The world of Tzu Chi September 2023 (Vol.147)

TZU CHI 147 19 T he kindergarten’s parent-child sports day unfolded on July 29. Following the opening ceremony, the four-year-old children transitioned to the indoor sports hall, while the five and six-year-old children remained on the field. The older kids participated in competitions like relay hurdle races and “kangaroo relay” (where they hopped forward with their feet snugly tucked in canvas bags), while inside the sports hall, there were games like hoop jumps and “straw collection” (gathering straws from small plastic bottles while on the move). The parents also joined in the competitions. In the “turf pathway” event, parents stood on turf squares placed by their children, progressing as their young ones threw the turf squares from behind to in front of them. Another engaging activity, “small feet on big feet”, saw children stepping onto their parents’ insteps while being carried forward. Energetic cheers filled the air. “Keep going! Jump, you can do it!”, “You are a brave child, a good kid!” These words of encouragement reverberated throughout the sports grounds. The seemingly simple hurdles and kangaroo hops posed genuine challenges for the young participants. Some faltered over the hurdles and some stood still after placing their feet inside the canvas bags, unsure of what to do. During such moments, parents offered their support and teachers promptly guided the children to proceed. Fond memories of childhood One of the most engaged parents was Premanathan a/l Jaganathan, who lent his support to all teams in every competition. He and his five-year-old daughter, Hansikaa, happily took part in the parent- child games. “My daughter urged me to learn hopping at home, and we practised twice,” he shared, revealing that she even broke two pillowcases while practising kangaroo hops. Yet, he and his wife were touched by her earnestness in learning. More than just bonding through games, Premanathan cherished the opportunity to relive the simple joys of childhood alongside his daughter. He anticipates the next sports day, hoping for more parent-child games that will bring happiness and shared joy. Another parent, Maggie Wong, and her four-year-old daughter participated in the “turf pathway” games. She was delighted that her daughter managed to throw the turf square to a spot within her reach. She shared, “This game tested the trust and understanding between me and my child, while also boosting her confidence.” She pondered further, “In today’s dual-income households, we parents are often tired by the time we return from work, leaving little time for interactions. These parent-child games offer a space to unwind and play with our kids.” Reflecting on her daughter’s anticipation for the sports meet and her dedicated practice at home, she said, “Families act as shields for children. Strong family relationships lay the foundation for children’s emotional well-being, enabling them to tackle future challenges with poise.” Through the lens of the sports meet, Maggie recognised the value of learning through play. She hopes parents and children will continue to serve as each other’s pillars of support, believing that companionship is the greatest gift parents can bestow upon their children.