How do you homeschool four kids and take them on a year-long sailing voyage at the same time? Former TV darling Evelyn Tan shares her parenting secrets with Lynn Wee.
She was once dubbed a rising star with a bright future in showbiz. But in 2005, Evelyn Tan gave it all up.
That was when she welcomed her first child with actor-husband Darren Lim, now 45, and made the decision to become a stay-at-home mum.
Today, the 41-year-old homeschools her four children – Kristen, 12; Jairus, 10; Way, eight; and Elliott, four – and wants to inculcate in them the idea that “life is not all about academics”.
Even more surprising was the family of six’s decision to live on a yacht for five years (they are now land-based), and their six-month sailing expedition in January 2016 to Phuket and Koh Samui.
Young Parents caught up with the radiant mum at the launch of popular German brand Frei Ol in Singapore – she is its celebrity ambassador – to find out more about the family’s seafaring experience and her child-rearing strategies.
A sailing expedition with the entire family isn’t an easy feat. What was the experience like?
There were ups and downs, of course. In our euphoric moments, we saw dolphins swimming next to us. It was a really lovely feeling, and something that we will always remember. But we also met with storms that threw the boat 4m high – that was a negative experience that we’ll never forget.
We are just thankful that we were able to accomplish what we set out to do, come back safely, and have all these lovely memories to look back on.
Your husband, Darren, describes you as someone who goes by the book, whereas the sailing expedition was very unpredictable. What was it like to step out of your comfort zone?
I’m a person who knows that I need to go by the book. But perhaps, deep down inside, I look forward to excitement. I’m curious about what’s on the other side of things, and that’s the reason I married Darren.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2018 من Young Parents Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2018 من Young Parents Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
