Mother, wife, daughter
MOTHER, WIFE, DAUGHER
Text by Hazel Chan
After I rehired a helper and put the kids in school full-day till 5pm, I am able to concentrate better at work, and also be less stressed out when I’m home. I can focus on the children instead of having to worry about putting food on the table, making sure the house is clean and they have clean underwear, and their bags are packed. The husband does not feature in a big part on weeknights as he comes home late from work, a typical day would see him home past 9pm, a time when the children will already be in bed for storytelling. On good days, my husband will be home around 8pm, before 8.30pm. He has a very hectic job in the navy as he is a commanding officer and holds heavy responsibilities in protecting the country. This is something that I try to get the children to understand as well; they are very proud of their daddy and the older daughter would like to serve in the navy like him. However this means that I’m the one holding the fort on weeknights and it is not an easy job. I am grateful though, for the opportunity to go out to work where I can be my own person, and when I’m home, I play other roles as mother, wife and daughter.
Reading the reflections of the audience to the photographs made me realize that I have actually shown a very private side of my life to the public and I’m not sure exactly what to think of that. While I am not exactly uncomfortable, I feel a little shy about the exposure. My personal persona at home is rather different from who I am at work, or when I’m away from my children. Being a mother really changes a woman, at least to me. It was very fascinating to read what others thought of the photos and how the photos made them relate to themselves, or their family members. It was also insightful to hear what their views are of the Singaporean woman. The contrast of viewpoints between male and female, Asians and Caucasian-expats was also very telling of how our cultures shape our thinking.
Personally, I would like to see this series continued and would love to hear more feedback from the audience. It is insightful and something that we rarely get to archive so I think it should be carefully documented, and then shared with a bigger audience. :)