Parents and Children

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Parents and Children

From birth to young adulthood, this page contains useful information for parents and children in Singapore.

• For information specifically on the education system and schools see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Education & Schooling in Singapore

Children's Health

Birth

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Having a Baby in Singapore: Pregnancy & Birth

Paediatricians

Most parents take their baby directly to a specialist paediatric doctor right from the birth and this can continue for about 10 years, after which visiting a general practitioner is more normal. However, it is not obligatory to see the specialist and a parent may register with a GP right from the start.

Birth Record Booklet

This is the book given at birth to record all medical details, growth and weight charts, vaccinations and anything relating to a child's health. This is normally available from hospitals, doctors and specialists. Proof of inoculations may be required by some schools, so the booklet is a useful record.

Children's Hospitals & Emergencies

Most hospitals have a children's ward, but there are also hospitals in Singapore devoted entirely to children and their ailments.

• See The AngloFILE for Hospitals & Medical Clinics
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Emergency Telephone Numbers in Singapore

Children's Road Safety

Seat belt laws have been in effect since 1993. If the rear seats are fitted with seat belts (all cars registered after 1993 should have these) they must be used by children travelling in the back. A child under the age of eight, seated in the rear, must be secured in a child restraint. Child restraints should only be used in conjunction with seat belts.

• Further information from Singapore Police: Click here 

Activities Out of Class

• For child-focused local events and activities, see the AngloINFO What's On Guide 

Out of Class Activities

There are many activities that children can participate in either through their schools or through voluntary organisations such as the Australian and New Zealand Association

The football season kicks off in September along with many other outdoor sports. Rugby is gaining popularity both in schools and through private enterprises and clubs. Swimming is also very popular with a number of organisations promoting the sport, as well as school-run programs.

Pre-School

There are a number of nursery schools in Singapore.

• See The AngloFILE for Pre-Schools & Kindergarten

Holiday Camps/Activities

There are a number of activities arranged for children through the school holidays. Most of these are organised through clubs, such as the British Club and the American Club.

Some of the commercial sports companies also offer courses.

• See Sports and Children's School Holiday Activities in the AngloINFO What's On Guide

Festivals, Halloween and Christmas

There are many Festivals celebrated in Singapore. The following are especially aimed at children.

• Chinese New Year: Every January or February it is a Chinese tradition to give out small red packets, called "hong bao" containing an even amount of money, in new notes, to the family's unmarried children as a gesture of good fortune. Red pieces of paper, bearing good wishes in Chinese calligraphy, are pasted on doors and walls
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Held on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, also known as the Mooncake or Lantern Festival. Round "moon" cakes with a variety of sweet and savoury fillings appear in shops, and paper lanterns of all colours, shapes and sizes are sold. Lantern parties and competitions are held throughout the island
• Deepavali: The Festival of Lights, is an occasion of much rejoicing for Hindus and Sikhs and is very colourful. A trip to Little India/Serengoon Road is worth while. Deepavali is also an especially happy time for children, because of the social visits and sweet treats
• Halloween: Popular amongst the expatriates who may receive a note through the door a few days before to warn them to be ready with sweets to distribute to scary children from the area on their "trick or treat" outing at nightfall
• Christmas: Brings many things for children to see and enjoy, from the lights in Orchard Road and decorations, to fake snow displays, Christmas villages and pantomimes
• See also the AngloINFO What's On Guide for seasonal events

Family Financial Assistance

There is none, other than parents with more children get better tax benefits.

Traditions in School

International schools do not have many traditions because of the diverse student population.

Singapore schools have a few, amongst which is the Singapore Pledge. It is recited every morning before school starts. The pledge goes as follows:

We, the citizens of Singapore,
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society
based on justice and equality
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity
and progress for our nation... as one united people,

School Reports

Each International school has its own system.

Related Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Education & Schooling in Singapore
• Dates of school terms in the Singapore State Schools: Click here 
• Dates of school terms at UWCSEA (United World College of South East Asia): Click here
• Dates of school terms for Tanglin School: Click here 
• Dates of school terms for American School: Click here 
• The Singapore Education Portal: Click here