look after the lil monkeys), check if my mum will be comfortable with Jayven alone when my dad is at work and lastly, book the flight and hotel. Frankly, help and support from family really means alot.
Initially, we planned to travel via Jetstar Asia but the online booking process really gets on my nerve. Well, that is another story for another day. Eventually we realised that the fare difference for SQ is minimal compared to Jetstar Asia so SQ is the choice with the convenience of online check-in, baggage check-in and meals on board. Afterall, it is a holiday so the journey should be comfortable, hassle-free and enjoyable.
The day finally arrived! Though my girl was feeling upset about us being away from her for a few days (The Sensitive Child), I can't help but feel excited about the trip. It was the first trip that we are travelling without the kids. And it has been 8 years ago when I last went to BKK.
We reached T2 early and enjoyed coffee at Starbucks before we board the plane. When we reached BKK, we enquired about the limousine fare to our hotel and the price is exorbitant as compared to a public meter taxi. They quoted us 1,600 baht and they lowered to 1,100 baht. We decided to take a public taxi and the fare was 300plus baht. That is a very huge difference.
We checked in to Amari Watergate (I stayed there when I was in BKK 8 years ago too) and we did video call with my kids first before we crossed over to The Platinum Fashion Mall to eat and shop. I met up with my friends at the food court and I wasted no time in savouring the tom yam soup. Yums! On my way to food court, I passed by level 6 which is Children's level and I can't wait to shop for my children. Hence after we satisfied our tummy, it was time to shop!
Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale fashion mall with more than 2,000 shops. Yes, it is really huge. We shopped in the mall for 3 days and we have not covered the entire place. Most shops offer wholesale prices if we purchase more than one or two items.
However, I have no idea that the mall closes at 7pm so we were pretty disappointed when we saw the shops packing up especially when I was still in the shopping mood. Luckily the hotel is just opposite the mall so we can continue shopping in the mall the next day.
We returned to the hotel to drop our shopping bags, did a video call with the children again and we went out for massage. All of us opted for thai massage and enjoyed 60mins of massage. After that, we went in search for night market and street food along the stretch at Baiyoke Hotel. I was delighted when I saw a hawker selling pad thai (my fav!) and the taste did not disappoint me.
Thereafter, we went back to hotel to rest and recharge for the next day.
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| The view from window seat. I love the skies. |
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| The king-sized bed in hotel |
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| Cosy rest area |
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| Loots from the first day. All for the children |
Monday, 12 August 2013
Playtime with Hello Ling
It's playtime with Hello Ling! We brought Janelle to a play that is specially catered for young audience (2-4 yo) yesterday at The Esplanade. She was very excited about the play especially when she has the company of her favourite cousin and best friend.
Hello Ling is about discovering light and how it makes things glow, sparkle and shine. It also teaches the children how light make the plants grow, create beautiful colours like rainbow and how to create shadow and have fun.
It is an interactive theatrical experience for children to learn through play. Hello Ling is a short play at approximately 35mins (though it was stated 40mins in the publicity materials) with no intermission and audience are all seated on the floor. Janelle enjoyed the short play but she was asking where is Ling as she was expecting to see someone similar to the girl on Hello Ling poster. I guess the production house should take into consideration the image portrayed on the publicity should be consistent as the character played. In this instance, the image on the poster is a girl with two buns whereas the character in the play has her hair braided on both sides. No wonder the kids are not able to associate the character as Ling.
Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience for Janelle and I look forward to bringing her and Jayven (when he gets older) to more plays.
Hello Ling is about discovering light and how it makes things glow, sparkle and shine. It also teaches the children how light make the plants grow, create beautiful colours like rainbow and how to create shadow and have fun.
It is an interactive theatrical experience for children to learn through play. Hello Ling is a short play at approximately 35mins (though it was stated 40mins in the publicity materials) with no intermission and audience are all seated on the floor. Janelle enjoyed the short play but she was asking where is Ling as she was expecting to see someone similar to the girl on Hello Ling poster. I guess the production house should take into consideration the image portrayed on the publicity should be consistent as the character played. In this instance, the image on the poster is a girl with two buns whereas the character in the play has her hair braided on both sides. No wonder the kids are not able to associate the character as Ling.
Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience for Janelle and I look forward to bringing her and Jayven (when he gets older) to more plays.
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| She had udon at Sakae Sushi before the play. It comes with Angry Bird fishcake. Cute! |
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| The 3 angels ready for the play |
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| Posing with the sunflower after the play |
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| Totally cracks me up. I don't know why such poses from them. |
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| Trying to capture a picture of the 3 angels with Hello Ling poster |
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| Having fun. They were pretending to be asleep. |
Post-holiday blues
Adults will always dread returning to work after a long weekend. But I never knew that kids (as young as 4 years old) will have such mentality too. My girl was kicking a big fuss and refused to go school this morning. I had to coax her for 30mins before she finally agree. When we reached the school, she was hugging me so tightly and she refused to step into the class. And the teacher told me that there was a handful of kids who was behaving this way too.
Well, guess kids also enjoyed long weekend and they suffered from post-holiday blues too.
Well, guess kids also enjoyed long weekend and they suffered from post-holiday blues too.
Monday, 5 August 2013
The 2Js at play
It is always heartwarming to watch Janelle and Jayven at play together. Jayven simply adores his sister and he loves being with her, following what she do (which explains why the elders have to set a good example), and doing what she asks him to do.
Janelle also loves Jayven and she is protective of him (though she is also the only one who will bully him). She believes that didi should always be with her (sleep in the same room, eat together, play together, shower together) and no one is allowed to take her didi away from her.
