24/7

24 hours, 7 days a week

I’ve heard this umpteen times. That’s how we describe our role at work or at home. This is especially true for stay-at-home mums (SAHM). I was really feeling very apprehensive about my role as a SAHM. It’s a complete contrast to my years as a working mum. What more, I was working for 14 years before I resigned last year. And in this 14 years, I was married, had my first kid and then the 2nd kid. I juggled my commitments as a working mum much like everyone else in SGP.

24 hours, 7 days a week, constantly.

Now, I do everything from getting the kids all their meals; prepare them for school and walking them to school and waving them goodbyes and see-you-later with a wink and a flying kiss. Ah home, I put on my apron and go about the chores and cooking like a pro. I know everything that they have. I recognize all their toys and their books and all the knick-knacks in the house. Chores, that’s the dull part of a SAHM.

I love to see their faces pop out from the door at pick-up from school. It’s this expectant look that says, ‘Mummy, are you there?’ Of course I am. Everyday. Never a second late. I love to hear what they have to say to mummy first. All the great little experiences they had in school that day. Tricia had a new friend today. Tricia played tiggy. Tricia learnt a new letter sound. Tricia has a surprise. Timothy had a fall. Timothy played cricket. Timothy watched his friends fought. Timothy won a game and got a lolly. We talked and we talked all the way home. That’s one of the best parts of a SAHM.

On weekdays, when the kiddos get home, I watched them like a hawk. Taking in the beauty of their faces and listening to their chattering about school. Some days, I realize how deprive I am of human contact when the kiddos are at school. There were days when papa didn’t call from work so I’ve had no conversation with anyone the whole time the kiddos are at school. How I treasure these moments with the kids. I also find myself very chatty when papa comes back from work. I try my best not to be THE typical SAHM.

My day usually ends when the kiddos fall asleep. By then, I’m also very exhausted. Tonight I stayed up to do some reading. I alternate among the 3 novels borrowed from the library. ‘The Magpie Bridge’ Liu Hong, ‘Love in the Present Tense’ and ‘Pay It Forward’ both by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The latter should be a good read. Hmmm…SAHM.

I was also reminded of an article I read about the 24th of July. Over here, Australians are urged to take a breather on this day and divert their attention on the commitments they’ve been entrusted with 24/7. Slow down if you’ve been hurrying along lately. Dress casually. Have a message. Pick up a good read. Savour a moment of relaxation with friends, family or colleagues. Have a long lunch. Pack up and go home early from work.

24 hours, 7 days a week = SAHM

SAHM = 24 hours, 7 days a week

Come 24th July. What shall I do? Hmmm… The kids fetch their own breakfast and fix their lunchboxes. The kids cook dinner? Give mum a break and give her a message and help to fold the clothes?

Nah. I’ll just skip a couple of chores for that day. Have 1 more cuppa and watch ‘Gone with the Wind’.

Have at least 1 'stress-free' day, 24/7.