The HoneyKids Asia Podcast

Sometimes you just need a break from the city — minus the long flights and jet lag. In this episode, Ange and Andrina share their top five quick getaways from Singapore that are perfect for families. Think Bali villas with private pools, fuss-free ferry trips to Bintan, road-trip fun at Desaru Coast, beach-and-culture adventures in Da Nang, and all the family resorts (plus quirky theme parks!) in Phuket. This is your sign to start planning for the long weekends. Read our list of 15 best places for a short weekend getaway plus, here’s the calendar of holidays you’ll need to pla...

Teens! Not the tiny tots you once knew but not quite the independent adult either! Straddling that in-between stage of childhood and adulthood, finding things they actually want to do, is a whole new adventure. Trust us, we know! In this episode, Ange and Andrina — both navigating their kids’ teenage years — dive into the coolest things to do in Singapore with teens. They talk about everything from graffiti walls at Haji Lane to skateboarding and VR games along Orchard Road. Plus outdoor adventures at Coney Island, Forest Adventure, and more. The best part is, these spots come tried, tested, and ap...

Parents, we feel you! When you’ve been up since the crack of dawn with early risers, that first cup of coffee isn't a want, it’s a NEED! That’s why we’ve rounded up 30 Cafes that open as early as 6am in Singapore, perfect for the much-needed morning pick-me-up. In this episode, Ange and Andrina share their favourite spots for strong brew and hearty bites, alongside a little family-friendly reset to kickstart the day right. 

Time codes:

02:13 - State of Affairs

02:49 - Carrotsticks & Cravings

03:25 - Sarnies

03:52 - Bees Knees...

Is there such a thing as good food or bad food? What if your toddler wants sushi and your 5-year-old is asking for coffee? How can we skip the negotiations and rejections at mealtimes? In this episode of Parenting Playbook, Accredited Practising Dietitian Annabelle Johnson helps us rethink what balanced eating really looks like for kids. We talk about picky eaters, food myths, and how to raise confident eaters without pressure or guilt. From connection at mealtimes to why repeated exposure matters, this episode is packed with practical tips and calm reassurance for every parent navigating the ups and...

“It’s so hard to see our children in pain, and not be able to fix it!” In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Playbook, Mindset Transformation Coach Sofie Hon talks about a life-changing accident that turned her daughter’s life upside down. With her personal experience and the help of neuroscience-backed tools, Sofie shares how parents can support and even rebuild children’s self-confidence, esteem, and emotional resilience, even after traumatic incidents. The greatest lesson is, sometimes, slowing down and showing up with calm, intention, and love.

In today’s digital world, bullying doesn’t just happen behind closed doors, it can even play out online in viral videos and messages, deepening its impact and effects on everyone involved. In the 6th episode of Parenting Playbook, we speak with Dr. Kimberly Chew of AO Psychology (Singapore) to understand the psychological impact of bullying on children – the bullied and the bully. We delve into the nature of today’s bullying and its impact, how parents can recognize the early signs of bullying, and what to do when your child is the bully! We cover practical advice on how to s...

If the viral Netflix show Adolescence left you with more questions than answers, you’re not alone. From the rise of the Manosphere to the coded language teens use online, today’s digital world is complex—and constantly shifting. So fast that parents are not even aware. In this episode of Parenting Playbook, HoneyKids Asia Podcast host Angela Neo chats with Shem Yao from TOUCH Cyber Wellness to unpack today’s digital realities and online subcultures that are shaping our children’s beliefs and behaviours – for better or for worse. He shares how parents of teens can connect meaningfully with their c...

Are you guilty of yelling at your kids? The first step could be understanding your own triggers before addressing your child’s behaviour. Learn practical, guilt-free strategies to stay calm, communicate effectively, and create a more peaceful home. Syazana Hishamuddin, Editor of HoneyKids Asia, chats with Kelly Tay on how to avoid using fear and force so children stay close with family because they want to, not because they feel obliged to. Kelly Tay is a certified parent educator, founder of Juicy Parenting and author of "The World May Say This, But I Believe That" – her distinctly Asian point-of-view makes...

We all want our kids to excel. But how do we do that without teetering on the side of tiger parenting? We chat with Dr. Christina Wong on how to be encouraging parents while being mindful not to impose high expectations on our kids. She is the founder of 10X Study Academy, a platform that has helped hundreds of students study better and smarter to become happier in school and have an improved overall well-being.

