Although money can be donated, your time is also valuable. This has to be inculcated; you can’t tell your kids what to do!”
Johnson is a volunteer who runs baking sessions for single-parent families in our SPIN programme, and has baked mouth-watering goodies such as Lunar New Year cookies, yam cake, and pineapple tarts!
“My baking sessions are a way for parents to bond with their kids. During the first session, it took a long time for everyone to bake their cookies as there was only one oven. So I donated another oven, and the second session went a lot faster!
At home, I bake and cook for my family. Dinner is always a family affair and it’s a joy to bake something that the family appreciates. I have to do the dishes, which isn’t so pleasant, but that’s ok. My son gets inspired by me sometimes and he comes up with his own recipes too.
It’s a joy to watch my kids grow up. I had to slowly transition from being a father to a friend and treat them as individuals instead of kids – it may be difficult but it’s necessary. I quit my job for two years when I was at the peak of my career, but it was worth it. Money cannot buy these things.
I would tell my children: if you can spare the time and energy, there are people out there who need your help no matter how little. Although money can be donated, your time is also valuable. This has to be inculcated; you can’t tell your kids what to do!”
