Cath’s Journey of Growth with Her Children at OneSky

OneSky in Hong Kong marks its fifth anniversary, a milestone that celebrates the transformative impact on families in the community. Among the first members to join was Cath, a devoted mother whose journey with OneSky reflects resilience, personal growth, and the power of community support.

In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic confined families indoors, Cath faced immense challenges. Her eldest son was in kindergarten, while her youngest daughter had not yet started school. The family was stuck at home, leading to a monotonous and stressful routine. “I desperately needed a place where my children could play and thrive,” Cath recalls. When she discovered OneSky at a street booth recruiting members, she “signed up as a member the very next day.”

OneSky’s free, inclusive parent-child space for children aged 0–6 was a lifeline. “It met our needs perfectly,” Cath says, describing the relief of finding a safe, engaging environment for her children during a difficult time.

Beyond a place for her children to play, Cath sought support for deeper struggles. “I often lost my temper and found breastfeeding exhausting. I didn’t know how to manage parenting challenges,” she shares. The pandemic’s isolation intensified Cath’s stress, triggering frequent outbursts over minor issues, such as scolding her son for small mishaps at home. “I used to be calm before motherhood, but parenting brought out frustrations that strained my family relationships.”

Cath also worried about her son’s slower speech development compared to his peers, adding to her emotional burden. Joining OneSky marked a turning point. Through the centre’s programs, Cath began reflecting on her approach. “I realized children learn at their own pace, just like I did when I was young. They need time and patience.”

Learning Patience and Building Connections

At OneSky, Cath enrolled in parenting workshops and activities designed to empower caregivers. These programs helped her manage her emotions. “I used to lose my temper five out of ten times, but now it’s down to two. I take deep breaths, calm down, and find the problem is half-solved,” she says with a smile.

Initially introverted, Cath was hesitant to engage. However, the warm, supportive community of mothers at OneSky encouraged her to open up. “The other moms were so friendly and I started to make like-minded friends,” she explains. The centre’s social workers played a crucial role, offering a listening ear when school social workers were unavailable. “Their support lifted so much pressure off me,” Cath adds.

Cath’s growth extended to her children. “When the caregiver is calm, the child thrives,” she reflects. By learning to control her emotions, Cath noticed positive changes in her son’s behavior and their family dynamic. “I used to scold him often, but now I understand how to connect with my kids. It’s made us all happier.”

OneSky’s impact went beyond parenting skills. Cath credits the centre with helping her rebuild family relationships and find peace at home. The supportive environment empowered her to embrace patience and empathy, transforming her approach to motherhood.

As her children grew and entered primary school, Cath seized the opportunity to pursue her aspirations. “When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a teacher,” she shares. Inspired by her experiences at OneSky, she enrolled in a full-time early childhood education course. “I love working with children and have years of caregiving experience, so this felt like the right path.”
Cath remains an active member of the OneSky community, volunteering as a helper and inspiring others. Her journey reflects the centre’s mission to empower families through education, connection, and support.

Join the OneSky Community

OneSky in Hong Kong continues to be a beacon of hope for families, offering parenting workshops, programs and a welcoming space for children and their caregivers aged 0–6. Cath’s journey tells the story of the life-changing impact of community support. Whether you are a parent seeking connection or a caregiver navigating challenges, OneSky is here to support you to grow and thrive.

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