It was a miniature town with a local flavour. There were familiar looking eateries, shops, banks, schools, a hotel, a newspaper office, a radio station, a theatre, a police station and a hospital. More than 500 SAFRA members and their families enjoyed themselves as they experienced realistic role-play of careers at a fun and educational SAFRA Family Day Out at KidZania Singapore on 1 Sep. There was a special Formula One theme that saw families teaming up to race around the mini city in little go-karts.

Located at Palawan Beach on Sentosa, KidZania Singapore offers children real-life experiences through role-playing activities in an 81,000sqf kid-size city, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles and a functioning economy. Through realistic scenarios, they learnt about different careers, the inner workings of a city, and the concept of managing money. By doing so, they can develop life skills such as handling responsibility and gaining confidence.

Usually, children are encouraged to explore KidZania independently. At SAFRA Family Day Out, however, they were able to share their unique learning experiences with parents and extended family. Some of these life-like experiences included responding to a “fire” at the local hotel as firemen, piloting a plane, performing surgery, making deliveries as couriers, preparing meals at fast-food restaurants, and hosting radio programmes. In between taking up various careers, SAFRA members and their families got to enjoy live dance performances, collect mementos at the photo booth, and create photo frames with ice cream sticks or string hama beads together at craft stations.

There was also a colouring contest portion of the Families For Life activities for all to participate in, and a best-dressed family competition for the participants with the best-themed outfits. Sales manager Sean Ang, 41, who was at the event with his wife and daughter, was glad to be able to join in the fun. “This is the third time we have brought our daughter here, but the first time my wife and I could participate as well,” he said. Billy Neo, an engineer who wore matching Ferrari red T-shirts with his son as they raced along the streets, also called it a “rare opportunity” for families.

“Usually, the parents only just observe,” said Neo, who was with his wife and two sons aged four and seven. “It was great to spend time bonding today.”

It’s natural for parents to want their children to be confident. Confidence doesn’t come from never failing but from persevering to overcome failure. Besides support and protection, give your kids enough independence to try their best.

1. Give them responsibilities

Get your children to help with a meal or take care of a younger sibling. When they are able to fulfil their tasks, it boosts their self-worth and confidence. They will feel that they have an integral role to play in the family.

2. Ask for their opinion

It can be something as simple as planning dinner or reviewing a certain family rule. Letting your children know that their opinions matter gives them belief that they are able to impact the world around them.

3. Focus on the process

Remind your children that life is not about pursuing perfection but about making progress. We are all continually learning new life skills and that takes effort. Praise your children for putting in effort and making improvements. For more creative ideas and useful tips on parenting, please visit www.familiesforlife.sg.

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Graphic designer Hadi Masron, 47, enjoys meeting people. A SAFRA member for 15 years, he also loves the outdoors. His passion for adventure sports first started in 2000, and he now enjoys a wide range of activities. “To name some, the outdoor sports I enjoy are trekking, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, inline skating, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, windsurfing, swimming and orienteering,” he said. He added that he regularly utilises his lunchtime for physical training. It comes as no surprise, then, that the father of two became a SAFRA volunteer – a committee member with the SAFRA Adventure Club – last year.

The club, which inaugurated in 1989, has been organising trips and activities for SAFRA members with a love of rugged adventures, at all skill levels, for nearly 30 years now. Some of these trips have included visits to rivers, trails, waterfalls, dive sites and peaks throughout the region, such as in Malaysia and Indonesia, and as far away as Nepal. Back home, activities are also being organised all over Singapore, including at the SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre located at SAFRA Yishun.

A first-time volunteer, Hadi says that he has found his experience rewarding so far. “I get to share my knowledge with the committee and with the club’s members.” While balancing work and family with volunteering has its challenges, Hadi is not complaining, saying that there are “great benefits” to being in his position, busy as it may be.

Benefits such as meeting fellow adventure addicts, and being able to organise and take part in thrilling outdoor activities that he loves, which make it all worthwhile. Hadi said his best memories with the SAFRA Adventure Club so far have been participating in the club’s activities with fun and games fit for the family.

“My friends and family are involved in my favourite [outdoor] activities too,” he explained, adding that his children, aged nine and 10, also share his love of biking, swimming, trekking, rock climbing and inline skating.

“[The club] is a channel for me, and other volunteers, to impart knowledge and ideas to create even better events and activities for NSmen and their families.”

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