The HoneyKids Asia Podcast

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — and gift panic season is here! In this episode, Syaz and Andrina unwrap their favourite Christmas gift ideas for the whole family. From DIY craft kits and cuddly toys for the little ones, to gadgets and gift cards for teens, and spa-day treats and festive sleepwear for parents, they’ve got every name on your list covered (even dads!). Tune in to this fun chat with practical ideas, and a sprinkle of holiday humour with “Mini Mouth Moment”. Grab your hot chocolate and let the holiday shopping begin — merry, bright, and stress-free!Time Codes:03:35 - Gift ideas for children05:00 - Gift ideas for teens07:20 - Gift ideas for Mum or any tired parent!09:25 - Gift ideas for Dad10:10 - Gift ideas for the entire family10:51 - Mini Mouth Moments of the weekCheck out our full Christmas gift guide for the whole family and 40 of our favourite toy stores in Singapore!Featured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor, HoneyKids Asia and mother of three.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

Eating out with kids CAN be enjoyable, we promise! Syaz and Andrina share kid-friendly restaurants and cafés in Singapore, all tried-and-tested (and loved) by the team at HoneyKids Asia. Tune in as they take you around Singapore, from lush enclaves to hilltop views, from beachside dining to brunch vibes — to places where parents can actually finish a meal! Bonus, some restaurants even have playgrounds or bouncy castles on site! Time Codes:00:47 - Arbora @ Mount Faber Peak01:39 - Small Batch at Botanic Gardens02:24 - Tiong Bahru Bakery03:04 - Open Farm Community03:39 - Trapizza on Sentosa04:22 - Coastes on Sentosa05:00 - Wheeler’s Estate at Seletar Aerospace Park 05:56 - Fusion Spoon at Jurong Lake Gardens06:50 - Café Melba08:00 - Mini Mouth Moments of The WeekCheck out the full list of 60+ Kid-friendly restaurants and cafes in Singapore. And we’ve got a vegan version too!Featured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor, HoneyKids Asia and mother of three.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

Rain or shine, parents — we’ve got you covered! In this episode, Syaz and Andrina chat about one of the top parenting MVPs: indoor playgrounds. They cover everything from cool slopes and thrilling rides to science-filled fun and themed play areas, so every kid, big or small, gets their fun. Find out about some of their favourite spots for kids to climb, explore and burn energy, while parents sit back with a coffee ☕! Plus, they share handy tips on what to pack, when to go, and more. Tune in, stay dry, and make your next playday a fun day — no sunshine required!Time Codes:02:00 - Snow City03:13 - KidsSTOP (Science Centre Singapore)03:53 - SuperPark (Suntec City), watch on Instagram05:02 - Kiztopia, various locations around Singapore05:40 - T-Play by HomeTeamNS at Bukit Batok and Khatib06:29 - The Artground (Goodman Arts Centre)07:45 - Practical tips to note09:25 - Mini Mouth Moments of the weekCheck out the full list of 60+ best indoor playgrounds in Singapore: Playgrounds kids of all ages will love!Featured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor, HoneyKids Asia and mother of three.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

Before cafes, there were kopitiams – which come with a language of their own! If you’ve ever stood at a hawker stall wondering what on earth kopi C peng siew dai means, this one’s for you! In this episode, Syaz and Andrina spill the teh (tea) on how to order coffee and tea like a true local in Singapore. From kopi O kosong (think, rich Americano) and teh tarik (pulled milk tea) to special concoctions like yuan yang (tea and coffee) and everything in between, they break down the lingo and share tips for your next kopi session. In true ‘kopitiam talk’ spirit, they even share a few hilarious “Mini Mouth Moments” from their kids. Tune in and learn to caffeinate the local way. You might just find your next favourite drink that’s not a strawberry matcha! Time codes:1: 06 - Kopi siew dai1: 44 - Kopi C peng2: 07 - Back to basics of kopi and teh2: 15 -  Kopi O2: 20 - Kopi C2: 25 - Kopi2: 34 - Teh2: 41 - Teh O2: 47 - Teh C3: 26 - Teh Tarik3: 53 - What to expect at different drink stalls 4: 18 - Yuan Yang4: 50 - Kopi C peng siew dai gao5: 25 - Kopi ti lo6: 11 - Kopitiam culture 7: 52 - Mini Mouth Moment of the WeekDon’t forget to check our full guide to Ordering coffee and tea like a local in Singapore.Featured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor, HoneyKids Asia and mother of three.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

