Parenting on Purpose

I never quite understood Father’s Day. I know it’s supposed to be a day to celebrate fathers and their role in the family; how a father works hard and unceasingly to bring back the bacon; how he bears with the stress and challenges at work; and how in spite of his tiredness each day, he is still able to spend time with his kids. I never understood Father’s Day because I grew up without a father in the home. Fathers are meant to protect and keep their children safe. But what happens if your father was never around to keep you safe? While other kids would long for their fathers to come home each day to play with them, I remember that as a child my only wish was for my dad to return to my family and never leave again. But of course, this was an impossible wish, given my parents’ separation and eventual divorce during my childhood years. As a counsellor, I know this is a wish shared by many of my clients – all they want is for a complete and secure family once again. And what ...

The complete travels of the Lim Family (August to September 2018) Our epic adventure in America had come to an end. But our journey was not yet over. It was a relatively peaceful flight to Heathrow Airport in London, where we broke journey after the first leg of our long journey home. To the surprise of the boys, they were greeted by their Nai Nai and Ye Ye, who were waiting for us at the airport. It was then off for a delicious lunch at a traditional English pub followed by a whirlwind walk through the streets of Windsor. From there it was a short walk to Windsor Castle, originally built in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror. Arrival at Heathrow Airport, London. So thankful to Nai Nai, who took us on a London adventure, failing which we would have spent 9 hours in the airport. The boys were so happy to meet their Ye Ye and Nai Nai, and to spend a couple of hours with them in London. An enjoyable meal in a traditional English pub. A cool drink after ...

Enjoying our last sunset in America, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D. C. After a day of bad transport planning and a rather harrowing (not to mention tiring) experience walking from one Metro station to another, we  resolved to be more purposeful in our planning, and managed to figure out our transport arrangements better with the Spot Hero Parking App. This not only allowed us to find a good parking spot in the city, but also saved us time travelling on the Metro and from hours of aimless walking. We realised this actually helped to save us both time and money in our wanderings about the US Capital! National Building Museum Our 8yo is extremely interested in architecture, and we thought that a visit to the National Building Museum would be a treat for him. It was indeed a most interesting experience! One of our most interesting stops was the National Building Museum. This is where we learnt many new architectural, design and building-related concept...

On Wednesday night, we found our pet praying mantis lying still, in its cage. It had died, and my younger son and I particularly grieved the loss of our new pet. Then I dropped a bottle of medicine and cut myself while picking up the shards of glass. The visual reminder triggered by the crimson fluid brought to mind that Good Friday was approaching. His blood shed for us by His death on the Cross. Thursday morning, we met with the relevant case managers and were told that the time had come for our baby girl to return to her birth family. This is the baby we have known since she was 2-months-old. She turns 1-year-old next month. We have fought hard for her in the times we felt that others were not doing so; we have played, fed, comforted, giggled with, sang to, bathed, and done all the things parents would do for a young child. We have seen her through the many adjustments and sleepless nights she has had to make in being shuttled from one caregiver to another. During her ...

After 3 hours of driving, we arrived at our final destination for the trip, the capital city of Washington D.C. We were all ready to explore one of the major highlights of the city - the Smithsonian Institution, which in DC alone comprises 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. Entrance to the Institution is free, and we learnt this was because of a generous donation almost 200 years ago by British scientist, James Smithson, who donated his entire estate to create an establishment for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge among men". An amazing collection of natural treasures await us at the Smithsonian. Pictured here is a dinosaur exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History. National Museum of Natural History We left early the next morning. We were so thrilled to be in DC, especially after enjoying a sunset view of the Washington Monument at the horizon the previous day. However, we didn’t realise just how overwhelming the city can be, after almost four weeks in th...