Tabla de contenidos para August 2016 en Young Parents

If your little girl loves the new Alice Through the Looking Glass movie, she’ll adore the Mini Melissa Ultragirl + Alice No Pais Das Maravilhas collection. The candy blue Mary Janes with a black bow mirror Alice’s iconic accessory, while the Cheshire Cat version is wickedly whimsical. There’s also a complementary range for women. Available from MDreams boutiques, selected retailers or online at www.mdreams.com.sg .…

Learning mother tongue languages is important as it not only helps to preserve one’s cultural and ethnic identity, but it can also be advantageous in this globalised world. If you are looking for interesting and creative ways to encourage Junior to learn his mother tongue, then it’s time to take him to the Mother Tongue Languages Symposium (MTLS) on Aug 20. Now in its fifth edition, this year’s MTLS promises another meaningful exchange of ideas between families and educators. With the theme “A Garden for Joyful Discoveries”, parents and kids can expect a fun and fulfilling experience outside of the classroom. So take the whole brood along – here’s what everyone can look forward to. FIRE UP YOUR IMAGINATION Stop by any of the 43 exhibition booths presented by preschools,…

Humans are programmed to like sugar – eating sweet treats causes our brain to release dopamine, the “feel good” hormone. It’s even possible to become addicted to this feeling. Worse, your tastebuds could get dulled over time, so you need more and more sugar to satisfy the craving. NATURALLY BETTER? If it’s human nature to like sugar, then why is it so bad for us? Millions of years ago, we needed maximum calories for minimum effort, so a desire for sweet things had an evolutionary advantage. But these days, we’re not hunting or foraging for our foods. Excess consumption of sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes and rotten teeth. Some people also believe that it can cause hyperactivity and reduced attention spans in children, although studies have remained inconclusive. SLOWLY…

There is nothing in the world quite like the bright, innocent smile of your child that brings joy to everyone around him. For that great smile, it is important to start good oral hygiene practices early in your child’s life. START YOUNG The milk teeth of an infant are much more delicate than adult teeth and thus require special care and attention. Oral7 Tiny Teeth Gel is the best solution in providing your child with protection for his or her teeth and gums. It contains the protective enzymes lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin and lysozyme that can also be found in breast milk. These enzymes provide natural protection against any germs or bacteria that can potentially cause tooth decay. With no detergent nor artificial colouring, it is ideal for infants from as young…

Minimising sibling jealousy could reduce misbehaviour. Remind your tot regularly how much you love him. Your older boy is well-behaved, kind to others and gentle with his friends, but his toddler brother is the exact opposite – he hits, grabs and screams. You wish he’d learn good behaviour from his older sibling, but that doesn’t seem to be happening. Simply put, each child behaves differently because they have different personalities, traits and abilities. So don’t expect your toddler to behave in the same way as his older brother. Often, however, there could be other reasons your younger child is behaving so badly. Read on if you answer “yes” to the following questions: Do I criticise my toddler more than I praise him? You could have fallen into the trap of…

Show your child that you love him for who he is, no matter how much or how little he achieves and what he does in life. Have confidence in himself and his abilities Regularly remind your child that he has a wonderful nature, is clever and talented, and fun to be with. If he feels good about himself, he’ll enjoy life better, achieve more and have good resilience for coping with difficulties in life. Stay away from kids who get into trouble Some kids are attracted to other children who misbehave, are anti-social and regularly break the rules – the lure of excitement can push Junior’s common sense out the window. Advise him to keep his distance from such pupils, even if he is tempted to befriend them. Join a…

IF YOU LIVE IN SENGKANG/ PUNGGOL Mindchamps Preschool @ Punggol Northshore What’s special Spanning 15,000 sq ft, this is the largest Mindchamps preschool to date. Housed within the Marina Country Club, it boasts a huge 3,584 sq ft playground (pictured) with a waterfront view, no less. And with a capacity of 141 children, there’s space aplenty. The preschool has a Gourmet Moments room, where children prepare different types of food, from fruit salad to sushi. This helps hone their creativity, associative thinking ability, communication skills, observation and inquiry skills as well as cognitive development, explains a spokesman. It also has a well-stocked library with English and Chinese titles, an eco-pond, where kids learn about environmental sustainability through aquaponics, and a gym, where it holds its signature Neuro-mooves programme. The opening…

