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)

Hi there! I'm a 36-year-old first-time mom to an energetic 12-month-old toddler.

OPENING UP: CAN YOU SHARE A TURNING POINT IN YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY?  WAS IT A MOMENT OF JOY, A CHALLENGE THAT MADE YOU STRONGER, OR SOMETHING ELSE THAT SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A MOTHER TODAY? 

A turning point in my motherhood journey was when my daughter first babbled ‘mama.' It was the most wonderful moment of my life. nonetheless, like most moms, I faced a tough time balancing work and motherhood. This experience taught me the importance of communication and seeking support. These lessons have made me stronger and more appreciative of both the small and significant moments in life.

FINDING YOUR BALANCE:  MOTHERHOOD HAS SO MANY FACETS.  HOW DO YOU FIND HARMONY BETWEEN YOUR ROLES AS A MUM, YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY, AND YOUR CAREER OR PASSIONS?

Balancing being a mom, my personal life, and my career/passions is an ongoing journey. Having to work in the office four times a week, I cherish the three hours I have with my girl each evening before her bedtime. My husband and I put away our phones to truly focus on our time with her. After she sleeps, we enjoy our screen time, catch up on our HK dramas, or enjoy a late night McDonald’s treat together. Weekends are our special time; although we don’t get to sleep in, we always look forward to bringing her everywhere we go, whether it’s to family or friends' gatherings, a day trip to Johor Bahru, or as simple as going to the market for groceries. Not every day is perfect; there are times when I feel overwhelmed. On those days, I remind myself to pick myself up and be stronger than I was yesterday.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS:  WE ALL NEED A LISTENING EAR OR HELPING HAND SOMETIMES!  WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR "VILLAGE" WHO UPLIFT YOU ON YOUR MOTHERHOOD JOURNEY? 

I am blessed with a husband who has been a hands-on dad from the moment our daughter was born. Thanks to his flexible job, he serves as the main caregiver during the day while I am at the office. When he has appointments, my in-laws are always happy to step in, and my mom loves staying over on weekends to spend quality time with her granddaughter. My close friends, especially fellow moms, offer invaluable emotional support and share their own valuable experiences. This support system uplifts me and enriches my motherhood journey, making it both manageable and fulfilling.

ADVICE FOR NEW MUMS:  IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF WISDOM YOU'D GIVE YOURSELF AS A BRAND-NEW MUM?

One piece of wisdom I’d give my brand-new mom self is to worry less about what others think/say. Every baby is unique & different, so it’s important to find what works best for us and not compare our journey to anyone else’s. What truly matters is ensuring the well-being and happiness of our little one.

CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD:  IN THE WHIRLWIND OF DAILY LIFE, HOW DO YOU CARVE OUT MOMENTS TO CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF PARENTHOOD, BIG AND SMALL?

Small moments, like seeing my daughter smile at me as if I am her entire world, remind me of the beauty and blessings of being a mom. I cherish every milestone, from her first taste of solid foods to clapping along with birthday songs. These milestones are beautiful reminders of how far we've come and how much we've grown together as a family.