Simple Joys of Therapy

19/06/2023

Staying connected to your child is important

06/08/2021

Launching our new e book! 🤩 we created this e book some time back for the NUS mind science centre project. we decided to share this e book with everyone and hopefully you may find these strategies helpful in raising resilient kids.. you can download the e book on simple joys of therapy website www.simplejoysoftherapy.com .. under resources..

07/06/2021

I’ve often met students who emphasize so much on grades that nothing else matters. Emphasize more on good character and values as these will bring your child more success in future.

With home-based learning back on the horizon, parents have to step up even more in helping their children learn. But they also have a big role in ...

16/11/2020

Many times we want our children to be our pride and joy. That puts a lot of silent expectations on your child. When we choose to have a child, it is for the reason that we want to love and take care of them to the best of our ability. How they want to choose to lead their lives even if it’s not something that you may be proud of but they are proud of it. It is their choice and path to take. Whatever consequences and responsibilities that come with, it it’s based on the choices that they make..

31/10/2020

Sometimes when we tell others to
“just be happy” ..

it’s not that easy for some people who struggle with their emotions..

How do we have happy kids?

Here’s the secret: To have happy kids, you must teach them to tolerate being unhappy

A very good article about parenting and our expectations in life about emotions.

It's both human, and typical of how we parent today: At the first indication of unhappiness from our kids, we rush in to fix it, serving, as Dr. Robin Berman explains, like human pacifiers. And while the intention is valid—why let a child suffer, when it's so easy to take the pain away—the ramif...

14/09/2020

Its Monday after the school holidays and it can be tough to get your children back to school. I have written this piece for beanstalk magazine a few years back. Thought it be good to re post it on my website blog.

simplejoysoftherapy.com/blog/2020/9/14/how-to-help-children-cope-with-changing-school

Change is new and it usually needs a period of adjustment. When changing schools, it is common for children to have some mixed emotions of anxiety, sadness and also excitement. The anxiety is usually caused by the unforeseen circumstances and unfamiliar situations which may arise when your daughter

28/07/2020

See you!

26/07/2020

I did an interview for a “Art Wonders” issue.. do have read at how to understand your child better during the covid times..

https://www.flipsnack.com/artwonders/art-wonders-issue-2.html

14/05/2020

Will be speaking on FB Live for Safra Jurong on Managing Challenging Behaviors in Children.

06/04/2020

If you prefer a picture version

06/04/2020

Dear parents.

As we head into the month of staying at home. This time can be frustrating and tiring for you.

Here are some psychological tips that may be helpful that I thought I could share since I would not be able to see your child during this period of time..

1) children/ adolescents need structure and routines. Now that school is out, without any structure, it can be quite disorienting for some kids.
- plan a time table for your child with a mix of learning and playing or relaxing and exercise.
- expect that some days would not go according to schedule but that’s ok. U can always go back to it again.

2) it’s also a good time to spend with ur child talking to them about their feelings towards their situation ..
- checking in on how are they feeling may prevent meltdowns or frustrations
- discuss with them why they may be feeling this way
- don’t tell them how to feel or they shouldn’t feel this way
- let them know that you understand their feelings and what can you do to help them to feel better
- sometimes listening is more powerful than giving advice

3) start a small project with them as a family since you would be spending more time together. With a goal or project it sets a target for the children to participate as well
- eg , building a puzzle together, spring cleaning the house together, doing minor changes to improve the room , clearing out things.

4) for parents who are working from home, it can be quite stressful to have to work and take care or monitor your child. Let your child understand that there are times where u have to work and it is a “work time/ do not disturb time”. And how long this time will last. While this is happening, you can assign ur child some “work” as well.
-When the child is able to comply, praise the child and let them know u appreciate them giving you some time.

5) help you child to practice flexible thinking, if the child is bored, it’s ok. Get them to think of what they can do to occupy their time. If they want to go outside, exercise out is still permitted, keeping a safe distance. It is also nice to step out and smell the trees or grass once in a while.

While it’s difficult for you, it would also be a tough time for your children. If you have any challenges that come up, do feel free to drop me a message and I’ll try to respond as soon as possible.

Take care and I’ll see you in May!

04/04/2020

So today I had to inform many parents of the students I see for therapy that I cannot see their child face to face because counselling is not considered as an essential service.. one of the parents was disappointed in the classification and shared with me that I am essential to her child’s mental health.. I’m so sincerely touched by what she said. Thank you.

Another student shared with me that he does not understand why cutting hair is essential but psychological therapy/counselling is not.

while video calls are possible, it does not work for many. I hope that some day Singapore can see that psychological therapy is as essential as other healthcare services.

Hang in there kids. Hope to see you face to face soon.