My three year old son looked at me, eyes shining with trying-his-luck-with-plan-B-when-this-fail vibes.
"My Daddy said I can press this button if I don't know what to press"
I looked at him, amused at his conviction, while also trying to gauge the honesty level of the claim.
If you're interested, the episode above ended with me giving in. I chose to trust him.
I imagine that a child may unconsciously rank the adults in his life. The top ranking's words are always right, a norm on which he must live his life by.
The child choose to believe based on a very simple consideration, who said it.
In compromising situation, the human mischief factor goes into the equation. The child will opt for whichever most beneficial to him/her. (Unfortunately, this kind of psychological trait often get me and hubby into a row. "Did you actually told him that he can ...???", "You should've told me first before allowing them to...")
Then I realized, I think, we too, as adults, still have that basic instinct. Only that for us, aggravated by our life experience, the selection criteria on which to believe becomes much more complex.
Morale of the above rambles for me are:
1. Since we can choose what to believe, might as well believe in positive things. We CAN shape our mindset.
2. Likewise, we CAN shape our children mindset too
Quotes : "A child mind is like a blank paper", "Seeds are in the mind, we act what we believe"
3. Be more forgiving when they land me in trouble (e.g. with hubby) because of their choice. It's just our natural instinct.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
[Fun] Segway
We just went to Sentosa, and finally after drooling a few times over Segway in the past, we took the plunge and tried it.
[+]
1. It's amazingly easier than I expected. Even if you can't ride a bike, give it a go.
2. Seems like injuries risk involved is not high, as long as we listen to the guide instruction. Before doing the circuit, we were trained first.
3. It's fun!!! My three year old totally enjoyed it, although he didn't actually ride it in the fullest sense. He was pulled by one of the guide. My six year old was too tense such that she gripped the handles too tight. In the end she felt so tired. As for me, I wished I can use it to and fro office everyday.
4. Environmentally friendly. I'm certainly looking forward to when Segway will be considered seriously for everyday use.
[-]
1. $$$. For a family of four, we spent nearly SGD 100 for four circuit rounds each.
2. They don't really have small children safety gear. Not only that, we need to dig for suitable ones and go figure ourselves.
[+]
1. It's amazingly easier than I expected. Even if you can't ride a bike, give it a go.
2. Seems like injuries risk involved is not high, as long as we listen to the guide instruction. Before doing the circuit, we were trained first.
3. It's fun!!! My three year old totally enjoyed it, although he didn't actually ride it in the fullest sense. He was pulled by one of the guide. My six year old was too tense such that she gripped the handles too tight. In the end she felt so tired. As for me, I wished I can use it to and fro office everyday.
4. Environmentally friendly. I'm certainly looking forward to when Segway will be considered seriously for everyday use.
[-]
1. $$$. For a family of four, we spent nearly SGD 100 for four circuit rounds each.
2. They don't really have small children safety gear. Not only that, we need to dig for suitable ones and go figure ourselves.
Monday, March 14, 2011
[Good Brand] Mothercare
My acquittance with Mothercare, of course, started when we shopped for kid-no-1 aka daughter 6 years ago.
At that time, my impression was it's beautiful, but expensive, not within our means.
Until, kid-no-2 aka son arrived early. We were not prepared. And being early, he was small, existing hand-me-down clothes couldn't fit him.
Somehow, I decided to rely on Mothercare for below reasons. Off my hubby went to Mothercare - Plaza Singapura.
[+]
1. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
2. Sizes range is good. Covering from small to big babies/kids. Sizes are also explained in length and weight so that we can gauge easily.
3. Material is surely reliable. When my daughter needs 100% cotton socks, Mothercare is my choice. Same goes for underwear. During purchase, sometime I do feel a little silly. Expensive underwear (no discount is applicable) for them that they will certainly outgrow in a year and no one will enjoy the nice design. But indeed they are the best. The fit is good and very comfortable.
4. Craftsmanship and safe design are outstanding. Up until now, I haven't found scratchy or pokey kind of zipper or button. And amazingly, buttons will stay intact for a long long time... as far as I remember, I haven't fix buttons from Mothercare before.