Further resources

Featured voices

Have you ever wondered if your child’s constant fidgeting or daydreaming is ADHD — or just a quirky personality? In this episode, we dive into the big question: Is it ADHD or something else?

We’re chatting with Joline Lim, Co-director of Chapter Zero Singapore, the mom of a recently diagnosed ADHD child, and Kavitha Manokaran, a senior clinical psychologist at International Medical Clinic (IMC). Together, we’ll bust myths, dish on real-life stories, and give you practical tips to understand your child’s unique brain better.

Tune in and gain practical tips for understanding ADHD and e...

We understand the FOMO that may arise from tweens and teens seeing their friends have their own smartphones. With advice varying from "Hold off on giving your kids a phone for as long as possible" to "Do you really want your kid to be the 'uncool' one in school?", how do we navigate this? HoneyKids Asia Podcast host Angela Neo chats with Lauren Adlam on navigating this new minefield!

Recommended Readings

Welcome to the HoneyKids Asia Podcast (formerly Growing Pains), your go-to source for all the exciting, family-friendly happenings and more in Singapore! In this episode, Angela and Syaz share top tips for making kiddos’ birthday bash memorable! They dish on the best party venues, from fun arcades to educational centres and more! Plus, they also share their tried-and-tested tricks for hosting the ultimate budget-friendly parties. Fancy some watermelon cake? Tune in for pro tips, party hacks and behind-the-scenes from their party-planning experience.

Time codes:

00:39 - Our favourite kids' birthday party venues in Singapore for every bu...

Singapore has snagged the title of the priciest city this year! No need to stress because in this episode of The HoneyKids Asia Podcast, Ange and Syaz dish out practical family cost-saving tips from the awesome restaurants where kids dine free to budget-savvy tricks while having family fun at the coolest attractions. Discover some insider secrets to wallet-friendly sustainable living, like snagging secondhand treasures for the kiddos, mastering meal planning, and more.

Time codes:

01:23 - Kids eat free: our pick of the best family-friendly restaurant meal deals in Singapore

​​03:20 - Weird and wonderful wild...

In this heartwarming holiday episode of The HoneyKids Asia Podcast, Angela and Syaz dive into the festive spirit, sharing intimate insights into what Christmas means for their families. From cherished traditions to the culinary delights that define the season, the dynamic duo explores the role of food in their celebrations and dishes out tips on making the festivities extra special for their little ones. Tune in as they reflect on the joy of unwinding during this magical time, emphasising the importance of reconnecting with old friends amidst the hustle and bustle. Join them for a festive frolic through the...

Welcome to the HoneyKids Asia Podcast (formerly Growing Pains), your go-to source for all the exciting, family-friendly happenings and more in Singapore! In this episode, join Angela and HoneyKids Asia editor Syaz as they explore the latest kid-friendly events and activities that have just popped up in the city, from the amazing immersive Disney animation experience at Marina Bay Sands and the enchanting Christmas lights around Singapore from Orchard Road to the magical Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay and more exciting events to come! 

Time codes:

00:02 - The Ultimate Guide to the Zoo: K...

(Psst - we've rebranded to The HoneyKids Asia Podcast! Keep following us for the lowdown on all the best things to do in Singapore with your family!)

Wracking your brain for fun things to do with the kids during school holidays? There's no shortage of fun activities in the Little Red Dot, and we chat all about it in this episode! From holiday camps to wildlife sightings, the best staycation hotels and chalets, and even island hopping from Singapore (without passports!) these ideas will get you pumped for the long school break.

Time codes:

Don't we know it, Singapore is H-O-T! So what better way to cool down than with a splash? Did you know water play areas in Singapore are abundant for kiddos (and adults)? From thrilling water parks like Adventure Cove in Sentosa and Wild Wild Wet to hidden gems within shopping malls, discover the perfect places to beat the heat. Join hosts Amanda and Angela as they dish on the best water play areas in Singapore, sharing their tips, plus recommendations and options that won’t cost a thing!

Time codes:

00:56 - The best water parks in...

