In fast-paced Singapore, where even young children juggle school, enrichment classes, and packed routines, their mental well-being can often be overlooked. Yet, for kids under 10, these early years are crucial—they’re not just learning maths or reading, but also figuring out how to express emotions, handle stress, and build confidence.

Supporting their mental health isn’t about big interventions; it’s about small, consistent habits that help them feel safe, heard, and happy. From making time for unstructured play and proper sleep to encouraging open conversations and limiting screen time, these simple practices can make a big difference.

This guide shares 10 practical, Singapore-based tips for parents, caregivers, and educators to support young children’s mental well-being in everyday life. Because raising emotionally healthy kids is just as important as helping them do well in school—and it’s a journey we all play a part in.

Make Playtime a Priority (Kampong Spirit Style!)

In an era of tuition classes and digital devices, it’s vital not to overlook the value of unstructured play. Play isn’t just about fun—it fosters creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills.

Encourage children to indulge in imaginative games, craft projects, or explore nature trails in neighbourhood parks. Whether they’re pretending to be dinosaurs in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park or playing “catch” at East Coast Park, playtime allows children to decompress, build confidence, and develop social skills.

Promoting the “kampong spirit” of community and togetherness through play can strengthen their sense of belonging and joy.

Ensure Adequate Sleep (Like a Well-Rested Lion Cub)

Sleep is crucial for growing minds. Children aged 6 to 12 should ideally get between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night.

In a city that’s often lit even after hours, a consistent bedtime routine can help wind children down. Avoid screen time at least an hour before bed, create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom, and set regular sleep and wake times—even on weekends.

A well-rested child is more focused in school, more emotionally balanced, and better able to regulate stress.

Fuel Their Bodies with Healthy Makan

Nutrition plays a direct role in a child’s mental and emotional state. Consuming nutrient-rich foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—helps stabilise mood, support energy levels, and optimise brain development.

Take a local spin on this: bring children to a wet market to choose fresh produce, or get them involved in preparing simple meals like vegetable omelettes or homemade sushi rolls. Introduce them to the idea of food as fuel, not just for the body, but for the mind as well.

You can find guidance on healthy meals from the Health Promotion Board’s ‘My Healthy Plate’ guide.

Encourage Movement (Active Little Red Dots!)

Regular physical activity doesn’t just keep the body fit—it also has proven mental health benefits. Exercise boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, which help manage anxiety and improve mood.

Whether it’s weekly football matches at the void deck, family hikes at MacRitchie Reservoir, or skipping rope at school, aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily.

Movement also provides an outlet for stress and can be a fun way to build social bonds and self-esteem.

Strengthen Family Ties (Our Bedrock of Support)

Singapore’s emphasis on family life remains a pillar of societal strength. Children who feel connected to their family are better able to navigate life’s challenges.

Prioritise quality time together—visit the zoo, explore Jewel Changi’s Canopy Park, or simply have dinner together and ask about each other’s day. These shared moments build trust, open communication, and a strong sense of security.

Creating a family culture where feelings and experiences are acknowledged helps children grow up feeling valued and understood.

Support Emotional Expression (It’s Okay to Not Be Okay)

Children need to know that their emotions are valid. When children can identify and name their feelings, they are better equipped to manage them.

Create safe spaces for them to express themselves—this might be through storytelling, journaling, or using a simple “feelings chart” on the fridge. Role-model your own emotional literacy by expressing your feelings in healthy ways.

Validate their emotional experiences and let them know it’s okay to cry, be scared, or feel frustrated—what matters is how they deal with those emotions.

Balance Screen Time with Reality

Screen use is inevitable in today’s digital-first world, but it must be managed mindfully. Excessive screen time can lead to mood swings, poor sleep, and decreased attention span.

Set clear boundaries. Establish screen-free zones such as during meal times or before bed. Replace screen time with engaging alternatives: board games, outdoor play, or reading together.

Use tech mindfully—apps like “Headspace for Kids” can introduce simple mindfulness practices. For broader guidance, the Media Literacy Council in Singapore provides tips for safe and balanced digital use.

Practise Gratitude (Our Garden City Blessings)

Cultivating gratitude helps children shift focus from what they lack to what they have, fostering a more optimistic and resilient mindset.

Encourage your child to reflect on their day and identify one thing they’re grateful for—a tasty breakfast, a fun activity at school, or a kind gesture from a friend.

Make it fun by decorating a “gratitude jar” together. Every week, pick a few notes from the jar and read them aloud. It’s a simple practice with powerful long-term benefits.

Teach Relaxation Techniques (Mindful Mini Moments)

Mental well-being includes the ability to calm the mind. Even young children can benefit from relaxation methods.

Introduce short mindfulness exercises, such as belly breathing or listening to calming nature sounds. Visit quiet places like the Chinese and Japanese Gardens for peaceful reflection.

Keep sessions short and playful—think “bubble breathing” where they pretend to blow soap bubbles slowly, helping them learn to self-soothe and regulate stress.

These micro-moments of mindfulness build emotional control and reduce anxiety over time.

Normalise Seeking Help (Support is Strength)

Children should grow up understanding that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If your child seems persistently anxious, withdrawn, or sad, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Foster relationships with teachers, school counsellors, or mental health professionals. Introduce them to friendly support networks such as Tinkle Friend, a confidential helpline and online chat for primary school children run by the Singapore Children’s Society (https://www.tinklefriend.sg).

By embedding mental health conversations early, we equip our U10s with tools to navigate future stressors with resilience and openness.

Final Thoughts

Supporting the mental well-being of children under 10 in Singapore goes beyond managing stress—it’s about cultivating lifelong habits of emotional intelligence, community connection, and self-care.

These 10 tips are not just checkboxes on a list, but pillars of a nurturing environment in which young minds can flourish. By prioritising play, family connection, gratitude, rest, and support, we help our children grow into grounded, confident, and emotionally resilient individuals—ready to thrive in a vibrant, ever-evolving Singapore.

Let’s commit to raising not just smart children, but mentally strong and joyful ones too.