Answer: The one that wants your business most.
I spent 30 mins yesterday with the membership consultant at Fenix to talk terms.
It was the last day of the cooling-off period, and after chatting with various members (especially my Body Vive classmates) about how much they were paying, I was ready to say "Thanks, I've cooled off" if they didn't produce an irresistible offer.
One of the discoveries I made after scrutinizing the T&C was that Fenix gets a cut from the billing agent for every new customer that signs up for direct debit.
The billing agent adds a one-off admin charge of $65 to your first invoice, and takes $10 for themselves. The remaining $55 goes to Fenix.
No wonder Fenix encourages you to pay by direct debit when they try to sign you up.
I insisted the membership consultant do the math so I could compare the difference between paying upfront and paying by direct debit.
It came up to a whopping $200 difference!
Then I said: let's take away that Pro Trainer add-on; I only go for classes anyway.
It turned out they were happy to offer me a complimentary 30-min review every 6-8 weeks to help me track my fitness goals.
But they never mentioned that when I first walked in. They just tried to sell me the Pro Trainer package as part of the deal.
Finally, I said: is this your best offer?
He replied, "If you're in a position to do something about paying today, I'll go talk to my manager."
How can anyone work in a line that requires you to play games like these with your customers everyday??
I said yes.
I had a rough range in my head of what would be an acceptable outcome, and I was ready with my EFTPOS card, which is always an advantage.
The consultant went into a back room and came out with a substantially reduced figure.
Imagine: the difference between paying upfront and paying by direct debit was $200.
On top of that, they shaved another 21% off the reduced figure.
That gives you an idea how much commission they stand to make if you just accept their "promotional" terms and don't negotiate further.
I'll bet there was still room to negotiate, but I prefer to stop at win-win so everybody's happy.
In all, the amount we agreed on was 38% off the original promotional figure.
It's not often that I walk away from a sales encounter feeling empowered and pleased with myself. This is one of those rare ones.
Can't wait to catch up with my Body Vive classmates next week; I know they will be very pleased for me.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Free Range Eggs At Our Doorstep
I met my neighbour R yesterday for the first time.
Lots of people pass our house as they drive out or go on their daily walk to the shops, but beyond waving hello, I haven't actually had one-on-one conversations with many of them.
"Have you got a little one?" he enquired, after we'd done the introductions.
R started talking about the chooks (chickens) he keeps in his backyard, how you can tell the quality of free range eggs by comparing the colour of the yolk with that in regular eggs, what he feeds his chooks, and how his chooks lay so many eggs he sells the excess to the neighbours.
Apparently, the ex-owners of the house we live in bought eggs from him too.
"I'll let you have some to try for free," he offered. "You like them, you can buy from me. $3 for a dozen. Better than supermarket eggs. They feed their chooks pellets."
Last night, as we got home from picking J up at daycare, I found a carton of eggs outside my door. Some were pure white.
Haven't seen R today, but I might take the girls around to say hi and thank you later.
And to place a weekly order for a dozen fresh free range eggs.
Lots of people pass our house as they drive out or go on their daily walk to the shops, but beyond waving hello, I haven't actually had one-on-one conversations with many of them.
"Have you got a little one?" he enquired, after we'd done the introductions.
R started talking about the chooks (chickens) he keeps in his backyard, how you can tell the quality of free range eggs by comparing the colour of the yolk with that in regular eggs, what he feeds his chooks, and how his chooks lay so many eggs he sells the excess to the neighbours.
Apparently, the ex-owners of the house we live in bought eggs from him too.
"I'll let you have some to try for free," he offered. "You like them, you can buy from me. $3 for a dozen. Better than supermarket eggs. They feed their chooks pellets."
Last night, as we got home from picking J up at daycare, I found a carton of eggs outside my door. Some were pure white.
Haven't seen R today, but I might take the girls around to say hi and thank you later.
And to place a weekly order for a dozen fresh free range eggs.
We Live In THE Fastest Growing Suburb
It's official.
The City of Wyndham is the fastest growing suburb in Melbourne. No, make that all of AUS.
