Last year was a wild year.
2020: A Year of Unexpected Turns
It started with a quiet loss—my dad’s passing, a wound that opened my eyes to the fragility of life before the global headlines even broke.
America Inside Out
- Black Lives Matter marched across cities, turning streets into platforms for change.
- A historic presidential election unfolded, where every voice mattered.
- When the Capitol was stormed in early 2021, the world swallowed a collective gasp.
What It Feels Like for Us
Constantly, the news hit our living room—dragging heavy topics into conversation with my 4‑year‑old and almost‑6‑year‑old. Navigating these fits of grief and anger is tricky, yet we manage with a dose of humor and a baseline of honesty.
Singapore: Our Safe Sanctuary
Living abroad, vivid drama is a corner away in the Singaporean heat. My husband Christian and I pick and choose what we share, keeping the kids shielded from the worst of it—all while staying grounded.
Rooted in Reality
Back in the States, the hustle of face‑to‑face realities is intense. Year‑long conversations about tolerance, history, politics, and the world’s oscillating pulse become part of everyday life.
The virus
What Is Your Kid Thinking About Masks?
Yesterday’s “Did Mom Wear a Mask?” Question
My little one asked, “Did I need a mask as a baby?” – I can’t believe that’s what he’s forgetting these days. Apparently, half his day at nursery is missing that tiny gray track we all wore around the airport.
Understanding the Current Virus Scene
They’re just beginning to grasp how rough the virus situation is in the US. The scary news is still new to them, so they’re worried about their grandmothers at the very least. Naturally, the first line of defense that comes to mind is a face mask.
Vaccines & Safety at Home
- We’ve chatted about the vaccine and how it could keep the whole family protected.
- They ask the grandparents if they’re still wearing masks – and sure enough, the old ladies are rocking one like it’s a fashion statement.
Singapore Rules for Kids (and a Surprise Benefit)
In Singapore, kids under six don’t have to wear a mask by government mandate. Yet, we personally recommend it. We’ve found plenty fewer runny noses this year – who knew masks could double as tiny battle shields against sniffles?
Bottom Line
Our kids might not know how grown-up the world is yet, but with a little guidance, they can help keep their grandparent crew safe. And if we’ll keep on masking, we might just end up with less nosebleeding and more time for games.
Black Lives Matter
Bedtime Tales with a Twist of Justice
My kiddos are at that age where they love to spin adventures about police and bad guys. To keep the fun alive while touching on a real‑world issue, we’ve been weaving in stories that spotlight how law enforcement can sometimes target folks unfairly just because of their skin color.
I’ve also stocked up on books that showcase kids of all shades, so everyone gets a chance to see themselves reflected in the pages.
Book‑Bait That Wins Hearts
- Skin Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry – This one has never failed in my house. The narrator, a vibrant girl, celebrates every skin tone, even dropping juicy comparisons: “I’m peanut‑butter perfect, you’re chocolate‑spread gorgeous!” The conversation is as sweet as the spreads.
- Colorful World by Maya Johnson – A picture book that shows a whole rainbow of kids working together and teaching each other the value of diversity.
- Fairness for All by Amir Patel – A story about a neighborhood where everyone’s voices matter in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
With these stories tucked under the covers, we’re not just giving the kids a bedtime adventure. We’re planting seeds of empathy while keeping the narrative casual and light-hearted—because learning about justice can still feel like a cozy, readable bedtime favorite.
A Quick Guide for Parents
- Pick a book that highlights diverse characters.
- Plan a short bedtime discussion to ask, “What does fairness mean to you?”
- Let the kids imagine how they would feel in a similar situation.
- Reward clever ideas—use a tiny badge or a fun sticker for creative insights.
Drop the heavy vibes and raise hopeful little minds with these simple yet powerful stories. After all, character + color + community = amazing bedtime sagas!
US politics
How We Covered the Jan 6 Chaos with Our Kids
When the news hit, I was floored, but my son and I were already chatting about whether Trump should face impeachment for stirring up the riot. My older child, naturally curious, asked what was going on.
Breaking It Down in Kid‑Friendly Terms
We told her, in plain English, that a “bad guy”‑type tried to cling to power, even after the American people cast their votes otherwise. We then spun a quick comparison with the animated film Anastasia—yes, that Disney movie where the evil Rasputin concocts a twist that kills the czar and launches a revolution in Russia.
Why That Works
- It keeps the explanation simple.
- It stays visual—kids love story‑based analogies.
- It helps her see the “good vs. bad” idea without getting lost in heavy politics.
Sure, it’s not a Nobel‑level analysis, and I’m not a fan of labeling people so neatly. But for that moment, it put a lid on her flurry of questions and gave us a clean, relatable point to share.
Death
A Tribute to Gogo: One Mom’s Heartfelt Journey
After losing my dad, I tried to keep my face‑readable for the kids. But after a time, I realized I’d really needed to let my own heart speak too.
Gathering Memories in a Photo Book
So, I pulled together a photo book of my dad—plenty of snapshots, captions, and the occasional doodle. On his birthday, the kids and I baked a cake for “Gogo,” the name they affectionately gave him.
Story Time & Birthday Cheers
We flipped through the book, laughing and tearing tears, recounting favorites and cramped‑time moments. Even as we celebrated his birthday, we remembered the day he passed, turning bittersweet memories into shared gratitude.
From Parents to Kids: A Moral of Connection
With each page, I felt the kids’ love flow back toward me. I saw the youngest whisper “I miss Gogo” to his older sister, tugging at my heart. I scooped him up for a big hug and said, “That’s the sweetest thing we could hear.”
- Praise the kids’ nickname: “Gogo” blended the family’s affection and the extraordinary respect they had.
- Celebrate the past: Even as we marked the anniversary of my dad’s passing, the cake reminded us of his sweet legacy.
- Stay honest: Opening up to the children allowed us to talk openly, the way we forgot to do earlier.
This little journey was, in a nutshell, a reminder that we can honor loved ones by sharing stories, laughter, and a few tear‑filled hugs. Thanks, The Finder, for connecting us all to Gogo’s memory.
