Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2017 i Young Parents

Our favourite hangouts The Botanic Gardens, Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay. We tend to avoid crowded places as they can get overwhelming for the children. We like relaxed settings and lots of greenery, where our girls have spacious grounds to toddle around with our dog. Leia and Lauren particularly enjoy kite-watching. If we’re not at these places, we are often spending family time together by the pool at our residence, or at our neighbourhood park’s playground. Another great place is the Marine Cove outdoor playground at East Coast Park, which boasts a range of play equipment suitable for children of varying ages. It is packed with families on the weekends, so it’s best to go on weekday evenings when it is not too hot. Dining places We enjoy…

Q When can I introduce my little one to ice cream? Would frozen yogurt be a better choice? A If your baby has tolerated cow’s milk with no adverse reactions – such as vomiting, abdominal pain and skin rashes – then occasional tastes of ice cream after she turns around nine to 10 months old shouldn’t be a problem. But we do usually recommend that babies should not be exposed to foods with any added salt or sugar until after 12 months, so although the occasional taste is okay, you shouldn’t give it frequently or in large quantities. Frozen yogurt also contains added sugar – often more than ice cream – and is unlikely to be significantly more beneficial. It is highly unlikely that the friendly bacteria you are hoping…

star learners Star Learners offers quality and affordable childcare services islandwide, with 22 of its 29 childcare centres coming under the Partner Operator Scheme, which caps fees. It believes in developing children in an all-rounded manner – to be confident in their abilities, creative and curious about the world, and possessing strength of character to distinguish right from wrong. Its curriculum includes several distinctive programmes. The Stanley Starfish Character Programme integrates character development into each child’s life, while Write a Rainbow gives voice to kids’ imagination, hopes and dreams through the writing and publication of their stories. There’s also Ready Steady Go Kids, Australia’s largest and most reputable multi-sport and exercise programme for children. The fun, physio-designed sport and fitness activities teach little ones the fundamentals of 10 sports in…

1 Don’t expect baby-smooth skin. In reality rashes, bumps, spots and other irritations are common, especially during your little one’s first year because his skin is still developing. The topmost layer (known as the epidermal barrier) doesn’t fully mature until he is around one year old, says Dr Lynn Chiam from Children and Adult Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Medical Centre. Compared to older kids, infant skin is 20 to 30 per cent thinner, shares Dr Ong Ian, a paediatrician at Thomson Paediatric Centre (Katong). This makes it less resilient and more prone to drying out and irritation. Besides, babies come into contact regularly with milk and food stains, as well as urine and faeces, all of which can cause further irritation to their birthday…

Pretending these feelings do not exist isn’t the answer. The earlier they are tackled, the better. As you’ve now discovered, childbirth is a stressful experience and coping with your baby in this first year is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. It’s hardly surprising that new mums often feel a whole range of positive and negative feelings immediately, following the birth of their baby. True, some mothers are very optimistic and upbeat right from the start, but others – perhaps the majority – are more apprehensive, less self-assured and with a lower level of self-confidence. Bear in mind that childbirth is an enormous strain on your body, the intensity depending on many factors, including your health, the length of the labour and the method of delivery. Then there is increased…

Don’t panic – she’s engaging in a bit of harmless play and your anxious questions might deter her from playing this way again. You may have noticed that your three-year-old talks to herself. That’s perfectly normal at this age because her world of play is full of fantasy. Her ability to use her imagination in a variety of innovative ways takes off at a rapid rate during this year. Watch your child closely while she plays (though make sure she doesn’t realise you are looking at her) – chances are you’ll discover that she becomes very animated and she starts to talk as though she is in a conversation with someone else – except she’s the only one there. You might even hear her bark out orders, or ask questions,…

While most parents drill handwashing into their kids as part of their personal-hygiene routine, 41-year-old part-time lecturer Joyce Koh (not her real name) did everything she could to break her kid’s squeaky clean habits. “As part of basic hygiene, we taught our daughter to wash her hands before eating from a young age. But towards the end of her Primary 3 school year, we noticed she became utterly obsessed about it,” says Joyce. Later diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Cheryl was left with dry, cracked skin due to her elaborate handwashing rituals. “After visiting the toilet, she would wash her hands very thoroughly about four to five times. It got to the point where her skin was so dry it would flake,” Joyce recalls. A type of anxiety disorder…

watch If your little one is a fan of Beauty and the Beast, this musical remake of Disney’s classic is a must-watch. Journey with Belle – the spunky Emma Watson (pictured) – as she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff to save the Beast and turn him back into a prince again. The movie opens in cinemas on March 17. Visit www.disney.sg. watch With over 20 light installations to explore, the fifth edition of i Light Marina Bay will feature works from local as well as international artists. Exhibits, such as the Art Zoo, let little ones explore a colourful playground filled with giant inflatable animals, and there will also be child-friendly workshops. Catch it from March 3 to 26 around the Marina Bay waterfront promenade; admission is free. Visit www.ilightmarinabay.sg.…

THIS MONTH, WE ASK What are the best ways to keep my kid healthy? These tips should be on the top of all parents’ lists: allow your child to spend at least an hour a day outdoors. Not only will this help protect her against childhood obesity, but it also encourages good eye health. You should aim to serve at least two portions of fruit and vegetables every day, as well. They’re a natural source of vitamins which can aid in boosting immunity and keep her strong. I always advocate a sensible approach to screen time. See the family media plan at www.healthychildren.org for some great tips. Dr Natalie Epton, SBCC Baby & Child Clinic EDUCATION Brian Caswell is the dean of Research and Program Development at Mindchamps. He has…

No matter how much he tries to take responsibility for your split, make it clear that he is innocent. If you and your spouse are heading for divorce, you will have to tell your kid at some point soon. Here are some of the tough questions he might ask, and suggested answers. Always take his questions seriously, provide reassurance and let him know he can ask you questions about this anytime he wants. “Why are you and Daddy getting divorced?” What you could say “Daddy and I are going to live apart because we are not getting on well with each other. But I still care about him and he still cares about me, and we both still love you. It’s just one of those things.” What your answer should…

to the rescue Cleaning up after Junior just became hassle-free with the Bosch bagless cordless handstick vacuum cleaner. Its lightweight design and crevice nozzle make it easy to reach small corners, and it can run for up to 16 minutes, giving you enough time to tidy up your little one’s mess. Available for $199 from major electrical stores. Visit www.bosch.com.sg . perfect fit for baby If you have an active toddler, you know that an ill-fitting diaper can chafe or cause rashes. Kao’s Merries Walker Pants aim to put an end to that. Its award-winning design provides a comfortable fit that allows your child to move freely, and the unique super-absorbent core helps keep your young one’s bottom dry. No wonder it’s the No. 1 diaper in…