Journey about raising up our lovely kids
Mothers Blog About Gen Z Kids
Myopia Control – The Atropine Eye Drops Therapy
Aug 20th
Myopia is getting more and common nowadays. The eyes of the Z generation are always “working” – reading, watching TV, playing games. The only time they rest, I suppose, would be when the kids are sleeping.
As such, it is not uncommon to see children (even toddlers) wearing spectacles today. My son, a typical Z generation, worn his first pair of spectacles when he was 5 and the power just won’t stop going up (like the stock market).
When he was 7, I started actively to look for ways to control his myopia. By chance, his pediatrician introduced me to an optometrist who specialist in myopia prevention and control management. After detailed examination of his eyes, the optometrist recommended that I tried the Atropine Eye Drops Therapy. This therapy is commonly used by optometrist safely to treat eye conditions such as lazy eyes and squints; but for use in myopia control, it is still something new in Singapore, I was told then.
With the optometrist’s advice and after due considerations, we decided to give it a try. Every night before he sleeps, a single drop of atropine eye drop is instilled in each of his eyes. His myopia has since stabilized for the past 2 years. He sees the optometrist half yearly for review and for replenishment of his eye drops.
So far, the only side effect I’ve observed is the glariness from the sun when he is having his outdoor activities. The solution? I have the optometrist wrote me a letter for the school to allow him wear transition lenses.
Of course, eye care is still the most important thing; and do consult an optometrist if you are concern with your child’s myopia.
For information:
http://www.eyecare.com.sg/atropine.htm
http://www.eyespecialist.com.sg/mypoia.htm
Is My Child Gifted?
Aug 20th
It is common for parents to wonder if their children are gifted.
There’s this little boy, aged 4, from my girl’s school. He can read books that are meant for Primary 4 student. Is that little boy gifted? I think so. However, does it mean that he is “gifted“ in everything? I don’t think so.
I believe that all kids are special in their own way. Even children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia could be “gifted” in their own way. I know of a little girl who is dyslexic. She is academically slow but extremely talented in photography. When she takes photographs, she took them in a very “special” way. For example, she would take a close snap of the checkers on the handbag instead of the hand bag itself. The snap was so sharp that you can see even the finest details of the checkers. Is she talented? Yes, I think so too.
Kids may have different talents. Some children are gifted in music, some in arts and some in sports. It is important for us, as parents, to encourage them and help them develop these talents. Parents must realize that not all gifted children have the ability to do well academically. One child may show his giftedness in his study while the other might show his in performing arts and music.
By the way, do you know that Einstein was four years old before he could speak and seven before he could read? So next time before you ponder if your child is gifted, remember not to limit yourself in the academic way, your child might have hidden talent you have yet discovered 
Reading on Dyslexia:
http://www.squidoo.com/davisdyslexia
Reading on Theory of Multiple Intelligences:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_multiple_intelligences,
Ants on an Apple
Aug 19th
I like this phonics song. It’s catchy and easy to remember. You can even change the wordings to something that your child likes in order to catch their attention. It goes like this
Ants on an Apple, “a” “a” “a”
Ants on an Apple, “a” “a” “a”
Ants on an Apple, “a” “a” “a”
“a” is the sound of “A”
Balls are bouncing, “b” “b” “b”
Balls are bouncing, “b” “b” “b”
Balls are bouncing, “b” “b” “b”
“b” is the sound of “B”
Caterpillar is crawling, “c” “c” “c”
Caterpillar is crawling, “c” “c” “c”
Caterpillar is crawling, “c” “c” “c”
“c” is the sound of “C”
(in the video, it’s Caterpillar coughing, “c” “c” “c”)
Dogs are digging, “d” “d” “d”
Dogs are digging, “d” “d” “d”
Dogs are digging, “d” “d” “d”
“d” is the sound of “D”
(in the video, it’s Dolls are dancing, “d” “d” “d”)
See what I mean, it’s a fun and entertaining way for young children to learn their phonics.
Link to the Phonics Song – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFFyS3PrjZk
10 Tips for Getting Your Toddler Ready for Preschool
Aug 15th
Photo by jamieannePreschool is a big step in your toddler’s life. Whether your child is used to being at home with you all day, or he’s already used to a daycare environment, the shift to a new routine and new surroundings can be a challenging one. However, with a few small steps and some advance planning, the step into school life can be a positive experience for both of you.
Try these 10 tips to get your toddler ready for preschool:
1. Work on potty training. Many preschools require you to bring your child already potty trained. The earlier you plan on starting preschool, the more important it is to begin potty training early.
2. Start with a shorter day or shorter week. Many preschool programs allow your child to attend shorter school sessions. Consider a program that only meets two or three days per week initially. You can also opt for half-day sessions at some preschools.
3. Bring your toddler to play groups. If your child has many experiences in playgroups with other kids, he will be used to interacting with other children. Offer opportunities for your child to become as comfortable as possible in social situations.
