THE PARENTING CHRONICLES: REAL STORIES FROM REAL MUMS (AND DADS)
INTRODUCTION: CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY (HOW MANY CHILDREN, AGES, LOCATION)
Hello from the Sea Family! My name is Morgan (33), my amazing wife, Jialing (32) and our happy fruit, Agnes, who will be turning 2 years old this month of June! We are proudly Singaporean!
OPENING UP: CAN YOU SHARE A TURNING POINT IN YOUR MOTHERHOOD/FATHERHOOD JOURNEY? WAS IT A MOMENT OF JOY, A CHALLENGE THAT MADE YOU STRONGER, OR SOMETHING ELSE THAT SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A PARENT TODAY?
The day Agnes was born, it was absolutely life-changing! I left my MOE teaching career of 7 years to spend time with her. For the entire year of 2023, I spent every moment with her, visiting zoos, museums, amusement parks, cycling, swimming, you name it! At the same time, we are on YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok (@growwithagnes) to share all of these parenting happiness and experiences. All these would not have been possible without the support and understanding from my wife and family. With Agnes, the love we have as a couple has deepened as well!
FINDING YOUR BALANCE: MOTHERHOOD/FATHERHOOD HAS SO MANY FACETS. HOW DO YOU FIND HARMONY BETWEEN YOUR ROLES AS A MUM/DAD, YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY, AND YOUR CAREER OR PASSIONS?
It is important to harmonise the different roles through adaptations and deliberate efforts. Let me share a current example. Now that Agnes is attending playgroup in her childcare, I have returned to the workforce, but I specifically sought a career very near her childcare centre and my wife’s workplace, such that we can all go to work and school together as a family. This is one deliberate way on how I align my career and family time. With regards to passion, sports and hobbies, I involve Agnes as well! For example, I bought her a real violin, the smallest size for children, so when i am practising the violin, she bows on her violin as well! Making these life adaptations allow me to do the things I love while spending precious time and bond with my family too! As a result, life is highly meaningful and every moment is well spent!
SUPPORT SYSTEMS: WE ALL NEED A LISTENING EAR OR HELPING HAND SOMETIMES! WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR "VILLAGE" WHO UPLIFT YOU ON YOUR PARENTHOOD JOURNEY?
Our family (parents, parents-in-law, relatives) and friends are definitely our pillars of support. From having home-cooked dinner (cooked by our parents) at the end of the day to an extra pair of hands to help take care of Agnes when falls sick, we have too many people we are thankful for lending help at every juncture. Also, after becoming a parent, I realise that the parenting community, whether in Singapore or globally, is highly empathetic and supportive. From Facebook groups, YouTube channels to Instagram pages, parents are there to share a listening ear, share their parenting experiences and tips. As our YouTube channel and Instagram page gain traction, supportive comments by subscribers and followers touch our hearts as well.
ADVICE FOR NEW MUMS AND DADS: IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF WISDOM YOU'D GIVE YOURSELF AS A BRAND-NEW MUM OR DAD?
If financially possible, I would recommend at least one parent to personally provide caregiving for the baby. No one would take better care of your own baby than you do and I wish for all parents to be able to see your child achieve his or her milestones. Those very moments and feelings only happen once, something you wouldn't want to miss because of work.
CELEBRATING PARENTHOOD: IN THE WHIRLWIND OF DAILY LIFE, HOW DO YOU CARVE OUT MOMENTS TO CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF PARENTHOOD, BIG AND SMALL?
The YouTube videos that we make are all from the daily happenings of our lives. From Agnes learning how to crawl, standing on her own to saying her own name clearly, these videos keep our memories of parenthood fresh and vivid! Agnes loves to watch them as well! We also have a family journal which we started ever since Jialing was pregnant so all our big and small moments are all written inside with pictures!
