Singapore is renowned for its excellent education system and incredibly serious commitment to academic success. Though this definitely provides opportunities to children, there is a chance that things may become a bit overwhelming.
As homework induces stress that starts affecting the emotional well-being and happiness of a child, parents look for ways to make their kids happy, healthy, and emotionally well-adjusted. Here are some strategies to consider.
Try Online Psychic Advice for Support
When Singapore parents are confused about what to do for their kids, they somehow turn to unconventional sources. And one such means of gaining control over what they can do for their kids is through online psychic advice.
It is perhaps a little strange, but it reassures them when things are complicated and confusing.
Getting psychic advice online can reassure parents that everything will be all right and put a new perspective on their parenting dilemma.
Simply the idea of having a third party listen and give advice—be it in the form of orthodox counseling or more spiritual guidance—can make parents feel less isolated.
It can also prompt some self-reflection, a priceless commodity when you’re trying to get to the bottom of what your child needs or how to respond in tricky situations.
Create a Balanced and Supportive Home Environment
Singapore’s competitive educational system often generates high expectations and pressure, but parents can counteract this by creating a balanced and nurturing home environment. And, setting realistic expectations is probably the most important element of a supportive home environment.
Parents in Singapore must understand that realistic expectations should actually be based on the kid’s age, where they are in their development, and what they can actually do.
For instance, expecting a Primary 3 child to do all their homework by themselves without any prods is probably too much, but it’s completely okay to help them complete assignments with some guidance.
If your child’s great at languages but struggles with math, parents should look for consistent progress in math rather than expecting perfect scores immediately.
Family bonding is essential to finding balance with academic pursuits.
Whether it’s cooking, a weekend outing, board games, or just hanging out at meals without distractions, these things really make family bonds stronger, create a supportive home environment, and give children a break from all that academic work.
When children are appreciated for who they are and not merely what their report cards show, they build healthier self-esteem and emotional strength.
Ensure Open Communication for Emotional Intelligence
Considering the demanding academic culture in Singapore, it is common to find children concealing their struggles so that they will not disappoint their parents.
But, parents must work on creating a space where children can freely discuss their disappointments and struggles. Parents have to listen carefully and not jump to solutions or judgments.
Warning signs of emotional distress in children should be detected early to extend help in a timely manner. Sleeping disorder, loss of appetite, social withdrawal, poor performance, or lack of interest in once pleasurable activities are some of the warning signs that can be predictive of emotional distress.
Parents should offer soft talks the moment they notice these warning signs so that children can express their real feelings.
Use Professional Support When Needed
Parents must realize the appropriate time to seek the assistance of an expert to rectify mental health issues in time. Occasional stress cannot be avoided, but frequent mood swings, erratic behavior, or performance changes require intervention. Parents must observe the following warning signs:
- Social withdrawal
- Excessive anxiety
- Persistent gloominess
- Poor study performance
- Expression of hopelessness
- Sleep disorders
Singapore boasts a variety of mental health centers that children and youth can access. School counselors provide an accessible first point of contact, with confidential support in the relaxed school setting.
Low-cost counseling is also provided outside of the schools in family service centers throughout Singapore. Hospitals such as the National University Hospital and the Institute of Mental Health have child psychiatrists and psychologists on hand to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment for more serious care.
Community organizations such as AWARE and TOUCH Community Services provide support groups and counseling for various conditions, including substance abuse.
Technology has opened up greater access to mental health treatment through telehealth and mental wellness apps. These have the potential to complement the more conventional face-to-face counseling with convenient options for busy families.
Mindfulness, stress, and emotional regulation apps can be especially useful for technically savvy Singaporean youth. However, these should be used as a supplement and not as a replacement for professional advice.
Incorporate Physical Activity to Work on The Brain-Body Connection
The high-pressure schooling environment in Singapore leaves students with minimal time for physical exercise; however, this strategy proves to be counterintuitive. Current studies indicate that consistent physical exercise not only improves the psychological well-being of children but also improves academic performance.
Interestingly, a simple aerobic exercise greatly improves children’s executive function – the intellectual skills required to perform well at school. The ideal way appears to be 90+ minutes exercise per week, of moderate or high intensity, in 30-60 minutes’ sessions.
It suggests that strategic physical training is by no means a diversion from study but complements academic goals.
For busy Singapore families, going for “cognitively active” physical activities works the best, as these activities involve decision-making and strategy.
These include team sports such as basketball, circuit training, or even learning games that integrate movement and academic content.
Parents can reinforce this brain-body connection by:
- Ensuring regular “movement breaks” during homework.
- Organizing family outings, like biking in East Coast Park.
- Promoting sports participation that enhances physical and mental capacities
- Encouraging schools to implement active learning methods
Conclusion
Supporting the child’s mental health and ensuring academic success takes some thought, some balance, and ongoing adaptation to what each child requires. The strategies provided all support one another in developing a comprehensive system of raising well-adjusted children in Singapore’s challenging school system.
Parents who employ these techniques not only assist their children with academic stress but also help them learn great life skills that they will retain long after the school years are behind them.
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