"A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...." These now-immortal words really need no introduction. Certainly for my first-born J, Star Wars: A New Hope, began for him an adventure and a love that's stayed for more than half his lifetime now (he turned 12 last month). Yes, he definitely has me to … Continue reading Clinging to childhood with legos and lightsabers!
Category: Parenting
Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #12 The PR Snobs
Hey boys This is it! We made it. The last email, in this long-running series that began more than six months ago, is finally here. So on the count of three, let's heave a collective sigh of relief shall we? One... Two... Three!!! Sighhhhhh.... Alright, now that we got that outta the way, let's recap … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #12 The PR Snobs
My blog turns 2! (Part 1 of commemorative)
YEAH ME! This time I did not forget the anniversary of my blog, unlike last year when I nearly did! And this time, since it's the second anniversary, I'm going to write not one but two commemorative posts! You know, it still amazes me how I've persisted this long. While two years may seem like … Continue reading My blog turns 2! (Part 1 of commemorative)
From ‘Aware’ to ‘Accept’ – my unfinished autism journey
[An edited version of this post first appeared here.] C: “Mister Miss Fairy!” Me: “Carrots and Potatoes…” His older brother: “…with Beef Stew!” These are words my sons and I say to each other whenever C is upset, feels threatened, or thinks he’s in trouble. And to diffuse the situation and reassure him, I would respond with the … Continue reading From ‘Aware’ to ‘Accept’ – my unfinished autism journey
Want inclusion for a more gracious society? Restore don’t punish
Last Saturday I wrote a post about my response (as a parent of an autistic son) to a recent bullying incident in my country that received a lot of media attention. The victim in that incident was an autistic teenager who had graduated from the same school my son's now in. An edited version of … Continue reading Want inclusion for a more gracious society? Restore don’t punish
How one special needs father’s response to bullying is about society’s “greater good”
Photo by Morgan Basham on Unsplash As bullying incidents go, the one that made headlines in Singapore this week wasn't unusual. After all, most of us are already predisposed to believe that bullies will always exist, just like bad hair days. And we all know there are more incidents like this not reported or made … Continue reading How one special needs father’s response to bullying is about society’s “greater good”
Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #11 The “Personals”
Hi boys Surprise Surprise! I'm back with my next email sooner than expected. Could be some kind of momentum built up from my last email. Also, I'm motivated by the fact that this series on "The Toxic 12" is almost at an end, so I'm definitely looking forward to finally wrapping it up. Bet you … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #11 The “Personals”
Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #10 The “Professionals”
Hi boys Didn't think you'll get this latest "toxic" email so soon again did you? See, your dad is capable of keeping his word. I've kept this one in the back burners for quite a while, but the time has come now to spill the beans on one of two adult working world's biggest "liars" … Continue reading Email circa 2031: My dear sons, beware “The Toxic 12” – #10 The “Professionals”
Do I say “my son HAS autism” or “my son IS autistic”? It’s really up to him
Photo by Alireza Attari on Unsplash It was rather unexpected. There we were, at what was only our third or fourth meeting in 2019. As mentioned in an earlier post, this rag-tag bunch of fathers who have special needs children, were still getting to know each other. Gathering to bond over shared parenting experiences and … Continue reading Do I say “my son HAS autism” or “my son IS autistic”? It’s really up to him
Even with special needs dads, it’s still about men ‘doing’ not ‘being’
Photo by MD Duran on Unsplash This is a cautionary tale about what happens when men come together. Cautionary, at least, for men like me who are more into 'being' than 'doing'. Let me explain. I still remember the meetings. A few of us fathers with special needs children started coming together in 2019 to … Continue reading Even with special needs dads, it’s still about men ‘doing’ not ‘being’