Parent Hub

Build bonds over family game nights

One family's switch from screens to real-life games yielded surprising results: stronger bonds, lasting memories and better sleep!

Dinner used to be followed by our family's routine, almost automatically. We would retire for the day, to our comfortable screen-time sessions. Phones, tablets, TV — you name it, we were on it. Over time, we noticed ourselves becoming more lethargic, more disconnected than ever. So we decided it was time for a change. Post-dinner time became family game nights!

Starting a different routine was challenging. The kids grumbled. I felt the pull of my own phone notifications. But we persisted. The first night, we started off with a board game. It was chaotic, good-spirited competitive, and helped us connect more authentically than we have had in a long time. The next day, we couldn't stop talking about the fun moments we've had.

That was the turning point. Now, our game nights are sacred. Sometimes, it's board games, other times it's puzzles or even just sketching together. The activity itself does not matter much — what matters is that we're doing it together. We talk, we strategise (or scheme!), and we simply enjoy one another's company.

It warms my heart to see how much closer we've become. By isolating screen time, we made more time for family. We're creating memories — making inside jokes, and rediscovering a sense of togetherness that was missing before. Bedtime became smoother, the kids' energy is spent, and they go to sleep feeling content and connected.

I wouldn't trade these game nights for all the streaming services in the world. It's one small change that has made a world of difference to our family.

You can do it too — discover healthy screen use habits on Parent Hub!

From Chaos to Consistency: How Healthy Habits Transformed Mornings for A Family

Learn how a family created a fun routine, to turn chaotic mornings into calm, productive starts to the day.

My six-year-old son, Yiwei, often could not wake up feeling refreshed. Getting through the morning routine was often not smooth.

Each day began with a new battle of reluctance and rushed preparations. As parents we realised that we needed to address his inadequate sleep.

We racked our brains and had a frank conversation with Yiwei, and understood that he knew he had to go to bed earlier but he didn’t know why. We explained to him and came up with a fun, engaging way to build better habits, to motivate him to set up his sleep routine. We introduced a gamified routine chart: a visual tracker to motivate him, providing immediate feedback and appropriate reward.

This gamified routine was all about empowering Yiwei to complete his tasks and go to bed early. We gave Yiwei a sticker to paste for each completed task which made him feel accomplished. We also introduced calming activities such as reading physical books or having bedtime stories, at scheduled wind-down bedtimes, to help him relax. Taken together, all these activities made it easier for him to adopt and maintain positive behaviours. From brushing teeth, getting dressed to going to bed early, all of these chores became rewarding activities. Over time, he developed a routine of sleeping early and waking up refreshed!

As parents, we couldn't be more proud of Yiwei for overcoming this challenge to improve himself and then, to sustain the healthy sleep habit. This journey has also given him the confidence to take on new challenges.

You can do it too - discover healthy sleep habits on Parent Hub!

It started with cooking!

Let your child make healthier choices, and change her life for good

Eating junk food, loafing around, and being inactive defined Angerine. I felt it was time to change her ways… so I sat down to listen to my 8-year-olds.

I was determined to help her to build a strong foundation of healthy habits. I noticed she had started to pile on the kilos, as she swapped out fruit and vegetables for junk food such as potato chips. I started by having chats with her explaining that feeling good often starts with nourishing our bodies. I also suggested: the best way to start, would be to create and savour our favourite dishes!

8-year-olds don't readily accept suggestions that they didn’t contribute to. So, we decided to involve her and give her choices to make! We started cooking together as a bonding activity. We made colourful smoothies, creative sandwiches and more. We also started grocery shopping as a family and encouraged Angerine to select the ingredients. Little by little, she started to enjoy fruit and vegetables and was immensely pleased with her creations. I praised and celebrated her for any healthy choices she made. A supportive environment is key!

I do allow her occasional indulgent treats with her friends, as I feel it's important to maintain a balance, and support her self-realisation. This also means less parental rule-enforcement, but rather letting our child understand the rationale, and support her in making the right steps.

