Hey J my precious son, Since my first post about it, I'm getting both excited and nervous as I start planning our December staycay. Truth is, I've never in a million years thought I would be undertaking such an ambitious project -- to take us away for a father-son bonding retreat. Just us two. To … Continue reading Father-son bonding #2 — Rites of Passage
Tag: Spirituality Family Parenting
Parenting Motivations #5 — Our first family cell phone agreement
Son, congratulations on owning your first cell phone! You’ve proven yourself mature and responsible enough for us to entrust you with this modern-day device. Given that you have a new cell phone in your hands now, courtesy of your mom and me, we obviously trust you to make good decisions. So why are we making … Continue reading Parenting Motivations #5 — Our first family cell phone agreement
My Monday Metrical Musings #53
I Just Need A Moment (Violin Musing II) So this is how it feelsWhen a dream dies.A dream I never knewWas all mine.Had I knownI would have given it back.Returned it like a dog-eared library bookOr an old shoe to its rack. But we strolled into this dream togetherDidn't we?We didn't force feed or threaten … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #53
My Violin Virtuoso — From Verve to Vitriol
Dear J my precious boy First off, I'm sorry. I had no idea you felt so much vitriol now for the violin. Recently, when we broached the topic of you returning to violin lessons after a long break (to prepare for your PSLE), your almost knee-jerk reaction and rejection of the idea threw your mom … Continue reading My Violin Virtuoso — From Verve to Vitriol
My Monday Metrical Musings #52
Please son, won't you play? (Violin Musing I) What does it feel likeWhen a dream looks likeIt's about to die? When something so gloriousYet deemed by him a weary taskIs about to disappearLike a puff of smokeNever again to pass? I'm not ready to give up this fightYet I can sense this fight is onThe … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #52
Father-son bonding #1 — “Now that exams are done, …”
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, …”
“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
Guest Post 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 Guest Post 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!