David:

I applied the principle of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ — organised swimming, tennis, soccer and basketball for my kids. They took music lessons for the piano, violin, cello; plus there were weekly library visits and school cultural events.

‘A disciplined family life’

I do not recall any overt rebellion to my disciplined and structured way of parenting. But there were days when the children were less enthusiastic than others. 

Kelly says that her parents raised her with a ‘tiger’ approach. Source: Supplied

Looking back over the past five decades, I firmly believe my disciplined and structured way of parenting has been successful.

I love watching my children and grandchildren play instruments together — enjoying family life to its fullest.

‘Parenting is not ‘fun”

Parenting, like education, is not “fun”.

Kelly’s daughters gardening with their grandfather David. Source: Supplied

Kelly:

I was also shuttled off to piano lessons. My long-suffering teacher tolerated my half-hearted attempts to bash out a minuet. Eventually, he became fed up with me and recommended that my parents save their money and petrol by stopping lessons.

My brother took a more traditional and remunerative tiger cub route: he became a doctor.

Taking on a ‘poodle’ parenting style

I’m sure they were influenced by their cultural background and the fact that they were immigrants. It’s harder to guide your kids through a system when you haven’t been through it yourself.