Father’s Day falls on 20 June 2021. For most Singapore dads, the celebration is poignant and often reflective due to the pandemic, as they spent the past 1.5 years being mostly at home with their children than being outdoors, travelling or working in the office.
In his book, Life Without Father (1996), Dr David Popenoe, Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University and Co-Director of the National Marriage Project, said: “Fathers are far more than just “second adults” in the home. Involved fathers – especially biological fathers – bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring. They provide protection and economic support and male role models. They have a parenting style that is significantly different from that of a mother and that difference is important in healthy child development.”
In celebration of Father’s Day, 99.co spoke to eleven Singaporean dads to find out their hopes in the sort of homes they want their children to grow up in.
Home as a place to cultivate imagination and dreams
“As a father, my sons are my legacy. As a parent, I want my sons to grow up pursuing their own life goals and impact the people around them. My wife and I believe that by cultivating their childhood with imagination, play and creativity, they will find their inner confidence and natural talents to fulfil their dreams.”
Cedric Lee (lives in North-Eastern Singapore)
Home as a fortress of solitude, warmth and comfort during the pandemic
“As a dad, I want my kids to grow up in a loving home – a place where they know they can come back to, for warmth and comfort, even after they’ve left the nest. This pandemic has also further strengthened my wife’s and my resolve – to ensure that our home is a ‘fortress of solitude’ of sorts. With limited opportunities to get out and socialise, it is now critical to have a home that can be lived in for extended periods of time. Hence, our growing physical library has come in handy, our dining area – which doubles as the family meeting table; and our ultra-cushy living-entertainment room – have all served us well.”
Imran Johri (lives in Central Singapore)
Home as a place for his kids to recharge, rejuvenate and re-motivate themselves
“As a father, I like my children to grow up in a home where they see this as their safe haven, where they know they can seek shelter & help any time they have difficulties. The world beyond our doorstep can be harsh in many ways and it’s important for me to provide them with a home where they know they can recharge, rejuvenate & re-motivate themselves whenever they need to.”
Chuan Jer (lives in Eastern Singapore)
Home as a place for love and laughter
“The past 18 months have shown us all the importance of the home being the safest place in the world but more importantly it needs to be filled with love and laughter to truly be a complete home.”
Prakash Somosundram (lives in Boon Keng, Singapore)
Home as a place for honesty, forgiveness and safety
“An honest home – where we can share the good and bad of our day or week – even something as simple as a bus trip home. A forgiving home – where our foul-ups and mistakes will not be judged but forgiven as long as we admit and aim to become better from them. A safe home – where we can feel relaxed with our guard down, mentally unwind and just slow things down together as a family.”
Jackie Lee (lives in Queenstown, Singapore)
Home as a place to make memories
“Our home is for free expression, not (just) good impression. It is important for our home to be a place for children to make memories, and sometimes that means making a mess. But more importantly, a home needs to be where the hugs and laughter are so that when my children grow up and look back, they will remember these moments and do the same for their kids.”
Daren Tay (lives in Northern Singapore)
Home as a place to cherish forever
“As a father, I would love my children to grow up in a safe environment and create many memories which they can call Forever Home. When they know that our home is a safe place to keep our memories, they will cherish and take these memories with them when they eventually start their own families in the future.”
Santhosh Kurup (lives in Fernvale, Singapore)
Home as a harbour that provides love and support
“Our home is a harbour that always welcomes my children with love and support. Love and support give everyone in the family, including my wife and I, the confidence to face challenges and take risks in our endeavours. We want our children to know that these are the core of what our home stands for, so they know who and where they can turn to, in their times of need and comfort.”
Chi Hoe (lives in Central Singapore)
A home that is close to nature and full of natural light
“As a dad, a priority for my home should be one that has plenty of natural light, and is within easy reach of nature for my kids to grow up in – a relaxed and friendly neighbourhood, away from the bustling town and city centres.”
Vijay Anand (lives in the outskirts of Ang Mo Kio)
A home that exudes authenticity and kindness
“As a father, I want my kids to grow up in a home that exudes authenticity and kindness, a place that is filled with laughter and gratitude, and more importantly, a safe haven for open communications without judgement. As our children grow older, their knowledge of the world expands and they may experience life’s many challenges in many ways which are different from my wife’s and mine. But when they have a home that listens and cares, a foundation that’s stable and warm, they will be more willing to share these experiences with my wife and me, and together, we can face these different life experiences as a family.”
Jereme Wong (lives in the Southern part of Singapore)
Home as a space for creative pursuits and expressions
“My wife (who is Norwegian) and I place great emphasis on our home environment to be a space for creative pursuits and expressions for our kids. We hang up their paintings proudly throughout the house and encourage them to use their playtime in the act of creation – be it making silly games in Roblox or role-playing with their plushies. But as soon as the creative chaos is over – a constant reminder that there’s a place for everything, and everything in its place.”
Ismet Bachtiar (who currently resides in Tromsø, Norway)
99.co would like to thank all fathers for sending their photos and thoughts this Father’s Day to us. We wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day and appreciate the efforts you and your spouse have made in finding and providing a home for your family. Stay safe and enjoy your time with your loved ones.
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If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends 6 gifts to surprise your dad with this Father’s Day, and Where young families call home.
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