Over time, we both could see a significant improvement in Angerine — she is now happier, more energetic, and she has started getting into physical activities voluntarily too. This has been a lesson for me too: with a bit of creativity and a lot of loving support, we can all guide our children towards healthy habits.

You can do it too — discover good nutritional habits on Parent Hub!

Build bonds over family game nights

One family's switch from screens to real-life games yielded surprising results: stronger bonds, lasting memories and better sleep!

Dinner used to be followed by our family's routine, almost automatically. We would retire for the day, to our comfortable screen-time sessions. Phones, tablets, TV — you name it, we were on it. Over time, we noticed ourselves becoming more lethargic, more disconnected than ever. So we decided it was time for a change. Post-dinner time became family game nights!

Starting a different routine was challenging. The kids grumbled. I felt the pull of my own phone notifications. But we persisted. The first night, we started off with a board game. It was chaotic, good-spirited competitive, and helped us connect more authentically than we have had in a long time. The next day, we couldn't stop talking about the fun moments we’ve had.

That was the turning point. Now, our game nights are sacred. Sometimes, it's board games, other times it's puzzles or even just sketching together. The activity itself does not matter much — what matters is that we’re doing it together. We talk, we strategise (or scheme!), and we simply enjoy one another’s company.

It warms my heart to see how much closer we've become. By isolating screen time, we made more time for family. We're creating memories — making inside jokes, and rediscovering a sense of togetherness that was missing before. Bedtime became smoother, the kids' energy is spent, and they go to sleep feeling content and connected.

I wouldn't trade these game nights for all the streaming services in the world. It's one small change that has made a world of difference to our family.

You can do it too — discover healthy screen use habits on Parent Hub!

Fun for lasting bonds

Shared experiences, strong values, and a whole lot of love: One parent's 10-year journey to create stronger bonds.

Ten years. A decade of learning, growing, bedtime stories, and endless laughter — that's the kind of time we've spent together.

It hasn’t always been easy, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of childhood, but the bond we've forged is unbreakable. Our days were filled with physical activities: nature walks, picnics by the beach and cheering them on at (cycling) races! My 11-year-old, Julien was once distraught at losing first-place in a race — only for his siblings and me to encourage him: “Did you give it your best? Then try harder next time!' We're a sporty family, but more than that, we’re a strong family.

We make it a point to spend time with our extended family. Weekends we get together with cousins, grandparents and even great-grandparents — for lunches, karaoke nights or craft sessions. But the quieter moments matter just as much. We lose ourselves in books, create DIY gifts, and just be together.

Of course, there were squabbles. But even those moments taught valuable lessons. Arguments were sorted out with hugs and apologies — and sometimes even handwritten ‘sorry’ cards. It warmed my heart to see them working through their differences, with empathy and love.

Now, as they grow, I see the seeds I’ve planted taking root. I see the compassion and connection they have — not just with each other but with family. I hope the close bonds we’ve nurtured over these ten years will last a lifetime. And one day, when they have families of their own, I know they’ll still come home for dinner for a nutritious meal together and make time to bond with me over activities and exercises. The love we’ve built will always be their anchor.

You can do it too — discover fun exercise ideas on Parent Hub!

Raising Healthy Kids: It’s a Family Effort!

One family's commitment to balanced meals, limited screen time, engaging activities, and a consistent bedtime routine — offers a blueprint for raising healthy children.

As parents, we are deeply invested in our six-year-old son Reyansh's well-being. We believe that a wholesome life begins with a strong foundation and the joy of making healthy choices, so we are always conscious of instilling good habits in him.

Our approach is holistic — we eat, play and learn together as a family. Home-cooked meals are the norm, allowing us to control nutrition, maintain a balanced diet, and still enjoy our favourite food. We focus on wholegrains, plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and fresh fruit.

Snack time isn't an afterthought; it's an opportunity to offer delicious yet nutritious options such as protein-rich milk, while cutting out sugary snacks. Reyansh, always a keen and curious observer at mealtimes, naturally developed an interest in trying new foods.

