New programme encourages parents to bond with kids through play

Mr Adimoolam Arasakumar and his wife Jayashankar Pabitha designing chef hats with their two children at the launch of the Play programme on Sept 18, 2016. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Parents playing with their children at the launch of the Play programme on Sept 18, 2016. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Mr Tan Yong Keng helping his son design a cupcake at launch of the Play programme on Sept 18, 2016. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Early childhood expert Low Siew Hong (kneeling) performing a puppet show at the launch of the Play programme on Sept 18, 2016. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

SINGAPORE - More than 40 children and their parents took part in activities such as storytelling as part of the first session for the Partnership Leisure Activities for Young Families (Play) Programme, organised on Sunday (Sept 18) by the People's Association Family Life Champions (FLC).

The Play programme is aimed at getting parents with children aged between four and six to bond through play, as well as getting families of different races to interact through play.

FLCs are grassroots leaders who have been promoting family life since 2005 by organising bonding activities.

The first session, organised by Whampoa family life champions together with the Early Childhood Development Agency, saw children learning essential skills such as creativity and fine motor skills development through activities like bento making.

Participating families also received a Family Playdate Kit containing items such as a rocket making kit and a parent-child massage kit.

Mr Edmund Lee, 38, who attended the event with his two daughters, said: "In these days where digital play is prevalent, I look forward to picking up tips and ideas about play activities that my children and I can enjoy together."

Whampoa family life champion Mrs Pamela Tan, a former childhood educator, said: "Parents are their children's first playmates and the best play occurs when you play with your child."

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