TELL OUR CHILDREN THAT WE LOVE THEM

A study of high schoolers shows how important it is to tell our children we love them daily. After the counsellors had worked long enough to establish a good relationship with ten students who were facing problems in their lives, the students were asked how long it had been since their parents told them they loved them. Not a single one could remember having heard such a comment, if ever, or for a long, long time.

By contrast, ten of the best-adjusted teens interviewed answered the question quickly: "This morning", or "Last night", assured of their parents' love enveloping them.

In the busy-ness of our hectic life-pace, coping with job, family, church, recreation, educating the kids, striving for academic and sports excellence, running from enhancement class to class, pushing the kids to make every minute count.... we are often very stingy with or have no time to tell our children we love them, accompanied with a big hug and a rub on fat tummies, smell their heads, or tickle their fat cheeks, which are ever ready to give us big big grins, and laugh along with them.

We have no time to listen to the concerns, joys and hurts of young hearts because we are running on a daily agenda which must be completed. "Keep quiet, too noisy., don't talk too much. I'm very tired" stifle the effervescence and exuberance of happy hearts, bursting to share their thoughts and moments with us. Let them express themselves, otherwise they will grow up to be reserved, unable to share, churning thoughts round and round in their own minds, and not able to relate with others comfortably, in a world of their own and scheming in their own minds. Scary will be the ways when they express themselves.

Yes, we must certainly not neglect to discipline and talk sense firmly and clearly to teach our children. But in-between all the scolding, nudging, and use of harsh words on them, there must be soft, tender moments, bursts of laughter, which will warm the hearts of and bond parents and children in a loving, caring and communicative "open door" relationship for life.

"I love you"... 3 simple words from the heart, timely expressed, keeps everyone going....
Parents to Children,

and behold, Children to Parents, and not forgetting, Husband to Wife; and Wife To Husbandl!

Jon at Gaama Office

Ruffling up gaamapa's bed is the kids' specialty!

Jon walked in with bunch of keys dangling from chain in pocket.... like a rich businessman. takes locking up quite seriously and with responsibility. "I have to lock up carefully, no one in house, helper overseas. Dont want anyone to steal our things", he declared. Waited for us at pickup point, neatly dressed. Aircon not working in car. Gaama's glam hair ruffled by wind.Reminded Jon of the parameters of expectations of conduct and meal etiquette when he is with gaama in office. Duly noted and acknowledged by Jon. Friendly and related with staff well. He got down to work quickly to work from printing room but had fun with the boys in my office, enticing him to eat mooncakes, etc. Jon polished off mooncakes plus yolk happily. Accompanied aunty Elsie to help buy lunch for all. Cheerful and hungry. Requested for and enjoyed his favourite fried batang with black sauce. Chose his own veg [cabbage, no greens] and taukwa. Helped Rev Simon with good portion of saltfish fried rice with taugeh and chicken chop, central dish. Towards end of meal, Jon struggled to swallow his veg which he knew he had to. Drowning himself with sips of water from his bottle. Gaama confiscated his water bottle so he would not be flushing veg down with tons of water. Last to finish, due to veg. Left alone to finish meal. Gaama uncovered some veg buried under rice and promptly dug up for Jon to finish. "Ooops, I didnt see the veg". Smart fella, like his gaapa. I take Jon's word for it. All finally accomplished. Jon cleared and wiped table, stacked chairs. We both enjoyed a good cuppa. Finished work mid afternoon, took a book and requested to read at long table beside my desk, in open office. Had yew teow for tea. Jon enjoyed the company here and the staff love to pamper him with lots of food, unhealthy food. Jon grinning ear to ear. Gaapa coming to fetch us home soon, air-con in car repaired. Hurray!

Let's picnic again

We love it at the beach!

Remember our picnic at East Coast Park. The rain held up for us during dinner, and we had to run for it. Let's do it again! it is fun, fun.