Often described as "one of the fastest growing municipalities in VIC", Wyndham has now overtaken Casey, Melton and Whittlesea in the number of persons who have moved here to stay in the last FY.
8,874 people were added to the population of Wyndham.
Let's hope the State and Fed Govts take notice and put more money into infrastructure and public transport so residents have better access to the City and we can overcome the perception that we are "out in the sticks".
The City of Wyndham is the fastest growing suburb in Melbourne. No, make that all of AUS.
Often described as "one of the fastest growing municipalities in VIC", Wyndham has now overtaken Casey, Melton and Whittlesea in the number of persons who have moved here to stay in the last FY.
8,874 people were added to the population of Wyndham.
Let's hope the State and Fed Govts take notice and put more money into infrastructure and public transport so residents have better access to the City and we can overcome the perception that we are "out in the sticks".
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Quick Comparison Of Fitness Clubs In Wyndham
Yesterday, I attended my first aerobics class in four years.
Back in Sg, I loved aerobics and was a member of Amore and Fitness First. At the height of my fitness 'obsession', I even took part in Amore's Women's Day, the 2-hour aerobics competition where you see how long you can keep going.
I loved FF @ Capital Tower for its heated outdoor pool, Body Combat classes and its in-house massage facilities. The gym was a tad tiny though. I guess you have to make sure every square metre is efficiently used when you're operating in the CBD.
Best of all, FF was just across the road from my workplace, so I was able to make good use of my lunch hour by popping in for a quick swim or workout with my personal trainer.
Amore was great because of its ladies-only policy, variety of classes and its numerous convenient locations, all close to MRT stations.
There are a number of fitness clubs in the Wyndham area.
Option 1
The one I investigated yesterday is Fenix Fitness Clubs, which runs regular promotions and is worth checking out. Fenix is on Mossfiel Drive，Hoppers Crossing.
The current promotion is $0 joining fee (normally $99), $15.95 pw for a 12-month subscription and a one-time fee of $59 for 3 sessions with a personal trainer to learn how to use the equipment safely.
Pluses:
Convenient location, ample parking, indoor pool (4-lane 25m pool), sauna, jacuzzi, great variety of group classes.
Minuses:
I'm not too thrilled with that $59 fee as I'm not that into personal training; I'm more an aerobics kind of gal.
Anyway, I've got a 7-day comfort guarantee (i.e. cooling-off period) before the direct debit kicks in, so I'm going shopping for alternatives.
Option 2
Platinum Health Clubs on Old Geelong Road
Pluses:
You don't have to be a member to attend classes. They have what is called 'casual membership', where you pay a fee each time you go.
The facilities and equipment look new.
There is a ladies-only gym, mixed gym, boxing studio, cardio room and cycling room.
Minuses: website takes ages to load, not many classes that suit my schedule.
Option 3
EFM, "the gym alternative". This one's at Thomas Carr College in Tarneit.
Pluses: no 12-month lock-in; no joining fee; personal fitness coaching included in your membership (someone actually sets the machine for you, gives you a goal, and monitors your progress).
Minuses: no mention of how much membership costs weekly.
Current promotions:
Free one-month membership for moms for Mothers' Day
Free 3 sessions
Option 4
Wyndham Leisure & Events Centre
$9 joining fee + $15 pw subscription for 12 months
7-day guest pass for $10
Pluses: convenient location, lots of classes, outdoor pool
Minuses: none yet
Stay tuned for updates.
Back in Sg, I loved aerobics and was a member of Amore and Fitness First. At the height of my fitness 'obsession', I even took part in Amore's Women's Day, the 2-hour aerobics competition where you see how long you can keep going.
I loved FF @ Capital Tower for its heated outdoor pool, Body Combat classes and its in-house massage facilities. The gym was a tad tiny though. I guess you have to make sure every square metre is efficiently used when you're operating in the CBD.
Best of all, FF was just across the road from my workplace, so I was able to make good use of my lunch hour by popping in for a quick swim or workout with my personal trainer.
Amore was great because of its ladies-only policy, variety of classes and its numerous convenient locations, all close to MRT stations.
There are a number of fitness clubs in the Wyndham area.
