Old‑School Wheels to New‑Family Dreams
From Road Trips to Parenting Hops
After cruising through the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia—settling in places like Cambodia and Nepal on their trusty bikes—married pair Nurasikin Ashari (42) and Mohamad Fairus Jaafar (44) decided it’s time for a different kind of adventure.
What’s the Plan?
- Swap the handlebars for bedtime stories.
- Add a new member to the crew (but not the biker gang).
- Take on the role of fostering a four‑year‑old, turning their life into a family passion map.
Why the Big Shift?
These two trailblazers wanted to “slow down the petrol rush” and instead fuel their days with love, laughter, and a little chaos—the kind that only toddlers can deliver. With their years of road‑ready resilience, they’re ready to tackle the wild stallions of kindergarten and early childhood.
Feeling the Vibe
It’s more than a simple lifestyle change; it’s a heart‑filled, thrill‑wrapped journey that blends the spirit of exploration with the joy of bringing up the next generation. Expect plenty of jokes about “replacing helmets with bibs,” and a whole new set of “toughest rides” that revolve around sticky fingers and tiny shoes.
Foster parenting in Singapore: Couple in their 40s share their experience
Nurasikin & Fairus: From Bike Buffs to Toddler Caretakers
Before they became foster parents, this Singapore duo was all about the roar of revving engines. They’d burn through the city on motorcycles, hopping on trips three times every year—usually lasting between a week and a month. That was the summertime routine that kept them out on the road.
One Winter’s Change
- January 2020: A four‑year‑old bursts into their home, forever altering their lives.
- Fairus says it felt like everything hit pause and then rewound to a whole new rhythm.
- Both say they had to tweak their schedules, swapping in little “toddler‑time” moments.
- They even took turns picking up her from daycare after work.
Balancing Work, Bikes, & Baby Moments
Despite feeling the nerves that come with a new, cuddly responsibility, the couple is determined to shower her with boundless love and attention. They describe themselves as “genuinely invested” in watching the little one grow—talk about parenting upgrades!
In a Nutshell
Old road‑trip plans? Gone. Now the real adventure is playing tag, reading bedtime stories, and figuring out which cereal is the healthiest.
What prompted them to become foster parents
Fostering a Family: Their Singapore Journey
Four Decision‑Making Years
The dynamic duo spent five years muscling through the “Will we dive into foster parenting or not?” dilemma. Spoiler alert: they finally said yes.
Legacy in the Family
- Nurasikin grew up with foster parents, so the whole idea felt like a comfy family tradition.
- Her siblings and cousins in Singapore are already hands‑on foster carers, making the world a little smaller.
Inspiration, Outreach & New Friends
The magic of seeing a cousin’s “life‑changing” work sparked a big ‘aha!’ moment for Nurasikin and her husband Fairus. They hit the road—well, the overseas trips—attending outreach events, meeting fellow foster parents, and finally figuring out that kids deserve the first seat.
Home‑Upgrading and Official Adoption
In 2019, the couple swapped their three‑room flat for a sizeable jumbo flat. The extra RAM (Room And Maturity Margin) gave them the space and courage to adopt the first foster child of their own. Now they’re happily forging a new family chapter, one adorable kid at a time.
The process of foster parenting in Singapore
Meet Nurasikin and Fairus: Two Superheroes in the Foster World
When Nurasikin and Fairus decided to open their hearts (and their house) to a little one, the journey began with a big “apply” button at the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). They filled out the paperwork, hoped for the best, and waited for the assessment—pretty much like matchmaking but with a social mission twist.
Training Time: Turning Ordinary Parents into Foster‑Guru™
The Social Service Institute stepped in with a training course designed to equip future foster parents with the skills needed to care for kids who, like rockets, have complex needs. Picture this: a blend of psychology, patience, and the art of “child‑parent bonding hacks.” From handling tantrums to understanding the emotional baggage that often follows a child’s journey, the course was all about turning them into caring wizards.
Fast Forward: The Moment of Destiny
- The National Foster Matchmaking Engine gave them the green light—just when their preferences aligned with a four‑year‑old bundle of joy.
- When the match was made, the couple received a full briefing package—including the child’s background, likes, dislikes, and the little stuff that will make caregiving real-life.
- And that’s when the adventure officially started. The couple found not just a child, but a new chapter in their lives.
Why This Matters: A Heartbeat of Change
Every time a match is made, it’s more than a number—it’s a chance for a child to find comfort, for a family to grow, and for society to get a step closer to the dream of compassionate care. Nurasikin and Fairus show us that with the right training and a little faith, ordinary people can become extraordinary guardians.
