Exams

Since Anne started having tests and exams at 5yo, papa and I have taken turns to do revision with her 2 weeks before the exam. Everytime we revise with her, we tell ourselves that we should revise with her more often so that it wouldnt become so difficult when an exam comes. But everytime after all the sessions, we will be so relieved and would have put the idea at the back of our heads for awhile, with the excuse "lets let Anne rest awhile after her exams"; which infact I think the real excuse would be "lets take a break ourselves" :p

When exams r near, it means 2 things
1) we need to go thru all her books and come out with questions to revise with her
2) coming back early from work to have more time to revise together (which ultimately means less time to complete stuff at work)

I guess the above has taken a toll since this is now the 3rd round this year. First in March (1st semester test), May (Mid year exam), Aug (2nd semester test).

School syllabus has accordingly got a tad more difficult. New things learnt everyday as compared to early part of the year where most items were already covered in kindy. So naturally, there would be more things that Anne needs explanation, revision and reminders. I kick myself everytime I snap at her when I do revision for her. Yes, I am a horrible teacher. Patience level is incredibly low when I m teaching. I have no idea why. I think I have improved slightly in this matter from 2 yrs ago (yea.. imagine how horrible I was back then) yet everytime after I snap, when the revisiom session finishes, I feel so sorry and would remind myself not to be a bad mom the next round.

Other than relationship with the daughter during this tight times, its challenging for the papa also. He gets stressed more coz most subjects are in chinese and so he is the only one that can coach and guide Anne. Doesnt help when he is busy at work and he feels the stretch when 'sacrificing' his time to come home early. Worst during weekends where we need to clean the house, send for tuition, go for swimming, iron clothes ( and at the back of our minds >> work files and proposals and reports piling up). Word that can wholly describe the feeling==>> SUX! Sux biggggg time!

So here we are.. trying to juggle our time.. our health.. our state of anger and frustration.. our words.. our work ...FOR our children, our family.

The next time if mood decides to swing 360degs due to reasons not clearly known to others.. do tryyyy to see that other also have had a long difficult day, have outstanding things at work, is tired, frustrated. Being overly sensitive doesnt help. Driving fast doesnt help. Breaking rules that we have tried so hard to foster at home doesnt help. Going to sleep at night with a bad taste in mind doesnt help neither.

Used to say it as a student.. and am still saying it now as a mom... I HATE EXAMS!

Please let us have better nights.