Singapore Parents Stuck at Work, Covid Leaves Little Time for Family Bonding, Survey Shows

Singapore Parents Trying to Keep Time Together – But Too Busy to Enjoy It

Seventy per cent of parents with kids aged five to eight admit they’re simply too busy during the pandemic to actually enjoy any quality time with their little ones. That’s what a recent survey by Focus on the Family found.

Key Findings

Only 48% of parents feel a positive swell of joy when their child asks for attention.
About one‑quarter of parents get annoyed or stressed by their kid’s request.
Another 25% say they’re tired or worry about work even during these “fun” moments.

The study polled 175 respondents online between 7–20 Sept, and its mood seems to echo the broader weariness settlers feel while Singapore fights the Delta wave. It also arrived just before Children’s Day on Friday.

What Other Research Says

According to a larger survey commissioned by the Straits Times—leveraging a sample of 1,000 Singaporeans aged 16+—a whopping 76% reported feeling sad or down. Running the poll, Milieu Insight confirmed that the numbers aren’t just about the pandemic but also the general hustle.

Expert Tips for Sticking It Out

Ms. Susan Koh, a family life specialist at Focus on the Family, cautions parents to “avoid a catastrophic mindset.” She stresses that kids constantly pick up on their parents’ stress, so staying upbeat is key.

She advises:

Accept that Covid‑19 is now part of everyday life, bringing its fair share of uncertainties.
Stay flexible and adjust expectations to keep the home atmosphere positive.
Set well‑oiled routines that work even during semi‑lockdown.

Real‑World Example: Veenaa’s Balancing Act

Let’s take a closer look at Veenaa Subramaniam, an active 39‑year‑old community partnership manager and mom of two. Last year, she found herself guilty of snapping at her kids while juggling work-from‑home demands.

With her husband Balakrishnan Seshan, a business development leader, they spent six months reshaping their daily rhythm. Their secret? Perfecting schedule mastery. They scheduled activities that captured the kids’ interests while leaving room for spontaneity.

For instance, while their five‑year‑old daughter Kirthi napped without childcare (in keeping with government guidance), Veenaa set a special regime: if she had a crucial presentation, Veenaa made sure her girls were engrossed in fun, creative tasks like painting or crafting clay jewelry.

She further keeps the enthusiasm high by offering playful “challenges” and rewarding the girls with their favourite treats—like fruit jelly—once they complete the task.

With in‑laws living in the house, parents can rest a bit: they keep the kids busy while the parents focus on work. “The happiest kids are those who learn how to make themselves happy,” Veenaa says. “We’re giving them the tools and designing a system that lets them self‑happiness bloom.”

In a nutshell, the takeaway is that families can survive—and thrive—by building flexible routines, staying positive, and actually making time that counts, even amid a pandemic.

Meet the “Divide and Conquer” Duo

Picture a typical weekday for Ms. Veenaa and Mr. Seshan, who manage a household of two energetic daughters and no extra help. Their secret? Absolute timing, half the effort, and a sprinkle of love.

Early‑Morning Blitz

Morning Mission 1: The wife tackles breakfast while the husband prepares lunch, all before sunrise. She becomes the “meal master” and he the “prep champ.”
Mission 2: The kids head straight to their skills without eye‑screen fatigue, so the father keeps them engaged with hands‑on projects.

Midday Pause for a Dash of Fun

When the clock strikes noon, Mr. Seshan officially calls “off” his work drawer. He spends a solid hour with the girls—hiding behind a cardboard box or drawing comic strips. Once they’re done, Mrs. Veenaa takes over the book‑club, sharing stories for another hour.

Evening Wind‑Down

Both parents sign off at 6 pm to nourish both stomach and soul: dinner, a family huddle, maybe a stray toy chase. After the girls go to bed, they hit the work switch again—this time at 8:30 pm. The day is closed with a “be present, not multitasking” vibe.

The Rationale Behind the Rhythm

According to Ms. Veenaa, “Kids thrive when they feel the attention of both parents. If the love meter dips, that’s when tantrums pop up.” By consciously blocking out time to work versus family, she says she becomes fully present for each role.

