Like any full-time working mum, Angie Ng struggles with maintaining a good work-life balance. Not only is she an avid jogger, she bears testament to the fact that if you keep at your passion, you’ll get there someday. Indeed, besides being awarded as a well-loved and model teacher, Angie has appeared in the press for numerous features on bento-making*.
Happily married to her husband Clement who is in civil service, Angie’s daughter is Jaimie, a bubbly and adorable preschooler.
*Check out our Event photos as Angie conducts our Bento-making workshop on 9 Dec at Plaza Singapura! More details here…
What’s a typical day like for you?
On days that I’m preparing bento, I usually wake up at about 5am, get busy in the kitchen and leave for work at 6.25am. Unlike in the past when I used to make more complicated bentos at my previous school where I could leave for work a little later, I now make simpler bentos.
When I don’t make bento, I will sleep till 6am. My work day ends around 4.30pm and I like to use the time after to go jogging. I enjoy jogging very much as it expels my tireness from work, clears my mind and gives me a balanced lifestyle.
After dinner at my mum’s or in-law’s place in the evening, I’ll be busy supervising Jaimie with her homework while I do housework. I may then spend another half an hour preparing the materials for my bento the next day before having a little personal time on the social network. I try not to work at night unless there is a deadline. I believe strongly in work-life balance and give my 100% best during working hours.
How did you get started on making bento? What was your motivation?
It all started when I saw my blogger friend LZMommy making such beautiful bentos for her children. I thought that I would enjoy school so much more and felt so proud and loved if I brought bentos for recess during my primary school days. It would be so cool too if you opened your lunchbox and all your friends wow-ed at your food. So I decided that I shall start to learn how to make bentos (while Jaimie was 3 years old then) and I reckon that when she goes to Primary 1, I’ll be able to whip up a bento quite easily.
It has been quite a journey and since writing is another passion of mine, I published a book which is a collection of my writing. I also shared some bento ideas in my book and it was very well received. I was featured in Razor TV, Straits Times, Wanbao and Young Parents magazine for my bento-making.
What are some of your current parenting challenges?
I feel that I’m not spending enough time with Jaimie. Work is too demanding and I’ve a strong desire for personal time. Sometimes I end up not paying much attention to her. Thankfully her Daddy is the one who is always there for her as her playmate.
How do you manage your work-life balance? What support do you have?
My hubby, my parents, and my in-laws are all very helpful. They are always there to lend me a helping hand or to relieve me. My husband is especially supportive in whatever that I do. I try my best to exercise, avoid working at night, enjoy couple time with my hubby every Friday evening and Saturday mornings (where we exercise together). Weekends are usually family time although I do squeeze in some time to do work.
How do you and your husband share your parenting roles?
We always stand on the same side when we talk to Jaimie, even when we may disagree with the issue.
If I’m mad, he’ll take over and mediate. If he plays the role of the disciplinarian, I’ll take on the comforting role, vice versa. We do not want Jaimie to “take advantage” of either of us and think she can always go to mommy if she wants to buy stuff or hide behind Daddy if she does something wrong.
How do you and your family spend time together?
Weekends are when we spend most family time together. We arrange Jaimie’s enrichment lesson and dance class on one day so that our Sunday is free. My hubby will normally bring Jaimie for a swim while I stay home to do housework.
What has been most rewarding for you as a mum?
Having a child completes our marriage. The joy is indescribable – seeing my baby grow each day, surprising me with her funny ideas and speeches all the time, acquiring more skills and knowledge… makes me feel so blissful. I have never, at any moment, regret being a mother.
