This Mother’s Day, we sat down with two mums from the Singapore Red Cross and their children, where we gained insights into the everyday moments that shape their bond.
“She loves me.”
“I love you.”
“Buy more toys.”
When asked to describe their mothers in three words, or simply share what they wanted to say, the answers that came back were heartfelt, honest, and a little cheeky.
Among those we spoke to were Clara Lee and her nine-year-old daughter, as well as Nurul Fitri and her five- and three-year-olds.
The “Heart-Pumping” Marketer
Having been with the Singapore Red Cross for almost a year now, Clara Lee manages the marketing needs of the Singapore Red Cross Academy, which deliver courses such as first aid, caregiving, and psychosocial support.
“What really drew me in was how practical these skills are, and how they can genuinely make a difference in someone’s life.”
To nine-year-old Li En, however, her mum’s work is much simpler.
“She does the typing about the Red Cross and the heart-pumping!” Li En laughed, referring to CPR demonstrations that she has heard her mum sharing about.
Like many other working mothers, balancing work and family is a challenge for Clara.
“There are constant trade-offs — time, energy, and attention. Some days it feels like I’m not doing enough in either role.”
Yet what keeps her going is knowing that her work is purposeful, and hoping that she can be a strong role model for Li En.
Working in a humanitarian organisation has influenced the way Clara raises her daughter, especially in empathy, kindness, and the importance of looking out for others. And she has noticed these values quietly taking root in Li En.
One memory that stands out is Li En’s willingness to share her belongings with her friends, because she wanted them to feel welcomed and included.
“It’s a simple act, but it made me realise that she’s picking up on these values as she observes more,” Clara recalled.
Children are like little sponges, absorbing the way we live and treat those around us, and what we choose to care about. For Clara, this experience is a reminder that motherhood extends beyond the role of a provider. It shapes the kind of person your child grows up to be.
“Kindness is something that I hope she carries with her for life, and if she grows up learning to care for the people around her, then I think I have done something right.”
As a mum herself, Mother’s Day carries a deeper meaning now.
“Work is temporary, but being everything to your child is a very different kind of responsibility. You are shaping someone’s values and heart every single day, and that responsibility stays with you forever.”
The Dancing Fundraiser
It has been three years since Nurul Fitri joined the Singapore Red Cross’ fundraising team, where her work spans corporate partnerships and community events. Once a newcomer, she has since grown into a mentor to others.
“I wanted my daily ‘9-to-5’ to fuel a mission that actually matters. Joining the SRC means the work I do contributes to a much larger safety net for our community.”
At home, however, her children have a very different take on her work.
To five-year-old Ukkasyah, it is simply, “write,” while three-year-old Luth added, “dance!”
Balancing work and family is no easy feat for Fitri, who is also a mother of three. 'Mum guilt’ is not just a phrase to her, but a daily tug-of-war.
“What makes it sustainable is being surrounded by colleagues who are in the same trenches, sharing the raw realities of parenting. Having leaders who value my output over my desk hours also gives me the breathing room to be both a dedicated professional and a present parent.”
On tougher days, she reminds herself of the bigger picture — that the work she does helps shape the kind of community her children will grow up in.
Although volunteering was not something Fitri grew up with, working at the Singapore Red Cross has changed her lens on the spirit of giving. She has since been making a conscious effort in introducing volunteering early on in her children’s lives — not just as an activity, but as a way to stay grounded and empathetic.
“I want my children to understand that Singapore is a tapestry of different lives, some much tougher than ours.”
Despite their young age, Fitri sees traits of love and empathy reflected in her children, both in the way they respond to her emotions and how they care for each other. When she is feeling stressed, Ukkasyah and Luth are quick to comfort her through small acts of love. And when they are playing amongst themselves, she often hears them reminding each other that sharing is caring.
Mother’s Day has since taken on a different meaning for Fitri.
“Before, it was about celebrating my own mum. Now, it’s a day of self-grace and a mission to cheer on my mum-friends. Because sometimes, hearing 'you're doing a great job' from someone else who’s in the thick of it is the best gift you can receive.”
Watch the full video for more heartfelt moments shared between these Red Cross mums and their children!