In a world dominated by processed foods and digital distractions, parents in Singapore are finding fun and innovative ways to promote healthier habits in their children.
These strategies are simple, playful, and turn everyday challenges into opportunities for family connection, making health a natural part of daily life. From turning mealtime into sound competitions to making bedtime a special routine, these creative approaches are changing how families approach wellness.
One parent shared, “We turned eating veggies into a sound competition. Each vegetable has its own ‘crunch factor,’ and we see who can make the loudest sound while chewing.” This method shows that fostering healthy habits doesn’t have to be a struggle—sometimes, it’s all about making it fun.
The Grow Well SG initiative is focused on helping families build healthy habits through simple, everyday actions. The program is built around four main pillars: Eat Well, Sleep Well, Learn Well, and Exercise Well. Underlying these pillars is the theme of “Bond Well,” which highlights the importance of family connections in fostering a child’s overall well-being.
With practical tips and relatable resources, Grow Well SG makes it easier for parents to raise happy, healthy kids without the added stress. Here’s how some parents are incorporating creative habits into their family routines.
Making Bedtime a Routine Kids Look Forward To
Many Singaporean children, with their busy school schedules and after-school activities, often don’t get enough sleep. This lack of rest can lead to tiredness, trouble focusing, and hyperactivity the next day.
Grow Well SG emphasizes that good sleep isn’t just about an early bedtime; it’s about creating the right habits and routines to help children wind down. With a few simple changes, bedtime can become a smooth, restful transition instead of a nightly struggle.
For Mr. Kelvin Tan, 40, a father of two, giving his son some choice in his bedtime routine made a big difference. “We introduced a ‘Choose Your Own Wind-Down’ menu for our 9-year-old son, Andrew. He picks between reading, journaling, or doing arts and crafts for 30 minutes before bed. It gives him a sense of control,” Mr. Tan said.
For Ms. Gini T, also 40, a consistent audio cue has helped her children get ready for bed. “Every night, I play a children’s audiobook to signal it’s time for bed. The kids know to crawl into bed and settle down. They even request their favorite stories,” she shared.
Turning Daily Moments into Active Play
Children, especially between the ages of 1 and 5, are naturally active and move constantly as they explore. But as they grow older, their activity levels can decrease, particularly with the rise of school, tuition, and screen time. Children who once enjoyed outdoor games may prefer indoor activities like video games.
Ms. Mollie Seow, head of Coaching at the Health Promotion Board’s Student Wellness Service, advises that parents turn everyday moments into opportunities for active play. “Whether it’s a quick game of ‘catch me if you can’ on the way to the train station or weekend cycling at East Coast Park, small bursts of movement throughout the day can keep kids active and engaged,” she says.
For Ms. Kumari Revi, 41, weekend walks started as a way to stay active but soon became a cherished family tradition. “The kids love spotting spiders, monkeys, and monitor lizards. It’s become a great way for us to unwind, and as a bonus, our 4-year-old, Deepti, now sleeps better,” she explained.
By incorporating these small, fun moments into everyday life, parents are shaping healthier habits and creating a positive environment for their children’s well-being. These simple, playful strategies are proving that raising healthier kids doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about making health an enjoyable part of the family routine.