Sometimes, there's just no time for overseas jaunts. But if you're entertaining family visiting from overseas, you can then lap up the sightseeing opportunities on this island! Join hosts Amanda and Angela as they focus on family-friendly tours. From iconic Big Bus Company adventures to Duck Tours and scenic River Cruises, they've got something for every explorer. Uncover Singapore's heritage, culture and culinary delights with the many heritage and food tours available. 

Time codes:

00:57 - Sightseeing tours in Singapore

04:33 - Guide to Chinatown

Featured voices

Are you searching for exciting ways to entertain your kids in Singapore's scorching weather? In this episode, Amanda and Angela share the coolest indoor activities guaranteed to beat the heat and keep the little ones engaged. Together, they share a range of indoor playgrounds for kids of all ages, from Kidztropic to Timezone arcade and more cool activities for the whole family! Tune in as they uncover the best activities and places to ensure your kids have a fantastic time, even on the hottest days!

Time codes:

00:02 - Indoor activities for kids during hot weather<...

Singapore is packed with diverse attractions, especially fun for the whole family! Tune in to this episode for more on all the fun attractions families shouldn't miss, from Universal Studios to the quirky Haw Par Villa and more. Plus, hosts Angela and Amanda also share some dollar-saving tips when having all this fun! A must-listen for families seeking brand new hot spots and inspiration for weekend adventures. 

Time codes:

00:02 - Popular attractions in Singapore

01:38 - Guide to USS

03:32 - Things to do in Sentosa

Featured voices

Singapore might be a really expensive city, but did you know that having fun with the family doesn't have to cost a thing? We’re talking about all things free and fun in Singapore – think parks with playgrounds, cycling, indoor play areas and more.

Find out more in this mini-episode of Growing Pains, where hosts Angela and Amanda dish on various free or cost-effective activities for families with children in Singapore, known for its high cost of living.

Time codes:

00:02 - Free activities for families in Singapore

00:52 - Free parks with play...

Life as a single mother in Singapore has unique challenges – challenges often hidden from plain sight. From the unrelenting caregiving responsibilities to the weight of financial burdens and the pangs of social isolation, single mothers quietly persevere, often seeking a helping hand that's tough to find.

In the final episode of Growing Pains, we chat with Kanak Muchhal, senior manager of Programmes at Daughters of Tomorrow, a non-profit organisation in Singapore dedicated to lifting the prospects of underprivileged women in Singapore. These resilient women face daunting hurdles, from limited access to education to the relentless grind of hi...

As parents, we all want our kids to grow up confident, secure, and in control of their well-being. But how do we empower them to set boundaries that protect their physical and emotional health?

In this episode of Growing Pains, we dive deep into the art of teaching children to set and maintain healthy boundaries with corporate transformational coach Priyanka Tiku-Gupta. She shares her insights and offers practical tips to help you raise resilient, boundary-savvy children.

Find out how to foster healthy relationships with your children and raise them to be confident, well-adjusted kids.

Even if the world continues to celebrate success and stigmatise failure, we can’t deny the profound importance of embracing setbacks as a crucial stepping stone to personal growth and resilience. How, then, do we encourage our kids to embrace failure? 

In the fifth episode of Growing Pains, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Oi Yee Choo about how she instils critical skills such as resilience, risk-taking, and more in her Gen-Z daughters. 

Find out how to let children experience failure, allow them to take risks, and equipping them with financial literacy.

Further read...

It’s a delicate balance between indulgence and exercise, especially with the kids in tow. Processed food abounds! Amid the hectic schedules, life can get sedentary. Can we really have it all in terms of keeping healthy as a family while still loving the process? 

In the fourth episode of the latest season of Growing Pains, Coach Amanda Lim and Dr Tyler Lim, who jointly run LIFT Clinic, discuss ways to balance healthy eating and exercise as a family and useful tips to make a healthy lifestyle a family affair. 

Discover ways to nurture prenatal fitn...

Pregnancy can be life-changing for most women, especially impacting how women look and feel about themselves! Nothing stays the same, whether it’s the body or lifestyle; how can we consciously navigate these changes while remaining true to our sense of style?

In the third episode of the latest season of Growing Pains, we chat to Biek Speijk, a wardrobe whisperer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She shares ways to make conscious fashion choices and elevate how you feel in your clothing post-pregnancy and beyond.

Discover some meaningful insights on finding out...

