Biggest blessings: Ani (left, sitting) and Khaftiah (below, in a pink headscarf) have six children each and are grateful for each and every one of them.
IPOH: They each have six mouths to feed, but for these mothers, their kids are their biggest blessings.
Despite the rising cost of groceries and other necessities, these women are doing their best to provide for their children.
Still, for 45-year-old Ani Parwati, raising her six children has its ups and downs.
“I have four daughters and two sons. My eldest daughter is 16 years old and the youngest is seven,” she said.
As a full-time housewife, Ani said she would be the one to pick them up from school, cook, and settle other household chores.
“I am grateful that my eldest daughter often helps me by taking care of her siblings.
“Sometimes, when I am busy with the cooking, the children will help out by folding the clothes or sweeping the floor. They understand that I have many things to attend to, so they help whenever they can,” said Ani, who lives in Kampar.
She shared that the family is surviving on the salary of her husband, who works as a Quran and Fardu Ain (Kafa) teacher.
“My family has a small oil palm plantation, so every now and then I will get about RM200 from it.
“That may sound like a lot (of money) to some people but for us, it is just enough to foot the bills and pay for our groceries,” she said.
Fortunately, Ani said her children are all under the Supplementary Food Plan at their schools, so she does not need to give them money for food.
“At least once a month, we will treat the children to fast food or maybe toys. It is hard, but my husband and I are trying our best for our children,” she added.
Ani said their life was even harder when they just got married.
“Back then, we couldn’t afford to celebrate birthdays. Now, we would have a birthday cake and I will cook their favourite food.”
Although their budget can get tight from time to time, she said that she would make sure that the children get new clothes and shoes for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“This year, we have budgeted about RM600 to buy Raya clothes for the children. Usually, I will take their measurements, then wait for the sale or promotions before purchasing. During the fasting month, there will be a lot of good deals, so I can get their clothes at a cheaper price.
“While the children get new clothes, my husband and I will just put on our usual attire.
“I am grateful for my children. They are a motivation for me and my husband,” she added.
Khaftiah Wi, 39, believes in raising her children with skills that can be useful when they grow up.
The cook has six children whose ages range from two to 16, and her husband works as a factory operator.
“I teach my children to be independent, especially the first three since they are already in boarding school.
“My eldest son takes care of his two siblings since they attend the same school,” she said.
Khaftiah, who lives in Ipoh, said she had been accused of being a lazy mother as she would get her children to help out with the household chores.
“It doesn’t bother me anymore because I know that the skills they learn at home will be beneficial.
“I monitor and guide them as they do (the chores). My eldest son and daughter can now cook very well.
“My children understand that I don’t earn much, so if they want to buy something, they will do part-time jobs during school holidays such as working at the restaurant where I work,” she said.
For this coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Khaftiah said she will be allocating RM200 for each child.
“My first three children are already teenagers, so they know what they want to wear.
“I told them to get a traditional outfit and maybe some new pants. They can go buy it themselves, or we can go together,” she said.
During the school holidays, she said that she and husband would take the children to recreational parks that have natural attractions such as waterfalls. Or, on a picnic.
“It is not easy raising six children, but I am blessed with each and every one of them.
“They are good kids, but I don’t plan to add more in the near future!” she quipped.
