Keane is back in school today. While waiting for Teacher Rosalind to open the door, I chit-chatted with some of the parents. There was a new Indian boy with his parents too. His dad told me that his son is 3 years old and they just came from India. I think it is good to have a different ethnic race in the class. Teacher Rosalind opened the door at 9 am sharp. Keane clinged onto my legs when he realised it was time to go in. I gave him a peck on his cheeks and waved bye-bye to him. He cried as Teacher Rosalind carried him. I didn't request to stay on because past experiences tell me that he will stopped crying after settling down. 1 and a half hour passed by quickly and it was time to fetch Keane. The Indian boy was crying. I supposed it was culture shock. Teacher Rosalind told his mum to give the boy some time to settle down and said that Keane took only a few days. :)
Later we took bus 291 to Tampines Central. There was this Malay auntie who sat behind us. She talked to Keane and Keane smiled back. She is all praise for Keane - praised Keane for having a smiling face (said it was a blessing), and that Keane is a clever boy (because she found him very observant) etc. But then she warned me to be careful because Keane is friendly and may be kidnapped or follow strangers... I explained to her that Keane will only dare to smile at strangers when his dad or me are around. Nevertheless, I thanked her for her kind compliments and advice.
I remember ever told parents and friends that it is good that kids have separation anxiety. Separation anxiety protects the kids from harm and danger. Though some adults (especially grandparents and relatives) may be upset and feel that the kids are too sticky (to parents) etc, I think it is absolutely normal and is definitely good. Imagine a kid just follows anyone and everyone. Wouldn't you be worried that some bad eggs will harm the kid? Anyway, as Keane grows older, he will outgrown separation anxiety, remembers the familiar faces of his parents, grandparents, teachers etc, and will be at a better position to protect himself. Before he starts to lead his own life, I want to enjoy his childhood days where he sticks to me like superglue.
