Family: Auntie & Uncle Special

I let my kids eat soil and rub sand in their eyes

When it comes to raising my children, I tame the auntie in me so they can experience the natural consequences of their actions

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A young fishmonger at the wet market asked me to pass him my selection of seafood, addressing me as "mei nu" (Mandarin for pretty woman).

I was about to hand him my basket of carefully selected specimens, only to realise that he was addressing someone behind me.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 18, 2018, with the headline I let my kids eat soil and rub sand in their eyes. Subscribe