Parents, this one’s for you! As much as we love family time, every couple deserves a night out now and then. In this episode, Ange and Andrina share their favourite date night spots in Singapore. You can go glamorous with cocktails at Atlas or playful with arcade fun at Level Up. And if you’re looking to splurge for a celebration, there are Michelin-starred restaurants like Candlenut and Burnt Ends. Get the scoop on cosy hideouts like Gibsons and even insider picks from the Honeycombers team, which include spots like Tamba, Marcy’s, and Violet Oon. Whatever your mood, there’s something in here to keep date night alive. Or, head to our article for the full list of 57 date night ideas in Singapore, one for each week of the year and more!Time codes:00:49 - Atlas Bar, check it out on our Instagram01:37 - Big Wine Freaks02:13 - Gibson03:00 - Level Up03:26 - Candlenut03: 56 - Burnt Ends04:27 - Lau Pa Sat05:02 - Universal Studios05:27 - Tangjong Beach Club05:57 - Tamba06:20 - Marcy’s06:42 - Violet Oon at Dempsey HillFeatured voicesAngela Neo, host of the HoneyKids Asia podcast and mother of two.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 plan!Time codes:00:58 - Bali, Indonesia - Don’t forget to check out Honeycombers Bali!02:08 - Bintan, Indonesia - Kid-friendly resort ideas for you!03:07 - Desaru Coast, Malaysia - Guide to Desaru Coast03:30 - Da Nang, Vietnam - Guide to Hoi An and Da Nang05:27 - Phuket, Thailand - Guide to PhuketFeatured voicesAngela Neo, host of the HoneyKids Asia podcast and mother of two.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 approved by teens themselves. Tune in for fresh ideas to keep up with your teens and read our full list of things to do with Teens in Singapore — we’re talking over 50 teen-approved ideas!Time codes:01:13 - Haji Lane01:50 - *SCAPE02:30 - Orchard Road -TIMEZONE02:40 - Orchard Road - X-Scap803:44 - What to eat at Orchard Road 04:38 - Forest Adventure04: 49 - Coney Island05:11 - MacRitchie Reservoir Treetop Walk06:13 - KF1 Karting06:30 - Skyline Luge07:17 - Self-photo studios08:00 - Xcape Singapore08:54 - Fragment Room09:27 - Sandbox VR09:58 - The VR ClubFeatured voicesAngela Neo, host of the HoneyKids Asia podcast and mother of two.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 Affairs02:49 - Carrotsticks & Cravings03:25 - Sarnies03:52 - Bees Knees at the Garage at Botanic Gardens04:30 - Wild Seed Cafe at The Alkaff Mansion05:03 - Jimmy Monkey05:29 - The Book Café06:02 - Tiong Bahru Bakery07:08 - Common Man Coffee RoastersFeatured voicesAngela Neo, host of the HoneyKids Asia podcast and mother of two.Andrina Loo, lifestyle writer at HoneyKids Asia and mother of one.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

From the workplace to our children’s schools, AI is gradually becoming the norm in our daily lives. But how young is too young for children to be using AI? Our latest episode of Parenting Playbook discusses the use of AI in preschool classrooms with Wu Jing, CEO and co-founder of House on the Hill. Jing will touch on the pros and cons of using AI in early childhood education, share best practices for doing so, and explore how AI can enhance rather than replace hands-on learning at this young age. She will provide insights from early childhood education and discuss how AI is connected to our daily lives, showing how we can better support children’s healthy growth and development.Featured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor, HoneyKids Asia and mother of three.Wu Jing, CEO and co-founder of House on the Hill and mother of two.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 downs of family mealtimes.

