Parenting motivations #15 — how can my sons mature faster?

young men in casual t shirts

Looking back, one of my regrets in life is that I didn't mature faster. If I did, perhaps I could have gotten more done before I turned 50 two years ago. So what brought on this sudden sob story you ask? For one, a lifetime of wondering what if I could have turned back the … Continue reading Parenting motivations #15 — how can my sons mature faster?

Parenting Motivations #14 — Am I still a stay-at-home dad? (Part 2)

brown home printed rug beside door

It's official. Since my last post on this, I've decided: I shall not call myself a "stay-at-home dad" anymore! In fact, technically speaking, I probably couldn't from the very start when I stepped away from a full-time career in 2018. While I had several weeks and months without any work or income thereafter, I did … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #14 — Am I still a stay-at-home dad? (Part 2)

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”!

My Monday Metrical Musings #78

low angle shot of a child held by woman and man on on each hand walking on an unpaved pathway outdoors

Don't stop walking I see youI doI hope you can knowSomedayThat I felt your daddy's heartacheAs he led you firmly by the handWalking nondescript down the laneHoping no one sees you twoHoping if not to endThen to at least fadeOut of sight Out of mindFrom prying eyes and furtive stares You looked miserable in your … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #78

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

A plea for caregiving fathers of special needs kids

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads

[An edited version of this post first appeared here] "No Lord! Not again! This can't be happening..." These words blazed across my brain like a lightning bolt out of the blue. Last Friday, the bodies of twin boys were recovered in a canal not far from a park and playground. (At the time of this … Continue reading A plea for caregiving fathers of special needs kids

Daily living with autism #2: Surmounting milestones

letters and clouds cutouts on a white paper

When parenting a boy with disability, one constant concern is this: will he clear age-appropriate milestones in time? I'm no different. With my autistic son, it's always at the back of my mind, this fear he won't mature in time to enjoy what his neuro-typical peers take for granted. These could be things like confidently … Continue reading Daily living with autism #2: Surmounting milestones

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