The Magician’s Family – Interview with Good Morning Singapore

Good Morning Singapore (GMS) enters the living rooms of the Chinese-speaking community in Singapore every weekday morning. The Channel 8 programme recently underwent a revamp and one of their new segments include interviews with local personalities, on topics ranging from family and relationships to business and finance. To kick off the series, renowned magician Lawrence Khong was invited on the show to talk about his extraordinary family.

Not many people know this but Lawrence is the proud patriarch of a three-generation family and has an adopted son in his family of four children.

GMS asked about his reasons for adopting a fourth child despite already having three children. Lawrence replied that one should not adopt a child with the view of personal gain. He said: "It's not what we can get from the child. Instead, we should be clear about our commitment as parents to bring up the child well." In his case, he adopted his son when the boy was in his teens - a rather mature age to be adopted - because he was a relative in difficult circumstances.

The GMS presenter also asked Lawrence what was the most important role of a father. His reply, "It's to give acceptance." In his experience, a child grows in self-esteem when his loved ones constantly affirm the child of his unique qualities and worth as a person.
As Lawrence conversed in Mandarin with much ease, he was invited back to be on the show the very next week! This time, he talked about his adorable grandson, a topic which Lawrence was more than willing to chat about.

He voiced strong opinions about the three-generation family unit, "I think there is a need for it. In a three-generation family, I've noticed that grandparents play a critical role because we are experienced in the parenting game. Whereas, young couples face a lot of stress – they have to juggle work and family – and as first-time parents, they make mistakes because they are inexperienced."

Having become a grandfather, Lawrence is able to compare between the two, "The biggest difference between being a father and a grandfather is maturity. When I was younger, I felt the whole world needed me – my work, my boss, everybody. But now that I'm older, I realise that the greatest achievements are in the home. Now, even though I'm busy with my magic and other responsibilities, when my grandson needs me, I'll drop everything in a heartbeat."

The GMS presenter quipped, tongue-in-cheek: "In your case, you can also play magic tricks to entertain him!"