For Father’s Day, Hong Kong dads share what they hope their children will learn

Ross Parker, Technology director, International College Hong Kong

Just before Father's Day last year, I became a father to twin boys, Evan and Ewan. To say the past year has been an amazing experience is an understatement. I hope that one day they will learn not just scientific facts, but also the joys of life, and the idea that we can be masters of our own destiny. 

Every day, it's up to us to decide what we want to do at every moment. We can decide the meaning of life for ourselves, and live our lives to the fullest. Through this process, I hope they learn that ultimately, the most precious thing in the whole universe is love, and our love for one another.

Ken Cheng, YP Designer

Parenthood is one of those things that is hard to understand until you experience it for yourself. Everyone tells you that you should respect your parents for what they've done for you, but it always felt more like a command than anything else. 

With my son Lennon, I've learned that parents really do sacrifice a lot for their children. Besides the money, they also sacrifice their free time, their sleep, and even their meals to ensure that their children are happy and safe. It can be exhausting at times, but definitely worthwhile.

Leon Lee, former YP web editor, AmCham Managing Editor

My kids know nearly everything about me. However, there is one thing they may not understand unless they become parents themselves. Yes, of course, they know I love them, but they don't know how much. I would give up everything for them without hesitation. My kids always complain I'm too over-protective, but they don't know why. That's unconditional love. 

Every time they tell me they'll get home late, I anxiously wait but try to act like it's not a big deal. They are my greatest joy and my most precious accomplishment. I only hope they know how proud I am of them. 

MJ Premaratne, YP Sub-editor

Since my child was born, I now have something to look forward to every day and I’ve gained a sense of purpose. I realised everything I’ve read or heard about fatherhood goes out the window; it’s all instinctive. I know the hardest things, like teaching and disciplining, are yet to come, and sleeplessness was just the easy part. 
I’ll always wonder if we’re doing the right thing, and I always worry about whether the baby is breathing or not in his sleep. And without being too cheesy … I’ve never sung so much to another human being before!

Quinton Arendse, Head trainer, Versus Performance

I would love it (but wouldn’t force it on her) if my daughter, Tala, would also discover the joys of mountain biking. Not only would it be a fun way for us to hang out, but biking off the beaten path can also inspire life lessons that we could discuss, like how it’s always a good thing to try and stay balanced. Or how you’ll always encounter obstacles, and even though it can be scary, sometimes there’s no other choice but to just relax, let go, and trust that you can do it. Of course, you will have some painful spills, but that’s also how you learn to improve yourself.

Mario Rivera, YP Designer

I hope my kids know that I am very thankful to have them, that they are a wonderful gift from God. I wish they will grow up to have a close personal relationship with their creator, and feel loved and accepted at all times. 
I wish they will love reading, pursue the truth and be able to live out Christian values and belief. I want  to serve the people and orphans in poorer areas,  so I hope they’ll understand  that God’s unconditional love is meant for everyone in this world. 

Alvin Ching Chin-pang, Pastor at Yau Oi Church