Tabla de contenidos para November 2016 en Young Parents

You don’t have to agree with her objections; you just have to show that you can see things from her point of view. First things first – some issues have no room for discussion. For example, your child is never allowed to open medicine bottles or run across a busy road. But there is a potential for negotiation in other areas of conflict. For example, forcing her to wear a red T-shirt when she loves the green one will simply leave both of you frustrated. Once you try negotiating with her, you’ll find it’s easier than you think, and you’ll like the results. Try these negotiation strategies: State your position clearly Instead of pulling rank – “You’ll do what I tell you because I’m the parent and you’re the child”…

do Your child will feel like a bowling pro at Orchid Bowl. At its sixth and newest outlet at Safra Punggol, all 24 lanes are fitted with bumpers, which can be set to spring up when it’s his turn to play. That means he can enjoy the thrill of knocking down the pins without landing his ball in the gutter. The glow-in-the-dark environment (pictured) and dance music add to the fun and excitement. Rates at this outlet start from $16 per hour. FIND OUT MORE www.orchidbowl.com.sg do Nurture your little one’s imagination with holiday workshops by Act 3 Drama Academy. Kids aged seven months to two years old will enjoy a fun session of singing, movement and learning new vocabulary through classics like Puss in Boots and How the…

Jonathan Quek, 46, books staycations for his family at the Civil Service Club @ Changi at least three times a year. At the resort, the family swims, bowls, cycles and takes trips to Pulau Ubin, which is just a boat ride away from the nearby jetty. The director in an insurance company is a club member, and pays a discounted rate of about $300 a night for a suite each time. Some may baulk at the price tag for a chalet, which is comparable to a three- or four-star hotel stay, but the resort’s decor and facilities match up. The two-bedroom suite has tasteful interiors with dark wood furnishing, flat-screen TVs that offer movie and football channels, and a balcony that looks out to the sea. Jonathan adds: “Because of…

EVENT DETAILS WHEN Dec 10, 2016 (Saturday), 10am to 12pm WHERE Bosch Experience Centre, 11 Bishan Street 21, #04-01, Singapore 573943 (next to Marymount MRT station) HOW MUCH $8 per person, $15 per couple Cooking for your baby can be so much fun! Join chef Joseph Yeo in a cosy session, where you’ll discover new ways to add nutrition, variety and flavour to your little one’s plate. Joseph has a fine-dining background, having cut his teeth with the Les Amis Group. He is now the owner of local lifestyle brand SPRMRKT (pronounced “Supermarket”), which includes a casual eatery and an upscale restaurant. He is also a father of three kids aged six years, two years and five months old. In this two-hour cooking workshop, Joseph will offer tips to help…

my first skool Looking for a preschool in western Singapore? Check out My First Skool’s new centre at Block 443 Fajar Road, Fajar Hills. The brand has been a leader in early childhood care and education for almost 40 years, with children at the heart of all it does. That’s why My First Skool is all about creating joyful learning experiences, from its holistic, enquiry-based curriculum and conducive learning environment, to its passionate teachers. With over 120 preschools islandwide and counting, it brings quality preschool education to your neighbourhood. Tel: 6509-7887/ Website: www.myfirstskool.com eimaths Make this school holiday an enjoyable yet educational one for your child. Join Eimaths’ four-day camp, which promises play and learn activities where kids learn mathematical concepts and develop problem-solving skills. Dates are flexible – just…

Soft touch Whether she’s in the cot or stroller, your baby will love hanging out with her new sloth friend. Handmade by a Singapore mum with two young girls, the soft and lightweight toy is comforting to touch and offers a sense of security. Soothing Buddy faux-fur comfort toy by Chubby Bunny Co, $38, from K+ Curatorial Space More cool toys for little ones from newborns to toddlers – turn to page 42 . Just like Daddy’s The iconic boots from British heritage label, Clarks, now come in sizes for newborns and up. In its Autumn/Winter collection, you’ll find the Baby Warm booties ($49, pictured), a mini version of the classic Desert Boots for adults. The soft nubuck leather shoes feature Velcro tape fastenings at the back, making it…

You’ve heard of paintbrushes made from the hair of infants, or traditional Chinese stamps featuring a baby’s umbilical cord stump encased in liuli crystal. Now, the next head-scratching baby-related souvenir is made from yet another biological matter – breast milk. They say children grow so quickly, which perhaps explains the popularity of such keepsakes to remind mothers of their little ones before they could climb, bicker or break their curfews. While mums are currently polarised over the call to breastfeed – with some new mothers feeling intense and sometimes irrational pressure to do so – some who choose to nurse like to preserve the experience. The trend of creating jewellery using breast milk – ranging from simple lockets and charms to even stylish accessories crafted from precious metals – started…

