How I nurture my kids (part 1)

This is my eldest daughter, Joey, 22 this year.

She has always been a diligent and obedient girl since young —

a girl full of compassion and grace.

She’s very sensitive. Sometimes easily overwhelmed by emotions,

and she cries over the slightest thing —

even a sad Disney scene or a storybook ending can make her tear up.

But I never saw that as weakness.

I saw it as her strength — a heart that feels deeply.

I believe one day, that kind of compassion will make her a person who truly contributes to society.

I still remember her first day of nursery when she was four.

Most kids were crying for their parents when class started.

But my girl cried when school ended —

because she didn’t want to go home! 😅

She has always loved community life, teachers, and friends.

When she was seven, her co-curriculum teacher spotted her talent in gymnastics.

She was later selected for the national team.

From then, life changed.

She was training 4 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As a mother, my first instinct was, “That’s too tough for a 7-year-old.”

But I always checked with her,

“Do you still like it? Do you still want to do this?”

And she always said yes.

So I supported her all the way.

Every day after school, she would rush for training,

change and eat in the car, then train till evening.

After that, home, shower, dinner, and then homework till bedtime.

When she grew older, her schoolwork got heavier.

She often had to sacrifice her rest to finish her assignments.

But never once did she say she wanted to quit.

In fact, she worked even harder on her studies —

thinking that if she did well in school,

I’d let her continue with gymnastics.

I have never demanded good results or scolded for bad ones.

But somehow, many parents (and society) make our kids feel

that if they don’t do well in school,

they can’t chase their dreams.

I didn’t want that for my children.

Instead, I supported her passion —

making sure she rested and ate well.

There were nights she hadn’t finished homework,

and I’d tell her, “Just go to bed.”

But sometimes, she chose to stay up out of responsibility.

The next day, when she felt tired,

I’d gently remind her — “See, this is what happens when you don’t rest enough.”

So she learned to weigh her own decisions.

That’s how I guided her — not by control, but through reflection.

Still, we must remember — they’re just children.

Our role as parents is to guide them, not just let them figure out everything alone.

When she was 12, I made a hard decision —

to withdraw her from the national team.

She was devastated.

But after I explained the pros and cons,

she understood and agreed.

Today, Joey tells me,

“Mom, I’m glad I stopped gymnastics. No regrets.”

That was comforting to hear —

because every decision we make with our kids

can shape the rest of their lives.

Today, Joey is in her 3rd year studying Computer Science at NUS.

Her gymnastics journey may have ended,

but it built her discipline, resilience, and maturity beyond her age.

💛 Parent Reflection:

Parenting is never easy.

We guide, we adjust, we pray, and we let go at the right time.

Our kids don’t need perfect parents —

they need parents who walk the journey with them.

📖 Proverbs 22:6 —

“Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”