What I am reflecting?
Parenting became one of the topics that truly interested me after I had my first child. I’ve always strived for perfection—to become the ideal good dad.
What does that mean? It evolved as I became a father to my children. I remember there was a time I confessed to my son that I felt like a lousy dad.
I said, “Do you know why you’re the one who got scolded and beaten the most by me? I guess you must be angry with me. I’m sorry I wasn’t a good dad. I want to thank you for being my teacher—for teaching me how to be a better father.”
I continued, “Because of you, your sisters didn’t have to go through what you did. I’ve become better because of you. Thank you.”
True story. I said that to him. I’m not sure if he remembers, but maybe one day, when he reads this post, it will come back to him.
What I’ve come to reflect on is this: while I wanted to learn about Parenting, what the relationship truly called for was Partnering.
Because the truth is—it takes both sides to live harmoniously. Just because I do something doesn’t mean he likes it, and vice versa.
That’s why we need to partner—communicate, give feedback, reflect, and course-correct—as we live this life together.
This also applies even more with my wife. It’s about partnering with her. And partnering with my children to co-create this amazing life journey.
To you who are reading this—I want to thank you, too, for partnering with me, for your feedback, and for helping me become a better version of myself.
And a shoutout to my parenting mentors—thank you for your time and advice when I was just starting out, a complete beginner in this journey.
So, what do you think—should you think more about partnering than parenting?
Quote I’m pondering
If I make THIS MOMENT happy, it will increase my chance of having the next moment happy also.
Affirmation I used
What the mind can conceive and believe. The mind can achieve.