In Singapore (and perhaps many parts of Asia), we often measure childhood in achievements: grades, accolades, classes, enrichment programs. And yet, there’s another aspect of growing up that rarely receives the same attention: Mental Wealth.
The World Health Organization estimates that globally, one in seven 10 to 19‑year‑olds experiences a mental disorder. Locally, the picture is just as sobering: among residents aged 18–29, roughly 25% report poor mental health — the highest across all age groups.
Thinking about that always makes me pause. As parents, we pour time and resources into giving our children the best. Enrichment classes, overseas holidays, the right schools… Our kids are never short on experiences. Yet, the very foundation of focus, emotional resilience, and connection often gets overlooked.
If one in seven teens will experience a mental‑health disorder — would we still skimp on their supplements, on outdoor time, on building a lasting connection with them?”
What Mental‑wealth Really Looks Like
Most millennials grew up in an era where we were often being taught: “toughen up, suck it up, you can do better.” Crying alone, processing emotions quietly, learning to self-soothe — that was normal.
But when it comes to my son, I want him to experience something different. I’m not a gentle-parenting advocate. To me, gentle parenting lacks structure and is too child-centric, which can cause kids to overlook others’ needs. My style leans toward responsive parenting. I set boundaries, and I want him to know he can be vulnerable and still be safe.
(Full disclosure: I’m very close to my mom, but I still remember waking from dreams about arguing with her, heart racing. At one point, I even found myself shouting as I dreamt about arguing with my mom in my adulthood. It’s funny, a little unnerving, and a reminder of how early emotional experiences leave a lasting imprint.)
So what does mental‑wealth mean for me? It’s more than the absence of anxiety or sadness. It’s about giving children a foundation to feel steady, confident, and resilient:
- Feeling seen and heard, knowing there’s someone safe to turn to.
- Having the energy and focus to explore, make mistakes, and grow.
- A brain and body that are nourished, rested, and active, ready for life’s challenges.
- Being truly connected to family, peers, and themselves.
Amid adolescence, where social media, peer dynamics, and academic pressures swirl constantly, these foundations are what truly matter. Supporting our kids doesn’t require perfection. Just thoughtful, consistent habits that show up day after day.
Why DHA Matters
DHA is widely discussed in adult wellness circles for cognitive support, focus, and even as an adjunct for mood. Omega-3 supplements have been studied for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially alongside conventional treatment.
For children, DHA is equally compelling. It’s a structural component of the brain and retina, helping neurons communicate effectively and supporting cognitive development. Adequate DHA can:
- Support attention and focus, particularly for children who show early signs of distractibility.
- Promote emotional balance and resilience, helping children navigate stress.
- Contribute to memory, learning, and overall cognitive growth.
I’ve been giving my three-year-old DHA-rich fish oil since he turned two. It’s part of our daily rhythm, alongside balanced meals and plenty of active play. I look for fish oil made from small fish like anchovies or sardines, which tend to accumulate fewer contaminants than larger species.
Avance’s DHA Gold has been a great choice of DHA for our family. It comes in the form of re-esterified triglycerides (rTGs). rTGs offer superior bioavailability, which means our body can absorb the nutrients rather than passing them out. If you’re spending money on supplements to improve your loved ones’ health, I’ll make sure they get absorbed well!
What gives me peace of mind is that it undergoes a gentle molecular distillation process, removing environmental toxins and impurities with minimal heat and no harsh solvents, while keeping the nutrients intact. This distillation process is what makes Avance’s DHA Gold stand out!
Also, even if attention or mood isn’t an immediate concern for your family, DHA helps build a strong cognitive foundation as a child’s brain develops!
Simple Rituals that Make a Difference
Connect
Every night before sleep, we take a few minutes to talk about our day. We talk about what was enjoyable, what was challenging. I share how I handled frustration or shifted my focus when upset. Modelling this helps him see healthy ways to manage emotions. We started this routine even in infancy; he didn’t understand a word, but the rhythm and presence were meaningful. I recommend starting this practice with your little one too. 🙂
Move
Short walks, park visits, or bike rides, even just 20 minutes. This brings fresh air, movement, and natural Vitamin D. It’s a small window for the brain to reset and moods to lift.
Nourish Thoughtfully
Balanced meals, fruit, vegetables, and one capsule of DHA-rich fish oil are our foundation. We simply cut open the capsule and mix it into his dinner. Some days we forget, or eat out, but consistency, not perfection, is what matters.
Screen-time & Sleep
Our screen time is limited to 20–40 minutes a day and is always parent-accompanied. The baseline is that we will carve out time to connect, and try to replace some of it with shared activities. That includes reading, building blocks, or bedtime chats. Sleep has been non-negotiable from day one: we sleep-trained him the first day he came home from the hospital using Gina Ford’s Contented Baby method, and we make sure he does daytime naps. While we’re navigating challenges with long daycare naps, my child’s sleep is a sacred, non-negotiable in our household. It is the quiet cornerstone of focus, mood, and emotional regulation. Something I would never trade for outings or social gatherings.
Why it matters
If 1 in 7 globally and roughly 1 in 3 locally are at risk of mental-health challenges, supporting the foundations of resilience, attention, and emotional well-being is essential. Small, consistent actions like taking high-quality DHA, nurturing connection, encouraging movement, and good sleep all accumulate into lifelong benefits.
My aim is never about nurturing the “perfect child” or over-scheduling for achievements. It’s about giving children the tools and environment to thrive: a resilient mind, a curious spirit, and confidence in themselves.
A Gentle Reflection
Parenting, in the end, is a series of almost invisible, everyday choices. The nightly chats, the morning walks, after-school play, the Avance DHA Gold capsule, the mindful meals… they seem small, but over time, they become the scaffolding of mental wealth.
When children feel safe, seen, nourished, and rested, they don’t just get by. They flourish. And for me, that is the kind of life worth building.
Writer’s Note: I’m a certified Avance supplement consultant with over five years of experience. If you’d like guidance on incorporating DHA as a preventive measure, or alongside conventional treatment, feel free to DM me on my Instagram here . I’m happy to share what’s worked for families like ours.
