Weekly Blog for a family man in Singapore

Hi, I’m James, the writer behind Lew Wen Wan Blog. I started this blog to share practical tips on personal finance, career growth, online business ideas, and lifestyle in Singapore. Here, you’ll find: 1. Actionable guides on saving, investing, and building side income. 2. Honest thoughts on health, career, and family life in Singapore. 3. My own journey towards financial independence and balanced living. Thanks for visiting, and I hope you’ll find ideas here that inspire your next step.

Discover Singapore in 2025: Your Ultimate Calendar of Events and Activities

Singapore is a city that never sleeps, offering year-round activities, festivals, and experiences for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re a family looking for fun, a culture enthusiast, or a thrill-seeker, 2025 in Singapore promises an exciting lineup of events. Planning ahead for 2026? Here’s a detailed look at what’s on in 2025, month by month, so you can map out your adventures.

January – Kickstart the Year with Arts & Culture

Singapore Art Week 2025: This annual festival transforms the city into a hub of visual arts. Expect exhibitions, installations, and workshops across multiple galleries.
Chinese New Year Festivities: Ring in the lunar new year with street bazaars, lion dances, and the famous Chingay Parade, a vibrant celebration of Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

February – Culture, Parades & Performing Arts

Chingay Parade 2025: Don’t miss this grand parade featuring colorful floats, performers, and cultural showcases.
Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) 2025: A month of contemporary performing arts, including theatre, music, and dance performances across the city.

March – Family Entertainment

Disney On Ice: Magical Stars 2025: A magical ice-skating show featuring your favorite Disney characters. Perfect for families.
PAW Patrol Live!: Interactive stage performance for kids, bringing Adventure Bay to life on stage.

April – Lights, Sustainability & Nature

i Light Singapore 2025: Sustainable light art festival at Marina Bay with interactive installations and projections.
Earth Day Events: Parks and nature centers host workshops and eco-friendly activities for the whole family.

May – Gardens & Heritage

Singapore Garden Festival 2025: Explore stunning garden displays, floral artistry, and horticulture workshops.
Museum Exhibitions: The National Gallery and Asian Civilisations Museum offer special exhibitions for heritage enthusiasts.

June – Business, Innovation & Trade

World Cities Summit 2025: International summit focusing on sustainable urban development and smart cities.
Asia Pacific Maritime 2025: Premier trade exhibition for maritime industry professionals.

July – Food, Music & Festivals

Singapore Food Festival 2025: Celebrate local cuisine with tasting events, cooking workshops, and hawker highlights.
ZoukOut 2025: Beachside music festival with international DJs, perfect for nightlife lovers.

August – National Pride & Night Festivals

National Day Parade 2025: Singapore’s grand celebration with performances, fireworks, and flypasts.
Singapore Night Festival 2025: Interactive art installations, performances, and light displays in the Bras Basah-Bugis district.

September – Thrills & Photography

Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025: High-speed excitement on Marina Bay’s street circuit, plus concerts and entertainment.
Singapore International Photography Festival: Exhibition showcasing works from local and international photographers.

October – Halloween & Deepavali

Halloween Events: Trick-or-treat, haunted houses, and themed entertainment at Sentosa and Universal Studios.
Deepavali Celebrations: Little India lights up with colorful decorations, cultural performances, and festive markets.

November – Maritime & Festive Kickoff

Maritime Week 2025: Seminars, exhibitions, and networking events for the maritime industry.
Christmas Markets Begin: Orchard Road and Marina Bay are adorned with festive lights and markets.

December – Holiday Cheer & Year-End Fun

Christmas Wonderland 2025: Gardens by the Bay features spectacular light displays, festive food, and family-friendly entertainment.
New Year Countdown 2026: Celebrate with fireworks, music, and street parties at Marina Bay.

Year-Round Attractions

Don’t forget Singapore’s iconic attractions:

Sentosa Island: Adventure parks, beaches, and water sports.
Universal Studios Singapore: Rides, shows, and seasonal events.
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari: Wildlife experiences with seasonal programs.
Gardens by the Bay: Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and light displays.
ArtScience Museum & National Gallery: Continuous rotating exhibitions.

