My Good Girls

Father’s Day was just over the weekend and I received some homemade greeting cards.

Daughter 1 said “Happy Father’s Day daddy” before passing me a card which wasn’t placed in an envelope.

Daughter 2 said: “Na!” and plonked a card down on the bed. It was nicely wrapped in a blank A4 sheet. She walked out and came back one minute later holding something else in an envelope – a recycled OCBC one which was actually meant for credit card payments. She threw it at me with a warning before running off. Catch!

I didn’t see Son 1 as he was sick. And even then, I have a strong feeling that even if he was fine, I wouldn’t have received anything as my guess is he wasn’t aware it was Father’s Day. Sometimes he isn’t even aware what day of the week it is!

Finally, using the phone for the right reason.

Daughter 1 took the effort to do a collage for me. I think it was actually an excuse for her to play with her phone for an extended period of time – but oh well, that’s smart on several levels – nobody is going to scold you for making a nice e-card for your daddy right?

My girls are caring and considerate. I believe Amber’s roughness is actually her way of showing that she is comfortable and open with me. I hope they continue to be that way in how they relate to us in their daily lives, even as they grow into teen and adulthood. Knowing that we’ve raised children who can reciprocate love, care and gentleness back to us is truly one of the gifts of parenthood.

Nigel, on the other hand, is more concerned with self-preservation. As a rational creature, this makes sense. In our DNA, the fight for survival and personal development is key – and I think he’s reached that stage where his independence has taken over and everything is all about himself. Hopefully there is a stage after that where he realises the need for family and community is just as important, if not more critical for one’s success in life.