Iris Morozoff is our full-time Administration Officer at VMCH Berwick Residential Aged Care (a job that she loves), as well as mum to three children aged between 11 and 16.

Asked how she is finding coping with the challenges of being a mum, and undertaking the enormous task of remote learning while keeping safe at home, Iris said that managing the demands has been a ‘logistical nightmare’.

“All I can say is, God bless my husband Eugene because he is the one who has mostly had to deal with that!

“The current challenges for mums right now are huge. You’re constantly on the go to meet the everyday needs of a family, but you are also trying to manage the unavoidable roller-coaster of emotions and frustrations that have naturally risen in your children. They’re separated from their own important support-systems such as friends and sport and school.

“When the restrictions were first introduced, I was enjoying the respite of trying to get three children to their basketball training and matches on evenings and weekends. But just a few weeks in, I realised that I was missing out on my social life, because, the other parents have become that to me.”

“But there are so many things to be grateful for too. Those I love and care for are all safe and well. I am fortunate, extremely tired, but very fortunate!

“It truly has been a case of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone’ for all of us.”

For Mother’s Day, Iris said she just wants to spend some quality time with her children and husband and perhaps, get the opportunity to have a quick visit with her own mum, who is 90 years old.

“If by chance, someone presents me with a mobile phone holder for my bike, I would be thrilled. I am always getting lost on my bike rides and having access to maps, without having to stop, would be a great help!”