Child’s Life Stage: Preschooler

How to Spot and Prevent Parental Burnout

At a glance: 

  • Parental burnout goes beyond everyday stress, resulting from prolonged exhaustion that leads to emotional withdrawal, irritability, and loss of confidence as a parent. 
  • In Singapore, multiple pressures contribute to burnout, including work–family conflict, intensive parenting expectations, limited support, and caregiving across generations. 
  • Recovery starts with recognising limits and seeking support, through self‑care, setting boundaries, lowering unrealistic expectations, and reaching out for professional help when needed. 

Parental burnout is the condition where you are so exhausted as a parent that you feel you have nothing left to give. This often happens to parents who devote so much time and energy to their children that they neglect their own needs. This is not to be confused with everyday parenting stress.  

Parental stress is the type of mental stress that is triggered by the daily demands, responsibilities and expectations that come with bringing up children. What is interesting is that moderate levels of parenting stress can actually motivate parents to learn, adapt and improve their capacity to care for their children.  

What is parental burnout? 

While parental burnout and parental stress share some similar symptoms like exhaustion, parental burnout occurs when parents go through a more prolonged and recurring period of parenting stress and are no longer able to handle the situation given their resources. 

According to researchers, parental burnout is characterised by four symptoms that typically develop in stages.1 The first and most prominent symptom is extreme exhaustion brought about by the constant demands of parenting, and just the thought of caring for their children leaves them feeling depleted and drained.  

The second symptom involves a gradual emotional withdrawal from their children, where their involvement is reduced to the bare essentials. Interactions become task-focused and centred mainly on keeping routines on track. In addition, parents may reward and show their children approval and affection only when they display compliant behaviour. At this stage, parents may feel they are simply getting through each day, carefully rationing their remaining energy to cope.  

The third symptom is marked by increasing irritability and feeling ineffective in their role. Once a source of joy and purpose, parenting begins to feel burdensome and emotionally distressing, often accompanied by lingering guilt. They may notice their patience wearing thin, and lose their temper over situations that previously would not have bothered them. 

The final symptom is when parents recognise a painful gap between the parent they are currently, and the one they hoped to be. This stark contrast can cause parents to feel distressed and unworthy. They may assume themselves to be bad parents for not taking pride in raising and nurturing their children.  

Why does parental burnout happen? 

In Singapore, parental burnout often arises due to work-family conflict. In today’s dual-income family, over 63 per cent of Singaporean women and 75 per cent of Singaporean men are in the workforce2. Parents, especially mothers, juggle parenting, family responsibilities and work commitments, and may also face the stress of dealing with conflicting parenting values between husband and wife. In some cases, this situation is aggravated by lack of support where the children’s grandparents have different views about how the children are brought up, adding to the parents’ stress. 

Singapore’s intensive parenting culture perpetuates a “pressure-cooker” attitude towards parenting. Parents often carry high expectations of both themselves and their children, resulting in tremendous pressure at every stage of the child’s life.  

Apart from doing all they can to ensure that their children are healthy and well-adjusted, many parents believe that enrolling them in the best schools, extra tuition and numerous enrichment classes will help them succeed later in life and keep up with their peers. 

Today’s parents may also belong to the “sandwich generation” who need to raise their children whilst caring for their elderly parents. In view of modern societal challenges such as the rapidly ageing population, rising costs of living and healthcare as well as older first-time parenthood, it is not surprising that parents who are main caregivers endure heavier responsibilities. 

What are some practical ways to recover? 

As a parent, your priority is your family, and it is natural for you to want what is best for your loved ones. However, there will be times when you simply can’t give your all. This is completely normal, and there is no reason to feel guilty about it.  

On good days, affirm yourself for having raised your children well. On bad days, remind yourself that these moments do not define your worth as a parent, and instead focus on being grateful for what you appreciate about your children. 

Health experts agree that caring for your own well-being is just as important as caring for your children. By identifying stress triggers, we can cultivate appropriate habits that will help us regain our sense of balance. For instance, if you constantly feel stressed about your children’s misbehaviour, you could try lowering your expectations and allowing them to learn from their mistakes.  

On good days, affirm yourself for having raised your children well. On bad days, remind yourself that these moments do not define your worth as a parent, and instead focus on being grateful for what you appreciate about your children.  

To overcome fatigue, make time to exercise regularly to boost your mood, and schedule breaks with a healthy snack to replenish your energy. Enjoy the moment by setting aside time daily to do small, meaningful things like listening to your favourite music.  

