Letting Go Of Jason

Our maid of 12 years went home for good after Jason's 'O' level exam, recently.

We decided not to have a replacement and try to cope with the household chores on our own other than ordering 'tingkat' food on weekdays.

Jason has been cleaning the table after dinner and he has also asked us on how to do some simple cooking; eg cup noodles, scrambled eggs.

We also have to start giving him some independence or let him be on his own instead of mothering him.

What do I mean?

Here are some examples to illustrate on what we have done.

We left him on his own in the house ( no more maid, remember? ) and he has to make his own lunch as he slept in and missed his breakfast, since we have a lunch appointment one day.

He wanted to organise a BBQ to celebrate the New Year with his friends so we booked a chalet but left the organisation of the BBQ to him. Glad that he managed to rope in a few friends to buy the stuff and brought it to the chalet. I gave some advice to him but he managed to carry it out with his friends...... so I was quite impressed.

Early this year, his friend organised a BBQ in ECP but no one could start the fire...... a disaster indeed and they brought back all the stuff.... poor boys!

But this time, he told me he has 2 friends who are boy scouts in school so no problem.

He asked for our permission to go out with his friends more often as he wanted to enjoy their time together before they go separate ways...ie JC or Poly.....

We are okay with it as long as we are aware of his activities and who he is going out with.... base on trust and that we have lay down a good foundation and principles for him to follow...

Jas is 16+ and soon will be a NS man and then 21.......

Letting him go is painful but essential as this is part of the cycle....

We were a bit worry about this chalet cum BBQ outing but we know that we just have to let go and that he has been well groomed to make the right decisions on his own.

Happy New Year and may your parenting year in 2010 be better or less painful.......!

David