Limiting screen time is another priority. We continually encourage Reyansh to play outdoors and make a conscious effort to engage with him personally — without electronics. We nurture his inquisitive spirit with frequent library visits and by supporting his love for building blocks.

A consistent bedtime routine is just as important. Lights-out is at 10p.m., and if he isn't sleepy, we wind down by reading a story together.

We know that children learn by example, so we try to model the healthy habits we want Reyansh to see and adopt. Watching him embrace these practices with enthusiasm reassures us that we are giving him a strong foundation for a healthy and happy future.

You can do it too — discover good nutritional habits on Parent Hub!

It’s all about balance, patience and their perspective

By supporting his daughter’s emotions, explore how one dad made learning fun!

I’ve realised, with my 1.5 year-old child Pearlyn — with a little more open-mindedness and patience, it can make a world of difference for our little ones!

I’m usually impatient. I’d want things done fast. Little did I know, I’d extended that to my parenting too. After attending a course on ‘purposeful play’, I gained insight into my child’s developmental stages and perspectives. I started to observe how Pearlyn played, and followed her lead. This allowed me to connect with her on her level. Our bond became stronger.

Here's how I became more purposeful when I’m with her. As my daughter is naturally curious and loves physical exploration, we often bring her to parks to play. When it’s time for snacks/food, she gets into her ‘picky eater’ mode — we try putting on some music (like Baby Shark), to get her into the mood to eat healthier. As she responds to our facial expressions too, we try to express positivity or sadness to help her understand our situations.

Purposeful play is not difficult. It’s about trying new approaches and having fun while doing so. And remember, children process the world differently, so be kind, patient, and supportive… and embrace the process.

My wife and I are grateful to be more attuned to our child’s feelings now… and I hope our firstborn Pearlyn will continue on her path, to grow up healthy and curious about the world!

You can do it too - discover fun exercise ideas on Parent Hub!

From Fuss to careful Fun

Learn how Rebecca overcame her son’s sensory disorder, through love and persistence

'How long more are you going to spoon-feed him?' asked my sister-in-law. A year ago, my heart would ache every mealtime.

My three-year-old Asher was a very fussy eater and each meal was a battle zone. He regularly spat out food, if he disliked its textures (i.e. 'grainy' rice) and he would eat very little. Eating out was a challenge too, he would refuse to even touch his food if we did not bring his favourite plates and cutlery!

As a last resort, I brought Asher to the paediatrician and found out that Asher actually has a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). That is, his poor sensing of food had kept him from enjoying food. I was then determined to do whatever it would take to help him. I started to take small steps: research more, and to see things from his perspective.

Being patient really helped. Mealtimes became a much calmer, familiar experience. He was encouraged to touch and taste new things, with no pressure at all. We'd give him little bits of food to try, and then he could decide if he wanted more. Mealtimes were also turned into a visually colourful experience, and we gradually removed his mealtime screens.

As we learned more about Asher's food preferences, he also began to trust new foods more. He began to experiment, one cautious bite at a time.

I have learnt that it’s important to focus on making small steps and celebrating little wins. Today, at four years old, Asher is a selective (but not fussy!) eater, and he is now confident with eating independently. And I don’t spoon feed him anymore!

As my journey of cultivating healthier eating habits continues, I am optimistic that with love, patience, and understanding, anything is possible for families.

You can do it too - discover nutritional habits on Parent Hub!

Spark your kids' passion for sport, by making it family-fun

Learn how Mdm Halimah’s family creates a fun routine around healthy habits.

My three children used to laze around at home on Sundays. They enjoyed playing video games and watching TV. As a mum who enjoys being active, I realised that I would need to change their routines in a big way.

I came up with a simple initiative: Family-Fun Sundays. Every Sunday morning, we would gear up and head outdoors. At first, it was just a walk (or cycle) in the park… but soon, the kids were asking for more. Of course, there were days they would rather play video games. I would then be a bit flexible, allowing five more minutes of screen time — before we all headed out.