SALMON AND BROCCOLI PATTY CAKES Makes 4 patties 120g salmon fillet 100g broccoli florets 100g potato, skinned and diced 50ml milk Salt, to taste 4 tbsp canola oil 1 Steam salmon on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, and set aside. 2 Steam broccoli and potato for 10 to 15 minutes, or until soft. 3 Drizzle milk over broccoli and potato, and mash until smooth. 4 Pull salmon into small flakes and add to mash. Season with salt. Mix evenly. 5 Divide the mixture into four portions, and form into patties of your desired shape. 6 Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the patties until crisp, about 2 minutes per side. 7 Garnish as desired, and serve. This recipe is suitable for toddlers from 12…

Your toddler is more likely to enjoy the security and comfort of routines in his life when he understands the purpose behind them. A reasonably predictable schedule matters to everyone in your family. Knowing that some events occur regularly can make your one-year-old feel more secure – and the going easier for you. For instance, consider establishing a bedtime routine if he often wakes up through the night and demands to be fed. There will be many occasions when your baby tries to break his usual routine. For instance, he explodes with rage because you tell him it is time for bed, and that you won’t read him another story. Or, he erupts because he is allowed only one glass of juice in the morning, not two. But stick with…

If you overreact to your child singing, the danger is that she’ll realise this is a great way to grab your attention. Your six-year-old loves singing lines from pop tunes, and you love watching her performing those musical numbers. But what if she’s belting out words like “Hey, sexy lady”, “Can you blow my whistle, baby”, or “I got passion in my pants and I ain’t afraid to show it”? Suddenly, you start to panic. You reassure yourself she obviously doesn’t understand these suggestive lyrics; she just enjoys the catchy melodies. Then you wonder if you should explain the words to her, or even stop her from singing these songs altogether. She is only six, after all. Pop stars come and go, as do hit songs. So, almost certainly, the…

FROTH WHAT’S GOOD Bravo to this restaurant at Ascott Raffles Place hotel, which has three well-balanced kids’ menu options, including the too-cute-to-eat Noodle Nest (pictured). The buckwheat soba noodles, lightly tossed in a yuzu-based sauce, are served with hard-boiled eggs and broccoli. There’s also Volcano Mash, which comes with mashed potatoes, smoked chicken bratwurst, carrot wedges and broccoli. He will also like assembling his own Burger Builder and fries set. Order them for $8.90++ each. On weekends, children under age 10 eat free when you buy a main course from the regular menu. Have a baby in tow? Ask for a free serving of pumpkin or sweet potato puree. FIND OUT MORE www.froth.sg OCEANS OF SEAFOOD WHAT’S GOOD This seafood market-cum-restaurant at Pasarbella has a new menu. Among the…

IF YOU’D LIKE SOMEWHERE FAMILIAR BUT NEW Canberra, the Australian capital, inspires little more than scepticism as a holiday spot when compared with Sydney and Melbourne. That may change now that Singapore Airlines has launched non-stop flights to the city. It is a surprising treasure trove for children, with museums, parks and activities that cater to them. Most of these attractions are an easy 10- to 20-minute walk or drive from one another. Start with a bird’s-eye view of the city aboard a hot-air balloon with Balloon Aloft (www.balloonaloftcanberra.com.au). Then head to Yarralumla Play Station (www.yarraps.com.au) for a 36-hole mini golf course, a small petting zoo and a ride on a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine-like train (keep an eye out for kangaroos). For sporty fun, race go-karts around an…

Up until the age of six, Javier Lim (pictured) was a healthy and active preschooler whose idea of a fun day was an afternoon jaunt at the playground. But all that changed when doctors found tumours in his brain, each about the size of a marble, three years ago. Now nine years old, Javier Lim has spent a third of his childhood battling multiple brain tumours. His skull has been cut opened and stitched up by surgeons about 10 times, to remove the tumours or to fix post-surgery complications. Today, the long, visible scars snaking through the back and front of his skull are physical proof of the painful surgeries he has experienced over the last three years. The Primary 3 student also has a drainage tube, known as a…

watch out Ever worry about where your child is after school? Keep track of his whereabouts with the GT Watch Smartee, said to be Singapore’s first smartwatch for children. With dual-way conversation, an intelligent emergency button and enhanced GPS system, this smart device helps you stay connected with your kids throughout the day. Get it for $138 (U.P. $168) from the GT Dollar app, available for download on Google Play or the App Store. Visit www.gtmobile.sg. itch away If Junior can’t stop scratching his mosquito bite, this cream may help. Suitable for ages one and up, Biolane Soothing Cream ($18.90 for 100ml) helps soothe insect bites, sunburn, irritation and more. Its pharmaceutical-quality formula is rich in avocado and helps nourish damaged skin. Soap-and alcohol-free, it helps maintain the skin’s natural…

