Discipline is not punishment. It’s training.

If your child messes up, remember: The goal isn’t to make them pay, the goal is to help them grow.

🔧 Real-life example:
Instead of only grounding your teen for leaving a mess…
🧹 Involve them in creating a system: “What’s one way we can stay on top of this better next time?”

Instead of only scolding your 6yo for hitting…
🤝 Say: “Let’s practice how to use words when you’re angry. Try again with me.”

Think coach, not cop.

Tantrums Explained: Why Kids Flip Out

Tantrums are a kid’s fire alarm: loud, annoying, but signaling something important.

Step 1: Stay calm. Your calm is their reset button.
Step 2: Name the feeling: “I see you’re frustrated that the toy broke.”
Step 3: Offer choice or solution: “Do you want to fix it together or put it aside for now?”

Be a firefighter, not a fire-starter.

Hey Parents!

Join us in this upcoming practical and inspiring webinar where you’ll discover how to use the power of play to nurture learning, coach your child in social and thinking skills, and apply positive discipline strategies that actually work!

Details
Topic: GIFT Parenting Talk: Building Strong Foundations for the Preschool Years
Date & Time: 14 Oct 2025, 8pm to 9.30pm
Mode: Conducted Over Zoom*
*Confirmation and Zoom Links will be sent at least 3 days before from TOUCH Parenting, via email and WhatsApp.

Register Now: https://go.gov.sg/tt2025-public2
Registration Closes on 11 Oct!

Thanks and see you there!

📢 Calling Parents with Children Aged 0–6!
Small moments, big connections - Join us to turn everyday play into stronger bonds with your child and the community.

🗓️ Dates: 25 Oct, 1*, 8, 15* & 22 Nov 2025 [Saturdays]
🕥Time: 9:00am–10:30am or 11:30am–1:00pm

Over 5 Saturdays:
👨‍👩‍👧 3 in-person sessions with your child
💻 2 online sessions for parents only

🔤Language: English 
📍 Venue: Bishan Community Club
💲 Fees: FREE

👉Limited slots — sign up here!
Early Morning Run: https://go.gov.sg/touch-pp-run6
Late Morning Run: https://go.gov.sg/touch-pp-run7

*Sessions 2 & 4 are conducted online for parents only.

TOUCH is offering a complimentary Prepare/Enrich Marriage Enrichment Programme (P/E MEP) — a nationwide initiative by Families for Life (FFL), supported by MSF.

👫 Open to married couples (min. 2 years), with at least one spouse being a Singapore Citizen or PR. In a small group setting, our experienced trainers will guide you to:

✅ Discover your relationship strengths
✅ Understand your dynamics
✅ Improve communication & conflict management

🗓 10, 17, 24 Jan 2026 (9am – 1pm)
📍 TOUCHpoint @ Toa Payoh

🔗 Limited slots available — register now: https://go.gov.sg/touch-pemep9

Teenagers aren’t just “figuring it out”, they’re living through one of the hardest, most defining chapters of life.

Brainstorm lets you experience it from their eyes. Honest, funny, and painfully real.

Written by Ned Glasier, Emily Lim, and Company Three, and directed by Samantha Scott-Blackhall, Brainstorm is reimagined for Singapore by Cheyenne Alexandria Phillips. Workshopping the script with local teenagers aged 13 to 17, Cheyenne has transformed their real experiences into a play that speaks with unfiltered honesty and heart.

Each performance ends with a post-show discussion facilitated by TOUCH Community Services, created for both adults and teens, these conversations encourage reflection and open sharing, helping different generations better understand each other.

Here’s a sneak peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aqOv_k-hZE

🗓 16 – 26 October 2025
📍Gateway Theatre, Black Box
🎟 Watch With Family ($30 per ticket with a min. purchase of 4 tickets): https://gatewayarts.sg/BSTwa

Trauma can deeply impact a person's well-being and cast a long shadow over their relationships if left unaddressed.

Find out more about this topic and discover practical ways couples can work together to cope with and manage trauma: https://tinyurl.com/trauma-as-a-couple

Teen Independence: From Nagging to Trusting

Teens resist being told what to do. They respond to respect and trust.

Tip: Give small decisions first: Meal choices, weekend activity, budget for snacks.
Say: “You handle the family game night plan. I trust you to make it fun for everyone.”

Trust grows autonomy, autonomy builds confidence.

Calling All Parents! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💬
Looking to support your parents or in-laws in building stronger bonds with your children? Invite them to our upcoming Grandparenting Talk at Bidadari Community Club!

📅 Dates: 19 & 26 November 2025 [Wednesdays]
🕥Time: 10:30am to 1:30pm & 10.30am to 12pm
🔤Language: Bilingual [English & Mandarin]
📍 Venue: Bidadari Community Club, 11 Bidadari Park Drive, Singapore 367803

✅ FREE Admission – Register now by scanning the QR code on the poster or clicking the link below:
👉: https://go.gov.sg/gp2-25

🧡 Learn fun and practical ways to connect with, guide, and support your grandchildren.
🤝 Discover how to work hand-in-hand with parents through open and supportive communication.
💪 Gain confidence and tools to face challenges and make a lasting positive impact.

