Pang Shu Ming appears to be the mum who has it all. As the Executive Director of Mothercare Singapore Pte Ltd, she has easy access to the vast range of products and services that any mum can dream of. So what is it like to be a mum to 2.5-year-old Christopher and 1.5-year-old Sophia?
What’s a typical day like for you?
Upon waking up, I’ll usually roll around a while and talk to Christopher. Between his Mandarin lessons, lunch & nap time, I’ll do my work or have meetings. I’m fortunate to have flexible work arrangements as I already know the business pretty well. My father owns the company and I’m evaluated based on results and not by the number of hours I clock. Sometimes I continue to do work after tucking the kids to bed till 1-2am. However, it’s a constant juggling act to balance work and home… especially when my husband feels that the kids can always be better off with more of my time and presence.
So what is it like being a mum and director of Mothercare?
I’m really blessed to be able to test and use a wide variety of products. 
That said, modern mums today are also very privileged as there are assorted products available to help us maintain our same lifestyle even after becoming mothers. For instance, a mum who loves to jog can continue jogging with her baby in a 3-wheeler stroller. Our Phil & Teds Sport Double Kit is a compact double pushchair that even allows mums to bring 2 kids out on 1 stroller!
Any favourite product to recommend?
Having tried everything, I can only say that there is no 1 perfect product for everybody. Just like buying a stroller… It doesn’t mean the most expensive item is the best. It really depends on your needs, lifestyle, etc. and I’m proud to say that Mothercare’s diversified range will have something for many, if not all.
For a start, I would recommend to use the mainstream items that are tried and tested.
What are your current parenting challenges?
Like most parents with 2 kids, I struggle to cater to each of their needs, given the different phases of their growth and development.
With your children’s ages so close, how do you deal with sibling rivalry?
I believe it cuts both ways… Sophia needs to learn to respect Christopher and Christopher needs to know that he cannot take advantage of her and must protect Sophia as the younger sister.
Whenever Christopher does something wrong, I’ll tell him that “Mummy loves you very much, but that behaviour (eg scratching, biting or snatching) is not acceptable” before scolding or exercising time-out.
I constantly remind myself to treasure a child’s heart or intentions and consider his or her feelings before meting out any punishment.
What about discipline issues?
I do what a parent has to do, ie teach the child to obey both parents.
I once read that every negative moment needs to be offset by 10 positives and this applies to sibling relationship as well. I want my children to have more happy versus unhappy memories.
How do you share parenting roles with your husband?
I am the mouthpiece for the entire household, including the domestic helper. My husband will not interfere with the micro issues but for macro issues (eg choosing a preschool), I will always discuss with him and bow to his will.
How does your family spend time together?
Weekends are reserved for family time, except for one class (for Christopher) on Sat morning. We like to visit Sentosa once a month where Christopher enjoys taking the Luge with Daddy. We also visit the zoo every fortnight.
Can you offer some parenting tips?
I’ve learnt a lesson on praising kids. Though there is no right or wrong way to praise, I want to praise my kids for effort, not results. Christopher knows that mummy cares that he tries. Also, as children get older, we need to be specific with our praises. For example, I’ll say, “Christopher, I love the way you tried to help mei mei just now”, instead of just a “Good job!”
Pay attention to the child’s interest and go along with the flow. Follow the child’s directive if you want to teach him/her something. It’ll be much easier and more successful. For eg, Christopher is very much into trains at the moment and everything I try to teach him revolves around trains!
What has been most rewarding to you as a mum?
My happiest moment was when Christopher was asked who his best friend was and he replied Mummy as the one.
It’s great to know that Mummy is his best friend (at least for now). It is also very sweet to have conversations with your children and see their eyes light up. To be able to announce something my child has learnt or achieved is a triumphant moment that gives me immeasurable satisfaction.
Indeed, I feel very blessed to spend both quantity and quality time with my kids. It’s only when you know your kids well that you’re able to know what’s best for them.
