On the September 16th episode of KBS2's 'Malja Show', the theme was 'Back to School'. The show featured a segment that posed the question, "Outside, I'm a capable working mom, but at home, I feel like an inadequate mother. Is there a right answer to this guilt towards my child?" This struck a chord with many mothers.
Kim Young-hee, also known as 'Malja Grandma', shared her thoughts as a working mom, saying, "Balancing work and childcare often leads to feelings of guilt towards our children." However, she emphasized, "No parent should feel guilty. We are doing our best to love them within our capabilities."
Kim candidly shared, "I often tell myself, 'I'm a cool working mom,' but sometimes reality hits hard." She recounted an experience where, after a work trip, she stayed alone in a hotel and watched a video of children her daughter's age riding tricycles. It was then she realized, "My daughter is at the age to ride a tricycle."
Kim also shared a recent story about taking her daughter to a performance in New York. "I didn't want to be away from her for long, so I took her with me, but we only experienced the coldest weather in 65 years," she said. "I took her to a fancy steakhouse, but she couldn't adjust to the time difference and slept in front of the steak," she added, drawing laughter. Kim advised, "It's important to highlight the good things we do for our kids and not dwell on the guilt."
Kim Young-hee's daughter, Yoon Hae, also appeared on the show. When asked, "Do you like mom or dad more?" she replied, "Mom, for now." When asked what she likes most about her mom, she humorously answered, "Her teeth," causing laughter. When asked why she likes her mom, she candidly said, "Because she buys me things," adding to the humor.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr