NDP 2023: Teachable Moments For Kids
You’re not just there for the firearms and fireworks, right?
By Ng Mei Yan -
As a family, we’ve always been enthralled by the National Day Parade. Every year, we would sit in anticipation in front of the TV and marvel at the aerial displays and choreography and sing along to the familiar tunes.
This year, I was lucky enough to score two tickets to a preview of the NDP and was only too happy to take my middle child (a P1 student) with me. It’s forever since we’ve had quality one-on-one time together.
We arrived at the Padang in high spirits, looking forward to an evening of bright lights, karaoke-worthy singalongs and jaw-dropping aerial displays—and we were not disappointed.
What was pleasantly surprising: the teachable moments that presented themselves throughout the three-hour event. Not only did my child wind up with a greater appreciation of our national identity, but we both walked away with a bunch of thoughts to reflect on.
1. It takes a whole village (and some) to put together a world-class production like the NDP
In the age of YouTube and streaming services, we get to enjoy amazing screen productions at any time of the day. I have noticed that my kids can sometimes underestimate the amount of work that’s needed to truly entertain an audience. “I want to be a YouTuber in future and show people how to play video games!” my eldest often declares, to my rolling eyes.
“Mama, why are the soldiers holding guns when we’re not going to fight?” my son asked in earnest. He has a mother who bans toy guns at home; my husband and I have always shared with our children the traumatic consequences of willful or reckless use of firearms.
I had to pause for a minute to choose my words. While guns are never my weapon of choice, I concede to their necessity, albeit with the highest and noblest of intentions. Being prepared to protect the nation (and our people) involves mastery of arms, a responsibility that no soldier takes lightly.
I’m not sure how much he understood but it’s okay, for now. At the very least, I know he understands that being born and bred in Singapore has put us in a privileged position. One day, when he’s old enough, he’ll find his own way to give back to this safe and warm haven that we call home.