As newly married couple, the best way to learn about family and kids is to learn from couples who are ahead of us. We got a chance to stay with a Korean family with three boys, aged 2,3 and 6. We were their first guests ever.

We spent time playing with the kids, swinging them around, playing card games and went to the playground with them. Dan gave them shoulder ride, all three of them riding on him at the same time.

Since we were sleeping in their toy playroom, the boys loved to come into our room. Sometimes we were a little bit unprepared for them to come in, but they were all too cute and adorable not to welcome them. It definitely gave us a picture of how having kids would look like. The father was having so much fun with their boys, especially when they all wanted to climb the wall. In the evening time, the father helped the boys to shower while mom taking care of dinner. The boys ran out of the bathroom to their room one by one (naked!). After half an hour, the father finally finished washing his three sons. He laughed: I washed three boys, but I have not even washed myself! After being so busy all day, the parents finally could enjoy their own party time when kids went to bed. The father was so excited to eat fried chicken and drink soju (Korean alcohol) with us. That is what most Korean men enjoy doing. Four of us went out together to buy our midnight snacks. They were very excited as if their day just began!

Staying with this family, we could see how much energy and time the parents sacrifice for kids, but their faces always shown how much they enjoy and love them. They didn’t look upset or feel pressured that they needed to serve the family, cook, no personal time or feeling exhausted. This moved our hearts to see that parents do not see their children as a burden and giving them priority. This couple also worked well as a team to take up different roles and share responsibility. We were very encouraged by this beautiful family picture.