Why are Youths Turning to Drugs?

Why are Youths Turning to Drugs?

Parents play a powerful role in helping children stay away from drugs. According to the National Drug Perception Survey, nearly 95% of youths say that having parents who actively talk with them about drug‑related issues has helped them remain drug‑free. In this episode, host Ee Jay speaks with Dr Adrian Loh, spokesperson for the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) and a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. They explore why drug abuse prevention remains a critical issue for families today—especially as drugs have become more accessible through digital platforms, online messaging, and overseas exposure. The message to parents is clear: start conversations early, with children of any appropriate age, and don’t wait for warning signs. Resources are available, and keeping communication open matters. Dr Loh encourages parents to ask open‑ended questions that invite honest sharing. This isn’t about fear or control, but about trust, connection, and consistent guidance, helping children build resilience and make safer choices. -- If you’d like to explore more ways to have meaningful conversations with your children, you can check out the episodes below. * Building a Culture of Mealtime Conversations [https://open.spotify.com/episode/39jjJmEsyLRzOyIF6JbWnV?si=de975fa8927541c8] * How to Listen and Invite your Kids into Conversation [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6h5fLjXj04zPuQgogjWlWo?si=d4972280b9b34d91] -- If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ptFhcQPw8fGFLEobOz4CS?si=1265bc4b474c42ea] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1498022898] or Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/parented-1010477]. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast [http://www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast] to share with your friends. You can also support us by giving monthly [https://www.family.org.sg/givenow]. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

Becoming a Better Mum

The reality of motherhood is filled with deep love and hope, yet it often carries quiet, unseen struggles. From burnout and self‑imposed expectations to the courage it takes to ask for help, it is a journey that stretches the mum in you in unexpected ways. In this special episode on motherhood, June speaks with two mothers at different stages of life. Jasmine Goh, married for 27 years, reflects on raising two young adult sons. Adelene Chan, married for 15 years, shares her experience of parenting three young children. Together, they explore what the process of becoming a better mum truly looks like—not through perfection, but through growth, self‑compassion, and kindness. Their stories remind us that being “good enough” often means letting go, caring for ourselves, and choosing presence over unrealistic ideals. Above all, this conversation offers gentle reassurance: you are learning, you are growing, and you are not alone. -- If this conversation resonates with you, explore more Motherhood episodes through the links below. * The Journey of Becoming Mum [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zWOBV96LZmxQFcQKvez7T?si=1f840fb8a6734844] * Working Mum Burnout: How do we Recognise the Signs? [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wjewFVhTUrdfVt2p4d82s?si=f6aedaa4c4fc433a] * How can Mums Derive Joy and Security in Motherhood? [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zWwIadZjHY4vCcAqKmKN2?si=0321a32d819548db] -- If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ptFhcQPw8fGFLEobOz4CS?si=1265bc4b474c42ea] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1498022898] or Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/parented-1010477]. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast [http://www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast] to share with your friends. You can also support us by giving monthly [https://www.family.org.sg/givenow]. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

The Weight of Parental Guilt

“A lot of parental guilt comes from the expectations parents place on themselves. When they can’t meet them, they assume they have failed — even when they are doing their best.” - Mark In this episode, June speaks with Mark Lim, Director and Trauma‑Informed Counsellor at The Social Factor, about the powerful weight of parental guilt. He reflects on how guilt grows from unrealistic expectations we place on ourselves, whether physical, financial, or emotional. Fathers and mothers may experience guilt differently, but the core fear is the same: not being enough. Through honest anecdotes, Mark shows how guilt surfaces in everyday moments, choosing work over a child’s needs, losing patience, or blaming ourselves for our children’s mistakes. Left unaddressed, guilt can become heavy and even inherited across generations. Healing begins with connection before correction, self‑compassion, and relational repair. When guilt shows up, pause, reconnect with your child, and extend the same grace to yourself that you hope to teach them. -- Life can be overwhelming. Having a listening ear can bring relief, help you feel supported, and improve relationships. Make an appointment with a counsellor today. Fees apply. Find out more www.family.org.sg/counselling [https://www.family.org.sg/counselling]. -- If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ptFhcQPw8fGFLEobOz4CS?si=1265bc4b474c42ea] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1498022898] or Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/parented-1010477]. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast [http://www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast] to share with your friends. You can also support us by giving monthly [https://www.family.org.sg/givenow]. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

The Power of Self-Compassion

Many of us strive to be patient and purposeful parents. But when we fall short, we often become our harshest critic. We wonder, why am I reacting in the very way I promised not to? Parenting often reveals our impatience, our imperfections, and at times our unresolved wounds—but also our deepest hopes and joys. In this episode, June speaks with our parenting trainer, Dr Wu Mi Yin. She invites parents to explore the role of self‑compassion in strengthening their parenting journey. She explains how our inner critic is often triggered because so much feels at stake—we want the best for our children, yet the process is slow, stretching, and deeply human. Mi Yin encourages parents to notice the signs of self‑criticism through thoughts, physical sensations, and emotional reactions, and to respond with pause, reflection, and gentleness. Her practical tips—such as journalling, naming our feelings, creating space to rest, and practising emotional “gym time”—help parents build the inner strength needed to stay calm, connected, and present. When we extend understanding to ourselves, we naturally extend it to our family too. -- Sign up here [https://family.org.sg/login] to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources [https://family.org.sg/resources] designed to nurture and strengthen your family relationships. -- If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ptFhcQPw8fGFLEobOz4CS?si=1265bc4b474c42ea] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1498022898] or Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/parented-1010477]. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast [http://www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast] to share with your friends. You can also support us by giving monthly [https://www.family.org.sg/givenow]. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.

The Importance of Values in Raising Children

Busy parents can build values into everyday life through simple routines—reading bedtime stories, having conversations during mealtimes, praising small acts of kindness, and asking children gentle reflection questions. These consistent touchpoints help children naturally internalise important values. June, our host, spoke with early childhood educators Ashley Yeo and Joanna Lee—both mothers and certified parent coaches—who explain why values are the foundation of raising confident, grounded children. They describe how values act as anchors, helping children handle peer pressure, make sensible choices, and navigate emotional challenges. Through real examples, such as choosing honesty or practising forgiveness, they show that children learn best when parents model the behaviour they hope to teach. Ashley and Joanna remind parents that they are their child’s strongest teachers. Everyday interactions provide meaningful opportunities to reinforce values. Their encouragement is to start small—notice the good, name the value, and live it out. Shared family values give children a steady compass to guide them with clarity and virtues. -- Sign up here [https://family.org.sg/login] to create an account with Focus on the Family Singapore to access a wide range of marriage and parenting resources [https://family.org.sg/resources] designed to nurture and strengthen your family relationships. -- If you have enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Spotify, [https://open.spotify.com/show/6ptFhcQPw8fGFLEobOz4CS?si=1265bc4b474c42ea] Apple Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1498022898] or Podchaser [https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/parented-1010477]. It'll be very helpful for others to find our podcast. You can also help us by copying this link www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast [http://www.family.org.sg/parentedpodcast] to share with your friends. You can also support us by giving monthly [https://www.family.org.sg/givenow]. We appreciate your generous giving as every dollar helps to sustain our efforts in strengthening families. Please note that if you are based in Singapore, as a donor-supported charity with Institution of a Public Character status, all monthly and one-time donations of $50 and above, will qualify for 250% tax deduction.