Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2017 i Young Parents

Joycelyn Pang sometimes juggles three jobs to provide for her family. The younger of her two girls has a rare disease that can cause blood vessels in the skin, intestines, kidneys and joints to leak. But don’t feel sorry for Joycelyn. Be inspired by how this single mother took life’s lemons and made lemonade with it. She and her girls have taken part in over 30 runs in the last two years as a family. In fact, it was the heartwarming photo of her older daughter, 10, piggybacking her five-year-old sister during the ST Run in July that piqued my interest. And Joycelyn was more than willing to share her story with us (page 64). Sometimes, when we see seemingly perfect families – especially on social media, where you get…

This uber-cute robot kit makes three different characters using an app with step-by-step 3-D instructions. While your kid is tinkering with it, she’s learning about problem-solving and planning, critical thinking, and getting a feel of hands-on engineering. Now that’s what we call a gift that keeps on giving. Jimu Robot Astrobot Kit, $299, from www.epicentreasia.com,  www.harveynorman.com.sg, www.courts.com.sg, www.popular.com.sg and www.lazada.sg…

EVENTS AT MAIN ATRIUM, LEVEL 1 ROBOCAR POLI CHARACTER SHOW Nov 24 to Dec 10 Monday, Wednesday & Thursday, 1pm & 7pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (No show on Tuesdays) Spend a minimum of $30 to redeem a meet-and-greet photo pass for a family of four with your favourite Robocar Poli characters. KIDS’ CRAFT WORKSHOPS Nov 24 to Dec 10, 11am to 6pm (except Tuesdays) Your little ones can make their very own Robocar Poli badges to take home. TEA PARTY Nov 30 & Dec 7, 4pm Spend a minimum of $80 to redeem an entry pass. Each session admits 20 people. CHRISTMAS MARKET Dec 1 to 24 Pop by Plaza Singapura’s festive Christmas Market to find the perfect gift for your family and friends! SPEND…

BATH TOWELS & SLEEPING BAGS Walk on the wild side with animal-themed sleeping bags ($158.70) and hooded bath towels ($79.30) by The Land Of Nod. Everyone loves functional gifts, especially if they look this cute. Featuring exclusive designs by independent artists, these charming pieces will make little ones look forward to everyday routines like bedtime and bath-time. The animal face on the sleeping bag can be used as a pillow, while the towel’s adorable hood helps to dry little heads quickly. Both items are machine-washable, made of soft comfortable materials, and extremely snuggle-able. VISIT www.landofnod.com FLASH CARDS Using flash cards with babies and toddlers is a great way to introduce words and ideas to them. These educational moments can also double as precious bonding time. The simple, attractive illustrations…

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND Singapore’s biggest Yuletide fair, Christmas Wonderland, returns for its fourth year. Spanning some 57,000 sq m at Gardens by the Bay and featuring a myriad of activities such as acrobatic performances, skating under the stars and carnival games, families will be in for a treat this December. Marvel at the giant luminous Christmas tree – which is part of the Italian Luminarie light sculptures – or feast on the specially curated menu by Savour. Don’t forget to visit Santa at his Grotto and have your picture taken as a keepsake, as well. The fair will be held from Dec 1 to 26, and admission starts from $4. FIND OUT MORE www. christmaswonderland.sg KIDSSTOP Your little one is never too young to learn science, which is why Kidsstop…

It doesn’t take much to unsettle the difficult three-year-old; his moods vary and his behaviour has no predictable pattern. It’s tempting to “blame the parents” whenever you see a child misbehaving. But often, it’s not that simple. Even children who experienced the same parenting style might turn out differently. That’s because every kid has a unique natural temperament. Your child’s temperament, according to psychologists, is made up of five main components: • Activity level His pace and vigour may be quick and energetic, or relaxed and sluggish, content to respond at his own steady pace. • Irritability Some children cope with everyday experiences without becoming rattled or upset, while others are easily irritated when things don’t go their way. • Soothability This refers to the ease at which Junior calms down after he…

Just over two years ago, mum-of-two Joycelyn Pang (pictured overleaf) would have blanched at the thought of going for a jog. Today, the 41-year-old sales executive has completed more than 30 runs with her five-and 10-year-old daughters, Merrily and Melody. Since their debut race in 2015, the trio have been unstoppable and are now familiar faces at local running events. A single mum, Joycelyn picked up the sport for her girls’ sake, although she has never been athletic. More than just a mother-daughter bonding experience, participating in running events together has allowed her kids to share a common interest, she says. “I feel that family activities like holiday trips are easily forgotten, but not the memory of completing a race because we have to work hard for it. I want…

