Last updated 30 April 2024
Your son or ward will learn to adjust to a new environment and make new friends from diverse backgrounds. Family support during National Service (NS) is important to your son or ward, so that he can find the purpose and strength to serve his country. As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in supporting your son or ward in this significant journey of growth. Continue to engage him, find out about his NS experience, encourage him to share his feelings, and lend a listening ear when necessary. If you have any concerns, feel free to speak with your son or ward’s commanders. They will be able to assist and advise you on helping your son or ward deal with whatever difficulties he may encounter.
During the confinement period of basic training, your son or ward may feel a sudden lack of freedom and personal space. He may feel as though he’s cut off from his usual sources of support. He:
To help your son or ward, it’s important to hear him out and not dismiss these thoughts which are real and valid. Instead of brushing it off as something that everyone faces, offer a listening ear and reassure him that his fears and worries are heard, and that you still care for him. Give him the space he needs while still being there for him.
Other forms of stress management that can be useful include:
There are systems and structures in place for your son or ward to feel heard and supported. These include:
Buddy system
: Your son or ward will have a peer to lean on for support and empathise with.
Regular check-ins by commanders
: To offer a listening ear and find out how your son or ward is coping, mentally and emotionally. Enlistees can speak to their commanders any time.
Learning how to take care of himself
: As part of basic training, your son or ward will be taught ways to build his mental resilience. This begins with self-awareness, learning how to recognise physical and psychological signs of stress.
On-site Care Hub
: Orientation Officers, counsellors, psychologists, and Medical Officers will be able to help with your son or ward’s worries and issues related to National Service (NS) life. Itis a safe space where he can share his concerns with trained professionals, without fear of judgment.
Financial assistance
: If your family is facing financial obstacles, your son or ward can apply for financial assistance through these ways:
Submit his application together with his supporting documents through his Platoon Commander to the Human Resource Department
Apply through his course manager if your son or ward is a trainee at the Home Team Academy
Apply through his Divisional Manpower Officer if your son is a Police full-time National Serviceman (NSF) in a Land Division or Staff Department
Preventive drug education
: You play an important role in engaging and guiding your son or ward to lead a drug-free and healthy lifestyle. For drug prevention tips and preventive drug education information, visit the from the Central Narcotics Bureau website.
As parents or guardians, you are not alone in dealing with your son or ward's adjustments during this period. There are professional counsellors and dedicated helplines to help your son or ward and his family members. If you think that your son or ward needs more help than you can provide, these hotlines are a way for him to speak to someone who is trained in this area.
24 hours
24 hours
Monday to Friday: 8.30am – 6.30pm, excluding public holidays
Monday to Friday: 6.00pm – 9.30pm
Visit the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) website for more information on common issues and where to seek help.