A community of non-traditional fathers

people forming round by shoes

Tomorrow is Father's Day and I wanted to take this time to acknowledge a special group of fathers I got to know since April this year. These wonderful gentlemen have given me new hope that maybe, even at this stage of my now five-year-journey as a stay home dad, it's still not too late to … Continue reading A community of non-traditional fathers

Fathering “softer” #1 — “being” not “doing”

man carrying baby drawing their foreheads

Two mornings ago, my wife and I sent C -- our youngest with autism -- to a three-day church camp. He was kicking and screaming in protest as usual. It's what he does every time there's a change in routine. After a while, I too felt like kicking and screaming, as my wife and I … Continue reading Fathering “softer” #1 — “being” not “doing”

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)

Parenting Motivations #13 — Of handphones and trust

agreement blur business close up

It was bound to happen I suppose. Just when I thought everything was cool and we have the best kid in the world, he goes and breaks the family rule on handphones. Despite having signed a contract for it too. And in so doing, break a trust. Talk about a reality check! For wilful defiance … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #13 — Of handphones and trust

In the blink of an eye, I’m 400!

close up of rolls of film on a wooden surface

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. And no, my blog title doesn't contain a typo. I really am 400 today! Or rather, this is now officially my 400th blog post! By sheer dogged perseverance, I've pushed myself hard to relentlessly churn one post after another since April 2019. My pace doubled in 2020 … Continue reading In the blink of an eye, I’m 400!

Parenting motivations #11 — Am I still a stay-at-home dad? (Part 1)

assorted color cap lot in shelf

All of us go about our days wearing different hats as we transit from one role to another. When at work, we’re the power executive in tailor-made Armani suits. After work we change into our Lululemon sports gear for that weekly HIIT workout. Then afterwards, we’re home in our Alex Mill PJs tucking our kids … Continue reading Parenting motivations #11 — Am I still a stay-at-home dad? (Part 1)

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