Cheers Learning and Assessment Services

22/07/2026

"He's just lazy." "She'll grow out of it."

What if it's something much deeper?

A recent CNA Insider documentary, Shutdown, shines a spotlight on Singapore's growing number of hidden youth (hikikomori)—young people who gradually withdraw from school, friends and even family because of overwhelming anxiety, fear or emotional distress. It reminds us that school refusal is often not about defiance, but a sign that a child is struggling beneath the surface.

At CHEERS Learning, we've worked with many children experiencing school refusal. Every child has a story. Some are battling anxiety, bullying or learning challenges. Others struggle with autism, ADHD, perfectionism, executive functioning difficulties or social relationships.

The good news? Early intervention matters.

We've put together this simple infographic highlighting 6 practical ways parents can support a child experiencing school refusal.

✅ Identify the underlying issue
✅ Work closely with the school
✅ Build a predictable routine
✅ Reinforce small successes
✅ Teach coping strategies
✅ Stay calm, patient and connected

Remember:

Behaviour is communication. Before asking "Why won't they go to school?", ask "What is my child trying to tell me?"

If your child has been refusing school, don't wait until the problem becomes entrenched. Seeking support early can make a significant difference.

💙 You're not alone, and your child is not beyond help.



https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/singapore-hikikomori-hidden-youth-shutdown-withdraw-school-family-world-6245706

16/07/2026

🌟 Does your child have frequent meltdowns, tantrums, or emotional outbursts?

What if these behaviours aren't "bad behaviour" but a sign that your child is struggling with skills they haven't learnt yet?

Join us for an eye-opening workshop:

📅 27 July 2026

From Explosive Behaviours to Resilience: Supporting Every Child

In this practical, evidence-based session, you'll learn:
✅ Why children have explosive behaviours
✅ How to reduce power struggles without shouting or punishment
✅ Proven communication techniques that encourage cooperation
✅ Strategies to support children with autism, ADHD and other neurodiverse needs
✅ Practical tools you can use immediately at home and in the classroom

Whether you're a parent, preschool teacher or early childhood educator, you'll leave with simple, effective strategies to build calmer relationships and raise emotionally resilient children.

💙 Every challenging behaviour is an opportunity to teach—not punish.

📩 Limited seats available. Register through the link below to secure your place!

https://calendly.com/cheerslearning/cheers-webinar-2026?month=2026-07

13/07/2026

Be honest… which side are you on more often these days? 😅

This image made me think.

Sometimes we search for the “secret” to happiness when it may also be hidden in the little things we repeatedly do:

🌤️ Going outside instead of staying in all day
🚶 Moving instead of remaining inactive
🤝 Collaborating instead of comparing
🌱 Learning from successful people instead of resenting them
💬 Complimenting more than complaining
💡 Looking for solutions instead of reasons things won’t work

Of course, life isn’t this simple, and nobody is positive or happy all the time.

But perhaps happiness isn’t a permanent destination.

Maybe it’s a direction.

❤️ Which side represents you more right now?
💬 And which ONE habit would you like to flip?

Send this to someone who might need the reminder today.

02/06/2026

📱❤️ Raising Children in a Digital World

Singapore has launched a nationwide movement called “Screen Smart From The Start” to support families in building healthy digital habits.

Many parents today face a challenge that previous generations never had: How do we balance technology, learning, entertainment, and family life?

The goal is not to eliminate screens.
The goal is to teach children how to use them wisely.

🌱 Start small:
• No phones during family meals
• Keep devices out of bedrooms at night
• Set family screen boundaries together
• Spend more time connecting than correcting
• Be the role model you hope your child becomes

Children do not need perfect parents.

They need adults who are present, engaged, and willing to guide them through the digital world.

The habits we build today may shape how our children learn, connect, and care for themselves tomorrow. 💛

Discover how to foster healthy digital habits in children with a new portal offering government resources and practical tips for parents. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

22/05/2026

The older you get, the more adulthood feels less about chasing more… and more about protecting your peace. 🌿

As parents, we realise:
A calm home matters.
Good health matters.
Being emotionally present matters.