If lack of support is your main challenge, setting boundaries can help. Say “no” when you are stretched too thin and reach out to family and friends for help. For instance, you can arrange a daily time-out where your spouse takes care of your children, while you go out for a 30-minute walk around the neighbourhood.  

Parental burnout is growing in prevalence, yet it is not commonly discussed. By recognising the signs and acknowledging your own experience, you can take steps toward being more present for and loving towards your children.  

If you are already practising self-care but the feelings of helplessness persist, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for further guidance and support. 

How to Talk to Your Child About Sexuality

What Parents Need to Know About Sexuality Education  

Sexuality education helps children understand their bodies, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships. Parents play the most important role. Start early with simple explanations, grow the conversations gradually, and emphasise safety, respect, and family values. Keep discussions calm, honest, age–appropriate, and open so your child feels safe asking questions anytime. 

1. What Is Sexuality Education? 

Sexuality education is the process of teaching children about their bodies, emotions, relationships, boundaries, and safety in age–appropriate ways. It supports their healthy development, helps them recognise unsafe situations, and equips them to make responsible decisions grounded in respect for self and others. 

2. Why Should Parents Talk About Sexuality Early? 

Early conversations reduce fear, confusion, and misinformation by giving children a safe and accurate foundation. When parents initiate open discussions early, children are more likely to trust them, ask questions when unsure, and feel confident navigating changes in puberty, friendship dynamics, and exposure to harmful media. 

Read: When Should I Start Talking To My Child About Sex? 

3. What Should I Tell My Child at Different Ages?     

Ages 7–9: “What should my child know?” 

Give simple explanations about body differences, private parts, and bodily autonomy. Teach “good touch vs bad touch,” safety rules, and how to say “no” to inappropriate behaviour. Reinforce that they can always come to you if something feels wrong. 

View: Conversational Videos for Primary Schoolers 

Ages 10–12: “How do I prepare my tween for puberty?” 

Explain physical and emotional changes, mood shifts, and the meaning of boundaries and respect. Discuss online safety, unhealthy media, and how to manage curiosity. Encourage honest questions without shame. 

View: Conversational Videos for Tweens 

Teens: “What conversations matter most now?” 

Talk openly about identity, relationships, peer pressure, values, and the consequences of decisions. Reinforce respect, self-control, and your family’s beliefs about healthy relationships and commitment. 

4. How Do I Start a Conversation About Sexuality?

Start with everyday moments, such as books, questions, media clips, or real-life situations, then offer simple, honest explanations. Use calm tone, avoid overloading information, and check your child’s understanding. Praise them for asking, and reassure them that no question is “wrong” or embarrassing. 

5. What If My Child Asks an Unexpected or Difficult Question?

Stay calm, thank them for asking, and respond at their developmental level. If you’re unsure, say “Let me think about this and come back to you.” Follow through. Children learn trust when parents are steady, supportive, and available, even when the topic feels tricky. 

6. How Do I Teach My Child About Online Safety and Harmful Content?

Explain that some online content such as sexual images or pornography is not meant for children and can confuse or harm their understanding of healthy relationships.  

Teach them never to keep uncomfortable online experiences secret, and encourage them to talk to you immediately if something feels wrong. 

Read: Explaining Sex and Gender to Kids 

7. How Do We Reinforce Family Values in Sexuality Conversations?

Link facts to your family’s beliefs about respect, commitment, and healthy relationships.  

Share your values gently through stories, examples, or personal reflections. Children absorb values best in a warm environment where guidance is consistent and nonjudgmental. 

Read: What are Values and How Do They Affect Me? 

8. Parent Checklist: What Children Need to Hear

  • You can always talk to me about anything. 
  • Questions are welcome; curiosity is normal. 
  • Healthy relationships involve respect, responsibility, and kindness. 
  • Online content isn’t always safe or true. Come to me if you’re unsure. 

9. Common Questions Parents Ask

  • What if I feel awkward talking about sexuality? 

It’s normal to feel unsure. Start small, keep it factual, and remember that your child benefits more from imperfect conversations than none at all. 

Read: How to Cope with the Awkward Sex Talk 

  • How often should I revisit these topics? 

Make sexuality an ongoing conversation, not a one-off talk. Revisit topics as your child grows, encounters new situations, or shows curiosity. 

  • What if my child gets exposed to sexual content accidentally? 

