Did you know that tomorrow - 30 April - is International Spank Out Day? I did not know that until Louise, my hockey friend and a new mum, posted the above flyer on FB. Somehow I doubt that Hong Kong's Health and Social Welfare department had comedy gold on their minds when they joined this... Continue Reading →
Guest Blogger: YO’s Perfect House
For those who've been reading therockmom for a while, you know that I try to write something different than the usual proud mom, naval-gazing kind of blog. Music is my main interest, but as it turns out, my parenting posts are always my most popular reads. However, I don't know about you, but I really... Continue Reading →
Play Nice – That Means You, Parents!
Oh, the sideline! The cheers, the smiles, the photo ops, the abuse hurled at the referee. The feeling that you’re part of the action when you’re, in fact, not part of the action at all. And the inevitable impulse to will your kids on to sporting glory, as if your shouting and clapping can make... Continue Reading →
The Professional Kid – too big to fail?
Q: How many Hong Kong kids does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: Is that with or without a tutor? There’s a sad/funny story going round about the parents at an international school here in Hong Kong. The school in question is considered one of the most well-regarded, expensive and academically rigorous... Continue Reading →
2012: The Year in Random Thoughts & Obsessions
Forget those Best Of / Top 20 / Hot Lists, here's my year's worth of musings: The best music snap of the year (above). Comes from a Berlin disco. Found on the Twitter page of Stana Katic, who's one-half of the TV show, Castle, which my family can tell you I'm senselessly, annoyingly addicted to. It's... Continue Reading →
Go Ask Alice… for Lady Gaga tickets
She has special powers, she knows things, she wants to be my friend. Her name is Alice, and I met her on my first attempt to buy Lady Gaga tickets. I know, I know, I've always been a bit harsh on the Lady, but she's starting her Monster Ball tour in Asia - playing three... Continue Reading →
To Beyonce or Not To Beyonce?
That’s the question on my mind this week as I ponder what life has in store for America’s most famous new Mom, Beyonce Knowles Carter. I wonder what kind of nanny she’s going to hire. A drag queen, as suggested by some pseudo-reality-celeb? A reformed thug aka Memphis Poppins, from mediatakeout.com? It’s a crucial hiring... Continue Reading →
If I Break Up With My Child’s School, Can We Still Be Friends?
Dear Outstanding Institute of Secondary Learning, Hey! I’ve been meaning to write you for a few weeks now. I hope I can speak freely and honestly here. First of all let me say that I absolutely do not want you to feel under-appreciated. I think you’re great! Really. And I know you cost a lot... Continue Reading →
Putting the ‘corporate’ in corporate rock
A week or so ago, my kids and I were invited to a press event for a new series of animated shorts designed to teach kids about money. YO and I went along mostly for the free food, and because we were curious - we don't usually get invited to these kinds of things. But... Continue Reading →
Happy Rock Dads’ Day Part 2
Welcome back to Part II of my Rock Dad's Day interviews. I'm catching up with three musician Dads - Kevin, Tyler and Bill - to get their views on music and parenting. Kevin lives in Hong Kong and plays bass in a couple of bands - Transnoodle and New Tonic Press. Tyler also plays bass... Continue Reading →
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