Results—and Realities

Life is smoother: no chaotic overlaps or last‑minute scrambles.
Planning is harder: each day’s schedule needs fine‑tuning before the next wakes up.

Bottom line: this “divide and conquer” strategy keeps the family dancing through busy days, one perfectly timed chore at a time.

How to spend quality time with your child

Meet Ms. Susan Koh: Singapore’s Family Life Superhero

Ever feel like your parenting schedule is a juggling act gone wild? Ms. Susan Koh, the family‑life guru from Focus on the Family Singapore, has a toolkit of practical, no‑drama tricks that promise to keep you and your kiddos sane.

Quick & Easy Tips for the On‑The‑Go Parent

Snack‑Savior Hacks: Pack a single reusable container with three grab‑and‑go portions—think fruit, nuts, and a bite‑size whole‑grain bar—so kids can feed themselves anywhere, anytime.
Sunday Slice Time: Spend ten minutes on a simple “Day Map” on a whiteboard: school drop‑offs, appointments, and a free‑time slot for the whole family.
Embrace the Mess: Keep a “clean‑up playlist” in your phone; the power of music can turn wiping up into an impromptu dance session.
Humor as a Time‑Saver: Teach “the laugh‑away trick” – when an argument threatens to erupt, pause, do a silly face, and let the tension dissolve in giggles.
Self‑Care is a Priority: Set a 5‑minute reminder to breathe, stretch, or simply sit with a cup of tea—even if it’s a minute of “you” time per day.

Why Ms. Koh’s Advice Works

With decades of insight into Singaporean family dynamics, she blends science with a touch of playful wisdom. Her guidance? “If parents are zen, kids are zen.” This mantra can transform chaos into a manageable, even enjoyable, daily rhythm.

Take the Leap

Ms. Susan Koh invites parents to step into a calmer, more connected life. Struggles? Grab the tips, experiment, and watch the family groove sharpen. Who knew a few tweaks could turn parenting from a relentless marathon into a smoother, more joyous sprint?

Find pockets of time

Work‑From‑Home Parenting Hacks

Hey, you! No guilt for giving your kids only a few minutes of real attention. If your laptop is the only thing keeping you busy, it’s time to update the agenda.

1⃣ Schedule Your “Pause” Times

Mark your calendar or set an alarm for a 15‑minute “recess” every few hours. Writing it down keeps the mental trickster at bay.

2⃣ Make the Break Fun‑Driven

Card Games – Settling down on the sofa to play Go Fish or Uno is a guaranteed laugh‑generator in ten minutes.
Read a Short Book – Swap your work log for a Tale of Three Trees or a grocery‑list‑bonus chapter.
Dance Off – Pick one Spotify hit and jam. If you’re a two‑step master, that’s an extra bonus!

3⃣ Keep the Rhythm

Make each break a routine not a spontaneous decision. Your kids will learn the rhythm of play, and you’ll know when it’s time to resume the “boss‑mode” grind.

Bottom line – you’re winning on both sides

Getting a brief break is a win-win: it’s a reset button for you and a magical moment for your kids. That keeps the “guilt” off the table and the smiles on the faces!

Routines matter

Keeping Kids on Track: The Magic of Routine

Why a Consistent Schedule Feels Like a Super‑Hero Cape

Kids flourish when their day follows a predictable rhythm—think of it as their own personal steady rhythm that keeps the world feeling safe and grounded. A routine is the quiet anchor that lets them navigate the chaos of school, play, and everything in between without losing their footing.

Meals: More Than Just Food

Eating together isn’t just about nutrition; it’s a sign‑in to each other’s day, like a daily check‑in that’s both delicious and emotionally nourishing. Savoring a shared bite reinforces the sense of belonging and reminds children that they’re part of a team.

Bedtime Conversations: The Ticking Clock of Connection

Talk it Out – Chatting about the highs and lows of the day helps little ones untangle thoughts before sleep.
Feelings Check‑In – A quick “Did anything surprise you?” warms the heart and keeps the emotional safety net intact.
Mental Warm‑Up – Quiet words can ease the transition from day to night, ensuring calm minds and sweet dreams.