Option 1
The one I investigated yesterday is Fenix Fitness Clubs, which runs regular promotions and is worth checking out. Fenix is on Mossfiel Drive，Hoppers Crossing.
The current promotion is $0 joining fee (normally $99), $15.95 pw for a 12-month subscription and a one-time fee of $59 for 3 sessions with a personal trainer to learn how to use the equipment safely.
Pluses:
Convenient location, ample parking, indoor pool (4-lane 25m pool), sauna, jacuzzi, great variety of group classes.
Minuses:
I'm not too thrilled with that $59 fee as I'm not that into personal training; I'm more an aerobics kind of gal.
Anyway, I've got a 7-day comfort guarantee (i.e. cooling-off period) before the direct debit kicks in, so I'm going shopping for alternatives.
Option 2
Platinum Health Clubs on Old Geelong Road
Pluses:
You don't have to be a member to attend classes. They have what is called 'casual membership', where you pay a fee each time you go.
The facilities and equipment look new.
There is a ladies-only gym, mixed gym, boxing studio, cardio room and cycling room.
Minuses: website takes ages to load, not many classes that suit my schedule.
Option 3
EFM, "the gym alternative". This one's at Thomas Carr College in Tarneit.
Pluses: no 12-month lock-in; no joining fee; personal fitness coaching included in your membership (someone actually sets the machine for you, gives you a goal, and monitors your progress).
Minuses: no mention of how much membership costs weekly.
Current promotions:
Free one-month membership for moms for Mothers' Day
Free 3 sessions
Option 4
Wyndham Leisure & Events Centre
$9 joining fee + $15 pw subscription for 12 months
7-day guest pass for $10
Pluses: convenient location, lots of classes, outdoor pool
Minuses: none yet
Stay tuned for updates.
Would You Sell?
Just got a call from one of the well-known REAs in our area.
The agent, who appraised our place some months ago, has a willing buyer for a house near the Plaza, and wants to know if we are keen to sell.
I asked if he thought the current economic environment was a good time for someone to sell.
In typical Aussie fashion, he did not answer directly, but said yes, he could see that sellers might have that sort of concern with the way the economy was going. However, the potential buyer had his finances in order and was willing to pay good money. Besides, his agency had achieved good results in our area. Elaborating, he mentioned that a 4 BR house in the adjoining street had sold for $330K.
I responded in like fashion, saying that I would consult my hubby, and if we were keen to follow up, we would contact him.
I thought about the matter some more after I'd hung up.
First, even if we did achieve a good price by selling, we would have to incur costs and effort in moving.
Secondly, there is no question that there is a limited supply of housing near the Plaza and train station. As the agent's phone call confirmed, there is always demand for housing close to the Plaza.
The minus is that as these houses were the first ones to be built, they are a bit daggy compared to the spanking new 7-star energy efficient homes on Sayers Road.
If we traded location for a bigger and newer property, it would mean more comfort and less maintenance, BUT also being further from amenities. Sure I can drive, but the point in living where we live is that I don't have to drive if I don't want to. I can walk to the Plaza, to the doctor's, to church, to school - if the weather permits.
Thirdly, the Govt has just announced that it is fast-tracking the expansion of the Plaza. This is not a small project. It will cost $250m and potentially create more than 4000 new jobs. Construction is scheduled to start next year.
Just from my very simple understanding of economics, I am guessing this could boost the value of houses close to the Plaza.
So unless there is a very strong reason to move, I think we'll just stay put.
The agent, who appraised our place some months ago, has a willing buyer for a house near the Plaza, and wants to know if we are keen to sell.
I asked if he thought the current economic environment was a good time for someone to sell.
In typical Aussie fashion, he did not answer directly, but said yes, he could see that sellers might have that sort of concern with the way the economy was going. However, the potential buyer had his finances in order and was willing to pay good money. Besides, his agency had achieved good results in our area. Elaborating, he mentioned that a 4 BR house in the adjoining street had sold for $330K.
I responded in like fashion, saying that I would consult my hubby, and if we were keen to follow up, we would contact him.
I thought about the matter some more after I'd hung up.
First, even if we did achieve a good price by selling, we would have to incur costs and effort in moving.
