#MumStory: She Ran A Preschool While Dealing With Grief

#MumStory is a series by The Singapore Women’s Weekly to uncover the underrated and underreported moments in motherhood, parenting and everything in between — because we believe every mum has a story worth telling. Got a story to share? Email us at sww@sph.com.sg or slide into our DMs on Instagram.

It's not unusual for children to want to grow up to be teachers. After all, teachers are one of our earliest role models outside the family unit. While many of us eventually find other paths in life, one Singaporean woman has turned this childhood dream into an impactful career.

“From a tender age, I forged a profound connection with the idea of teaching. In primary school, I declared to myself that I'd become an educator,” says Yvonne Yeo, CEO and founder of preschool My Little Kingdom.

“As I matured, my passion for nurturing young minds only grew stronger, solidifying my decision to embark on an early childhood course and step into the field at the age of 19. I consider myself fortunate to have identified and pursued my passion so early in life,” she adds.

Armed with a degree in Early Childhood Education & Teaching from Boston University, Yvonne launched her career in shaping young minds. She now has over 16 years of experience under her belt, having held roles from teacher to principal in renowned preschools such as Odyssey and Pat’s Schoolhouse.

At the age of 28, Yvonne started My Little Kingdom, backed by a number of investors. She admits it was a giant leap of faith to quit her job and venture into something familiar yet so new, so she had to change her mindset to work towards this new goal. The hard work paid off and Yvonne still remembers her first customer – a parent who enrolled their child immediately after a school tour.

“It was a physical receipt back then, with the serial number 001; I still keep it as it is special to us,” recalls the 36-year-old. “In fact, I'm still in touch with the parents from our very first cohort, even though their children are now in primary school. They occasionally come to visit! I am so grateful for them as they were the ones who believed and put their faith in us when we were so new.”

Yvonne has had her share of struggles along the way, though. When she was two months pregnant in 2021, her husband Hardy, passed away from a cardiac arrest at home and sent her into one of the most trying periods of her life. 

Read on for Yvonne's #MumStory. 

How do you manage to balance being a single mum and running a business? 

Prioritising and delegating tasks are essential. As someone who likes to do everything on her own, I had to learn to let others help me. On top of that, my family serves as a pillar of support on this journey. I have a cousin who was by my side, supporting me through the toughest period in my life, while I was pregnant and grieving the loss of my husband. Additionally, I am fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated team within my business, whose collaborative efforts and commitment contribute significantly to our success.

As someone who has often carried the weight of responsibility with stoicism, revealing my vulnerabilities to my team was a daunting experience. Yet, their unwavering support and understanding created a safe space where authenticity flourished. In moments of doubt or uncertainty, they offered not just their expertise, but their empathy and encouragement, uplifting me when I needed it most.

In your opinion, what are some struggles single mums in Singapore face?

We all have different situations and challenges. Drawing from my own experience, I help them in any way I can. I have a friend who unexpectedly lost her husband, leaving her with the responsibility of caring for their two children. She does not have close ones to assist with childcare. This can lead to feelings of isolation and overwhelm. I can relate to this as my husband and I used to share all the workload and stress, and I could always go to him whenever I had any issues. After he passed on, I had to face all challenges by myself and find solutions for them. 

Financial strain is another struggle that most may face as they become the sole breadwinner. Hence, when we meet single parents, we try our best to provide emotional support or accommodate unique requests where possible.

What obstacles did you go through as a mumpreneur?

Many mumpreneurs would resonate with this – the perpetual struggle of time management and the ever-persistent mum guilt. Balancing the demands of running a business with the responsibilities of motherhood can be incredibly challenging.

When I have to prioritise one role over the other, I feel guilty for not spending enough time with my little one, who is currently two years old. The guilt creeps in when you realise that, despite your best efforts, you can't be fully present in both roles simultaneously.

The struggle of balancing business and motherhood is a testament to the resilience and determination of mumpreneurs everywhere. It's a journey fraught with challenges and sacrifices, but also one filled with immense joy and fulfilment, knowing that you're not just building a business, but also nurturing a precious bond with your child.

What were some tough lessons you have learned from running a preschool for the last eight years? 

It was my first time running a business so I had to pick up many new and challenging things through experience, especially in the early stages. There were four important aspects in particular – managing finances, staffing issues, parent relations, and marketing and enrolment. In my previous role as a principal, I didn’t have to worry about these things, so I had to quickly adapt and learn them so I could manage my preschool better. 

Do you think a background in childhood education has made you a better mum? 

It certainly has provided me with valuable skills and knowledge that benefit me as a mother. For example, understanding child development, effective communication techniques and educational strategies could enhance one’s ability to nurture and support their children. Through this, I know how my child is progressing as she is growing up, what is causing her to behave in a certain way, how to communicate so that she can understand, what to avoid or to look out for, and foresee what is going to happen, just to name a few. 

On the other hand, because every child is unique, unexpected things could still happen, which would still require you to learn as you go.

What are some important qualities you want to teach your child?

I want her to have the ability to get back up on her feet no matter how hard she falls, confidence to take on new challenges and pursue her dreams, and perseverance in achieving her goals and overcoming obstacles in life. Above all, I hope that she will always radiate kindness and hold gratitude close to her heart.

How do you find time for self-care?

I am slowly learning to better care for myself so that I can give my best to those around me, especially my little girl. For example, having short breaks like dinner out with my siblings or friends or taking a short vacation overseas with my daughter helps me to recharge and reconnect, which is my own form of self-care.

What advice do you have for aspiring mumpreneurs?

Stay connected with your “why” – the very reason you wanted to start your venture in the first place. From there, work diligently and do everything with love. As you journey forward, anticipate encountering challenges and view them as opportunities for growth and perseverance. Also, believe in your resilience, as we often possess far more strengths than we may realise. You are stronger than you think you are!