Thinking Ahead

As we were walking on the boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey, I told Đạo I wanted to ride the Spring Shot. Đạo replied, “No. The strings will break because you are too heavy. I don’t want you to die.” What a smart and careful boy who always think ahead.

Respect Nature

Đán: Do Vietnamese people respect nature?
Dad: Of course, we do.
Đán: Then why did you cut down the trees?
Dad: Oh! My bad.

Boy or Girl?

Dad: So, are you a boy or a girl?
Đạo: I am both.
Dad: How?
Đạo: I act like a boy, but I scream like a girl.

Ill Something

Đán: Daddy, you are illustrated.
Dad: What is illustrated mean.
Đán: It means you don’t know anything.
Dad: I think the word is illiterate.
Đán: I don’t like that word so you are illustrated.

Brothers

Dad: Đạo, give your brother a hug and kiss goodbye.
Đạo: Bye Đán.
Đán: Bye Đạo.
Dad: You guys are so nice to each other [after Đạo left].
Đán: I still don’t like his ketchup breath.

The Art of Manipulation

Dad: What were you doing?
Đán: I was reading a book.
Dad: Really? I heard someone played video game on the iPad.
Đán: I read a book last night. Bà ngoại let me played on the iPad this morning.

Đán: Can I watch TV?
Mom: After you eat your breakfast.
Đán: That what I meant.

Phạt

Đạo: Daddy, Đán’s being mean to me.
Đán: Daddy, Đạo xạo. Phạt him.
Đạo: No, Đán xạo. Phạt him.
Dad: I am going to phạt both of you.
Đán: No, I don’t want you to phạt me. Just phạt Đạo.
Đạo: No, I don’t want to be phạt. Can you un-phạt me?

The Pretty Girl

As we headed into the elevator, I told the boys, “Let’s leave her here.” Đạo protested, “No. You’re being mean to mommy.” Đán chimed in, “You can’t leave the pretty girl here.”

Teddy Bear Day Care and Preschool

In late January, we enrolled our one-year-old son in Teddy Bear Day Care and Preschool. As with most infants his age, he still cries every morning when I drop him off. Fortunately, his teachers, Ms. Allison and Ms. Mary in particular, have been patience in helping him making the transition. They would pick him up from my arms and try to calm him down. As soon as I walk out the door, he would stop crying and get on with his day.

In the past four months at Teddy Bear, I have observed that the teachers and staff members are friendly and accommodating. They work with us to give our son the comfort and the care he needs during his time at the facility. For example, they would let us know what type of food he likes so we can pack him extra snacks if we want to.

I also appreciate the no-cellphone policy at Teddy Bear. At some daycares, I have noticed that allowing cellphone can be distracting. As much as I would love to see photos and activities of our son during his time at the daycare, I prefer the teachers to focus their attention on the kids.

It will take a bit of time for our son to make the adjustment in the morning drop off, but I have confidence in the teachers and staff members at Teddy Bear. I trust that our son is in loving and caring hands.

Ba Thằng Quậy

Hai thằng anh lớn cãi nhau đánh nhau không ngừng. Hôm qua giận quá cấm hai đứa chơi chung. Thế là thằng anh lớn khóc năn nỉ: “Con muốn chơi với Đán. Con sẽ không cãi với em nữa.” Tôi vẫn không cho để nó học bài học.

Thằng út thì lủi thủi chơi một mình thật đáng thương. Bây giờ nó đi bộ cùng nhà. Mấy thằng anh mà cản đường là nó hét, đánh, và cắn. Thằng này không phải dạng vừa đâu. Cũng mai là hai thằng anh biết nhường em.

Tuy ngày nào trong nhà cũng ồn ào và nhức cả đầu, được an ủi khi thấy chúng nó khoẻ mạnh khôn lớn. Không bệnh tật là may mắn rồi. Không cần tụi nó phải học giỏi hay xuất sắc. Chỉ sống cuộc sống bình thường an lành là quá đủ.

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