Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I moved from America and had been in Asia for 21 years. Most of my career has been centred around the internet in some way - ranging from enterprise software, consumer internet, startups, VC and now AWS (Amazon Web Services).
How old are your kid(s)?
2, 8 and 13 going on 14.
Who is the primary caregiver in the household, and what are you and your partner’s parenting philosophy?
I think we both pretty much share everything and split up the housework, cooking and basic stuff. We don't have a maid or any help save for a once a week cleaner, so this means we pretty much divvy it all up and have hectic but rewarding schedules.
I think our general philosophy is teaching kids to take care of themselves. My 8 and 13 year old transit themselves to school, extra activities and seeing friends. They can cook some basic stuff, so when they are hungry I point them to the kitchen. My goal is for the kids to be able to manage their own lives since ultimately they will need to.
What's your favourite moment in the day with your kid(s)?
Saturday or Sunday when I cook a big breakfast and we hang out and stuff our faces. Pancakes are usually the big hit.
How do you keep yourself sane?
I don't. I mean, I subscribe to the whole flywheel concept. There is no balance and things will always be turning so I just try to keep the flywheel spinning and enjoy the ride.
Best tech tip on parenting. This can be apps / hardware / gear you use, and how you use them.
Eero routers so you can manage the Wifi, and don't get your kids smartphones. They don't need them and I get tired of all the self-righteous parenting advice I read / get, but yet those same people had their kids a smartphone. Kids do not need untethered access to the internet and life does go on just fine when they don't have them.
Most helpful advice you've received as a parent.
From a former boss around the time my daughter was due. He simply said they need the basics, some love and some attention, and not to get too serious about it. I totally agree and our last kid we didn't buy much for her and just used things we had or bought 2nd hand. We don't really have a proper bed. She is fine and we stress less. This is the mantra I carry into the “trying-not-to get-worked-up-when-things-happen” as well. It's just part of life.
What lessons do you not want your kid(s) to learn?
That schooling or education is the not the marker for a successful life. Just like during PSLE time in Singapore, I didn't really care much, and explained to my son that the better grade the better the chances of certain schools but that ultimately when you are older, working and looking back - you won't give a shit about your PSLE score. All that being said, we got into a secondary school he loves and is doing really well. Life is short. (Time) Being a kid is short. Parents put way too much pressure on their kids.
What was the best lesson you learned from your child?
They catch me doing stuff I say not to do. I get it. Live your best life and try not to be so preachy.
What is your proudest dad moment?
For me it's always that same moment when your 2 year old starts to hug you and genuinely will say “I love you” or “how are you”. Just that feeling when you know that hug from a 2 year old is the most real thing on the planet and the rest of the world just melts away. You want that hug to last 20 mins longer that it always does.
If you could ask anyone, dead or alive, for their best parenting tip, who and what would that be?
The people I still ask today is my parents and fortunately they are still with us.
How do you manage technology exposure for your child/children. For eg, thoughts on screen time etc.
They don't have smartphones and now they don't have tablets. Only laptops, and I control the Wifi. Most anything they want to do is useless without Wifi. I encourage them to learn and be makers but I also don't mind them blowing some hours on games, though I generally confine the gaming to Roblox.
What hobbies do you and your children share?
We like to go for walks at the various parks as much as we can. The rest of the hobbies they do - like ballet, dance, lion dance and taekwondo. While they are doing those things I do my best to remain fit so I get more years with them.
Finally, your best dad joke!
A guy went into the supermarket and stole some cheese.
The cashier ran after him saying that's Nacho cheese.
Michael Smith Jr. - Technologist, Investor
super cool when you can train your kids be independent in taking care of themselves. I have 2 kids - 4 and 8. Still struggling with training them be independent.