My 11-year-old student got angry with me on Saturday ‘cos I didn’t end the class on time. At 3pm, he said “Miss Ho, it’s 3 o’clock already. I have a birthday party to go to and it starts at 3.”
But I refused, ‘cos earlier he and two other classmates of his took 20min for their break–twice the amount of time they should, which resulted in us not being able to finish the work that was supposed to be covered. I told him that it was his own fault that class had to end late.
Usually they play at the landing just outside the entrance of the tuition centre and I have call them back in when time’s up. But this time they decided to play hide-and-seek. I was too tired to go running around looking for them, so I just waited. The principal of the tuition centre then went looking for them and found them at the stairwell. Bloody crafty kids.
So he sulked with blatant displeasure and reluctantly finished up the worksheet before stomping off. Yah like whatever. I’m not here to be popular. These kids ought to be taught a thing or two about punctuality and responsibility.
And I noticed something else. Men make such a big fuss about their hair and this starts from a young age!
Before class started, this same boy and his classmates were playing outside and so they were wet with perspiration at the start of the class. As we were getting ready to start, he goes, “Oh no! I forgot to bring a comb!”
And I’m like, “What do you need a comb for????” I mean, he’s got a crew cut for heaven’s sake! The hair’s not going to go awry or out of place! As he fiddles with his short little fringe he goes, “Aiyah, you don’t understand lah. It’s sweaty…” at which point I ask him to sit down and get ready for class.
I also remember how my then six-year-old cousin used to sulk and pout whenever someone meddled with his gelled-up hair. The little kid would get testy and unhappy if his nicely combed hair was so much as touched by someone! Unbelievable.
But I suppose it’s forgivable. It’s one of the few things guys can actually fuss about!