About

Hi! I’m Shirlyn.

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I wear a few hats — I’m a mum, daughter, professional aquatics educator, and advocate for inclusive education — but at the heart of it all, I’m someone who believes in raising children with respect, empathy, and heart.

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For over a decade, I’ve taught swimming to infants, toddlers, children with special needs, adults overcoming water phobia, and families who never thought the pool could be for them. Alongside that, I've championed water safety education that empowers rather than scares - because everyone, swimmer or not, can play a part in keeping others safe around water.

I also completed my Master of Special and Inclusive Education with Distinction at the University of Newcastle, where I researched, wrote, and connected with passionate educators about how to make learning more inclusive for all. Today, I serve as Founding President of the Singapore Network for Inclusive Learning (SNIL), working with fellow educators, parents, and advocates to push for change in how we view and support difference in schools and communities.

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This blog brings those worlds together:

• Respectful parenting stories — the real, messy kind, drawn from my own daily life as a mum.

• Practical tools and reflections on child development and communication.

• Inclusive education insights that bridge research and everyday family realities.

• And gentle reminders about water safety and confidence - in and out of the pool.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I do believe that small shifts in how we speak, listen, and connect with children can change everything - for them, and for us.

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If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator who wants to raise children with more respect and inclusion, you’ll feel right at home here.

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Keep learning, keep loving.