2025 Singapore Events Calendar – Plan Your 2026 Trips

Month	Key Events	Venue / Area	Category
Jan	Singapore Art Week	Citywide	Arts & Culture
Jan/Feb	Chinese New Year & Chingay Parade	Chinatown / City	Culture & Family
Feb	SIFA 2025	City theatres	Performing Arts
Mar	Disney On Ice	Indoor Stadium	Family Entertainment
Mar	PAW Patrol Live!	Indoor Theatre	Family Entertainment
Apr	i Light Singapore	Marina Bay	Light Art / Sustainability
Apr	Earth Day Activities	Parks / Nature Reserves	Family / Nature
May	Singapore Garden Festival	Gardens / Expo	Nature & Horticulture
May	Museum Exhibitions	National Gallery / ACM	Arts & Heritage
Jun	World Cities Summit	Marina Bay Sands	Business / Innovation
Jun	Asia Pacific Maritime	EXPO	Trade / Industry
Jul	Singapore Food Festival	Citywide / Hawker Centres	Food & Culture
Jul	ZoukOut	Sentosa Beach	Music / Festival
Aug	National Day Parade	Marina Bay	National Celebration
Aug	Singapore Night Festival	Bras Basah-Bugis	Arts & Nightlife
Sep	F1 Singapore Grand Prix	Marina Bay Circuit	Sports / Entertainment
Sep	Photography Festival	City Galleries	Arts & Culture
Oct	Halloween Events	Sentosa / Universal Studios	Family / Festival
Oct	Deepavali Celebrations	Little India	Culture & Family
Nov	Maritime Week	EXPO	Trade / Industry
Nov	Christmas Market Kickoff	Orchard Road / Marina Bay	Family / Festive
Dec	Christmas Wonderland	Gardens by the Bay	Family / Festival
Dec	New Year Countdown	Marina Bay	Celebration / Entertainment

Singapore is a city of endless excitement, blending tradition, modernity, and creativity. Whether you’re planning your 2026 trips or exploring locally, this 2025 calendar ensures you don’t miss out on the best experiences.

5 Habits I Am Cultivating in 2026 for Personal Growth

5 Habits I am continuing and cultivating going forward to 2026

Exercise is the foundation of everything else I want to improve. When my body is weak, tired, or neglected, everything else in my life suffers — my focus, my patience, my motivation, and even my relationships.

That is why in 2026, I am committing to 300 minutes of exercise every single week.

What 300 Minutes Means for Me

300 minutes may sound intimidating, but when I break it down, it becomes manageable:

About 40–45 minutes a day, or
Five 60-minute sessions per week, or
A mix of longer and shorter workouts depending on my schedule

The key is flexibility. I don’t restrict myself to one type of exercise. My weekly routine can include:

Jogging
Strength training
Sports or functional training
Stretching and mobility work

As long as I move my body with intention, it counts.

Why This Habit Matters to My Growth

When I exercise consistently:

My energy improves — I feel more alive during the day.
My discipline strengthens — showing up builds mental toughness.
My stress decreases — exercise becomes my pressure valve.

I’ve noticed that when I skip exercise for long periods, my productivity drops and my mood worsens. This habit is not optional; it is foundational.

How I Plan to Stay Consistent

I schedule workouts into my calendar like meetings
I track my minutes weekly
I vary intensity to avoid burnout
I focus on consistency, not perfection

In 2026, exercise is no longer about looks or weight. It is about showing up for my future self.

I am looking at improving my 10km run timing to under 50mins. I did under 60mins for 2025 at the POSB run. I am looking forward to improve my time for next year Nov 2026.

Habit #2 — I Read One Book Every Week

Reading has quietly shaped the way I think more than almost anything else in my life. Books expose me to ideas, experiences, and perspectives far beyond my own.

In 2026, I am committing to reading one book every week.

Why Reading Weekly Is Important to Me

When I read consistently:

My thinking becomes clearer
My vocabulary improves
My communication gets sharper
My curiosity stays alive

Reading allows me to learn directly from people I may never meet — leaders, thinkers, researchers, and storytellers.

How I Make Weekly Reading Possible

Instead of overwhelming myself, I break it down:

I read 40–50 pages a day
I use audiobooks during commutes
I rotate between fiction and non-fiction

I don’t aim to read for speed. I read for understanding and application.

