Of Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Dearest Phoebe,

Last Monday, Aunt Vasu and Uncle Rama opened their doors to us for Deepavali celebrations. We feasted on biryani and curried meats while post-lunch snacks comprised mainly goodies made by Aunt Vasu.

We had a nice chat with Mugan, their eldest son who would be leaving for overseas studies soon. One of our conversational topics naturally dwelled on parental guidance and discipline.

Aunt Vasu shared her experience with us and we listened intently as she described how naughty Mugan was when he was just a little boy, not much older than you are now.

Mugan could even recall the incidents when he exhibited anti-social behaviour which drove his parents up the wall, not to mention the embarrassment he caused to his parents. On the contrary, Mugan today is a well mannered young man who is about to embarked on an important phase in his life.

He would soon leave the familiar creature comforts of home and country to pursue his university studies that would most likely determine his future career. He is a polite young man who has a clear head. Though Uncle Rama and Aunt Vasu are worried about his impending departure, I can sense that they have this quiet confidence and trust in him to behave responsibly when he would be away.

As for you, my dear, you were so naughty during your enrichment class today that I could even hear your tantrums though I was outside the classroom. Mummy said that she was so angry that she admonished you there and then.

We are naturally worried about your misbehaviour but we take comfort in the shining example of Mugan. Their strong family bond and open channels of communications amongst family members probably played a great part in Mugan's upbringing. What he is today is an attestation of proper parenting by Aunt Vasu and Uncle Rama.

Hence, as long as we stick to the proven formula of love and open communication, you, our dearest little girl; who is sugar and spice, should turn out wholesomely nice!

Be good and smile pretty,
Daddy Dearest