Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2016 i Young Parents

His winged sneaker collection with Adidas flies off the shelves, season after season. Now, designer Jeremy Scott has added his famous silhouette to a baby stroller. Its lustrous gold angel wings and wheel rims will certainly turn heads, as will its price. This heavyweight – literally, at 12.1kg – special edition also features a luxurious leather handle and bumper bar, as well as a satin-smooth seat and canopy. Cybex Priam Lux Seat stroller by Jeremy Scott, $2,399, from Mothercare. Infant car seat sold separately at $599…

Kids usually love anything sugary – think chocolate, soft drinks, and ice cream. Add these to a diet of fast food, ready meals and processed food, and your child might have a problem. Why? Not only do such foods contain extra calories, but they often contain added sugar (sugar that doesn’t occur naturally, like in milk or fruit), too, making it easy to consume too much sugar. Experts at the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that kids aged four to eight with a daily caloric intake of 1,600 calories should have no more than three teaspoons of added sugar a day, while older kids and teens should consume no more than eight. According to an AHA study, these children are consuming an average of 21 to 34 teaspoons of sugar…

Children bring us so much joy, but when it comes to their health, they also give us plenty to worry about. Newborns are especially vulnerable to a host of illnesses. One illness that has affected many young children lately, and is expected to affect more in years to come, is hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available for this infectious disease, which is why you have to protect your newborn, starting now. CAUSE FOR CONCERN The first five months of 2016 witnessed an alarming number of HFMD cases in Singapore – 18,241, to be exact. The average number for the same period over the past five years was 8,193. If this spike continues, there’s a strong chance that your newborn will be affected by the…

After having two boys, you were really hoping for a little girl. You did everything you could to skew the gender of your new baby, from timing when you should have sex to eating certain types of food. But the fifth-month scan has shown that you’re expecting another son. While you are grateful to be able to conceive another child, you can’t help but feel disappointed that you won’t have a daughter in the family. Now in the third trimester of your pregnancy, you have completely lost enthusiasm for the new arrival. It’s time to change your outlook to a more positive perspective. Remind yourself that: Every child is a blessing It really doesn’t matter if you have sons or daughters. What’s important is that they are healthy, and grow…

Just when you thought things were coming along nicely at preschool, your three-year-old’s favourite teacher takes up a job somewhere else. Your child is badly affected – he says that he doesn’t want to go to school anymore and he complains that the new teacher, Miss A, doesn’t like him. Like many children this age, he finds change hard to deal with. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help him cope. The first step is to encourage a positive attitude towards the new teacher. Reassure Junior that Miss A really does like him and that they just need time to get to know each other better. Chances are, if you ask your kid to give you examples of why he thinks Miss A dislikes him, he wouldn’t…

EVERY DAY IS A LEARNING DAY “Long car rides, a trip to the wet market or a walk at a nearby park – your kids can learn something every time you go out. “On such outings with my three-year-old son, I introduce place-specific vocabulary, such as the names of places, landmarks and related occupations, to him. “Likewise with my students, I try to share about current affairs and issues whenever possible. These teachable moments encourage more vibrant discussions for English oral examinations.” Sharon Chia, Primary 5 English teacher APPRECIATE THE EFFORT “Understand that every child is different and we shouldn’t use the same benchmark for success. Recognise every little effort your child makes to perform better – we do not always have to aim for the best results, but we…

star learners Looking for a childcare centre with a well-rounded curriculum? Star Learners has three distinctive programmes you should take note of. Its Stanley Starfish Character Programme integrates character development into each child’s life, while Write a Rainbow gives voice to children’s imagination and dreams through writing and publishing stories. Both these programmes were developed by its curriculum team. The chain of 25 centres also offers Ready Steady Go Kids, Australia’s largest and most reputable multi-sport and exercise programme for children. Its physio-designed sport and fitness activities teach kids the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a social, non-competitive, team-based environment. Turn to Young Parents Listings for centre details. Tel: 6250-0173/ E-mail: info@starlearners.com.sg/Website:www.starlearners.com.sg/ Facebook: www.fb.com/StarLearnersChildcare carpe diem springs Visit its open house on Sept 17 from 9.30am to 12.30pm to…

A family staycation in the Central Business District? Deputy editor Elisa Chia tells you why The Westin Singapore is more than just a business hotel: KIDS ARE VERY WELCOME At check-in, my kids were greeted with drawstring bags that held cotton sunhats, stainless steel water bottles and a suggested list of family attractions nearby. They were kept happy with their 29-page Westin Family activity and sticker book (pictured), and pored over their copies of The Little Singapore Book by author-mums Sim Ee Waun and Joyceline See Tully, which introduces young readers to Singapore’s history. ROOMS (AND POOL) WITH A VIEW The children were instantly drawn to the sight of the South China Sea from our expansive Sea View room. Accommodation here starts from a luxurious 42 sq m and every…

