Parenthood and dreams

No one could deny that every parent has a dream for their child. As I look around the young mums and dads around me and the stories they proudly tell of their children, I start to wonder the types of dream they hold. And I ask myself, what is my dream for Eliza and my family?

I believe most of the parents in Singapore are following closely to the upcoming news from the government on its new policies to boost birth rates. Some parents have taken the bold steps to voice their frustrations or joys of parenting in Singapore. And we've heard so many comments on Singapore being a competitive country and all the external factors that hinder one to start a family.

I think sometimes the real reason of having a child is intimately linked to one's dream for the child. If the child plays a role to fulfill some unmet needs, then the child could be moulded into someone that the parent dreams of becoming. For example, if a parent believes the child should become a very successful or accomplished person in life (by Singapore's meritocracy standards),then one could be choosing to run the rat race with many other parents.

Sometimes I wonder if I belong to the above group of parents. Subconsciously, it is a great temptation. Very often, I have to remind myself that I'm in no position to "force"Eliza to read a book or watch an educational DVD if she chooses to play with empty tissue boxes and cut-out papers instead.

So what is my dream for my child? I'll love to see her living her life as what God has willed her to be. That's the reason for her name "Song Qin". "Song" as in pine which means resilence in all life circumstances and "song" is to stay joyous and make music in her heart to the Lord in all situations. And my role is in facilitating the process of helping her discover the wonderful role she's called to fulfill and find joy in service. Perhaps that defines my dream for her.