Do you know that there is a brain-training programme that can revolutionise the way we learn? When applied to early childhood training, tapping into the potential of learning with their right brain can be a game-changer for kids. This brain-training programme is the Heguru Training Method. “We strongly believe in the right-brain training programme of Heguru Method and its benefits. We feel that every child in Singapore should be exposed to this learning method to unlock the full potential of their right brain,” says Agnes Ng, the principal of Heguru Method Centres at HarbourFront and Choa Chu Kang. At Heguru Method, all teachers are specially trained and certified by HEGL founders, undergoing vigorous training using specialised training materials specific to right-brain and whole-brain training. The centres are also helmed by…

Speaking well, being able to read, and knowing how to write effectively are skills we all need to succeed in life. But did you know that the younger your child is when he picks up these crucial literacy skills, the faster he’s likely to develop intellectually? WHY EARLY LITERACY MATTERS Experts say that 90 per cent of brain growth happens by the age of five. If Junior has had a high-quality education by this age, he’s 40 per cent less likely to be held back a grade and 70 per cent more likely to complete secondary school. Children who grow up in a literacy-rich environment are said to be more cognitively developed and better prepared for success in school. Singapore parents have plenty of choices when it comes to preschools…

Early education plays such an important role in your child’s development, and kids learn best in environments that empower them in positive ways. One important thing to look for in a preschool is its track record. Since its establishment in 1988, Pat’s Schoolhouse has been providing quality education to children aged two months to six years old. Pat’s Schoolhouse pioneered the Bilingual Immersion Programme, in which students benefit early from lessons taught by qualified English and Mandarin language teachers, who work together as co-partners to encourage learning and interaction in both languages across different subjects in one classroom. The school’s winning curriculum has won many accolades over the years, including the 2010 Outstanding Programme Award from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, as well as a 2016 Outstanding…

chiltern house This preschool aims to strike a balance between the nurturing qualities of home and ensuring that every child is prepared for the academic rigours of primary school. The combination of an environment filled with joy, warmth, care and love, and Chiltern House’s unique Edudrama teaching methodology, provides a dramatically different educational foundation that sees every student graduate with increased confidence, positive self-esteem, strong communication skills and a curious mind. The interactive curriculum includes maths, language and literacy, art and craft, cookery and science, computer discovery, physical education, speech and drama, music, regular field trips and weekly sessions in mindfulness. And the school’s renowned Mandarin programme prepares students to be effectively bilingual by the time they enter primary school. See Young Parents’ Listings for branches. Website: www.chilternhouse.com.sg/ Facebook: www.fb.com/ ChilternHousePreschoolSingapore maplebear…

Naufal Haider 8 months Tricia Tan 3 years Zach Chen Hongkai 8 months Aryan Singh Toppo 3 months Alessandra Vu 7 months Leng Ke Yu 8 months send us your child’s best photo & win! Each child featured on this page wins a fabulous Young Parents goodie bag worth $40. To take part, hashtag #youngparents_sg when you post your child’s photo on Instagram. Make sure your account is public so we can see your photos. Terms and conditions apply.…

We tried our hand at painting a mural for a kid’s bedroom at the launch of the Dulux Far Away Places kit. Creme Maison’s founder, Angeline Ng, taught us how to pipe buttercream onto cupcakes like a pro. Who says Halloween has to be scary for the little ones? We had great fun playing with this cute Jimu Robot. At the sneak peek of Sephora’s latest holiday launches, this Too Faced Best Year Ever makeup collection caught our eye – too pretty! The Miffy-themed menu at Miffy Cafe tastes as good as it looks. We met The Fullerton Hotel’s lovable bear mascot during a recent staycation. Follow us and find out what the Young Parents team is up to.…

…

THE RIGHT TIME TO WEAN One of the major questions new parents will ask is when should they wean a baby. Taking a leaf from the advice given by the World Health Organisation, Sarah says, "All infants should start receiving food, on top of breast milk, from six months onwards. This means the process is gradual, not cutting off breast milk from the baby’s diet but slowly transitioning him or her to new sources of nourishment.” Aiding the search for the right time are the signs of readiness a baby will display to indicate weaning is apt. This includes demanding more feedings; sitting upright in a highchair and swallowing well; chewing on his fingers, knuckles and feet; holding his or her stead well in an upright position; and drooling less…

