Latest news with #STSmartParenting
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Why shielding children from death does more harm than good
We may be doing more harm than good when we skirt around the truth or avoid the topic of death entirely, says the writer. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO In my work supporting grieving families, I have often seen parents wrestle with the delicate task of explaining to a child that a loved one has died. Take the case of a three-year-old boy I worked with, whom we'll call A. His father had died on the operating table during the removal of a brain tumour. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
First batch of polytechnic EAE students graduated five years ago. Where are they now?
Ms Vernice Vee, a pharmacist at Singapore General Hospital, entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic via the early admissions route. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – The polytechnic Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) scheme that started in 2017 has provided an alternative admission pathway for students with strong aptitude and interest in an area. Around 14,500 students from secondary schools and ITE applied for early admission in academic year 2025, and around 6,000 applicants received an offer, an increase from 5,500 the year before. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Minor Issues: No regrets taking a detour to be a stay-at-home mum
The writer says skills from managing a household and children can be transferred to a workplace, if only employers would consider them. ST ILLUSTRATION: CEL GULAPA SINGAPORE – This month marks the third year of my return to full-time work after seven years as a stay-at-home mum. It would be a lie to say I don't sometimes think back to those years and miss the mentally carefree days. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
How becoming a mum changed my relationship with my dad
The writer's dad often turned to YouTube to learn children's songs and dance moves to entertain his granddaughter. ST ILLUSTRATION: CEL GULAPA 'Don't eat so much.' A short sentence like this can cut both ways, 20 years apart. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
June school holidays 2025: Take a tech timeout
Find out why excessive screen time is a big issue in Singapore, known as the 'myopia capital of the world'. SINGAPORE – Check out nine2twelve, our new pilot video series on YouTube for those in the age range, where we present news stories, explainers and reviews of youth-targeted activities in a kid-friendly way. These episodes and activities are by the team behind Little Red Dot, a weekly student publication by The Straits Times. In Episode 1, The Straits Times explains why excessive screen time is a burning issue. Too much screen time is one of the reasons Singapore is known as the 'myopia capital of the world', where some 65 per cent of children develop myopia by age 12. Singapore recently rolled out guidelines on screen-time usage, with the Ministry of Health recommending just two hours of screen time a day for seven- to 12-year-olds. Here are some ways you can unplug a little. Watch the video above or go to After that, come back and try these offline activities we've planned for you and your family. Activity 1 Complete one activity and mark out that square by drawing a cross on it. Keep going until you complete five activities in a row, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Once you have completed a row, take a photo of your completed card and send it to stdot@ to share your accomplishment. To play this 'offline' bingo card, complete five activities in a row. ST GRAPHICS: JASTER NGUI Activity 2 What would you do if you do not have a mobile phone, tablet, television, game console or money for a day? Draw how you would spend a screen-free day. Send your comics to stdot@ Remember to include your full name, age, level and school. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
