ParentEd

The Power of Play with Your Child

Let’s dive in. Play is just as important. We explore how well‑intentioned adult expectations can unintentionally shape a child’s inner world. When children are frequently directed—told what to do, how to do it, and at whose pace—they begin meeting adult expectations rather than developing healthy self‑regulation. This can narrow their curiosity, limit creativity, and reduce their freedom to explore, leaving them believing there is only one “right” way to do things. Host June speaks with Mariko, a former early childhood educator, and Ruth, a stay‑at‑home mum and clinical psychologist. Together, they share why growth is still possible—for both children and parents. Intentional parenting can create space for autonomy, exploration, and emotional development, helping children grow confidently at their own pace. A key theme is the importance of playing. Play supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth, helping children with problem‐solve, imagine, negotiate, and understand their world. It restores creativity, confidence, and trust. -- 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.

Raising Up Boys to Men

“When we role-model with authenticity, the children pick it up.” - Eric Many men today wrestle with their masculine identity, torn between projecting strength and suppressing vulnerability. In this episode, Aaron speaks with educator and father of four, Eric Loh, who offers heartfelt reflections on raising boys in a rapidly changing world. From the rise in emotional struggles among teens to the pressures of social media and shifting ideas of success, Eric underscores the crucial role parents play in nurturing resilient, grounded young men. He highlights the power of modelling as a father—demonstrating faithfulness, responsibility and a teachable posture—traits shaped not through instruction but through the consistency of daily life. Eric also shares candidly about strengthening parent–child relationships through connection: with values, authority and community. He reminds us that discipline, when paired with love and presence, becomes a pathway for growth rather than fear. As boys navigate vulnerability and independence, parents must work together, not against each other. Based on what he sees in you today, what kind of man is your son becoming? -- 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.

Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child

“Don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t understand you right now. It’s a long journey, but when they grow up, they will appreciate that you walked through it with them.” - Pauline In this episode, our host Alicia speaks with Pauline Chia, Principal of Faith Methodist Preschool, about raising emotionally intelligent children. With 36 years of experience in early childhood education and her own parenting journey, Pauline shares why emotional intelligence matters, how parents can nurture it from the earliest years, and practical ways to help children manage emotions and build resilience. Discover what emotional intelligence means for young children, the modeling role parents play in shaping confidence and self-awareness, and simple tips to foster emotional regulation and optimism in everyday life. -- 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.

Building a Culture of Mealtime Conversations

What if shifting from an autocratic approach to collaboration at the dinner table—and giving your child a voice—could build deeper trust than setting expectations? True connection begins when conversations move beyond control and create space for mutual growth, where both parent and child learn and evolve together. In this episode, host June speaks with Eugenia Tan and her daughter Evangeline about the importance of mealtime conversations in shaping values and strengthening family bonds. Eugenia shares her journey from silent dinners to creating a home culture where the table is a safe space for listening, learning, and authentic connection. As a young adult, Evangeline reflects how these intentional habits nurture confidence, conversational skills, and a relational mindset in today’s digital age. Together, they offer practical insights for parents on starting small, staying consistent, and embracing seasons of growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on making mealtimes a meaningful ritual that nourishes the entire family. -- 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://www.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.

What I Wish My Daughter Knew

Parenting teens can feel overwhelming, especially for dads navigating the shift from childhood to adolescence. In this episode of the ParentEd Podcast, host June speaks with Sebastian Teo, father of two daughters, about staying connected during these transitional years. Sebastian shares his heart-warming journey and practical ways to strengthen bonds—such as intentional one-to-one time and meaningful experiences through the “Date with Dad” event. He also offers thoughtful advice on guiding his daughters through friendships and relationships, emphasising character-building over simply finding “the right one”. Discover why consistency matters more than grand gestures and how creating a safe space at home fosters trust and openness. If you’re a parent wondering how to bridge the gap with your teen, this episode is packed with encouragement for navigating this challenging phase. Tune in and learn how to be present, patient, and purposeful in your parenting journey. -- Youths today are navigating a world of changing norms. With your help, we can guide them to embrace timeless principles for family as foundational to our nation's well-being. Join us in equipping and empowering children and youth to be family champions to spark social change. Support the mission [https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffotfsg.acemlna.com%2Flt.php%3Fx%3D4lZy~GE6UFWeEHN.yt~FhBNrAnUljdLvkMphX8HDU3ah6HGszUy7x.Jx3H0Rzk~w_x6vZHfDMnGa5X4Kzd2YWORs1k&data=05%7C02%7Cniki.loke%40family.org.sg%7C61074b0c05434499439008de3e1c61e7%7C32075e1979644b678ffe2a3461f98274%7C1%7C0%7C639016488840035448%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e7SB%2BbPnIPnsloXMXhEaw9WxQ%2F3by0NHLisdnpQyRwQ%3D&reserved=0]. -- 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.