5. There are... good bargain! My best so far being a three piece set for boy (jeans, t-shirt, and vest) at SGD 30 (70% discount). So with the new wisdom, I've increase visit frequency :)
[-]
1. Store layout need improvement. So far, Paragon outlet is the best. Neatly organized.
2. Stocks between outlet my vary, and sometimes sizes are not available. Got to be patient.
3. Happened once to us. We bought a set of undies (7pcs). One pc was in different size. One has to be careful.
At that time, my impression was it's beautiful, but expensive, not within our means.
Until, kid-no-2 aka son arrived early. We were not prepared. And being early, he was small, existing hand-me-down clothes couldn't fit him.
Somehow, I decided to rely on Mothercare for below reasons. Off my hubby went to Mothercare - Plaza Singapura.
[+]
1. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
2. Sizes range is good. Covering from small to big babies/kids. Sizes are also explained in length and weight so that we can gauge easily.
3. Material is surely reliable. When my daughter needs 100% cotton socks, Mothercare is my choice. Same goes for underwear. During purchase, sometime I do feel a little silly. Expensive underwear (no discount is applicable) for them that they will certainly outgrow in a year and no one will enjoy the nice design. But indeed they are the best. The fit is good and very comfortable.
4. Craftsmanship and safe design are outstanding. Up until now, I haven't found scratchy or pokey kind of zipper or button. And amazingly, buttons will stay intact for a long long time... as far as I remember, I haven't fix buttons from Mothercare before.
5. There are... good bargain! My best so far being a three piece set for boy (jeans, t-shirt, and vest) at SGD 30 (70% discount). So with the new wisdom, I've increase visit frequency :)
[-]
1. Store layout need improvement. So far, Paragon outlet is the best. Neatly organized.
2. Stocks between outlet my vary, and sometimes sizes are not available. Got to be patient.
3. Happened once to us. We bought a set of undies (7pcs). One pc was in different size. One has to be careful.
[Good Brand] Lego
There are a few brand that I am quite passionate about.
Lego is one of them.
There are other brands developing the constructable little cubes, but Lego, by far, is the best we found until now.
[+]
1. First and foremost, the design is beautiful and creative. Bright colours, many interesting shapes, brilliant thematic packages (not only buildings or vehicles, it also have mosaic, calendar, ...). We kept on finding more features of a certain pieces, even months after purchase. Hopefully the creativity will pass down to our kids *keeping fingers crossed*
2. Mechanically, it's a good design too. What our kids love from Lego is that it allows them to bring the creation around, and to display it. The pieces snap snugly, without being overly tight. We tried other brand, but it collapse or break on the way.
3. Blessed are the considerate people who design Lego. Firstly, duplo and lego are compatible! Initially we purchase little duplo set since the kids will outgrow it so fast. But after we found that they are truly compatible, out we go to buy more duplo :). Mommy to mommy advice : duplo or lego plastic boxes are equipped with little holes at the base. To drain the water during wash.
[-]
They are e.x.p.e.n.s.i.v.e.
Does the quality justify the price? That's subjective. For our household, we'll wait for discount.
Lego is one of them.
There are other brands developing the constructable little cubes, but Lego, by far, is the best we found until now.
[+]
1. First and foremost, the design is beautiful and creative. Bright colours, many interesting shapes, brilliant thematic packages (not only buildings or vehicles, it also have mosaic, calendar, ...). We kept on finding more features of a certain pieces, even months after purchase. Hopefully the creativity will pass down to our kids *keeping fingers crossed*
2. Mechanically, it's a good design too. What our kids love from Lego is that it allows them to bring the creation around, and to display it. The pieces snap snugly, without being overly tight. We tried other brand, but it collapse or break on the way.
3. Blessed are the considerate people who design Lego. Firstly, duplo and lego are compatible! Initially we purchase little duplo set since the kids will outgrow it so fast. But after we found that they are truly compatible, out we go to buy more duplo :). Mommy to mommy advice : duplo or lego plastic boxes are equipped with little holes at the base. To drain the water during wash.
[-]
They are e.x.p.e.n.s.i.v.e.
Does the quality justify the price? That's subjective. For our household, we'll wait for discount.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
[Fun] Apples to Apples Kids 7+
Not in line with natural weather, my household also operates based on season. So far, we've met sporty season (jogging regularly, natural walk,...), Avatar season, Indiana Jones season, ...
