A Gaithersburg woman started out posting funny stories about her four kids, husband and dog on social media. Soon, the stay-at-home mom and graphic designer had enough material for a blog and now a comic book.
“Kids are ridiculous,” Cindy Goh said. “They’re funny and they don’t make sense a lot of times. And that’s what’s fun about raising kids is that they’re just these little people that are ridiculous.”
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
“They started calling these things, these sayings, ‘Samuelisms’ because they mostly come from Samuel,” Goh said of being encouraged by friends to turn an online blog about her family into the book.
(Courtesy Cindy Goh)
Courtesy Cindy Goh
The Goh Family cast of characters: Mom: Cindy; Dad: Raymond; Samuel, 9; Nathan 12; Jordyn, 7; and Rylee, 4.
(Courtesy Cindy Goh)
Courtesy Cindy Goh
Samuel, 9, is emotional and sensitive, according to his mom who adds that Samuel always has to have the last word. “You can’t argue with him,” Goh said.
(Courtesy Cindy Goh)
Courtesy Cindy Goh
Family pet Ponyo, whose name means friend, is addicted to Kong balls laced with peanut butter. Youngest daughter Rylee, 4, is addicted to the iPad. “Please don’t judge me,” Goh exclaimed with a laugh. “She just came back from preschool, so she already did her learning for the day. And I try to give her educational stuff to watch.”
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
It’s undetermined when the Goh family Christmas tree will come down this year. In 2016, when the tree was taken down at Easter, Samuel threatened to run away to find a family “that actually cares about Christmas,” Goh said. Samuel wants the tree up all year in his bedroom.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Samuel has been practicing for an upcoming book signing, Goh said. “He’s really looking forward to meeting all his fans and readers,” she added. The event is being held at Kung Fu Tea in Rockville Feb. 11th between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Pictured with mom Cindy, Rylee, 4, is the baby of the family. Her dad said that while he attempts to be the head of the household, Rylee is clearly the real boss.
(WTOP/Kristi King)
Author Cindy Goh discusses how her children feel about the family-based comic strips
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — An old showbiz adage advises never to work with animals or kids. But, a Montgomery County mom finds they’re good material for comic strips she’s turned into a book.
“It debuted (as the) No. 1 new release in the comic strips section of Amazon,” Cindy Goh said. “It’s mind blowing.”
It all started with social media postings relating funny things her kid would say.
“And, my friends would comment — this should all really be in a book,” Goh said.
The book was named after Goh’s second son Samuel, 9, because she said he consistently has ridiculous things to say.
“I think most of it is just unfiltered thoughts, because kids are straight arrows — they just say what they think,” Goh observed.
Goh is a stay-at-home mom who works occasionally as a contractor doing graphic design.
“But, most of the time I’m just dealing with the kids,” she said. “You know, wiping butts — all that good stuff.”
Goh concedes that being a parent isn’t easy.
“Even in the hard times there are funny things that you get out of your kids. I want to be able to spread that joy outside of this family,” Goh said of compiling her book. “Life is hard, but you can always find a little joy and laughter somewhere.”
You can meet Samuel and Cindy Goh at their book signing this weekend.
Saturday, Feb. 11
11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Kung Fu Tea
275 N. Washington St. Ste D
Rockville, Maryland
Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.