Stay calm and ask what they saw. Reassure them, correct misunderstandings, and use the moment to teach safety, boundaries, and healthier ways to handle curiosity. 

Read: What to Do if Your Child Stumbles Upon Porn 

10. When Should I Seek Additional Support?

Seek help if your child shows distress, repeated exposure to harmful content, secrecy, or sudden behavioural changes related to sexuality. A counsellor can support you with tailored guidance and coaching. 

Conversations About Sex Need Not Be So Tough

Research shows that when parents engage their children in topics on sexuality, their children grow to make wiser choices in relationships and sex. To help you overcome your fears in broaching the topic, we have designed a Talk About Sex video series specially for parent and child (aged 7-12) to enjoy, engage with and learn together!
Find out more

Relationships in an AI-Driven World

At a glance: 

  • Humans are wired for real, embodied relationships, which require time, vulnerability, and discomfort. 
  • AI companions, algorithms, and convenience-based technologies can weaken social skills, distort intimacy, and reshape cultural norms such as marriage. 
  • Overreliance on AI contributes to loneliness, emotional underdevelopment, and unsafe reliance on AI for mental health support. 
  • Families, parents, and communities play a crucial role in modelling healthy relationships, protecting children, and advocating for strong social institutions. 

Human beings are relational by design, it’s part of who we are. That’s why deep, meaningful relationships aren’t merely a human desire; they’re essential to our overall wellbeing and flourishing. To be fully known and fully loved meets the deepest longings of the human heart. 

But real relationships are rarely convenient. They take time, vulnerability, and the willingness to be uncomfortable. They require forgiveness, patience, and presence. In fact, it’s often through the very inconveniences and frictional moments that trust is built and relationships strengthened. Strong relationships are forged in the slow, sometimes messy work of showing up — face to face, heart to heart. 

Today, however, AI is quietly reshaping the way we view, understand, and do relationships. It’s a powerful tool that delivers what we want, how and when we want it. But the question we must ask is: at what cost? 

How is AI shaping human identity?  

  • We are too easily pleased – AI companions are endlessly customisable to our preferences, and AI Chatbots are always available and affirming. Social media platforms, powered by AI algorithms, feed us content that mirrors our interests and personalities. We begin to mistake these digital interactions for genuine connection.

    Over time, this preference for convenience and control leads us to trade embodied presence for digital relationships.

    A 2023 WHO report reveals that one in six people worldwide experiences loneliness, with the highest rates among youths. Locally, a 2024 IPS survey found similar results. Ironically, this coincides with increasing digital connectedness. We are easily pleased by what feels comfortable and convenient, even when it makes us feel more isolated. 
    It is a vicious cycle: the more we depend on AI for connection, the less equipped we become to engage meaningfully with others, and the more we turn to AI. 
  • Loss of social skills – When the desire for real relationships fades, so too do the social skills that make them possible. These uniquely human abilities — constructive empathy, emotional regulation, and cognitive resilience — cannot be developed in isolation or through AI. They require real human interaction.

    As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, children may have fewer opportunities for face-to-face connection than previous generations. Without these experiences, they risk losing the ability to manage emotions, navigate conflict, and work toward reconciliation. For young adults, this can lead to anxiety around in-person interactions, making it harder to form friendships or pursue healthy dating relationships.

    This creates a vicious cycle: the more we depend on AI for connection, the less equipped we become to engage meaningfully with others, and the more we turn to AI. 
  • Accessibility at the cost of safety – AI’s accessibility has its pros and cons. For example, while generative AI tools can simulate empathy, they lack the human ability to discern emotional nuance or assess risk.

    Licensed mental health professionals are trained to detect subtle cues, evaluate self-harm risks, and provide appropriate interventions. AI cannot do this. In some tragic cases, AI chatbots have even “coached” vulnerable users toward suicide. Ethical lapses in AI design can have devastating consequences.

    Technology can be a helpful tool, but it should never replace the wisdom, compassion, and accountability of real human care. 

  • Redefining culture’s understanding of “marriage” – While stories of individuals “marrying” AI avatars may still raise eyebrows and are not yet legally recognised, such acts are increasingly accepted as expressions of self-autonomy in today’s postmodern culture. Yet, as the saying goes, ideas have consequences — and bad ideas have victims.

    AI offers only a piecemeal illusion of intimacy — a shadow of the wholeness found only in the marital union of husband and wife. 

