A friend asked if I would take care of my child full time.

I looked back on my journey and it was a yes, then it became a no and it became a yes then it became no again.

What was I thinking? What do I really think?

Yes if you…

Take health reasons away from the equation.

Take financial burden away and take a less than ideal husband and in laws out of the picture.

If money is not an issue, I would gladly stay home and take care of my child even though working is easier because my child is only young and only cute once.

Deep down, I believe most working mothers would feel the same.

Even though I decided to go back to work, I always felt being judged that I am not spending enough time with my child.

Delegating some household duties to others almost felt like a crime. Asking others to fill in at work when there are problems at home also felt like a crime. There is no such thing as balance.

When others asked what my husband does, their first comment is always I can don’t work so hard always stay home to be a “tai-tai”. I get extremely irritated with that comment.

Will anyone want to come out and be stuck at work for a little pay when their spouse can afford to let them stay comfortably at home?

Then, I have friends who stayed home and get judged on not contributing financial to the household.

The grass is always greener on the other side is it not?

Working mothers in Singapore can always get affordable domestic help but the unwarranted comments from insensitive people brings unnecessary stress and is bad for our mental health.

Why can’t we comfort working mothers on their courage to leave their child under someone else’s care while they are at work? The best person to take care of our child is always US.

Why don’t we feel sorry for women that have to come out to work because their other half (if they still have one) are not capable enough to let them stay home with a peace of mind?

Before we let our to tongue run, shall we take a step back and feel more for the other person instead?

After all, we will all know a working mum who may be struggling inside. Your empathy and understanding will mean a lot to all of us. Thank you.