There are, of course, pros and cons to being around your little ones almost 24/7.

“When I was very, very busy, working day and night, [my sons] would often question why they didn’t get to see their mum, and that made me feel a bit emo,” Ah Jie recalled. “Now, I get to see them more often and know what they’re up to and can keep a closer eye on their progress in school. I think the bond between parents and children will also become stronger during this period — they have nowhere else to go, so they can only talk to you! (Laughs)”

On the other hand… well, kids will be kids. “Since they’re home the whole day, they’ll always be bugging you, going ‘Mummy!’ this and ‘Mummy!’ that. A lot of attention needs to be given to them, and they’re always running amok in the house, so it’s very hard to get them to sit down and stay in one place. (Sighs)”

How many other parents can relate to that?

“I really want to thank schools for taking care of our kids for six to seven hours a day,” she continued. “I only have three, but teachers have to deal with so many more in class! I really salute them.”

Fortunately for Zoe, her husband, RSAF pilot Philip Chionh, is also working from home and able to help out with their sons’ tech-assisted studying. “I would panic even more if he wasn’t around to do it, because I’m really a tech idiot!” she laughed.

Another added responsibility for Ah Jie is to make sure that her boys understand how important it is to practice good hygiene, especially since her elderly mother lives with them.

“I think they aren’t very aware of how scary and contagious the virus can be because they’re still doing things like touching their faces and rubbing their eyes, so you just have to keep reminding them to be cautious so they don’t spread anything to their grandma,” she said.

At least she doesn’t have to worry about them being bored. When they’re not studying or doing their homework, they’re practising the piano (all three boys are having lessons), playing games (card, board, and computer), cycling, or watching television.

What about Zoe herself? What does the Queen of Mediacorp do when she’s stuck in her castle (and not dealing with her princes)?

“I usually stay at home when I’m not working anyway, but now that I have more time to do what I want, I’ve just been learning how to improve my cooking, watching videos, reading books, catching up on shows, and tidying the house.” Super normal stuff. “I was thinking of picking up a new skill, but with safe distancing measures, I also don’t know where to go! (Laughs)”

Well, there’s always YouTube tutorials.

Overseas holidays, naturally, have been put on hold. “I was so tempted to go skiing in Japan last month but I’m glad we didn’t make the trip because we might have been stranded or something tragic could have happened. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” she mused.

The family also had plans for a getaway in June, but that’s certainly out of the question now. “It’s not a big deal lah. Right now everyone should be encouraged to stay at home and reduce activities outside for their own safety and the safety of others. I never would have imagined that staying home could be considered a contribution to the nation, but it is! (Laughs) So stay home, spend time with your family, and remember to watch my show!”

Smooth segue, Ah Jie.

You’d think that boasting an illustrious, award-winning career spanning three decades would mean that Zoe no longer gets corrected by directors on set. But lo and behold, that’s exactly what happened to her when she was filming My Guardian Angels, in which she plays a tai tai who’s forced to leave her life of luxury after her husband dies.

“My character is supposed to be very arrogant and self-centred, but sometimes, the director would stop me in the middle of filming and tell me, ‘You cannot be so nice! You have to be very mean.’”

Apparently, Zoe’s speaking tone was “too kind”, which she didn’t even notice. “At first it was a bit hard to get used to speaking in such a crude manner, but it’s good that the director was there to constantly remind me. When your schedule is too tight, there can be too many things to remember and you might forget details like that.”

My Guardian Angels debuts tomorrow, April 6, 9pm on Ch 8.
Catch episodes in advance on meWATCH.

Photos: Zoe Tay/Instagram, Mediacorp