The overwhelming school vacation

Lately everyday seems like a lifetime at my nephew (B)'s household.

The school holidays have descended upon them, and they are 'avidly' bored. Sure there are tonnes of on-going activities out there organized by different venues, establishments, etc... but going there, that's a different issue.

Take last month for example, I went to visit the newly revamped West Coast Park. Pretty, least in comparison to the last time I was there. A mini mangrove swamp (wannabe, but impressive nonetheless), the rocky water-breakers, the shipyard (extremely romantic), containers on the road, countless numbers of playgrounds for the little ones, oh and the Mc Cafe.

There was a nice breeze out on the water, making it the type of comfortable evening we rarely see in Sunny Singapore. I watched a bunch of young children swinging at the playground. A night like this brings people out.

Me: "Ought to tell my sis to bring her kids here during the holidays. Looks fun."

Him: "Yup, tonnes of playgrounds and wide open spaces. B would have lots of space to run and be himself."

As he said that, a boy caught my eye. He looked about 10 years old. He displayed the typical behaviour I’ve come to recognize, and his speech was relatively undeveloped for his age. He was shouting (pretty gleefully in my opinion) and jumped around. Some adults quickly pulled their children away (DESPITE the fact that the boy was not disturbing any of the other kids).

The child's mother however did not seem bothered by it.

"Do people react like that when B's does things like that?", he asked me.

Before I had my nephew, I might have felt sorrow for the parents. But now I know, we do not want or need pity.

"I'm not too sure, or bothered," I replied. "When I'm out with him, I'm enjoying my moments with him."

Is it exhausting being with him? I'm sure B's parents face the worst exhaustion of it all. Nonetheless, when I'm with him, and got him in the forefront of my utter conciousness, he's helping me be a better parent, then I would have been without B (when I do become one).

And the mom at the playground? She went on enjoying some well-spent time with her son on a beautiful evening.