In the fifth episode of Growing Pains Season 2, we talk to Paige Parker, mum of two daughters and a multi-hyphenate. We want to know more about embracing life in Asia, her unique take on tiger parenting, and her adventures on social media.
About our guest – Paige Parker
Where do we start with this week’s guest? Paige Parker is an expat who left New York almost two decades ago to move to Singapore. She has written a book called Don’t Call Me Mrs Rogers and is the host of the podcast Pass the Power. She is an ardent supporter of local talents and sits on the board of various local organisations including the Asian Civilisations Museum and United Women Singapore. Paige is also a content creator and a graduate gemologist. Phew!
Key points we covered in this episode to take a listen to…
02:14 – How has Paige’s travels to 116 countries over three years (which made it to the Guinness Book of World Records, FYI) changed her? “It’s interesting because the record always makes people go ‘Wow!’ They’re super impressed,” Paige quips. She shares how the experience has shaped her as a person and a parent. Spoiler alert: she almost didn’t go on this trip!
05:49 – Paige elaborates on her role in promoting gender empowerment and equality in Singapore. “It’s not how you raise girls – it’s how you raise boys and the men in your life, and how you educate them.” The two ladies also discuss how parents can broach the topic with their children and how to walk the talk.
14:15 – Seeing as Paige has been based in Singapore for the last 15 years (and counting), we want to know: has she assimilated well into the local culture? We learn more about her decision to send her daughters to local schools and how being in Singapore affected Paige’s eldest child.
19:23 – What’s Paige’s unique take on tiger parenting? “We need to look at our kids’ strengths, and then we need to tiger and push on their strengths,” she opines. She has high expectations for her daughters, but she doesn’t push them to do everything. It’s all about knowing when to push and when to let go.
27:18 – Ange steers the conversation to social media by asking Paige her reason for starting a TikTok account, and what are the things she will never share on her social media accounts. Paige shares her belief that parents should educate themselves on the things their children are spending their time on. “Find ways to connect with your kids and be super relevant in their lives,” she says.
39:36 – Is it a balancing act being a parent? Paige delves into this topic and shares an interesting hack that she’s instituted with her daughters. What is it? You just have to listen to the episode to find out! 😉
Want to know more? Check out these resources…
If you’d like to hear more perspectives on feminism and tiger parenting, we’ve got the lowdown from mums Ramita Anand and Anabel Chew from Growing Pains Season 1.
Want to know more about what it’s like to go through the local school system as an expat? Mum of three and former HoneyKids editor Tracy Tristram shares her experiences.
Paige’s decision to feature her daughters less on her social media as they get older begs the question: should you rethink putting your kids’ photos and videos on social media?
Are you planning to go on a vacation? We’ve got tips on how to survive the flight with your kids, and also if you’re flying solo with them!
Watch this space for Episode 6, dropping Monday next week!