If you’re a parent in Singapore, you’ve probably felt it. That sneaky, silent, heavy feeling that creeps up the moment you start thinking about taking time for yourself. It’s called mom guilt — and whether you’re a full-time working mom, a stay-at-home parent, or somewhere in between, you know it hits hard.
It hits even harder when you’re doing live radio shows, hosting events, acting gigs, and the rollercoaster of motherhood — all while keeping your cool and your heart wide open for your child. That’s the everyday reality of OLI 968’s Nithiyia Rao.
As a mom, DJ, host, and actress, Nithiyia doesn’t just wear multiple hats. She spins them, flips them, and somehow keeps them from falling off. Her secret? A refreshingly honest approach to battling mom guilt that every Singaporean parent needs to hear.
How This Singaporean Mom Balances Showbiz, Scripts and School Runs Without Missing a Beat
Long before her voice filled the airwaves and her face graced screens, Nithiyia Rao was just another young woman chasing dreams. Her big break came in 2011, when she charmed audiences and clinched 1st Runner Up in Mediacorp Vasantham’s Miss Vasantham pageant. From there, the spotlight never dimmed. She bagged “Best Actress” at Pradhana Vizha 2012 for her debut role and racked up over 40 acting credits across Tamil, English, and Malay platforms — including films that made it all the way to Cannes and Singapore’s iconic Capitol Theatre.
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But behind the glitz, Nithiyia’s real-life role as a mother brought its own script of sleepless nights, school runs, and the ever-complicated dance of work-life balance. Unlike many who hit pause on their passions, Nithiyia chose to rewrite the rules. She’s hosted over 20 shows, ventured into commercial modelling with top brands, and most recently stepped into the role of producer and presenter at OLI 968.
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Her secret? Presence, not perfection. Whether she’s behind the mic or tucking her son into bed, Nithiyia Rao proves you don’t have to sacrifice your dreams to be a present parent — you just have to show up for both.
Juggling It All
As a DJ, host, and actress, Nithiyia faces the challenge of managing a fast-paced career alongside her responsibilities as a mom. From radio shows to acting commitments, her days are anything but predictable. But through careful planning and a deep sense of commitment, Nithiyia has found ways to balance her demanding work schedule with her role as a mother.
One of the key strategies Nithiyia uses to juggle everything is setting clear boundaries between work and family. She shares that while her career can sometimes require late nights or early mornings, she ensures that when she is with her son, she’s truly present. She recounts how, after years of working in the entertainment industry, she decided to take a step back and spend more time with her son, even quitting her corporate job for a period to prioritize her family.
During this time, she was able to witness her son’s rapid development, as he reached milestones much faster than expected, a testament to the quality time they spent together.
However, the balancing act isn’t always easy. Nithiyia often finds herself torn between work and her desire to be with her son, especially when he asks her to spend more time with him or when he eagerly awaits her return from work. There have been moments when her son would wait by the gate, hoping to see her after a long day.
The Power of a Support System
“It was very hard to leave my son behind. He was still such a young baby, but I did — and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and my husband.”
These moments are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as she feels the weight of “mom guilt” when she cannot be there as much as she would like.
In fact, she admits that even after a much-needed weekend getaway to recharge, she struggled with guilt, questioning whether it was okay to take time for herself.
The Unseen Weight of Mom Guilt: Why It’s So Common and So Hard to Shake
You don’t need a degree in psychology to know that mom guilt is practically a rite of passage. From the moment you become a parent, the expectations start stacking. Be available. Be nurturing. Be present. Be the best. But here’s the catch — being human comes first, and that includes needing time for yourself.
Nithiyia knows this feeling all too well. Between early morning show scripts and late-night event hosting, the thought of choosing between a career milestone and bedtime snuggles can feel like a lose-lose situation. Yet, as Nithiyia candidly shares, your child doesn’t just read your schedule. They read your energy.
And that is where the real magic (or mayhem) happens.
How Nithiyia Rao Confronts Mom Guilt Head-On Without Apology
It’s easy to assume that someone as upbeat and lively as Nithiyia Rao has it all figured out. But here’s the refreshing truth: she feels the same mom guilt you do. The difference? She doesn’t let it control her.
Source: Nithiyia Rao
Instead, Nithiyia flips the script. She tells herself that her emotional state is the most powerful tool in her parenting toolbox. If she walks through the door weighed down by guilt or frustration, her son will feel it before she even speaks. But if she returns home feeling fulfilled, whether from a successful workday or a well-deserved girls’ night out, that energy turns into quality bonding time.
“What I was saying is, I need to feel happy from my heart and soul. That’s the only way to truly connect with my child. Children can pick up on energies very easily. If I feel guilty, sad, or frustrated because I want to do something for myself but feel like I can’t, that energy will follow me home. And when I bring that heaviness home, my child is definitely not going to want to play with me. In fact, they might just think, ‘Yeah, my mom is here, but what’s the point if she’s not really present?'”
