Being Aware of Family and Domestic Violence

MSF stated that majority of cases of child abuse they investigated are from neglect.

The whole pandemic the past two years has indelibly left its mark in all our lives. It has changed industries and upended global economies; friends became estranged when the human connection was lost. Inevitably, this hastened the rise in cases of family violence.

In recent statistics released by Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), the number of child abuse cases investigated by the authorities last year hit its highest in a decade. Of 2,141 cases investigated, 42% were for neglect, 37% were of physical abuse while 21% consisted of sexual abuse.

Representatives of the Jurong Family Violence Working Group, chaired by Mdm Zaharah Ariff, Executive Director of Casa Raudha, including Chairman of Assyakirin Mosque, and MSF representative paid a visit to Jurong Christian Church (JCC), Tamil Methodist Church, and New Life Baptist Church during Ramadan. One of the issues they discussed was about family violence, which MSF reportedly saw an increase during the 2020 Covid-19 circuit breaker period and into 2021.

Mdm Zaharah Ariff (standing) is Chairwoman of Jurong Family Violence Working Group and is currently the Executive Director of Casa Raudha.

Mdm Zaharah said, “We need your collaboration because these matters do not remain private affairs—they eventually become societal issues.”

“Religion plays a big part in family cohesion. We want to empower our community by educating our congregants on how to safely respond to neighbours, friends and even our own family members whom they suspect are facing abuse.” Zaharah affirmed, “When we stop child abuse, we stop the inter-generational cycle of abuse.”

Children are dubbed our future leaders, and teachers are advocates who are essential to identifying signs of abuse. Mdm Samantha Chin, teacher at David & Goliath Preschool, said that a child usually mimics the behavior of his parents and acts it out on his peers. “What he is subject to, he may subject others to as well.” She added, “With abuse victims, you can observe a pattern and certain signs because it is long-term and usually not a one-time incident.”

Certain abuse cases, however, don’t get reported by the victim or family. Here’s how we can respond to situations where we suspect family and domestic violence may be involved.

1. If you hear loud screaming, crying or call for help from your neighbour’s house, go over to their house.

2. Knock on the door or ring the bell.

3. If someone does or doesn’t answer, ask if everything is alright and offer help.

4. Call the police if you sense an emergency.

For more info, you may refer to www.casaraudha.org or contact the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment (NAVH) hotline at 1800-777 0000.

Does Nutrition affect Mental Health?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is said to affect 3-10% of children worldwide, and is most prevalent amongst children below 7 years old. These children are usually unable to stay focused for periods of time, and when this is observed over a 6-month period, it becomes a concern that should be escalated to a psychiatrist.

Studies show that ADHD and autism, besides obesity, can be affected by the foods we eat.

Among the myriad of mental issues that begin to surface among preschoolers, about 1 in 150 local children are estimated to have some form of autism. An early sign is delayed learning development compared to normal kids.

A child’s poor diet might link to obesity from overconsumption of calories. This can result in health complications like diabetes and high blood pressure n addition to low self-esteem that will deter a child from socialising well.

Mealtime challenges occur about five times more frequently - through tantrums, extreme food selectivity and ritualistic eating behaviours - amongst special needs children.

How would diet affect a child’s mental well being? Can we prevent some long-term repercussions?

Foods that are fibrous, natural and high in nutrition help children remove waste and toxins in the gut.

We know that a healthy lifestyle and diet help prevent diseases and improve quality of life. The US National Library of Medicine suggests that "leaky gut", which releases toxins from the intestines during digestion into blood, causes chemical imbalances that hinder normal function of the brain. The simple answer is that “the removal of these so-called toxins helps the children control their actions and emotions”. They recommend a clean diet with more fibre to move the bowels daily to get rid of impurities quickly, even suggesting a gluten-free diet for children with special needs.

Autism Speaks Inc. in the USA observed an overall low intake of calcium and protein in such children, which is essential for growth in mental development and bone health. Parents report that their children’s symptoms improve when milk protein and gluten is removed from their diet.

However, another study shows that long-term effects of gluten-free diets are insignificant in improving their mental health. Though it recommends excluding allergens from one’s diet as the main focus in preventing discomforts and inflammation that may exacerbate mental triggers.

