The Shichida Maid

I chatted with a maid during one of the holiday classes last week and she shared with me that she also took her charge for shichida class every Sunday. Apparently, the kid has been attending the class since he was 8mths old! (He just turned 3 this month.) I went like - wow is that really effective, I asked. The maid nodded and went on to explain how she has a routine of flashing the shichida cards followed by book reading with the boy almost every single night before he sleeps (if only I could hire such a diligent maid like her).

Actually, she is the second person who told me about the shichida programme. The first time was a mom who also told me that the programme was very good. But I was a bit sceptical cos afterall she was the one paying the fees. Also, I didn't like the way the company always advertised in the papers making claims of how proven the shichida method has been - seemed to me more like a money-making opportunity for them.

But somehow, I don't know why, after listening to this maid, I have a complete change of mind about the shichida programme. Maybe it is her tone of sincerity which hit me - I could tell she truly loves her charge. Once, the boy had both the company of his (glamourously-dressed*) mother and the maid in class. (*I mean really glamourous - she always came adorned with heavy makeup, perfume, loud accessories and designer bags. ) Since only one adult is allowed to accompany the child, the teacher gently reminded them that one of them had to go. So naturally the maid stood up and headed towards the door. But guess what - the boy ran towards her and hugged her legs as if begging her not to go. In the end, Mrs Glamour left instead and the boy was happy to have the maid with him. I think this maid must have done a wonderful job in winning the love and affection of this child.

I wonder if Mrs Glamour was upset to have her child closer to the maid than to her. Maybe and maybe not. Why do I say that? Well, I once asked a colleague if she was ever afraid of being in a situation where her maid would be closer than she is to her children. She confidently replied no because she made sure she spent time with her kids after work and over the weekends. In fact, she would want her maid to be on good loving terms with her kids so she won't have any worries when away at work. Well, until then I never thought of it that way - I had always assumed it is either the mother or the maid who wins the child's love. But in my colleague's case, both parties win.

I think when no. 2 comes, I may just explore the possibility of hiring a maid more seriously. If I ever hire one, hopefully she would turn out just like this shichida maid. :)

Oh, btw I can't believe I am behaving like one of those kiasu parents I used to sometimes criticised about - I called up shichida yesterday and I was soooooo disappointed to learn that the January intake is already full and I have to wait for the next intake in April! Husband thinks I am joking since we are already paying heaps to her preschool. But I feel when it comes to education, nothing is too expensive for Ying Ying. Which mother doesn't want the best for her child right?