Is there really a way to juggle as many balls humanely possible without having them rain down on you?
To mothers, Farisya Syamin, Dr. Amy Wong and Farah Fasihah, the answer is a solid yes.
“Us women, we can definitely do it all. Being a mother is definitely not a barrier to chasing your dreams.”
-Farisya Syamin
It is our great pleasure to introduce you to three multi-tasking queens; here to testify that motherhood can be as rewarding as you make them. They are mothers who remind us that motherhood can be a source of inspiration and motivation, that mistakes may be inevitable but finding peace and balance amidst it all is more than possible.
When asked about how the mum-life has been treating them thus far, here is what they have to say:
Farisya Syamin, Full-time Homemaker and Lady Boss to a Budding Baking Empire.
Farisya Syamin: When you’re running a full-time business with a hectic schedule, mum-life can be quite challenging when you’re juggling it all. However, being a mother whilst running a business sets a purpose. When you’re exhausted and you look at your children, you know you’re not just doing this just out of passion but it is with purpose—this is for them. I’m currently the breadwinner of the family. My husband, a pilot, is currently on furlough. So, I took over financially. It was a huge change but when I set my mind on something, I go for it. And my children are the ones that keep me going.
Dr. Amy Wong: Retired Lecturer, Supermum to Three, Grandmother to One.
Dr. Amy Wong: I’m a proud mother of three: two girls and a boy and have been blessed with a six-year-old grandson from my elder girl. Mum-life has its ups and downs but truly for me, it has more ups than downs. For this, I am truly grateful as I am a very proud mother of my children and what they have achieved. They have not given us any disciplinary problems and have grown up to be very responsible adults.
Farah Fasihah: A Frontliner and 24/7 Mother of Two Cheeky Toddlers.
Farah Fasihah: I’m currently working as an Assistant Food Preparation Officer—both morning and evening shifts. I’m married to a teacher with two beautiful children. My eldest daughter is now 2 years 11 months old, while my son is 1 year two months old. Being a mother to two toddlers so close in age has definitely been a challenge and an experience like no other. Everything I do or think of now revolves around the needs and welfare of my children, before myself.
No one sets the bar like society’s expectations… but none raises it higher than multitasking mothers.
Mothers, Farisya Syamin, Dr. Amy Wong, and Farah Fasihah share how they’ve made it past the rain and shine in motherhood:
#1 People say mothers are the best multitaskers. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Ms. Farisya Syamin: Definitely. We’re such great multitaskers because we are able to do so much. This is partly because there’s so much expected of us as women, that doing the bare minimum is not an option. However, I feel that having to do it all alone is unhealthy. Mothers rarely put themselves first. But your health matters, too. Delegate with your spouse.
Dr. Amy Wong: I definitely agree mothers are the best multitaskers. Most women are now working mums, and after work, they still need to ensure the house is a home for everyone. Besides their physical needs, you have to make time for their mental and emotional needs as well, and that is to spend time listening to them about how their day went. In my family, this happens at dinner time, it is compulsory to sit and eat together.
Ms. Farah Fasihah: This is a phrase that fuels my passion as a mother. It gives the impression a mother is a versatile individual for having to constantly switch from one hat to another. The reality is really easier said than done. With my children, I’m a chef, a doctor, a psychologist and finally, an ustazah. So, yes, in my eyes mothers really do make the best multitaskers.
#2 Did multitasking come naturally to you?
Ms. Farisya Syamin: I’ve always enjoyed multitasking, but stepping into motherhood was a total game-changer. When I first became a mum, I was also a final year degree student and an intern school counselor. That was the start of hectic multitasking, but I coped with the help of a schedule and organising my life.
Dr. Amy Wong: I think it did for me because I never viewed doing things for my family as a burden. The things I had to do, juggling my career and being a mum came naturally, but this all came about smoothly because of my supportive husband. This is truly important, having a supportive spouse for a happy home.
Ms. Farah Fasihah: Once I became a mum, it really did feel like it came naturally to me. I became aware that life as we knew it had taken a 360-degree turn. I now have a child who needs me to multitask between being a breadwinner and mother. I’ve had to be on my feet at all times since and learned to expect the unexpected.
#3 Honestly, is there really room to slow down? If so, how do you?
Ms. Farisya Syamin: Definitely. I wasn’t someone who was organised but being a mother definitely pushed me. When you have children, it’s important to set an early bedtime for them. I make sure my young children go to sleep by 9 PM. This allows me to rest and do things for myself at night and still be able to sleep early.
Dr. Amy Wong: Surely. You must not be too hard on yourself. As a working mum, do the necessary at your own pace. Prioritise what is most important and let go of things that are beyond your means or capabilities. Just be grateful for whatever you have. With an attitude of gratitude, things will naturally slow down.
Ms. Farah Fasihah: Things slow down for me as soon as my kids are put to bed, or are occupied with their father. Working on a shift basis also means I leave and return from work at irregular hours, so the notion of rest tends to settle in at equally odd hours. So for the most part, I get my rest best when it’s my bedtime!
A word of Advice to Expecting, Ambitious Mothers
Mothers Ms. Farisya, Dr. Amy, and Ms. Farah echo the same sentiments: Balance is key to being ever-present in your family’s life and it is very much possible. You ought to be in a healthy state, inside and out, in order to be the best version of yourself. So please, take care of yourself so that you can take the best care of your family.
Try your best to leave work at work and as you are with your kids, stow away your gadgets to fully indulge in precious moments with them. You’ll be a much better listener once you have sorted your clutter of thoughts and it is up to you to discover the best way to do that.
The Secret to Multitasking
The ability to power through the endless list of to-do graciously isn’t always a gracious process. A lot of the time, we ought to remember it takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.
Being the household manager means a great deal of switching back and forth between priorities and household or family errands. And it’s okay to feel tired and to want help. Much like these supermums, consider a strategy of divide and conquer when it comes to parenting.
“My secret to multitasking as a mother is to take it easy. Prioritise and do whatever you can. No one knows you better than yourself. If you can’t cope, get help, and do not feel guilty for doing so.”
-Dr. Amy Wong
Most importantly, remember to give yourself the break you very much deserve. Whether it’s taking hour-long showers to collect your thoughts, lighting up scented candles, or asking others for help.
For many more insightful reads, be sure to tune in to Motherhood Story!