Grandparents hold the fort during RMCO
BALIK PULAU: With schools and childcare centres still closed, grandparents are holding the fort at home as their sons and daughters resume work during the recovery movement control order (MCO) period.
The golden brigade of atuk, wan, kong-kong, po-po, gramps or gran has been helping to babysit as the average Malaysian household seeks to get back to its usual schedule.
Latifah Ishak, 57, said her daily routine for the past three months was hectic as she took care of her three grandchildren while her daughter Nazirah Fazliani, a staff nurse at a private hospital, went to work.
“As a frontliner, she has to work as usual. She and her children are staying with us. When she goes to work, I take care of my grandchildren,” she said when met at her house in Kampung Nelayan, Teluk Bahang.
Latifah said having three active youngsters, with the oldest at six, could be quite challenging as she also had to do household chores.
“If schools and childcare centres are opened, the burden will be lessened as I could focus on cleaning the house and other errands.
“I hope that childcare centres will open soon. My grandchildren have also shown they are bored after three months of staying home,” she said.
For Ibrahim Husain, 79, and his wife Azizah Ismail, 68, having their grandchildren at home was quite normal as they have been taking care of them since they were babies.
“But as we get older, it gets challenging for us to care of our grandchildren, who are growing up fast.
“When their parents are at work, we take over the role of being a parent and guide them,” he said.
“Sometimes they listen to us but if they are stubborn, we have to tell them,” said Ibrahim, a pensioner.
Both Ibrahim and Azizah agreed that schools should be reopened in stages so that children could fill up their time.
“I hope schools reopen soon,” he said.