Your little one is a precious bundle of joy, but he can be a messy one, too. All parents can attest to toilet accidents, food spit-ups and spilt milk, which needs to be dealt with promptly to prevent the growth of pesky germs and illnesses. Keeping your baby clean also means he will feel more comfortable, fresh and happy. The best way is to give him regular baths using a soothing and hydrating body wash and shampoo, as his delicate skin requires extra gentle care. The experts at Cetaphil have done just that, by creating Cetaphil Baby’s range of products that addresses your child’s skincare needs. Suitable for children under two years old with normal and healthy skin, the made-in-Europe products are recommended by paediatricians* and are free of parabens,…

STEAMED SEA PERCH WITH RED DATES, WOLFBERRIES AND GINGER Serves 1 200g sea perch fillet4 red dates1 thumb-sized piece ginger1 tsp wolfberriesCanola oil, for deep-frying1 tbsp sesame oil2 tbsp light soya sauceCoriander leaves, for garnishing 1 Place fillet on a steaming tray. 2 Remove seeds from red dates. Cut dates into rings, and ginger into thin strips. 3 Place red dates, wolfberries, and1/ 3 of the ginger on top of fillet. 4 Steam for 15 minutes or until cooked. 5 In another pan or wok, heat enough oil to deep-fry the remaining ginger until fragrant and crispy. Place on kitchen paper to drain off excess oil. 6 Heat sesame oil and add soya sauce. Stir gently until the mixture bubbles. Set aside. 7 Once fillet is cooked, transfer to a…

What not to say “When do you think you will go back to work?” What’s wrong This question suggests that a stay-at-home mum doesn’t work. Yet almost certainly, she feels that she now works harder than ever before. As any full-time parent will tell you, raising a young child is as challenging as meeting the demands of the workplace – and probably more so. That’s why any comment that appears to show this lack of understanding – especially any remark that being a stay-at-home mum is not real work – will deservedly receive an adverse reaction. Say this instead “Do you have any plans to return to your previous job?” What not to say “You’re so fortunate to have more time to yourself.” What’s wrong A typical stay-at-home mum is…

Most children like to have or do whatever they want – and that’s where learning to follow rules and thinking about others come in. A positive, warm, fair and consistent style of discipline at home encourages your child to think of others, not just of herself. However, some parents prefer to take a softer approach. But where do you draw the line? Here are 10 signs that you may be too soft with your six-year-old: You never say “no” No matter how well behaved, every child needs to have limits set on their behaviour at times. And that’s why every parent – including you – occasionally has to say “no” to their kid, whether it’s denying her request for extra sweets, or refusing to let her play past her bedtime.…

You used to coo over your child’s chubby cheeks, but now that he’s older, you notice he’s become too pudgy for his age. It’s a problem that affects roughly one in 10 children here. Figures from the Ministry of Education put the national obesity rate of students in Singapore at 11 per cent in 2011. Childhood obesity is no small matter. “It increases a child’s risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and sleep apnoea,” shares YY Low, a health psychologist who has counselled children with weight issues. “It can also cause psychosocial issues like low self-esteem, which in turn affects their health and quality of life.” Is he overweight or just big-boned? Body mass index (BMI) is generally a good yardstick of how much…

EXCITING STAGE ACTIVITIES Parents and kids indulged in the many free activities that afternoon, including stage activities with Aureus Academy and Kindermusik, as well as the opportunity to sing and dance with Pororo and Friends (pictured right). A few lucky ones even got to take photos with the characters! They also discovered what a great place Rochester Mall is for family dining and enrichment activities. I SPY A FISH The little ones had so much fun catching little fish to take home! GETTING CRAFTY Teachers from Da Little School in Rochester Mall helped kids create their own sea-themed crafts using playdough, as well as paper plates and paints. The best three paper plate creations each won $50 hampers from Young Parents. Some 80 early birds also received a fish tank,…

THIS MONTH, WE ASK What do you wish more parents knew when choosing a childcare centre? Today, parents are savvy. They walk into a centre already knowing everything through research, Internet forums, social media, asking around and visiting numerous centres before making a decision. They have a mental checklist of things they seek to validate, from cleanliness to classroom arrangements, curriculum type, menus, the temperature of the air conditioning and more. This overload of requirements makes them so busy, they inevitably miss the most important factor: love. Pay attention to your child’s feelings towards this centre; note if he enjoys this new environment. Also, observe how the teachers, principals and other staff interact in the community and with your child to ease his anxiety. Believe me, these differentiate a great…

SEMINAR DETAILS WHEN Sept 24, 2016 (Saturday), 1.15pm to 5pm WHERE Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, #01-04 HOW MUCH $25 per couple EARLY BIRD $16 per couple when you sign up by Aug 26 (Includes tea reception. Strictly no admission for children.) Every parent wants their child to grow up strong and healthy. Join our experts for an afternoon of sharing as they impart vital insights and tips on common childhood conditions. DOES MY CHILD HAVE AN ALLERGY? Childhood allergies appear to be on the rise, but many parents don’t understand what causes an allergic disorder and how it can be prevented in children. Find out more about common childhood allergies, treatment options and what you can do to help your child. SPEAKER Dr Mark Loh, paediatrician, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital…

