Life has a way of guiding us through unexpected paths, often leading to the discovery of our true purpose. My journey to founding Bonfire Pediatrics is deeply rooted in my personal experiences—moments that have shaped my beliefs, values, and ultimately, my mission to make high-quality early intervention accessible to all families.
From Struggles to Kindness: The Seed of Empathy
At one of the lowest points in my life, I found myself struggling with emotional challenges that I couldn’t afford to address through professional therapy. It was a dark time, filled with uncertainty and a sense of helplessness. But just when I thought I had no options, I was blessed by the kindness of strangers who extended their support without expecting anything in return. This experience planted the seed of empathy in me, teaching me that the generosity of others can make an unimaginable difference in someone’s life. It also ignited a desire in me to one day be in a position to give back.
Fatherhood: A New Perspective on Life and Work
Becoming a dad was a transformative experience. The moment I held my newborn son in my arms, my outlook on life and work shifted dramatically. Everything I did from that point forward was driven by the desire to provide the best possible life for my child. It was no longer just about professional success; it was about being a role model, creating a nurturing environment, and ensuring that my son would have access to the resources he needed to thrive.
Lessons from Ethan: Our Children Are Misunderstood
We knew our son, Ethan, was different from other children. His teachers would label him as a “naughty boy” and a “troublemaker”. For a while, my wife and I believed in his teachers. We tried the carrot-or-stick approach and it didn’t work. We eventually consulted an experienced educational psychologist, Dr Clare Ong, and changed our approach to a more nurturing style, leveraging positive reinforcement and encouragement.
“All children want to be good; we have to tell them that.” This simple but profound teaching by Dr Clare shaped the way we work with our client’s children and adolescents.
Growing Up Middle-Class: Understanding Accessibility
I grew up in a middle-class family, where resources were limited, and choices had to be carefully made. My parents worked hard to provide for us, but I often saw how difficult it was for them to access certain opportunities, especially when it came to healthcare. This upbringing instilled in me a deep understanding of the importance of accessibility—ensuring that every family, regardless of their financial status, has the opportunity to access the care and support they need.
Frustration with Exclusivity: A Call for Inclusivity
As Bonfire Pediatrics progressed, I found myself serving mostly affluent families. While I was grateful to be able to help, it frustrated me to see that high-quality care was often a privilege reserved for those who could afford it. I felt a growing sense of discomfort knowing that many families, especially those from middle- or lower-income backgrounds, were left without the support they desperately needed. This frustration became a driving force behind my decision to create a service that could bridge this gap.
Data-Driven Purpose: The Need for Early Intervention
My decision to start Bonfire Pediatrics was also influenced by eye-opening data published by NUS in their inaugural youth mental health study. The recent release of the youth ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) prevalence data further highlighted the urgent need for early intervention in Singapore. These studies revealed a startling reality—many children and adolescents are struggling with mental health issues, yet they lack access to the necessary support systems. This realization was the final push I needed to turn my vision into reality.
Our Mission: Accessibility for All Families
At Bonfire Pediatrics, our mission is clear: to make high-quality early intervention accessible to all families, regardless of their financial situation. Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and every family deserves the support they need to help their children succeed. By offering comprehensive developmental-behavioral assessments and therapy, we aim to be a beacon of hope for families navigating the complexities of their children’s mental and emotional health.
Starting Bonfire Pediatrics is more than just a business venture for me; it’s a deeply personal commitment to pay forward the kindness I once received and to create a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive. My story is just one of many, but it’s one that drives me every day to make a difference in the lives of children and families across Singapore.
Call to Action:
If my story resonates with you or if you’re a parent looking for support in navigating your child’s developmental and behavioral needs, I invite you to connect with us at Bonfire Pediatrics. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our children. Visit our website to learn more about our services or reach out directly for a consultation. Let’s make early intervention accessible to every family in Singapore.
Written by: Keith Wang, CEO