[Through the eyes of a child] If you put your mind into it, you can do anything you want

Recently, my six-year-old daughter told me while being coaxed to practice more, "I know... if you put your mind into it, you can do anything... "

Startled by this sudden surge of wisdom, I was quick to reply back, wide eyed and all... "Where did you learn that?"

And guess... her answer both surprised and soothed me at the same time.

"From the TV"

Well well well...

I remembered struggling to decide when she was a newborn whether we can let her watch TV. That's after extensive research that mostly uncover the evil side of the magic box.

Finally, I myself was lured into the temptation of adorable characters (anyway... hubby and I watched Hi-5 during our exam study in university... happily commenting all through about the comical aspect of the bunch. I wonder whether it's karma that bring our firstborn into loving the Nathan-Kathleen-Kellie-Charli-Tim combo so much in the first 18 months of her life).

So for us, TV is OK, as long as it comes from DVD/VCD. I am still a scared of all the commercials presented.

But slowly the kids found their way to Okto, a children channel in Singapore. Thankfully that happened after they are fully assured that no, they cannot behave like ones in commercials. And equally no, being on TV does not mean the toys or food can materialize at home. Whining or not.

So there... after the journey, glad to hear that children, too, get little nuggets of life wisdom from TV. :)

Great Expectation

Recently, when office was hectic and erratic (still is, until now) an home is equally demanding, I remembered my email to a best friend many years ago. In case it can also sooth others in similar situation, here it is:

---quote---

We're surrounded by others' expectation. Most often, our loved ones are the highest of them all. I think, this is because they have our best interest in hearts. As much as we would like to meet all of them, reaching a serene equilibrium is a tricky business.
Because... somehow meeting one's expectation means sacrificing other's. True?

And indeed expectation is a cruel thing. Sometimes we expect other illogically.
Especially our loved ones. To us, they are the greatest, close to superhero.
Among the loved ones, I think the kids has the biggest expectation from parents.
To any parents, their kids are their gods, capable of all sort of thing.

So there... One's life is started with expectation. When we were born, we're expected to scream our head off. Otherwise our devoted mommy will be worried. As we grow up, the expectation grows bigger as well. From teachers, friends, colleagues, neighbors, bosses, spouse, kids... It's not substitute, it's summation.

I guess... from our experience... this kind of thingy happen to anyone.

As closing, I have made peace with myself. I think, realizing a little bit too late, the greatest burden is my own expectation.
My fear of failure cause this all. I always tried to please everyone, such that putting myself in the unpleasant situation. I was too afraid of upsetting others.

After that acceptance, I felt better.

How about you?

Most importantly, please do remind me if I expect too much from my kids. And that we must not forget of His expectation. To walk on His path. Therefore, my dearest friend, no worry.
He'll make everything beautiful in His own time. Just walk on His, together with Him. :)

[It Works] Letterland

Long time ago, I was a little skeptical about Letterland. I thought of it as just another one of hyped-up-commercially-exploited creation.

However, we've been converted now.

[+]
1. Catchy tunes. My 3 years old son has been humming the tunes for a few months now.
2. Fun fun fun stories. Even my daughter cannot stop reading the book.
3. Bright beautiful colorful characters, both in illustration and in their story roles.
4. Well developed method of phonics introduction, making it easier for children to remember. 5. We did zoo-phonics with our first one, and we're impressed by the more wholesome approach. From single sound introduction, to digraphs, to more as we've yet to explore.
6. Letterland has almost everything we can think of. Games, workbook, storybook, flashcards,... To make learning continuous and fun.
7. They are available everywhere, not exclusive from the school.

[-]
1. Limited range of product in Singapore.
2. They don't provide free online games as other brands do nowadays.
3. Some stuffs are literally breathtakingly expensive.

Another one is minus for me, plus for my son. He can't stop doing the workbook. So one book was finished up pretty quickly. :)

Hosana Dental Clinic

About a year ago, I found recommendation from other mommies on the net on a good dental clinic for kids:

Hosana Dental Clinic
123 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310123
Phone : 6258 8456

The oral therapist patiently explaining the functions of the equipments used during the treatment. And everything is not rushed or forced upon. As a result, both my kids feel really relaxed. No fear at all, including the most recent experience: extraction *shiver*

I also feel comfortable with the advises. No treatment was pushed down our throat. He advises, but decision is up to us. And... Approach is not radical, more towards letting nature chips in too.

Now, the clinic has been a family clinic, extended to some of my kids' friends. So far all are happy.

Well... Just in case someone out there need. :)

PS: they are also open on some nights and on Saturdays.