HoneyKids had a chat with supermum Adeline Tan about how she’s juggling work with raising two uber-cute little boys
Think being a mum is tough? Try being a working mum. We’re talking about being away from your kids for at least 10 hours a day and missing milestones like first steps and first words. Whether it’s a necessity or a personal choice, being a working mum requires packed days, a whole lot of commitment, crazy organisational skills and an understanding partner. Just ask 31-year-old exhibition designer Adeline Tan, who’s also a super mummy to two-and-a-half-year-old cutie Damon and uber-cuddly 10-month-old Daxton, the winner of Plaza Singapura’s recent PS BabyStar competition.
HoneyKids had a chat with Adeline to see how she juggles it all and makes it work…
Hi Adeline! Could you tell us about your kids? What do you love most about them?
I have two chubby boys, Damon and Daxton. I love how Damon is very cheerful and caring. According to his teachers, he’s one of the first to comfort his classmates if he sees them upset. He’ll hug them and tell them everything’s OK. He does the same to us too when we show him we’re not happy! As for Daxton, I adore his chubby cheeks and thighs. People love his Michelin-man thighs and arms, but it’s his big, toothless smile that always melts my heart.
What’s a typical day like for you as a mum?
As a working mum, I spend more than 10 hours away from my kids because of my long commute. Every day, I get home at nearly 8pm and spend time with my two sons before they go to bed at around 10pm. This is the most precious time for me, which is why I ensure I put all distractions away so I can I spend quality time with my kids. When I have time, I like to do photoshoots with my boys and turn the results into works of art (I can’t help it – it’s the designer in me!).
What’s the best part of your day?
I love that the moment I get home, Damon welcomes me with a big hug and lots of kisses while Daxton gets excited and flashes me one of his cute smiles. I also love snuggling with them while we read books.
What does being a mum mean to you?
To me, being a mum means being a superwoman who juggles both work and family, a teacher who teaches kids important values and life skills, and a counsellor who listens, understands and encourages.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without as a mum?
I can’t live without my baby carrier! Both my boys were big babies. Especially Daxton at the moment – his weight range is over the 97th percentile! I’m quite petite so I can’t carry him without a baby carrier. Sometimes I even use it at home when he’s cranky and wants me to hold him all the time.
How has being a mum changed you?
After becoming a mum, my priorities changed. I always put the needs of my kids before thinking of myself and fix my schedule to accommodate them. I’ve also learned how to manage my time wisely and cut out my bad habits.
What’s the toughest part about being a parent?
I’ve always believed that kids are never too young to be disciplined. The difficulty for me however, is trying to control my laughter when scolding my little ones. I try to give my elder son stern looks when he makes mistakes but I can’t help but burst into laughter when he responds with a funny face. They are simply too cute and innocent at this age. Well, I guess it’s something that I have to work on!
Do you have any hobbies? How do you find time to do them?
I’m a designer who is interested in anything design-related – whether it be arts and crafts, sewing, photo editing, or even birthday backdrop design. I feel so lucky to have turned my passion into a profession. With my knowledge in Photoshop, I create unique and beautiful photos of my kids… whenever I manage to capture a good one! I did it for fun in the beginning, but eventually I got enthusiastic about it! I make time for photo-editing usually after the kids go to bed. I consider this as my ‘me time’.
Thank you, Adeline!
Benny wears: clothes from Uniqlo #03-53 (uniqlo.com/sg); Adeline wears: clothes by Uniqlo #03-53 (uniqlo.com/sg); Damon and Daxton wears: clothes from Chateau de Sable #03-19A (chateaudesable.com), picnicware and mat from Spotlight #05-11 (spotlightstores.com/sg), toys from The Better Toy Store #03-14 (thebettertoystore.com), snacks from Marks & Spencer #02-16 (marksandspencer.com/sg)