If you belong to one of the millions of working families in Singapore, odds are your grandparents committed to fulfilling parental duties in the absence of your mum and dad.
In fact, a recent study revealed that grandparents play a key role as co-caregivers to grandchildren across the world. This co-parenting dynamic seems to influence the child’s development on several levels.
The study says children are able to regulate their thoughts better. They are also able to make mistakes and understand the novelty of it. And let’s not forget, that extra dose of love from grandpa and grandma stands immeasurable.
However, the pandemic has made it difficult for grandparents and grandchildren to interact. Social distancing protocols limit physical interactions while putting a hammer in any outdoor plans and activities.
With this condition prevalent for over a year now, children have not been able to spend enough time with their grandparents and appreciate their company.
This has created the wrong perception about the silver generation age in the minds of children.
M.Y World Preschool has observed that young children may perceive the elderly in a negative light.
However, in most cases, it would be dramatically different. The elderly tend to have a more positive outlook towards life, and create the right guidance, empathy and emotional support in the family.
To really drive home this point, M.Y World Preschool initiated an innovative program to create opportunities for interactions with the elderly, and clear out any misconceptions.
theAsianparent recently had the opportunity to speak to Jane Choy, head of operations, M.Y World Preschool, to learn about the school’s program and the difference it is making.
Here is an excerpt from the interaction.
Encourage Interacting With The Grandparents Or Elderly Neighbours
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TAP: How do you suggest enabling children to embrace Singapore’s silver generation?
Jane Choy: Children learn through meaningful experiences and therefore, it is important to provide opportunities for them to interact with the seniors right from the start.
Such opportunities could be provided through inter-generational programming at school or at home where children interact and communicate regularly with their grandparents, senior neighbours or relatives.
Changing Perceptions Children Have About The Silver Generation
TAP: What does the program entail?
Jane Choy: We put values first as we are committed to nurturing children’s character, inspiring their learning and developing each and every child holistically, in partnership with their parents.
One of the key objectives of our inter-generational programming is to enable the children and the seniors to foster good relationships and cultivate qualities such as becoming caring, respectful and responsible individuals.
With regard to appreciating the silver generation age, our inter-generational programming aims to change the perceptions that children may have of the seniors such as them being sad or lonely.
We create opportunities for children to participate in activities that encourage them to appreciate Singapore’s culture through the generations, including the origins of dialects that are commonly spoken by the seniors.
Prior to Covid-19 safe management measures being introduced, a number of M.Y. World preschools would organise trips to senior care centres and engage the children and the seniors in collaborative activities.
These activities would go beyond special celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas.
In light of the current advisory for Safe Management Measures, activities that occur during the regular physical visits such as dancing, games, theatre skits and exercising still take place but in a virtual setting.
In addition to these activities, we are involved in intergenerational programming where children and the seniors are able to converse and interact via online platforms.
This encourages mutual learning and sharing of lifestyles, hobbies and skills.
Making A Difference In Children’s Behaviour
TAP: What were the results and outcome of this initiative?
Jane Choy: Over time, we have noticed that children displayed a more caring demeanour in their everyday behaviour as a result of inter-generational programming.
Based on the feedback provided by our parents, the programme has helped foster positive family bonds and increased children’s ability to understand cultural diversity.
This is seen through children being able to converse in dialects with a basic understanding and an increase in active involvement by grandparents in our programmes as well.
TAP: Could you share with us some of the ‘observations’ or data regarding the activity?
Jane Choy: Through our Inter-Generational programming, we observed that our children displayed a more caring demeanour towards those around them.
We’ve also observed an increase in grandparents’ involvement in programmes organised by the centres.
This knock-on has been effective in helping to increase children’s understanding of cultural diversity as they interacted with and observed the seniors of different ethnic and dialect groups.
TAP: What is the role of education in character development?
Jane Choy: Education is fundamental in shaping a child’s character. It ensures the development of their cognitive, social and emotional skills.
We strongly believe that a values-centred and inquiry-based approach in preschool education can positively influence a child’s character, mindset, and social competency.
These factors are vital in guiding them towards becoming resilient learners and in turn, promotes good citizenship from the young.
Role Of Parents Between Kids And Grandparents
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TAP: What is the role of the young parents in bridging the gap between kids and their grandparents?
Jane Choy: Parents are the crucial connector between the younger and older generations. Children observe and learn from the adults around them. How adults talk, eat, react to situations and interact with others.
This underscores the importance we place on parent partnership as parents are a child’s first teacher.
It’s important that young parents set an example by treating the seniors with respect and care.
They can also share their life stories of how they grew up with their children’s grandparents, or even invite the grandparents to share stories themselves. This can help in fostering strong family bonds.
5 Ways To Foster Good Relationships With The Silver Generation
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TAP: What are five ways in which children can foster good relationships with the elderly?
Jane Choy:
- Spend more quality time together. No matter how busy we are in our daily lives, always set aside some time whereby everyone in the family gathers and participates in an activity together.
It does not necessarily have to be a full day. But the simple act of coming together to prepare and have a meal on a weekly basis is a good place to start. - If it is not always possible to have a get-together session due to various reasons, families can make use of technology to stay in touch. For instance, organising a weekly video call between children and their grandparents or senior relatives.
- Both parents and children can volunteer at senior care centres.
- Learn about Singapore’s history and culture as a family to develop a better understanding of the lives of previous generations. This may increase appreciation for the older generation.
- Learn to speak the dialect used by the seniors at home, even if you are not fluent in it. Introduce simple words in songs using dialect during interactions with children too.
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