A Parenting Reflection at KidsSTOP @ Singapore Science Centre

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Upon entering KidsSTOP at Singapore Science Centre, I reminded myself to stop telling my children where to go and what to do, and to let them explore on their own.

As the children grow, they start to find their aspiration. Becoming a chef, a pilot, or a cashier. Would I stop them from what they want to be? No, as long they truly enjoy, and it is not harmful to themselves and others.

They truly enjoyed covering (not digging) the fossil of the dinosaurs that day. I was watching them, for more than one hour (glad that I did not turn into fossil while waiting). Did I stop them? No. I want to savour this moment, the moment when my two young children play to their heart's content. How many more years that I get to see this? Especially when they start to hide in their rooms to study or do their own things, or when they go out with their friends, I may not have the privilege of watching them quietly for even a single minute.

When they discovered something like the dynamo or the wind tunnel, did I stop and explain everything to them? No. I asked them to tell me what they had discovered first. Sometimes, I tend to tell them too much, I should stop myself and give the children an opportunity to share with me their thoughts first.

The children decided to give Giant J (a 6-metre slide) a miss. And when they climbed The Big Dream Climber, they did not reach the top where a play area called Music is located. Did I keep asking them to try? I did encourage them, however, when they refused to do so, I stopped myself from forcing them to do what they did not want to. 

The children played for 3.5 hours non-stop. And I had 3.5 hours to stop and reflect on my parenting journey.

KidsSTOP

Address: 21 Jurong Town Hall Singapore 609433
Website: http://www.kidsstop.edu.sg

Operating hours:

Weekdays - 1st session 12 - 3 p.m., 2nd session 4 - 7 p.m.

Weekends - 1st session 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 2nd session 3 - 7 p.m.

Admission charges: see here for details

Tips:

• Remember to bring socks! Some play areas require socks to be worn. Or you may purchase at Kids Shop, S$5 for a pair (We didn't know about this, but we were thankful that our friend lent us the socks!)
• Bring along a jacket, it was cold during our visit, as it was raining

Disclaimer: We were invited to KidsSTOP's Christmas Light Up. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions and all photos are mine.

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