Cyber Kids

I'm not sure about other parents but I'm fighting for my kids' attention and losing out to technology. The computer, iPods, mobile phones, playstations are a constant companion for most of our children across Malaysia.

Even though I have a 'contract' with each of them, it is sometimes still difficult to get everybody to join in the family activity or even to watch a movie together at home. Further more my eldest son has shown signs that he is not happy with my controlling manner. I expect my kids to abide by the 'contract' - break the 'contract' and all the gadgets are switched off.

And for me, I would rather have them outside the house with some physical activities to enjoy e.g at the swimming pool, at the gym or at the football field instead of safely tuck in their bedroom with the computer. With social networking sites, blogs, chat rooms, online gaming and much more, the internet is actually like an open window to a dangerous world if we don't know how to manage our kids' computer usage.

I read in a magazine recently that computers can seriously threaten a child's psychological development - it can lure children to the world they are not equipped to handle - if a child is communicating one way, that is, through the keyboard, their brain cells will wither and die.

Whatever it is, at the moment, I have to take control of the gadgets - it's not a right, it's a privilege! It's also a dilemma for me hahaha. Tips anyone?

Yasmin Ahmad - Gone Too Soon

I don’t know Yasmin Ahmad personally but I admire her works and I really feel the loss. Actually, Malaysia has lost one great personality with brilliant talents. Her beautiful films and advertisements amazed me. She was like a bright light to our film industry.

Just as there will never be another P.Ramlee, there will never be anyone comparable to Yasmin Ahmad.

Her creativity will surely be missed!!

Al-fatihah.

The Great Debate

Due to some logic-challenged & spineless politicians, the Science and Maths subjects will be taught in Bahasa Malaysia in 2012. As a parent, it was a very sad day for me when I heard the news. As much as I support the using of English to be continued, actually there's no point in arguing the decision made by the Government.

Nevertheless, for me, parents are still the first teachers. The ways in which we orientate our children towards the world and learning are so vital. Therefore for someone who doesn't has extra money to send the kids to Alice Smith or Garden International, it's critical that I now put in the extra efforts to help them improve their English. As English is not the native language in my family, I have all these years reinforced the importance of learning English. I am sure as mothers, all of us have our own ways in bringing out the best in our kids. There is plenty that parents can do at home to help kids get more out of school. However, it can be a bit/very difficult if both parents are working.

But one thing for sure, the lack of competence in speaking and writing in English is a reason that will deter our children to excel in the competitive world of tomorrow. A limited English proficiency will handicap the kids academically, socially and emotionally (lack of self confidence). Advantages of getting good occupation are remarkable if the degree your children has is accompanied with good English proficiency.

Government has also lately been promoting human capital development. Obviously the sources of Malaysian's human capital are our children today. The shortcomings of Malaysia's education system can be seen in the share of scientists, engineers, doctors in its population. Malaysia is lagged far behind Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

However, if the teachers in the national schools are less than proficient in English as well as other subjects, the quality of teaching has been compromised and the Government ought to do something about it - QUICKLY!! Please get the basics right first before you talk about bigger issues such as human capital!!