Parents-Support-Parents is a network of support for parents on their parenting journey.
Contributed By Carol Loi
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| CN FILE PHOTO |
Parenting can be tough at times, but when one is surrounded by others who have gone down a similar path, who could provide encouragement and useful advice, it can make the parenting journey a much more enjoyable one. Parents-Support-Parents aims to build itself up to become a community of parents, leveraging on technology, so that busy parents can be supported or help support other parents online or via SMS.
In March 2010, PSP collaborated with the Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group on a session to share with parents on what is best for mothers and babies. The vice president of the group, Lena Goh, shared that breast milk contains easily digestible proteins that support a newborn’s immature immune system, translating into healthier growth and cost savings for parents in the long run. With breastfeeding, a unique and emotional bond will develop, which will enhance the mother-infant relationship that will last a lifetime.
In May 2010, parents got to know about the 21st century competency framework recently introduced by the Ministry of Education. They discussed how they could better nurture their children’s creativity and thinking skills. John Yeo, who holds a Masters degree in Creative Studies and Change Leadership, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, highlighted that children think differently from adults, and that parents need to remember to see things from their child’s perspective. He suggested that parents try being playful with their children at appropriate times, or engage their children in healthy debates to expand their thinking on issues that are interesting to him or her.
In October 2010, parents learned from Julie Hiramine, founder and executive director of Generations of Virtue, on how best to talk to their children about sexuality. Hiramine highlighted that the most important way to keep children from high risk behaviour was to spend quality time together as a family, especially during meal times and holidays. She cautioned against absent parenting, reminding parents that rules enforced without relationship will lead to rebellion. She emphasized that the first message a child receives on sexuality is the most important one, as it will remain in their minds—as such, parents need to be the first ones to talk to their children about sexuality and not let them get the information from an external source, as parents know their own family values best. She also shared how parents could introduce sexuality to their children at various stages (4 to 8 years, 9 to 10 years, 11 to 12 years).
PSP plans to continue running useful sessions for parents, to equip parents with the latest information and resources on how best to nurture their children. Topics under consideration include raising a healthy child, nurturing thinking skills, overcoming challenges in Mathematics and preparing for parenthood.
Those who are interested to find out more about PSP can contact Carol Loi at psp@chc.org.sg.
