The Malaysian Insight

MOTHERS have found that setting a routine for themselves and their children and keeping to it is a good way of keeping the family mentally and physically healthy for prolonged periods of lockdown.

Even with movement restrictions relaxed now, some parents are still hesitant about letting their children out of the home as the number of Covid-19 cases remains high and young children are not eligible for vaccination.

Syafieqa Satria, who has a five-year-old son, told The Malaysian Insight, that having a routine for herself and her child while under lockdown has been important to keep them both active mentally and physically. 

“On weekdays, both of us focus on work and online learning. We have playtime in the evening when we go outdoors but within the house compound.

“I find it really important for both adults and kids to make time to be outdoors as all of us are cooped up indoors for too long and this can be mentally draining. 

A little bit of sun and working up a sweat outside can really make a difference,” she said. 

“Sometimes on weekends we will try to do some art and craft activities. I will try to find something on Shopee for our weekend activities, like clay painting, puzzles, or maybe some science activities,” she said. 

However, Syafieqa admits that her son lacks social interaction with friends and people not living in the same household. 

“I am paranoid (about our health) with the number of cases surging so we really try to limit contact with people who are not in the family,” she said.

Siti Marliza, whose three daughters are aged 21, 19 and 16 has less planning to do to keep her children occupied as they are old enough to manage study and leisure time on their own. 

But the whole family is cautious about social interactions and going out, and her daughters opt to exercise at home. 

“My girls have a daily workout at home to keep their fitness levels up.” 

Siti Mariza added that the youngest will not be going to school once it reopens in October.

“Very risky to let her out as she is unvaccinated,” she said. 

Earlier this month, Unesco’s Global Education Coalition reported that Malaysian schools have been closed for up to 41 weeks as of that time.

For Grace Sun, her sons aged 10 and 13 turn to badminton to stay sane. They can only play with each other, however, as Sun will not let them play with friends.

“I don’t let them do physical activities with their friends, and even when they go to the park, I feel worried because Covid-19 cases are very high these days,” she said. 

“They feel bored of course but they are also quite scared to go out,” she said. 

Daily chores

A single mother named Adevila, who has a special needs child, has to come up with a diverse range of activities for her daughter.

“Being a single mum with a hyperactive child is not easy as I also have to work to earn a living,” she said.

Because school is closed during lockdown, Adevila has to take her child to work.

She also gets her daughter involved in the daily household chores.

“We take turns to make breakfast. When it’s her turn, she makes the coffee and serves me biscuits or toast. I make pancakes or fry noodles.

“Laundry has always been her chore from the age of four and she enjoys singing while drying the clothes. She also helps more in the kitchen with food preparation by chopping onions, grinding pepper and cutting vegetables,” she said. 

Adevila is also teaching her child to cook. The girl has managed to cook her own noodles and even make chapati.   

“Washing dishes is a daily chore in the kitchen. After cooking, the kitchen must be wiped and mopped. All the things that have been washed must be put back in their rightful places. She also vacuums the house, and I mop,” she said. 

“I also sit with her for two hours daily to do Mathematics, Science, English or Bahasa. Before you start any work on lessons with your children, do an activity with them to lighten their mood. That helps them to better focus on their studies,” she said. 

Adevila’s daughter also spends a considerable amount of time doing jigsaws as well as simple cut-and-paste crafts. 

“She draws and paints as well and she learns new songs while listening to music every day. She enjoys singing,” Adevila said. 

“We are housebound because of the pandemic but spending our time on diverse activities helps a lot.”

As for Intan Shafinaz, a mother of three from Subang Jaya, outdoor activities such as badminton, cycling and roller skating have helped to keep her energetic children occupied. They also conduct experiments they learn on Youtube. 

“My kids are not involved in any neighbourhood or school groups but the teachers of one my children have  a lot of interesting art projects that they do together. Every evening, they always look for something new to do,” she said. 

Intan said her daughter does cry from time to time because she is stressed over being cooped up at home but usually bounces back once she has online classes or an activity to keep her busy.  – August 29, 2021.