NOVA is All about Social-Emotional Regulation

Did you know that the “NOVA” in NOVA Learning Intervention Programme stands for “Nurturing One’s Valuable Attributes”? These valuable attributes refer to social-emotional skills, like managing anger, fear, sadness or self-esteem. Why I decided to join NOVA As a NOVA Facilitator in Morning Star Community Services, I work with primary school-aged children […]
The Wonderful Relationship Between Child and Pet

Photo by Alicia Jones / Unsplash As the pandemic takes its physical and emotional toll on businesses and individuals across the world, it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, families in Singapore are experiencing the joys of home-based learning in the midst of the chaos […]
#MSCS Parent Support: Conflicts, Focus & Adventure

Some parents who attended our Triple P® Level 2 Primary Positive Parenting Webinar sent in some questions, so we answer them here for all to benefit: 1. Dear Trainer, How can I help my child resolve conflicts with friends? — Mediating Mummy Dear Mediating Mummy, I know that conflicts with friends isn’t […]
Sow the Seed, Spark the Change in Your Child’s Life

As a Trainer and Family Life Educator with Morning Star Community Services, I counsel many parents who face difficulties with their children’s behaviour in school and at home. Some parents become disgruntled with their child’s disobedience, frustrated because they don’t understand why their child acts in the way that he or she does. […]
Turning Problems into Learning Opportunities for Your Child

Time to Exercise Brain Power! Most parents want to avoid or prevent problems when their children encounter them, be it with their siblings or with their friends. However, problems are here to stay. Every day, we will encounter problems. Some are small problems which can be easily resolved, while others are more challenging which […]
Success Stories of Children in CareNights
In my two years working with CareNights @ Morning Star, I have seen many children come through the centres’ doors. They come from different social experiences and family backgrounds. Some are rather shy, while others prefer a noisy atmosphere, so maintaining order in the centres takes patience and genuine care for the […]
The Many Benefits of Building Blocks

Children these days are becoming increasingly attached to technology. Forgotten toys sit in dusty corners of shelves, abandoned by children who choose to play digital games on their phones or tablets instead. However, one toy appears to have transcended time and still remains popular with children these days: Lego. Did you know that […]
Caring for Children is Like having Popping Candy

Have you ever had popping candy? When the sugar crystals first hit your tongue, it gives you a surprise. Sour bits pop and fizz in your mouth as though they have a life of their own. Then when it simmers down, a few remaining pieces still go off at random, leaving […]
What is True Acceptance?

More than Acknowledging Reality When I first started working with children in 2010, it was meant to be a step towards financial independence while waiting for university to start. I remember my first day as if it were just yesterday. Children were screaming and running around, doing pretty much whatever they wanted, giving […]
The Case for Journeying with Families

Radio silence. No one picked up my phone calls. No one answered the door. The boy was missing, my phone was running low on battery, my palms were sweaty, my heart was racing. One of my client’s children had not attended the After-School Care centre for two days. I rang the father […]