Tollyjoy Baby Day 2019 launches Partners in Parenting with YB Hannah Yeoh

Parenting Journey can be exciting and challenging at the same time. The moment when baby borns, we go through a a new journey as a Mummy and Daddy. We sometime being worried too much and no parent can ever be fully prepared for the role. Each day offers a new learning curve and for young parents, access to a knowledge and support network is priceless to help them manage the huge responsibility that comes with having a newborn.

Understanding this psyche and the need to journey with parents as they bring up their babies, Tollyjoy Corporation has collaborated with PPAS (Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor) Jaya One and OrphanCare Foundation (OrphanCare) to launch ‘Partners in Parenting’, an educational platform that will   bring together parents and subject matter experts to share insights, experiences and knowledge while forging a ‘parent support network’; all with a view to help young parents navigate the journey of raising up and establishing strong bonds with their babies.

YB Hannah Yeoh, accompanied by Pn Suzliana Abd Hamid (Deputy Director, Selangor Public Library Corporation, PPAS) arrives at the launch of Partners in Parenting in conjunction with Tollyjoy Baby Day 2019

‘Partners in Parenting’ kicked off with a focus on Inspiring Stories from Hands-on Dads. Indeed, raising a child is not solely the mum’s responsibility. Fathers play a crucial role in shaping a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. They can assume a supportive role to their wives after childbirth and adopt a hands-on approach in caring for their infants. These are pivotal building blocks to nurture strong families which will, in turn, contribute to strong communities.

This session featured prominent social influencer and full-time father, Ben Ashaari and ‘confinement’ dad, Alan Oh who ensured that the right care and confinement practices were adhered to. Both daddy have a very inspiring parenting journey.

In sharing his experience as a full-time digital influencer dad, Ben said that he chose to opt out from the workforce to be a full-time father as he was concerned about placing his three children under child-care support. His decision made a significant difference for his wife as she was able to return to full-time work. “I am a walking testament that it is possible to assume a full-time father’s role to lend a positive effect on the well-being of our children’s future. As a father, it is important to be a great support to your child and your spouse as well. I strongly believe that a nurturing, loving father provides a vital foundation to a strong family,” added Ben.

Meanwhile, Alan Oh assumed a unique role quite unlike that of any other father. He focused on being a ‘confinement dad’. He learnt about confinement practices and helped nurture his wife back to optimal health, thereby allowing her to focus on caring for their newbown baby. “The arrival of a newborn is a period where parenting is at its toughest, especially for young parents. However, it is also the most rewarding time if the mother and baby are given their space to flourish. It is an excellent time to create wonderful memories with the mother and this can be a powerful force of bonding between the parents and the newborn baby,” enthused Oh.

Present to officiate ‘Partners in Parenting’ was guest of honour Yang Berhormat Puan Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development. The launch was witnessed by Puan Suzliana Abd Hamid, Deputy Director of PPAS, Puan Nor Aishah Osman, Trustee of OrphanCare and Mr Mark Tan and Ms Khor Geok Kee, Directors of Tollyjoy Corporation.   

“‘Partners in Parenting’ is a fitting highlight of the Tollyjoy Baby Day 2019 celebration. This is the fifth Baby Day since its inaugural launch in 2015 to dedicate a special day to celebrate babies and the significant parental journey. We also established our collaboration with OrphanCare then and continue to share in their vision that ‘every child needs a family’. Each year’s Baby Day has tackled important parenting topics such as sleep, nutrition, mental health and surviving post partum depression to engage with and educate parents. 

Now, with our ‘Partners in Parenting’ initiative with PPAS, we are confident that we can further impact the lives of young parents as we help them establish strong foundations in raising their babies. We are also grateful to The School by Jaya One who have extended their support in making today’s event a success,” explained Tan.

YB Hannah Yeoh speaks at the launch of Partners in Parenting in conjunction with Tollyjoy Baby Day 2019

Unveiling of Partners in Parenting on Tollyjoy Baby Day 2019 by YB Hannah Yeoh, alongside Mr Mark Tan (Director, Tollyjoy Corporation)

“OrphanCare is pleased that Tollyjoy Baby Day continues to evolve and grow its  educational role to offer nuggets of wisdom to parents. This is crucial to allow for a nurturing and positive environment for babies as they grow up. We are indeed pleased to be part of this positive and far-reaching initiative,” said Puan Yuzila Yusof, Chief Operating Officer of OrphanCare who was also present at the event.

Puan Suzliana added, “PPAS welcomes this partnership with Tolljoy as it will enhance our role as a hub of learning and community building.  Presently, PPAS Jaya One is our only library located in a mall in Selangor. Set up a year ago, PPAS Jaya One has the fastest book borrowing rate among our libraries in Selangor.  It is frequented by working adults, students, freelancers, retirees, teachers, children and parents with babies. Thus, we are happy to host the ‘Partners in Parenting’ monthly workshops for knowledge sharing for our community of parents with babies. This is a positive start to the parenting journey.”

Ben Ashaari (Blogger Dad), Pn Nor Aishah Osman (Trustee of OrphanCARE Foundation), Hannah Yeoh (Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development), Mark Tan (Director, Tollyjoy Corporation), Pn Suzliana Abd Hamid (Deputy Director, Selangor Public Library Corporation, PPAS), Ms Khor Geok Kee (Director, Tolloyjoy Corporation)