12 FEBRUARY 2026
Trust your 'mum-stincts'
Every Child Is Different — And That Truth Hit Home
Every child is different, and I truly believe that.
After years of teaching, I’ve learnt to observe how each child’s cognitive abilities, emotions, and behaviours work differently. Patterns emerge, strengths surface, and challenges show themselves in unique ways. I thought I had seen it all — until I experienced it again, this time as a mum.
My No.3 started his Primary 1 journey last year, and it was a total curveball compared to his older brothers.
No.1 was a breeze.
No.2 was smooth sailing.
No.3? … rocky waters.
When a Mother’s Questions Begin
Back in kindergarten, I already sensed that he was different — especially in terms of discipline and behaviour. I remember asking his teachers gently, “Could this be something more? ADHD maybe?”
Not because I feared a label — but because if there was something, I wanted to accept it early and support him properly.
The response was always the same: “It’s still too early to label.”
So we waited.
When School Reality Sets In
When he entered Primary 1, his behaviours became more pronounced. That was when the phone calls started coming in from school.
“He’s smart,” the teacher reassured me. “But his handwriting is messy.N And… he likes to roll on the floor.”
That was my breaking point — not out of frustration, but out of urgency.
I needed answers. Because without understanding why, I couldn’t help him how.
Finding Clarity (and Relief)
I began researching, reading, and eventually found a behavioural mind counsellor. I went through assessments and quizzes, determined to understand my boy better. When we finally sat down with the counsellor, his words brought clarity — and relief.
“He has sensory issues, not so much ADHD.”
Suddenly, everything made sense:
- the constant chewing on objects
- the need to touch walls
- the rolling on the floor
Children with sensory needs often seek physical input to regulate themselves. They are not being naughty — they are coping.
Learning to Self-Regulate
Through therapy, my boy was guided to understand his emotions and learn ways to self-regulate, gradually reducing his meltdowns. One surprisingly effective support?
Pet therapy.
Having a calm, responsive presence helped him ground himself, regulate his emotions, and feel safe. Sometimes, healing doesn’t come from worksheets or discipline charts — but from connection.
Moving Forward, One Step at a Time
As he moves through Primary 2 now, my role as a parent is clear:
- to provide a safe space
- to support emotional regulation
- to allow growth at his pace
- and to celebrate progress, no matter how small
A Note to Fellow Parents
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s this: Parents’ instincts are stronger than we think. If something doesn’t sit right, trust your mum-stincts (or parent instincts).
Ask questions. Seek help early.
And support your child with patience, understanding, and love.
Because when a child feels safe and understood, that’s when real growth begins.
