Hey J my precious son, First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS! After six long years of primary school education, you're finally done with that Holy Grail of a gruelling national examination (the PSLE or Primary School Leaving Examinations). That which forever decides which secondary school you'll go to next year. Of course it's only the first of … Continue reading Father-son bonding #1 — “Now that exams are done, …”
Tag: Spirituality Family Parenting
“Tomorrow I’ll miss you” — my son’s last Children’s Day
The shrill delight in my youngest son's loud declaration reverberated across our home yesterday morning. C was emphatically reminding us that it was Children's Day in my land. Yet for some nebulous cosmic reason, what actually came to my mind when I heard him was a voice from another land instead. Or should I say, … Continue reading “Tomorrow I’ll miss you” — my son’s last Children’s Day
On Children’s Day: Another stay home dad’s musings
I'm so pleased today to introduce a fellow stay home dad and his musings on Children's Day 2021 (celebrated today in my country). This is also my blog's very first guest post on parenting! Woo-hoo!! (For more in my blog on parenting, click here) Cliff Tam's a friend I got to know in June this … Continue reading On Children’s Day: Another stay home dad’s musings
Mental Wellbeing #2 of 2: Parents, listen without prejudice!
Last week I wrote about the unfortunate, ongoing trend of parents who don't listen to their kids, invariably leading many of them into depression. Or worse. Today, I want to share some practical strategies to help parents, should mental health issues ever surface in our children. It'll also be my way to archive valuable info … Continue reading Mental Wellbeing #2 of 2: Parents, listen without prejudice!
Mental Wellbeing #1 of 2: Parents, we must listen. Now!
Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day. It takes place every year on September 10. Three days ago, I posted about one possible emerging trend related to suicide. One that, if not addressed, might make matters worse for grown men everywhere (feel free to check it out here if you've yet to). Today I want to … Continue reading Mental Wellbeing #1 of 2: Parents, we must listen. Now!
Parenting Motivations #4 – Sibling Solidarity
Source: Writer's Photo Album (August 2021) One thing that warms the heart of any parent is the opportunity to watch their children happily playing with each other. For me, it's a combination of joy as well as relief. Of late, the latter mostly, because that means I can finally take a break! Sigh...caring for C … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #4 – Sibling Solidarity
A “council of wise men” for my sons?
Ever since Avengers Endgame, I've taken to telling my sons each night before bedtime that I love them "3,000". Those who watched the film will know what I mean. {For those who didn't, stay with me til the end of this post and I'll tell you.} Since they were babies, I've always tucked my boys … Continue reading A “council of wise men” for my sons?
A Tragic Musing – More than words can say
[With permission granted to Salt&Light, a version of this post titled "Tragedy and grief in our schools, but the language of friendship speaks healing and hope" also appeared on 27 July 2021 here] Usually, I alternate my Saturday blogs strictly between the topics of autism and parenting. But this has been a week like no … Continue reading A Tragic Musing – More than words can say
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
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