This morning mum and I were just discussing about sending my niece to a child care centre next year. 

My mum suggested sending her to a better centre so that she gets better care and attention, and better environment.  But what did my sister say???  So EXPENSIVE.

My sister and BIL splurge on home electronics, home entertainment system, best camera/camcorder, and now she says sending my niece to a better child care centre is TOO EXPENSIVE??!!!

It’s revolting.  My niece might be their only child, and they want to compromise on her education so that they can enjoy other luxuries??  Totally UNACCEPTABLE!  Having a child is NOT that simple at all… Even my mum, who barely completed her Primary school education, believes in providing good learning environment and opportunities.  

I don’t come from a well-off family, when we were young, my mum even had to borrow money every end of the month to make ends meet.  But she NEVER compromised on our learning opportunities.  When I was in Primary 3, she started sending us to CAL (Computer Aided Learning, a top computer learning centre in those days).  I had my first computer, a Datamini XT, when I’m in Primary 4.  It costs a bomb those days!

I learned Logo, a pixel art programmes, Wordstar (not Wordperfect), and some other kiddie programmes.  I continued with Informatics, and learnt Microsoft Office before I started my Poly.  So when I started Poly, I was ahead of my peers already.  She even sent me to typing classes during my recovery period after my heart ops so that I have something to do. 

Even though I’ve never pursued IT as a career at all, the foundation has been etched in me, that’s why I’m so comfortable with technology and picking up new technologies.  It didn’t go to waste at all.  And I’m really thankful for my mum, for her foresight, and her love.

So, back to my sister.  Arrggghhh… It IRKS me that she puts the adults priorities ahead of their child’s development.  The foundation years are especiallly important.  This is the time where a child’s absorbs most, providing them enriched learning will aid their development.  I’d rather bring the child out to see more, than to sit her in front of telly to watch Dora, Diego, Barney, and what-nots.  That’ll make a dull child, and that’s not what I want of my niece.  Sigh…

Parents these days only want the best for their child, even if it means cutting back on my own expenses, it’ll be all worth it.