It’s important for children to get a firm grasp of English while they’re still young, as a strong foundation of the language will open many doors throughout life. But English can be a tricky language, and if your kid is struggling to master the basics, he probably needs extra help. The goal should be to get him to use the language effectively and confidently so that he can communicate and express himself. While some parents may hire a private tutor who can give his full attention to the child, consider signing up for group classes. We spoke with Duncan Rose, Head of Schools for the British Council, who believes group education can help Junior become the head of the pack. Here’s why: 1 IT SUPPORTS TEAMWORK Being able to work…

Use empathy in your reasoning Rather than react with negative statements like ‘No biting!”, try saying: “I know you are upset that your friend snatched your truck, but we need to be gentle. We can say, ‘Please stop!’” When you use empathy in your reasoning, you help your child think through his actions, increase his vocabulary and teach him problem-solving skills, points out curriculum specialist Annabella Chia from Odyssey The Global Preschool. Make peace It’s also important that your little one learns to apologise. He could say: “I am sorry for making you upset. I will not do it again.” Then, give a handshake or a hug, says Nur Azlina Subari, a teacher from Learning Vision. Show your sad face If your toddler tries to push his sibling, your instinct…

ENGAGE YOUR SENSES THE SCHOOL Josiah Montessori introduced Baby Sensory to its Suntec City branch in August 2015. This UK-based programme (pictured) is available in more than 13 countries with over 800 classes, and promotes learning through sensorial experience and physical play. It’s open to babies up to the age of 13 months – even newborns, although the youngest participant so far was four weeks old – while Toddler Sense targets kids aged 14 months to 3½ years. THE CLASS Both programmes have more than 120 thematic lessons, so each is a new adventure. Standard activities, which take up about 10 minutes, include a “Say Hello” song and cleaning up. Unstructured activities, which last about 25 minutes, allow the little ones to explore and challenge themselves in a safe environment.…

ASK THE EXPERT were by Dr Natalie Epton, specialist paediatrician and neonatologist at International Paediatric Clinic. Got a question? E-mail us at magyoungparents@sph.com.sg. Q My baby wan't take her medication. What should i do ? A Try not to force-feed her as this makes your baby more agitated and increases the chances of her vomiting afterwards. Instead, give her the medicine in a calm manner. Cradle her and gently insert the syringe diagonally into the side of the mouth, allowing the medicine to dribble into the cheek cavity. Some medication can be mixed with a little juice or milk, and you should check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Don't mix it in an entire bottle of milk though, unless specifically instructed to by your doctor. Your baby may not…

One of the delights of parenthood is dressing up your child. You are always thrilled when you hear comments about how pretty she looks in her #ootd (outfit of the day). Then your friend bursts your bubble by pointing out that some of those clothes are not appropriate for your two-year-old. They show too much skin and are, well, skimpy. Your friend warns you that your toddler will grow up to be vain. Of course, dressing her in an adult-style sexy outfit once or twice is not going to cause any psychological effect. Yet your friend’s comments are certainly worth further consideration. Genuine sexual feelings and behaviour don’t start until the onset of puberty, which, on average, is 11 years for girls and 12 years for boys. But a young…

watch   Both laugh-out-loud funny and heart-warming at the same time, The Secret Life of Pets chronicles the lives they lead after you leave for work or school each day. Expect mayhem, mischief and plenty of cute antics. No wonder it topped the American box-office charts. In cinemas from Sept 1. watch A forest ranger grows up hearing tales about a friendship between a boy and a dragon. One day, she finds 10-year-old Pete, who lives in the forest, and his best friend, Elliot – a real-life you-know-what. Can she uncover the truth about them? Cue Disney magic. Pete’s Dragon opens in cinemas on Sept 1. do Did you know that you can ride the cable car all the way from Mount Faber to the attractions on Sentosa? The two…

walk this way Running after kids is hard work on the feet. Give yours some tender loving care with these latest models from Aerosoles, which makes shoes that are practical, comfortable and stylish. From flat tailored loafers – great for pregnant mums – to ankle boots, there’s one to suit your taste. Prices range from $148 to $258. Find them at Plaza Singapura and various department stores islandwide. Visit www.fb.com/  Aerosoles.SG. crystal celebration Did you know that the Swarovski original mouse model was created from pieces of a chandelier? Beautifully rendered in pink, yellow and blue, the Swarovski Replica Mouse Set is one of several gorgeous limited editions marking the 40th anniversary of its Crystal Creations collection. Buy it for $250 from its boutique at #B1-17/18 Ion Orchard.…