So the Littlest One starts a new school this year. After having gone to Smart Readers last year (well at least for the most of it), and Papa not being all too satisfied with the ways things ran, we decided to place her somewhere new. This year will be her first formal kindie years (as opposed to play school).
Again, with much regrets we note that QIDS had moved quite a distance away many years ago 
So, after that Sparkles Montessori (near SKSH) and where Emily and Haris went, was top choice. Problem was, we wanted somewhere that also starts to introduce to her some formal form of religious teachings. Only on the first day of school, in fact, was the choice of kindie settled. Talk about cutting it close!
After seeing to the siblings affairs on the first day, Mama wanted to show Papa one of the places nearby which she had checked out earlier- a quaint place running from a endlot house. Papa, wanting the last say, as always, decided to make a trip to TTDI. You see, Papa had eyed Tadika Diyana ever since Emily got to the Kindie age, but distance and transport had been an issue then (still is apparently). The only difference is Papa is more stubborn now, and insists that everything can be worked out. So much for that one and only New Year’s Resolution… haha.
Lucky us, there was exactly 2 seats left only for registration. One for Lisha and the other for her BFF, Dina. So, we paid the registration deposit for both, with a promise that Dina’s mother would come along soon to fill in the details. It’s a package deal, it seems. Where one goes, the other must follow… both of no deal. That first day, she didn’t join in her class- it was bout late 10s when she arrived, and school was done at 1130. So she went around getting herself acquainted with the playground, the pond and the Pondok, the school grounds, but mostly the Playground.
Apparently, they let you try the place out for a week, before requiring registration. Very helpful. The 2nd Day, she went to school with Mama. The little tike refused to go in to class, as Dina was late. When Mama called Papa to inform on this, the only solution was to… yes, make a deal (not a bribe… a mutually agreed upon settlement). If she went to school that day, Papa would reward her with a gift.
“Lisha nak apa?” asked Papa.
“Papalah, beli. Surprise Lisha.” she answered, being very generous, in not stating the actual nature of the gift.
“Ok. But if you agree to go in now- without waiting for Dina to arrive, Papa will give you another present! Nak tak?” upping the ante, usually a big mistake, knowing my kids, especially the girls. They don’t see it as an “offer” but more as an invitation to bargain for more.
“Lisha nak four presents!” she opened her bid. Papa was lucky she didn’t start much higher. Still some ways to learn… gotta remember to keep her away from Emily.
However, Papa was extremely confident that he knows his little girl well- “Ok. Four presents, IF, you go in now. Without Dina.”
“Alaa… Lisha tak nak tunggu Na.” Checkmate! In truth, the checkmate could’ve been on Papa, had she easily maneuvered the play to be wait for Dina, and get more pressies nonetheless… haha. Lucky day for Papa, as her attention was all there that day. Phew!
P.S.- a certain father, got several call during the course of the afternoon for the purpose of “gentle reminders” as to the nature and timing of the presents to be procured. Deals, a deal my love- my choice on both counts. I did drop by the mall after work and got her something 