As their confidence grew, so did their appetite for adventure. They tried rock-climbing and running. Each week, we would explore new challenges together — these physical activities not only strengthened their bodies but also ignited their curiosity, and confidence. They became more focused, more energetic, and more resilient.

What was the key for our success and enthusiasm? It has always been about igniting in the children the idea of family fun! Doing things together, making it routine, and of course for kids - focusing on fun! These shared experiences brought our family closer. We laughed together, cheered each other on, and we celebrated one another’s victories, big and small. Sunday mornings became a highlight of the week as a time to bond, to breathe fresh air in the outdoors, and to simply enjoy one another’s presence.

I’m delighted to see my children find a new passion to stay active. Each Sunday, we’re also creating lasting memories, and building a foundation for a happier, healthier life.

You can do it too - discover fun exercise ideas on Parent Hub!

Building stronger bonds over bedtime chats

Explore how a nightly ‘cuddle time’ transformed a parent-child relationship, helping a reserved child open up to her father, and gain confidence.

My twelve year-old daughter, VIhasya, used to be a little closed off. If something bothered her at school or with friends, she would keep it bottled up. As her parent, I could sense she was burdened but getting her to talk wasn’t easy. Sometimes her feelings would surface as irritability or tears. Direct conversations just didn’t work. I knew we needed to try a different approach.

That’s when I decided to introduce ‘cuddle time.’ Every night before bed, we’d snuggle up, just the two of us. I would start by sharing something about my day, whether it was a funny story from work or a challenge I faced. It was my way of showing her, it’s okay to talk about our feelings, whatever they may be.

At first, VIhasya mostly only listened. Gradually, she began sharing little things about her day. She started with simple observations and soon, she was talking about her worries — feeling left out at recess, difficult assignments, or disagreements with friends.

What made our ‘cuddle time’ work was because it was pressure-free. It was a space for listening without judgement, a safe moment for us to connect. As she opened up, we started brainstorming solutions together. Whether she was stressed about school work or social relationships, we’d figure out ways to tackle those challenges.

The change took time, but it was profound. My once-reserved daughter gradually became more attuned to her emotions, and more comfortable expressing them. Not just with me, but with her friends and teachers. She learnt that by sharing her feelings, she will be supported.

Now cuddle time is a cherished part of our routine — a moment of calm connection before sleep. It’s something I hope we’ll continue for years to come.

You can do it too - discover the importance of mental wellbeing on Parent Hub!

One runner-dad. Six active kids — endless fitness inspiration!

Dad transformed park outings into cherished family time.

For our household of eight, fitness is a whole-family affair! It all began when my husband took up jogging to de-stress. Gradually, all our children (from ages one to twelve) got involved in exercising, through the ways they enjoy: on foot, on bike (or skates)!

At first, the children’s inertia was strong (they’re children after all!) and they didn’t want to move out of the house at all. We decided to use the power of siblings’ influence. We would start by making small steps; by winning at least one child over. Over time, with some prodding — a promise of family fun, or fitness reminders… and (sometimes) a reward of a palatable breakfast, we would persuade one or more of our children (who would in turn, convince the rest) to come along to exercise together

The most enthusiastic child is my ten-year-old, Zachary, who wanted to ace his physical fitness test in primary school. He would plead with his dad to take him for training — even on his father's lazy days. Driven to keep fit holistically, Zachary also challenged himself to eat well, constantly reminding us to avoid sweet foods.

Positive influence on one another in the family is important. The kids now pioneer active living, asking us, 'Why are we staying in so long? When are we going to the park?' Spending time exercising at parks has now become our favourite family time.

Keeping up healthy habits in our family is about three things: creating a supportive environment (we all influence one another), making it rewarding and finally, making it satisfying. In our case, this means playing and spending quality time bonding as a family!

We’re heartened that our children’s enthusiasm has translated into healthy living habits and enhanced our family bond. We hope that these small incremental steps will help lead them to grow up healthily!

