by Charine T. Cheah

Created on: July 13, 2010   Last Updated: July 15, 2010

What are the best gifts I can bestow on my child? I pondered upon the question for a moment. As a parent, I am naturally very cautious with what I bestow on my child.  To answer this question appropriately, I look in retrospect.  I put myself back as a child in my childhood, and ponder, "what were the best gifts I value most from my parents?"

It is relatively easy for me to answer the question.  I could not recollect the expensive shoes, dresses or bags that my parents bought me when I was little. In fact, the most precious gift to me was nothing in material form at all. The best gift I receive from my parents is the happy childhood I had, in a happy warm family that is full of joy and laughter. I hold very dearly to my heart the happy memories of moments spent together with my dad, mom and my four siblings as a child.

We had such great time growing up. Dad and mom is a loving couple, and we have wonderful grandparents who showered us with much love and laughter.  We had funny conversations during family meals over the dining table served with mom’s great cooking.  Dad would ferry us in his good old faithful gold colour Mercedes Benz for family vacations that were always extraordinary and educational. Mom would be our personal private escort to swimming, ballet and music lessons, or any sort of activities. 

Dad and mom always made it a point to bring us out; window-shopping at malls or to the parks for skating, cycling and exercising over the weekends.  They taught us how to be respectful and responsible people, and showed us how to love and be loved.  They always made time for us kids, no matter how busy they were.   These happy memories are the best gifts ever given to me. The love and bonding in the family is so strong, that we know no matter how tough things are out there in the jungle, we will be safe at home.   This sense of security and assurance is extremely important to a child growing up.  Now that I am an adult, I know that it is this strong sense of security and assurance that made me who I am today, a confident, happy and strong-minded soul who dares to go out and reach for my dreams. 

Let’s come back to the current moment, me as a parent now. Due to my positive childhood experience, I would personally reckon the best gift I can bestow on my child is also a happy, warm and loving childhood which will eventually be wonderful precious memories to her as an adult.

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