Improving Your Child’s Grades

Parents all around the world can attest to the difficulty of raising children – especially the challenges of unsatisfactory grades on a child’s report card. Do you find yourself wishing there was a way to help your child get better grades? Are you concerned that your child isn’t performing to the best of his or her ability?

You can’t spend every day at school analyzing what is preventing them from doing better on tests and exams. However, you can make some adjustments at home to better prepare them to succeed in school.

These suggestions may be exactly what your child needs to ensure he or she has better grades on the next report card:

1. Cut down, rather than eliminate, playtime. Poor grades on your child’s report card could be an indication that not enough time is put into studies or that too much time is spent recreationally. However, the answer isn’t to eliminate playtime altogether. It’s important that there is balance in your child’s life.


• Increase the time spent on studies and homework if your child tends to neglect them. However, more effective use of the time spent may be the better technique if your child is spending time on his studies. Reduce distractions and help explain important concepts.


• Allow more recreation on the weekend so your child can take a real break from the books.


2. Encourage reading. Reading is one of the core subjects that aids in a child’s development and progress. However, not all kids like to read the books required by their school because they may not be interesting to them. Try to find more interesting reading formats that will likely catch the attention of your young one:


• Get books that use more illustration than normal; pictures help break the monotony of reading that usually turns kids off.

• Outside of the books that are required for school, choose books with subject matter that will appeal to your child’s interests.


3. Provide games that strengthen their weaknesses. If math and problem solving are weak areas for your child, buy games that require more logic and reasoning than normal.


4. Keep meals consistent. Often, if there’s too much time in between meals, it becomes very easy for the brain to shut down and lose focus. This happens to children as well. You can prevent this scenario by ensuring meal times are consistent so the brain is always adequately fed.


5. Consider a tutor. Some children learn better one-on-one. It’s possible that your child isn’t doing well in class because there’s not enough attention being paid to his or her needs. Extra classes outside of school will give your child the attention needed to truly grasp concepts and understand a subject.

These tips will help you steer your child toward better grades and develop the skills necessary to excel in school. Every child is different, and their needs may change from time to time, so you must remain diligent about finding solutions that work for them. The sooner you’re able to pinpoint their specific weaknesses, the faster you can take steps to correct them.

At the end of the day, the more time spent addressing the educational needs of your child, the greater the likelihood they will do well in school!

Help Your Kids Love Reading

When you help your kids to love reading, you provide a gift that will enrich their personal and professional lives for years to come. Even though teachers play an important role, parents are a child’s first teachers. To nurture the love of books, parents should begin reading to their children as soon as possible.

Consider the following tips to help build literacy skills in your child at every stage of development.

How to Help Younger Children Love Reading

1. Start by reading to your baby. It’s never too soon to get started. Read to your baby for a few minutes at a time until their attention span grows. Point to the pictures. Use rhymes and songs to teach language skills.

2. Continue reading books aloud as your child grows older. Reading to your child is one of the most valuable ways to spend your time together. Make story time a regular routine before bed or anytime that works with your daily schedule.

3. Make reading fun and interactive. Train yourself to read in an animated fashion. Encourage your child to read some passages aloud to you or to their brothers and sisters. Share questions about what you read together or make up your own variations on the story.

4. Enlist your child’s teacher as an ally. Develop regular communications with your child’s teacher. Be open to feedback provided. Teachers may spot any areas of weakness in reading skills that you can work to correct before they become serious issues. They can also help recommend titles that your child might enjoy.

5. Visit your local library and bookstores. Take your child along to the library and to children’s events at local bookstores. Get them a library card of their own as soon as they’re old enough to do so.

6. Encourage your child to write. Giving your child opportunities to write will help reinforce their literacy skills. Leave each other notes on the refrigerator. Write emails and greeting cards together.

How to Help Older Children Love to Read

1. Set an example of reading for pleasure. You may need to set an example in your own home to counteract trends that show a general decline in the reading of books. Let your preteens see you reading. Help them develop their critical thinking skills by discussing books as part of everyday conversations.

2. Help your teen find time to read. The average teen spends a lot of time on social activities and electronic media. You can set reasonable limits, such as a nighttime curfew on using cell phones and watching TV. 


3. Build a home library. Keep reading material available around the house. Create a comfortable and inviting space for family members to read. If you don’t have an extra room, you can still set aside a corner of the living room or den.

4. Look for books that reflect your teen’s interests. Let your teen pick their own books as long as the titles are age appropriate. Stay up to date on zombies, werewolves, and other popular trends.

