29 June 2020, Phnom Penh – The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh organized an online discussion on the importance of work-life balance among parents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted via Zoom on 28 June 2020, the discussion was facilitated by the Embassy’s Alternate Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, Ms. LoreleeJane S. Mandi.
In regular situations, it is a goal for all parents to reach work-life balance. With the ongoing pandemic, new factors have to be considered. Ms. Amera Gardose, Mr. Aldrin Abanto, Mr. Manolito Borja, and Ms. Camille Tijamo, who are also working parents of minor children, shared their parenting styles, challenges, and tips in attaining work-life balance, especially in the current situation.
Despite the different approaches in parenting, the resource persons affirmed that maintaining an open communication between the parents and children is the key to ensuring that their children understand everything their parents teach them.
During the pandemic, new challenges in realizing work-life balance include limited financial resources due to loss of work or reduction of work hours, stress and paranoia from contracting the virus, and lack of outdoor activity on the children’s part owing to the suspension of classes and the need to stay indoors most of the time. In order to resolve these and achieve work-life balance as parents, resource persons highlighted the following (i) need to set priorities, (ii) living and enjoying the present moment with their children, (iii) joint effort of both parents in child rearing, (iv) parents must also walk the talk, (v) make use of technology, and (vi) maintain respect between parents and children. Filipinos’ being family-oriented was also underscored.
At the end of the discussion, participants agreed that everyone is a student learning from the current situation. In addition, discussions, such as this one conducted by the Embassy, help in providing information and suggestions on achieving work-life balance. The resource persons also stressed that parents should remain optimistic and make use of all available means to ensure that the pandemic does not affect negatively the bond between parents and children, and the goal of finding a work-life balance. END
