A Toy’s Story

Ajib has been carrying a bag full of toys to almost all destinations – school, malls, relatives’ houses, etc. By doing this, I notice that he is less likely to drag me to the toy aisles at the malls and more likely to develop connection with other boys.

Yesterday, I bought Jet Ray (Ben 10 Alien Force) from Popular Bookstore. Ajib was excited to meet his new alien hero. He also brings with him a Transformers comic book and likes to wear his Optimus Prime or Bumblebee t-shirts.

Ajib is no longer a quiet and reserved toddler. Toys enable Ajib to try out all sorts of actions, body movements, possible ‘crimes’, potential plots, etc. He also let Liya to take part in the battles of Ultraman, Ben 10 or Transformers. Ready, action, cut……the camera is rolling!

When we had dinner at the Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Ajib took out all his ‘men.’ Liya and I helped to arranged the toys on the table before the appetizers and main courses arrived. We discussed, negotiated and argued but before the spring rolls hit our tables, there were no issues unresolved…

Boys & Toys

There seems a universal language when it comes to boys and toys. The relationship evolves around gadget and sets out to be a powerful lingua franca.

“Who/what is this?” and “What can he/it do?” being repeated and all the imaginable sounds being engineered spontaneously.

Ajib had fun. He shared his toy collection and mingled with many guests. At least, he wasn’t feeling bored and popped the question, “Can we go home now, please?”

Bollywood Nite

The bedtime stories are no longer in practised. Ajib and Liya read, write and draw during other hours. Moments before sleeping would be devoted to actions on telly especially Barbie and Ben 10. Books make Ajib and Liya more excited and they just could not fall asleep any sooner. I have been an eager reader too, I feel compelled to finish a 400-page book even it might take me to pull an all-nighter to dawn.

Last night, I was hoping to watch another repeat of Liya’s Barbie and the Diamond Castle or one of Ajib’s Ultraman DVDs. Instead, my ears caught a very distinctive music. My Hindi movie…It seemed that Ajib and Liya have grown accustomed to the dancing and singing. With English subtitles, Liya understood parts of the story. Beautiful scenery, people, clothes, accessories and cultures might attract Ajib and Liya too. As a fan, I have been swept by the emotions. As a psychologist by background, I can humbly say audience can relate to the movie. Any Hindi movie for that matter. Why? Interpersonal, intra-personal, musical, liguistic and environmental issues are everybody’s concern. Loving someone, cared by someone, family and relationships draw people regardless where they come come and who they are on the outside. Inside us, there’s a heart. There’s mind trying to reason and switch on our intuition.

Kids follow their heart. We used to listen to our heart. And, parenting is about embroidering our emotions onto the fabric of senses.

Medicine Time

This morning was very chaotic. Chasing, screaming, running, pushing, etc. when Ajib had to take up the medicine. It was quite stressful too. He swallowed the antibiotic, cough syrup and flu medicine in tears. I tried to maintain composure but no moms in the world can deny how the children’s tears can tear down our emotional defence.

So, I had to change my tactic and technique. Luckily, Ajib was watching Ultraman. Being strong is when Ultraman is healthy, eats vitamins and medicine. He can also kick, jump and defeat monsters. I prepared a bottle of milk to reduce bitterness. The syringes full of measured medicine I placed in front of Ajib. He was aware that it was time. Without hesitation, he picked up the first medicine, the 3.5ml Ventamol. The clear liquid was gone instantly. Next Ajib picked the flu medicine. Surprisingly, The medicine vanished too. Finally, the orange antibiotic – amoxylin. Ajib hated it but he desperately wanted to be able to be as strong as Ultraman in action. He placed the syringe in his mouth and emptied the medicine. There was no yelling and no harsh enforcement. Immediately I praised him. He smiled and jumped about before continuing with the kicking and punching to imitate Ultraman.