What I Read

My reading list usually includes:

Personal development
Business and finance
Psychology and human behavior
Biographies
Fiction that builds empathy and imagination

After finishing each book, I write down key lessons or ideas that stood out to me. Sometimes these reflections even turn into blog posts. I strive to have micro improvements each day. This will accumulate over time.

Habit #3 — I Write on My Blog Every Week

Writing is how I make sense of my thoughts. Blogging forces me to slow down, reflect, and organize what I’ve learned.

In 2026, I am committing to writing and publishing on my blog every single week.

Why Weekly Blogging Matters to Me

When I write consistently:

My thinking becomes clearer
My communication improves
I document my growth journey
I build a personal knowledge archive

This blog is not about being perfect or viral. It is about being consistent and honest.

What I Write About

I write about:

Lessons I learn from books
My exercise and health journey
Family reflections
Financial lessons
Side hustle experiments
Personal challenges and insights

Every post is a snapshot of who I am at that moment in time.

How I Keep Blogging Sustainable

I write first, edit later
I keep a running list of topic ideas
I set aside a fixed weekly writing time
I focus on progress, not polish

Over time, these weekly posts compound into something powerful — clarity, confidence, and a voice.

Habit #4 — I Spend Intentional Time with My Family Every Month

No matter how much I grow personally or professionally, it means very little if my relationships suffer.

In 2026, I am making it a priority to spend intentional, quality time with my family every month.

What Quality Time Means to Me

Quality time is not about being in the same room. It is about being present.

This can include:

Family outings or short trips
Shared meals without distractions
Game nights
Long conversations
Trying something new together

Even a few hours of true presence can strengthen bonds.

Why This Habit Is Critical

Spending time with my family:

Grounds me emotionally
Reduces stress
Strengthens trust and connection
Reminds me why I work and grow

These moments become memories, and memories shape a meaningful life.

How I Protect This Time

I schedule family time in advance
I turn off my phone during activities
I let everyone have a voice in planning

In a fast-moving world, choosing family is a deliberate act.

Habit #5 — I Research and Build a Side Hustle Every Month

Relying on a single source of income no longer feels safe or sufficient to me. In 2026, I am actively researching and developing side hustles that generate extra income every month.

Why Side Hustles Matter to Me

Side hustles give me:

Financial security
Skill diversification
Confidence
Future options

This is not about overnight success. It is about steady progress.

How I Approach Side Hustle Research

Every month, I:

List my skills and interests
Research market demand
Study what others are doing successfully
Test small ideas
Learn from failures and adjust

Side Hustles I Explore

Some areas I research include:

Blogging income
Freelancing
Carousell Selling
Content creation
Consulting or teaching
Investments for passive income

The goal is simple: earn extra income while learning valuable skills.

How These 5 Habits Work Together

These habits are not separate. They support each other:

Exercise gives me energy to read and write
Reading gives me ideas to blog
Blogging sharpens my thinking
Family time keeps me grounded
Side hustles build financial resilience

Together, they form a balanced growth system.

My 2026 Personal Growth Commitment

In 2026, I am not chasing perfection. I am choosing consistency.

Week by week, month by month, these habits will shape who I become.

If you are reading this and reflecting on your own growth, I encourage you to ask yourself:

What habits do I want to carry into the next year?
What am I willing to commit to consistently?

Growth does not happen by accident. It happens by design.

This is my design for 2026.

Where to Volunteer in Singapore to Work with Youth: Turning Training into Real Impact

Introduction: From Learning to Living the Mission

After completing our two-day “Working with Youth” course at Breakthrough Academy, both of us — James and Yuli — walked away inspired, equipped, and eager to apply what we had learned.

We now understood the importance of empathy, listening, and empowerment in connecting with young people. But one question remained:
Where can we practise these skills and make a real difference in the lives of youth?

Singapore, though small, has a vibrant network of youth-focused organisations — from community-based initiatives to national programmes — all seeking passionate volunteers. Whether your strengths lie in mentoring, coaching, event planning, or simply being a positive presence, there’s a place for you.

