Monthly Archives: August 2010

Myopia Control – The Atropine Eye Drops Therapy

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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?

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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,

http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.php

Ants on an Apple

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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

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Day 17/365
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.