park | Bigger, Bolder, Blither

Recently, I took the time to bring my four year-old nephew, Yuan, with me just to avoid boring him while staying in our house. I can describe this kid as a very smart because unlike other kids who play at home the whole day, he actually enthuses himself on answering book exercises for Kindergarten 1 students. Well aside from that, he is just any other pre-schoolers who can be really, really naughty!

While it’s sometimes difficult to take care of kids this age, I feel that we should also appreciate the fact that while spending time with them, we are able to remember our young days (Don’t deny that you talk like a child when you’re talking to a kid this age) and revive that youthful feeling in us.

But as I said, it’s not all fun! It takes patience… a lot of patience (and running after them too!) in order to survive a day with them. Well based on experience, I can actually list down some points on how to do it:

1. Condition them before going out. Tell them where to go and what to expect. They may not understand everything, but having at least an idea prevents them from being disappointed afterwards.

2. Know when they become hungry or uncomfortable. That is very important because not paying attention to those things will make them bother you a lot!

3. Bring them to interesting places. Well, it is hard to admit, but they are the boss. So bring them to places that they will enjoy and things will never go wrong.

4. Run after them! You don’t want to lose them, do you?

5. And lastly, let them have their own time to play. Waiting is not easy so it’s good to divert your attention to other things (or have your own moment as well!)

Things might go crazy but remember to always put a smile on your face because when these children grow older, you will miss the times when they would run away from you and you would chase them like you were cats and dogs. Enjoy the moments and savor those memories – Everybody becomes a child only once!