For COL (NS) Mohd Khaidir Bin Rahman (left, in navy blue) and LTC (NS) Su Caizheng, parenting is all about diving in — from prawning and pool time to whatever adventure gets the kids grinning.
Bonding styles come in many forms. While some parents find connection over shared meals or family vacations, for COL (NS) Mohd Khaidir Bin Rahman and LTC (NS) Su Caizheng — who both navigate irregular work hours — it’s physical play that best strengthens bonds with their children.
Whether it’s the triumphant hugs after clearing an obstacle course or belly laughs from a trampoline tumble, these dads have discovered that movement fuels more than fun — it forges core memories and nurtures resilience, confidence and empathy in their children.
A DAD WHO’S ALWAYS GAME
Caizheng’s three kids strike a pose with their cousin at one of their all-time favourite hangouts.
Ask LTC (NS) Su Caizheng’s kids which playground is their favourite, and you’ll likely hear: “Daddy’s Playground” — their affectionate nickname for the HomeTeamNS Khatib indoor children playground T-Play. It’s a spot the family visits often, and one that holds special meaning for Caizheng, too. He previously served as Vice-Chairman for HomeTeamNS Khatib’s Executive Committee and now contributes as a member of the Management Committee and Co-Chairman of the Development Committee for the upcoming Tengah Clubhouse, while also sitting on the Strategic Review Committee.
To him, play isn’t just about having fun — it’s a foundation for growth and connection with his son and two daughters. “I want them to grow up adaptable and curious,” he says, adding that he’s always on the lookout for new adventures. “When we try new things, be it a travel experience, a new game or even navigating a crowded MRT station, they learn to embrace the unfamiliar. It builds confidence and openness.”
Whether at home or out exploring, Caizheng cherishes the little moments that reveal who his kids are — and who they’re becoming.
In these playful moments, Caizheng has come to appreciate the unique traits of each child. “My nine-year-old son’s a thinker and is always sharing fun facts about insects or animals we come across. My eldest daughter, also nine — they’re twins — surprises me with her boldness. She’s always asking to try new foods and nudging her younger sister out of her shell,” shares the 41-year-old father, who currently serves as Unit Commander of SCDF’s 32 Rescue Unit. “And at seven, my youngest is the most sensitive and can always pick up when someone in the family is feeling down.”
Despite their different personalities, the trio easily agrees on what to do next, united by their love for adventure. “It’s very democratic,” Caizheng says with a laugh, though he admits that the occasional ice cream bribe helps sweeten the deal.
However, one activity is always unanimous: The claw machine. For Caizheng, even this becomes a life lesson: “I tell them to keep trying, even if it takes ten losses before the prize finally drops.” Those small wins, he says, bring big joy and bring them closer together.
A winning moment for the whole crew — plush toys in hand and smiles all around after a well-spent family day out.
LETTING CURIOSITY LEAD
Through these shared adventures, Caizheng’s children have grown confident enough to pursue their own passions — from taekwondo to ballet — with him right beside them, cheering them on even when it means pushing his own limits.
He once joined his son’s taekwondo classes in 2021 despite an ACL injury, just to help him feel confident in a new environment. “He was really shy and afraid to be in a class full of strangers,” Caizheng recalls. “I struggled through every class, but I wanted to show him that if we set out to do something, we give our all.” Painful knees aside, he has no regrets. “I’m proud to say that my son has since attained his black belt,” he beams.
From belt gradings to ballet recitals, the family makes it a point to show up for one another — a reminder that whatever the challenge, they’ll always be in each other’s corner.
These efforts have strengthened his ties with his children. “They see me not just as Dad, but as a playmate, travel buddy — and sometimes, the butt of the joke (lovingly, of course),” he says.
While proud of their achievements, Caizheng lights up even more at how they’ve taken ownership of family time, coming up with activity wish lists, suggesting games and even creating simple timetables to fairly divide time between their favourite activities and screen time. Their car rides are often filled with laughter and impromptu “car-aoke” sessions, proving that even the in-between moments can become cherished memories.