Keep It Light, Keep It Fun

Turn routine into a playful ritual: think of a “lunch dance” or a “goodnight story spotlight.” When the schedule smells like fun, kids are less likely to resist the tradition—after all, habit can be as tasty as pizza, but it sure is more sustainable.

Bottom‑Line

Routine turns day‑to‑day living into an organized, predictable adventure, giving kids the confidence to explore while knowing they’ve got a steady base. Meals and bedtime chats are the best way to sprinkle extra positivity into that safety net—making sure every child ends their day feeling seen, heard, and ready for tomorrow’s next chapter.

Foster connections

Get the Conversation Flow Going—Meals & Bedtime Edition

Why ditch the screen and spark real talk?

The glow of phones can drown out the chatter that makes family time memorable. Swapping digital screens for a few quick questions turns every meal or bedtime into a lively Sunday roast for your minds—no Wi‑Fi required.

Ready to roll out some ice‑breakers?

“If you were the president, what one rule would you introduce?” – Think failsafe, tax tweaks, or quirky new laws that could be billed as “better governance.”
“If your parents could never say no to you, what would you ask for?” – Dreams, indulgences, or maybe a time‑travel ticket.
“What would you do with a million dollars that you’ve never seen before?” – Big dreams, tiny splurges, or that secret garden.
“If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?” – From your grandparent to your favorite celebrity.
“What is one thing you’re secretly afraid of but never admit?” – The humble “I’m afraid of running out of pizza sauce.”
“Which old‑school movie would you revisit and why?” – Nostalgia or a fresh perspective.
“What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” – Dream big or settle for a bit of commentary.
“If you could create a new holiday, what would it celebrate?” – Celebrate the quirks: “National Jelly Bean Day” or “Time‑Travel Tuesday.”

Just pick one question, toss it in the air like a “thermometer” for curiosity, and watch the conversation heat up. The goal? Keep it light, make it fun, and remember the laughter is the best seasoning for any family meal.

Nurture a sense of wonder

Get Your Kids Out There – And Let Them Let Loose!

Because a group of energetic little humans can turn a park into a blurry circus if they’re not given a safe space to run around.

What to do when the playground gets crowded

Take a quick peek up at the big blue dome above you – sky gazing helps calm the inner turmoil.
Build a bubble army along the hallway – it’s science, art, and pop‑corn all in one hard‑to‑smash surprise.
Make it a treasure hunt – find the weirdest leaf, the softest stone, or a remotely polite pigeon who wants hugging.

Why this matters

When kids spend time outdoors, they regularly release the kinetic energy that would otherwise explode into a tantrum. It’s like giving the kids a stay‑power lolly, a guaranteed peaceful zone with no hidden tinsel or cursed earplugs.

Plus, every bubble burst or star‑glide is a great lens to see how they perceive the world. They’ll learn that my way of “parking the car” is alright and how the painted arrows on the sidewalks aren’t a conspiracy.

Bonus: Chuckle factory!

Physical activity brings big smiles, fuzzy arms on playgrounds, and a whole lot of giggles when a child pushes the squeaky wheel past a neighbor’s hat. Get ready to capture a photo of the “rolling highway” for future family posts.

Take care of yourself first

Taking a Breather When Life Gets a Bit Overfull

Why “Me Time” Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Must-Do

When the fuel gauge on your survival tank is guttering low, filling your child’s needs becomes a juggling act. But you can’t keep spinning the wheel forever without a pit‑stop. Even a quick 15‑minute recharge can keep the whole family rolling smoothly.

Set a Regular Mini‑Break – Mark it on your phone or calendar: “Self‑Care Hour.”
Choose What Lightens Your Load – Whether it’s a short walk, a quick playlist meditation, or a silly joke‑round, let it do the work.
Show Them the Value of Caring for Yourself – Kids catch what you do first. Seeing you pause proves they can pause too.

Need More Ideas? Grab a Handy Guide

Download the Wonder Guide from Focus on the Family for fun, kid‑friendly activities that double as parental power‑ups. Check the website for the PDF—no fuss, just pure play.

Beyond the Basics: Smart Parenting at Your Fingertips

Want courses, articles, and sunrise‑mindset tips? Swing by the Smart Parenting microsite (just hit str.sg/smartparenting in your browser) and load up on tricks that turn everyday school time into a success lane.