Steven Chia joined 'Talking Point' show to have more time to spend with his children

CNA’s Steven Chia spoke about being a parent to his kids recently in the latest episode of "DNA", hosted by actress Rebecca Lim.

Accompanied by his 16-year-old son Joshua, the seasoned host reflected on family, work, and raising children while working in media.

The 54-year-old and his wife, Tania, also have a daughter, Lucy, 20.

More time with his children

Chia said he hopes for more time with his children, instead of just planning to spend quality time together.

He said: "People say quality time but I'm like, 'What do you mean by quality time? Any time you spend with your child is quality time.'

"So my view is that the more time you spend with your children the better."

Be at work at 4am

When Chia previously co-anchored and produced CNA's morning show, "AM Live!", he had to be at work around 4am to 5am.

It also meant he would be home by 2pm.

Noting that his children were young at the time, Chia said this allowed him to bring them to the park, get groceries, and also go swimming.

He then switched to become the main anchor for "Singapore Tonight", where he had to be in the office from 2pm for the 10pm news broadcast.

"When I go to work, the kids aren't even home from school yet," said Chia.

He added: "When I come home after work, which is like midnight, 1am, the kids have gone to bed. When I wake up the next morning, the kids have gone to school."

More regular hours

Chia subsequently began hosting "Talking Point", which gave him more regular hours.

"I am fortunate in the sense that my job allows me some flexibility in the way I work," he said.

"Of course, my filming takes priority, but other than that, I can get around it and fit other things in," he added.

"It is really just planning and having the energy to do it."

Dad at home

Chia's son Joshua also got to riff a little with his TV presenter dad.

Chia junior said he would describe his father as having "kind of the same vibe" at home, but just not as "investigative".

To that, Chia said he is "normal" and like "a regular dad".

The TV man said he would still scold Joshua and asks him questions, such as why he bought certain items on Shopee.

The father and son also bonded over dad jokes, such as not buying Velcro because it is a "rip-off".

Chia added that he was "so proud" when Joshua himself used the joke.

"That's my son," he said.