Supporting your son

NS is a crucial phase in your son’s life. He will be moving from a cosy home environment to one that requires him to be independent, disciplined and fit.

These are big changes for your son and you can do your part by supporting him during NS. The support and encouragement that you provide will help make his transition from a boy to man an easy and enjoyable one.

Here are a few simple things you can do as a parent:

Before NS

Prepare: a sure way to help your son is to prepare him for NS life. This can be as simple as encouraging him be independent and fit. The earlier he learns these traits the better he will be able to cope with NS life. You can also encourage him to talk to friends or family members who have been through NS to learn from their NS experiences. So start early with this.

The first days

Observe: The first few days or initial weeks of NS are the most crucial. This is the time where your son will most likely feel the impact of the change. Talking to him during this period will give him encouragement to take the change in his stride.

Regular weekends

Converse: NS has much to offer in terms of rich experiences—new people, new practices, new words and new friends. Be a part of your son’s NS life by having a conversation about his NS experiences. This is a good opportunity for you to bond with your son.