    Marriage serves a purpose far greater than the couple alone. It is a complete, complementary, exclusive, and permanent union between an embodied husband and wife, designed to potentially bring forth new life through a complementary sexual union. 

    AI reduces sex, meant to be a beautiful lifegiving, selfgiving union between husband and wife, to a fruitless, mere selfgratification act with a screen.

    When an expressive, individualistic culture — aided by technology — reduces marriage to mere feelings of attraction alone, we risk losing the only institution that has consistently proven to be the safest environment for children. A strong society must always protect its most vulnerable members — children. 

What can we do about it?  

Just because AI can do many things, does not mean it should. Here are a few suggestions to become more human than ever, in an AI-driven world:  

You can let AI lighten your logistical load: ask it to find a convenient meeting spot or list transport options — then focus your energy on being fully present with others. 

  • Build real connections in person. Don’t neglect meeting family and friends in person. Real relationships require time, intentionality, and the willingness to sit with discomfort. It’s through these moments that trust and resilience are built.

    Make space in your schedule for meaningful connection and shared life with others. And when you need help, seek it from trained, licensed mental health professionals — not from AI.

    You can let AI lighten your logistical load: ask it to find a convenient meeting spot or list transport options — then focus your energy on being fully present with others.

  • Build healthy relationships in children. Parents, with your unique proximity and influence, play a vital role in shaping how children understand and experience real relationships. Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., identifies five core needs that help children grow in confidence, health, and toward flourishing:

    Security – Who can I trust? 
    Identity – Who am I? 
    Belonging – Who wants me? 
    Purpose – Why am I alive? 
    Competence – What do I do well? 

    Young children, whose brains are rapidly developing, need to learn about trust and real relationships through human interaction, not artificial ones. Avoid AI toys that simulate companionship. Instead, choose toys that are developmentally appropriate and encourage creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on play. 

    Beyond meeting these five core needs, fathers and mothers also have distinct and complementary roles in parenting. A healthy marital relationship models for children what conflict resolution, communication, and service look like — all essential for forming resilient, thriving human relationships.

  • Build support for strong marriages and families. Finally, use your voice to advocate for the protection and promotion of the institution of marriage. True human flourishing depends on the strength of our relationships and the welfare of future generations. 

    Engage respectfully and thoughtfully in both online and offline discussions. Write forum letters, participate in community dialogues, or join reading groups that help you articulate your convictions with both compassion and truth.  

    When we speak up for what is good and right — with humility and charity — we help shape a culture that values life and real human connections. 

AI should serve as a mere tool to strengthen our relationships with others, not replace them. When we choose presence over convenience, truth over illusion, and self-sacrificial love over self-interest, we reflect what it truly means to be human — we help our families, and our society, flourish as they were meant to. 

This is Part 2 in a series on Sex & Sexuality in an AI-Driven World. Read Part 1 here. 

Fatherhood Survival 101 – A Guide To A Mentally Healthier You

Fatherhood comes with change, exhaustion, and emotions that often go unspoken. This guide offers practical tools and support to help dads care for their mental wellbeing while showing up for their family.

This card guide is created by Behind the Crib. Behind The Crib is a Final Year Project campaign by students from NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. It aims to reveal the unseen sides of fatherhood and bring awareness to paternal postpartum depression – a reality often overlooked.

Download PDF now (53.27 MB)

From Working Professional to Stay-at-Home Mum

Have you ever thought about switching from a dual-income household to a single-income one, and wondered if that is even feasible in Singapore? I’ve been at that crossroads before. Now, after seven years of marriage and two kids, we’ve decided to take the plunge. Here are some tips to consider should you wish to make such a major change.  

Calculate household expenses 

First and foremost, you must ensure that your household expenses are less than your take-home income after Central Provident Fund (CPF) deductions. While this sounds blatantly obvious, we must accept that some jobs simply do not pay high enough to fully cover a household’s daily expenses.  

Different families have different spending habits, but the average household expenditure is around $5,931, according to the latest data by the Singapore Department of Statistics.1 Calculate your household expenses as a family and ensure that, if there is only one income, the take-home salary is sufficient to cover those costs.   

Get appropriate insurance plans 

As the adage goes, “fail to plan, plan to fail”. One of the first things we did before our kids become toddlers was to get appropriate hospitalisation plans for them, as we recognised the need to meet their healthcare needs. If you delay getting your children’s insurance hospitalisation plans, you might end up getting more exclusions as they age which would be disadvantageous for them.  