Welcoming their foster child to her brand new home
Welcome to the Home of a New Toddler
When the tiniest bundle of joy arrived, their mission was instant: make that little one feel safe and snug right in their own bedroom. They gave her a grand tour, pointing out every comfy corner she could use—chairs, blankets, and even the best spot for her mini‑playset.
Creating a Safe Haven
The couple emphasized that she had her own little world to play, rest, and chill out. Their hope? That the toddler would float with a sense of security and belonging that springs from being right at home.
- Showed her the new room—the “walking zoo” of toys and cushions.
- Made sure she knew where to stash her favorite stuffed animal.
- Encouraged her to take naps in the cozy nook that smells like vanilla.
Everything Went Smooth
They’re thrilled to say the transition was a walk in the park. The little explorer turned out to be super friendly and full of energy, which was a perfect match for the adventurous duo of Nurasikin and Fairus.
What the Foster Dad Thinks
Fairus shares, “Every child brings their own set of quirks—some good, some… let’s say, not so great. That means we have to maintain an open mind.”
He adds, “Kids come from all sorts of backgrounds, with different family values. So yeah, there will be bumps. We just have to keep learning about each other and help the little one adjust to our new environment.”
Supporting the toddler through her developmental milestones
How a Mom’s Simple Reading Ritual Turned a Toddler into a Classroom Champion
When Nurasikin and her spouse welcomed their foster daughter into the family, they had spreadsheets of developmental milestones on their lips—motor skills, babbling, picture books. They wanted the little girl not only to sing the ABCs but to actually recognize the letters.
Why the Blues Hit Early
- She could belt out the alphabet tune like a champ.
- But when it came down to pointing at and naming each letter, her tongue was suddenly baffled.
- It was a classic “I can sing the ABCs but I can’t spell them” moment that raised eyebrows.
The Turning Point
Instead of sighing into a pillow, the duo did what even a seasoned mom would do: they called the social worker and booked an appointment with a child development specialist. The tiny doctor scribbled a plan: read, read, read—every free minute that could be carved out.
Reading Furiously, Like a Classroom Prodigy
- Each evening, the father—armed with a bedtime story and a grin—read the same book back to back.
- Hours of gentle conversation and question-and-answer sessions encouraged the child to look up the alphabet, pause, and say her name aloud.
- Slowly but surely, a shy toddler’s eyes started to focus deliberately on letters, not just the tune.
The Beatles‑Like Breakout
Four months later, the foster girl broke the school record for reading.
She even asked her mom, “Mama, don’t worry— I can read!” in the most adorable, confident voice. The mom couldn’t help but cry—tears that were more grateful than anything else.
Mom’s Memorable Moment
“We didn’t start with any grand plans. We simply wanted her to grow at her own pace. When we gave her a supportive environment and some serious attention, she blossomed into someone truly wonderful.”
Lesson for All
Sometimes the magic trick isn’t a fancy gadget—just a steady stream of stories, laughter, and patient love. When we pick up a book and read to the little ones, we’re not just building future readers; we’re nurturing sparkly minds ready to take on the world—or at least the ABCs.
The ‘rewarding feeling’ of foster parenting in Singapore
Foster Family Finds Joy in “Temporary” Care
Ever wonder what it feels like to call a foster baby “Mama” and “Papa” after just a touch‑and‑go stint? Meet Fairus and his wife, who’ve turned a short‑term arrangement into a heart‑warming adventure while keeping the eyes on the bigger picture—reuniting the little one with her biological family.
Balancing Love and Long‑Term Hope
- Foster Fun: The toddler doesn’t stay long, but she’s already snugly tucked into the couple’s home and ringing their names over the hallway.
- Future Focus: Their mission? Not to replace her past but to give her the care and guidance that will help her return to her own parents smoothly.
Covid‑Wrapped Hobbies and Family Time
The pandemic, oddly enough, has meant more togetherness. With work-from-home all the while, the family brewed up their own mini‑vacation tours:
- Delhi? Nope—Singapore Zoo!
- Netflix? No, Sentosa’s boardwalk.
- Road trip? Pulau Ubin’s quiet lanes.
“Seeing the kid’s behavior improve, the way she’s learning… it’s like watching a plant sprout with each sunrise,” Fairus remarked, eyes shining.
Heart‑felt Words from the Hearts Behind the Home
Fairus’ Wife: “It’s just temporary g.—but we’re planting seeds that will grow no matter where she ends up. Kindness, respect, good manners—those are the gifts we want to remain with her.”
Her Call to the world: “We’re brimming with love. If life opens a space for you, bring a child into the hug.”
A Chapter From “TheAsianparent”
Published with love and seasoned with a dash of family wisdom, this feature reminds us that even short‑term foster care can bloom into lifelong lessons.
