In the final episode of this season, we chat with Alsen S/O Chanamuto, Schools Engagement Manager of Dads for Life and Centre for Fathering and a father of three. We want to learn more about modern dads – are they really the best generation of fathers?
About our guest – Alsen S/O Chanamuto
Before joining Dads for Life as its Schools Engagement Manager, Alsen was a primary school teacher. It’s due to his love of mentoring younger fathers that led him to where he is today. Centre for Fathering is a non-profit organisation that inspires fathers to be better parents by being actively involved in parenting and their kids’ lives.
Key points we covered in this episode to take a listen to…
06:00 – How can we change the perception that parenting is equated to a role mothers mainly hold? Alsen highlights what fathers can do to change the perception and debunks the misconceptions about fathers when it comes to parenting. The two also discuss the differences between Asian and Western fathers, and if there’s such a thing as a tiger dad.
10:48 – What’s Alsen’s take on today’s fathers, who are described as “the best generation of dads yet”? Spoiler alert: He believes today’s generation of fathers is doing better, but there are still some ways to go. Alsen then talks about full-time dads, and the two share their thoughts (and anecdotes) on fathers being more involved in parenting.
16:13 – Ange wonders if it’s true that children with more involved fathers tend to be confident and emotionally secure. Alsen emphasises the importance of a father in a child’s life. He touches on daddy issues – which is a real thing – and how it affects both women and men.
20:22 – Alsen shares one thing that would help fathers connect with their children and parent differently. He also dispenses tips for dads who want to better support their partners. “Let’s spend quality time with our kids and wives,” he sagely advises.
Want to know more? Check out these resources…
What makes a good dad? Jill Lim gives her hot take on this issue. We also asked a few fathers about what being a dad means to them, and any advice to share with new or expecting dads. Speaking of new dads, here’s a survival guide that the menfolk should take to heart when it comes to taking care of the latest addition to the family.
Alsen briefly mentioned filial piety, and if you’re curious about it, one of our HoneyKids mummies shares what the topic means to her as both a parent and a child.
Here’s a cool dad confessional, if you want to know more about stay-at-home dads in Singapore. And if you’re curious about tiger mums, listen to our podcast episodes featuring Paige Parker and Anabel Chew.
Have you been racking your brain trying to come up with activities to do with the kids? Fret not – Jei, a father of two, has listed down his top picks. Go forth and have fun with the kids!
Psst, click here if you want to learn more about Centre for Fathering and its programmes.
Thank you for tuning in to Season 3!