Thursday, February 12, 2009

From the Author of CoolMumSuperDad

Ummi sent an email to Puan Jamilah Samian, the author of Cool Mum Super Dad book. She responded to me and giving tips that are very helpful. I would like to share with all mothers out there. 

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Waalaikumsalam Puan Anfaal

Thank you for your email.

Biasanya kanak-kanak mengambil masa untuk membiasakan diri menyiapkan homework. Ada banyak faktor terjadi demikian. Tapi selalunya bila masuk Darjah Satu, tak biasa ada homework, tiba-tiba terpaksa buat homework, so you're right. It's an adjustment period. 

I have several suggestions:

1. Kids need structure when it comes to school work. For younger kids, like your son, it's good for you to block a certain time, say about half hour or 45 minutes to get it done. Distractions, e.g. tv completely off. Give it a nice name; in our family, we call it The Golden Hour. THis is when everyone in the family sit down together and revise their lessons, do homework or read books etc. It's a good habit, even for your younger kids. Your son can do his homework while his younger siblings can do some artwork or you read a book etc. The idea is to make him feel supported dan dia tak rasa alone dan terasing. 

2. Kid are reluctant to do homework bila kerja yang diberi terlalu susah. Pastikan ini tidak berlaku kepada anak puan. 

3. Your child is a boy. I must say that boys are different. Sebabnya, anak lelaki sifatnya berbeza daripada anak perempuan. At certain times in their lives, boys have the natural hormone testosterone at peak levels yang menyebabkan dia perlu banyak bergerak (physically active). Ini memang naluri kelelakian semulajadi.  Sebenarnya, sangat sukar untuk seorang budak lelaki berusia tujuh tahun untuk duduk selama setengah jam terus-menerus. You can suggest a break after, say, fifteen minutes. Kemudian teruskan lagi.     

4. Tunjukkan minat terhadap apa yang dipelajarinya. Discuss what he is learning at school. Termasuklah homework yang dibuatnya. 
Jadi, school and being able to finish his work on time becomes a source of pride for him. 

5. Kids respond very well to encouragement. Stay away from criticism completely. What gets noticed gets done. Jadi, look for opportunities to encourage him to do better, sekecil mana sekalipun. 

6. As much as possible, make it fun. 
Anak puan masih kecil. Find creative ways to make homework and school work interesting, dan bukan sesuatu yang membosankan. Relate what he learns to everyday life.   

7. I have put this last because this is very important. Boys around your son's age have a sudden interest in their father! Ini bukan bermakna puan kurang penting sebagai parent, cumanya pada usia sebegini, they are learning fast on how to be male. Jadi, amat perlu untuk seorang bapa memberi perhatian secukupnya mulai peringkat ini. For most boys this age, their father is a hero. It's extremely important for his father to develop a warm, close relationship with him. (I'm assuming you're not a single parent here). That's why the father needs to be involved especially in school work and sends a strong message that school matters.  

Hope this helps :)

Have a great week ahead!

Wassalam

Jamilah Samian

2 comments:

`Ain said...

salam anfal,
boleh bagi akak email add tu?nak email gak ler.jzkk

Anonymous said...

jamilah.samian@gmail.com