The Xbox Deal

So are we being tough on Nigel?

We gave him a difficult target of having to get a distinction for his piano exam and also first place in class. Only then could he be entitled to an Xbox Kinect. He managed to get fulfill the first target but not the second, getting 3rd place in class, which is actually quite good. But should we give-in and get him the Xbox anyway?

I'm not sure how hard he actually worked, but I would say he did put in quite a bit of effort. Although looking at his preparation, I believe he had time to do more. We also didn't want to tire him out and add crazy stress on his eight year old brain - can you imagine what would happen when the PSLE comes along?

Surprisingly (or maybe not), he's actually very proud of his achievements. The boy would was first was the same one last year, but he managed to beat his friend Arthur, which I think was his personal goal. So in his own eyes, he did it. We set his goal for the top, which gave him some buffer to fall. If we set it as 3rd, he would have probably come in as 5th. Then again, I'm not sure if such psychology applies to him.

Anyway, we are giving him a chance to prove himself during these few holiday weeks. There are more opportunities for him to get those extra Xbox points, but honestly, I'm not sure if he really wants it - he doesn't seem so hot on it. Maybe a simple hovercraft would do?

Bottom-line - for any human, child or adult: Aim high. Even if you don't make it, you would still outdo yourself.