Sometimes, we even acknowledge that fact. 'Did we buy this before or after the Avatar season?'
Anyway, now it is board game season.
One of our fresh purchase is Apples to Apples Kids 7+.
(Image : http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Apples-Kids-Plus-Comparisons/dp/B00112EJEY/ref=dp_cp_ob_t_image_1
There are two stacks of cards, red and green.
Red cards are 'things to compare' (E.g: kitten, throwing stones, ...), and green cards states the comparison criteria (E.g: yummy, cute, ...)
Basic idea is to submit suitable red card to the judge whatever thing fit the criteria best.
[+]
1. Simple, even my 3 year-old can participate.
2. Act as vocab builder. Each card has description of the word.
3. Training reading skill as cards do not contain picture.
4. Honing up creativity too... since we're definitely required to link things and criteria that sometimes does not even have natural nor obvious relation. Some may say term it as thinking-out-of-the-box.
5. Teaching kids to see things, to compare within given context.
6. Whoohoo... you'll like it... it's fast... One round is about 15 to 30 minutes only (depends on how much discussion you are encouraging kids).
[-]
1. As mentioned above, picture on the card would've been great help for kids, and also will make it more attractive. But, I also think that with pictures, minds will be directed. Limiting the possibilities, the perspectives.
2. Requires at least 3 to 4 players (I think official rule quoted 4, but we've been playing with at least 3). Making it more difficult in arranging the playing time compared to those can take-off with 2 players.
Oh yeah... we take board games as great opportunity to train kids to win humbly and to lose gracefully.
Oh Mannn... Already???
My daughter (in other posts is often referred to as kid-no-1) is going to be 6.
But, in her limited flying time, she's been kissed (yes, on the mouth, thank you very much), developed a highly-suspected-crush on a boy (who kissed her, but hey, one gotta admit... he's quite a looker), became very conscious on the opposite sex (refused to go into a room when there's no girls around, teachers are not counted as girls), and... now started ringing her friends to and fro (after her friend rang her at 11.30PM, we announced that no phone calls between 9AM to 9PM).
How the phone calls are linked to the others? Because, yes, they are discussing boys! Who said 'love you' to who... Again, Oh Mannn...
Before children, my husband always told me that he'll suffer minor heart attack to see our daughter's boyfriend.
So, can you imagine him now?
Weary Daddy kept on asking me, 'Were you like that when you're small? It must have been your gene. I didn't know girls until age of 10!'. Needless to say, I took, and am taking, it as a rhetorical question.
My normal retort, which doesn't answer his question nor my inner wonder, is that 'We don't have Internet back then'.
Pity on our children. How they're going to cope with our grand-children... let's see in hopefully 20 years time.
PS: In case you're wondering, no, our kids are, so far, not exposed to adult show. They barely set their eyes on soap opera, or some romantically inclined TV series or movies. Not because I set the rules, simply because they are not interested.
But, in her limited flying time, she's been kissed (yes, on the mouth, thank you very much), developed a highly-suspected-crush on a boy (who kissed her, but hey, one gotta admit... he's quite a looker), became very conscious on the opposite sex (refused to go into a room when there's no girls around, teachers are not counted as girls), and... now started ringing her friends to and fro (after her friend rang her at 11.30PM, we announced that no phone calls between 9AM to 9PM).
How the phone calls are linked to the others? Because, yes, they are discussing boys! Who said 'love you' to who... Again, Oh Mannn...
Before children, my husband always told me that he'll suffer minor heart attack to see our daughter's boyfriend.
So, can you imagine him now?
Weary Daddy kept on asking me, 'Were you like that when you're small? It must have been your gene. I didn't know girls until age of 10!'. Needless to say, I took, and am taking, it as a rhetorical question.
My normal retort, which doesn't answer his question nor my inner wonder, is that 'We don't have Internet back then'.
Pity on our children. How they're going to cope with our grand-children... let's see in hopefully 20 years time.
PS: In case you're wondering, no, our kids are, so far, not exposed to adult show. They barely set their eyes on soap opera, or some romantically inclined TV series or movies. Not because I set the rules, simply because they are not interested.
