Parenting Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Milchel International Students' Hostel

July 12, 2024July 12, 2024

Strengthening English Foundations Through Parental Support

The importance of a strong command of English in a student’s tool kit cannot be overstated. This is especially so for foreign students studying in Singapore, like Milchelians. Many parents want to send their children to study overseas to learn English, but the child will face difficulties if they are unready to live in an English speaking society.

Whether or not the child is already in Singapore, parents can effectively support their children in building a strong English foundation. Here are some practical tips that parents can try out.

Create an English-Rich Environment. Like what we do in Milchel’s English Reading Programme (ERP), we immerse Milchelians in as much English language as possible. Constant exposure through texts, videos, and music helps students become familiar with the language’s sounds, vocabulary and sentence structure. Consequently, thus will make learning English more natural and less forced.

books in shelf inside room — Photo by Tiana on Pexels.com

Encourage Reading. With as little as 20 minutes a day, students who read gain a competitive advantage over students who do not read at all. Reading consistently for shorter periods of time (e.g. 20-30 minutes a day) has been found to be better than a once-a-week reading session of 2 hours each. Space out your child’s reading schedule throughout the week. It is also very important that you discuss the books with your child. This practice will help improve their vocabulary and comprehension. Moreover, this stimulates their imagination and critical thinking. Remember: Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to reading.

parents and their little son reading a book in bed — Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Pexels.com

Practice Writing. Encourage your child to write regularly. Though it’s no longer popular among children and teens nowadays, keeping a journal is a good practice for students who want to improve their command of the English language. Slowly, they will become comfortable and gain confidence in their daily journal writing. Later on, this comfort and confidence will translate in writing more complex texts like essays and reports.

focused students doing homework at home — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

It is important to start small when building an environment for your child aimed at building strong English foundation. “Small and steady, slow and incremental” is the formula you could follow. It would be unrealistic to expect immense improvement in your child’s English standard in a short amount of time. Like in any other goals, consistent effort and patience will pay off in helping your child achieve their goals to achieve a good command of the English language.

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024

Goals of Parents and Goals of Children – Reconciling the Gap

A common point of contention between parents and children is their differing goals. A child may have their own goals and dreams for themselves. Then, a parent may have a completely different dream for their child. Reconciling this difference is challenging, but possible. This article explores the distinction between parents’ goals from children’s goals. We will also talk about how to bridge that gap and foster a supportive environment with regards to the children’s aspirations.

Parents’ goals for their children are usually shaped by their life experiences and long-term perspective. They desire financial stability and focus on providing for the family. On the other hand, children’s goals are influenced by their immediate interests and curiosity. Many still desire exploration and play without the burden of providing or planning for the future. This already shows a vast difference in parents’ and children’s perspectives and priorities.

Parents’ goals for their children are also usually long-term, including career advancement and future family stability. On the other hand, children may only have short-term goals, such as making friends, pursuing hobbies, or succeeding in school.

In terms of achievement and success, parents’ measures are the over-all well-being of the family, career accomplishments, and contributions to the society. For children, on the other hand, success is defined through academic achievements, mastering new skills, and other personal milestones.

No one goal is completely better than another. Both parents and children have valid perspectives. The goal here is to reconcile the differing goals. Having open communication is a great way to do this. Both parents and children should feel comfortable discussing their aspirations and concerns. Both sides must not only express their thoughts freely, but also listen actively and not be defensive. Whatever the children eventually decide to pursue, the parents must trust in their children’s discernment, knowing that they had done enough to teach and guide their children.

photo of woman and girl talking while lying on bed — Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Reconciling the differing goals of parents and children is essential for creating a harmonious family relationship. By fostering open communication, mutual respect, and understanding, both parties can work together to support each other’s aspirations. Parents should trust in their children’s ability to make informed decisions, while children should appreciate the wisdom and experience their parents offer. In this way, families can bridge the gap and build a supportive environment where everyone’s goals are valued and nurtured.

June 13, 2024June 13, 2024

The Essential Role of Vacations for Students: Balancing Relaxation and Productivity

Our children face today’s fast-paced and demanding academic environment. After each term of arduous work in school, vacations play a role in ensuring their over-all well-being and development. Vacations are not just breaks from routine, but an opportunity for both rest and productive non-academic activities. These times are well-deserved by students, so it’s important that they are spent wisely.

So, why are vacations important for students?

