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(Photo: Canva @Crystal Sing)

Good health begins in childhood and starts now. In today's fast-paced world with rapidly evolving lifestyle habits, it is crucial to raise awareness and support families in establishing lifelong healthy routines for their children. The early years are particularly critical, as this period shapes long-term well-being through development of healthy behaviours - from nutrition habits to screen time management.

As part of the Ministry of Health (MOH)'s national health strategy for child development, Grow Well SG, the Childhood Health Behaviours Checklist (CHBC) will be introduced in May 2025. This initiative will be implemented during Childhood Developmental Screening (CDS) visits at all polyclinics, General Practitioner and paediatric clinics for children up to six years of age. The CHBC aims to equip parents with essential knowledge and tools to foster healthy behaviours in their children from an early age.

What is CHBC?

Pages from the CHBC for children aged 4–8 weeks

The CHBC is a parent-administered tool designed to guide families in four essential areas of child well-being: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and screen time. These lifestyle factors are crucial in shaping both physical and mental health, with benefits extending into adulthood.

Upon implementation, children’s health booklets will incorporate the CHBC. In addition to the availability of QR codes that can link parents to educational resources, nurses will also be able to guide parents who require the assistance in completing the checklist. 

Benefits of the CHBC

Establishing and maintaining healthy habits in children can be challenging, particularly for parents balancing multiple commitments. The CHBC focuses on lifestyle habits and serves as a practical guide for early intervention, enabling parents to identify and address potential concerns promptly.

Dr Ratnaporn Siriamornsarp, Clinical Lead for Child & Adolescent Health Workgroup, SingHealth Polyclinics and Associate Consultant at Tampines Polyclinic, emphasises that the CHBC will particularly benefit first-time parents who may be uncertain about child health best practices. By raising awareness of healthy behaviours, the checklist guides parents to make informed decisions that support their child's overall well-being.

Making the most of the CHBC

Parents can optimise their use of the CHBC by:

• Completing the checklist before their child's CDS visits
• Accessing additional health information on nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and screen time via the QR codes
• Implementing gradual and manageable lifestyle changes
• Discussing concerns with healthcare professionals when needed
  

By taking these steps, parents can make the CHBC a valuable tool in their child's growth journey.

The Importance of Early Childhood Development

It is never too early to start, nor too late to make a difference. The early years establish the foundation for future health and well-being. Certain unhealthy habits may contribute to developmental delays. For example, excessive screen use could potentially affect speech and learning difficulties. Dr Ratnaporn emphasises that proper nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and mindful screen use not only reduce chronic conditions risks but also enhance mental well-being, focus, and academic performance.

Together, let's enable every child to grow well and live well!

For more information on the child health booklet, visit here.

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