Connected

Love it or hate it, our child has her own definition of "parent-child connectedness." And if we don't accept that, nothing else would have worked either. Trust me.

When I took my wife and daughter for a boat trip followed by fine dining last Sunday - that's my wife's birthday - I thought it's quality time. To those who arrive at such a conclusion, I sound a cautionary note. My daughter rolled her eyes, "Mum, when can we play together?"

I rolled my eyes then too, with a slack-jawed expression of shock. "Hey, aren't we playing together the whole day?" Don't roll your eyes. Kids have their own way of calling quality time. My girl would have felt much more connected if we had pretend play at home.

Connection means unique activities that effectively form values in a child. As simple as watching YouTube videos (her pick, of course) during Sunday morning breakfast. My favorite part of connection this week is preparing gift for Mother's Day. Jasmine suggested writing cinquain for mum. I had no idea about this five-line poetry style created by Adelaide Crapsey. All Dutch to me.

"Okay then, let me show you how. Close the door please, in case mummy is peeping."

 That means a private poetry lesson given to a daddy who feels really connected.