Every parent wonders: Am I doing enough to help my child thrive?
With so much advice out there, it can be hard to know what really matters. Sometimes, what helps most is just hearing other parents and teachers lay it all out – the wins, the worries, the would-haves – and deciding what’s most important to you.
That’s what MOE’s video podcast series, “Canteen Chats with Lion Mums”, sets out to do.
In four candid episodes, cast members from the popular Lion Mums drama sit down with MOE teachers, parents and experts, and talk openly about parenting, stress, success, resilience and learning. And about what helps, what doesn’t, and how parents and teachers can work together to support every child.
Here’s a quick look at the episodes, and why they are well worth a watch.
Episode 1: Success isn’t a straight line – is your child ready?
What really helps a child succeed?
In this episode, actress Nurul Aini joins teacher Dorling Tan, parent Liang May, venture capitalist Farhan Firdaus and pastry chef Alexan Tang to rethink how we define success. And how parents and teachers can help children build resilience for the journey.
Watch for:
- Why it’s okay to fail, and how to help kids bounce back
- The value of life experience (and having 15 jobs before becoming a teacher!)
- Why not every child fits the same path – and that’s a good thing
Episode 2: Stress isn’t the enemy – so why do we fear it?
We talk a lot about stress. But do we really understand what it looks like for children today?
Actress and mum of three Lina Ng hosts this heartfelt conversation with MOE teacher Ang Sing Yee, psychiatrist Dr Jared Ng and parenting coach Rahayu Ahmad Asi (a mum of five). They unpack the realities of stress and share practical wisdom for supporting kids through it.
Watch for:
- How to spot signs of stress that children may hide
- Why kids sometimes shut down and how to respond
- The danger of removing obstacles too early
- And why “your child cannot be the unfulfilled you”
Episode 3: Where you begin doesn’t tell the whole story
Hosted by Vanessa Vanderstraaten, this powerful exchange explores what social mobility looks like today, and how teachers, parents and mentors can make all the difference.
Vice-Principal Shahul Hameed, parent advocate Sher-Li Torrey and former TV writer Regine Wong share personal stories of hardship, opportunity and belief. They remind us that with the right support, every child can discover their strengths.
Watch for:
- Why dignity matters in how we support students
- The little things that uplift: “No FAS child gets singled out at the canteen”
- The power of asking questions and helping kids believe in themselves
- Why parents and teachers both help open doors
Episode 4: Is learning over once the bell rings?
Learning doesn’t stop after school – or exams. It grows with us.
In this upbeat episode, hosted by Constance Lau, the conversation turns to lifelong learning. Chemistry teacher Jansen Tan, career futurist Samantha Ng and actress-mum Nurul Aini talk about lifelong learning and staying open to new ideas.
Watch for:
- How short-form videos can inspire learning today
- The “half-life of skills” and what it means for your child’s future.
- Why curiosity is contagious – and starts at home.
Episode 4: Is learning over once the bell rings?
Learning doesn’t stop after school – or exams. It grows with us.
In this upbeat episode, hosted by Constance Lau, the conversation turns to lifelong learning. Chemistry teacher Jansen Tan, career futurist Samantha Ng and actress-mum Nurul Aini talk about lifelong learning and staying open to new ideas.
Watch for:
- How short-form videos can inspire learning today
- The “half-life of skills” and what it means for your child’s future.
- Why curiosity is contagious – and starts at home.