5. Integrate reading into fun family activities. If your teen is reading Hamlet in their English class, offer to take them to a live performance. If they enjoy a movie based on a Jane Austen novel, buy them the paperback. Take the opportunity to re-read it yourself so you can discuss it.

6. Be realistic. The teen years can be a busy and difficult time. Celebrate any progress you make without exerting so much pressure that your good intentions backfire.

Reading for pleasure broadens the mind and enriches our shared cultural and civic life. You can help your children get off to a good start by learning to love reading. It will help build basic comprehension skills and change their lives for the better.

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

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

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/

Planning Your First Holiday as a Parent

As a new parent, each and every day holds an exciting experience. From the first time your baby clasps onto your finger, to their very first Christmas, each day adds to the wonder of being a mom or dad. Clearly, you want to make your first holiday season as a parent run as smoothly as possible.

Follow the tips below to plan your first holiday as a new family without a hitch:

1. Intimate or traditional? As a new parent, it’s well within your rights to want to spend your first holidays as a new family alone. If you plan to go this route, be prepared to explain to the grandparents why you’re choosing to exclude them from your holiday plans this year.

* Keep in mind that this holiday is special for others in your family, too. If you’re planning to spend a holiday alone with your new family, consider spending a few days before the actual holiday with both sets of grandparents to satisfy their wishes.

* If you’re being pushed into attending your parents’ traditional dinner, firmly stand your ground. Be as respectful as possible, but lovingly remind your family that this holiday is about you, your spouse, and your baby making your mark as a family.

2. Religious differences. Even if you’re already married, cultural and religious differences can often come into play for the very first time when the baby’s first holiday is near. If you and your spouse are clearly on the same page, this is much easier. However, if you believe differently, have a sit-down chat about what compromises you’re both willing to make.

* If you’re aware that your family and spouse’s family have differences in cultural and religious beliefs, consider incorporating both traditions into the holiday as much as you can.

3. Banish guilt. You are now a parent. And, as a parent, you make the decisions as to what is considered best for your child.

* Avoid feeling guilty for wanting to start your own holiday tradition this year. As a family, your own special traditions are a wonderful part of your family’s story. If people are truly upset that you are marching to your own drum, continue to keep your focus on the bigger picture.

* Remember that every member of your family that has children has dealt with family guilt when they attempt to start their own holiday traditions. Ask others for advice. You’ll ease your guilt and gain support at the same time.

4. Relieve the stress. Your new baby is too young to care whether you hung the garland correctly, burned the ham, or put too much mayonnaise in the potato salad. Stop stressing over the small details and just enjoy your first holiday as a parent.

* Many new parents feel as if they must do everything themselves in order to appear put together. But you’ll enjoy your holiday more if you ask for help!

* Chances are that your parents needed the help of their parents in your early childhood. And they’re likely waiting to blissfully lend a helping hand in your early stages of parenthood. Ask and you shall receive!

Clearly, your first holiday season as a parent is important. But if it’s laden with stress, it’s also important to take a step back, analyze the situation, and tame the source of your stress. This is a time for joy, love, and family. And, most importantly, it’s a time for snuggling with your little peanut!

Enjoy this holiday season as a new parent. After all, you only get to experience this once in a lifetime.

Kid’s Talk

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?

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

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!

Teaching Family Values

The best way to show your children about family value is not by saying but by walking the talk. This is exactly what I’m doing – by action and showing my children how I take care of my aged parents.

My 10 years old genz kid is very much aware that I am very close to my parents and I am proud to say that my brother (his jiu jiu) and I take good care of them . He knew that during my younger days, my dad (his gong gong) was the sole breadwinner and had to work very hard to earn a living while my mom (his por por) took care of us. Life was not easy and we hardly have new toys (least to mention the expensive ones). I remembered my neighbour used to play with barbie dolls and I wished I had one too but I never dare to ask for one because I knew that if I do, my dad would find some way to get one for me.

Time flies and now, we are working adults and have our own family. My genz kids know that we love and care for their grandparents. My dad had a heart attack and stroke two years ago and since then they had stopped travelling because my dad is not fit to take a plane. My mother loves to travel and recently, after making all the necessary arrangement of getting someone to care for my dad and looking after my nieces, my sister in law (his jiu ma) and I decided to bring my mother for a short shopping trip in mid September. My mother, though, didn’t say a word, is very excited and looking forward to the trip.

By us doing so, I believe we have showed a good example to our kids (including my nieces) how much we have valued family values. We are walking the talk and we hope by setting good examples for the kids, they would take good care of us when we grow old.

Myopia Control – The Atropine Eye Drops Therapy

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