Additionally, before we transitioned to becoming a single income household, we decided to increase my husband’s insurance plans. On top of my husband’s health insurance, we decided to make sure he has a (1) disability income insurance, (2) critical illness insurance and (3) life insurance, with a guaranteed amount that would keep us afloat for several months should he suddenly be unable to work.  

Ensure sufficient savings for a rainy day 

According to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the general rule of thumb is to have at least three to six months’ worth of household expenses as savings.2 I personally agree with this because we will need that buffer for sudden emergencies such as medical issues, accidents or a loss of job. If possible, it is best to have six to nine months’ worth of savings to reduce the stress and pressure of finding another job immediately.  

Transitioning from dual income to single income requires adjustment from both spouses, and it is essential to have a shared conviction and commitment to this change. 

Aligning goals, values and priorities 

My husband and I decided to become a single-income household because our kids were very young. After our first child was born, I was a stay-home mum for two years. When our second child arrived, I could return to work remotely due to the changes brought about by COVID-19, and I worked full-time only because the role allowed me to work from home.  

The bottom line was that I simply wanted to spend more time with my children during their formative years. I believe it is ideal if one parent can stay home to monitor, supervise and inculcate the right values in our children. Although my husband is at the office working, we share common goals and values. Transitioning from dual income to single income requires adjustment from both spouses, and it is essential to have a shared conviction and commitment to this change.  

There is a time for everything 

I decided to stay home because my kids were still little, and juggling work with pumping milk every three hours, sleep deprivation, and caring for two children was too exhausting. Furthermore, I wanted to foster a strong bond with them and make daily conversations a habit, so that we will continue to have a close relationship as they grow up.  

No employee is indispensable, not even the CEO; but for my children, there is only one mum. 

While I had to accept that my career would take a pause, the time I got to spend with my kids during their early developmental years was priceless. I could take on freelance or part-time jobs in the future when they are older, but for now, I would like to be my kids’ main caretaker.  

The ultimatum came one day when I realised that no employee is indispensable, not even the CEO; but for my children, there is only one mum. While my parents, in-laws or helper can help with parenting, I have a unique role in their lives and I wanted to maximise it by spending both qualitative and quantitative time with them, even if it means sacrificing financial comfort for several years.  

Gratitude, contentment and wisdom 

What keeps me going is gratitude for simple things, like enjoying a weekly cup of hawker kopi instead of Starbucks, saving money from 11/11 or Black Friday sales, and planning nutritious meals based on what’s on sale. A person may have great wealth yet still feel it’s never enough. The key to enjoying life is not about how much you earn, but being content with what you have.  

Choosing the right job, managing daily commitments while monitoring household income and expenses all require wisdom. Which enrichment classes should my kids take? How much can we afford for our family holiday? We are thankful that God has given us wisdom to make good choices and provided for our daily needs as we transited to becoming a single-income household.  

How to Teach a Child about Privacy

Teaching children about privacy starts with helping them understand what information is meant to be shared, and what should be kept personal. By using simple, age‑appropriate language and everyday examples, parents can guide their children to recognise boundaries, respect others’ space, and stay safe both offline and online. These early conversations build the foundation for digital awareness and healthy relationships as they grow.

While in a tech-driven world this mostly relates to data privacy online, the concept also extends to teaching them that parts of our body are private and are not meant for sharing. 

Preschool years (4-6) 

Every part of our body serves a function, and our private body parts (areas covered by swimsuits) are special and important. We can help our children understand that these parts are not meant to be seen or touched by others. 

Practise naming these private parts using the correct terms (e.g. use “breasts” instead of “boobs”, “penis” instead of “wee wee”) to help them build factual understanding. Shower times are good opportunities to point out these areas in a casual yet educational way. 

Avoid exposing children’s private parts in public no matter how desperate a situation might be. For example, when in public, children should always change out their clothes in a private cubicle such as a bathroom.  

Avoid oversharing children’s photos, particularly revealing ones, on our own social media accounts. This will reduce their digital footprint and prevent their images from falling into the hands of malicious actors, who can create harmful deepfake nudes with the help of AI tools.  

Role-play possible scenarios to teach children refusal skills in an engaging and fun manner: If they are asked by someone to show their private parts, they should respond with a firm ‘no’, walk away immediately, and tell a trusted adult. It would be additionally helpful for them to know a few trusted adults they can turn to, apart from Daddy and Mummy. 


