Thanking our Unsung Heroes
With increasing trend of ‘Pics or it didn’t happen’ – Instagram’s new rule in life that one’s claim cannot be trusted unless a picture is shown to prove it –, one often misses out on appreciating the hidden people who are making things happen behind-the-scenes. Have you ever wondered how the world runs on […]
Is life really like a box of chocolates?
Appeared in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, the lead character Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks) said “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” A box of chocolates? I grew up loving chocolates, especially that big jar of Nutella which I could […]
There’s no one to talk to
As a psychotherapist, I seem to be hearing this statement “There’s no one to talk to” with greater frequency. “Really? Why is that?” I asked myself. What I kept hearing was: • The people I talk to will change the subject after a while… • They don’t understand what I’m trying to say… • […]
How grateful are you?
“I [sic] grateful for the pair of eyes I have to help me see the things out there in the world…” – Girl, aged 10 How grateful are you for the things that you have? I was prompted to think about this when a 10-year-old girl shared that she was grateful for the […]
How long does it take to read 935 messages?
Kids-only messaging groups seem a bane to children and their parents, but they can be useful for pupils who want to stay on top of their homework Published: 3 June 2018 Venessa Lee Primary 5 pupil Xaviar Ang sometimes receives 200 WhatsApp messages a day. Earlier this year, when the 10-year-old went on […]
Importance of Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the recognition and management of emotions. It is developing care for others, making responsible decisions, establishing positive relationships, and handling challenging situations effectively. In short, SEL is teaching children how to deal with their behaviours and to build positive relationships with people around them. Children need to be […]
Run For A Reason
86 year-old Mr Kor Hong Fatt has become an inspiration to many, both young and old. After suffering from a heart attack at the age of 70, Mr Kor resolved to be a serious runner. It was for the sake of his own health, as well as to be able to care for his wheelchair-bound […]
A stroll down memory lane
“Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming” – Joseph B. Wirthlin Siblings Nicholas and Allison, former students attending Morning Star’s After-School Care Services, swung by for a trip down memory lane. Nicholas I spent 5 years of my primary school journey in Morning Star (2008-2012) and I can confidently call it my […]
When should parents give their child a phone?
Experts say there are no hard and fast rules on when a child should be given a smartphone and that it depends on the child’s maturity Published: 11 March 2018 Venessa Lee Many children have their own mobile phones these days. But how young is too young for a child to join the […]
Helping children cope with stress
Parents play an important role in reducing kids’ stress levels PUBLISHED: FEB 4, 2018, 5:00 AM SGT Venessa Lee An international study reported last year suggests that Singapore students experience higher levels of anxiety than those from many other countries. The study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) […]