Secondly, there is no question that there is a limited supply of housing near the Plaza and train station. As the agent's phone call confirmed, there is always demand for housing close to the Plaza.
The minus is that as these houses were the first ones to be built, they are a bit daggy compared to the spanking new 7-star energy efficient homes on Sayers Road.
If we traded location for a bigger and newer property, it would mean more comfort and less maintenance, BUT also being further from amenities. Sure I can drive, but the point in living where we live is that I don't have to drive if I don't want to. I can walk to the Plaza, to the doctor's, to church, to school - if the weather permits.
Thirdly, the Govt has just announced that it is fast-tracking the expansion of the Plaza. This is not a small project. It will cost $250m and potentially create more than 4000 new jobs. Construction is scheduled to start next year.
Just from my very simple understanding of economics, I am guessing this could boost the value of houses close to the Plaza.
So unless there is a very strong reason to move, I think we'll just stay put.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Playground Achievements
We love the playground at the Werribee South beach opposite the caravan park and the Teapot Cottage along Beach Road.
After a very satisfying post-lunch treat of homemade passionfruit sponge, date scones and an instant education from Scottish owner Evie on what black pudding and gammon are, the girls clamoured to go to the playground.
For the first time, J went on the 2m high climbing frame alongside Big Jie Jie.
Very nerve-wrecking for Mommy and Daddy to watch, but J did really well and most importantly, had fun!
I admire the gutsiness that young children have. Wish I were so fearless.
Pics By Beth
Some random shots taken by Beth when we visited Shadowfax Winery in Werribee over the weekend with Granduncle and Aunty Mei.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Term 1 Holiday Activities
The Easter break has been a mixed bag.
It's nice that the girls (and Mommy) can get up at whatever time they like, without the usual "Hurry UP! We're going to be LATE!" from me every 5 minutes.
However...because Beth opted out of any school holiday program this term, it's meant having to invent something for her to do to keep away the boredom blues.
It's been a challenge keeping the girls entertained long enough for me to do my work. They'll start off well playing in the toy room or watching a video, then a few minutes later, someone is bound to yell out for parental intervention because the other has annoyed her. Or J will wander up to me and ask "Wa you doing Mummy? Wa you doing?"
Not once but 4-5 times. In a row.
I think school is good. At least there is a structure and non-negotiable times for things to get done.
The first week had barely begun before J was diagnosed with HFMD and sent home early from daycare. That meant dealing with a whingy, distressed toddler who cried all the time, was incoherent from distress and fussy with her food (very unusual for J).
She's over it now and has gone back to daycare (thank goodness!). Now it's Beth's turn.
She's been complaining of a sore tummy for a few days. No diarrhoea or vomitting, just unexplained stomach cramps. I tried the AmWand, lots of tummy rubs with Pak Fah Yeow/eucalyptus oil/essential oil, but the minute I stopped massaging, she would start crying in pain.
One trip to the GP and another to the local hospital later, it turns out she may have constipation possibly linked to intolerance to cow's milk and to poor diet and bowel habits. It seems kids get different constipation issues from adults. For example, you can go regularly and still get constipation because you didn't do a complete job.
Did a bit of research on the subject of cow's milk and constipation. It seems there was a 1998 study done in Italy that confirms that cow's milk can cause chronic constipation in young children. Beth loves her milk and drinks it like water, but if she's going to suffer for it, I think she'll just have to get used to non-dairy.
One good thing came out of Beth's travails.
She tried the liquid paraffin mix prescribed by the doc (Parachoc, an alternative to the Agarol I had to take as a child) just once - and gagged. Given a choice of treatment options, she is happy to accept a tsp of probiotic powder neat, followed by a gulp of water. Anything but Parachoc. :)
It's nice that the girls (and Mommy) can get up at whatever time they like, without the usual "Hurry UP! We're going to be LATE!" from me every 5 minutes.
However...because Beth opted out of any school holiday program this term, it's meant having to invent something for her to do to keep away the boredom blues.
It's been a challenge keeping the girls entertained long enough for me to do my work. They'll start off well playing in the toy room or watching a video, then a few minutes later, someone is bound to yell out for parental intervention because the other has annoyed her. Or J will wander up to me and ask "Wa you doing Mummy? Wa you doing?"