Hamsters in a House is a new collectible toy range which lets your child create her own hamster-size world and play with adorable creatures. In the Ultimate Hamster House, watch the hamster come to life as it buzzes, scoots and scurries around. Your little one will hear fun sound effects when she places her hamster on hotspots in different rooms – there are more than 16 interactive sounds! Have a go down the slide, run the wheel or even go to the toilet – she’ll have hours of fun with her furry friend. PRIZES Be one of 54 lucky winners to each receive a Hamsters in a House Ultimate Hamster House worth $59.90. HOW TO WIN Send in your completed coupon or log on to www.youngparents.com.sg.…

Mummy fans of French skincare brand L’Occitane will be happy to hear that it now has its first spa in Singapore. Here are three things you need to know about it: ONLY IN SG Housed within Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, it’s the only L’Occitane spa worldwide to offer the Neroli & Orchidee relaxing massage (from $245 for 60 minutes), which eases tension and rejuvenates skin with a scrub and massage. You can also get just the Neroli & Orchidee scrub done for $130 (45 minutes). Both treatments use the brand’s new Neroli & Orchidee range, which you can buy after your session. HANDS-ON If you prefer hand-performed treatments and traditional massage techniques, you’ve come to the right place. Experienced therapists from other Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts will also visit,…

We love stationery brand Kikki.K’s witty greeting cards for mums-to-be and new parents – one says: “Yay! Counting down the days until you can enjoy cheese and wine again”, while another jests: “You’re officially a member of The Sleepless Club” (pictured, $5.90). These are part of its new Hello World collection. More gift ideas include the baby book ($59.90), a scrapbook for collecting photos and mementos, and to pen down memories. To keep milestones recorded, the height chart ($39.90) and Milestone card set ($22.90) – with illustrations inspired by the flora and fauna of Swedish fields and forests – are perfect for the job. Check them out at Kikki.K stores and online at www.kikki-k.com .…

MINI RAINBOW EGG ROLL Serves 1 100g cucumber 100g carrot 50g button mushroom 50g red capsicum 30g green peas 30ml olive oil A pinch of salt 3 eggs 20ml potato starch 50ml low-fat mayonnaise 1 Cut cucumber, carrot, mushroom and capsicum into thin strips. 2 Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add all the vegetables and season with salt. Stir-fry until cooked, about 5 minutes or less. Set aside. 3 Break eggs into a bowl and add potato starch. Beat with a fork until mixture is just blended. Strain through a fine sieve. 4 Reheat the pan. Pour in egg mixture. Tilt and rotate the pan to spread egg mixture evenly over the bottom. Lower the heat, cover and cook for about 2 minutes. 5 Remove the…

Running after two kids can be tiring, but you will soon learn to manage your energy and your time. Congratulations on your second child! Since you've been there and done that, you are naturally brimming with confidence, right? If only it were that straightforward! Every baby is different and has his or her temperament and characteristics, so be prepared that your second child will bring you a whole new experience altogether. Here are 10 things you should never take for granted. “I already know everything I need to know about parenting.” Even though you have discovered a great deal through parenting your first child, know that there's still plenty to learn. “What worked with my first child will work with my second one, too” You will be surprised how different…

Be calm and firm when you repeat to him that he must sleep in his own room. Hide your annoyance. Your three-year-old had a nightmare one night, so you took him into your bedroom to comfort him. And he’s stayed there since! You have tried to coax him back to his own bed without any success, and you are getting irritated. Here’s a 10-step guide to help you stay firm and stand your ground. Explain why it’s important Be honest with Junior about what you hope to achieve. Tell him that you have decided he is ready for his own bed and that you will help him achieve this goal. You know he’s comfortable sleeping in your room, but it’s time he returns to his own. Let your child protest…

