Many changes take place when a child steps into the primary school. I wish school will always be enjoyable without the stress of tests and exams. But that’s not reality. I wish my boy is always well-behaved in school. But he didn’t turn out that way.
But God is good. He developed Zech in His own time which has never been more perfect. In term 1, the Chinese relief teacher complained about Zech's attitude. He was bored in her class so he refused to do what she said. In term 2, Zech’s former Chinese teacher returned and he became an angel once more. However, his behavioural issues shifted to his form teacher’s lessons. I don’t think his issues were serious. However, they could turn into something worse if we don’t nip it in the bud.
I can never comprehend why it was difficult for Zech to raise his hand when he wanted to answer questions. Or why he could not walk immediately to the front when the teacher called him. His persistence in collecting every pupil’s work got him into trouble again when he searched his friend’s bag for her worksheets. Waiting and picking up the teacher’s phone call has never been more stressful in my life. I finally learned how it felt to be on the receiving end. God humbled me a lot in this process.
The turning point came after Zech volunteered to be the ICT monitor. That Sunday in church, he learned about serving in Sunbeam (Sunday school). God must have been working in Zech’s heart through Sunbeam. The following Monday, he volunteered to be the ICT monitor. He was the PE monitor then. Later, he told me he didn’t want to be the PE monitor because the PE teacher often gets the equipment himself. I was glad the form teacher gave him a chance to try out as the ICT monitor.
We realised through this period of time, Zech is actually quite a responsible boy. He served well in his role. One afternoon in term 2, he came back and proudly told me he’s now the class leader. I was surprised because I’ve never expected it. I thought Zech would only be a class leader for a few days and probably 2 weeks at most. I was sure he would get into trouble again and that’s the end of his class leader days.
Term 2 passed and now we are nearing term 3. Isn’t it important to meet a teacher who can influence and inspire a child for life? Zech is very blessed to have a wonderful form teacher who sees the potential in every child. I’m not sure how his days in the upper primary will be like. But the foundation laid in the lower primary has prepared him well for the years ahead.
Back in February, I’d gladly take my child for a counselling session. Working with him through it all and releasing all that he is into God’s hands has changed Zech and me. It takes a lot on our part as we adapt our parenting style. Showing unconditional love tops it all off. I’m beginning to appreciate him for what he is. I see his strengths as areas to develop further and his weaknesses as challenges to be taken straight on. Not to be daunted by challenges, I encourage him to work on his weaknesses.
Because of his bad reading habits, he’s a bespectacled boy now.
As he basked in his moment of glory last weekend, he was reminded to stand and thank his parents for his little achievement.
He still thinks it’s all his own effort. 😌 That’s my Zech. Too confident for his own good.
We can only humbly thank God for all the parenting lessons he has taught us through our kids. We have seen Him work in our boy’s life. The process is long but fulfilling nonetheless. We have miles ahead of us and though we can’t see what lies ahead, we can trust a never changing God who is always there for us. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness in Zech’s life!
