Seeing silver lining in MCO

Exercising is among daily activities that mothers are engaging in with their little ones during this MCO period. — Filepic

BEING a work-from-home mum while caring for a one-year-old toddler and chasing deadlines during this movement control order (MCO) period is no easy feat.

While it is a blessing that I get to spend all day every day with my little bundle of joy, (who is not so little anymore), it is in fact draining.

Some would say it’s even more tiring than when at work.

With my little boy being mobile now, either crawling or walking, there is just no stopping him.

He has to be watched like a hawk 24/7, because you just never know the mischief he will get up to in just a blink of an eye.

I am, however, absolutely blessed to have the help of my mum who gives my son undivided attention when I have work to do.

Even with my husband being pretty much a hands-on dad, we cannot handle him on our own. My husband is also working from home and is expected to attend virtual meetings and handle conference calls.

And somehow, the two of us working from home has turned my son into a clingy koala.

Thankfully for me, my son is not at that age where he can talk, reason or ask for things yet. He is still easily entertained.

But for most mothers I see on social media who have more than one child or even just one baby, they end up burning the midnight oil trying to either finish up work or getting chores done.

Some are even documenting their daily activities.

For instance, incorporating children into their exercise routines, baking together or filling up the inflatable pool just to keep the young ones occupied are now the norm.

Meanwhile, those who are not expected to work from home are simply taking this opportunity to make up for lost time by bonding with their children through various activities, such as watching their favourite cartoons on rerun.

In some households, families are even calling the MCO a prolonged festive celebration as mothers cook three meals a day, and it is always a feast.

Some of my friends have texted me to ask how I entertain my son every day as they are running out of ideas.

We end up exchanging ideas and forming some sort of a support group.

It is upsetting to know of some healthcare frontliners who have not been able to even go near their children.

A doctor friend told me that food has to be left outside his room and he eats alone in isolation every day, just to be safe.

Another frontliner I know can only helplessly listen to her children cry for her every night, just to be hugged and put to bed.

Some even have to live away from home just to protect their loved ones from contracting the virus.

With everything that is going on now, I am so grateful that my very active son is healthy and that my husband, who usually travels a lot for work, is grounded for a few months.

Even with no time and energy left for myself, I would not trade this precious time I have with my loved ones and will cherish the experience of staying at home.