Thai Children on school holiday

[riclag]

It sounds like fun.You seem to be very patient and intuitive. Thanks again

I've was asked if I'd take my neighbour's 2 kids (15 and 17) with me in my daily walks along the canals of Lat Krabang and try and promote a sense of fitness awareness, plus a modicum of interest and respect in their environment, these last school holidays.

Usually I'd blanch at the thought as my walks are great wool gathering and problem solving times of my day, however I've always got on with these kids. They're well behaved, smart as baked beans - especially with computers and all things tech related - as well as quite amusing. So it was a real good experience for me as I have a strong dislike for children usually.

After as week I had about 7 of the buggers tagging along. Not even increasing the distance from my usual 6km to 8km didn't deter them (nearly done for me though). Didn't half win me some brownie points on the estate though.

I think the key to the 'problem' here is to find a "new horizon" if you will, as in something outside of their usual sphere of interest or experience. When I showed the kids a beautiful Reticulated Python hanging in a tree, they were utterly thrilled to bits. I doubt they even knew such things could be found so close to their homes. Even a sight of the very common water monitors would draw exited reactions from them as would the huge storks (?) which come here at certain times of the year.

The biggest plus for me was their reaction to the disgusting filth and litter in the canals, and when I explained how - in the future as the next middle class - to ensure people kept them clean, was their responsibility, I think (hope) they took that on board.

[riclag]

... especially at her age with some big decisions to make about university courses next year. ...

As far as I have understood Thai culture, it's not about the kids to make the decisions, but the parents to make the decisions for their kids. I doubt that she is thinking about university courses for next year, as you mentioned her unambitious approach. Maybe you should sit down together with her and her mother to discuss exactly THAT. Maybe the output will lead to the right direction and you can prepare the according steps?

Yes Thai culture,Farangs must be observant of this. I asked the mother for her uncles advice she has been reluctant in the pass to "bother him" she says.I hear what your saying about sitting down with the mother but she is very limited in understanding about the

tasks involved to prepare for testing and applying at schools.So Uncle Pete looks like to be a good influence. Thanks ; -)

[riclag]

Thank you for your postive comment,

She is lucky she is up North.. Down south they don't get a break, summer school is in full swing.

Fortunately, my wife runs a summer school and we are packed out for the next 2 months. Even had to employ 2 extra teachers

Buy her a crossbow and send her out to get dinner !!!

North-east actually, she's is in Isaan, not Chiang Rai!

OP, I'd see if you could find a language school, which may also offer computer and science classes. although it will be closed for a few days over Songkran, or failing that find a local school teacher who could teach her daily.

[riclag]

Yes exactly see it say it spell it. I do this at the kitchen table I have a white board . Thanks again

Get broadband if you haven't got it already. Encourage her to browse - see what she would like to do for a career. She could even do an online course (MOOCs) & give herself a head start for college or uni.

(Find a job you like, you will never work a day in your life!)

Make her ask you at least 1 question every morning, and another in the afternoon!

[riclag]

Good Idea,We did go on holiday last year 3 weeks it was her first time for many activities such as having holiday,riding a bus, flying,swimming, staying at a resort, going to the beach. Couldn't do it this year maybe next year .although I don't see me doing much of having a holiday anymore so to speak especially if she gets accepted to a school with a large tuition Thanks again

Maybe you can take her on a road trip through Thailand. She probably hasn't seen much of it yet.

Maybe more of the family would like to join and you all could have the time of your live...

Just a suggestion..

[riclag]

Sounds like fun.I was amased at how so many of her family members complain about having to vomit when they are on a bus.What I mean to say is .Us farangs take it for granted that we would not be sick on a bus.

I agree, a family road trip is a bonding experience, I love to take trains, once went from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, then to Kuala Lumpur, took about six days and had a great time. I also have a friend that since he retired, he takes relatives Temple Touring, they find old temples throughout the Kingdom, study them and the teenager write school papers on their trips. Be sure to stop in Uthradadit Lumpang Lumpung etc etc etc.......... just writing here makes me want to jump on a train and just go..........