In this blog, we’ll share some of the best places to volunteer and practise youth-work skills in Singapore, along with the kind of experiences you can expect.

1. Youth Corps Singapore — The National Platform for Youth Volunteerism

Website: www.youthcorps.gov.sg

If you’re looking for a structured, well-supported way to start, Youth Corps Singapore (YCS) — under the National Youth Council — is an excellent place.

YCS partners with schools, community organisations, and government agencies to organise projects in areas like youth mentorship, mental wellness, and community inclusion.

Why it’s great for practising youth work skills:

You’ll meet diverse groups of youth from various backgrounds.
You can volunteer in mentorship programmes, youth dialogue sessions, or community service projects.
You’ll gain exposure to planning, facilitation, and teamwork.

Example roles:

Youth Corps Leaders: Plan and lead community initiatives.
Mentors: Guide younger participants through structured projects.
Workshop facilitators: Conduct sessions on topics like resilience, empathy, or leadership.

What we love:
YCS emphasises reflection and personal growth — exactly what our Breakthrough Academy training focused on. Every project ends with a debrief, helping you internalise lessons from the youth you serve.

2. Singapore Children’s Society — Empowering Youth through Support and Counselling

Website: www.childrensociety.org.sg

Founded in 1952, the Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) runs several youth centres across Singapore — including the Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh, and Jurong Youth Centres. Their mission: to help at-risk youth, support families in need, and provide counselling.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Youth mentors: Spend time with youths aged 12–18 through study support, games, or goal-setting sessions.
Workshop facilitators: Conduct life-skills workshops on communication, conflict management, and emotional wellness.
Programme assistants: Support staff in running youth development activities.

Why it’s ideal for applying youth-work training:
The environment is real — you’ll interact with youths facing challenges such as school absenteeism, family conflict, or self-esteem issues. It’s where you can truly practise “connection before correction.”

Tip:
Volunteers usually undergo a short induction or orientation before joining. Having some prior training, like the one we took, gives you a definite edge.

3. Boys’ Town — Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Families

Website: www.boystown.org.sg

Boys’ Town serves children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds — including those with behavioural issues, neglect, or trauma. Their services span residential care, fostering, street outreach, and adventure-based learning.

Volunteer roles:

Mentor or buddy: Support youth through friendship, outings, and listening.
Skill-based volunteer: Teach life or vocational skills — like cooking, computer use, or sports.
Event helper: Assist in camps or community engagement programmes.

What makes it special:
Boys’ Town provides a real-world environment to apply active listening, empathy, and behavioural management techniques. You’ll work alongside trained social workers and youth officers — an invaluable learning experience.

Commitment level:
Moderate to high — volunteers usually commit for 6–12 months to ensure continuity for the youths.

4. TOUCH Youth — Reaching Youth Where They Are

Website: www.touch.org.sg](https://www.touch.org.sg/youth)

Part of the TOUCH Community Services network, TOUCH Youth focuses on helping young people overcome social and emotional struggles. Their programmes include:

School-based talks and workshops
Cyber wellness education
Youth mental health support
Drop-in centres for community engagement

Roles for volunteers:

Assist in youth outreach events in schools or online.
Facilitate discussions about digital well-being and mental health.
Be a peer supporter or event volunteer during community roadshows.

What you’ll learn:
You’ll develop your coaching and facilitation skills while engaging youths in meaningful dialogue. TOUCH’s programmes often involve digital media, so it’s a great fit if you’re comfortable working with technology and social platforms.

5. Fei Yue Community Services — Building Bridges Across Generations

Website: www.fycs.org

Fei Yue runs multiple Family and Youth Centres that serve as safe spaces for young people needing emotional or practical support. Their programmes range from youth counselling and drop-in activities to school partnerships and leadership workshops.

Volunteer options include:

Mentorship: Support secondary school students through goal-setting and positive habits.
Programme assistance: Help with weekly youth activities like art, music, or sports.
Event volunteering: Join outreach projects during holidays and festivals.

Why it stands out:
Fei Yue integrates youth work into the wider context of family and community — helping you see the bigger ecosystem that supports youth development.

For those interested in moving into professional youth work later, Fei Yue is a great entry point to learn from social workers and counsellors.