You can do it too - discover fun exercise ideas on Parent Hub!

Family fun IN! Junk food OUT!

He became a healthy food enthusiast with our affirmation.

My nine-year-old son Elkan was a big junk food fan. He enjoyed sugary snacks and disliked fruits and vegetables. His poor eating habits made him tired and he had difficulty concentrating in class.

Elkan’s reality check came in the form of stomach discomforts. It gave us an opportunity to change his eating habits, for the better!

We set out to make healthy food appealing and fun, one small step at a time. His favourite junk foods were gradually swapped out, for healthier alternatives — he was offered fruits or yoghurt, instead of candy or cookies. He also took a big interest in our balcony garden, observing and understanding the growth of vegetable which we also consumed once ripe.

We made him the centre of the process. We took him to the supermarket to pick out fresh ingredients. I tried new recipes, cooking methods and even creative decorating techniques, to keep things interesting. He learned how healthy eating nourishes his body and mind.

We celebrated all small wins— whether it’s helping out with our healthy meal prep or choosing water over soda. The journey wasn't always smooth though. Occasionally, he would crave unhealthy food which became an opportunity for us to reinforce healthy eating habits. I prefer to focus on encouraging healthier choices — allowing junk food to gradually fade into the background as a less appealing option.

Over time, Elkan became more energetic, more focused, and in better spirits. As his mother, I couldn’t be prouder, knowing that I’ve helped lay a good foundation for his healthy-habit journey — one he can rely on as he continues to grow.

You can do it too - discover good nutritional habits on Parent Hub!

Parents model the way with little habits every day

Pui Yi and her husband inspire their children to cultivate good mental health by embedding family time into their day-to-day!

Physical Activity Fun Both in and Out of the Sun!

Pui Yi and her husband exercise every day, inspiring their children to follow their lead and join in 4 to 5 times a week. The family often prefers to have some active fun outdoors at playgrounds and parks.

While indoors, they like to use screen time productively - by using it to play workout videos to follow along to. “The children always ask us whether we can exercise to workout videos together!” chirped Pui Yi, showing how their active lifestyle has ignited their children’s passion for physical activity.

You can do it too - discover fun exercise ideas and healthy screen time habits on Parent Hub!

Every Day Is Mental Health Day!

“We prioritise mental health.” Pui Yi emphasised. “We deliberately structure our work schedules to maintain a good work-life balance, so that we have time to be physically present for our children.” The parents commit to eating dinner with their children every evening no matter how busy they are.

“We also share bedtime rituals where we cuddle with our children in bed, and share about our day and how we feel. This is a very important part of our lives as it helps with family bonding.”

Their dedication to family time builds trust and allows them to set good examples for their children in expressing and regulating their emotions in a healthy manner.

Little Habits, Big Impact!

Reflecting on her journey so far, Pui Yi says:

“This has been a great reminder that us parents have the biggest influence on our children. They see what we do and copy us, so we must keep healthy not just for ourselves but for them too. We will continue to model healthy habits for our children, and hope this will help them develop good habits for their own future families.”

Disconnect from Screens to Reconnect at Home

In today's digital age, many parents are increasingly mindful of managing their child’s screen use. Christoper, a father of two girls aged 12 and 8, shares his journey of setting boundaries around screen use for his daughters.

“Unplugging” the children from screens

Christoper recounts an incident that marked a turning point in their family's approach to technology: There was a time when he allowed his two daughters to view their family photos on the phones. " Since then, they were constantly asking for the phone. After a few months, my wife and I decided to say no and instil a screen-use routine for our children." Now, screens are off-limits on weekdays and are limited to an hour of recreational use, such as co-watching short movies, on weekends. “If we spend the day out, the missed hour of screen time on a weekend will not be replaced since it was spent engaging in meaningful family activities."

Christoper is aware of the importance in managing screen use. To strengthen their social connections with others, he advocates "no phones at the dining table", emphasising that this rule applies to everyone in the family. "During meals, we focus on each other. We talk, share stories, and laugh together. It's one of our bonding moments."