Not once but 4-5 times. In a row.
I think school is good. At least there is a structure and non-negotiable times for things to get done.
The first week had barely begun before J was diagnosed with HFMD and sent home early from daycare. That meant dealing with a whingy, distressed toddler who cried all the time, was incoherent from distress and fussy with her food (very unusual for J).
She's over it now and has gone back to daycare (thank goodness!). Now it's Beth's turn.
She's been complaining of a sore tummy for a few days. No diarrhoea or vomitting, just unexplained stomach cramps. I tried the AmWand, lots of tummy rubs with Pak Fah Yeow/eucalyptus oil/essential oil, but the minute I stopped massaging, she would start crying in pain.
One trip to the GP and another to the local hospital later, it turns out she may have constipation possibly linked to intolerance to cow's milk and to poor diet and bowel habits. It seems kids get different constipation issues from adults. For example, you can go regularly and still get constipation because you didn't do a complete job.
Did a bit of research on the subject of cow's milk and constipation. It seems there was a 1998 study done in Italy that confirms that cow's milk can cause chronic constipation in young children. Beth loves her milk and drinks it like water, but if she's going to suffer for it, I think she'll just have to get used to non-dairy.
One good thing came out of Beth's travails.
She tried the liquid paraffin mix prescribed by the doc (Parachoc, an alternative to the Agarol I had to take as a child) just once - and gagged. Given a choice of treatment options, she is happy to accept a tsp of probiotic powder neat, followed by a gulp of water. Anything but Parachoc. :)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
More Govt Relief
Australia has just announced a $650 million community jobs fund and a 12-month reprieve on mortgage repayments for people who lose their jobs.
Friday, April 10, 2009
What Does Good Friday Mean To You?
EASTER SONG (performed by Bethany Tan)
Easter Friday Jesus died
All his friends were sad and they cried
Sunday morning what a surprise
Jesus has risen
Hurray! - He's alive!
Monday, April 06, 2009
A Funny Thing Happened Today
I was working on my computer when this complete stranger sauntered up my garden path - in my full view because my window looks out on the garden - and with an invisible gadget in his hand, started walking slowly and purposefully along the path, round my house and down the street.
Even when he saw me staring at him through the window, he just carried on with his thing.
With memories of a recent conversation with a neighbour who'd been robbed a month ago fresh in my mind, I grabbed my keys and mobile phone and went out the door.
Call it stickybeaking, but when you live on a corner block and have strange people walking through your garden now and then, it pays to know what's going on.
(There's another chappie I've seen a couple of times doing likewise. He wears sunglasses, a tradie vest, biking shorts and boots, and walks up and down our street, and through my front garden as well, always with his head down. Highly suspicious, but because he hasn't DONE anything, I've held back on calling 000.)
I probably wouldn't have done it if I were on my own, but my uncle was playing IQ Chess in the lounge with Beth, and Scotty was patrolling the backyard, so I figured it was an acceptable risk.
I looked up and down the street, and finally spotted Mr Gadget coming out of a neighbour's front yard. He went across the road and proceeded to do the same with another neighbour's yard. Finally, he made his way back towards my end of the street.
I hailed him.
"Afternoon mate! Anything happening on this street?"
Mr Gadget came up to me.
I don't quite know how to describe the look on his face.
Bewildered-Annoyed-Defensive-Belligerent but trying to control it?
"I'm a meter reader. I was wondering why you were staring at me. Have you never seen a meter reader before??"
"Actually - no."
Then for emphasis, I added, "We neighbours like to keep a lookout for each other, you know what I mean?"
We went on to have a polite chat about how often meter readers visit (once in 3 months or once in 44 days, depending on whether it's gas or electricity or water).
"So next time you see someone like me walking around with this (gesturing to said gadget), you know what it is."
I wished him a good day and came back in, glad to have poked my nose out of my comfort zone of passive inaction.
Even when he saw me staring at him through the window, he just carried on with his thing.
With memories of a recent conversation with a neighbour who'd been robbed a month ago fresh in my mind, I grabbed my keys and mobile phone and went out the door.
