Parents and Children Bond Through Joyful Moments While Nurturing Kind Hearts

“1, 2, 3…” Children, parents, and volunteers all worked together in a tug-of-war, their faces beaming with smiles. (Photo by Yam Zhikai)

“I completed five rounds of tug-of-war and won four of them,” said Li Hui Hui with delight. She never misses a Parent-Child Bonding Class and especially enjoyed the final session, as it featured many fun and exciting activities such as Treasure Hunt in Blindfold, board games, Parent-Child Jump-and-Play, Little Archers, the Green Leaf Message Station, and the Puzzle Exchange House.

On 23 November 2025, several game stations were set up in Jing Si Hall, which were a pleasant surprise for the children who came to participate in the final class of the Parent-Child Bonding Class.

Students from the Tzu Chi Teenagers’ Class came to serve as event personnel, guiding the children in playing the blindfolded treasure hunt game. (Photo by Yam Zhikai)

During school holidays, many parents take their children on overseas trips. However, Li Hui Hui’s mother, Sun Na, made a special effort to bring her Primary Four daughter Li Hui Hui and Hui Hui’s Primary One younger sister to attend the Parent-Child Bonding Class before their trip. “We’re taking a flight tonight, so we made sure to come in the morning to participate and complete this year’s course,” she said.

Li Hui Hui enjoys the lively atmosphere and snacks at the Parent-Child Bonding Class. This is her fourth year attending the class. This year, she participated in the “Life Protection” group activity. Being fond of animals, she came up with the idea of creating a small creature rescue station, and she has also become more mindful of her diet, choosing to eat more vegetables and less meat.

Beh Ruin Yan, who first came into contact with Tzu Chi while studying at a university in Malaysia, said, “The Parent-Child Bonding Class incorporates many elements from interest classes, such as public speaking, environmental protection, science, and mathematics, along with outdoor activities, enabling a well-rounded development for children.”

To allow their two daughters to participate in the final session of the year, Beh Ruin Yan’s family, who live in the west zone of the island, deliberately arranged for her husband to drive them to Jing Si Hall located in the east.

Teoh Xian Peng (Beh Ruin Yan’s daughter) really enjoys the various games and gifts, and she's very engaged when playing. (Photo by Ng Hock Soon)

This year, Beh Ruin Yan introduced the Parent-Child Bonding Class to two of her friends, and one of them registered for the class with her child. Next year, she plans to invite three more friends, hoping that more children can grow up in a loving and nurturing environment. She believes that the key is for children to enjoy playing, only then can they better embrace learning and gradually develop good character.

Acting out a vivid drama together

“Haha, there are holes on your socks, and your uniform looks so old,” said Ding Ding on stage, sneering at Hua Hua’s worn socks and uniform. 

However, Ding Ding, who was daydreaming in class, unexpectedly entered a fantastical journey, experiencing firsthand what it felt like to be looked down upon for wearing old clothes, and witnessing his mother giving old clothes new life through repair and renovation. Finally, Ding Ding returned to the classroom and apologised to Hua Hua.

Interestingly, Ding Ding, who mocked his classmate for wearing torn socks, was actually wearing torn socks to class today as well.

Wan Jun Kai (first from left) and his classmates gave a passionate performance, taking everyone on a wonderful journey through old clothes. (Photo by Yam Zhikai)

The actor playing Ding Ding is nine-year-old Wan Jun Kai, who gave himself an eight out of ten for his performance on this day. He shared that preparing for the short play wasn't difficult, but it required multiple rehearsals. Wan Jun Kai graduated from the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool. He is a sensible boy who cherishes resources and helps his parents with housework. He also puts into practice the environmental protection and conservation ideas he learned in class at home.

Next, the scene on stage shifted, and the children appeared, stepping lightly to the accompaniment of enchanting music, dressed in gorgeous costumes, and presenting a unique eco-friendly fashion show. The audience applauded and marveled, amazed that environmentally friendly materials can be woven into beautiful garments.

"What can I offer you? I keep asking, I keep searching, I keep thinking..." At the end of the performance, students, parents, and team facilitators presented the familiar song "Dedication” in sign language. The audience hummed along with the music, creating a particularly heartwarming atmosphere under the soft lighting.

Contentment leads to joy, while gratitude nurtures understanding

Tan Chai Hoon, Deputy CEO of the Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore), led everyone in wishing the graduating students a bright future and a more illuminating path of kindness. He also took the opportunity to express his special gratitude to Ng Geok Buay, an 80-year-old teacher, for her continued support. He said, “The happiest life is one of giving. I hope everyone will join the ranks of those who practice great love, and together we can create an abundant life.”

In addition, Tan Chai Hoon gently reminded everyone, “The happiest people are those who are content. With contentment comes gratitude, and with gratitude comes understanding of others.”

As they parted, the Parent-Child Bonding Class teachers wished the students well, hoping they would carry life’s wisdom into secondary school, make more friends, and grow into better individuals with grateful hearts.

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