I had the joy of spending time with Ssonia Ong of Ong Squad during her visit to Singapore, where I was deeply moved by the strong bond she shares with her husband and 5 children, aged 2 to 14. Their close-knit family culture radiates warmth and genuine joy, and I was eager to discover the parenting principles that guide her.

Ssonia’s story of reinvention is truly inspiring. When she was 38, she bravely pivoted from a fulfilling career as a child trauma counsellor to become a thriving content creator on TikTok, amassing over 17 million followers. It took immense courage to step into this new chapter, and her journey is a testament to the power of following your passions, no matter your age.

In our conversation, she opens up about her parenting journey, the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a new career, and how she fosters a nurturing environment for her kids. Join me as I explore her incredible story and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Ssonia’s insights will inspire anyone looking to make a meaningful change in their life.

00:00 Introduction

00:36 Get to know Ssonia Ong 

03:38 Content Creation During the Pandemic 

08:22 Transitioning to a Full-Time Content Creator

10:33 Balancing Content Creation and Motherhood

12:09 Finding Inspiration on TikTok 

13:05 Kevin’s Role in Ong Squad 

15:22 Embracing Imperfection as a Content Creator 

17:12 Creating Content with Positive Impact 

19:13 Protecting Children on Social Media 

23:21 Navigating Social Media Validation and Criticism 

26:05 Memorable Interactions with Followers 

27:18 Ssonia’s Content Creation Strategies 

28:53 Redefining Creativity and Taking Risks 

32:38 Navigating Motherhood with 5 Kids 

35:30 Prioritising Marriage Amidst Parenting 

39:14 Ssonia’s Advice for Young Parents 

41:13 The Key to Raising Healthy Kids 

42:12 Advice for Middle-Aged Dreamers 

44:13 Ssonia’s Biggest Lesson in Life 

44:49 Final Reflections

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