Author Archives: GenZ Mom

Home Tutor

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I have met quite a number of home tutors but have only come across few whom i would consider as “qualified”. In my dictionary, a “qualified” tutor is not only one who just have paper qualification but one who is passionate and teach with the child’s interest in mind.

Of course, I am not saying that you teach free of charge .. You need to make a living too right? However it should not be a “how much you pay me = how much effort I will put in”. I have seem tutors who just teach top “clock the required hours” and when times up, he will vanish like superman.

I am really keen to start a database of those good “qualified” tutors. If you think you are one of those “qualified” tutors and really like to help the kids to excel, please drop me a note.

Wondering if you are really qualified? Ask yourself this question – if your student is performing badly in school not because he is lazy but because he is a slow learner, what would you do to help him. Touch your heart when you answer this question, and if your answer touches your soul, you may be one of those tutors we are looking for.

Anything, just anything under the sky

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Parents, I guess you are just like me, facing  more and more challenging issues everyday while watching our genzkids grow up.  They are so different from us when we were young, weren’t they?

Genzkids, wondering why your parents don’t understand you? Why do they always say “NO” instead of “YES”? Why do they have to keep stressing that you need to study hard now? 

Well, how about sharing your thoughts, concerns, views or just anything you would like to tell your kids / parents out there in this blog.  This can be an avenue for all of us to air our view, share our thoughts & interest, exchange tips, etc… 

Let’s keep the communication open …

Kpops, K songs, K drama – anyone?

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Ask me about CN Blue, Super Junior, Lee Min Ho,  … I can have endless chat with you.

Talk to me about k drama – City Hunter, Heartstrings, Secret Garden … I can do a quick recap of the story for you immediately.

Need help which web to visit for the latest kpop news? Ask me – I have a few links in my favourite.

K songs? No problem …. Love Girl, Mr Simple, You Are So Beautiful, JoJo, Gee .. Just to name a few … Need the lyrics? Sure !

Amazing hah… Well, thanks to my 11 year-old Genzkid who is so ” in” to those k dramas, k songs and kpop that I have to keep myself up to-date so I can have common topic with him. Guess what, I am now so into these that I am enjoying myself too. Now, I’m even considering having my own k blog!

But most importantly, I am my Genzkid’s idol cos his mom is so “hip”!

Anyone out there like me to introduce some nice k drama?????

Graceful Society – Teach by Examples

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You were about to get into the lift, the door closed and the people inside just stared at you. It was like they were telling you, “too bad, you are too slow.”. Okay, you waited for the next lift and the lobby was soon crowded with people. The lift finally reached the ground level, zoom… people started rushing in.  The door was about to close before you managed to squeeze in. Phew … You looked around and realized that people were giving you dirty stare. “Why?” You wondered innocently.

The lift reached 4th level and those behind tried to squeeze through you. You gracefully moved aside and looked at the little boy standing in front of you – he didn’t press the “DO” button.  “Maybe he forgot” you thought.  “Would you mind holding on to the “DO” button?” you asked. Blank stare from the little boy, filthy stare from his mother standing next to him.  Most unwilling, the mother stretched out her hand and pressed the button. What’s wrong with my request?

Finally, the lift became less crowded.  The mother held her son’s hand and asked him to move to the back of the lift.  She whispered, “move back, if not the auntie will asked you to be the “door holder man” again”.  Was she referring to me ???

The lift reached the top level.  I being the nearest to the button pressed the “DO” button and suddenly I felt a gush of winds passing by. Oops … was everyone late for his appointment? The mother and son suddenly had supernaturally power – they whom were right at the back became 3rd to exit the lift.  Within seconds, my duty was done and I stepped out of the lift feeling relief.

Parents thinking of teaching your kids to be graceful with their acts? Errr.. think again … I seriously suggest we teach by examples.

The Singapore Kid by Jessica Alejandro

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The story started off with an “uninvited guest” trying to steal from The Tay’s Home – a HDB flat in Sengkang.  Thereafter, the story suddenly changed …. with no connection to the first chapter, moved to introduce the characters of the story. Inn Kiat, the main character of the story, is a 11-year-old boy growing up in affluent Singapore.

Like most primary school children, he faces the pressure from school, Tution, expectation from parents to do well. The story gives an insight story of how a kid “grows” from a child to a pre-teenager.  The story also touches on the “jealousy” of child from an average income family when he is with his rich friend, sibling rivalry, friendship and honesty.  