Daddy's Wisdom : Function of Stools in the Women's Shoe Section
On Sunday, we went shopping at Orchard area.
My daughter and I were looking at shoes in the women's area (she's my personal shopper).
Then, I saw both Daddy and son slouching on the stool near the wall. Both wearing the same bored, blank, expression (the kind of 'switched-off' peacefully face). The resemblance in the look was uncanny.
Of course, I burst out laughing.
Then, dear hubby proudly explained, 'I have explained to him. This is what boys do when girls look at shoes'.
Thank you very much. :)
My daughter and I were looking at shoes in the women's area (she's my personal shopper).
Then, I saw both Daddy and son slouching on the stool near the wall. Both wearing the same bored, blank, expression (the kind of 'switched-off' peacefully face). The resemblance in the look was uncanny.
Of course, I burst out laughing.
Then, dear hubby proudly explained, 'I have explained to him. This is what boys do when girls look at shoes'.
Thank you very much. :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
[Good Book] Roald Dahl books, The Witch in particular
'Matilda' was my all-time-favourite book. Little I knew then, that the author, Roald Dahl, has penned more book. Oh the joy, when I discovered it in Singapore (I've moved to Singapore when the web-age begins and we can blissfully google everything to our heart content).
To my kids, I tried to 'infect' them with the reading bug. From Roald Dahl, I've read to them 'Mr & Mrs Twit' (had them in stitches, the gross jokes are totally their thing), 'The Giraffe, The Pelly, and Me', the famous 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and 'The Witches'. We got the 15 books set, so the list is still going on.
(Image : www.Amazon.co.uk)
Quote below is a thought of a little boy, the main character, after he was transformed into a mouse by The Grand High Witch
"... It is not a bad thing after all, I thought to myself, to be tiny as well as speedy..."
[+]
1. It teaches a thing or two about life. I tried to take the above as a teachable moment for my kids. Whatever you get in life, might as well make the most of it. When life give you lemon... and stuff...
Likewise
2. Roald Dahl had a VERY fertile imagination. The details he presented are amazing. For example, in The Witch, he gave a clear instruction on how to differentiate witches from normal ladies. I, almost, believe that he met one at least in his lifetime. Well... call me naive... but I'm enjoying the fun adventurous side of the book.
3. Of course, Quentin Blake illustrations are marvelous. Even the kids like the detail, the accuracy. It's a talking point in its own.
[-]
At the beginning of each book, normally, the plot might be quite slow. This causes kids to lose interest if we didn't get to the exciting part soon enough. But once we're there... they'll be hooked.
Come on... try one... I recommend you to start with... 'Matilda'
To my kids, I tried to 'infect' them with the reading bug. From Roald Dahl, I've read to them 'Mr & Mrs Twit' (had them in stitches, the gross jokes are totally their thing), 'The Giraffe, The Pelly, and Me', the famous 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and 'The Witches'. We got the 15 books set, so the list is still going on.
(Image : www.Amazon.co.uk)
Quote below is a thought of a little boy, the main character, after he was transformed into a mouse by The Grand High Witch
"... It is not a bad thing after all, I thought to myself, to be tiny as well as speedy..."
[+]
1. It teaches a thing or two about life. I tried to take the above as a teachable moment for my kids. Whatever you get in life, might as well make the most of it. When life give you lemon... and stuff...
Likewise
2. Roald Dahl had a VERY fertile imagination. The details he presented are amazing. For example, in The Witch, he gave a clear instruction on how to differentiate witches from normal ladies. I, almost, believe that he met one at least in his lifetime. Well... call me naive... but I'm enjoying the fun adventurous side of the book.
3. Of course, Quentin Blake illustrations are marvelous. Even the kids like the detail, the accuracy. It's a talking point in its own.
[-]
At the beginning of each book, normally, the plot might be quite slow. This causes kids to lose interest if we didn't get to the exciting part soon enough. But once we're there... they'll be hooked.
Come on... try one... I recommend you to start with... 'Matilda'
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
[It Works] Berries World of Learning School
We are non-Chinese-speaking family. Both hubby and I know nuts on the language.
However, realizing the benefit of speaking the language in this everything-are-made-in-China age, we were quite adamant (until now) that our offspring pick-up our ancestor's tongue.
