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符婉月:让孩子到户外游戏和冒险
[Translation: Foo Wan Yueh: Let Children Play and Adventure Outdoors] By Foo Wan Yueh, Lianhe Zaobao

NIEC (NP) Course Chair, Ms Foo Wan Yueh, wrote an article on the need for outdoor play and adventure in children’s development. She discussed how Singaporean children are increasingly sleep-deprived, sedentary, and spending excessive time on screens, which can negatively affect their cognitive and emotional well-being. Ms Foo referenced research that highlights the importance of “risky play” – activities that involve some level of uncertainty – to help children build resilience, problem-solving skills, and safety awareness. She pointed out that overprotective parenting, while well-intentioned, can prevent children from developing the coping abilities they need to face life’s challenges.
 
Ms Foo also addressed the limited outdoor playtime children currently experience, despite regulations in Singapore that mandate at least 30 minutes of outdoor activity in full-day childcare centres. Teachers, concerned about safety, often restrict more adventurous play, but Ms Foo emphasised that children need opportunities to take risks in order to strengthen both their physical and mental resilience. She urged parents and educators to reconsider their approach to play, advocating for a balance between safety and allowing children to explore, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences.

Published on 17/1/2025

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