6. REACH Youth Powerhouse — Empowering Youth from the Heartlands

Website: www.reach.org.sg

Located in the western part of Singapore, REACH Youth Powerhouse focuses on empowering at-risk youth through mentorship, sports, and experiential learning.

Volunteer opportunities:

After-school mentor: Engage youths through study sessions, games, or simply conversations.
Sports volunteer: Lead activities like basketball or futsal while building teamwork and discipline.
Camp facilitator: Help run youth adventure camps and team-building programmes.

Why it’s meaningful:
You’ll experience the energy and unpredictability of working with youths from diverse neighbourhoods. It’s hands-on, heart-driven, and deeply rewarding.

7. Beyond Social Services — Preventing Youth Delinquency

Website: www.beyond.org.sg

Beyond Social Services is well known for its work with youth from low-income families and high-risk backgrounds. Their mission is to help children and youths break free from the poverty cycle through community support and mentoring.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Youth engagement volunteer: Conduct enrichment activities at rental flats or youth hangouts.
Homework buddy: Tutor and motivate young students.
Community facilitator: Help youths plan and run neighbourhood projects.

Why it’s perfect for practising your skills:
You’ll apply active listening, boundary-setting, and empathy daily. The organisation’s philosophy — “build relationships before interventions” — echoes everything we learned at Breakthrough Academy.

8. Mentoring Organizations: Be That Voice of Guidance

If you’re drawn specifically to mentorship rather than group facilitation, consider these:

Mentor Me Singapore (mentorme.sg) – Connects adult mentors with youths seeking guidance in career or life direction.
CampusImpact (campusimpact.org.sg) – Provides mentoring and character development programmes in schools.
Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support (babes.org.sg) – Supports young women in pregnancy crises through mentoring and friendship.

These roles rely heavily on one-to-one communication, giving you space to refine listening, empathy, and goal-setting skills.

9. Religious and Community-Based Organisations

Many faith-based and grassroots organisations also offer opportunities to serve youth:

Church youth ministries (e.g., Hope Church, City Harvest, Cornerstone) often run weekly youth groups needing mentors and small-group leaders.
Mosques and Temples host youth wings or outreach programmes.
Community Centres (CCs) under People’s Association (PA) frequently recruit volunteers for youth interest groups, leadership camps, and community events.

These are excellent spaces to practise group facilitation, event organisation, and emotional support.

10. How to Get Started

If you’re new to volunteering, here’s a simple plan to begin:

Identify your interest area – Mentorship? Education? Counselling? Sports?
Start small – Commit to one day a week or one event per month.
Apply online – Most organisations have volunteer sign-up forms.
Attend orientation – You’ll learn about safeguarding and confidentiality.
Reflect after each session – Keep a journal on what went well, what you learned, and how you can improve.

Remember, consistency matters more than charisma. Youths value presence and sincerity over perfection.

Conclusion: Turning Compassion into Consistent Action

The greatest lesson from our training at Breakthrough Academy was this — youth work starts from the heart.

Singapore offers countless avenues to apply what we’ve learned: mentoring in Children’s Society, facilitating in Youth Corps, or listening in Boys’ Town. Each setting will test and stretch your empathy, patience, and communication — but it will also fill you with meaning.

When you invest time in youth, you’re investing in the future of society. Whether you choose to serve weekly, monthly, or during special projects, your presence can spark transformation.

As we discovered firsthand, breakthroughs happen one conversation at a time.

Our Journey Through the “Working With Youth” Course at Breakthrough Academy

Introduction: Stepping Into a New Calling

When we first signed up for the “Working with Youth” course at Breakthrough Academy, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Both of us, James and Yuli, hope to get some insights to connect with our daughters.

But we also knew that working with youth is not simply about giving advice. It’s about listening deeply, building trust, understanding the complex emotions behind their words (and silences), and creating safe spaces where they can grow.

The two-day training turned out to be far more transformative than we imagined — not only equipping us with techniques and frameworks, but also helping us look inward, re-examine our own mindsets, and see how our personal stories can inspire the next generation.

Here’s our journey, day by day, through an immersive and eye-opening experience at Breakthrough Academy.