This talk is perfect for all grandparents who want to stay engaged and connected.
Let’s grow, learn, and enjoy the grandparenting journey together.

Family Fun Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Holidays don’t have to drain the wallet. Fun can be simple:
- DIY treasure hunts at home
- Mini science experiments in the kitchen
- Park picnics and outdoor games
- Storytelling nights or "camping" in the living room

Tip: Let kids plan one day each holiday week. They feel proud and you get a break.

Fun + creativity beats expensive outings every time.

Screen Time Survival for School Holidays

More free time often means more screen time. That’s okay, but balance is key.

Try a “tech swap” rule: For every 30 minutes of screen, your child spends 30 minutes doing something else. Reading, outdoor play, or helping out at home.

For older kids, involve them in planning. Ask: “How can you balance your game time and other interests this holiday?”

This way, they learn self-regulation instead of feeling restricted.

📱👨‍👩‍👧 Parents, Ready for a Digital Adventure?

Join us for "Our Digital Journey" – a unique parent-child programme by TikTok & TOUCH Cyber Wellness!

🗓️ 27th December 2025 (Sat)
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 Gateway Theatre (3615 Jalan Bukit Merah Level 5 Singapore 159461)

💡 What’s in it for you?
✅ Learn how social media affects your child’s well-being
✅ Discover TikTok's safety features and tips
✅ Get hands-on with practical strategies for healthy digital habits

👨‍👧‍👦 For parents of kids in Primary 5, 6 & Sec 1–2
🎟️ Limited to 30 parent-child pairs!

👉 Click of this link https://forms.office.com/r/RDD9WWwXeb
or Scan the QR code to sign up before slots run out!

Managing Holiday Conflicts

More time together often means more sibling squabbles.

Strategy:
- Give each child one “special time” per day with a parent (even 15-20 minutes counts)
- Rotate activity leadership. Let them choose a game or craft
- Teach problem-solving: “What can we do differently next time so it’s fair for everyone?”

The goal isn’t zero conflict, it’s teaching kids to manage it themselves.

Easing Back Into School Mode

The transition from holiday freedom to school routine can be tough for kids and parents.

Try a gentle countdown:
- 3–5 days before school, adjust bedtimes and wake-up times gradually
- Pack school bags and plan outfits the night before
- Talk through the week ahead: “What’s one thing you’re excited about?”

Small steps beat a shock to the system.

Reconnecting With School Friends

After weeks of holiday downtime, social muscles can feel rusty.

Encourage:
- Chatting with friends before the first day back
- Planning a small playdate or lunch catch-up early in the term
- Talking about expectations: “Let’s set a goal for kindness or teamwork this week”

Helps kids slide back into social rhythm without overwhelm.

Ever had your teen say something and you nod… while quietly panicking inside? 😅

Gen Alpha slang is changing fast. And while we don’t need to speak like them, understanding a little of their lingo can make conversations feel less “huh?” and more connected.

We’ve put together Part 2 of “Rizz Up Your Vocab”, a simple, fun guide to some acronyms they actually use, online and offline.

👉 Click the link to decode the slang and have a small laugh: https://www.touch.org.sg/content/touchprogram/get-assistance/tips-and-articles/rizz-up-your-vocab-and-master-the-gen-alpha-lingos2.html

Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone.
And yet… here we are.

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, reacting on autopilot, or feeling like everyone else has it together, this is for you.

Parent Empowering Groups
A warm, practical space for parents who want to parent with more intention and less chaos.

Why join?
• Real conversations with parents who get the highs and lows
• Practical, evidence-based strategies you can actually use
• Learn how to be more intentional, not just reactive
• Support without judgement

What it looks like
• 8 sessions, 1 session per month, 2 hours each (Session dates will be decided by each group and facilitator)
• Short evidence-informed video curriculum
• Interactive discussions facilitated by fellow parents who’ve walked the journey

If you’re ready to grow, reflect, and feel less alone in this parenting thing, come join us! Spots are limited.

Register here 👉🏼 https://forms.office.com/r/4qtr8cgmCu

📩 Email: parenting@touch.org.sg
📱 WhatsApp: +65 6709 8423

Chores Aren’t Punishment: Turning Tasks into Life Skills

Chores aren’t about punishment, they’re life lessons.

- Ages 3-6: Match socks, feed pets, water plants
- Ages 7-10: Clear table, take out trash, pack school bag
- Ages 11+: Laundry, help cook, plan grocery list

Say: “You’re in charge of this task today. How will you do it best?”

Ownership beats nagging.

Happy Lunar New Year, dear parents 🌸

May your homes have more laughter than lecturing, more connection than correction, and enough grace for the days you are simply surviving.

Wishing you a year of good health, strong relationships, and small daily wins at home.