I have stressed out lately. My son is close to 10 years old, an awkward, troubled but very critical age.  At this period, they think they have known enough about the world. They are forming their own attitudes, reactions, opinions toward the world. Unfortunately, sometimes they follow down a wrong path but they don’t think they are making a huge mistake and refuse any advice. It pains every mum to correct them at this age. Many times, talks, punishments, threats, coaxes---just none of these tricks would work. My son now actually thinks he has the ability to sidestep anything---homework, responsibilities, tests—sometimes his little trick works, and he think he has found the right way to cope with the world. I have to stand firm about this. How I hate confrontation! But now I almost confront him face to face every day. His strategy has already dragged him a lot behind in English. I have to figure out a way to help him to catch up. Every day has become a fight against him, against the time. It’s really exhausting.

Yesterday, frustrated and exhausted, I started to draw cartoons I’d just learned from a video. Gradually, the whole page was full of those cute, little cartoon images. Somehow, I began to calm down. Before the video, I never thought I could draw. However, it turned out to be just another limiting thought, one of many, I’ve carried every day. Perhaps all I need to do is to think differently and put more faith on myself as well as my son. Together, we could find a way to figure a way out.

Start by doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. So, keep trying and NEVER GIVE UP.