BABA CHEWS Paying homage to Katong’s Peranakan influences, Baba Chews’ festive takeaway menu features dishes such as turkey breast “assam curry” ($78+) and crackling pork belly panggang ($78+). Don’t forget to pick up a chendol log cake ($63+ for 1kg) or assam calamansi ($65+ for 1kg) for dessert, too. Available from Nov 1 to Dec 25. Enjoy an early-bird discount of 8 per cent if you place your order by Dec 8. VISIT www.babachews.com.sg MORGANFIELD'S If you’re not into turkey, why not go for BBQ pork ribs instead? Morganfield’s ushers in good tidings with its irresistible Sticky Bones, glazed with cranberry or hazelnut sauce and served with fries and coleslaw (from $29.90++). Or order its Christmas Feast that is good for four people. The hearty set ($149.90++) comes with…

Be respectful, tactful and diplomatic when broaching these issues with the grandparents and you’re more likely to be successful in your request. While you appreciate that your toddler's grandparents are willing babysitters, getting them to follow your rules hasn't been easy. For example, they often allow her stay up later than usual. To convey your message without coming across as critical requires tact and diplomacy. Here's how to navigate these potential minefields. They let your one-year-old stay up for an hour longer than usual. DON’T SAY “You are keeping her up far too late. I insist she's in bed at her usual time.” TRY THIS “I noticed that when she doesn't get to bed at the usual time, she is tired and grumpy the next day, and she often refuses…

Give her time to adjust to her new responsibilities. For example, start with one chore a week. By the time your child is five or six years old, you can reasonably ask her to assume responsibility for some basic household chores. She might not be happy about it, but she should learn to complete simple household chores. Point out to her that doing so goes beyond helping you out – there are important values to pick up, even though she might not agree. She is part of your family Allocating your six-year-old routine tasks develops her awareness that she is a committed member of your family, and must play her part like everyone else. It strengthens her emotional connection with you and her siblings because it signals to her that…

When you are sick or injured, your body’s immune system turns on an inflammatory response that dies down when you get better. Nobody knows why some kids are unable to “switch off” this inflammation, which can cause problems. Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is one of them. The disease occurs when the inflammation affects small blood vessels, usually in the skin, joints, intestines or kidneys. Here, Dr Elizabeth Ang, consultant at the Division of Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology at National University Hospital, shares five things every parent should know about the unusual disease and its warning signs. But note that there is no way to predict which symptoms your child may develop. It often happens after an infection, like a common cold or sore throat Common infections like a simple cold…

Good communication skills are an essential life skill to nurture in children. One way to build your child’s communication skills is through speech and drama, which also helps develop self-confidence, social skills and sense of empathy. A DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT PROGRAMME EduDrama is the unique teaching methodology that characterises all Julia Gabriel Centre programmes. It involves learning within a positive environment, inspired by educators who are passionate about children, language and the arts. Using a wide range of drama tools such as improvisation, theatre, mime, puppetry, role-play, masks, storytelling, reading aloud, poetry, creative writing, and visual media, students are inspired and challenged to draw upon their own interpretations and add their own experiences to express their ideas. CREATIVE PROGRAMMES FOR ALL The centre runs Early Learning Programmes for children aged six…

One preschool network in Singapore that prides itself on nurturing “future-ready” skill sets in children is Mulberry Learning – an established preschool brand across Singapore, Australia and China. It’s known for its vibrant learning spaces, bilingual programmes, holistic development outcomes and emphasis on character building via a framework called the Habits of Mind. ENDORSED BY EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS AND PARENTS The Habits of Mind framework received a ringing endorsement in the inaugural Young Parents’ SG Parents’ Choice 2016/2017. This year, for the second year running, Mulberry Learning is once again voted the Best Holistic Learning Programme in Singapore. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has also adopted the same Habits of Mind framework to help groom the top one per cent and the brightest primary schoolers in its Gifted Education Programme (GEP).…

Did you know that a baby’s skin loses more moisture than adult skin does, and needs help in retaining critical moisture levels? For your little one’s skincare routine, it makes sense to pick products that protect and nourish his delicate skin. Make a beeline for the QV Baby range, which is designed to mimic the way an infant’s skin functions and uses ingredients that help form a protective moisture barrier over the skin. AS GENTLE AS MUM’S TOUCH QV Skincare – Australia’s number 1* dermatological skincare brand – is found in the homes of families in more than 25 countries today. Its paediatrician-recommended and dermatologically tested QV Baby range boasts the trusted soap-, fragrance- and irritant-free formulation found in QV Skincare to cleanse and moisturise sensitive skin types. As part…

