Life on the Spot! Life and Leisure in Doha, Qatar

It’s been a month today since the term started.  I couldn’t believe that the first month just passed us by that fast.  The first week in school was a bit tough on Xiane.  Initially, we had some concerns regarding her behavior in school.  It wasn’t like she was really naughty and getting into fights with her classmates.  It was nothing like that at all.  Our concern had to do with her “talkativeness” and some instances of her refusal to listen and obey her teachers.  Although Tian and I were aware that Xiane was just excited and still adjusting to her new environment, we were not about to take this matter for granted.  For us, it was a real and pressing concern that we have to address.

As soon as I learned about her behavior, my husband and I talked and agreed to start some disciplinary measures on Xiane.  This includes grounding her, suspending all her privileges like watching TV, DVD, playing on the PC, playing with the DS and even playing with her toys.  On top of that we kept giving her some pep talk.

After having grounded her twice, I must say that everything is going smoothly now. Everyday after school, it was such a relief to hear from her teachers that she’s been really good in school.  She remains her bubbly, lively self but in moderation.  Almost everyday I’d get a positive feedback from her teachers like she’s been brilliant for having tried to dress up by herself.  Often they tell me that she’s smart, clever and knows almost everything.  Last week, I was told that she was really good in writing.  It was so good to know that she always finishes their work first.  But most of all it feels good to know that she’s behaving really well in school.  We always tell her that it doesn’t matter how smart you are if you are naughty in school.  In the same way we instill in her that a person is only beautiful if that person is kind, nice and good. 

We are just so happy that our daughter is very receptive to learning.  She always remembers the things that we teach her.  She also has the same receptiveness in school.  We can see that she learns a lot from class.  Everyday she would sing a new song that she learned from school.  We are also glad that she has an awareness of her surroundings.  She knows what’s happening around her.  One time she told us “Mom my teacher is from Wales!”  Last night she was telling us that one of her classmates is from Canada.  It is the kind of awareness not all children her age possess.  I guess having been a stay-at-home mom right from the start has helped a lot.  Now, I realize all the more that it was all worth it.  Nothing would be more fulfilling than seeing your own child grow up into a smart, happy, obedient and nice girl.

Our daughter is truly our pride and joy.  Now I understand the feeling of my parents when as children we would get awards in school.  But for Tian and I, it would be enough that she stays smart and aware of her surroundings, remains to be a good girl both at home and school.  If someday she brings home awards for academic excellence or what have you- that would be a bonus.  We were once asked what we would like Xiane to be when she grows up.  With all honesty, we could only say that we just want her to be her own person and be what she wants to be.