Teach children to respect others’ privacy just as they would want others to respect theirs. 

Primary years (7-12) 

Use everyday opportunities to explain how the concept of privacy comes up in various settings: when using public bathrooms, in close proximity with someone else’s device screen, or handling personal info such as passwords, school, email and home addresses. 

In each scenario, teach children to respect others’ privacy just as they would want others to respect theirs. For example, they should not peer into someone else’s device screen because the content may not be safe for them (pornography, violence, confidential data, etc.), nor should they divulge sensitive, personal info to others verbally because it puts them at risk of identity thefts or scams. 

If handing your children a smartphone is inevitable, ensure that parental controls are in place to support their online safety. Let them know that their devices may be monitored to help guide their privacy decisions until they’re ready to manage them independently. Some helpful parental control apps include Google Family Link and Qustodio, although they cannot replace the central role that parents play in helping children develop necessary skills around their privacy. 

The general minimum age for social media accounts is 13 years old to protect children’s privacy, although in reality, children younger than 13 still own accounts. If this is something your child is keen to explore, why not co-own an account with him to model and advocate for constructive and purposeful use of social media? Use this opportunity to impart critical thinking and decision-making skills as the parent taking the lead in choosing what, when, and how much to share online.  

Remind children in this age group that they should not be chatting with strangers online as they are too young to discern when they are being groomed. Instead, make time to connect with them regularly so they will be less tempted to overshare info with a stranger online. 

Our role should be to teach them how to think critically about their privacy decisions, rather than what to think. 

Teenage years (13-16)   

Teenagers are likely to spend more time online and need the consistency of a values-based decision-making framework to help them discern how to safeguard their privacy across different settings.  

Parents should assess teens’ needs and maturity before determining how much and the type of supervision needed to support them in making wise choices, and focus on building a strong relationship with them while being transparent in communication. Our role should be to teach them how to think critically about their privacy decisions, rather than what to think. 

Rehearse digital literacy often as a family – before posting something online, engage your teen to brainstorm with you on its purpose, constructiveness, reliability, and privacy concerns. Ask for thoughts about what responsibility looks like online (e.g. avoid posting photos that reveal anyone’s personal info, post only truthful and constructive content). Normalise a “thinking pause” before responding to or posting anything online. 

Try this with your teen: Google your name, or a combination of your name with other identifying data such as school, workplace, or hobbies, to find out your digital footprint. Debrief by asking questions like, “Were there any surprises? Would this change the way you manage your data online from now? Why and how?” 

Draw your teen’s attention to the type of ads and content that show up on your social media or YouTube feed. It is likely that the powerful, data-driven algorithm would have shown you something related to what you had in your thoughts or mentioned in passing. Is this persuasive design “cool”, or concerning, and why? What does this reveal about our privacy?   

Most of all, teach and show teens how they can lead fulfilling lives offline – it is crucial for them to know that their online life is but a fraction of their whole life, and that we as parents are always here for them. If they do experience consequences of a privacy breach online, they would hopefully have the resilience to know that it isn’t the end of their world; they have a safe space with us, life is still very much worth living for, and we can turn crisis into learning opportunities to help us become better navigators of online privacy concerns.   

FAM JAM Children’s Day Campaign

This Children’s Day, our FAM JAM Campaign invites young families to discover Joy Around Mealtimes through Messy Memories, Spreading Joy, and Curious Chatter.

FAM JAM Campaign will be brought to life through a vibrant mix of digital and print mediums. From a website to an interactive family-centric resource, to relatable, real-life parent-child moments spotlighted across social media, the hope is to spark connection and inspire families.

FAM JAM Campaign will culminate in FAM JAM Fest — a for children, by children community outreach event that empowers FamChamps Junior children to encourage other children and their families with the message of Joy Around Mealtimes. Details and registration for FAM JAM Fest on 18 October can be found here.

Details

DATE: Fri, 3 Oct 2025 to Fri, 17 Oct 2025

For any enquiries, please contact us at Corpcomms@family.org.sg

ParentEd Podcast

Honest conversations to help you be a more intentional parent

ParentEd Podcast

ABOUT

Family life can be unpredictable and chaotic. Amidst work pressures, day-to-day stresses and digital distractions, how can we strengthen our parent-child connections? 

Join us in our honest conversations about parenting and work life as we chat with everyday people and experts about the struggles, joys and small victories that we share. 

