You know what they say—mum always knows best

1. <a href="https://hk.asiatatler.com/people/emily-lam-ho" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emily Lam-Ho</a>, director of business development at Sing Tao News Corporation

Tatler Asia

What are some of your favourite things to do with your kids?

I love having play dates with my friends and their kids. The babies get to hang out with their friends and I get to hang out with mine. It’s a win-win situation for all.  

What are some quirks that your kids have picked up from you?  

I love singing songs and nursery rhymes to my babies and I always change the lyrics to their names or what I’m trying to get them to do. My son now loves to sing and be silly and change the lyrics. 

What scared you the most about becoming a mother?

To be honest, becoming my own mother (laughs). As much as I love her, growing up I kept telling myself that I’m not going to be like my mum. But at certain moments when I’m disciplining my children or telling them to do something, I find myself doing the exact same things she did.  

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received? 

The days are long but the years are short. They grow up much quicker than you think. Cherish every single laugh, tantrum, hug, kiss, booboo and when they say they need you because that day when they’re all grown up will come sooner than you think.  

And what’s the best parenting advice you can share?

Take it easy on yourself. Being a mother is the hardest and most important job in the world. Reward yourself with some wine and ice cream–you deserve it. Oh, and maternity jeans are the most comfortable invention ever, I’m still wearing mine.  

See also: How To Dress Like Emily Lam-Ho

2. Joanna Lui, founder of Cha Bei&nbsp;

Tatler Asia

What has being a mother taught you about yourself?

That I’m capable of greater patience and love than I realised, to savour every moment as it happens, and that my own mother deserves much more appreciation. 

What are some quirks that your kids have picked up from you?  

She can’t sit still and absolutely loves to talk and giggle. She also craves the feel of water and is fascinated by nature. 

What scared you the most about becoming a mother?

The fear she might have any health concerns or suffering I couldn’t alleviate her from.

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received?

Just be the best person you can be, your children will learn to behave and love like you do. Also, trust your gut. Do not underestimate a mother’s intuition.

Any parenting or pregnancy hacks you can share?

Stay active in some form for as long as you can, even until delivery. Continuing to walk every day will help make labour easier. Also, spend as much quality time with your husband or partner (and other children) before the arrival of your little one because, naturally, all of your time and attention will be focused on the new baby.

See also: Real Weddings: Inside Joanna Lui And Troy Hickox's Three Gorgeous Weddings Around The World

3. <a href="https://hk.asiatatler.com/people/angie-ting" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Angie Ting</a>, founder of Apple Park and Organic Farm Buddies&nbsp;

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Angie Ting

What are some of your favourite things to do with your kids? 

Boating on the ocean, where it is only the four of us. Dining in nice restaurants is always another favourite thing for us. We all enjoy food and the conversations that take place at the dining table. 

What scared you the most about becoming a mother? 

Their health, I just want them to be healthy both mentally and physically.

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received? 

Let them be themselves. They are not replicas of us. Love, respect and accept our differences, and recognise their best qualities.  

Any parenting or pregnancy hacks you can share? 

There are no hacks, you just have to spend time with them and show them you care.

4. <a href="https://hk.asiatatler.com/people/annabelle-bond" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Annabelle Bond</a>, mountaineer

Tatler Asia

What has being a mother taught you about yourself?

The most important thing of all is that you now have someone whose needs go before your own. As a mountain climber who went from mountain to mountain without a care in the world, this was a hard lesson for me as I suddenly became grounded. I have only climbed one quick mountain since Isabella was born.    

What are some quirks that your kids have picked up from you?  

We have a very similar sense of humour and we both like being in gym wear most of the time.

 What scared you the most about becoming a mother?

Everything! I remember saying to my friend Lisa, who was in the operating theatre with me, "I am terrified to meet this thing, what if its an alien?" But all that fear vanished the moment she was born. I was instantly besotted and I remember not wanting anyone to hold her when they came to visit me.

What was the most exciting thing about becoming a mother?

It's amazing having this little person to do and experience things in life with you.

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received?

To get them on a feeding and sleeping schedule—kids like routine. Also, the teething toy Sophie la Girafe. 

See also: 10 Glamorous Hong Kong Mums To Follow On Instagram

5. <a href="https://hk.asiatatler.com/people/maya-lin" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Maya Lin</a>, director of high jewellery for&nbsp;Cartier Asia

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Maya Lin

What are some of your favourite things to do with your kids? 

Going to the beach and to parks, chasing after dogs and birds. Grocery shopping, teaching them all the names of fruits and vegetables. Reading bedtime story books together. Singing nursery rhymes and dancing to mummy’s favourite songs.

What scared you the most about becoming a mother? 

The readiness of becoming a perfect mother but I now realise it’s a role that you grow into through everyday interactions with your children 

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received?

Encourage them to explore the world without fear.

And what’s the best parenting advice you can share?

Every child is unique and special. Allow the child to follow his/her own passion and to discover and create his/her own life journey. 

Any parenting or pregnancy hacks you can share?

Set up daily schedules and routines, as it makes life much easier for both parents and children.

See also: Hong Kong Mums Share Their Favourite Things To Do With The Kids

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