Successful kids

Yesterday was the last day of schooling for this year. Alexander has progressed successfully from Primary 3A to Primary 4A next year. But there are 4 other classmates of his who didn't make the cut to 4A.

I personally don't think these four students are "worse" than the rest of their classmates, provided they were all working to their full potential. They may have talents in areas other than academics - sports, the arts, etc.

The dictionary defines success as "attaining wealth, fame or prosperity." My definition and wish for my child is to be a joyful and confident person who makes wise choices; to think and act morally.

Single parenthood

"I am tired, my child is demanding and at times I feel I need love myself," a single mum said as a matter of factly.

The hospitality industry is stewn with single parents. Perhaps is the time-consuming demands of the job. Perhaps it's the amount of travel time. Perhaps it's the high ratio of people contacts.

Some single parent family were created by divorce, some by death of a spouse. Some parents have never married.

I have been hearing heroic stories from my friends who are single mums/dads of trying to meet the needs of their children, while at the same time maintaining a career and personal life. Stories of the time pressures and economic demands. Stories of the loneliness and exhaustion of having to do everything on their own.

We are fortunate. We have two parents giving love to our child. Others, who are not so fortunate, is a single mother or father who is wounded and lonely and pressured. And I salute them.

Childhood memories

"I woke up the Christmas morning when I was 6 and found a present on the head board of the bed," I related to my son. "Santa left that for you last night, my mum said."

These childhood memories of mine were't alway momentous happenings; they might even sound rather mundane to the outside world.

As a parent now, I have learned from these previous examples. They have inspired me to take time to enjoy my kid, to discover and put into practice simple rituals and traditions that will give him the message : you are a source of delight to your parents. You are fun to be with, interesting and lovable.

MAS or MAD? Monetary Authority of Dad

I spent some time last Sunday playing Monopoly with my boy.

I, like most parents, want to program my offspring to surpass my own meagre accomplishments in life and to build large personal fortunes. I am pleased to report that ACE's interest in financial matters has ebbed and flowed over the years.

What my son knows about money, he learned from the board game: Monopoly.

He's understands, he can't get rich and win the game by just passing "GO". That's like getting a fixed salary every month. The key to wealth and win is to buy more green houses and when the time is right, turn them into red hotels (or condominium, apartments, etc)

For that, he has to study hard, get a good job, work for the money...and then make the money work for him.

Make time

World Travel Market starts today. I am not in London attending WTM because of a company travel freeze.

10 years ago, my travel schedule was so hectic but I scaled it all down. I have a demanding career (I justified to myself), so I used my weekends or holidays to get immersed in my child.

Listen closely - for parents this is the most important line in this posting: If you routinely work 75 to 80 hour a week, including travel times, you just won't cut it as a parent. You need to get home in time to play, laugh, teach and tickle your child.

This is the bottom line: make time

Childhood revisited

Jol is expecting her 1st child. My cousin is looking forward to the arrival of his fourth.

When people have kids, they seem to change overnight. I know I did.

The reason is not surprising - we were once children too. And our childhood left many potholes. Now our children are travelling the same road, those potholes, long forgotten, are a problem once again.

Revisiting our childhood is like medicine. It doesn't taste good, but it's good for us.

Raising Alexander started me on a personal journey - that is exciting and scary. It amounts to an overhaul of my personality. Actually, my child grew me up.

Parenthood - a calling

"I made a big sacrifice," Serene said over a donut this morning. "I quit my job for my children. What is the point of being successful if my daughter failed."

Our role as parents - the way I see it - is the highest and noblest calling in life we will ever have. But it takes much more than love and good intentions because we are not the only influence in our child's life.

IT and connectivity has completely changed the childhood landscape from mine to my son's.

My friend Mr Chai imposes home schooling for his kids to shield them completely from all the negativity and temptations in today's world. I can't do that and I don't think anybody else can either.

I merely try to create deep, meaningful and positive experiences, values and beliefs for my boy.