Despite his demanding schedule, Caizheng makes it a point to be present. “The effort has to be intentional,” he says. “We all know that life gets busy, so start small and be present — even if you’re just holding their ice cream while they play.”
STRENGTH IN VARIETY
From bowling at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok to outdoor walks, kayaking and go-karting, physical activity is a natural language of love for Khaidir’s family, especially with his two high-energy kids — a 14-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. “We used to do these activities just to tire them out, so they would sleep better,” he recalls with a laugh.
But as an educator, these outings have always held deeper purpose. “It’s important for them to try different things so they can explore, stay curious and eventually discover their own passions in life,” he says, adding that such experiences help them become more flexible in adapting to different challenges. “This gives them the confidence to face unfamiliar situations in the future.”
The family on their 2024 winter holiday in Maibara, Japan — where, after a full day of tumbles, they finally learnt to ski without falling.
Their growing list of activities includes everything from trekking and prawning to scaling courses at Adventure HQ and snow sports abroad. Many of their adventures begin spontaneously — sparked by a TV show, Instagram post or just a casual chat where everyone pitches in ideas. One standout memory? A ‘DIY’ ski trip in Japan where the family hit the slopes armed with only knowledge from YouTube videos to help them prep. There were plenty of falls and fumbles, but Khaidir remembers the laughter most.
Even when there’s nothing on the calendar, he finds ways to connect. On weekends, the 43-year-old and his son hit the gym together. “We spot each other during workouts and chat about exercises and muscle groups,” adds the certified personal trainer, who also helps his son refine his form.
Since his son’s Secondary 1 days, their weekly Sunday gym sessions have been a treasured ritual to connect before the new week begins.
A TEAM THAT GROWS TOGETHER
Even with all his knowledge and experience, Khaidir admits that he’s still learning a lot about his children — and sometimes, from them. “I get to see the empathetic side of my kids during these activities,” shares the Rescue Unit Commander of SCDF’s 3rd Division, 31 Rescue Unit. “My boy learned to ski faster than my girl and encouraged her not to give up. In another instance, she climbed faster and kept cheering him on when he slipped.”
Moments like these go far beyond fun, becoming quiet lessons in resilience, empathy and encouragement — like the time his children introduced him to trampolining. “I wasn’t too keen at first,” he says. “But seeing how much fun they were having, I gave in and joined them.”
They cheered him on as he bounced beside them, a simple gesture that stuck. “I was shocked at how tired I was after just 10 minutes,” he laughs. “It’s actually a fantastic cardio workout.”
More than just a game, bowling days like these offer lighthearted fun and unexpected opportunities for reflection.
These shared activities have also deepened the way they connect and communicate. “We often talk about what happened after each experience, it helps them reflect and process what they went through,” explains Khaidir. “Like during bowling, when most of their throws went into the drain and they felt frustrated, it was a chance to talk about how, in life, things won’t always go your way. But you just pick up the ball and try again, improving your throw the next time — the same way we approach setbacks in life.”
Of course, not every activity goes to plan — and that’s half the fun. “We always have a good laugh when things go sideways, like catching zero prawns or missing every shuttlecock during badminton,” Khaidir shares with a chuckle.
One of the few times they didn’t leave empty-handed — proof that persistence pays off during their regular prawning sessions, often squeezed in while mum goes shopping.
But for him, the missteps are just as meaningful, building memories and bringing the family closer. These days, regular treks and gym sessions are part of the routine, with a trek up Mount Kinabalu as their next big goal.
His advice to fellow parents? Start introducing kids to new experiences as early as possible — and while you still have the energy to join in. “Just try anything. Kids grow up fast, and us parents are getting older too,” he reflects. “Work will always be there. But we have to make an effort to spend meaningful time with our kids. These are the moments they’ll carry with them for life.”
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