First, vacations are a time for physical rest. As the same time, they are also a time for mental rest and stress relief. This helps prevent burnout and allows students to recharge. This recharging and relaxation are crucial for their mental well-being. We’ll also see that vacation breaks allow students to have a refreshed mind, which may lead to better academic performance when school re-opens.

Next, vacations are a great time for social and family bonding. Catching up with friends and family which are done on vacations strengthens their relationships and creates lasting memories. This social support offers them emotional stability.

woman and three children playing water — Photo by Yulianto Poitier on Pexels.com

Finally, vacations are a time for students to explore interests outside school. They may have a day or two of just lounging around and doing nothing, but it’s good if they do something more productive. This may contribute to personal growth and development.

So, what productive things can they do during their holidays? We are not talking about tuition and catching up on readings, but other fun, productive, less stressful activities.

Vacations are an ideal time for enriching hobbies that students are passionate about. These may be playing musical instruments, trying baking or cooking, doing digital arts, and other similar activities. These can be both enjoyable and beneficial for personal development.

girl in yellow shirt holding brown cake — Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Next, participating in community service or volunteer work can be a great way for students to spend their vacation. This can be a good bonding moment with family members, too, which allows plenty of teaching moments and opportunities to share one’s insights about life.

Finally, and probably a favourite of many, travelling to new places can be done during vacations. Travelling can be an educational experience which exposes students to different cultures. By travelling, they can both have fun and engage their minds.

We hope Milchelians are having a fun and productive mid-year break so that they all come back refreshed to start another term!

May 29, 2024May 29, 2024

Harnessing the Internet: How Our Children Can Use the Internet Productively

In our previous post, we talked about some of the dangers that our children face online. Now, let’s talk about some of the productive ways our children can use the internet. With our guidance, they can maximize the power of the internet and use it to their advantage in our highly digitally interconnected world.

First of all, the internet is a great educational resource. Our children can access online courses on sites like Khan Academy and Coursera. They can also use educational games and apps to enhance their learning. Online resources can help them improve their math skills or learn a new language. Websites like Google Scholar, National Geographic Kids, and Britannica Kids are excellent options to explore.

mother helping her daughter with homework — Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com

Secondly, the internet is a place where children can enhance their creativity and self-expression. Canva for Education and Wattpad are great sites for creative activities. They can create and share their digital art, writings, and multimedia projects. Starting a blog or YouTube channel can also be a fun way to express themselves. However, adult guidance is still needed for this endeavour.

Thirdly, the internet has made social connections faster and easier. Our children can stay in touch with family and friends. It’s important that they are supervised while using social media and messaging platforms. From Google Hangouts to Zoom, Facebook to Instagram, there are still dangers, so parental supervision is necessary.

photo of child smiling while using tablet computer — Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

Finally, children can use the internet for career exploration. They can research various career paths and understand the skills required for different jobs. A simple Google search can direct them to numerous helpful sites that provide valuable information about their future careers.

With the right guidance, our children can use the internet safely and productively, turning it into a powerful tool for learning, creativity, connection, and career exploration.

May 15, 2024May 15, 2024

Responsible Digital Citizenship in Children

Nowadays, internet is a ubiquitous tool in our lives. It is widely used in areas like communication and social networking. It is also used in education, e-commerce and shopping, entertainment, and work and productivity, to name a few. For both us, adults, and our kids, the internet is a useful tool.

As such, the world of the internet is also an area where kids need guidance as they use and explore. The term “responsible digital citizenship” is now being commonly used. It refers to responsible and ethical online behaviour that we all must practice. Doing this helps us to have a healthy and safe experience in the digital world.

There are many reasons why we parents should teach our children responsible digital citizenship. In this article, we will talk about the most cause of concern for growing kids.

First, addiction to gadgets and the internet is a major concern of many parents. Excessive screen time affects children’s sleep, academics, and over-all habits, so this is a foremost concern that parents must address. If left unchecked, this could lead to addiction that is much difficult to correct.

person with smartphone standing in projection of zeros and ones — Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Second is the spread of misinformation. Without our guidance, children can access volumes of information online that may be untrue or just plain harmful. It is our responsibility as adults to block suspicious sites and sources of information. We must also teach our kids to be discerning in what they see online. Keep an open communication so your child knows to ask you for things that they find out online.

photo of woman tutoring young boy — Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

Finally, children must know that their actions online leave permanent digital footprint. Educate them about the consequences of their online actions that may harm themselves or others. A seemingly harmless post today may have consequences in the future. Because of this, we must always remind our children to “think before you click”.

