Brandon Wong Would Rush Home From Set To Prepare Lunch For His Kids As He Did Not Want To Miss Out On Their Childhood

Being a celeb parent often means juggling irregular work hours with family time, and for some, finding that balance is no easy feat.

For Mediacorp actor Brandon Wong, 54, family has always come first. He makes his three sons, Yu Jie, 17, Yu Xin, 15, and Yu Xuan, 11, his top priority, ensuring he spent quality time with them during their formative years.

In the latest episode of 8days’ chat show DNA, Brandon, joined by his eldest Yu Jie, shared what it was like to balance life in showbiz while being a very hands-on dad.

When host Rebecca Lim asked if he ever worried about missing out on his sons’ childhood, Brandon didn’t hesitate: “Definitely. Especially for guys, we’re always out and about, networking and socialising. Many people go ‘oh the kids are grown up now’, and [realise] they missed out on their childhood.”

“I don’t want to miss out on their childhood, I want to be there as they grow up, so that is why I don’t have a social life after having kids,” he added.

For Brandon, his time outside of work was dedicated to caring for his boys.

“[I was very involved] in the nitty-gritty of raising the kids, I’m willing to do it all. It was very tiring and tough,” he confessed. 

When Becks asked if he changed their diapers when they were young, Brandon immediately said that he did. This prompted Becks to send a playful hint to her husband, Matthew Webster, with whom she has a two-year-old son and another baby on the way. Looking straight into the camera, Becks went: “Matthew...”

Brandon shared that while his wife also handled her share of baby duties, he usually took the initiative to get them done.

Having worked with Brandon on projects like Love Thy Neighbour (2011) and Sealed with a Kiss (2015), Becks then shared a memory of him that really stuck with her.

“Sometimes when we have call times at 7am, he would be like ‘Oh, I just came from dropping my sons off at school.’ And during lunch, he’d say ‘I’m going home to prepare lunch for my kids.’ It made [me wonder], why are you such a devoted dad?” recalled Rebecca. 

Yu Jie, who proudly confirmed how involved his father was, jokingly added: “It makes my life a lot easier, without having to worry about what I’m supposed to eat for lunch.”

“I remember in primary school, I would come home and there would already be lunch on the table. Even when he has work, he would still make time to pack takeaway lunch for us. I’m very grateful,” said the teen. 

Growing up, Yu Jie’s mum worked a regular nine-to-five job, but he soon realised that his dad’s work schedule was very different. Sometimes he’d be home for long stretches, and other times away on overseas shoots.

When Brandon wasn’t home for long periods of time, it was up to Yu Jie and his brothers to step up. “My brothers and I would do the household chores ourselves,” he said.

“Aiyah, then I should have gone overseas more,” Brandon teased in response.

Ultimately, Yu Jie is grateful for all the time and effort his dad has put into raising them. He added that when it’s his turn to be a father, he hopes to be just as reliable and responsible, seeing Brandon as a true role model.

Photos: Mediacorp, brandon_wong_jy/ Instagram

To watch the full episode, click here or scroll down to watch.