Call it stickybeaking, but when you live on a corner block and have strange people walking through your garden now and then, it pays to know what's going on.
(There's another chappie I've seen a couple of times doing likewise. He wears sunglasses, a tradie vest, biking shorts and boots, and walks up and down our street, and through my front garden as well, always with his head down. Highly suspicious, but because he hasn't DONE anything, I've held back on calling 000.)
I probably wouldn't have done it if I were on my own, but my uncle was playing IQ Chess in the lounge with Beth, and Scotty was patrolling the backyard, so I figured it was an acceptable risk.
I looked up and down the street, and finally spotted Mr Gadget coming out of a neighbour's front yard. He went across the road and proceeded to do the same with another neighbour's yard. Finally, he made his way back towards my end of the street.
I hailed him.
"Afternoon mate! Anything happening on this street?"
Mr Gadget came up to me.
I don't quite know how to describe the look on his face.
Bewildered-Annoyed-Defensive-Belligerent but trying to control it?
"I'm a meter reader. I was wondering why you were staring at me. Have you never seen a meter reader before??"
"Actually - no."
Then for emphasis, I added, "We neighbours like to keep a lookout for each other, you know what I mean?"
We went on to have a polite chat about how often meter readers visit (once in 3 months or once in 44 days, depending on whether it's gas or electricity or water).
"So next time you see someone like me walking around with this (gesturing to said gadget), you know what it is."
I wished him a good day and came back in, glad to have poked my nose out of my comfort zone of passive inaction.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Weerama (The Third Year)
It's our third time taking part in Weerama since we migrated to Australia.
While the initial excitement has worn away, there was still that sense of "Whoa!" when we marched behind our float down Watton Street, Werribee, to the catchy drum-and-bass accompaniment for our theme song...
I saw some people dancing and singing along by the side of the road. Cool.
Our music director, who chose Can You Feel It for our theme song because of its "inclusive" lyrics, was astonished that I didn't know the song. He and I are the same age, but obviously I spent too many years closeted in classical music and so my repertoire is a little narrow.
CA says the song has been used in a lot of ads.
How come I didn't know all this important stuff?
That bass line is going to be in my head for a while...
While the initial excitement has worn away, there was still that sense of "Whoa!" when we marched behind our float down Watton Street, Werribee, to the catchy drum-and-bass accompaniment for our theme song...
I saw some people dancing and singing along by the side of the road. Cool.
Our music director, who chose Can You Feel It for our theme song because of its "inclusive" lyrics, was astonished that I didn't know the song. He and I are the same age, but obviously I spent too many years closeted in classical music and so my repertoire is a little narrow.
CA says the song has been used in a lot of ads.
How come I didn't know all this important stuff?
That bass line is going to be in my head for a while...
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Term One Parent-Teacher Interview
We met with Beth's teacher Mrs V last night.
Academically, Beth is progressing well.
Socially, she is still a bit withdrawn and prefers quiet play on the mat with a few others (of similar personality) at lunchtime, rather than the boisterous yard play that most kids like. It's good that she has that choice and that she is not judged for it.
In her work attitude, Mrs V is not sure whether Beth's occasionally erratic results are because of boredom and lack of challenge, or because she is a bit lazy and easily distracted, or because she is underconfident and a perfectionist.
I said it's probably all three at different times.
I know that when I sit with her at home to supervise her homework or keyboard practice, she has a tendency to lose concentration after a few minutes, to get bored and want to do something else, to give up if she can't get something right immediately.
All these are her learning patterns and personality traits and we will have to work closely with her to channel them towards productive outcomes.
Mrs V also observed that Beth used to feel that she had something to prove, but is now doing the work with an eagerness to please the teacher. That is a good thing.
We also talked about how we could help Beth relate emotionally to what she reads. It's probably not so much a comprehension thing but because she hasn't yet gained enough life experience to draw on so that she can understand where the author is coming from.
As an aside, Mrs V suggested that there might be a niche market for children's books that have a high-interest content for young advanced readers. I feel an *aha* moment coming on...
At bedtime, we had a discussion about the qualities of Jesus.