These are just some of the dangers awaiting our children online. These are also why we should take a proactive role in educating our kids about responsible digital citizenship. Sometimes, we parents become too relaxed in our children’s access to the internet. This is a very serious matter that demands our watchful guidance. Take no chances and make sure that you educate your child on how to become responsible digital citizens.

March 4, 2024March 4, 2024

Instilling Responsible Spending Habits

Responsible spending habits are an essential skill that everyone must have. As we have observed in Milchel, children have different spending habits. Some as responsible, but others are excessive in their spending. One this is for sure – they learned their spending habits from their parents. Directly or indirectly, it’s the parents who have taught them whatever they know about money and spending.

If you have young children who are just beginning to understand the concept of money and spending, now’s the good time to teach them responsibly spending. As they say, it’s best to start them early. At an early age, children must learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Do they really need that new toy? Or do they just want it? Do they really need that insanely expensive bag? Or do they just want it?

While we teach our children to think about their needs and wants before making a purchase, we also encourage them to think critically. Do they really need that top of the line gadget? Or will a mid-level one do the job? Is it really wise to spend their pocket money for the month in just one weekend? The more they practice critical thinking, they easier they will develop a good judgement when it comes so spending their money.

Finally, let me circle back to the start of this article. We said that whatever spending habits your children have, they definitely learned it from you. So the best tip to remember in instilling responsible spending habits is to lead by example. Whatever our children see from us are incredibly influential in our children’s attitudes towards money and spending. That being said, reflect on your own spending habits and what your children are learning from you. If there’s still a room for improvement, enter that room with your child and change your spending habits together.

Over-all, it all boils down to your family’s values that you pass on to your children. Once they know the difference between needs and wants and the importance of being reasonable in spending, they can then think critically about their spending habits. Later, they can make good decisions about the hard-earned money that their parents regularly top-up in their pockets.

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

The Importance of Spending Special Occasions for Foreign Students in Singapore

Being away from home can be both an exciting adventure and a stressful experience for international students studying in Singapore. Getting to celebrate important events with their family back home is one factor that is vital to their general well-being and academic achievement. For many Milchelians, going home for holidays like Chinese New Year is especially significant. This post discusses the various reasons why spending special occasions with family is essential for foreign students in Singapore. Here, we emphasize the positive impact it can have on students’ mental, emotional, and academic well-being.

Cultural Connection

On special occasions, Milchelians especially those from China and Thailand, among others, like to return to their home countries. For them, it is a way to keep a strong bond with their cultural roots. Chinese New Year is rooted in cultural traditions, and being home during CNY connects them to their tradition. This connection provides a sense of identity and belonging, contributing to a more enriching cultural experience.

Emotional Well-being

It might be challenging and isolating to study abroad. Celebrating joyous occasions with family provides foreign students a much-needed emotional lift. The comfort and warmth of family gatherings during festivities create a supportive environment that helps reduce stress. This emotional recharge is crucial for maintaining mental well-being, promoting a healthier mindset, and enhancing the overall study abroad experience.

Motivation and Energy Boost

Special occasions offer a break from the students’ demanding academic schedule. These let students to recharge and return to their studies with renewed motivation. The upcoming celebrations serves as a motivational factor, providing students with a goal to strive towards during their studies. Knowing that a reunion with family is coming can serve as a powerful source of energy. It helps students overcome academic challenges and navigate the stresses of studying overseas.

Family Support

An important factor in a student’s academic career is family support. Having special events spent with family promotes encouragement and support. With the knowledge that their family is at their side, students resume their studies with a stronger support system. Students who get this support may perform better academically because they feel more safe and confident in pursuing their academic goals.

Creating Lasting Memories

Special occasions are opportunities to create lasting memories with family. These memories become a source of comfort during challenging times and contribute to a well-rounded overseas-studying experience. Having shared experiences with family adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative of a student’s time abroad, making it a more fulfilling and memorable chapter in their life.

The importance of Milchelians and other foreign students spending special occasions with their families, for example during Chinese New Year, cannot be overstated. Beyond the cultural connection, it provides emotional well-being, motivation, family support, and the creation of lasting memories. These factors contribute to a more positive and enriching study abroad experience. They also help students navigate the challenges of being in a foreign land and empower them to succeed.

Of course, we have activities planned for Milchelians who are staying in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period. Our dear kids will not be missing out on the festivities. From gatherings, snacks, and games, we make sure that they feel the festive spirit here in Milchel, their second home.

