One of the greatest joys for me is being the mother of three great boys. There is Nicholas, who is an electronic engineer, Johann, a mechanical engineer, and Domonic, soon to graduate as a mechanical engineer.

With God as the centre of my family, my three sons and my job as a health-care worker have brought the greatest joys to my life. Spending quality time with my sons from the time they were babies, reading bedtime stories and guiding them through their teenage years were the most important aspects of my parenting.

From they were as young as six months, I instilled in them a sense of right from wrong. They clearly understood the meaning of the word 'no' and, at the same time, they would enjoy the thrills of occasionally breaking the rules. Once we went to the supermarket and two of them began to fight. I punished them then and there. My friend thought I should wait until I got home, but the 'crime' deserves punishment. They never did it again.

As a parent, what you put in is what you get out. I organised and structured their lives and set boundaries for them. There was play time, school time, homework time and mommy time.

The television channels and programmes they enjoyed watching were National Geography, Discovery and robotics cartoon. As teenagers, they had no time to 'hang out' at the mall as they were always busy at home building and designing engines. Their friends had the same interest so the garage was turned into a workshop.

They were encouraged to share their feelings. We were not afraid to hug and play together, even if it was throwing water balloons at each other. These were moments we shared and cherish. My sons have grown up to be strong, independent souls full of spirit, fun and loving.

- Delone Cover