My previous
reflection on Work and Family (2 November 2011) focuses on constant juggling between
parenting, teaching and leadership in which each informs me of the other, and
each also strengthens the other. My main challenge highlighted then is to
maintain this attitude that each of the three facets (parenting, teaching and
leadership) complements each other with my growing roles and responsibilities. Below
is an example of how parenting informs me of how values can conflict with habits.
During school
days, I will normally do my work during weekdays and always make it a point to go
out with my family every weekend, often for a walk or bike ride in the park or to
do some shopping or having a meal to build better relationship with them. This
school holiday, having spent much time out-doors with my family during the
weekdays, we decided to stay at home for the weekends. Inevitably, my younger
child would try to get me to play ball with him. Habitually, I will respond, “Well,
where do you want to go to play ball?”
On hearing that,
he will respond, “nowhere!” and goes off to play “in-door” ball with his
brother. He didn’t get to play rolling soft-ball and have fun rolling them with
me at home.
After that
incident, I decided to change my response. No matter when it is, whether it is outdoor
or at home, there are many choices of play activities for the family. What was
important is that these played activities choices are fun and enjoyable for the
family. Otherwise, I will not having any good memories of “playing roll ball”
with my younger kid!
No comments:
Post a Comment