And it’s not about faking happiness either. Nithiyia swears by the power of genuine joy — the kind that bubbles up when you give yourself permission to have fun, pursue passions, and live fully beyond your parenting role. Because the truth is, a happy parent creates a happy home.
Why You Deserve a Life Beyond Parenting
You’ve probably been told that self-care is selfish. But Nithiyia would be the first to call that mindset out for what it is — outdated and unhelpful.
Sure, it sounds noble to sacrifice your social life, your hobbies, or even your career progress for your child. But is it sustainable? Nithiyia’s story is proof that when you suppress your own happiness, the emotional fallout isn’t subtle. Kids are intuitive little sponges, and mom guilt doesn’t hide well. It seeps into your tone, your body language, and even your parenting decisions.
That’s why Nithiyia champions the idea of “do what you love.” Whether it’s booking that long-overdue spa day, planning a short weekend trip, or simply enjoying drinks with friends, she believes in showing up for yourself — guilt-free. Because only then can you show up fully for your child.
Source: Nithiyia Rao
From the words of the DJ, “Being present is crucial. It means your mind is clear, and you’re feeling positive and happy—wholeheartedly. To achieve that, do what you love. Go out, take a trip, enjoy a girls’ night out, have some drinks—whatever makes you feel good. Just do it.”
From Mom Guilt to Mom Empowerment
Motherhood is often painted as this picture-perfect journey of unconditional love and tireless devotion. But the reality? It’s far more layered and complex. For modern moms like Nithiyia, juggling the roles of nurturer, professional, and individual isn’t about living up to some flawless ideal — it’s about navigating the emotional highs and lows with honesty, intention, and grace.
In the heart of this balancing act lies a feeling that many mothers know all too well but rarely talk about out loud: mom guilt. It sneaks in when you leave your child for work. It lingers when you choose a moment of self-care over a chore. And sometimes, it floods in when you simply wish for a breather. Nithiyia doesn’t pretend this feeling vanishes once you become a seasoned parent. Instead, she embraces a more realistic approach — acknowledging the guilt, making peace with it, and gently reminding herself that caring for her own well-being is not just acceptable but necessary.
She’s learned to shift her mindset from self-criticism to self-compassion. For her, it’s not about choosing between being a loving mother and a fulfilled individual. It’s about allowing space for both to coexist, and in doing so, teaching her child one of life’s most valuable lessons: that a happy, whole parent creates a happier, healthier home.
Facing Mom Guilt Head-On
“I’m someone who constantly experiences mom guilt. And one way I try to manage that is by talking to other moms and friends.”
Nithiyia said, “If you’re not comfortable talking to strangers, maybe you can reach out to friends who have already gone through that stage. They can help you understand that mom guilt is a completely normal feeling. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong just because you feel the need to be with your child all the time. Subconsciously, I recognize that it’s mom guilt, but I remind myself that it’s okay to take time for myself. Going out for appointments, getting my nails done, or spending time with my girlfriends on a trip—it’s not a mistake.”
It shouldn’t be a case where you think, “Oh, my son will feel sad without me.” Nithiyia said, “The truth is, your children will grow up, and eventually, they’ll lead their own lives.”
And the best part? Your child benefits the most from this shift. They get a parent who teaches them emotional resilience, self-worth, and the importance of pursuing dreams — all by example.
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It’s Time to Ditch Mom Guilt and Choose Joy
Parenting in Singapore comes with its fair share of stress, from academic pressures to the balancing act of work and home life. But as Nithiyia Rao’s story shows, the secret to navigating all of it isn’t found in stretching yourself thinner. It’s found in allowing yourself space to breathe, to grow, and to recharge.
So here’s your friendly reminder: you are more than just a parent. You are a person with dreams, needs, and a heart that deserves happiness. And when you start showing up for yourself, you’ll find you can show up for your child in ways you never thought possible.
Mom guilt might never fully vanish, but it doesn’t have to own you. So go ahead — plan that night out, book that weekend trip, or simply take five minutes to sit with a cup of coffee in peace. Because you matter too.
Ready to Trade Mom Guilt for Mom Joy?
So the next time mom guilt sneaks up on you, channel your inner Nithiyia Rao. Remind yourself that happiness isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Whether you’re spinning tracks, running board meetings, folding laundry, or sneaking away for a well-earned breather, know this: your child deserves a happy, emotionally present parent — and that starts with you giving yourself permission to live fully.
Because when you do, everyone wins. Now go on, make that plan.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary to be the best version of yourself for your child.”
Source: Nithiyia Rao
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