The Mediacorp drama Lion Mums is known to tackle topics that any Singaporean mum could relate to. Issues such as tuition, work-life balance and stressed out children, all of these are addressed in the show. Just as the three "lion mums" in the series deal with these problems, it's no surprise that the stars who play the characters are hardworking mothers themselves. Such as local actress and host Lina Ng who plays Chae Lian.
theAsianparent reached out to the celeb mummy to share what life is like as a working mum in Singapore. Aside from being an actress, Lina Ng is a full-time mum of three sons. From what her parenting style is, how she prepares her kids for exams and how she relates to her character, Lina doesn't leave anything out.
Actress Lina Ng Admits She Was A Tiger Mum When Her Kids Were Younger
When asked what type of parent she is to her sons, actress Lina Ng says she used to be a "Tiger Mum". But once they grew up, she's now more like a friend to them.
The celeb mum is very hands-on when it comes to her kids. Lina shares how she can be "firm on discipline yet tender with every personality" as a mum.
For instance, to the actress, her priority is always her family. This is why she dictates her "off-limits hours" whenever she engages in jobs.
"Those are when I need to fetch my younger son to tuition or when there [are] special occasions at home," she tells theAsianparent.
Lina adds, "When all my boys were below 12 years old, I chose to be a full time housewife, driving the children to/from school/enrichment."
The challenges of being a working mum
But balancing work life with your family isn't that easy as the celeb mum has her own fair share of challenges as a working mum. One of these things she shares is difficult it is to get time for herself.
"To do things I enjoy and having enough time to rest. There are so many things I need to manage. It just felt like too many things, so little time!" Lina stresses.
Another is her mental wellbeing as it is important for Lina to have time for some "self love". This means "getting enough rest, eating well, time for exercises [and] leisure".
She also has similar worries like other mothers regarding her kids such as whether they're "getting bullied" or that they may go "astray" during their teen years.
Preparing Her Child For PSLE In Two Years
As for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), actress Lina Ng says she would "take the year off" for her child’s preparation. But since she already has experience preparing for PSLE with her two older boys aged 15 & 17, the celeb mum says she isn't as stressed over her youngest child.
"The intensity will come at the end of P5 when I have to prep him for P6 preliminary exams then the PSLE," she says.
Tips from actress Lina Ng on how to support your child for their PSLE year
The Lion Mums star also shared some advice for parents who have children preparing for the examinations.
- Structured study time and playtime.
- Never do last minute revision…it stresses everyone out. Plan their revision well, be vigilant to observe/find out which area of works they are weak at and just work on that.
- Allow them to have rest and play!
- Have some family-bonding time together.
- Prepare them some home-cooked food. Eat well and sleep well.
- Don’t study so much that they lack sleep. Their health is very important-physically, mentally and emotionally.
There Are Moments When Lina Ng Relates To The Mums In The Show
Lina's character Chae Lin is an elitist mum who expects perfection from her children. Now that we know the actress has a healthier relationship with her three sons, we were shocked to hear that there are a few similarities she found between her and Chae Lin.
"For this season, it’s the sign on peri-menopause. I’m reaching that age. Had ‘warned’ my hubby and sons of my mood swings," shares Lina.
She also finds herself relating to the others for moments when children talk back to her in a rude and argumentative manner or when she feels helpless in situations beyond her control.
Lina Ng Shares Her New Year's Resolutions
Before signing off with theAsianparent, actress Lina Ng also kindly listed down some of her New Year's resolutions as well as plans she hopes to do with her family this 2022.
- To search for a car to replace my MPV which will be scrapped in mid-May 2022
- Year-end holiday to reward eldest boy completing his A levels.
- To be kinder and more loving to each other.
- Be grateful for all things…stay positive and healthy!
All episodes of Lion Mums Season 4 are now available for free on-demand on meWATCH.
Lead image source Lina Ng.
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