4. Work on discipline early. Establish a consistent discipline routine with your toddler. Get your child used to consistent consequences for misbehavior, and try to make those consequences similar to the ones he’ll face in preschool.
5. Give your toddler art supplies. Get your toddler used to using art supplies like paper, crayons, and chalk. Many preschool days feature a time of arts and crafts, and you can ease your child’s transition to school life by introducing art to him early.
6. Read to your toddler every day. When you read to your child every day, you help them to think and learn about the world around him. Pick new books to read every once in awhile, but keep returning to your toddler’s favorites also. If you encourage them to read while they’re young, they’ll be excited about learning for a lifetime.
7. Start naming letters and numbers. Introduce your child to letters and numbers whenever you have the opportunity. Numbers and letters are often taught in preschool, but your everyday routine offers many opportunities to introduce these concepts in a fun, engaging way.
8. Identify colors and shapes. The same goes for naming colors and shapes. It’s a good idea to just point these things out to your child as you go about exploring life. Ask your child about different colors and shapes when you see them.
9. Take your toddler to all checkups. Regular checkups are important for ensuring that your child is healthy. Your child may require certain immunizations in order to enter school. During your visits, your child’s doctor will verify that his physical development is on track.
10. Let him go. It’s tough to watch your little baby grow up right in front of your eyes. Getting ready to start school can be a big change in your toddler’s life, but it’s a big change in yours as well. Prepare yourself emotionally for the big day, and remember that preschool is simply the beginning of a new, exciting stage in both of your lives.
Preschool brings with it a set of challenges that you may have never faced before. As you adjust to the new routines together, remember that anything new brings special opportunities and experiences. Embrace those experiences together, and make the most of this new season of life.
Drawing by 3 years old
Jul 29th
My 3 years old Genz Kid drew this picture of her big brother last weekend… cool rite?
Say “I Love You” …
Jul 15th
I was deeply saddened by the sudden news that my girlfriend, who was only 40 years old, passed away recently. There was never a sign of illness and her death due to cancer caught me by surprise. She was a wonderful person and left behind her, her husband and her beloved daughter. Her sudden departure makes me realized that life is so fragile. Indeed, who would know what will happen in the next minute, so to all those people out there, please cherish those around you while you can…. We never know “What’s Next!”
Life is so unpredictable, don’t you think so
You will never know what will happen tomorrow
Cherish your love ones while you can
For you will never know when they will leave you to be with the God
Say “I Love You” to those you love
It’s never a shy thing to do
Stop thoes cold wars and make peace with your love ones
Don’t wait till it’s too late to say “I’m sorry”
So to all my dearest out there
I love you …..
Andrew Matthews – Wisdom of Words
Jun 9th
I enjoyed the talk by Andrew Matthews during the recent Singapore Education Summit 2010. In case you wondered who he is. He is the international cartoonist, speaker & best-selling author of motivational and personal development books such as “Happiness Now”, “Follow Your Heart”.
This is what I’ve shared with my Genz Kid:
You can choose to be happy or misery. Misery is a choice.
I took the opportunity to teach my Genz Kid that life is never fair. You can choice to happy with what you have or misery with what you don’t have. MISERY is a choice!
You are happier when you accomplished something.
I asked my Genz Kid whether he felt good after obtaining good results for his mid year results, knowing that he had tried his best and put in his best effort. He said yes!
Life is a circle of continuous challenges.
My Genz Kid was bothered that his friend was not finding time to do the project they were supposed to complete during the June school holiday. I told him that a person grows up when they faces challenges in life. It’s when you know how to overcome these challenges that you find yourself wiser. When you thought you have overcome one challenge, before you could rest your feet, you find yourself facing another challenge and this will go on and on …. AND again, you can choice to face these challenges positively with an open heart or miserably.
Ability + Attitude + Strategy = SUCCESS
I told my Genz Kid that a person could be very smart, but without the right attitude and strategy, he can never be successful. He may not be the smartest person in his class but if he learn from the mistakes and take failure positively, and with the right strategy, he will be successful.
Fun is when you are involved and participated, not watch
I asked my Genz Kid which is more fun, to watch your friend playing a scoccer game or you participate in the game. He told me “PARTICIPATE”. Yes, participate even if you are not the best in the game or even you have lost the game. The more important thing is you have fun and enjoyed the game!
That’s all I have to share today. If you have not read his book, I would urge you to read one. I believe you will feel as enlighten as I do!
And guess what, I’m going to get his “Being a Happy Tenn” for my Genz Kid. Although he is not a teenage yet, I believe he will benefit a lot from the book.
Official website : http://www.andrewmatthews.com/
Also on facebook http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Matthews-Author/108867285809877
And this is from Andrew’s “Happiness Now”…. ENJOY!