There is no perfect family. As we share stories, offer practical insights and answer your questions, we hope that these episodes will provide hope and encouragement in your journey of becoming a better spouse and more intentional parent. 

Nurture lifelong love

Married life can be filled with twists and turns, especially with the day-to-day priorities, and stresses in life, including the times we run into conflict with our spouse.

Tune in to our Connect2 Marriage Podcast to go deep into the conversations and questions about the marital connection, intimacy and lifelong love.

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ParentEd is a parent education initiative from Focus on the Family Singapore.

Am I a Good Enough Father?

In today’s modern age where we are all time-strapped and often digitally distracted, what does it take to be a good father? What does active fathering actually involve?  

In a recent episode of the ParentEd podcast, we sat down with Kelvin Seah, a father of two and an adjunct Polytechnic lecturer, to discuss this issue. Kelvin emphasises that fatherhood is a continuous learning journey.  

“I want to make it very clear that a lot of things I say today I don’t necessarily practise them perfectly in my own life,” he admits.  

Such a humility may resonate with many of us parents who often feel the pressure to be perfect and who also grapple with feelings of guilt when we make mistakes. 

So…What makes a good father? 

When asked about the qualities that define a good father, Kelvin reminds us to mull over the broader question of what it means to be a good person. He believes that being a good father is less about specific actions and more about embodying the right values.  

“Being a good person doing the right thing has more to do with who we are and less about what we actually do,” he explains. 

Another essential fathering quality that Kelvin emphasises is the importance of being present in our children’s lives. He challenges the notion that quality time can replace quantity time, arguing that both are essential.  

You can’t really be a weekend warrior parent. Intentional parenting should be done on a regular basis daily. 

Building meaningful memories

One good place for fathers to start is to be intentional about how we create meaningful memories with our children. Whether it is setting aside time to be present with the kids at dinner time and at bedtime at least three times a week, or taking them out on bike rides on weekends, children will remember how they felt when they were with us. 

Kelvin explains, “When things get a bit rough and tough, our children will remember that in the end mummy and daddy are here for them because we love them and we care, and children ultimately grow well when they are in safe, secure environments.” 

He recounts his own decision to leave full-time work to be more present for his children. “The hours I spent with my child, both quality and quantity, are invested time that is giving me dividends now as I tackle the challenges of parenting teens,” he quips. 

Have you done your homework? Have you completed all the household chores? Have you done this and that and it becomes very transactional. Then you are just importing ethics from the corporate world into the family world and that doesn’t work. 

Bridging the emotional gap

Reflecting on a fatherhood involvement survey done by Focus on the Family Singapore, which found that many adults wished their fathers had played a greater role in their emotional development, Kelvin stresses the need for fathers to be emotionally available and to affirm their children regularly.  

But how do we do this on a more practical level? 

Kelvin share 3 tips using the acronym A-B-C for fathers to build stronger emotional connections with their children: 

1. A – Apprenticeship  

Apprenticeship means dads should return home after work to your children, spend time with them, and even just sit with them. This time is dedicated to checking in about their day but also being intentional to pass on a skill. In Kelvin’s case, he teaches communication skills, so he tries to pass on these skills to his sons by talking about how to communicate.  

2. B – Be present  

We should make pockets of time to be 100% with our children, Kelvin advises. We should also watch out for functional speak, because as busy parents we may come home and be all about functionality. “Have you done your homework? Have you completed all the household chores? Have you done this and that and it becomes very transactional,” Kelvin warns. 

3. C – Connect for meaning  

Focus on creating meaningful interactions. “What is it I want to leave with my children that they can remember me by?” is a question that Kelvin asks himself often. This question can guide parents in their daily interactions, and help us be more intentional. 

You’re going to fail, but it’s about picking yourself up and trying again. 

Forget perfection, aim for affection

Kelvin also reassures fathers that parenting is not about perfection but about affection.  

“You’re going to fail, but it’s about picking yourself up and trying again,” he articulates.  

Such a perspective is growth-oriented, and encourages us to be kind to ourselves and to view parenting as an ongoing journey of growth. 

Affirm your child’s identity

Being a father to two boys has tuned Kelvin to the realities and importance of intentionally parenting his sons.  

Reflecting on his own life, he says, “If you don’t have a male model regularly present in your life to model that behaviour for you for adulthood, you end up having to navigate it on your own, and it’s a much harder journey to make.” 

