Another decision made... tentatively

We made another big decision today. (seems that every time I write about decisions, they are all BIG decisions.) Anyway, yesterday I had another 2 long meetings with my boy's teacher and Joanne's next year teacher individually. Initially I was worried the whole day when MIL told me that Jay's teacher wants to meet me. hmmm... usually when the teacher wants to meet the parents, it's not always a good thing, right? - especially when she wants to see me as soon as possible.

Phew... it was a relief however to find out that the teacher was just eager to let me know of the changes the school is planning for next year, and she wants me to make my decision as soon as possible, or else my kids will not have a place in the school next year. They are revamping their school system, and changing the half day schooling to a whole day programme. And they are going to cut down the number of students to around 50%. It means that for those parents who does not agree with the whole day programme will have to leave, and those who did not register fast enough may not get a place.

I was actually quite happy/relieved with the change, as I was battling emotionally with the same decision for Jay next year. I initially wanted him to stay the whole day (with the afternoon only for play and his teachers as nannies) so that I can concentrate with Joy alone. I also wanted him to learn independence and overcome his picky eating habit. (MIL took care of him too well, and somehow turned him into a picky eater. - this one dunno how to eat, because he is still young, etc)

The whole day program is not all about study. The morning will be dedicated to the government kindergarten curriculum, and the afternoon will be more of extra curricular activities, where they will be exposed to music, dancing, wushu, drawing, singing, computer, crafts, etc - fun and hands on activities.

But the hard decision is about Joy. If she continues in the same school, she would have to follow the whole day programme too. I really did not mind the extra activities for her in the afternoon, but what I am worried about is her lunch and bath. If she stays for the whole day, the teachers would have to feed her, and bathe her. (she usually refused to bath unless it's at MIL or our own home.) - I told the teachers that she would be harder to handle.- especially that she is REALLY a picky eater who would not open her mouth if she doesn't want to. At home, we usually had to force her to eat, after the first few spoons. Her choice of food is very limited to leafy vege, eggs, fish, and just recently learnt to eat meat. Any other 'weird looking' things/colours in the spoon, - she would automatically shut her mouth tightly. and she would just walk off.

In the end, we decided to leave Jay there for the whole day, including for lunch and bath. And Joy would go back to grandma at 12 pm for lunch and bath, before she goes back to school for the afternoon program at 2pm. Her teacher promised me to personally help her to get used to the new routine and to fit in.

This new school system actually frees me from having to do any activities with the children in the afternoon, or even at night. (They would be too tired by then) But somehow I still feel that I needed to spend more time with them instead of leaving them to the teachers. But I feel that I can trust them too. Throughout the year, I would sometimes be busy at work until evening, or sometimes too tired, or sick. During these times, I would be neglecting my children, if they are at home. Besides, the team of teachers are really wonderful people. Over the 2-3 years, I've learnt so much from them, and I can see that they are really devoted in teaching their students.  I am really thankful that God lead me to them.

Anyway, this is just a tentative plan. We would have to wait until next year to see how things will turn out. Everything will only be guessing game for now. I pray, and I believe that God will smooth out the tiny quirks and details. Needing your prayers too.