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Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Minor Issues: I am my special-needs child's deputy. Now what?
Gaining access to my special-needs child's accounts, records and funds is an important part of future care planning, but so is the day-to-day care of her. ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO SINGAPORE – In February, I wrote about how I had submitted an application to be a court-appointed deputy for my daughter with autism, Kate, with my husband as a second deputy. As Kate is 21 in 2025, she is legally an adult, but lacks the mental capability or awareness to make financial and medical decisions. With deputyship, my husband and I will have the proper authority to make those decisions for her. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
June school holidays 2025: Explore the wild
SINGAPORE – In March, Singapore's fifth wildlife park, Rainforest Wild Asia, opened its doors. It has been dubbed by Mandai Wildlife Group as Asia's first adventure-based zoological park, where visitors can crawl through caves or free fall from a 13m-high platform. In Episode 5 of nine2twelve, a video series for children, The Straits Times and two guest reviewers visit this park, which is home to 36 animal species. Watch the video at then come back and attempt this activity. Activity Learn fun facts about the endangered animals found in Rainforest Wild Asia. Match each fun fact to the correct animal by writing the picture's letter next to its name. 1. Francois' langur PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Baby Francois' langurs are born bright orange, but their fur gradually turns black as they grow older. These monkeys live in rocky places with lots of cliffs and caves. They are awake during the day and spend their time climbing, eating leaves and resting in trees. 2. Malayan tiger ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI It likes to be alone, except when it is looking for a mate or when a mother is with her babies. The cubs stay with their mother for about two years before going off on their own. In the wild, this tiger is hunted for its body parts, which are used in some traditional medicines. 3. Siamangs PHOTO: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE The siamang has a big throat pouch which lets it make very loud calls. Its calls can be heard as far as 3km away. The forest acrobat travels from tree to tree easily, covering up to 3m in one swing. When it is not swinging, it walks along branches with its arms extended. 4. Vietnamese pheasant PHOTO: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE The males have bright red flaps on their faces and a pattern on their feathers that looks like tiny scales. This bird is native to north-central Vietnam. It was spotted in 1996 in the Phong Dien area of Thua Thien Hue province, but has not been seen in the wild since 2000. Today, the bird can be found only in zoos. SOURCE: Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Breaking the cycle of harm starts with us
R eading the article 'Those who were hit as kids more likely to physically punish their own children' (June 23) was quietly heartbreaking. Not because it surprised me, but because it didn't. In my work – and life – I often hear, 'I was hit and I turned out fine', or 'It made me stronger'. But if we're honest, 'fine' is often a mask for deeper wounds we were never allowed to name. And what we call strength may actually be the armour we learnt to wear too young. When an adult is hit, we call it an assault. When a child is hit, we call it an act of discipline. Why do we hold the smallest and most dependent among us to a lower standard of protection? I believe most parents are doing the best they can with what they know. Many carry generational wounds they never chose, or even realise. Few intend to harm. But intent is not the same as impact. Physical punishment may bring short-term obedience, but it often comes at the cost of long-term trust, safety and connection. Some believe 'controlled caning' is acceptable if done calmly. I understand that reasoning. But for a child, it is still pain. Still fear. Calmness does not soften the blow to their sense of security. What does hitting really teach a child? It teaches compliance rooted in fear. That power comes from pain. It may stop a behaviour, but it does not build understanding or resilience. It severs the very connection a child needs in order to grow. Children carry our actions into adulthood. We parent the way we were parented – until we choose to do differently. Breaking the cycle starts with us – not just parents, but communities and society as a whole. It requires safe, supportive spaces where parents can unlearn old patterns without shame. Change happens when connection comes before correction, when children are raised with boundaries and respect, without fear. Hana Alhadad (Dr) More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Straits Times
Minor Issues: My son lost $15,000 to scammers in one night
The writer told his son that the road ahead is always about redemption and reform. ST ILLUSTRATION: CEL GULAPA SINGAPORE – In February, my son and I gave an interview on The Straits Times' In Your Opinion podcast. The topic was: 'Do Gen Zs really tackle life, work differently compared with their parents?' My son told journalist Lynda Hong that he ended up as the victim of a scam while surfing mindlessly on the internet. I was rather surprised that he shared it. It happened in the middle of 2024 and we had been keeping it within the family to respect his privacy. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Little bosses: Kids as young as five run businesses at children's fairs
Audrienne Hui En Mohammed Bazli, nine, at her plushie stall. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN SINGAPORE – Audrienne Hui En Mohammed Bazli is nine – and has a little business selling homemade plushies. The Primary 4 pupil from Rulang Primary School set up shop for the third time on June 14 at the Children's Entrepreneurship Fair held at Furama RiverFront, a hotel in Havelock Road. Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
