In Partnership with HCSA Dayspring SPIN for Single Parents
Parenting can be difficult under any circumstances. Being a single parent, it can be even more challenging.
“ I can't really remember the last time I had time off to myself. It was always about my kids. I'm proud that I set aside some time for myself today.”
In celebration of international Happiness Day, we partnered with non-profit organisation HCSA Dayspring SPIN (Single Parents INformed, INvolved, INcluded) to host an intimate self-care day event for single parents to unwind and have some me-time, something they never really had the luxury to even think about. Amidst the pandemic, these parents have gone through struggles between taking care of their children and finding means to bring in substantial income for the family. We wanted them to take time off to focus on themselves, their mental wellbeing and create happy moments for themselves and their children.
The event kickstarted with Guest of Honour, Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development of Singapore Sun Xue Ling’s address to the beneficiaries, through video.
Sweet Stories
To warm things up, we started off with an icebreaker session that had the parents sharing more about their single parenting journey. When asked what was one thing that they’ve always wanted to do, the answer that resonated the most was that they’ve always wanted to spend more time with themselves.
"After becoming a single parent, it was always about the kids. Even when I can finally afford some time for myself, I always feel guilty. Being a single parent, we’re always facing judgement, and sometimes even discrimination. Spending time with your kids is a given, but not for myself."
They exchanged words of encouragements and commended each other for taking time out to participate in the event, where they could focus on themselves, without having to worry about their children.
Beauty Workshop
After the parents got to know one another, we conducted a fun and interactive beauty workshop focusing on the importance of overall grooming, how it helps to leave a good impression and most importantly, how it can boost your overall confidence. Sometimes, a simple makeup routine is all it takes.
The part that got the parents most excited about was ‘The Unboxing’. We gifted each parent a specially curated ‘All Eyes On Me’ set, which included our Sleek Artistry Eyebrow Pencil, a Vitamins Showtime Eye Palette, a Vivid Precision Ink Liner, and the award-winning Here’s Proof Volumising Mascara. AGP trainer Joan then guided the mummies on how to create a natural everyday eye makeup look with some nifty tips and tricks.
“I don’t usually have time to put on makeup” and “It's really rare of me to do this” gradually turned into “This looks really nice on me” and “Maybe I should do it more often”.
After the mini makeover, many commented that they were really happy with their new look and it gave them a boost of confidence. They said their spirits were lifted and apart from having a fun time, they were glad that they set time aside to care for themselves.
A Shared Vision: The Importance of Loving Yourself First
Next followed an empowering and insightful session with parents from SG Insta Mommies where they shared about their single parenting experience and vision for the future. The fellow single parents were nodding in unison while deep in thought, that despite the difference in circumstances, they were able to relate and provide support for one another. They agreed that while it may be tough at times, taking baby steps and developing healthy and routinely habits of self-care can help a lot.
Personalised Gifts Of Appreciation
Next came the moment that warmed all our hearts. The little ones streamed into the hall with their customised gifts hidden behind their backs and shyly presented them to their parents. We sponsored more than 50 Velvet Cloud Lipsticks for the children to customise for their parents. We thought it’d be a meaningful way for them to express their love and gratitude towards their parents.
Lots of thought and effort were put into customising the lipsticks – Which shade would mummy like? Mummy loves penguins! Let’s put mummy’s name! They also wrote a thank you card, and the sweet innocent messages touched our hearts. It was a small but immensely heartwarming gesture, and we could see smiles lighting up the event space.
These messages reminded us that happiness can be this simple.
Keepsakes for a Lifetime
Moments are best captured through prints, and the parents and their children had fun posing at the instant photobooth for GIFs and photos.
Happiness Is A Choice
“Self-love matters to me because I have had a down time of anxiety and depression before and I realised how much self-love pulled me out of it. By just spending an hour a day on simple skincare routine, or catching up with friends relaxes my mind. All these really mattered, otherwise I see myself spiralling into unhappiness. Spending time caring for yourself helps build positivity and confidence.”
A key takeaway for the parents was to remind themselves the importance of self-care and self-love. That sometimes it is okay to take a break, even if it’s just a 15 minutes me-time, a long hot shower, reading your favourite novel before picking the kids, or even whipping up a fancy breakfast just to indulge - they may seem small and insignificant, but it makes a huge difference.
Self-love means accepting your emotions for what they are, and putting your physical, emotional and mental well-being first. Happiness is a choice. Know that you deserve to be happy - choose to be happy, and you will be.
We’ve joined hands with HCSA Dayspring SPIN, where 5% of all sales proceeds in March will go towards supporting single parents in their parenting journey. You can also treat yourself to the same ‘All Eyes On Me’ set worth $175 – retailing at $100.