Day 1: Understanding Youth and Building Connection

1. The Icebreaker – Entering Their World

The course began with something simple — a circle of chairs, a whiteboard, and a room full of eager faces. Our trainer, Coach Glenn Lim, started with an icebreaker called "brief introduction of yourself"

Coach Glenn Lim explained that when working with youth, connection precedes correction. We can’t expect to influence or guide someone until they feel seen, heard, and understood.

2. Understanding Youth Development Stages

The first session introduced the five stages of youth development, from early adolescence to young adulthood. We discussed:

Identity Formation (7 - 12 years) — where self-image and belonging are central.
Autonomy vs. Dependence (13 - 18 years) — where young people crave freedom yet still need guidance.
Purpose and Direction (18 –23 years) — where career, relationships, and self-worth take shape.

It was eye-opening to realize how different motivations and fears drive each age group. Many youths we encounter in schools, community centers, or church groups are wrestling not with “disobedience” but with uncertainty about identity and belonging.

3. The Power of Active Listening

Our next module focused on communication skills — specifically, active listening.

Coach Michael gave us a challenge: “For the next five minutes, pair up and listen without interrupting, judging, or offering advice.”

It sounded easy — until we tried it.

James paired up with Yuli. Yuli shared about a challenging youth she once mentored — a 16-year-old who refused to engage in any group activity. The instinct was to jump in and offer solutions (“Maybe you should try…”), but the exercise forced us to hold back and listen with empathy instead of ego.

We learned the “3 A’s of Active Listening”:

Attention – Be fully present.
Acknowledgment – Reflect what you hear.
Acceptance – Withhold judgment.

By the end, Yuli shared that she felt “heard for the first time.” That’s the power we often forget when dealing with young people who feel misunderstood.

Day 1 Role Play: Breaking Down Barriers

After lunch, we moved into role play scenarios — one of the most powerful segments of the entire program.

We were divided into small groups. Each team received a scenario drawn from real-life youth counseling situations.

Scenario 1:
A 15-year-old student, Marcus, has been skipping classes and shows signs of anger during group sessions.

James volunteered to play Marcus, while Yuli took the role of the youth mentor.

At first, the conversation was awkward:
Yuli (mentor): “Marcus, why are you skipping school?”
James (Marcus): “Because it’s boring. No one cares about me there.”

Coach Michael stopped the role play. He explained that our first question often determines the direction of trust. Instead of focusing on “why,” which can sound accusatory, we can ask “what’s been happening?” or “how have you been feeling about school lately?”

We restarted.
Yuli: “Marcus, what’s been happening lately? I noticed you haven’t been in class.”
James: “I don’t know… things at home are messy.”
Yuli: “Sounds like a lot’s going on. Want to talk about it?”

The difference was night and day. The atmosphere softened. The wall between “mentor” and “youth” began to dissolve.

That was the first major breakthrough of the course — realizing that the right question can open doors to trust.

Day 2: Guiding, Empowering, and Managing Behavior

1. Understanding Youth Challenges Today

Day 2 began with a deep dive into the modern challenges youth face — far beyond what we experienced growing up.

We explored:

Social media pressure and body image
Family breakdowns and absent parenting
Anxiety, depression, and academic stress
Identity confusion in a hyper-connected world

Coach Glenn Lim reminded us that today’s youth are not “weak” — they are overwhelmed by noise and expectations. Our job as youth workers is not to solve all their problems, but to be a stabilizing presence amid their storms.

He shared a key framework:

“When youth act out, they’re not trying to give you a hard time — they’re having a hard time.”

That line stuck with us. It reframed the entire way we view “difficult” behavior.

2. Coaching vs. Teaching: Empowerment over Instruction

Next, we learned the difference between teaching and coaching:

Teaching	Coaching
Focuses on giving answers	Focuses on drawing out insights
One-way (expert to learner)	Two-way (collaboration)
Outcome: Knowledge	Outcome: Growth and ownership

We practiced the GROW model of coaching, which stands for:

Goal – What do you want to achieve?
Reality – What’s happening now?
Options – What could you do?
Way forward – What will you do next?

Yuli coached James through a real-life example:
James had a youth who constantly gave up on challenges. Using GROW, Yuli asked:

“What would success look like for you in this situation?”
“What’s holding you back from trying again?”
“What small step could you take this week?”

