Hoang Anh Tu is remembered by many young Vietnamese as "Anh Chanh Van" from Hoa Hoc Tro newspaper (2000-2010). He has also published several books on parenting. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the 47-year-old author shared memories and reflections on modern times.
He recounted the colorful Mid-Autumn Festivals of his childhood. He and his friends made "grapefruit dogs", floated banana leaf boats on the river, and played folk games. The author calls these "sparkling memories" and often shares them with his children to maintain a connection between generations, past and present.
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Author Hoang Anh Tu. Photo: NVCC |
However, the 47-year-old author laments that these games and memories are becoming unfamiliar to city children. According to Tu, Mid-Autumn Festival still holds excitement, but limited living spaces, busy schedules, and a fast-paced life make these traditions unfamiliar. Modern parents can tell their children about the past, but it's difficult for children to truly grasp it. Rivers for floating paper boats or tree-lined streets are becoming rare, diminishing children's opportunities for such experiences.
"Times change, but I regret that the memories of my generation aren't continuing with our children. Memories are the roots that nurture our growth," the author said. He believes memories are also about lifestyle, sharing, and transmission between generations. If families lack shared spaces, the generational "disconnect" becomes more pronounced.
As a father of three, Hoang Anh Tu believes living spaces play a vital role in helping parents and children create memories. This space should have nature, greenery, water, and amenities to connect family members while ensuring a safe environment for children to thrive.
He mentioned Mizuki Park township in southern Ho Chi Minh City, where 71% is dedicated to greenery, water, and amenities. The Trellia Cove compound within Mizuki Park is described as a "replica of childhood memories." There, children can run under trees, play folk games, float paper boats on canals, or read in quiet corners. Amenities and security are maintained 24/7, allowing children to freely explore and develop. Parents have more space to accompany their children and time for themselves.
"The riverside landscape, greenery, modern amenities, community lifestyle, multi-generational connection space... are the elements that shape a unique identity, carrying the memories of each generation and demonstrating a sustainable vision for the future," he shared.
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Trellia Cove at Mizuki Park township offers many spaces for families to play and relax. Photo: Nam Long |
With this space, the father of three says he can "put aside worries" as his children safely play, explore, and grow. Instead of being glued to screens, they play in nature and breathe fresh air. They also learn about love through small connections. Thus, Hoang Anh Tu believes a home's lasting value isn't measured in square meters or location, but in its ability to create beautiful memories, nurture present happiness, and sow seeds for the future.
Finally, the author emphasized the importance of continuing and building upon previous generations' memories through shared family moments. This foundation helps children develop, reach further, while staying rooted in experiences with loved ones.
Hoai Phuong