How did he respond to children? (He welcomed them instead of treating them as pesky irritations.)
How did he treat the poor, the sick, the sad, the downtrodden, the unkind? (He blessed the poor and on occasion did miracles of provision, he healed the sick, comforted the sad and in some cases directly addressed the source of their problems, he stood up for righteousness, he was firm yet kind with those who did not deserve kindness.)
I asked Beth if she felt loved by Mummy and Daddy. She said 'yes'. (One can never assume, and I do want my children to know positively that they are loved and accepted by us.)
I reminded her that God loves her regardless of how she performs at school and what her failings are. Nevertheless, she has been given certain gifts and abilities, and it is her duty to use them to do good to others and give glory to God.
On the way to school this morning, we prayed in the car for Beth to grow in God's wisdom and to know how to interact kindly and appropriately with her peers. Carmel reminds me that Beth is "only six" and "still little".
On one level, I know Carmel is right and perhaps I expect too much of a six y.o., but on another level, I wish I could fast-track Beth into the kind of person I imagine God would want her to be (wise, loving, honourable, forgiving...) without her having to learn about life 'the hard way'. Do you know what I mean?
Anyway, CA and I told Beth that because she had a good school report, she deserves a special reward, so...she gets to order lunch from the school canteen this Friday! A lunch order is something we reserve for extra-special occasions like her birthday, so for Beth it means a lot.
Of course, it also saves me packing her lunch. A win-win for everyone. :)
Academically, Beth is progressing well.
Socially, she is still a bit withdrawn and prefers quiet play on the mat with a few others (of similar personality) at lunchtime, rather than the boisterous yard play that most kids like. It's good that she has that choice and that she is not judged for it.
In her work attitude, Mrs V is not sure whether Beth's occasionally erratic results are because of boredom and lack of challenge, or because she is a bit lazy and easily distracted, or because she is underconfident and a perfectionist.
I said it's probably all three at different times.
I know that when I sit with her at home to supervise her homework or keyboard practice, she has a tendency to lose concentration after a few minutes, to get bored and want to do something else, to give up if she can't get something right immediately.
All these are her learning patterns and personality traits and we will have to work closely with her to channel them towards productive outcomes.
Mrs V also observed that Beth used to feel that she had something to prove, but is now doing the work with an eagerness to please the teacher. That is a good thing.
We also talked about how we could help Beth relate emotionally to what she reads. It's probably not so much a comprehension thing but because she hasn't yet gained enough life experience to draw on so that she can understand where the author is coming from.
As an aside, Mrs V suggested that there might be a niche market for children's books that have a high-interest content for young advanced readers. I feel an *aha* moment coming on...
At bedtime, we had a discussion about the qualities of Jesus.
How did he respond to children? (He welcomed them instead of treating them as pesky irritations.)
How did he treat the poor, the sick, the sad, the downtrodden, the unkind? (He blessed the poor and on occasion did miracles of provision, he healed the sick, comforted the sad and in some cases directly addressed the source of their problems, he stood up for righteousness, he was firm yet kind with those who did not deserve kindness.)
I asked Beth if she felt loved by Mummy and Daddy. She said 'yes'. (One can never assume, and I do want my children to know positively that they are loved and accepted by us.)
I reminded her that God loves her regardless of how she performs at school and what her failings are. Nevertheless, she has been given certain gifts and abilities, and it is her duty to use them to do good to others and give glory to God.
On the way to school this morning, we prayed in the car for Beth to grow in God's wisdom and to know how to interact kindly and appropriately with her peers. Carmel reminds me that Beth is "only six" and "still little".
On one level, I know Carmel is right and perhaps I expect too much of a six y.o., but on another level, I wish I could fast-track Beth into the kind of person I imagine God would want her to be (wise, loving, honourable, forgiving...) without her having to learn about life 'the hard way'. Do you know what I mean?
Anyway, CA and I told Beth that because she had a good school report, she deserves a special reward, so...she gets to order lunch from the school canteen this Friday! A lunch order is something we reserve for extra-special occasions like her birthday, so for Beth it means a lot.
Of course, it also saves me packing her lunch. A win-win for everyone. :)
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