THIS MONTH, WE ASK How can I get my toddler to eat faster? She always takes a time to fi nish her meals. If your child is fussing, move her away from the table calmly and allow some free play for fi ve to 10 minutes before attempting to feed her again. Don’t insist that she fi nishes everything on her plate. Respect that she has eaten enough, especially if mealtimes drag beyond 30 to 45 minutes. Neither should you use unhealthy food as a form of bribery. Avoid saying: “Eat this vegetable and I will give you ice cream later.” Make positive comments about nutritious food and maintain a cheerful face during mealtimes. If your temper fl ares, she’ll associate her misbehaviour with lots of attention and this can…

JOIN US! WHEN Dec 3, 2016 (Saturday) TIME 12pm – 5pm WHERE Rochester Mall, Level 1 to 3 Rochester Mall, a short walk from Buona Vista MRT, is a learning place for young minds. It also features an exciting mix of retail and F&B outlets, ranging from al fresco dining options to elegant, colonial-style restaurants. Address 35 Rochester Drive, S138639 Website www.rochestermall.com.sg Facebook www.fb.com/RochesterMall Stage activities 1pm Meet and greet with a popular yellow character 1.30pm A Celebrative Season with My Drum School 2.30pm Meet and greet with a popular yellow character 3pm Music with Kindermusik 4pm When I Grow Up by The Learning Lab 4.30pm Meet and greet with a popular yellow character Be a little Santa It’s the season of giving. Drop a toy, book or…

It may be called the monthly cycle, but your body doesn’t always stick to the rules of regularity. Period-tracking apps can help predict your next menses, how far apart cycles may be, and warn you when your period is late. They can also help you monitor your emotions and energy levels in order to help you feel more in control of your body. Glow Free, from Apple App Store and Google Play Glow gets straight to the point, asking whether you want to avoid pregnancy, conceive or need assistance with managing your fertility meds or IVF treatment. It’s not shy with its questions either, probing for details on your contraceptive method, how long you’ve been trying to conceive, whether you have children, and so on. Plus, it wants all the…

Q has My two red - circles year-old under her eyes. Is this a sign that she’s not getting enough sleep? A Eye bags may occur for several reasons, including natural complexion, sinus congestion and insufficient sleep. If your toddler is getting less than 11 hours of sleep at night, it is extremely likely that this is the cause. International experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Health Service in the UK agree that the recommended sleep requirements at this age are 11 to 14 hours. If you are struggling to get your child to sleep early, adopt a nightly bedtime routine. For example, aim for an early dinner at around 5.30pm to 6pm, followed by a bath and storybook time in bed. Avoid TV or other…

Complimenting her excessively for her strengths, especially without counterbalancing it with helpful criticism of her weaknesses, can give her an unbalanced perspective of herself. Part of positive parenting involves recognising your two-year-old’s achievements and praising her successes – your positive reaction will encourage her to try harder the next time. But it’s also important to take a step back and assess if you are overpraising her. Excessive praise can lead to these problems: It loses its effectiveness Praise your toddler too often for the slightest thing when she hasn’t really earned it, and the effect will diminish. These positive comments will become routine. She knows she doesn’t really deserve it Your child may start to wonder if your words are genuine. As she grows older, she could think: “Does Mum…

For a short island getaway with the brood in tow, look no further than Bintan. It’s a cinch to get to by ferry and is chock-full of activities for everyone – whether you’re two or 32. With so many resorts to choose from, the hardest thing to do is to pick just one. ALL-INCLUSIVE CLUB MED BINTAN ISLAND If you have a tot, a tween and a teen, then your challenge is to ensure that no one screams “boring!” before the holiday’s over. All-inclusive resort Club Med rolls out a warm welcome with delicious buffet spreads and a wide array of sports and recreational activities for kids from as young as two years old. A definite crowd-pleaser is the Flying Trapeze Academy, where children and adults alike can pick up…

When you were growing up, complaints of “I'm bored!” were greeted with “Read a book!” or “Clean your room!”. That was about the extent of the solution provided. Your parents expected you to amuse yourself, and you did. Things are different now. Many parents feel that every moment should be spent doing something constructive, rather than just letting children be. Today's kids have so much more to ward off boredom - shelves filled with books, countless toys and every entertainment gadget available to mankind - yet they still whine. Child experts believe that children don't get bored unless they have been conditioned to require constant external stimulation and entertainment. You’re not helping Louise Favaro, head of Student Services at Chatsworth International School, agrees. “When a child expresses boredom to the…

How do you make the most of your child’s precious preschool years? Mums and dads picked up expert tips on a variety of topics at the Young Parents Preschool Seminar 2016, which was held on Aug 20 at the Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel. Participants also found out more about Chiltern House, Lorna Whiston and Heguru Method Learning Centre at the exhibitor booths during the event, and went home with fabulous goodie bags. Here are some of the highlights. 1 Fiona Walker, group managing director of Chiltern House Preschool, shared her advice on helping your kid make a successful transition to preschool. Organise play dates for your tot, so he’ll learn to socialise early, and expose him to positive new experiences so he’ll look forward to starting school, she suggested. 2…