Preschoolers learn to prep emergency kits in a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at boosting psychological resilience. While it may seem unconventional, children at Sunflower Preschool @ Hillview are being introduced to these skills as part of this year's Total Defence exercise. The initiative takes a three-part immersive workshop approach, fostering resilience and perseverance in young minds. Center manager Mastura Adam notes that these skills are transferable to daily life, with children displaying social and emotional competencies, such as lending a helping hand to friends facing challenges. This initiative comes as Singapore steps up efforts to strengthen psychological resilience among young people. Early childhood practitioner Samantha Tan emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience from a young age, as it can happen to anyone at any time. Experts say starting early is key to building strong support systems before crises occur, with Dr. Annabelle Chow highlighting that resilience can be nurtured from as young as four, provided age-appropriate methods are used. The focus shifts to healthy coping strategies for older children, including exercise, play, and reflective conversations. But experts emphasize that it's never too late to develop resilience, with the Singapore Red Cross offering psychological first aid courses to support recovery and reduce the risk of long-term trauma. By nurturing life skills and providing tools to manage stress, these initiatives aim to create a more resilient community.