It talks about the disappointment of his parents when they learnt about what Inn Kiat has done, the wise wisdom of the old grandma, the bravery of admitting ones mistake and taking responsibility and the act of “forgive and forget” of a good friend.

I was nearly in tears when I read how disappointed his parents were when they learnt what Inn Kiat has done (I can relate this well because I have a 11-year-old boy myself). I was moved when I read how the old grandma tried to use that incident to teach her grandson the value of honesty. I was amused when I read how Inn Kiat drew out his damage control list and lastly with all smiles when his best friend forgave what he had done.

Personally, I think this book is a good read though there is a bit of Singlish.  My genz kid gives it a 4 out of 5.  For children, this book instils the importance of honesty.  For parents, it allows you to understand your preteens better.    

The Diary of Amos Lee – I’m Twelve, I’m Tough, I Tweet!

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Have you read the newly launched “The Diary of Amos Lee – I’m Twelve, I’m Tough, I Tweet!” If you have not, grabbed a copy quick.

Knowing that my son is the die-hard fan of The Diary of Amos Lee, I bought the book for him as his Christmas gift. And you guess it right, he thanked me profusely !

Well, he finished reading the book in a day, so have I ;-) I can see why my son likes the book so much. It’s easy to read and the diary relates very well to what’s happening around him. In the book, Amos Lee is in his last year of primary school (though my son will only be in P5 next year). The internet reality surfaced in this book (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, blogging, etc). It also touches on what friendship, relationship between siblings, and the big word – BULLY! I must give Adeline Foo a thumb-up.

As a mother of a primary school kid, it helps me to understand the “in” things and issues what primary school students are facing.  I’m encouraging you, all mothers, read The Diary of Amos Lee if you have not. It’s awesome !

Now, I’m wondering if Amos will be writing his diary now he will be in secondary school ????

http://www.amoslee.com.sg/home.asp

PS: I read from my blog that some of you do not really like The Diary of Amos Lee. Well, personally, I think the book is a good read for young children and as an adult, I do enjoy reading it.  Individual preference, I guess ;-)

Moral Education

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What had happened to the world today? The recent stabbing case, causing the death of a 19 year old Polytechnic student, by 4 youngsters (students & NS men) between the age of 19 and 21 at Downtown East, shocked me. Why are the youngsters so violent these days? Have they thought of the consequences when they did the act?

Two years later, my Z generation son would be officially be “classified” as a teenager and it naturally worried me as a mom, wondering whether he would be leading the right path.

He is following the news on this matter closely and we talked about it. I told him that the whole incident saddened me. For the boy who had died, their parents would be devastated. He was their only son! For the 4 suspects, they are at their prime age and I believe their parents are heartbroken and worried for their children. Which parents wouldn’t?

I wondered what would happen to the 4 suspects? Even if they are not facing the death penalty, they would be in jail. What would become of them after they are released from jail? Who should be responsible for this unfortunate incident? The society, the parents, the teachers or the kids themselves ?????

This incident keeps me pondering. Indeed, academic education is important; however moral education is important too. How we teach our children affect how they behave when they grow up. It would be too difficult to impart them with the right moral education when they reach their “teenage hood”, hence, it’s important for us, as a society, parents and teachers, to cultivate them with the right moral education when they are young.

The Z generation’s future are in our hand and let’s work together to ensure they grow up in the righteous way.

Article : Three men charged for Downtown East murder http://sg.yfittopostblog.com/2010/11/03/three-men-charged-for-downtown-east-murder/

Kid’s Talk

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My son’s friend called when he was doing his school work last night. My 3 year old answered the call and told the caller that her gor gor was studying and would return call later.

She hung up the phone and proudly told her brother that his friend called, and this is their conversation.

Her gor gor asked, “Who was that on the line just now?”

“Your friend.” she answered.

“What is his name?” my son questioned. 

“You don’t know your friend’s name?” she looked surprise.  Pause for a while and she continued as a matter of fact, “You ask him tomorrow when you are in school, okay?” 

We have a good laugh.

Delphin Vacuum Cleaner – to buy or not to buy?

