TIME OUT

About two weeks ago, Naomi had her first experience of "time out" in school.  Yes, time out, which means she was asked to go to one corner of the room to calm down.

When I got home then, yaya told me that Naomi cried in school when teacher asked her to go on time out.  I asked Naomi about it and she confessed that she shouted bad words to her classmate.  She told me that she was just imitating Sharpay, the not-so-nice character in High School Musical (HSM).  Shucks!  Just when I thought that HSM was kid-friendly, there is still that risk of kids imitating the villain!.  Anyway, when I asked what the bad word was, Naomi wouldn't tell me.  She just told me she was sorry and will not do it again.    Well, that's Naomi.  There are not-so-good things that she just do not want to talk about, much more repeatedly talk about it, but would lovingly give you the assurance that she will not do it again.  Of course, she still gets pretty pilya and I guess that is where the parents' role come in.  That is to continuously remind the children about good manners and values.

I decided to ask teacher about the incident.  Teacher confirmed that Naomi did say a bad word to her classmate.  Naomi was having an argument with her classmate and out of frustration shouted "Stupid!".  According to teacher, that was the first time that she heard Naomi say that word.  I thanked teacher and I understand that she had to do that for discipline so that these kiddos would learn that bad behavior has consequence.

So there.  Reflect reflect agad si Mommy.  I was asking myself if Naomi did pick up the bad word from the movie or heard it somewhere else.  I asked hubby if there was ever a time when either one of said that word and maybe Noami had picked it up.  We remember one time but we know for sure that Naomi did not hear it.  Or maybe, it's the power of media, specifically television, which has a big effect on our kids.  Whatever the source is, reality is that there are so many things, good and bad, that our kids will learn not only from us.  Kids are like sponges and they easily absorb the words, actions, situations happening around them.  I just pray for the grace to be vigilant enough to assist my kids in sorting out what is morally good and bad, impart values to help them live their lives with love and respect, and teach socially acceptable good manners.  Lastly, I hope and pray that our kids will keep these lessons in their mind and in their heart.  

P.S.  Grabe teh parang ang layo na ng naabot ko eh "time-out" lang naman to during Naomi's pre-school days.  May grade school, high school, and college pa!!! (",)  Easy lang, Mommy, easy lang (",)

(Timeline: Naomi is 4 years and 3 months old as of this writing.)