Bonding and Learning Over Mahjong:
From My Childhood in Hong Kong to My Son's in Canada
Mahjong was always on my list of Chinese cultural treasures to pass down to my son, Henry, not just for the heritage but also for the brain-boosting benefits.
This tile-tapping activity is more than just a game. It requires players to pay close attention, perform calculations, analyze different game scenarios, and devise strategies to outwit their opponents.
I first learned Mahjong when I was twice Henry's age, back in Hong Kong at the "ripe" age of 12.
Originally, I thought of waiting a few more years before teaching Henry how to play. But with the Covid summer of 2020 spent indoors, I decided to introduce Mahjong to my then six-year-old Henry, in a no-stakes, just-for-fun setting!
And it's been a blast! Here's what we've gained from our tile-tapping adventures:
A Favourite Pastime
It's become more than just a game; it's a cherished tradition that we look forward to every weekend. Henry's eyes light up with excitement when I mention Mahjong time, and it's heartwarming to see the whole family gather around the table for some quality bonding time.
Intense Bonding Moments
Our Mahjong sessions have turned into valuable mother-son bonding experiences. As we strategize, laugh, and compete together, we're building a stronger connection and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Chinese Character Recognition
While the main goal of our Mahjong sessions is fun, they've also become an unexpected learning opportunity for Henry. He's been reinforcing his Chinese character knowledge with every tile he picks up, gaining a deeper understanding of his cultural heritage along the way.
Translation Skills Honing
Mahjong is played in both English and Cantonese in our household, giving Henry the chance to practice his translation skills in real-time. From calling out tile names to declaring winning hands, he's becoming more confident and proficient in both languages with each game.
Strategic Thinking
Mahjong is a game of strategy and foresight, requiring players to think several moves ahead and adapt to changing circumstances. Through our Mahjong sessions, Henry is honing his strategic thinking skills, learning to anticipate his opponents' moves and make calculated decisions under pressure.
Sensory benefits
One of the unexpected benefits of playing Mahjong is the sensory stimulation it provides. As Henry learns to identify tiles by touch alone, he's developing a heightened sense of touch and spatial awareness, which will serve him well in other areas of his life.
Family Fun
Our Mahjong sessions have brought our family closer together. Whether we're cheering each other on or playfully teasing one another about our tile choices, Mahjong has become a beloved tradition that strengthens our family bond with each passing game.
Now, I grew up playing on a full-sized Mahjong set, but our current home just doesn't have the space. So, after some searching, I found a traveler's set with a foldable mini-table - perfect for our coffee table at home and for getting the in-laws involved too!
As our Mahjong journey continues, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. What started as a simple desire to pass down a cultural tradition has blossomed into a cherished family activity that brings us closer together, fosters fun learning, and creates lasting memories. With each tile we shuffle and each hand we play, we're not just enjoying a game – we're weaving a tapestry of shared experiences that will forever bind us as a family.
And who knows? Perhaps one day, Henry will be the one teaching his own children the art of Mahjong, continuing this beautiful legacy for generations to come.
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