A mother’s feeling – My Son has Grown Up
Jun 8th
Do you have this sudden feeling that your child has grown up …
Well, I do. Recently my child went for a school trip to Malaysia and he was all so excited. He packed his own bag on items he needed to bring, did a checklist of things he needed to do during the trip and went to bed early the night before and set his alarm clock to ring at 5.15 am so that he won’t oversleep and be late for the “big” day. All so impromptu without any tinker from the parents.
I recalled a week before the “big” day, I jokingly asked if I could go with him, promised that I would stay a distance away from him, just to make sure he’s okay and not mantle into “business” he needs to do. It’s a firm “No, no parents are allowed!”. When I teased him that I would be tagging along after all as a parent volunteer, he gave me that “oh no, you are not!” look. It’s kinda of funny but suddenly, I felt that my little boy who used to like to do everything with mummy has grown up.
Well, we still do things together – sports, WII, watch TV, read but soon (and I mean real soon), he would start to prefer to do all these with his friends and very soon, I would start missing my little boy, the Mommy’s Boy.
4 Ways to Strengthen the Bond With Your Children
Jun 1st
Few things are more important in life than the bond you share with your children. If you lack a close relationship with your kids, the bond can be a source of pain and anguish, while a strong connection with your kids can bring incredible joy and happiness.
If you’ve lost the closeness that you crave, you can strengthen the relationship in four practical ways.
Help Them With Homework
Help your children with their homework to show them that you’re interested in their education. This also lets them know that they can rely on you when they need help. The message you send is that they’re more valuable to you than anything else you could be spending your time doing.
Life is hectic and time is short and, one day, the time to develop this bond may be gone. Seize the day by taking the time to help your kids with their homework. If you do this on a regular basis, you may find the conversation wandering away from homework to topics that give you a glimpse into what’s most important to your kids.
Share Their Interests
Join your kids in activities and interests that they choose. Children naturally gravitate toward projects and activities they’re interested in, so ask questions about the activities they choose to engage in! Become curious about what makes them tick, and let them know that you’re curious. Fuel their passion and draw them close to you by sharing in what they love.
Find Common Interests
If you feel like you have nothing in common with your children, try to expose them to something that you really care about. Introduce them to your passions in a kid-friendly way and make the activity as fun for them as possible, while sharing your interests with them.
Often, your enthusiasm and interest in your children will cause them to become interested in the things you like, but be willing to accept that they may not enjoy the same things you do, no matter how hard you try. The closeness you experience when you share something you both enjoy is exhilarating.
Most lifelong passions start at childhood. Many passions are handed down from generation to generation. If you desire a lifelong closeness with your children, introduce them to the things you care about. Involve them and stir their curiosity, while communicating acceptance and love no matter what their interests may be.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, try one of these activities:
* Take your children fishing.
* Take them to your favorite team’s sporting event.
* Take them shopping at their favorite store.
* Try a mommy or daddy date with a meal at your favorite restaurant (or theirs).
* Show them your favorite (age-appropriate) movie.
* Read a favorite book together.
Frequently, the activity itself isn’t what children remember. The time you spend with them creates the memory. Your availability and interest are the two most important factors in creating the close relationship you deserve with your children.
Include Everyone
With one child, it’s fairly easy to incorporate the entire family in activities that strengthen the bond between you. If you have more than one child, however, remember to spread your attention and activities among them as evenly as possible.
A little effort goes a long way. Just make an effort, and your children will see that you really do want a close relationship with them more than anything else. Most importantly, begin today! It’s easier to create bonds with your children that last forever when they’re younger. Make your children a priority, and you’ll be rewarded with a bond that will last a lifetime.
Affirmation: Staying home with my children
May 28th
I delight in staying home with my children.
My choice to stay at home with my children is something I am proud of. Although draining at times, I am committed to doing the best job I can at raising my children.
My calling as a parent is to nurture my children socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. For me, staying at home is the best way to fulfill that purpose. My life’s devotion is to foster a healthy home for my whole family.
I am grateful for the blessing that I have to spend my days watching my children flourish before my very eyes. I am present in my children’s lives to witness every new accomplishment. I celebrate their triumphs and help them overcome constraints.
Staying home gives me the opportunity to teach my children about life just the way I want to. I am able to pass on family ideologies and spiritual beliefs to secure their identity.
I appreciate my spouse’s support for my choice to stay home. My spouse works hard for me to have the privilege of staying home. While my spouse works hard outside of the home, I work hard at home to teach our children.
I am accountable for the time I have at home. My time is spent on educational activities and outings with the kids. I refrain from wasting time on idleness. The television, computer, and even household chores, fall second to taking care of my children.
Today, I celebrate my ability to stay home. I am free from guilt about not having a full time job outside of the home because staying home with the children is a full time job of its own.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Do I ever feel guilty about staying home?
2. How can I maximize my time at home with my children?
3. Why do I love staying home with my children?