We are half-way through the year, and we are very pleased that there are still more and more mums who, amidst their uber busy schedules, manage to share their stories with us hoping to inspire everyone. This month, we would like to introduce another woman whose story really epitomizes what motherhood is all about. Meet Mummy Melody Lim, our newest addition to MummySG’s Supermom league:
“My name is Melody Lim and my friends/associates know me as Mel. I’m a proud mother to 2 beautiful girls, aged 8 and 4.5 years old. Prior to getting pregnant, I was working in one of the 4 biggest accountancy firms. Like all graduates, the aim was to climb up the corporate ladder as high as one could but with the birth of my first daughter, my perspective changed. Corporate achievements were no longer my priority. As the saying goes, “motherhood changes a woman,” and it’s true. Breastfeeding and taking care of my daughter’s well-being had taken precedent over my work. So when my first daughter was 9 months old, I decided to resign and never looked back since then. Being a stay-at-home mom enabled me to breastfeed both of my daughters till they were 14 months old.
In 2011, I decided to set up an online store called MDdiaperbags which is retailing in fashionable and affordable diaper bags and accessories for the modern parents who love bringing their babies everywhere with them. Just like me! My girls moved almost everywhere with me and I had a difficult time looking for stylish diaper bags that are functional and yet affordable so I decide to go into this business to share my find of diaper bags with other parents out there. On top of that, I am also a freelance corporate tax consultant.
So my daily routine as a work-at-home mom involves getting the kids ready for school, while the kids are at school, I will be in my home office sending emails/working on tax advice/managing my e-store, thereafter will be cooking lunch, fetching the kids from school, coaching them on school work, playing/chilling/baking/reading, dinner, tucking them to bed and continuing to work in my home office again.“
Mummy Mel’s interview is on the next page…[PAGE][/PAGE]
Are you a working mother or stay-at-home mother?
I would say I’m a work-at-home mother to be exact as I run an online store retailing in diaper bags and accessories as well as working as a freelance corporate tax consultant while tending to the needs of my 2 cheeky girls.
What influenced your decision to stay at home?
The desire to witness every milestone that my girls reached. There was once when I was at work and my mum (then my babysitter) called me to tell me that my elder girl has started her first crawl, my heart kind of “sank”. There was a sense of “regret” and I wished I was there to witness that moment. Thankfully, my hubby was and is very supportive till this day so when my elder daughter turned 9 months, I threw in the letter and there was no turning back for me.
Wow, what a brave move Mummy Mel! Now, other than that, can you share with us the other sacrifices you have/had to make to stay at home?
Definitely the social aspect as there is no longer fixed lunch time nor tea breaks for interaction with colleagues. With young children at home, we eat and move simultaneously. Also, the income part. From being a duo-income to a single-income household, adjustments have to be made when it came to expenditure. However, being able to spend all my waking and sleeping hours with my girls, it is still worth it.
Do you feel that your child is missing out on anything because you stay at home?
With my staying at home, there is a very close bond between my girls and me and I am very thankfully for that. I feel that it also gives them a sense of security that mommy is always around and they appreciate that presence.
How do you think your relationship with your child would differ if you worked?
If I worked full time, I imagine my girls will probably be spoilt by grandparents (hahaha!) and they may not share as much time with me. I dread to think about that!
What would be your ideal situation (stay home, work part-time, work full-time)?
Honestly, I feel what I have now is the most ideal situation, where I can work-from-home and still get to be the stay-at-home mom that the girls want me. All this is made possible with the help of my supportive parents and hubby who are around to babysit when I need to run errands and meet clients/suppliers, and I am very thankful and blessed.
How do you view mothers who work or stay at home?
Kudos to all the mommies who stay-at-home to watch your little ones. It’s not easy and I share your woes but the rewards are priceless. A big salute to those working mothers who work 2 shifts of working in office and taking care of the household in the evening. You ladies are amazing!
The rest of Mummy Mel’s interview is on the next page…
[PAGE][/PAGE]What advice would you give to a parent who is struggling with the decision to work or stay home?
Well, if financially and emotionally prepared, I would encourage the parent to just go for it and stay home, because the bonding and the experience of just being able to watch your kids grow up day by day is priceless. The rewards are immensely fulfilling!
Now being a stay at home mom, have you let your daughters join any baby/toddler classes?
When my girls were 2 years old, I enrolled them to one of those daily 2-hourly playgroup classes.
What skills do you think your children gained from those types of classes?
My main purpose for the classes was for social interaction and teaching them about sharing with other children.
Being a mother, what other skills would you like to master?
I would love to learn to sew and make some clothes for my girls hahaha! I love to dress my girls up so it’ll be nice if I know how to make my own and such pieces can then be passed on generations after. How cool will that be?? Hahaha!
What’s the one thing you would have done differently as a mom (in terms of raising your kids and running the household)?
That I should learn to delegate duties rather than to want to do everything myself. Sometimes, it is ok to ask for help from family members and it will not make you any less of a great mummy than you already are.
What is the best piece of advice that you can give to all mums out there who do like you do?
Continue to enjoy every moment of your little ones’ growing up days cos the memories built together will last a lifetime.
We thank Mummy Melody Lim for favouring us this interview! We, from MummySG, wish you all the best!
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Also, if you can relate to this interview, you could be a Supermom, too! And you have come to the right place. Send us a message at sarah.carpio@mummysg.com to qualify. Maybe your story will be featured soon, because you.are.that.awesome! <3
