DD shocked her piano teacher some years ago when asked about her favourite music. Her teacher was expecting a pop group or Britney type... DD was stuck between Mozart and Handel!! I just sat there laughing helplessly at the teacher's face. Priceless. Actually it's because I usually have some classical music in the car with all the rest, so we've got the habit of talking about it. I don't want the kids to see it as something weird or difficult, and I approach poetry in the same way. I've got a few poetry books for kids, and the we recently inherited a copy of Cats on video, so I duly dug out my TS Eliot and they've almost worn it out already!

so far my kids see me as the fountain of all knowledge, the same way I still see my own mother! Since my general knowledge is very good I hope that will last until they get more specialised in certain areas. After that I'll be bluffing!!

overall generall knowledge is very, very poor. We had an exam at age 18 for it in fact, and most people I knew failed but it was my easiest paper. There were bits of Greek and Roman mythology, bits of physics and biology, poetry, history, music and all sorts of odd things. In Singapore the general knowledge is even worse - a lot worse. Really embarrassing. I think the best thing one can teach a child, other than conveying enthusiasm for learning is general knowledge. Tackle everything. Nothing is scary... not even maths and physics if taken in the right context (my physics questions related to the workings of a piano, which helped!). People have this idea that cetain subjects are difficult or not for them... or too highbrow for their kids. Well believe it or not a reasonable background in Greek and Roman mythology can come in quite handy for all sorts of things - the roots of lots of words come from some of the gods and their characteristics. Besides, younger kids love those stories... DS got a load of superheroes stuff for one of his birthdays, but I balanced it nicely with a children's book about Hercules, which even said on the back - the world's first superhero. People should know where the phrase Trojan Horse originates, particularly since Trojan gets used in IT. So even the most unlikely subject is still relevant.

but this is just the time outside of school, of which there is really precious little. This summer they're going to be going back to nature... I agree Susannah - they need that, which is partly why we're moving! Did you know if you chop earthworms in half you get two fully operational earthworms?? Actually not just two - the number of hearts probably explains that phenomenon. Useful to know if you're ever digging and your kids ask you if you're going to hurt an earthworm by doing that. Worms are great fun!

oh yes, here's a useful site - I still find it useful to refer to the phytonutrients in our meals if the kids are being fussy. DH was in stitches watching us discuss the proteins and carbs in our dinner the other night. He hasn't eaten with us very often for a while.

www.dole5aday.com - really gets kids enthusiastic about their veggies if you start them young, though DS doesn't seem convinced about asparagus yet, but DD is sure she loves broccoli - personally I think it's because she knows it's one of the best!

enough babbling and enthusiasm... I have a house to clear!

Kerri.