In the lead-up to Mother's Day, HoneyKids mum Jana pays tribute to all the mums who've helped her throughout mumhood.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it took a village to make me a better mum. I’m not the best mum by all means – heck, I still get pretty riled up whenever my four-year-old won’t sit for his homeschooling class or when my two-year-old touches his poopy bum during diaper changes – but practice makes perfect, right? But how I’ve learned to manage my temper, find fun things for my kids to do, know what to teach them and relax about hitting milestones – I learned all that from lots of different people: my mum, my granny, my mother-in-law, my friends, my helper, the mums from my mum groups, my co-workers… the list goes on. So, in honour of Mother’s Day, here’s a little thank you note to all of you.
To my mum
I can’t say thank you to my village without mentioning my mum. You were there both times, in the delivery room, holding my hand while I gripped you with all my might. You welcomed your grandchildren into the world and held them in your arms, then went on to become their best friend and number one defender. Although we may be miles apart, my children have grown up with their “mimi” – thank you for always visiting and being there for many milestones.
To my granny
Thank you for being the best guardian angel to my babies. Through countless high fever scares, blood tests and ER visits, it makes me feel better knowing that you’re watching over my boys. I don’t want to think about how much you would have enjoyed them because it will just make me sad. I still miss you everyday.
To my helper
Without you, motherhood in Singapore would be impossible. Because of you, I’m able to go to work and be a better mum to my children. I’m able to have my moments of peace and quiet so that my kids can have a happy, healthy mum. Because of you, my kids are well-fed and always smiling. I am beyond grateful for you. You are one of the most important people in my village, and for that, I thank you for all that you do.
To my girlfriends
I’m grateful for our constant chats, even if we’re spread out across the world. It’s nice to have this motherhood thing in common and to be able to share it with each other. I love how we are able to support, challenge and inspire each other, despite the distance. Although I wish we could raise our kids together, having them Zoom chat every once in awhile isn’t too bad. I just wish we could do it more often!
To my co-workers
Whether it was over a cup of coffee , a G-chat, a WhatsApp group message or a quick chat in the office pantry, having you in my life has made being a mum so much easier. I love how it’s so easy to ask for advice, talk about how our kids are driving us crazy and what’s happening at work – all at the same time. I’m grateful for all the hand-me-downs, the little treats I get to bring home for my boys and being able to be someone other than my boys’ mum for a few hours.
To my mum groups
From my days as a sleep-deprived first-time mum to a semi-seasoned mum of two toddlers, my mum groups have been my lifeline. You guys were there for me through my postpartum depression and when my older son rolled off the bed at four months old. We’ve exchanged lactation cookie recipes, turned our breastmilk into popsicles, talked about tantrums and yes, our husbands. Thank you for being (virtually) there whenever I needed you.
There’s no doubt that being a mum is one of the toughest jobs in the world. But knowing that I have a village that supports me and inspires me to be a better mum makes it all better – thank you and I’m grateful to all of you.
Happy Mother’s Day!
