5 things I learned as a first-time National School Games Parent

For each student athlete participating in the National School Games, there exist cohorts of enthusiastic parents who offer their unwavering support. The parents take great pride in their children's achievements and also contribute to the games' fervour in their unique way.

We hear from Mrs. Tan, a first-time parent attendee of the NSG, regarding her experience at this year's National School Games Taekwondo Championships.

(Article contributed by Mrs Tan, mother of Gee Bin and Gee Kai from Anderson Primary School)

My sons, one in Primary 1 and the other in Primary 3 at Anderson Primary School, strapped on their taekwondo gears and got ready to represent their school in the National School Games Taekwondo Championships! It's their first time, and I couldn't be more nervous! 

This year, the championship was held over three days at the Ministry of Education HQ (Mount Sinai). A whopping 644 young guns from 23 categories participated in the junior division this year! That's a big leap from last year's 420 students, so you know it's going to be a fierce battle.

As a first-time National School Games parent, I had no idea what to expect. It is like riding a rollercoaster - you're excited one minute, and the next you are holding on for dear life. Here are five things I have learned so far:

Emotions are like a yo-yo
One minute, my children are bouncing off the walls with excitement, and the next they are melting down faster than an ice cream cone on a hot day. “I don’t want to do this anymore!” It's like they were trying to cram a lifetime of emotions into one morning. But as their parent, I've learned to be their emotional rock - supporting them through the highs and lows as they prepare for the competition day. 

Facing fears is a kick in the pants
Competing in Taekwondo can be terrifying - I mean, have you seen the panel of judges? But watching my kids face their fears head-on has been one of the most rewarding experiences through this journey. Who wouldn't be scared of going up against a panel of judges to perform their poomsae routine? It's like trying to recite a Shakespearean sonnet while doing a backflip. But you know what they say, no pain, no gain. When my children overcame their fears and kicked their way to a complete routine, I was the proudest parent in the crowd.

The pint size athletes waiting for their turn

Water bottles are the real MVPs 
Forget about the athletes - the unsung heroes of competition day are the water bottles. Hydration is key during any sports competition, and a good water bottle is worth its weight in gold. I had become a water bottle connoisseur, seeking out the perfect one that won't leak or cause my children to go full-on Hulk mode. During the competition day, they have to wait for a period of time. Having the trusty water bottle by their side will keep them ready for their turn!

Get ready to be a ninja planner 
Competition day is like a battle for parents - you need to be prepared for anything. That means arriving early, securing the best seats, and keeping a watchful eye on the competition schedule. I've never felt more like a ninja, silently scouting out the best vantage points and making mental notes of where and when I can go to get my children. 

Sometimes, you just don't win 
Both my children did not place in the top 8 ranking and left without a medal.  As a parent, it's tough to watch your children try their best and still come up short. But the important thing is to teach them the value of sportsmanship - win or lose, they can always learn and grow from the experience. Plus, let's be real, there's always next year. Instead of focusing on sporting excellence, I believe sports participation is just as important. 

So there you have it - my tips for surviving your first National School Games as a parent. Just remember to bring your A-game, a good water bottle, and a healthy sense of humor. And who knows? Maybe your kids will surprise you with a few flying kicks of their own.

With their Taekwondo coach, Master Patrick Seo from Taeseong Taekwondo



With their Anderson Primary School teacher, Ms Divyashree

The involvement of your child in the National School Games not only promotes their physical fitness but also inculcates values such as sportsmanship and perseverance. Join us on our journey through the National School Games 2023 to witness the pinnacle of school-level sportsmanship. 

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