I remember when I first started working in Brisbane – it was the first time I would be wearing hijab at the workplace and frankly, I found the prospect daunting. Before it was just the colour of my skin that might provoke some sort of uncomfortable conversation – “Where are you from?” “What sort of food do you eat at home?”. This time my religion and belief system would be hitting people straight in the face. I wondered if it would be me or the others who were subjected to my scarf, who would feel the most awkward. View full article »
Archive for August, 2004
Has anyone ever noticed that the most vocal people on child-rearing are those *without* children? For those contemplating having kids (taken from a parenting website)-
Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training and child’s table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Emphasise to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you will have all the answers.
I pray those people who despise mess have babies who never vomit and children who never drop crumbs on the carpet; children who never ever forget to wash their hands after they have been playing outside (actually maybe they should have children who don’t like to go outside ever) and children who never have a single accident while being toilet-trained.
I pray those who castigate parents for not disciplining their children have kids who obey willingly all the time; never have kids who have tantrums or misbehave not just in public but EVER;
I truly wish this for those potential parents but will not worry too much if Allah has other plans.
And a little bit of advice for parents with small children -
Think long and hard before you venture children-in-tow into the recently bought, built or renovated home of childless people. Your children will probably love it but you may not be able to relax and most certainly, neither will your hosts.
