Stressing over ...

I hate it when I get into heated arguments with another adult. It seems like it's always a no-win situation because both sides sincerely believe they are right. I have to learn to just listen and keep my mouth shut. However, it felt like if I didn't say something, I won't be heard and my needs won't be met. If I spoke up, they'd say I was wrong and their way was right ... that if I only did my part, my kids would learn to speak Chinese. I ask them, how can I teach my kids when I don't know Chinese myself? "Oh, you can pick it up from the internet." If I could pick it up from the internet, I wouldn't have sent them to school! I would have taught them at home, which I tried but didn't work out because of the tones.

I wish the teacher would include English in her instructions but she doesn't. Children will not learn by listening to a bunch of sounds without any understanding. Perhaps I am wrong ... I know they will learn but it will have to be over a long period of time and by then, they'll be so far behind other kids they will be discouraged. Like me. Already, they protest every Friday and Saturday. Who do I blame? Can I blame the teacher? I think I am the one to blame for being 'sucked' into believing that this class was the right one for them. All the parents and teachers convinced me that the children will learn Chinese and I believed them despite the odd, uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Now, my goal is to look for a bilingual class. If need be, they'll go to the bilingual class at Ardenwood. I need to remind myself that it's for "FUN". I made the mistake of following advices that only gave me pressure. I have forgotten that my priority is: health, English and school, creativity, Chinese. See? Chinese is not that important in my life now.

Remind myself! Their health is number ONE. I'd rather they be creative in solving problems than being able to speak Chinese. Yes! I will march to my own rhythm. I will not listen to other beats.