Managing screen time can be made easy with these ABC tips – Active, Balance and Collaboration. Click here to find out more from Adjunct Associate Professor Chong Shang Chee, Child Development Paediatric Specialist, National University Hospital.

Embracing Healthier Living

Apart from instilling healthy screen use, Christoper and his wife also prioritise home-cooked meals (whenever possible) as they tend to be healthier and tastier. Quips Christoper, “We use healthier oils and instead of deep frying, we often consider using an air fryer as a healthier alternative.”

Christoper’s wife also involves their daughters in preparing meals, such as cooking the rice. This hands-on approach helps children build a lifelong skill to integrate healthy eating into their daily lives.

A Journey of Intentional Parenting to Nurture Healthier Habits

Reflecting on their parenting journey, Christoper and his wife encourage other parents to start building healthy habits from a young age, to be consistent, and to stay involved. "Self-discipline grows with them," he explains, “and these routines in adopting healthy habits will become second nature. It's not always easy, but the journey is incredibly fulfilling when I see my daughters grow up with these good habits."

Join us at our events for some family fun time to pick up and continue making healthier choices.

A Change Towards Healthier Living for Harini & Her Little One

Discover how Harini—a devoted mother to her 3-year-old daughter, overcomes her daughter's excessive screen time and wins her back through playtime.

“My Daughter Was Once Addicted to Screens.”

Harini admits that she used to rely on digital devices to keep her daughter occupied while she managed household chores and work. This resulted in her daughter’s time spent on digital devices to increase over time.

“I Felt That a Change Had To Be Made.”

Noticing how her daughter kept wanting to watch shows even during mealtimes, Harini realised that her daughter had become addicted to digital devices and began reading up on how to develop healthy screen time habits for her daughter. She was determined to make a change and started by incorporating small and engaging offline habits into their daily routine, which gradually reduced her daughter’s screen time.

Harini shares some of their favourite activities and tips:

• Spending more time outdoor together as a family such as visiting the park. This allows her daughter to run freely and explore her surroundings. Harini says, “I always encourage her to observe the world around her now, to spark her curiosity and expand her knowledge beyond the confines of screens”.
• Practising simple exercises in their morning routine, with gentle stretches and breathing techniques to relax the mind.

“Providing Parental Support From Both Sides Was Not Easy, but Now My Husband Is On-Board Too!”

Initially, Harini’s husband was uncertain on how to support his wife and their daughter. His enthusiasm grew after seeing the little changes in his daughter. As she became less addicted to digital devices, he became motivated and decided to start small. He started taking their daughter to the library. Now, going to the library has become a regular weekend routine, which not only helps to further reduce their daughter’s screen time but also fosters her love for learning.

"My husband would narrate her favourite story books and bring back books to read at home. She's now naturally inclined towards books especially colourful story tales with illustrations. I've observed that her screen time has been reduced significantly." Harini explains.

“Besides Reducing Her Time Spent on Digital Devices, I Also Prioritise Healthy Eating.”

From active living to healthy eating, Harini adds that she always shares about the benefits of healthy foods to her daughter. "I teach her the importance of healthy eating, using simple phrases like 'milk has calcium which gives you strength' and 'drinking water makes you glow’”, she shared. Learning the significance of consuming fruits and vegetables, her daughter has gradually developed a fondness for oranges and broccoli. Harini also models healthy eating habits for her daughter to pick up by limiting salt and oil in their daily meals.

“Parent Hub Has Been a Game Changer With Its Resources.”

Harini shares that searching for tips to reduce her daughter’s screen time had led her to discover Parent Hub, which has been an eye-opener. The platform offers a wealth of consolidated content with many ideas for parent-child activities. It has also supported her in answering her doubts and finding new ways to engage her child.

Explore tips to enhance your parenting journey with your little one too!

