Mardiah Khir is not your regular mum, she's a cool mum and a full time teacher. She loves exploring the outdoors with her 2 beautiful daughters as it allows them to develop self confidence, independence and self esteem 

Who are you and what do you do?

Hello, I am Mardiah. I carry many roles in this life - some of which are Mama to 2 cheeky girls, wife to my amazing husband, anak bongsu to my beautiful parents, a Physical Education teacher to primary school students and many more :) 

What does teaching mean to you?

Give you a politically correct answer hahaha. My philosophy of education is that all children have different learning needs and styles, and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

I will create a safe environment where students can meet their full potential and are invited to share their ideas and take risks. I aim to bring consistency, diligence, high expectations and warmth to my job in the hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage such traits in the students as well.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about kids moving about, enjoying the rain and sun, embracing sweat and dirt on their body and being engaged in physical activities. It’s my job as a PE teacher but I am also that Mama that makes sure my daughters have outdoor time everyday, rain or shine :)

What part of you that you are most proud of?

I would say it’s my calm personality and “I can do it!” attitude. When faced with a difficult situation, I never back down and take things in my stride :) 

What are some of the positive changes that you try to implement this year?

For some of you who don’t know, I started wearing the hijab in February this year. I had this niat in me since last year so I started buying a few basic hijabs and the accessories to try. I never got to wearing it until I enrolled my daughter into weekend Madrasah classes this year.

The first time I wore it out, I felt a sense of calm and “wah, it feels like a normal day. No one seemed to care how I dress.” I just felt like any other person on the street, no one is judging what I wear and that felt so good. The only critic I got was from my 3yo daughter “Mama, why you wear the tudung? I like your long hair.” HAHAHAHA ouch. Alhamdulillah, the following week, I started wearing the hijab (part-time). I still don’t wear it to work and when I exercise. Slowly and surely, I’ll get there. 

Another positive change I am trying to implement is being more present and intentional with my daughters. I have always loved planning educational activities, play with my kids and I loved capturing those moments on my phone.

So, now I am trying to engage in authentic conversations with my chatty 3 year old and be goofy with my 10 month old all without trying to capture these moments. (I don’t mind candid photos of me doing it *hints to my husband*) It’s been going great so far and posting lesser on social media feels good because I use that time for something else more meaningful hehe. 

If your life is a song, what would it be and why?

My girl by The Temptations! I love this liner “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day.” It’s like no matter how bad things might seem, always look for that sunshine and it’s generally how I feel about life - always be positive!

What do you want to see more of in the world?

I want to see more adults being child-like - smile more, play more, express more, spread more laughter and look for joy in the simplest of things :-)