Today was the first day of Protected Time. You would have thought that I would feel exhilarated, but strangely, my heart feels a bit heavier than in term time. And this is not owing to the fact that I still need to come up with Term 3 Spelling list as well as mark the graduating class’s compositions.

Recent events — including the Parent Teacher Meeting and Excellence 2000 workshop — have impressed upon me the ginormous task it is to raise a child. I am now keenly aware that I would need to add physical writing of Chinese characters and inquiry-based activities onto my overflowing plate. I cannot simply ensure that he is engaged with KooBits and Ezhishi and flatter myself for doing a great job. There are other aspects that I cannot neglect.

I think the multifaceted, complicated nature of modern parenting has yet to be discussed satisfactorily in our national narrative. Why do people want to be child-free? The question should be: why would people want to risk being parents? I doubt my parents had it so tough.