Influencing Healthy Eating Habits at Home

Encouraging healthy eating in young children may not be an easy task, especially when some may be picky eaters along with the allure of store-bought snacks. Yan Xin, a mother of two children, shares her tips and tricks to get her little ones more excited about healthier living.

Leading by Example

As their son grew older, Yan Xin and her husband noticed his preference for unhealthy store-bought snacks and drinks. Realising the impact it would have on his growth and development, they took action by setting a positive example. “On weekend outings, we made a conscious effort to reduce snacks and bubble tea, opting for healthier options. We also took the time to explain why we were making these choices, helping him understand the importance of healthy eating.”

Learning through Participation

By actively involving their son in meal preparations, Yan Xin and her husband have also transformed healthy eating into an enjoyable experience. “My son loves to join us in the kitchen,” Yan Xin shares. “He helps with tasks like tearing vegetables, cutting tofu, and washing rice. We even let him choose the grains and ingredients for our meals, following the My Healthy Plate guidelines.” Yan Xin shares. Along the way, Yan Xin also teaches the importance of using less sugar and saturated fats, explaining, “I encourage him to explore healthier options and natural flavours such as nuts, pandan leaves, herbs, and fruits.”

Passing Down the Role Model Torch

Inspired by his parents, Yan Xin’s son now positively influences his younger sister who is pickier about eating fruits and vegetables. During meals, he sets an example by eating the same foods and uses creative imagery like “broccolis are trees, and you must chomp them down” to make vegetables more appealing to his sister. Yan Xin proudly shares, “He’s gone from just adopting healthier habits to becoming an influencer, sharing his knowledge with his younger sister at home and friends at school”.

Wellness Beyond Nutrition

Besides focusing on healthy eating habits, Yan Xin and her husband are proactive in reducing screen time for their children. Recognising their son’s love for stories, they frequently attend storytelling sessions at the National Library and museums. Their weekends are packed with outdoor activities like swimming, sand play, visits to the playground, and botanical gardens. Yan Xin explains, “This approach not only helps the children develop healthier screen time habits but also strengthens our family bonds and promotes overall well-being.”

Yan Xin found support and guidance through Parent Hub, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. “Browsing the platform, I have discovered valuable tips to support my children’s healthy growth”. Explore how you too can provide your little one with a healthy journey as they grow up!

Pedalling towards a Healthier Family Lifestyle

Donovan, a father of two daughters, shares his journey of becoming a healthy role model for his children. It began with a significant transformation of his own.

The Realisation and Turning Point

“I was very active before having children. After having children, my life became increasingly sedentary as I dealt with new parenting demands.” Donovan recounts. Teaching his eldest daughter to ride a two-wheeled bicycle was the turning point for him. He found himself easily exhausted. To increase active time spent with his dynamic daughters, Donovan decided he had to improve his own fitness level.

Taking the First Steps for Himself

Determined to improve his fitness level, Donovan reintroduced jogging into his daily routine. "As my fitness levels rose, I could engage more effectively in physical activities with my daughters," he says. Donovan’s commitment to setting a positive example for his daughters kept him going, as he worked hard to keep active and get fitter.

Establishing a New Family Routine Together

Donovan did not only succeed in teaching his younger daughter how to cycle, but he also made cycling an important part of family time. “The day she pedaled confidently on her own was a proud moment for both of us. This achievement marked a substantial shift in our family's lifestyle. We began to engage in more frequent outdoor activities, with our cycling trips becoming a regular and enjoyable part of our routine”, Donovan proudly shares. The family usually explores various routes at Sports Hub and park connectors in their cycling trips. “Our shared experiences in these activities have not only fostered healthier habits but have also brought us closer as a family, with a shared love for outdoor activities.”

Healthy Living from Outdoor to Indoor

When the weather does not permit outdoor activities, Donovan and his wife find ways to keep their children engaged at home with simple indoor activities like reading, which also help to reduce the children’s screen time. As avid believers of role modelling, they have also instilled a discipline of managing their children’s screen use at the dining table. “My wife and I refrain from using our phones during family meals. Instead, we engage in conversations with the children to further strengthen our bonds,” Donovan explained. Reflecting on his commitment to be a healthy role model for his children, Donovan added "Whether we're outdoors or indoors, I strive to cultivate a healthier lifestyle for the family by being a positive role model for my two daughters."

