What I learned from parenting workshops #5 — “family meetings” aren’t “family time”!

silver imac on desk

In my last post on this series, I touched on how setting boundaries was necessary with teens. So what's one opportunity I thought would help do so? Why, a regular dedicated meeting aka family time of course! I still remember late last year when my wife mooted the idea to have an "assembly" every week. … Continue reading What I learned from parenting workshops #5 — “family meetings” aren’t “family time”!

What I learned from parenting workshops #4 — Adaptive Mechanism 2 — Setting boundaries

black metal fence

Okay what?! Setting boundaries as a parenting strategy with a teen? I must be joking right? Alright my apologies. Who fires off three questions in rapid salvo to kick off a parenting mini-series that's looking less 'mini' by the week? (Oops not another question!) The truth is as I pen this series, I have to … Continue reading What I learned from parenting workshops #4 — Adaptive Mechanism 2 — Setting boundaries

What I learned from parenting workshops #2

cute family picture

Last week I started this new parenting mini-series as a way to document my own learning journey on how to better parent my teenage son. Today, I continue on from there to talk about the myriad of changes that are happening irreversibly, and often imperceptibly, in him! And boy are there many changes indeed when … Continue reading What I learned from parenting workshops #2

Are fathers more “next-of-kin”, “next-of-skin” or “‘neath-the-skin”?

man hugging the baby in blue floral fitted cap during daytime

I remember as a kid, when school enrolment or administration moments come around, we would have to fill up among other things details of a next-of-kin in case of emergencies. For that, I would typically put down my father's name. This went on for pretty much all of my academic life as I progressed from … Continue reading Are fathers more “next-of-kin”, “next-of-skin” or “‘neath-the-skin”?

Parenting Woes #1 — A new mini-series

Recently I attended yet another webinar about parenting. I hate to admit it, but every time I do I find myself wondering: why am I here?And why are parenting woes never ending? Also, why are the questions parents ask at such gatherings almost always the same? Like endless loops acrobats leap through? Or the cycles … Continue reading Parenting Woes #1 — A new mini-series

My Monday Metrical Musings #72

man and boy sitting on floor near body of water

Sonnet #1 - A day at a time Son, I'm learning anewHow to be a dad to youA day at a time Son, I wish to get it rightMore times of good than times of grime A day at a time Son, I hate to fake itJust so I can make it A day at … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #72

Film Review: “The Adam Project” (2022)

There's just something about the topic of time travel. It draws film makers time and time again to create movies about it. Ever since Back to the Future and Terminator, we've been overrun with such films, both memorable and miserable. In the former (other than the above-mentioned movies of course), I include Somewhere in Time, … Continue reading Film Review: “The Adam Project” (2022)

Covid-19 visits. Now I’m the last man standing!

syringe and pills on blue background

Verily verily I say to thee, Covid is one roller coaster ride! Eight days ago, my wife self-isolated from everyone else as she became the first in our home to test positive for Covid. Eight days later today, I'm self isolating from everyone else as the only one left standing still testing negative for Covid. … Continue reading Covid-19 visits. Now I’m the last man standing!

My Monday Metrical Musings #60

crop black man with son holding hands strolling on roadway

Always close to you my son Always close to you my sonThat's where I wanna beAlways close to you my sonForever the best day for me. Always close to you my sonYou've given me new meaningAlways close to you my sonYour presence keeps life humming. Always close to you my sonThough soon you'll need your … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #60

A letter to Seamus — “Son, daddy will be ok.”

white and black moon with black skies and body of water photography during night time

Below's a love letter from a devoted father to his son. It is the second guest post on my blog (do click here for the first). This is a deeply personal piece from someone I got to know while touring Israel at the end of 2018. I feel deeply humbled and honored he's allowed me … Continue reading A letter to Seamus — “Son, daddy will be ok.”