_Knight Frank Singapore celebrates Mother's Day 2022
Janarthini Supaiah, Assistant Manager, Occupier Strategy and Solutions
Mum to Adhira Balakumaran, 14 months-old
What do you love about being a mum?
I never realised how much love my heart could hold. No one can tell you what it feels like to love someone else so deeply and profoundly that you will rejoice when they rejoice, hurt when they hurt, feel what they feel – even without saying a word.
What is your favourite activity together?
My daughter loves to explore places, and meet new people. During my off days, you can find us at the beach or park, where she’s waving at strangers.
How demanding is it to juggle work and motherhood?
It’s not easy with the demands of work, the sleepless nights, the constant worrying, and the endless piles of laundry. But no matter how exhausted I feel, I give it my best.
The biggest lesson you’ve learnt on this motherhood journey.
To be kind to myself. We can easily lose ourselves in the role, but it’s important to indulge in some me-time with a quiet meal or a movie with your husband or friends.
Yvonne Chen, Senior Manager, Residential (International Project Marketing)
Mum to Talia, 10 and Tobias, 8
What do you love about being a mum?
Being a mum is indeed the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I now have two little friends who plant unlimited kisses on my cheeks every day!
What is your favourite activity together?
Recently, we picked up cycling together. Funny as it sounds, my children were the ones who taught me how to cycle.
How do the kids inspire you?
Watching them grow up day by day and becoming independent. Their problem-solving skills and ambitions show me they are ready to take on the world! Witnessing their strong determination has inspired me to strengthen my approach towards achieving my own goals.
The biggest lesson you’ve learnt on this motherhood journey.
There is no manual for being the perfect mum. I struggled to make everything perfect for my kids, and doubted my own capabilities. The biggest strength I’ve discovered is selflessness. I can do anything to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Motherhood is a fulfilling job!
Lynette Chia, Senior Administrative Executive, Consultancy & Research
Mum to Laurent, 4, and Leroy, 2
What do you love about being a mum?
Watching my boys learn and grow, being cute and silly.
What is your favourite activity together?
Laurent’s is playing with Lego bricks. We build mini cars together. Leroy’s current favourite activity is pretend cooking. I have to sit at his ‘kitchen’ and he will ‘cook’ and serve me food.
How do the boys bring you joy?
Running towards me yelling “Mummy!” when I pick them up from school, approaching me for comfort when upset, and approving of my cooking since they are the pickiest eaters! Oh, and of course, when they say “I love you”.
The biggest lesson(s) you’ve learnt on this motherhood journey.
To be extra patient, responsible and more loving. I’ve found that I’m capable of multi-tasking.
Sheryl See, Assistant Manager, Agency Support, HR & Training
Mum to Nicholas, 21 and Genevieve, 17
What do you love about being a mum?
Motherhood is really a wonderful part of my life. I have a renewed sense of responsibility, and it makes me feel important being someone my kids can rely on. I love nothing more than seeing them grow up day by day, despite the sleepless nights and worries when they fall sick or get stressed during exams.
What is your favourite activity together?
We have so many: cycling, playing badminton and swimming. We also enjoy a good dinner as a family, chatting about our day and enjoying a good laugh.
How do your kids inspire you?
They inspire me to be a leader, to be creative and think outside the box. They also keep me young! Growing with them makes me feel carefree again, as we explore adventures together.
The biggest lesson you’ve learnt on this motherhood journey.
Value your family. I am thankful to have grown up in one that was filled with love, care and joy. I will continue to champion these values in my own family.
Michelle Bong Lejtenyi, Content Marketing Manager, Marketing & Communications
Mum to James Henry, 3
What do you love about being a mum?
I learn something new every day. How much Paracetamol to give? How to accomplish an endless list of To Do’s? Where to attend Mandarin immersive classes? I have the answers to these, and more. Also, having a small human constantly flinging himself into your arms is totally underrated.
What is your favourite activity together?
Bath-time and bedtime are sacred; that’s when we have a giggle as he splashes in his bubble bath, and we chat about his day. I’ll ask him if he had a good one, what he did, how happy it made him. It’s my way of softening the ache of not having been there to experience it all together. The #momguilt is real.
How demanding is it to juggle work and motherhood?
It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Motherhood is a modern-day superpower, one that has made me realise how much I can achieve in 24 hours – even if it means frantically ordering groceries and restocking the bathroom before bedtime.
The biggest lesson you’ve learnt on this motherhood journey.
Be present at all times. There will always be some sort of unfinished business to attend to: a half-read email, a plate of dinner getting cold on the table, soiled clothing to soak before the stains set in. Everything can wait, when your child wants your attention. “Put down your phone, mama!”, James would chide me. Yep, schooled by a toddler.
Next month: We turn the spotlight on Dads, look out for our special feature.