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Asian parenting 101
August 16 | Comments (1)
We're still in Luang Prabang awaiting our flight to Chiang Mai (Thailand). We've met some lovely people, had some great meals (including the ever popular meat (chicken) stick) and indulged in massages and body scrubs. The most adventure we've had was visiting the nearby caves (by long boat) and waterfall (great swimming location, right out of a movie set). After finishing Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, I'm now into Harry Potter and it's a struggle to leave our very comfortable porch. Everything is so relaxed here, it's going to be very tough to leave (I'll let the thought of Thailand's beaches console me).
Since not much has happend in the last week, I thought I'd write down something that Jen and I have been meaning to for a while. This is for the benefit of our friends with new children and for us when we get around to having a sprog (I'm sure there are parents who do this anyway, but so that we remember later*).
* No Mom, Jen's not pregnant! :)
Asian parenting 101
Observation 1 - Let your children run around with nothing on for as long as they want to. They'll have to wear clothes for the rest of their lives so why be a prude? The clothes will get dirty anyway and then you'll have more laundry to do. Think of it as water conservation - you're doing your bit!
Observation 2 - Don't worry so much. Let your kids get all the bumps and bruises they can, these little life lessons whilst immediately painful will teach them to be more careful next time.
Observation 3 - Let your kid eat what it likes. Unless you know it's poisonous, ground food and other delights will help them build up immunities.
Observation 4 - Don't be tempted to coddle a child that screams. Walk away, It'll stop when it realises you're not listening.
Observation 5 - Adults eat in public, why can't babies? No need to be ashamed/offended, it's natural.
That's it for now, I'm sure we'll have more before we get home. As mentioned, we're off to Chiang Mai. We'll be there for a few days before hitting the beach (not sure where yet) and reading a few more books.
Comments
Words of wisdom indeed. Amen! Although with the British winter on the way, I don't think Issey's going to be toddling about in the buff for a while.
Posted by: Francois Jordaan | September 11, 2007 9:57 PM