You too, Can Start Taking Small Steps To Get Fitter

You can do it too – try these activities for an active, fun time together. In addition, Mums, here’s a bonus home-based workout routine for you to start getting back in share and inspire your children to love physical activity too!

"A Family’s Journey to Holistic Health"

In today’s fast-paced world, finding meaningful ways to connect with our children is more important than ever. Discover how Dwihandi, a father of two young children (4 and 6 years old), started pursuing outdoor adventures with his children. Together with his wife, they strive to cultivate a healthier lifestyle and strengthen their family bond.

The Motivation behind Embarking on Outdoor Adventures

“I wanted to spend quality time with my children. However, it was very challenging amidst work demands. I relied on digital devices to occupy their time, and this resulted in them becoming glued to screens even during mealtimes,” Dwihandi shares about his initial struggle.

Carving Out Dedicated Bonding Time

Recognising the lack of interaction with his children and not wanting to miss out on their growing up years, Dwihandi made some adjustments to carve out dedicated bonding time and cultivate their healthier habits:

1. Scheduled Family Time: Dwihandi set aside at least 60 minutes every day to do various activities with his children, such as going to nearby parks to play some hide and seek or exploring the activities around the neighbourhood. This dedicated time allows for bonding and creates a routine to stay active and being away from the screens.

   Set aside an hour of your day to join us at the Active Family sessions to enjoy a healthy dose of outdoor activities together with your little ones. Sign up today!

2. Explore Nature: Dwihandi shares that exploring nature can be done in your neighbourhood too! “We often explore the canals to learn about the diverse local wildlife around us.” This is a great way to encourage communication with his children and listen to their thoughts.

Establishing Holistic Wellness while Forging Meaningful Connections

"My kids now prefer going to the park over watching TV. They would frequently ask to go outdoors. It has become a part of our routine that our family looks forward to," says Dwihandi. Venturing the nature with his children had not only allowed Dwihandi to develop stronger bonds and lasting memories with them, but it has also jumpstarted the family's journey to an active lifestyle with healthier screen use habits.

Beyond adopting a more active lifestyle, Dwihandi’s wife observed that their outdoor engagements have also improved communication within the family. She has more open conversations with their children, engaging in daily discussions about their days to foster stronger emotional connections and promote mental well-being. “Having stronger relationship with my children had helped built their trust and character. They know that they can always reach out to us when they need support, hence they are now more confident”, reflects Dwihandi.

Learn how to connect better with your children with these communication tips!

Creating Healthy Family Routines Together

How small changes and family engagement helped us build better habits and stronger connections!

As a family, we’ve always believed in creating a balanced and healthy lifestyle. While screen time is a part of modern life, we wanted to ensure that it complemented other enriching activities.

A small but important shift happened when we decided to introduce structured routines for our daily activities. Together, we created a simple family planner that included time for outdoor play, reading, creative projects, and shared mealtimes. By involving our son in setting up the schedule, he was excited to take charge of his day.

We made outdoor activities a fun weekly tradition—biking, hiking, and playing sports together became something we all looked forward to. Cooking as a family also turned into an enjoyable experience, allowing us to try new recipes and include a variety of healthy foods in our meals. Screen-free mealtimes helped us reconnect and have meaningful conversations.

To keep things exciting, we introduced a reward system where our son got to pick our next family adventure, whether it was a game night, a picnic, or a special outing. Bedtime became more than just a routine—it was a time for storytelling and reflections on the day.

This journey has brought us closer as a family, and we’ve seen incredible benefits—more energy, better focus, and a deeper appreciation for the moments we share together. By making small, enjoyable adjustments, we’ve built habits that will stay with us for years to come.

You can do it too - discover fun exercise ideas on Parent Hub!