Sean's Mum Sharing

I didn’t expect Sean’s attention problem could be severe until I’d met his ex-kindergarten principal. When she asked about Sean, one of the top achievers in her kindergarten back then, I told her that Sean was actually struggling with his study. She then recommended us to get professional opinion from a psychologist. This is how I got to know about A Zon Educare Advisory.

The principal’s suggestion heightened my concern over Sean. I realized Sean has very short attention span and it affects his learning abilities in school. For instance, he couldn’t finish copying notes from the blackboard or from friends. He has difficulty in completing homework, worse, he couldn’t complete exam questions on time. Moreover, his hand writing is terrible. Other than attention problem, Sean is very impulsive and particularly obsessed with electronic stuff like a remote controller. He likes to touch these electronic gadgets whenever he comes across them, without asking for permission. I believe that these learning and behavioural difficulties have affected his academic performance and eventually, has a negative impact on his self-esteem.

After consultation with the psychologist in A Zon, we knew that Sean’s problems are mainly due to his inattention and his poor self-control. We decided to enroll him in the intervention program. After the third month of intervention, we started to notice improvement in Sean in terms of controlling himself, and in his attention span. He has demonstrated better manners and self-confidence. For example, he is more receptive of other’s comments and explanation. He shows effort to write better. He doesn’t give up easily on any tasks given whether at home or in school. With intervention and good guidance by A Zon’s instructors, he is more settled, shows better manners, seeks permission before taking/touching other people’s belongings. Sean is improving and developing well after joining the intervention programme.

Along the way, we as parents have also learnt to change. I’ve learnt to understand my child more. Knowing that scolding won’t help my children to improve, I have to change my parenting style to a more encouraging one. I’m trying my best to change my attitude, and control my temper as well. And now, I’m glad that I’ve started to discover and appreciate Sean’s strengths and good nature instead of his weaknesses. Not only is Sean is changing, but the whole family dynamic is changing at the same time! I know that it’s kind of late to provide Sean with suitable intervention (as he is already 9 years old), but I would will keep on trying in order to help Sean to improve. It is always not too late to put a child in an intervention programme till we see improvement in him and we know that we have made the right decision.
 

Words for other parents…

Every child has the potential to change and improve. Parents have to keep on trying and not give up in finding suitable intervention or programs. It doesn’t mean that children with special needs can’t make it in life. I would like to share with all parents, not to blame children for their difficulties and weaknesses. If they could choose, they wouldn’t want to be like that (i.e. naughty, lazy, and not able to learn). Early intervention and help will be more effective to help our children to improve.

Interviewee： Sean's Mum