While there is yet no substantial evidence that any special diet will have an effect on children with mental health issues, a balanced diet is recommended. My Healthy Plate is easy to visualise for meal planning for any child - ¼ plate of whole grains (carbs), ¼ plate of protein and healthy fats, ½ plate vegetables and fruits (fibre, essential vitamins and minerals).

My Healthy Plate is a good gauge for the kind of food we should feed ourselves and the kids daily.

Training each child to be less picky with their food begins when they start eating solids too, reducing their tendency towards non-nutritious foods. This applies to both normal and special needs children.

At David & Goliath Preschool, we continue to provide well-rounded meals daily for all children, and train them while they are young to appreciate all foods. Fruits and vegetables are available at every meal too, so they are exposed to a variety of nutritious foods. So start off your child right with our healthy way of eating at David & Goliath Preschool.

Getting to Know our Principal: Mrs Dolly Teng

Principal Mrs Dolly Teng has been in the preschool industry for 30 years before she was promoted to Principal in 2021.

With over 30 years of corporate experience, Principal Mrs Dolly Teng shares her passion for nurturing children. Read about how a once rebellious teenager experienced love and was empowered to achieve her fullest potential.

My Corporate Life in Brief

I started as an Executive Principal in PCF for 7 years. After, I came to Jurong Christian Church Kindergarten (before it became DGP) to be an educator for 8 years. God called me into another season, where my main ministry was to help children with special needs. I tutored for the last 15 years from home. Subsequently, I was convicted to return to this place (now DGP), and in 2021, I was promoted to Principal.

My Angsty Teenage Years

I was a rebellious teenager who only listened to the teachers I liked. I remember the horrible pranks I played on the teachers I disliked. I would put glue on their chairs, and there was a time I even scratched a teacher's car. I came from a family where I did not feel loved. I was angry and resented everyone, which resulted in my poor conduct at school. This did not discourage a 60-year-old relief teacher. She willingly took me under her wing even though I was blacklisted by many teachers.

I did not know what to do in my life at that time. On one occasion, she took me out for a meal at KFC and talked about my potential. "Do you know you have a good nature? Do you know you can do greater things in life by showing who you are instead of showing your ugly side?"

It was then that I felt heard and known. The teacher continued, "If you want to do well in your studies, I am willing to help you if you invest your time properly." I knew she truly cared for me and agreed to put in my best effort.

Mrs Dolly met a teacher who believed in her despite her notoriety in secondary school. This helped her grow into a godly woman.

My Turning Point

Every day after school, I would stay back for 1.5 hours to complete all my school work. I studied hard because I finally found someone who wholeheartedly believed in me. I wanted to make her proud. She would prepare homemade meals for me as I stayed back. This went on until the 'O' Levels Examinations. However, before I did my first paper, I had learnt that she had passed away. I could not concentrate. I felt lost. She had been battling cancer, but she kept it from me. I could not tell that she was ill as she refused chemotherapy and seemed cheery and healthy to me.

She was my catalyst. The one who inspired me to be a teacher so I could impact students' lives. She was and is my inspiration. She drove me to pursue a career as an excellent educator. I am extremely fond of children as they are vulnerable, and I am in a position to protect and care for them as best as possible. I aim to make a positive impact in the lives of all my students.

How People Come Full Circle

While in PCF, I taught a boy who had a medical condition regarding a swollen head. He would cry and make a mess throughout the sessions. I had to adapt and work around his needs so the lessons would not be disruptive. After 6 months, he started to like me and was happier coming to school. After he graduated in K2, I thought I would never see him again. To my surprise, I met him years later under different circumstances. My mum had been hospitalised. When I went to visit her, a nurse with a big head came in to serve her. I wondered if he was my student till I saw his name tag. He also recognised me when I introduced myself. We had a long chat. I remembered his words, "When I was young, you took care of me, and now that I am older, I can take care of your mother." I was deeply comforted to hear those words from him. It was a heart-warming and touching experience because we came to a full circle. The last I heard, he has now migrated to Australia.