The big girl came back from school yesterday feeling a little disheartened because she didn't do as well as she hoped she would in her recent tests and barely passed in one subject.
It's not something totally unexpected since we chose to stay tuition-free all the way and practically spent the past few months on lots of other things - playing, crocheting, doing art, dancing, learning piano etc - instead of focusing on her academics. Given her usually high expectations of herself, there is no point in berating her when it comes to grades. So what we did was to sit down and have a talk about how hard work pays off and how failure is not the opposite of success but a part of it.
A few of our close friends have told me before that this girl is mature for her age and I can see why they would think this way. She really understands what I am trying to say at times even if I can't find the best words to put across my thoughts. 她真的懂我. She also asked me how I grew up without tuition because she really wants to stay on this path and I answered her "Self motivation." Well, that and probably faith and lots of good luck in my case. Still, times have greatly evolved and I know how this is much harder for her than it was for me, and I am so proud of you for trying your best, my dear.
Well, hopefully our talk reminded her of how we will always be here for her, in good times and bad. That grades don't define our character but our actions do. That life is about lots of more important things other than exams. That if she wants to compare, the only person she should do it against is herself. That whenever we fall, all we need to do is get back up on our feet and try again.
Love you, dear Angel. Slowly but surely, we will get there. Together. Meanwhile, let's continue to work hard while finding time to pursue your interests in life, yeah? Stay happy always, my girl.
P.S. Love this one and only kissing shot at our photoshoot with @bloomphotographysg. Her siblings adore this 大姐姐, bring out the best in her and love her to the moon and back. 有你是我们的福气. ❤
#ahappymum #ahappymumtalks #firstborn #siblings #loveneverfails #failureispartofsuccess
#wewillgetthere #believeinyourself
