Taekwondo: Kicking, punching, way of life

December 22, 2015August 14, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

I’m not delusional enough to think that taekwondo lessons will make my son the victor in a schoolyard brawl. That’s not how “street fights” work. But, I do think that if he fought back, the other child would shed a tear or two, too. And, sometimes, that’s what it takes to make a bully leave you alone. I’m really proud of him for not resorting to violence. But, we have also told him that if he can’t run away from a fight, he should defend himself — and we will defend him.

Chicago (My Kind of Town)

July 19, 2015August 4, 2021 Jae-Ha Kim

Our kid likes to travel. He has taken high-speed KTX trains in Seoul, played in New York City’s Central Park and fed dolphins in Paradise Island (Bahamas). All of that was amazing. But it’s wonderful having a first-rate destination with skyscapers, museums and all the dining choices right in our own back yard. We’ll be back, Chicago, because we can’t quit you.

And So This Is Christmas

December 24, 2014April 27, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

To this day, when I see a bag of M&M’s, it reminds me of a time when it was difficult being the new kid who couldn’t speak English, who had no idea what was going on and who desperately wanted to go back home to Seoul. I hope that Santa enjoys the cookies and M&M’s my son left out for him tonight. And I hope that you all have a very happy holiday season.

Let them be

December 17, 2014August 14, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

As I was wiping the polish off my son’s tiny fingernails, I told him that there’s nothing wrong with nail polish on boys or girls, just as there’s nothing wrong with pierced ears (at an appropriate age) on girls or boys. That there is no toy that is the property of one gender, just as there is no career that only boys can do and not girls.

Two Dollars

November 29, 2014April 27, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

We were at the store today picking up some groceries. A full cartload, actually. As the cashier was ringing up our items, I looked back to see an elderly gentleman holding just one object: a pie. He wasn’t impatient or annoyed, but I could see that he was tired. There were no other lanes open and I hated the idea of him having to stand there to wait for us.

Kimbap, kimchi and me

November 3, 2014April 27, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

My little guy wanted to bring a delicious pork-filled Chinese steamed bun to school for lunch today. I told him no, but I didn’t tell him why. One day, when he’s a little older and less likely to burst into tears if teased, I will let him choose. But, today wasn’t that day.

1st Grade

August 20, 2014May 29, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

As we were walking to school, I told my son, “One day, when you’re older, you won’t want to hold my hand anymore. And that’s OK. You’ll be bigger and won’t need me to help you cross the street.” Kyle looked up at me and said, “I’ll always want to hold your hand, Mommy. Always.”

Jumoni (주머니), children and trust

July 13, 2014May 29, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

Money isn’t the root of all evil. But not knowing what to do with it can be.

Tie this

June 20, 2014August 14, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

I was wondering why my kid was having such a difficult time lacing up his shoes… Huh.

Do you need any help?

May 26, 2014August 14, 2023 Jae-Ha Kim

There is a concept in tort law called “duty to rescue,” where a party can be held liable for failing to help a person who is in peril. It was the basis of a plot line in the season finale of “Seinfeld.” It kind of boggles my mind that there needs to be a law to cover this. At what point does a person take it upon themselves to help a stranger who may be in need?