When was the 'last hug'? A story about how you have already received more than enough filial piety

I have children in elementary school.

Now that they are in elementary school, the period of constant supervision has passed, parenting has settled down a bit, and I have found a little more peace of mind.

The shift from 'being protected' to 'being more capable than parents'

Recently, I have noticed something in fleeting moments. It is that 'they are gradually becoming capable of doing more things than we parents are.'

Those children, who were once so immature that they couldn't even survive without parental support, are now expanding their world rapidly on their own.

The 'color of life' that children have given me

Come to think of it, thanks to my children, a new 'color' has been born in my life.

The small neighborhood park, the swimming pool on a summer day, the dream-like theme park. These are all places I would never have entered as an adult alone. But I am not just accompanying them; I am surely here 'to see the smiles on their faces.' I can truly feel that from the bottom of my heart.

Thinking about it this way, haven't I already received plenty of 'filial piety'? And perhaps I will continue to receive it in different forms from here on out. I feel deeply how happy that is.

To the dads fighting every day: Don't forget the 'last hug'

To the dads fighting every day.

When children are young, it is truly tough. The pressure of work, the never-ending childcare, and the invisible pressure from your wife... (laughs). But those stormy days are undoubtedly 'irreplaceable time' as well.

When you are in the middle of it, it is hard to realize how precious it is. However, when you look back, a moment will surely come when you suddenly wonder, 'Come to think of it, when was the last time I hugged this child?' and you won't be able to remember that day.

That is why, recently, I have started telling my daughters this:

Until that day that will surely come someday. I believe I have already received more than enough filial piety from them. When was the last time you gave your child a 'hug'?