OneSky Hosts Special Movie Screening of to Support Caregivers on International Day of Families

In celebration of International Day of Families, the P. C. Lee OneSky Global Centre for Early Childhood Development hosted an exclusive screening of the film Montages of a Modern Motherhood. Over 100 caregivers of young children from the Centre and its charity partners attended the event, which was generously sponsored by the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation. The screening was followed by a sharing session with the film’s director, Oliver Chan, who engaged attendees in a meaningful discussion about the challenges modern mothers face, societal expectations of motherhood, and the vital role of community support.

Caregivers from low-income families often navigate a complex web of challenges, including childcare demands, financial pressures, and struggles with self-worth. Insufficient community resources can exacerbate these stresses. To address this, OneSky operates a child-centered Community Living Room, offering a supportive environment where caregivers can find respite, participate in parent-child activities, and access training programs designed to ease the burdens of caregiving.

To evaluate the impact of the Community Living Room, OneSky commissioned a 2024 study by the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Continuing Education. Out of 297 interviewees, 87.6% spent more time and energy on childcare than anticipated. Over 60% expressed concerns about the financial costs of raising children, and more than half reported difficulties balancing childcare with other responsibilities.

Caregivers highlighted the Community Living Room as a valuable resource, offering a spacious and engaging environment for children to play and grow, in contrast to often cramped home settings. Respondents noted a significant reduction in parenting stress after participating in the program, with fewer family conflicts and improved emotional well-being among their children, who displayed fewer tantrums and more positive moods.

The movie tells the poignant story of a new mother striving to meet the idealized standards of motherhood while grappling with the loss of her own identity. The film sparks reflection on societal expectations of mothers and the need for greater empathy and support.

Phyllis Chan, OneSky’s Director of Programs, emphasized, “Society often places the primary responsibility of childcare on mothers, subjecting them to immense pressure and unwarranted criticism. Mothers should embrace self-affirmation and reject rigid definitions of a ‘good mother’. What truly matters is providing love and care to their children.” She added, “International Day of Families reminds us to connect with others, seek support, and share the joys and challenges of parenting together.”