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As parents, I believe we consider our children’s health as one of the most important thing in this world.  My kids have sensitive nose and skin.  As such, when a salesman from Delphin told me that my children’s allergy could be due to dust mites and claimed that there vacuum cleaner can effectively remove dust mites from mattresses, pillow cases, soft toys, etc, He said, “seeing is believing.” So I told myself, why not just let him do the demo, there’s no obligations any way.  After the demo, I was shocked to see the dust in the water.  My gosh! My children have been sleeping on dirty mattresses all these while.

Delphin Vacuum Cleaner, a product from Germany, accordingly to him is the best vacuum cleaner in the world.   It does not use any filter bags (which Rainbow and rest of reputable brands are using), and uses only water and L-lamella (which accordingly to him is patented).  What’s more, it can be used as a purifier.   The only thing that deters me from buying this vacuum cleaner is the price. It costs around $3.5K.  Although this amount can be paid via a 3 years interest free instalment, I still find the price too steep.  

Anyone out there who has any comments on Delphin Vacuum Cleaner? Is it really that effective? Is it a good investment?  To buy or not to buy ?????

Shopping Trip – Ho Chi Minh City

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I’ve just returned from a 3 days shopping trip from Ho Chi Minh City.  Here’s my review of the trip:

Airlines – Tiger Airways (http://www.tigerairways.com/).  SGD 220 for return tickets. No frills flight and seats were not in good condition and rather uncomfortable.  Little leg space too.   Acceptable as a budget airline.   However, may not be suitable if you bring along small children.

Budget Terminal at Singapore – I like the fast clearance when I returned to Singapore.  As compared to Terminals 1, 2 & 3, took less than half hour to collect luggage and check out from the custom.

Hotel at HCM City – Liberty Central Hotel (http://www.libertycentralhotel.com/) at District 1.  Relatively new 4 start hotel.  3 minutes to Benh Then Market.  Lots of perks like free transfer to hotel from airport, free laundry, free welcome fruit basket.  The staff are very helpful and polite.  Room is very comfortable and cosy.  For triple sharing, it costs USD105++

Shopping – Benh Thanh Market, west end of Le Loi, is like Chinatown Market in Singapore.  Lots of small shops selling similar products.  Bargain needed, prices are usually marked up by the stall owner.  The market is closed at around 5 pm.  After which, there will be night market around the market which sell similar products.

Another shopping hit spot is Saigon Square (not Saigon Centre) at 77 – 89, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1.  It’s less cramp than Benh Than Market and ventilation is better.  Varity is lesser as compared to Benh Thanh Market. However, worth the visit.  Some of the stuff there, you can’t find at Benh Thanh Market.

Tax Department Store at Tax Shopping Centre – get your regular local products at the supermarket. It’s much cheaper than those small store near the hotels.

Le Loi Street – lots of small shops.  Tailored made clothes are cheap as compared to Singapore.  A dinner dress costs about USD55 (100% silk).  The tailor usually needs a day to make the dress, you can go for fitting the next day and they would do alteration for you, thereafter deliver the dress to your hotel free of charge the very same day or the day after.

Some recommendation:

1) Embroidery Shop – Ninh Khuong Embroidery at 44 Le Loi Ave, District 1 (http://www.ninhkhuong.vn/).  Good quality of embroidery cloths (though some designs can be found at Benh Thanh Market / Saigon Square but quality is definitely different!)

2) Tailor – Anh Silk Boutique at 151 Dong Khoi Street, District 1. 

3) Food –  (1) Quan Nam Giao at 136-15 Le Thanh Ton, District 1 (small alley – opposite Liberty Central Hotel); (2) Ngon, 138 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia (near the Reunification Palace); and (3) Pho 24.  23-25 Tran Nhat Duat St | Tan Dinh Ward, District 1 (must try – beef noodles).

Some tips:

1) Taxi – Go for those company registered taxi with metered-fare (the drivers wear uniform and tie).  If you are leaving from hotel to airport, get the concierge to help hail a taxi and pre-negotiate the price for you.

2) Safety – The traffic is chaotic there.  Lots and lots of motorcycles!  When you cross the road, be care of your belongings, hold them close to you.  Cross the road one step at a time, maintain eye contact and move forward slowly.  Don’t move backwards.

3) Currency – accept both Dong & US dollars.  If you want to change Dong, you can do so at the airport or at the money changer near Liberty Central Hotel.  The rates are pretty good! Remember to compare rates.

Enjoy!