Phu, Phu, Phu

Thursday, 30 September 2004

Today, Phu had a rough day. He had several tantrums and hit Miss Matt and Miss Melton. Yesterday, he hit me when he was frustrated and tantrumming. We had to call his mom during the school day, and we talked for a long time to both his mother and father. They know that he has behavior issues (unfortunately the have already labeled him as "trouble boy" and laugh it off), and both Christy and I think he is just young and immature, not ready to be in school. He is testing us this week to see how far we will go. At home, he is allowed to get away with everything, and here at school, we are making him work and making him accountable for his actions, so he is acting out. But, we are trying to teach him that he cannot hit, scream, yell, or tantrum if he is frustrated. He can ask for help and tell us when he doesn't understand things in more appropriate ways. We have been sharing this with his parents and giving them suggestions on how they can help and be consistent with him at home (for instance, letting him watch TV rather than doing homework first, or staying up until 11 pm, probably isn't helping him). Phu's father called me and wants to take us all (Miss Matt, Christy, and I) out to dinner Saturday so that we can discuss Phu and make a plan for him so that he can improve his behavior in school).

Even Christy and I were drained from Phu today, and at least I was ready for a drink! But, we went to Tesco Lotus instead and shopped! We stocked up on groceries and things and were there (as we ate dinner there too) for nearly three hours! Tik and Aw came with as well, and Tik bought a VCD player for her room. I was exhausted, and I think they were shocked at how much money Christy spent on her American foods like pancake mix, cereals, and spaghetti sauce, but it was nice to get away from our school neighborhood a bit and take a breather! We'll both be ready for vacation soon! (And a few parents and other people have been asking if we can tutor their children or their daughters or husbands or friends in English, but I think right now Christy and I just need a break to get away!)