From Stress to Strength: Building Resilience in Our Kids & Glowing From Within!

Research has shown that 1 in 6 children in Singapore show signs of anxiety and depression. We need to do much more to address the mental health challenges our children face. This is not just so that they can improve their grades; this is about ensuring their overall well-being and emotional health. When children struggle with anxiety and depression, it affects their relationships, self-esteem, and ability to engage in everyday activities.?

For this week’s newsletter, I have invited a mindfulness expert to share some strategies for parents to help their children manage mental health challenges. Say hello to Wee Ting , our senior facilitator, and Head of Community at Deep Human Club .?

Welcome, Wee Ting! Tell us more about yourself!

I’m a finance director turned facilitator and educator. In my previous corporate role, I was running workshops to equip adults with social emotional intelligence skills to improve their resilience and well-being. It brought me joy, and also got me thinking — shouldn’t these skills be taught to children too? Early development is so crucial and has long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being, relationships and outlook in life. I decided then to get trained and certified to be a teacher and educator. I’ve now facilitated workshops for more than 1000 children and youths, and this aspect of my work gives me so much fulfilment.

Can you tell us what inspired you to focus on stress management and resilience for children?

I once read this quote from Frederick Douglas and it stuck with me — “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” I started off with wanting to equip my own children with the ability to handle adversity, and after seeing some small wins, I became inspired to work with other children too.

What are some common signs of stress and anxiety that parents should look out for in their children?

Stress might not necessarily be a bad thing! In healthy doses, it can be the right push to spur us to do better. That said, there are some signs that we can look out for when stress takes on more extreme or long-lasting forms, and starts to be detrimental. They could be changes in a child’s behaviour, such as their attitude towards school, differences in sleeping or eating habits, loss of energy, mood swings, or withdrawal from friends and activities. Sometimes what they say could indicate something deeper beneath (e.g. “I am not good enough”). It is important to know your child and observe keenly. Signs of stress could vary based on age, personality and coping skills. When children express stress, no matter how small these signs may seem, they are valid and deserve to be heard.

Can you share a few practical strategies that parents can implement at home to help their children manage stress?

The most important thing is to let our children know that we are there for them. Our words, actions and responses matter. Being present, listening attentively and avoiding urges to lecture or judge them immediately can go a long way, because sometimes what they need is simply a listening ear or knowing that someone cares. Reminding them of their strengths and exploring how they can reframe their thoughts into a source of motivation can be useful too.?

For younger children, we can help them make sense of their feelings. They may experience unpleasant emotions and struggle to identify them. Helping them articulate and verbalise their emotions can make stress feel a little less scary.

It is also important to regulate ourselves as well. As parents, we might unintentionally put undue pressure on our children. Don’t be a source of stress to your child. You want your child to run towards you, instead of away from you, when they are facing challenges.

Are there specific activities or routines you recommend for children to develop healthy coping mechanisms?

One of the easiest and most straightforward ways is to take care of our bodies. This means healthy sleep habits, a balanced diet, moving our bodies, and relaxation techniques such as mindful breathing.

Having time management skills and building a routine of scheduling and prioritising tasks can also help our child to gain a sense of control when they feel overwhelmed.

Another important coping mechanism for our children to have is the ability to ask for help, and knowing that asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up.

Glow From Inside Out!

I am also so excited about our latest workshop, “TCM Skin Health: Glowing from the Inside Out ” with Victoria, my Chief Physician from Common TCM! Unlock the secrets to radiant skin and discover herbal remedies tailored to your unique skin type and experience the rejuvenating power of facial acupressure and Gua Sha under Victoria’s expert guidance. You'll leave equipped with practical tools and techniques to boost your skin health every day!

Much love

Crystal

Upcoming Deep Human Institute Events

• 9 Nov: Inspired Speaking by Petrina Kow - Unlock your speaking potential, master voice skills and captivate audience!
• 5 Dec: TCM Skin Health: Glowing from the Inside Out - Experience personalized care and ancient wellness techniques with Victoria, Founder of Common TCM.
• 16 & 17 Jan 2025: Deep Human Leadership - Our signature 2-day leadership journey where you'll take a deep dive into self-awareness, self-mastery, and mastering people skills.
• Check out all our events here .
• Check out the details for our Deep Human Club and Deep Human VIP Club?here !
• If you’d like to get on the waitlist for the next intake for our Deep Human VIP Club, you can sign up?here . The waitlist for our next intake of Deep Human Club is?here .