Instead of lecturing, the questions helped the “youth” (James) arrive at his own realization — that progress, not perfection, matters.

That was another breakthrough moment for us. We understood that empowerment comes when we stop being problem-solvers and start being partners in growth.

3. Handling Difficult Youth Behavior

Afternoon sessions shifted toward behavior management techniques.

We explored the ABC model of behavior:

A – Antecedent: What triggers the behavior?
B – Behavior: What exactly happens?
C – Consequence: What follows after?

Through case studies, we analyzed real examples like:

A youth constantly using sarcasm.
A participant refusing to engage in group games.
A teen getting defensive when corrected.

Each situation required not punishment, but understanding the root cause.

Coach Glenn emphasized “respond, don’t react.”
He showed how calmness and consistency build credibility — traits youth respect far more than authority.

Day 2 Role Play: The Turning Point

Our final role play was a simulation titled “The Confrontation.”

Scenario:
A youth, Nicole, repeatedly interrupts others during group sharing. The mentor must address the behavior while maintaining rapport.

This time, James played the mentor and Yuli played Nicole.

James began by using the “sandwich method”:

Start with appreciation
Address the issue
End with encouragement

“Nicole, I really love how passionate you are in group discussions. You bring great energy. I just noticed that sometimes others don’t get to share as much because you’re excited to speak — maybe we can find a way to balance it so everyone has a voice. You’ve got strong leadership qualities, and I think others can learn from you too.”

Yuli smiled and nodded. “Okay, I didn’t notice that, but yeah, I can try.”

The whole class applauded — not because it was perfect, but because it reflected grace, empathy, and respect — the essence of working with youth.

4. The Reflection Circle: What We Gained

At the end of Day 2, we sat in a reflection circle — lights dimmed, soft music playing, each participant sharing what they learned.

Here are our takeaways:

James’ Reflection:

“I came in thinking youth work was about giving guidance. But I learned it’s more about listening, empowering, and believing in young people even when they don’t believe in themselves. The GROW model, active listening, and emotional connection are tools I’ll carry into every conversation from now on.”

Yuli’s Reflection:

“For me, the biggest lesson was humility — realizing that sometimes I don’t need to have the answers. I just need to be present. I also learned the importance of tone, posture, and words when communicating. The way we show up matters more than what we say.”

The Knowledge We Gained: Key Frameworks and Principles

To summarize, here are the major frameworks and insights we walked away with:

Area	Key Learning	Application
Communication	Active listening (3 A’s – Attention, Acknowledgment, Acceptance)	Use reflective responses instead of advice-giving
Coaching	GROW model	Guide youths to take ownership of solutions
Behavior Management	ABC model (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence)	Analyze triggers before reacting
Empathy	“Connection before correction”	Build trust before offering feedback
Youth Development	Understanding emotional stages (13–25 years)	Tailor approach to maturity level
Self-Reflection	Awareness of personal biases	Avoid projecting our expectations onto them

Each of these tools feels practical and powerful — not theoretical concepts, but real strategies we can apply immediately in schools, youth centers, or mentorship programs.

Closing Thoughts: Our Commitment Going Forward

After two days at Breakthrough Academy, both of us walked away inspired and grounded.

The course wasn’t just about youth work — it was about heart work. It reminded us that every young person we meet carries unseen stories, silent struggles, and untapped potential.

We learned that our role is not to fix them, but to walk beside them.
To believe in them when they doubt themselves.
To hold space for growth, even when progress is slow.

We left with a shared vision — to keep practicing what we’ve learned, to continue growing as mentors, and to become catalysts for change in the lives of youth we encounter.

As Breakthrough Academy’s motto says:

“Transformation begins with connection.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Epilogue: Gratitude and Next Steps

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Coach Glenn Lim and the team at Breakthrough Academy for creating an environment of learning, vulnerability, and growth.

Our next step?
We've decided that we need to connect with our daughters more by active listening and connections. Give small and manageable goals so they feel fulfilled and build up their resilience.

This journey has reminded us that working with youth is not just a skill — it’s a calling, a responsibility, and a privilege.