When Lunar New Year approached in Singapore, my husband and I made a decision to travel to Australia, leaving our children in the care of their grandmother and aunt. It was a rare opportunity for us to have some time alone together, as we realized that most of our trips had been with friends and family over the past 14 years.
As we sneaked away from our little ones, we couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt because they were so accustomed to our constant presence. It was only the second time we had entrusted them to the care of relatives, but we knew it was important for our own well-being as a couple.
The first night proved to be the toughest, with our two boys crying out for us in the absence of their familiar bedtime routine. Yet, to our amazement, they gradually settled down and began to adapt to their new temporary guardians. It was heartening to hear that they were enjoying their time with their grandmother and aunt, despite their initial apprehension.
What surprised us even more was the revelation from our eldest daughter, Thea, during a podcast recording. She confessed that she relished her newfound role as the big sister in charge, overseeing her younger siblings in our absence. It was a shock to hear her say that she enjoyed their company even without us around, but it became clear that she had embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm.
During our time away, Thea shared with us the activities they had undertaken together, highlighting the challenges and joys of looking after her younger brothers. She discovered the patience required to care for her three-year-old brother, who was determined to assert his independence despite still being a baby in many ways.
In the end, our brief escape allowed us to appreciate the strength of our family bonds and the support system we had in place. While we missed our children dearly, it was reassuring to know that they were in capable hands and thriving under the care of their extended family.
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