“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 support your child with compassion and guide them towards emotional resilience and safety.Recommended readings:What do I do if my child’s the bully?How do I teach my child to be more assertive?Featured voices:Angela Neo, host of The Honeykids Asia podcast, and a mother of two.Dr. Kimberly Chew, Founder of AO Psychology, Registered Psychologist, and a mother of three.

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 children, spot red flags, guide them to online safety, and think critically in an ever-connected world.Recommended readings:Staying safe online: How to protect teens from groomingHow to manage your kids’ screen timeFeatured voices:Angela Neo, host of HoneyKids Asia podcast, and a mother of twoShem Yao, Head of TOUCH Cyber Wellness

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 her a unique voice in the space.Recommended ReadingsIs it okay to argue in front of your children?Should you stop saying 'no' to your kids?Counselling for children and families in SingaporeWhy is the “Carrot and Stick” method not working on my Gen Alpha kids?Featured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor of HoneyKids AsiaKelly Tan, founder of Juicy ParentingVisit the HoneyKids Asia website for the full show notes on today’s episode, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 resourcesStudy coach shares 10 fun study techniques that really workFeatured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor of HoneyKids Asia and a mother of two.Dr. Christina Wong, Founder of 10X Study Academy.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for the full show notes on today’s episode, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 empowering your parenting journey.Further resourcesIMC's Handy ADHD GuideJoin the Respectful Parenting – Neurodivergent Families Singapore Facebook groupConnect through the Respectful Parenting ND Families Singapore x DAS PSG WhatsApp groupUnlocking ADHDFeatured voicesSyazana Hishamuddin, Editor of HoneyKids AsiaJoline Lim, Co-director of Chapter Zero SingaporeKavitha Manokaran, senior clinical psychologist at the International Medical ClinicVisit the HoneyKids Asia website for the full show notes on today’s episode, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions.

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 ReadingsHow to manage your kids' screen timeStaying safe online: How to protect teens from groomingOur favourite apps for preschoolersPlease don’t judge my family’s screen usage and habitsFeatured voices– Angela Neo, host of The HoneyKids Asia podcast, and a mother of two.– Lauren Adlam, a mum of four and founder of ZOWN, a kids-only app that’s all about positivity and is created to nurture Gen Alpha (between eight and 14 years old) to thrive.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date on our latest discussions. We’re also on Telegram!

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 budget03:25 - Best birthday cake shops in Singapore06:40 - Best kids party entertainers and party planners in Singapore: Where to find magicians, clowns, face painters, and more!10:44 - Eco-friendly birthday parties Featured voicesAngela Neo, host of the Growing Pains podcast and mother of two.Syazana ‘Syaz’ Hishamuddin, editor at HoneyKids Asia and mother of two.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions. We’re also on Telegram!

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 wildlife in Singapore: where to see dugongs, otters, crocodiles and more!05:23 - Love for preloved: Best circular fashion brands for kids in Singapore 202307:45 - How to save money in Singapore: 50 budget hacksFeatured voicesAngela ‘Ange’ Neo, host of the Growing Pains podcast and mother of two.Syazana ‘Syaz’ Hishamuddin, editor at HoneyKids Asia and mother of two.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions. We’re also on Telegram!

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 enchanting world of Christmas on this special edition of show!Time codes:00:29 - Christmas: The most treasured holiday for Ange and her family03:27 - For Syaz, it's a celebration of family, friends, and food05:11 - The after-Christmas period 07:42 - Where Syaz's family goes to escape the holiday crowdsFeatured voicesAngela Neo, host of the Growing Pains podcast and mother of two.Syazana ‘Syaz’ Hishamuddin, editor at HoneyKids Asia and mother of two.Visit the HoneyKids Asia website for more information on all things family fun, and join in on the conversation on Facebook or follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date on our latest discussions. We’re also on Telegram!