Raising Jevon in Seminyak Bali

G’day Nick,

Definite must for Jevon to get on the computer at an early age.
Whadya mean ‘Definitely not following in his father’s footsteps’ - if he wats to be a writer and has an early penchant for travel then encourage it mate.

You and Ika are his guides in life, so, whatever course he takes then support him 100%.

My parents forced me to do stuff they thought was “good for me”. Although they did encourage my interest, they also insisted on things I totally did not believe in or want to do.

In a very short time you’ll see a personality develop. Just a like Polaroid photo, it literally develops before your eyes, and Jevon the baby becomes Jevon, the individual. An individual with his own likes, dislikes, opinions.

So don’t sweat it and just encourage what interests him. Everything will fascinate a toddler. It’s great cuz you get to rediscover all those cool simple things you’ve long taken for granted.

Barrie, sorry, I disagree. Computers are now pretty commonplace and are beginning to be viewed as merely an appliance. I purposely kept my daughter from computers in our house (we have more than 8 of them) for as long as possible, because of repetative strain injury / chat / porn etc. But the last time when I was in Indonesia for a month, I got back and my wife had shown my then 2 year old daughter how to surf and click on my photo programs. So the cat is out of the bag. There’s tons of computer time in school and work later in life, I figure why rush it. There’s enough stuff out there to discover without having to sit in front of yet another tube. My 2 cents.

I don’t know what he wants to be, that’s the whole point, writer, traveler or not. One thing I intend to do is to get Jevon a good teacher in whatever he wants to do, because good training early on is often the key to success.

I really hope Jevon enjoys being a kid in Bali and takes to the simple things, riding a bike, playing football, swimming, etc that we all used to do. Too much hi-tech and flashy gadgets kill interest in the more basic stuff, which should come later.

Shut up Barrie!

Hi Nick
Apart from gene pool,family input ect from a very early stage you will see what interests Jevon.In lots of ways he is a lucky little fellow not having to compete in such a Hi tech,materialistic and competative environment as say Aussie or U.K.At the same time he will live in a higher socio-economic bracket than a lot of little Indonesian children.
One thing that is a must make some time for just Nick and Jevon.Do not become the familiar face that is there for breakfast and bedtimes.The happiest family units that I know are the ones where the kids know their Mum and Dad equally well.Following suit the kids respect the thoughts and opinions of both parents equally.
Kids do not come with an instruction manual (unfortunately!)They have to be played by ear.
If you can ger your ideals and opinions over to Jevon in the same non pushy,interesting manner in which you get them over to the bootsnall community I feel that you will be a very successfull father.
Cheers Laurs

Hi Nick,
Spare the rod, spoil the child.

I am not going to spoil Jevon. On the contrary I want him to be satisfied with the simple things and getting good input and teachers at an early age will help that.

Discipline at the right time is also very important, many a young fella like Jevon need a firm hand from time to time to set them on the right path. Ideally, I think this should come from a child’s father.

Nick,

being a newbie parent like you and Ika i have learnt that we constantly questioning ourselves what best for our child.

I guess the best course would be to show them unconditional love, that as parents you will be there for them as time goes by.

Referring to Glen’s comment. Just as routine, discipline must come from both parents and not just the father. It need not be firm hands or harsh punishment. As I have witnessed my cousin harsh punishment did not led him on the right track. Infact he said ‘ta ta folks had enough of you’ and live with his aunt.

being a newbie parents we constantly asking ourselves what best for them.

best course i learnt so far is unconditional love, that we are there for them - age permit - as time goes by.