Home Alone

Day by day I'm beginning to realise that Aemir's getting naughtier and more mischeivious and NOBODY CAN CONTROL HIM!!!!

I know what you're going to say - "We pamper him too much" - Perhaps we're partly to blame for his attitude at the moment but I'd rather blame it on Latch-Key Syndrome.

I do envy parents (mothers) who do not have to work and become a stay-at-home mother to their children. At least they get to spend more quality time with their kids and monitor the kid's progress. They also get to instil some discipline at home, teaching them right from wrong, and to listen to instructions (orders). Mothering is indeed a full-time job for some mothers and I do wish I get to spend more time with Aemir.

At the moment, instilling some discipline at home is tough. We're only home at nights and perhaps 2 hours from the time he wakes up in the morning (or even less). So by the time we return from work, around 7pm, he starts his fussing, crying and tantrums - basically seeking our FULL attention (until his Bedtime)!

To say NO and scold him is kinda UNFAIR. The child wants some quality time and perhaps wants to show-off his new tricks to his parents, but all they can do is sit watch news, read papers and/or sleep. Sometimes all our energy have been used up on work and there's just not enough to go around entertaining him (which means running after him, carry him (12kg now!!), teasing him, playing with him).

I don't blame him for throwing tantrums when we don't give him attention. He's been stuck at home the whole day with 2 maids (whom he sees EVERYDAY - perhaps he's gotten TIRED of looking at them), no where to go except downstairs (to the playground or around the park - if the weather permits), limited space in the condo for him to explore and this goes on 5 days in a week!

If I was him, I'd be throwing tantrums as well!

But you'd be amazed at what sort of tricks he can show you every day. Once it was somersaulting from the back of our Japanese chair, head first and rolling up front. Next it was switching on and off the computer, the TV and the light switch. Another day it will be "I'm a Doctor" Day, he'll put on his stethescope and check everyone's heartbeat or come out with a cotton bud in his hand to put ointment on your toe (bec he's got a cut on his and that's what we do to him), or he'll take a torch-light and check your ears (just like his doctor would).

Or he'll run around the dining table, hoping you'll notice him and play Catch with him!

It's saddening to see him cry and struggle when you leave for work and when you return home, he'll run to you and give you a BIG BIG HUG, salam and kiss! Awww....

These are the times when I wish I'm a stay-at-home Mother!