“You see their characteristics, their personalities showing up and you nurture that, you affirm that, you see who your child was inherently meant to be and the earlier you see that, the earlier you can create the environment for that personality to really take off and grow,” he adds.

As we can see, being a good father involves continuous learning, being present, and being intentional to invest time and create meaningful memories with your family. By embracing these principles, fathers can build strong, loving relationships with their children that will likely bear fruit – for generations to come. 

When Motherhood Feels Like You’re Losing Yourself

Motherhood changes a person. We take on a new identity and a new role—one that we are mostly unprepared for; a role that may not come naturally, doesn’t always have straightforward answers and may require a whole lot of trial and error.  

Overnight, our world suddenly involves making sure that someone else is safe, loved and raised. We are thrown into situations we have no experience of, relying on the wisdom of those who have gone before—through books, the internet and maybe a friend’s tales. Most of us are just trying to figure it out along the way. 

The Changes In Motherhood 

Motherhood comes with multiple adjustments—the physical changes to our bodies through and after pregnancy; possibly the changes to our available capacities at our jobs; or a change in work status, choosing to stay home to raise children in this season; a change to our lifestyles as we have reduced time and energy for social activities and hobbies. It can feel like we are losing a big part of the person we used to be. Things are just not the same as before.  

A Mother’s Desire 

At the core of motherhood is also the desire to always want to do what is best for our children. From the moment we see those two lines on the pregnancy test kit to even after our adult child leaves the home, we never stop wondering, “Have I done enough?” We never stop being mothers. 

In the myriad of decisions we make for ourselves and our children daily, we always wonder if there was a better choice. From choosing to stay at home and be the main caregiver, or to continue working outside the home; choosing to breastfeed or formula feed our babies; choosing schools, classes, activities; or choosing one discipline method over another.  

We feel pulled and stretched in all directions, trying to meet expectations and fulfil each of our roles as wife, mother, worker, daughter. We try to do everything to the best of our ability and yet sometimes still feel like we fall short. 

In the light of these changes and expectations, it is too easy to feel overwhelmed, exhausted and discouraged. How do we get used to this new normal? How do we navigate motherhood through societal expectations while also meeting our family’s needs?  

1. Avoid comparisons 

Motherhood is not a competition. We are all on our own paths. Our family and life circumstances are all different and therefore demands different choices and responses.  

It is too easy to look over our shoulder and think, “That mum looks like she has the better life. I wish I had that.” Comparison is a thief of joy. Truth be told, we never really know what goes on behind closed doors. We get distracted into thinking that only when we have a certain life will our families be happy.  

While it is helpful to glean wisdom from other women that we admire and look up to, we need to discern how to fit that wisdom into our own unique situation. Not everything may be directly applied.  

We need to grow to be confident in our choices and tell ourselves, it is ok if my family looks different. 

2. Give yourself time to figure things out

Motherhood is a long journey that is filled with constant changes. We don’t figure out motherhood in an instance. Just as we think we’ve mastered one aspect of motherhood, a new challenge emerges, and the learning begins all over again. Nothing ever stays the same in motherhood. We need to trust the process. 

Give ourselves time to find our own pace, figure out what works for our families and manage our own expectations. As our children grow, their needs will evolve, and we likewise will have to adapt alongside them. As with any new job or responsibility, we take time to learn the task, pick up the skills and get better at the role over time. 

Be kind to ourselves and give ourselves grace to learn, make mistakes and grow from it. 

3. Accept help 

Motherhood is not meant to be a solo act. Mothers are a strong bunch. We are master jugglers, multitaskers, jack of all trades. We have interests and passions, dreams and goals. If we could, we would do them all. But we have the same 24 hours and in reality, we probably cannot do it all on our own. It is far too likely that we are stretched thin and exhausted.  

We need to be willing to ask for and accept help. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Beyond the practical help we may receive from physically caring for children, we also need to learn to manage our mental load and receive emotional support from friends and loved ones. This may look like getting to know other mothers who can empathise and understand what we are going through. Friendships make the journey less lonely.  

Find trusted friends who will listen and encourage us, filling our emotional tank through this challenging season of motherhood, which in turn, fuels us to keep caring for our children.

Motherhood is both terrifying and exhilarating; worrying and fulfilling. It sometimes brings us to our knees in tears and frustration, and at other moments, lifts our spirits and brings much joy to our hearts because somehow, that is what children do to us.  

We may not have it all, and we may not know it all, but we sure try and give it our all. That is worth celebrating!