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
One of the things I often hear the older generation tell me is that parenting courses or workshops were non-existent during their time. Instead they just 'learn on the job'. "See, we got through without attending a single parenting course. Yet you young whippersnappers turned out okay no? So why bother attending any?" Actually, I … Continue reading What I learned from parenting workshops #1 — Stages of psychosocial development
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”?
A recent incident reminded me that only a fellow stay home dad can truly understand another. One minute a fellow stay home dad and I were catching up over a cuppa to share our respective journeys minding our kids at home. The next minute I was bawling right there in front of my bewildered friend! … Continue reading How one fellow stay home dad emancipated me!
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
The winds have been kinda weird this past week. Blowing beautifully one morning, then disappearing altogether the next. Leaving the air dead still, and me sweltering in this island nation's unrelenting year-round humidity. In a way, it mirrors the world we now live in; news constantly swinging between good and bad, true and false, hope … Continue reading War lesson #1 (of 2) for my sons: Ground convictions in proper research
Ever get this niggling feeling at the back of your mind? Like there's something you need to do or ponder? Maybe it's a message you keep putting off writing cos you don't know what to say or what it's all about? Or you feel it's still too soon to say it, yet it keeps bugging … Continue reading Parenting in reverse #1: my “discomfort” with mom
Hey Sons! Happy New Year! Hopefully 2022 is going to be the year we see Covid become an endemic disease everywhere. More like the common cold rather than the never-ending pandemic it is now. But more importantly, this will be one major milestone year for you both. Not only are you approaching "teen-dom" , you're … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #8 — New school, new beginnings
Happy New Year! Here's hoping you're looking forward to the next 12 months of 2022. I know I am. But not for the usual reasons. Like a new birth, job, wedding or anniversary. For me, it's about...new textbooks! YES siree...I geek on textbooks! Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Ever since I was a kid, I've … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #7: Best part of a new year? New textbooks!
Hey J Congrats on completing your Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) this year! You're all set to start the new year of 2022 in the next phase of your educational journey in a secondary school of your choice. As your parents, we’re as over the moon as you are, but not for the usual reasons … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #6 — Choose LIFE, not PSLE!
