Not having time is not a good enough excuse

Ialways have time for myself. I am into cycling and always find time to go out and refresh myself. I want to spend time in a secluded place to relax.

I also gave my children that freedom – my daughter is 26 years old now and my son is 12 years. I did not give instructions on everything, they had a free hand to explore their surroundings when they were growing up. Even when they might be doing something that I might not completely agree with, I have to accept it in order for them to learn something in life.

My parents were not too strict with us, yet we ended up becoming disciplined eventually.

When children are growing up, even when you tell them to do something when they are at home, they say yes. But when they are outside, they are not in your control.

And it helps now when I see that my daughter realises what is good and what isn’t. She is imitating our way of living. She also started to find time for herself, to be relaxed and happy.

This is what I do, and I think parents should always reward themselves with free time. It is not always about working hard, don’t forget yourself.

Some parents might say they don’t have enough time, but that is not a good excuse. If you constantly tell them to do something and they prefer to do things another way, they wouldn’t come to you for advice. They would be too afraid to approach you. When you give them the space, you will suddenly realise that they are also spending their lives the way you spent yours.

Eventually, you will be the example; you are the parent. From Mr Noel Malicdem

Design architect and father of two living in Dubai