December 30, 2023December 30, 2023

Tips for Parents on Supporting Children in the Digital Era

In our previous article, we talked about the importance of educating children about responsible and ethical online behaviour. In the current one, we will talk about how parents can support their children in this vastly digital era.

As parents navigate the challenges of raising children in the digital era, there are several strategies they can employ to support their children in developing responsible online behaviour.

Strategies in developing responsible online behaviour

First and foremost, teach your kids about cybersecurity. Instruct your kids on the value of having strong, one-of-a-kind passwords and the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. Establish the practice of changing passwords on a regular basis and spotting phishing attempts.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Second, parents should lead by example at all times. Children learn up knowledge from seeing their parents. Act responsibly when using technology by keeping yourself clean online, being considerate of others’ privacy, and using it mindfully.

Maintaining open communication channels is another useful strategy. It’s essential to have open channels of communication with your kids. Urge them to open up about their experiences—both good and bad—on the internet without worrying about being judged. By doing this, you can build their trust and effectively lead them.

ethnic mother sitting at table and watching paintings of little kids — Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Additionally, establish boundaries for internet usage. Provide explicit rules about acceptable websites, screen time, and sharing personal information. Setting clear limits enables kids to learn the value of moderation and responsible use of technology.

Lastly, parents need to be informed at all times. The digital world is ever-changing, with new platforms and trends appearing all the time. To effectively guide your children, stay up to date on the most recent advancements in technology, social media, and online safety.

Of course, above is not an exhaustive list. It is just a set of simple steps that you can take to help your child. Continuous and consistent guidance to your children strongly anchored on the family’s shared values will be crucial in raising responsible digital citizens out of them. Ultimately, responsible and ethical online behaviour that they will learn from us will benefit them throughout their lives.

September 11, 2023September 11, 2023

Bridge the Miles: Maintaining Connection During Your Child’s Overseas Studies

As parents, nurturing a consistent bond with our children during their overseas studies is of crucial importance. Sometimes, it is us yearning to hold on as they embrace their newfound independence, while other times, they are the ones eager to explore the world beyond our embrace. Regardless, maintaining connection remains a shared goal, and with the aid of technology, communication is more accessible than ever. Yet, there are additional strategies to enrich this connection:

Establishing regular communication

First and foremost, establishing a regular communication routine is crucial. Initiate regular calls – perhaps once in the morning and once at bedtime. Adapt the frequency to your child’s age and level of attachment, all the while reassuring them of your proximity. Remember, your intent is their well-being, not appeasing your own longing.

person holding iphone showing social networks folder — Photo by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels.com

Show genuine interest in their life abroad

Moreover, exhibit genuine curiosity about their life abroad during these conversations. Inquire about their academic endeavours, staying informed without micromanaging. Show interest in their burgeoning social life, and if they’re comfortable, engage with their friends via video calls. Sharing updates about home, relatives, and friends bridges the physical gap and ensures they remain rooted to their origins.

caring mother patting little son on head on bed — Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Send care packages

Sending care packages is a time-tested way to evoke joy in our children. Witness their faces light up with happiness upon receiving these tokens of affection from afar. Whether eagerly anticipated or a delightful surprise, these packages, filled with their favourite snacks and goodies, are proudly shared with newfound friends, solidifying their connection to home.

unrecognizable person packing clothes — Photo by Timur Weber on Pexels.com

Schedule a regular get-together

Additionally, scheduling regular in-person get-togethers trumps any phone or video call. Plan visits to their overseas location, allowing them to proudly showcase their new surroundings. Alternatively, arrange for them to return home periodically, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt their studies. Exciting trips to either a favourite overseas city or a fresh destination provide a beacon of hope during bouts of homesickness.

photo of planner and writing materials — Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

Encourage independence and growth

Lastly, while maintaining a strong connection is paramount, it’s equally vital to foster independence and personal growth. Encourage them to seize every opportunity in their second home, to form lasting friendships, and to develop a sense of autonomy. Strive to strike a balance between staying involved and granting them the freedom to flourish, avoiding the pitfalls of micromanagement.

person holding a green plant — Photo by Akil Mazumder on Pexels.com

In conclusion, by establishing regular communication, showing genuine interest in their overseas life, sending thoughtful care packages, scheduling personal meetings, and encouraging independence, we can nurture a meaningful and lasting connection with our children as they embark on their overseas adventures.

December 18, 2019May 31, 2023

Category: Parenting