So the whole family's home. Is that a blessing or a curse? Our FaMA members tell us how they've been juggling work-from-home arrangements, home-based learning for the kids, all the while maintaining a sense of sanity, and growing closer as families.
The Brochet Family
"We are trying to remain disciplined during the circuit breaker, and stick to a routine. Most of us are awake by 7 am daily, and our strategy is to complete as much work as possible early in the day so that we can clear our late afternoons and evenings for some fun activities.
Ryan and Audrey work independently, so I am more the Q&A person for anything they do not understand. Daily, my primary role involves deciding who gets to use which computer at what time! We also have more free time than we usually do, so we have been reading more books than usual. For example, Ryan and Audrey have read classics like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Hound of the Baskervilles and Treasure Island. Reading is part of their daily to-do list, in addition to the school's home-based activities. They are not allowed to do anything "fun" until they read 50 pages daily. At first, this was a burden for them, but after a while, they have started enjoying it.
We have started watching Netflix series together as a family. We also started playing more board games like Risk and Monopoly.
As for me, I have been reading 1000-page long books I once never dared to start, like War and Peace or Les Miserables.
The circuit breaker is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what matters in life and be thankful for what we have. Obviously, not being able to train BJJ is hard for everyone. However, instead of seeing it as a constraint, try to see it as an opportunity to do things you don't usually do, either individually or as a family. The goal is to end the circuit breaker with a sense of accomplishment, not just a sense of relief."
Sebastien Brochet (FaMA BJJ Purple Belt), father of Audrey and Ryan (Junior Champions)
The Yee Family
"Yee Peng (Tim's wife) is busy with online meetings with her colleagues over in Europe, while progress is a little slower in the regions that I manage for work. However, we maintain our rhythm of work in the day, while scheduling our FaMA Live workouts at the same time.
Staying home has its challenges, especially when the kids are entering into their teens. We try to give them time and space for when it looks like they need it, and just let them know we're around if they need us.
However, it is fortunate that their school is very pro-active on home-based learning. The teachers can keep the kids busy and motivated with model making activities, exercise routines, and project-based learning.
Being stuck at home with everyone in such close proximity doesn't really give ourselves the personal space we would like. Sometimes you need to decompress, so we try to do this by getting out of the house for a short time with physical activities, do groceries, or pick up takeaway meals."
Tim Yee and Ng Yee Peng (FaMA BJJ & FaMA Fit members), parents of Krysta and Oscar (Junior Champions)
The Jones Family
"Mali is the only child, and so there have been occasions of tears because "I have no one to play with that's my size" - actual quote! The school has been good with ideas and projects, so we have mixed that in with physical exercise, iPad time (inevitable!), and a few 'surprises.' We have a recycling project based on water play, that involves a hosepipe, small plastic paddling pool, and some containers. Having moved to a vegetarian diet as a family in January, we have also been growing microgreens together. This keeps Mali engaged as she checks their growth.
As for me, I've become aware of the screens I used to put between myself and my family. Now, if Carolyn (my wife) or Mali are talking to me, I am now a lot better at putting my phone down and thinking that yes, that e-mail can wait. I've also been appreciating how much thought and effort my wife puts into caring for the home, such as preparing meals, making sure the table is set nicely, and looking after our daughter. I would like to be able to remain a lot more present with the family, even after this period is over.
Also, this is an event your children are going to reminisce with their friends in adulthood. Give them a positive story to tell in the future with how you manage your family routine during this time."
David Jones, father of Mali (Little Warrior)
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts academy located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from Clarke Quay and Fort Canning MRT stations, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Kids Martial Arts and Fitness programs are led by experts in their respective fields. So, whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for the whole family.