I love hearing their giggles and laughter and it never fails to make me smile.
Janelle also loves Jayven and she is protective of him (though she is also the only one who will bully him). She believes that didi should always be with her (sleep in the same room, eat together, play together, shower together) and no one is allowed to take her didi away from her.
I love hearing their giggles and laughter and it never fails to make me smile.
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| Reading time |
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| 2Js at play. Jayven trying to bite jiejie out of excitement |
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| Monkey see, monkey do. Both of them kicking their legs, having fun |
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| Screaming contest. Jayven started to scream in excitement and Janelle followed suit |
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| Cheeky Jayven popped his head out while taking the picture. |
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| The 2 monkeys fooling around on the bed before bedtime |
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| Bubbles playtime |
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| Loves this shot that I managed to take when i saw Janelle hugging Jayven affectionately. |
The Sensitive Child
I really wonder what is the emotional development for a 4 yo child.
Recently, Janelle has been having alot of emotional meltdowns. She can and will cry over the slightest matters. Initially we thought that it could be due to crankiness by lack of sleep or over-stimulation but it proved otherwise.
She has been seeking alot of attention from me and my hubs recently and she will appear sad/disappointed if we are not able to attend to her immediately. She will seek hugs from me and want me to cuddle her like a baby. She will get jealous over her brother, which I believe is normal & I do pay attention to address the jealousy issues. But it seems to be more than just jealousy that is causing her to have such intense meltdowns lately. I have tried to ask her but either she is not able to verbalise what she is feeling or she may have no idea as to why she is feeling as such too. I have prompted her by asking if she is feeling angry or sad, and she will let me know how she is feeling. But when I asked further, she will not be able to explain why she is feeling that way.
There are many instances that she will just look at us with the sad / disappointed / hurt expression and she may cry any moment. As she can cry, stop and cry again almost every 10minutes, it can get pretty frustrating at times. We tried to ignore her but she will explode to screams when we walked away. We have attempted to talk to her, justifying that her behaviour was undesirable and what she should have done instead but she will not listen.
Punishment will not work in this case as it may seem to make matters worse rather than addressing the emotional soul. Guilty as charged, I have shouted at her a few times when the situation got too tense but i do not mete out punishment as I believed that it is an emotional development that she is going through. But I am really curious if she is being over sensitive at her age or this is a passing stage for all kids.
Till last night, I figured that her intense emotional meltdowns could be partly due to the fact that my hubs and I will be going for a short trip without the kids.
Yesterday night, she seems to be in deep thoughts at bedtime and I asked her why she was still not sleeping. And her reply was "I love mummy and I want mummy with me always". This sets me thinking if she is bothered by the fact that my hubs and I will be going for a short trip without her (for the first time) and she may be missing us already though we have not left for the trip. I have prep her beforehand that daddy and mummy will be going for a short trip and she will be sleeping with grandpa and grandma while we are away. But I guess she must be feeling upset now knowing that we will be flying off soon and she will miss us dearly.
Somehow, I do hope that her current sensitive soul is due to us being away for a short trip and she will be definitely be better when we return. Otherwise, her incessant crying will really make us go bonkers and we will have a hard time trying to remain patient while addressing her emotional meltdowns.
Recently, Janelle has been having alot of emotional meltdowns. She can and will cry over the slightest matters. Initially we thought that it could be due to crankiness by lack of sleep or over-stimulation but it proved otherwise.
She has been seeking alot of attention from me and my hubs recently and she will appear sad/disappointed if we are not able to attend to her immediately. She will seek hugs from me and want me to cuddle her like a baby. She will get jealous over her brother, which I believe is normal & I do pay attention to address the jealousy issues. But it seems to be more than just jealousy that is causing her to have such intense meltdowns lately. I have tried to ask her but either she is not able to verbalise what she is feeling or she may have no idea as to why she is feeling as such too. I have prompted her by asking if she is feeling angry or sad, and she will let me know how she is feeling. But when I asked further, she will not be able to explain why she is feeling that way.
There are many instances that she will just look at us with the sad / disappointed / hurt expression and she may cry any moment. As she can cry, stop and cry again almost every 10minutes, it can get pretty frustrating at times. We tried to ignore her but she will explode to screams when we walked away. We have attempted to talk to her, justifying that her behaviour was undesirable and what she should have done instead but she will not listen.
Punishment will not work in this case as it may seem to make matters worse rather than addressing the emotional soul. Guilty as charged, I have shouted at her a few times when the situation got too tense but i do not mete out punishment as I believed that it is an emotional development that she is going through. But I am really curious if she is being over sensitive at her age or this is a passing stage for all kids.
Till last night, I figured that her intense emotional meltdowns could be partly due to the fact that my hubs and I will be going for a short trip without the kids.
Yesterday night, she seems to be in deep thoughts at bedtime and I asked her why she was still not sleeping. And her reply was "I love mummy and I want mummy with me always". This sets me thinking if she is bothered by the fact that my hubs and I will be going for a short trip without her (for the first time) and she may be missing us already though we have not left for the trip. I have prep her beforehand that daddy and mummy will be going for a short trip and she will be sleeping with grandpa and grandma while we are away. But I guess she must be feeling upset now knowing that we will be flying off soon and she will miss us dearly.
Somehow, I do hope that her current sensitive soul is due to us being away for a short trip and she will be definitely be better when we return. Otherwise, her incessant crying will really make us go bonkers and we will have a hard time trying to remain patient while addressing her emotional meltdowns.
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