Over $2,000 a month At Chiltern House, every class has its own room and there is an indoor playground, which may not be the case at most preschools. When we visited its Nursery 2 (N2) class recently, no noise from outside could be heard. Principal Iris Lim says: “We allow the kids to speak up and express themselves. If the centre had an open concept, it’d be difficult to focus on what the children are talking about.” Its N2 class was exceptionally small – there were just six children with two teachers in class. The preschool sets a ratio of one teacher to seven children, and there are 14 places for the N2 full-day programme, but only seven are filled. One was absent on the day of the visit. Iris…

The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) may have officially begun on June 3, but Paragon got a head start with its “Utterly Hooked” campaign a week earlier, treating shoppers to a host of promotions, rewards and even musical performances. Held in conjunction with GSS, one highlight was the Fashion Forward showcase, in which shoppers got to admire style buys with a futuristic twist, all curated by editors from Female, Nuyou, Shape, Young Parents and Home & Decor. Kids had a special place here, with several looks dedicated for young fashionistas. Here are four key brands to help Junior stay ahead of the style pack and be a fashion “early adopter” for the fall/winter season. RALPH LAUREN CHILDREN (#05-17/18) Ralph Lauren Children’s latest collection channels back-to-school elements with collegiate looks in bright…

Bintan Lagoon Resort packages D’resort @ Downtown East staycations Pororo Park Singapore memberships WIN! A Pororo Park Singapore silver membership worth $499 (two winners) As a silver member, you get 26 free visits for one child and two adults. Plus, enjoy discounts at the cafe, merchandise store, and more! Visit www.pororoparksg.com. WIN! Bintan Lagoon Resort all-inclusive package A 3D2N stay in a deluxe room for two adults and two kids worth $537 (four winners) A 2D1N stay in an Angsoka Villa with a private pool and BBQ dinner worth $950 for up to seven people (one winner) With over 50 land and sea activities and its own 1.5km beachfront, the award-winning Bintan Lagoon Resort is the perfect getaway for family bonding. You’ll find championship…

send us your child’s best photo & win! Each child featured on this page wins a fabulous Young Parents Birthday Hamper worth $50. To take part, upload a clear JPEG photo of your child (at least 300dpi) to www.youngparents.com.sg/cutie and fill in your details. Terms and conditions apply.…

THIS MONTH, WE ASK   I leave Baby with my in-laws and take him home only on weekends, because Hubby and I work long hours. Will he suffer because we’re not there every day? In an ideal world, a child would be nurtured and cared for by a stay-at-home parent, but that option may not be possible in real life. Nevertheless, parenting is a journey – a long journey in which you should focus on key milestones. Being with your baby on weekends and public holidays are moments where you create those milestones in his life. Spend them wisely – and generously, with all your heart and time – and you will have your child, always. Alfred Tan, Singapore Children’s Society EDUCATION Brian Caswell is the dean of Research and…

Make her room look enticing The room should be a place she loves spending time in. Ho Shee Wai, psychologist and director of The Counselling Place, suggests incorporating your child’s favourite cartoon characters and objects into the decor. Also make sure that her favourite security blanket or toy is within reach on her new bed. If you get her involved when preparing the space and choosing the furniture, she may be even more eager to sleep there. Safety first If she can climb into and out of beds with minimal effort, make sure her bed has an opening on the side, says Dr Lim Kai Hung, family physician at Lifescan Medical Centre. If it doesn’t, she risks falling as she climbs over the guard rail. “You should also install window…

Steam, blend, defrost and reheat. This four-in-one baby food maker from Philips Avent is a boon to busy parents. From pureed to chunky, you can now whip up homemade meals, especially for baby’s needs, at every stage of weaning. Compared to its previous model, this has a bigger 1-litre jar to allow for cooking four meals in one go. Washing up is a breeze – the blades and jar are dishwasher-safe, while the open design of the water tank allows for easy refills. Get it for $239 from leading nursery retailers.…

Tell her clearly what will happen if she misbehaves. If she breaks the rules, punish her as said. When you were a young child, you stopped in your tracks the minute your parents so much as looked disapprovingly at you. Yet your own five-year-old seems totally immune to punishments, and she seems to ignore all the consequences of her behaviour. Now is the time to stand back and carefully consider the way you use punishments as part of your discipline. Punishments are effective only when they are applied consistently. Decide on the rules for your child’s behaviour and stick to them no matter what she does. Consider what you expect of her in terms of her behaviour towards other children and adults. Explain these expectations to her, point that she…