Background wise, my first born has tried 'Growing Up Gifted' bilingual enrichment class and Hua Language School before (both are located in United Square).
And since Nursery age we were introduced to a tutor who comes to our house once a week. She's also good, but I'm not sure whether she'd like to be broad casted here.
Last year, back from Parent-Teacher-Conference, I searched for more Chinese school to top up the home tutor. Because the teacher's feedback is that kid-no-1 oral Chinese needs improvement. So we contemplate between increasing the home-tutor frequency and an enrichment class. Finally we opt for class, where, by right, she can interact with her class mate. And... different exposure is good too...
Landed on Bishan's Berries.
[+]
1. They, at least they do give impression of, know their stuff. Curriculum, teaching materials are well prepared. Simple toys such as telephony-cups are included, which yield young kids motivation. If not to learn the Chinese, at least to go for lessons.
2. Teachers are kids friendly. Especially this year, I started 3 years old kid-no-2 too. He loves his teachers there now, after less than 2 months.
3. Gradually difficulties level is increased or mixed. Initially, I thought that they are teaching easier words to accommodate English-speaking kids. But I grew to realize that they are trying to strike a balance. Delicate work, but hey is works.
4. This impressed me. They have a unique system where you can collect lesson-voucher as MC replacement (can be used to offset next term fee). Taking make-up lesson at any day is highly encourage too. Arrangements are surprisingly easy. On top of the two method, we can also arrange one-to-one make up class with shorter class duration. With three option, it's difficult to waste the fee. Leaving me thinking, why didn't all school do the same...
5. The teachers do speak English. Even if it's simple English. Kids won't be so scared then.
[-]
Bad thing for me, but good for the kids.
Parents beware. Berries GIVES homework. Full stop. Every week, kids need to complete a homework which the parents are expected to mark.
Bright side, forcing me to learn too...
How? Let's leave it for another post, need to put two rascals to sleep now. They've been joking and joking on the bed.
However, realizing the benefit of speaking the language in this everything-are-made-in-China age, we were quite adamant (until now) that our offspring pick-up our ancestor's tongue.
Background wise, my first born has tried 'Growing Up Gifted' bilingual enrichment class and Hua Language School before (both are located in United Square).
And since Nursery age we were introduced to a tutor who comes to our house once a week. She's also good, but I'm not sure whether she'd like to be broad casted here.
Last year, back from Parent-Teacher-Conference, I searched for more Chinese school to top up the home tutor. Because the teacher's feedback is that kid-no-1 oral Chinese needs improvement. So we contemplate between increasing the home-tutor frequency and an enrichment class. Finally we opt for class, where, by right, she can interact with her class mate. And... different exposure is good too...
Landed on Bishan's Berries.
[+]
1. They, at least they do give impression of, know their stuff. Curriculum, teaching materials are well prepared. Simple toys such as telephony-cups are included, which yield young kids motivation. If not to learn the Chinese, at least to go for lessons.
2. Teachers are kids friendly. Especially this year, I started 3 years old kid-no-2 too. He loves his teachers there now, after less than 2 months.
3. Gradually difficulties level is increased or mixed. Initially, I thought that they are teaching easier words to accommodate English-speaking kids. But I grew to realize that they are trying to strike a balance. Delicate work, but hey is works.
4. This impressed me. They have a unique system where you can collect lesson-voucher as MC replacement (can be used to offset next term fee). Taking make-up lesson at any day is highly encourage too. Arrangements are surprisingly easy. On top of the two method, we can also arrange one-to-one make up class with shorter class duration. With three option, it's difficult to waste the fee. Leaving me thinking, why didn't all school do the same...
5. The teachers do speak English. Even if it's simple English. Kids won't be so scared then.
[-]
Bad thing for me, but good for the kids.
Parents beware. Berries GIVES homework. Full stop. Every week, kids need to complete a homework which the parents are expected to mark.
Bright side, forcing me to learn too...
How? Let's leave it for another post, need to put two rascals to sleep now. They've been joking and joking on the bed.
[Post published edit] In June '13 haze, Berries has proven to be a good educational institute. They have reacted promptly to enable home based learning for the week affected by the haze. It is not required of them, but they did it. Three cheers for all service provider that goes the extra mile!
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