Que Sera Sera - ok...

Ok here’s the thing… in truth Arief is really an intelligent kid. He is very playful, no doubt, and can be very ‘blur’ sometimes but he’s not too bad, if only he gives himself half the chance and believes in himself a little more. And if only I make more effort to see him in a fresh perspective every now and then.

Sure, he may be no Einstein but he’s alright. He’s certainly not the most diligent kid around and frankly he could do with a whole lot of self motivation but let’s just put it this way. Arief can be a parenting challenge. But with him, there is no need to second guess his moves, what you see is what you get. And that is what makes him different - he is by far the most genuine kid I know.

I used to feel totally exasperated with him, in particular with issues that revolve around his academics. Arief has this carefree attitude, nothing bothers him much and the only thing that really gets to him is when you take away his privilege of watching football or playing football at the padang..that’s about it. Oh, and his brothers..they can get under his skin..I guess him being the middle child may have something to do with that.

Arief was born a mere 16 months after my oldest. Those who know our little family will generally know Shafique, my first born as the bright, expressive child while Arief is almost always the quiet one. Mischievous though he may be, he does not talk much. For almost 7 years he was the youngest child and then came our precious angel. Haqim is a pure gem, but only to those who bother to get to know him. He is very special because of a lot of reasons and every single day that I spend with him makes me thank God for blessing us with his presence.

Getting back to my Arief – he's my flavour of the month, he turns 12 tomorrow- hard to believe, yes.. and right now he is also my ultimate source of panic attack. Why? Because dear Arief is scheduled to sit for his first national exams in 3 days and he is still as cool as a cucumber..! Maybe because that green vegetable happens to be his favourite food on earth.. yes, no kidding, that’s my son..he loves cucumber, of all things..!!

Right now he really does not seem to be the least worried that his exams is around the corner. Around the corner? Good Lord, it's this coming Monday for goodness sake, it is now Friday...!!! Sure, he's spending less time in front of the tv but there really isn't time to do much anymore..!

Visualize this: -

Me: “Arief, how did you do?”.

Arief: “ok”

Me: “Arief, did you manage to answer the questions?”

Arief “ok”

Me: “Arief, are you prepared for your exams?”

Arief: “ok”

And that is no exaggeration. He is definitely my “Mat OK”.. Everything is a-ok to him..

I have now resigned to the fact that Arief may just be a late bloomer. In fact, I say with conviction that Arief may well go on to succeed in life because although academics may not exactly be his forte, he is a smart kid. And he is one of those “nice guy” types, the kinda kid that everyone wants to be friends with. Trust me, I was surprised to know how popular he is with his friends at school. But with the exams that begin Monday, I am still anxious. All I want is for him to do the best that he can cos' I would hate to see him feeling sorry for himself if he ends up not doing well, and yes, not doing as well as his older brother. Most of his young life seems to be about playing second fiddle and I want him to be able to make it through this time. But then again, maybe national exams is just too hyped up and clearly over-rated huh…??

Oh well, que sera sera..I just pray he has the confidence in himself and will be able to focus on his papers. I reckon if he concentrates fully and understands what the questions ask of him, he won’t do all that bad, God willing.

In the meantime, I'm still having a panic attack. Hey, don’t laugh…Wait till one of your brood turns out saying ok to every question thrown his or her way, then you’ll know what I mean…ok…??!!