Sometimes the best gift we can give our children is not perfection — but a parent who is peaceful, rested, and truly there. 💛

09/05/2026

Many parents ask: “Should I see a psychologist or psychiatrist for an ADHD diagnosis?”

Both professionals can help, but their roles are different. Psychologists usually conduct detailed assessments to understand a child’s cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and learning profile. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose and prescribe medication if needed.

Recently, I came across 2 separate cases that made me reflect deeply as a practitioner. One appeared to rely mainly on screening forms for diagnosis, while another involved borderline findings but still received an ADHD label. I truly hope these are isolated situations.

The DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD are actually quite clear. Symptoms should:
• appear across at least 2 settings
• be present since childhood
• significantly affect daily functioning
• not be better explained by other factors such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, intellectual difficulties, medical conditions, or environmental stress

As professionals, we have a duty to assess carefully and explain these criteria clearly to families.

Sometimes, families may understandably hope for a diagnosis for various reasons — exam accommodations, access to support, improving academic functioning, or medication. There are also growing international concerns about stimulant misuse as “study aids”, such as reports emerging from South Korea regarding ADHD medication use among students.

Ultimately, the goal should never simply be obtaining a label. The goal is to understand the child accurately and fairly, so that the support provided truly matches the child’s actual needs.

https://www.straitstimes.com/life/devastated-to-not-have-adhd-is-the-condition-overdiagnosed-in-singapore

https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/08/04/VNTTGIACD5ASJCAMOOY2ND6COU/

Seoul sees ADHD diagnoses surge as medication becomes study aids

01/05/2026

CHEERS to a well-deserved break!

After all the hard work, it’s time to pause, recharge, and take care of yourself.

You’ve earned it.

22/04/2026

Progress isn’t about doing what’s easy—it’s about showing up, even on the hard days.

Some days you’ll feel motivated, other days you won’t. What matters is that you keep going anyway. That’s where real growth happens.

One step at a time. 💛

21/04/2026

Do you sound like this every day?

“Did you pack your bag?”
“Why are you not starting your homework?”
“How many times must I remind you?”

You’re not alone — and your child is not being difficult on purpose.

Many of these behaviours are linked to Executive Function (EF) skills — the brain skills that help children plan, focus, and manage tasks.

Join us on 25 May (Monday), 7-8pm for a complimentary webinar:
Building Executive Function: Skills That Power Learning and Life

In this session (based on the book Smart but Scattered), you’ll learn:
✔ Why your child forgets or delays tasks
✔ How to use simple routines and visual systems at home
✔ Practical ways to help your child become more independent

👩‍⚕️ Speaker: Mrs Lee Ming Ying
Educational Psychologist and Therapist

🎗 Supporting Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF)
💛 Free to attend | Donations optional

Register here: https://calendly.com/cheerslearning/cheers-webinar-2026?month=2026-05

15/04/2026

This post on “focusing on solutions, not problems” resonates with me.

A few nights ago, we took out some old ring puzzles I had bought years back… We were laughing, trying, and gently competing to see who could solve more. It wasn’t just about the puzzles—it was one of those simple, meaningful family moments.

It reminded me of something I often tell my boy: focus on the solution, not the problem.

Whenever he forgets something—his water bottle, book, or wallet—I try not to jump in immediately. Instead, I ask him, “What can you do to solve this?”

We even came up with a little system together—2S3W:
Snack box, Story book, Watch, Wallet, Water bottle.

It works… most days.

Yesterday, he forgot his wallet (again) and I knew he might not have lunch before his after-school activity. I could have rushed it to school—but I didn’t. It felt like one of those small but important moments to let him learn.

That night, as we chatted before bed, he shared that he managed with his snack. Then we gently explored what else he could have done—borrow from a friend, approach a teacher, think ahead next time.

These quiet conversations, these little struggles… they’re shaping him in ways that reminders never could.

As parents, it’s not always easy to hold back. But sometimes, growth happens in the space we choose not to fill. 💛

Focus on the solution, not the problem. The more you dwell on what’s wrong, the less energy you have to fix it. Shift your focus, find the way forward, and t...