Of course I didn't expect Finje to have any concept of the New Year's Resolution, never mind actually make one. I may have been mistaken. She appears to be determined to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a mathematical genius.
Okay, perhaps my resolution should have been to knock lying-through-my-teeth and wishful-thinking on the head. Anyone who knows me would tell you I am numerically challenged. I'm pretty confident should she require any help at school until she reaches year 3. After that I've had it. I'm hoping heartily that she has inherited her father's love and understanding of all things arithmetical.
Personally, I have been known to break out in a panicked sweat if put under pressure to work out fractions or percentages in my head. My best friend was born with a calculator implanted in her brain. She gleans much merriment from observing my furrowed, perplexed brow when trying to work out what 35% off those jeans in the sale actually means. She eventually bails me out but not before undoubtedly wondering, for the umpteenth time how I managed to survive entry into my fifth decade without going bankrupt.
Finje however, seems to be set on becoming the next Carol Vorderman (Could it be the German sounding name?). Whilst she will proudly count faultlessly up to 20 (in German or English) any development further up the numerical scale has been hindered by her recognition of a whole new spectrum of other "numbers".
I overheard her teaching Teddy how to count today. He was sat, looking bored and frankly a little bemused (his default state) on the edge of her bed as she insisted he listen and repeat. One, two, three (so far so good) seventy-five, twenty-nine, tvelf, three hundred and sixzig, fünfteen, threety five....
It was spectacular. She was inventing whole new units of the mathematical spectrum.
Impressed, I entered the classroom and asked how Teddy was doing.
"He's good at listening but he mumbles when he forgets the order" she answered in all seriousness.
I retreated and left her to it whilst already visualizing future parent's evenings. Kids start primary school at six here. That gives me, hang on......, almost 18 months to come up with varied and interesting excuses as to why I'm unable to help with her hard sums homework .
Still, should be okay with the English.