Why do I have to go to kindergarten? This is a common complaint from children when you wake them up in the morning for school. Sometimes, even parents themselves might wonder what is the point of attending kindergarten – other than as an academic stepping stone towards primary school. However, children learn many essential life...
According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Singapore has the third highest rate of bullying, and the victims are only getting younger. Kindergartens in Singapore are not immune from bullying cases Recently, Deepika Shetty, an arts correspondent for the Straits Times wrote about the bullying her dyslexic son faced...
Technology has become an inevitable part of daily life. An Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) survey in 2014 showed that most Singaporean households have Internet access and are increasingly using their smartphones to go online — turning to social media for communication, leisure and also as an information source. While technology has enhanced our lives...
The last few weeks leading up to a new school year can often be challenging for the family. For our younger children, they might come to us in tears protesting – and declaring – between sobs that they are not ready for school. For the older ones, they might experience mood swings and lash out...
Going to childcare is a big step in both your child’s life and in yours. For a kid, entering childcare means adjusting to a new environment, unfamiliar teachers and kids, and a different schedule. Here are some common problems that toddlers may encounter when they start attending a childcare centre in Singapore, with practical ways...
Mums and Dads, brace yourselves, because the school holidays are just around the corner! The year-end break is highly anticipated by all kids as a time to relax after all their hard work and having conquered another academic year. In our affluent society, ‘school holidays’ may be synonymous with holidays abroad or expensive outings right...
The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. This quote by parenting author Peggy O’Mara has been making its rounds on social media and strikes a chord with many parents. How we speak to our children helps to shape how they view themselves, and their place in the world. Are we building...
Many parents worry when their children lack the motivation to learn. They also wonder how to encourage their child to build deeper relationships and develop better interpersonal skills. There are numerous motivational, confidence-building seminars and workshops we can send our children to. However, they often only help in a superficial manner and might not fully...
In a developed and affluent society where we enjoy a relatively high standard of living, it is easy to take these comforts for granted. For parents, our challenge is not only to fight apathy in ourselves, but also to ensure it doesn’t take root in our children. It can be hard — with easy access...
Practical tips on how we can help our children craft an effective revision schedule, how to set goals, achieve better time management and hone exam-taking techniques are a dime a dozen. While helpful, they might only serve to manage exam stresses superficially. Our children need to believe certain truths about themselves before they can effectively...
