Daily advice for HK immigrants to the West:
Regarding the children’s spiritual needs, dialogue and not monologue is the key. I’m not particularly good at it, but I keep trying. As your kids gain different social and moral values than yours, the best questions to ask them is “Why do you feel that’s a good idea?” Focus on big issues and not on pet peeves such as whether men can wear earrings (i.e. from not wearing to how many to which ear) or whether your teens can color their hair or whether their skirts or shorts are too short etc. From some of your reactions towards my fashion sense (e.g. earring, boots and biker jacket…yes, I see you on social media!), you’re not going to fare well with your own kids. You can choose to insist on your own way and have your own kids hate you or you can choose to hear them out. Asking “Why do you think legalized weed smoking is a good idea?” is way better than proclaiming “your body is the temple of God,” especially some of y'all's bodies look more like a leaky shed than any temple for any religion. As your kids get older and more educated, they’re going to find out that you’re practically hijacking the Bible to support your desire for appearance of respectability rather than real spiritual depth. By then, you may not have a family left. At that point, don't blame Western liberalism. Blame your own lack of desire to listen and have real conversations.