This question has become more pertinent, with the variation in childcare fees higher than before. As of March this year, the difference between the average and median monthly fee for full-day childcare was $148 – the widest gap in at least a decade. The median fee was $856, and the average was $1,004. The median fee (measured as the middle point of the range) separates the cheaper half of the 1,300 or so centres from the rest. The average fee is higher as the high costs charged by some centres – which can be over $2,000 – skew the data. Experts says higher fees generally imply preschool operators have more funds to offer better facilities and higher pay to attract more qualified teachers, but they added that parents should also…

While other parents clamour to give their little ones a head start in their ABCs and 123s, Poh Ying Bin is more concerned about whether his kids, aged two and four respectively, are getting their daily dose of running, jumping and climbing. “I’m pretty chill when it comes to their academic learning. At the moment, I’d rather my kids get plenty of opportunity to explore and work on their motor skills, balance and coordination,” says the 29-year-old dad, whose third child is due this month. Before you dismiss him as another New Age-y parent, consider this: Increasingly, child developmental studies have found that how confidently Junior moves, maintains his balance, throws and catches a ball or even tie his shoelaces, can predict how well he will learn in school later.…

Deep scratches and cuts Deep cuts tend to bleed a lot, so first compress the wound with a clean towel to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, wash the cut under running water for five to 10 minutes to get rid of dirt. Apply an antiseptic gel or cream and leave the wound to heal. “Observe the child to make sure the wound is healing, and see a doctor if there are any signs of infection such as increased swelling, redness, pus discharge or fever,” says Dr Lynette Wee, a paediatric senior resident from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. If it’s a huge open wound, compress it, but still seek emergency care immediately, says Dr Ratna Sridjaja, a paediatrician from Gleneagles Hospital. “Any open wound may mean the need…

watch Based on a famous nursery rhyme, Little Star is a visual and interactive 45-minute production with puppetry, movement and music presented by I Theatre. Kids aged two to six would especially enjoy the show, which runs from Aug 17 to Sept 11 at the Alliance Francaise Theatre. Tickets, from $32, are available from www.sistic.com.sg. More details at www.itheatre.org. read Where are all the birds? The Extraordinary Mind of Goh Keng Swee By Darel Seow, Epigram Books, $14.90, from www . shop.epigrambooks.sg This question led Dr Goh – one of Singapore’s founding fathers – to construct Jurong Bird Park and the world’s largest man-mad waterfall in the park. Colourful illustrations and easy-to-read text offer a delightful way to share Singapore’s history with young kids, as…

wear your heart Heading to the National Day Parade? Deck the family in Bossini’s patriotic collection in celebration of Singapore’s 51st birthday. These versatile red and white ensembles can go a long way after the Parade, too. Prices are from $23 to $49. Visit www.bossini. com.sg  for outlets. 50% less sugar Going down the path of less sugar – the Health Ministry recently declared “war” on diabetes – in your diet gets easier with Vitagen Less Sugar. Made with fermented skim milk, real fruit juice and billions of live probiotic cultures, it contains 50 per cent less sugar compared to regular cultured milk drinks. Get a pack of five bottles for $3.20 or a single bottle at 70 cents, from leading supermarkets, convenience stores and more.…

lorna whiston schools Since 1980, Lorna Whiston Schools has been the brand for quality education for students aged 18 months to 16 years old. It offers a myriad of programmes, including preschool ones, English enrichment, creative writing, reading and phonics, speech and drama, as well as public speaking. Lorna Whiston Schools differentiates itself from competitors through its unique approach to education – defined as “real learning” – and through its strong reputation as a pioneer in this field. For learning to be effective, it should be relevant and enjoyable, which is why Lorna Whiston Schools invests heavily in quality teachers, curricula and learning environments. It’s no wonder then that it has picked up accolades, such as the Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework and Singapore Quality Class awards. Preschools: Winchester Road (Tel:…