Greatest Challenge During Circuit Breaker Period

“NOOOO! Mummy noo!”

I was working from home when a loud wail caught my attention.

The child had been whining hysterically for a while. I looked out the window worriedly, trying to locate the screaming child and find out what was going on. Right across my block, I saw a flurried mother standing outside the bathroom door, shouting, “GET OUT FROM THE BATHROOM!!!”

It looked like the child locked himself in the bathroom when his mother was going to lash him. His mother had knocked at the door many times, admonishing him to come out. 20 minutes later, he finally emerged from the bathroom.

I am not sure what happened, and I don’t want to speculate about the private lives of my neighbours. But I couldn’t help finding this scene so familiar, because I was once like that child, trying to escape punishment by hiding in the bathroom.

Most of us are stuck at home in this crucial period. This creates opportunities for families to connect. For some parents, they finally get to spend more time with their young children. For some youths and teenagers, they get to see their parents for a longer time every day.

This is a good time for meaningful interactions within the family. However, as human beings, frequent interaction may create friction. Having disagreements is inevitable, but you are not alone. 

Let’s work on this homework together -- yes, literally, homework. Let’s emerge from this month-long circuit breaker having formed stronger family bonds with our loved ones.

We will be posting tips on how we can learn and grow together as a family:

• Understanding our emotions

• Coping with our stress

• Communicating with your child

• Communicating with your parents

• Communicating with your spouse

• Gratitude

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