We think teens are scary, but adolescence is a bit of a roller coaster ride, especially in this digital age. Today we face other kinds of issues, especially as we navigate the aftermath of the pandemic and the rise of social media. There are new challenges when parenting teens; at the forefront is how these challenges impact their mental health.

In the second episode of the latest season of Growing Pains, Dr Neil Forrest of Osler Health International shares how parents can help teens struggling with their mental health. 

Discover some meaningful insights on how t...

In a world where screens have become companions, and digital devices shape the way we learn and connect, parenting in the digital age presents a unique set of challenges.

In the first episode of the latest season of Growing Pains, Shem Yao, manager for the Digital Wellness department at TOUCH Wellness Group, joins host Angela Neo to discuss the art of raising children in the digital age.

Discover the secrets to setting healthy boundaries for your kids' tech use while safeguarding their well-being as we discuss how parents can navigate the world of screen time...

In the final episode of this season, we chat with Alsen S/O Chanamuto, Schools Engagement Manager of Dads for Life and Centre for Fathering and a father of three. We want to learn more about modern dads – are they really the best generation of fathers? About our guest – Alsen S/O Chanamuto Before joining […]

In the final episode of this season, we chat with Alsen S/O Chanamuto, Schools Engagement Manager of Dads for Life and Centre for Fathering and a father of three. We want to learn more about modern dads – are they really the best generation of fathers?

About our guest – Alsen S/O Chanamuto

Before joining Dads for Life as its Schools Engagement Manager, Alsen was a primary school teacher. It’s due to his love of mentoring younger fathers that led him to where he is today. Centre for Fathering is a non-profit organisation that inspires...

In this episode, we’re talking to Francesca Tanmizi, an influencer and a mother of one. We want to learn how she raises her influencer baby – the highs, lows, and everything in between. About our guest – Francesca Tanmizi Francesca Tanmizi is mum to Evee and the influencer behind the hugely successful Instagram and TikTok […]

In the sixth episode of our podcast, we chat with Clement Tan, spokesperson for Pink Dot SG. We want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore and how to ally with them. About our guest – Clement Tan Clement Tan has been the spokesperson for Pink Dot SG since 2019. The non-profit movement, […]

In the fifth episode of Growing Pains Season 3, we chat with Tan Joo Hymn, Project Director of Aware Singapore’s Birds & Bees programme and a mum of three. We want to know more about sex and sexuality education in Singapore. About our guest – Tan Joo Hymn Before becoming the project director for Aware’s […]

In the fourth episode of Growing Pains Season 3, we chat with Dipak Natali, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Asia Pacific, and mum-of-three, Noraini Amin. Noraini is mum to Hadbaa, who has intellectual disabilities. We want to learn more about parenting children with intellectual disabilities, parents’ challenges, and the importance of early […]

In the third episode of Growing Pains Season 3, we chat with Shireena Shroff Manchharam, creator of Getting To Happy and a mum of two. We want to know – is happiness really in our own hands, or is it just another lofty, elusive life pursuit? About our guest – Shireena Shroff Manchharam Would you […]

In this episode of the Growing Pains podcast, we talk to Chantel Kismet, founder of Blooming Births and a mum of one, and ask her everything from fertility journeys and giving birth to postpartum support. About our guest – Chantel Kismet Having been through a traumatic birth experience herself, Chantel found her passion and set […]

In this episode of the Growing Pains podcast, we talk to Chantel Kismet, founder of Blooming Births and a mum of one, and ask her everything from fertility journeys and giving birth to postpartum support. About our guest – Chantel Kismet Having been through a traumatic birth experience herself, Chantel found her passion and set […]

In the first episode of Growing Pains Season 3, we chat with Steph Dickson, founder of Green is the New Black. We want to learn more about eco-anxiety – what it is all about, how it affects kids, and what can be done to alleviate it. About our guest – Steph Dickson Steph Dickson used […]

In the eighth (AKA final!) episode of Growing Pains Season 2, we chat with the one and only Chris Edwards, mum of three children and founder of HoneyKids Asia, your favourite parenting website! We want to find out more about this original HoneyKids mummy. About our guest – Chris Edwards She is the boss that […]

In the seventh episode of Growing Pains Season 2, we chat with Rachel Lim, mum of one little boy and the founder of the hugely successful local womenswear brand Love, Bonito. We talk about the importance of self-love and how to make time for yourself alongside playing the role of mum. About the guest – […]