CMCO: How doing chores together has further strengthened this Malaysian family's bond

Victoria (left) and Celeste are happy to work together to prepare meals for the family. Photos: Clarissa Chong

Businesswoman Clarissa Chong knows that cooking is a valuable skill and is thankful her daughters – Victoria Mah, 15, and Celeste Mah, 12 – can whip up simple dishes for the family during the current conditional movement control order.

“Victoria has always had an affinity for food and cooking. When she was younger, she’d help me cook and bake, and she enjoyed it very much.

“During the MCO in March, she volunteered to cook more dishes for the family. She kept surprising us with Korean rice dish bibimbap and Western cuisine, which she learned to prepare after watching YouTube videos, ” said Chong, 50, who trained her girls how to cook when they were younger.

The meals prepared by her daughters are simple, but Chong doesn’t mind. She says there’s nothing more assuring than knowing these home-cooked dishes are much cleaner and cheaper. Plus, they cook the meals with love.

“Even though we eat organic vegetables (which can be more expensive), the end cost is still cheaper and it’s also healthier compared to eating out. We also know exactly what we cook and put in.

“I feel less stressed not needing to rush home to cook for the family. After office hours, I can have more quality time talking with my two girls and knowing what is on their mind, which increases the bonding between us, ” said the proud mum from Kuala Lumpur.

A family that eats together, stays together. Chong ensures her family sits down together for meals.

Over the last few months, Chong noticed that her daughters work well as cooking partners.

“Initially, Celeste used to cook lunch and her sister cooked dinner. But these days, they both help each other where one person cuts and the other cooks. They say it is faster and more fun. As for me, I cook breakfast and help to do the cleaning and washing up in the kitchen after meals.”

Victoria enjoys cooking because she gets to cook the food she wants to eat.

“I don’t find it challenging to cook. I find it rather interesting, just like doing a science experiment. I get inspiration from both YouTube and Instagram.

“Mum doesn’t encourage us to eat snacks or order food delivery, therefore I am learning to cook the food I love. This has increased my interest in cooking even more, ” said Victoria, a Form Three student from SMK (P) Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.

Chong (right) believes that life skills like cooking and basic housekeeping are part of her children's survival kit when they leave home.

Chong’s work schedule keeps her busy, leaving her with limited time to clean and organise her home regularly, even during the stay-at-home period.

There are only three main chores that Chong, her husband Cornelius Mah, 48, and their daughters do every week – sweeping, mopping and cleaning the bathroom.

“The curtains are washed twice a year – before Christmas and Chinese New Year. The bookshelves, cabinets and storeroom are given a wipe down and organised two or three times a year.”

Health Ministry’s senior principal assistant director (Public Health) Dr Karen Sharmini Sandanasamy said it is crucial to compartmentalise tasks based on importance.

“During the stay-at-home period, it can be difficult for working mothers to juggle between house chores, managing their children and office responsibilities. It is essential to have an organised system based on importance to ensure things work smoothly like clockwork.

“Have smaller, doable goals and work towards them on a realistic scale. Mothers with toddlers should have room for interruptions too. Working mothers have a lot on their plate so don’t feel guilty if the house is not in immaculate condition, ” advised Dr Karen.

She explained that simple chores such as folding clothes, watering the plants and sweeping the floor can be assigned to children.

“Assigning chores to kids teaches them about responsibility and self-reliance.

“Through simple tasks like washing and keeping the dishes, children also learn how to be a productive team player. Plus, by doing chores together, the family bond can be strengthened.”

Assigning chores to kids teaches them about responsibility and self-reliance. Photo: 123rf.com

Chong’s girls have been helping out with chores since they were in kindergarten.

“Thankfully, they don’t grumble when they are doing chores. They are so preoccupied with their studies, cooking and tasks that they hardly have much time for gadgets.”

Chong admits her children’s cleaning skills may need improvement, but she doesn’t complain.

“Instead of scolding them, I always encourage them by showing them ways to further improve their cleaning skills. They have shown so much improvement over the last six months.

“I am happy my girls can cook and do basic housekeeping. Ultimately, it is their survival kit when they leave home.”

The plus point of this current stay-at-home period is it has brought the Mah family closer.

“Each night, we make it a point to chat before going to bed. We talk about everything, from TV shows to life in general to the children’s studies.

“Sometimes, we end up talking for hours, wishing the night wouldn’t end.

“My husband enjoys music. The girls and their father love to sing and play musical instruments together and load it on YouTube or Facebook. It is his way of bonding with the girls.

“This has certainly added more spice to their lives. On a positive note, the stay-home period has us bond as a family and have happy memories.”