Meltdown

Rui had an emotional "meltdown" this morning.

She has been absent from school since last Wed due to stomach flu. Today is to be her first day back in school.

While eating her breakfast, she realised she had not copied down words for 听写 as she was absent from school on Friday. She panicked and started crying her eyes out. Me and Ben were startled by her sudden and unexpected reaction.

We told her there's nothing to worry about as the teacher will understand that she was ill and couldn't be in school to copy the words. We also reassured her that we will explain to her teacher and that she will not get into any trouble.

This episode worried me a little though. I am concerned that Rui's kan cheong nature will mean she will be easily stressed out by academic issues in the future. If a little spelling at K1 is going to set her off like this morning, worse is to come when she goes to primary school, where academic pressure is likely to be more intense.

However, when I shared this with my friends, they commented that I should be glad that Rui has this innate desire to do well. Cos this means that I most probably not have to worry about her slacking off in the future. They also told me that it is then my duty to help teach her to regulate her emotions and fears.

I am somewhat convinced, though not totally.