Researcher: Lee Ha-eun
Method: Observation
Reason for Study: My family has five members: my dad, mom, older brother, me, and my younger sister. I spend a lot of time with Mom and my younger sister, so I feel especially close to them. However, there are times when I don’t fully understand them. That’s why I decided to observe them more closely.
Subject 1: My Younger Sister
Topic of Study:
One day, I was playing with my younger sister and accidentally bumped into her. I immediately apologized and tried to make things right, thinking everything was fine. But then I heard the familiar beep, beep of the front door lock, and my sister’s expression suddenly darkened. As soon as Mom walked in, she burst into tears. That day, when Mom scolded me, I felt frustrated—and even a little annoyed at my sister. Why on earth is she like that?
Observation Notes:
• My youngest sister feels like a little baby to me, probably because there is quite an age gap between us. She is also smaller than most kids her age, but she is always bright and full of energy.
• Whenever there is food, my sister thinks of the family first. She asks, “Where’s Mom? Where’s Dad?” looking around for anyone who isn’t at the table. “I should save some for them!” she says as she sets food aside. At twelve, she could easily want to keep all the delicious treats for herself, but she doesn’t. She always puts our family first. It makes me proud to see how considerate she is.
Reflections:
Since I’m the older sister, I want to treat my younger sister kindly and take good care of her. I won’t expect too much from her, and I’ll try to be a good big sister who knows how to give in and be considerate.
Subject 2: Mom
Topic of Study:
Mom has a very loud voice. A really loud voice. Every morning, she wakes my older brother, my younger sister, and me just by calling out to us. When I was deep in my teenage years, I couldn’t understand why she was always rushing us, shouting “Hurry! Hurry!” at the top of her lungs. Why did she always seem to be in such a hurry?Observation Notes:
• Mom uses her time incredibly efficiently. Not just during everyday housework, but especially on days when our whole family goes out together. After waking up her three “little sheep,” she hurries around getting my youngest sister dressed and tying her hair. Even in the middle of the hectic morning rush, she still manages to finish her own outfit, fix her hair, and put on her makeup perfectly. Then she starts the car and waits for us, carefully checking to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything.
• Sometimes when Mom is out running errands, she asks me to do simple chores at home, like washing the dishes. I used to put them off, saying things like, “I’ll do it later,” or “I didn’t even eat.” But Mom takes care of these everyday chores without ever showing the slightest complaint. All her life, she has worked tirelessly for our family, always putting us first.
• Whenever I have Student Group-related events, Mom wakes up at dawn to make sure I’ve packed everything I need. She even fills my bag with snacks in case I get hungry on the way. Even though she must be exhausted, she still drives me to church herself.
Reflections:
Mom woke us up and rushed us every morning not for her own sake, but for ours. She wanted us to break our habit of dragging our feet and learn to use our time well. (To be honest, the three of us tend to take our time getting ready, so even when we start early, it still takes a while to finish.) Thanks to Mom, we learned to wake up on time and became more diligent.
Research Results:
After observing my family, I realized that my own behavior has changed, even if only a little. In the past, I would see a sink full of dirty dishes and walk right past it, thinking, “It’s not my job.” Now, I try to wash them before Mom even has to touch them. I also used to get frustrated with my younger sister for being too slow, but now I try to be patient and wait for her.
I’ll end this report by sharing a few words with my family, including my dad and my older brother, who weren’t part of this observation.
Mom, thank you every day for working so hard and sacrificing so much for our family.
Da-eun, my little sister, keep shining as brightly as you do now. But maybe try to focus a little more on your studies and . . . and please put your phone down once in a while.
Dad, I’ll try to express my love more openly and be more affectionate with you.
And my older brother . . . well . . . could you at least soak your dishes in water after you eat?
To my family, you’ve given me strength during hard times and helped me grow into who I am today. I’m always grateful, and I love you all!