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Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your line of work? Do you have any kids?
Hello I’m Anne Swain. I’m an Aussie, who has called Singapore home for the past 7 years. I’m a certified health coach and co-founder of The Whole Kitchen, a gluten free bakery and snacks company. I have a two year old boy, Oliver.
How has transiting to WFH been like for you during the COVID-19 circuit breaker? How have you juggled work and kids?
With food production being an essential service during circuit breaker, The Whole Kitchen is still operating. Myself and my business partner, Susan have been kept busy with our team making sure we are able to support our community and partners with fresh gluten free bread and healthy baked goods while everyone is at home. Whilst we are at work, our husbands are at home trying to work full time whilst managing home-schooling and looking after the kids. It has definitely has been a juggling act and a big team effort! (Thank you hubbies!)
What have been the challenges and rewards during this circuit breaker period for you and the family?
Having an active toddler at home full time has been the biggest challenge. Trying to find ways for him to burn off energy, whilst he is missing his little friends and doesn’t understand what is going on. We typically spend a lot of time as a family down at East Coast Park and at the beach, but we are embracing the change and getting more creative with indoor activities – movie nights, living room cubby houses, Cosmic Kids yoga, baths on the balcony, more music, arts & crafts!
One of the positives has been life slowing down, having more time to turn inwards, reflect on what really matters and more family time. We have been cooking and eating more meals together as a family and have had a lot more connection with friends and family in Singapore and overseas via video chats, which has been fun.
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?
A day to celebrate all mothers, who are doing the best they can with what they have, every day. Since becoming a mum myself, I have a much greater appreciation for all mothers, especially my own mum and for all she did for me and my brother growing up and love seeing her share the same with her grandsons.
This year Mother’s Day will be an extra cozy one spent at home with my boys, hopefully being treated to breakfast in bed but let’s see haha. And I hope to have a virtual coffee chat with my mum too.
We know you enjoy good food and cooking at home, do you have any kid friendly recipes you can share?
We love to make homemade pork burgers. It’s a meal that can involve the whole family. Last night we made beautiful chicken burgers, which were so delicious and of course perfectly with gluten free burger buns from The Whole Kitchen!