BRIGHTON MONTESSORI E contact@brightonmontessori.com.sg W www.brightonmontessori.com.sg T 6588-3883 @ FORT ROAD 16 Fort Road, Singapore 439077 @ FRANKEL AVENUE 125 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458235 @ GREAT WORLD CITY 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #02-41A/42 Great World City, Singapore 237994 @ MOUNTBATTEN 764 Mountbatten Road, Singapore 437764 @ SUNSET WAY (NEWLY EXPANDED) 41 Sunset Way, #02-01/02 Clementi Arcade, Singapore 597071 @ THE GRASSROOTS’ CLUB 190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8, #02-01 The Grassroots’ Club, Singapore 568046 LEARNING VISION E enquiries@learningvision.com W www.learningvision.com T 6781-0888 @ ALPHA (SCIENCE PARK II) 10 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park ll, #01-02/03 The Alpha, Singapore 117684 @ BIOPOLIS One North, 11 Biopolis Way Helios, #02-01/03, Singapore 138667 @ CET EAST CAMPUS (PAYA LEBAR) 11 Eunos Road 8, #04-04, Singapore 408601 @ CHANGI…

Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up to the smell of pancakes? This is especially true during the holiday season and on Christmas morning, when you’ve spent the past few days wrapping gifts, decorating the house, attending parties, and preparing a family feast. Joseph Yeo, executive chef of multiconcept eatery SPRMRKT and partner chef of Bosch, agrees. And the pancakes he’s suggesting is not your typical recipe. “Try a new one this weekend for brunch with the kids,” he recommends. But the beauty of this dish is that you can have it anytime you want. His version, in particular, is fluffy and full of flavour. It’s easy to make and healthy, too, as you can use an array of juicy summer fruit as toppings. Their colours and a sprinkling of…

JBL JR HEADPHONES Share your love of music with your young one, but not your headphones – they’re unlikely to fit her head and ears snugly. Get her a pair from the new JBL Jr line, which is designed for kids aged three to 10. Plus, it’s tuned to ensure that the volume is always below 85dB, so you won’t have to worry that she’s cranked it up too loudly. It comes in wired and wireless models – the latter has easy control buttons and offers up to 12 hours of playback time. HOW MUCH $79.90 (wireless) and $49.90 (wired), from retailers including www.popular.com.sg and www.challenger.com.sg BOON MARCO LIGHT-UP BATH TOY Rubber duckies are so yesterday. Make a splash with Marco, the deep-sea diver who puts up a colour-changing light…

No matter how upset you feel inside, don’t stand back from your child. Have confidence in yourself. Although your toddler used to be very attached to you, she seems to be gradually growing closer to Daddy. It’s almost as though she prefers his company. And now you have begun to wonder if you did something wrong. Don’t worry, you shouldn’t feel threatened by this phase of your two-year-old’s life. In fact, you should be pleased that she has such a good relationship with her father. Your child benefits from different relationships in the family. If you find that your little one is such a “daddy’s girl” – and you feel left out in the cold – remember these dos and don’ts. DON’T Sulk or feel sorry for yourself Feeling sorry…

You don’t have to spend money every time you are out – a walk together in the neighbourhood park costs nothing. Your nine-year-old's life is interesting, exciting and stimulating, with by a host of material comforts that you never had at the same age. You are delighted his life is good and healthy, but you feel he should be more grateful - after all, you have had to work hard to provide for him. It's crucial to be realistic. Comparing your childhood with what you see today shows you clearly how much things have changed for the (hopefully) better. For instance, your memory of the limited options in toys when you were a child helps you appreciate how much family life has improved. But your kid knows only what he…

Children from Chiltern House Preschool stand out as confident communicators. The skills and values instilled in them during their time in Chiltern House will enable them to enjoy the new challenges that primary school brings. Equipped with strong language skills in English and Mandarin, children will achieve two Young Performers Certificates from Trinity College London before graduating, and develop a confidence that is the hallmark of a Julia Gabriel education. NURTURING A LIFELONG PASSION FOR LEARNING Chiltern House Preschool was founded by Julia Gabriel, who regards children as delightful individuals who bring their unique strengths, talents and a world of possibilities with them. To help children reach their full potential, the programmes offered at Chiltern House Preschool are designed carefully, engaging each child to explore and discover, to think independently…

If you’re a fulltime working parent, the ideal day-care and preschool centre for your little ones should be convenient to get to from work. That’s why Learning Vision builds centres in locations accessible to you. With 28 years of experience, Learning Vision is a leading workplace provider of high-quality early childhood education services for government agencies, higher learning institutes and private corporations. It is part of the award-winning Busy Bees group, which has 23 centres that care for 2,500 children from two months to six years old, every year. PROGRAMMES AT LEARNING VISION • The Infant Programme (2 to 17 months) Infant-care centres are specially designed and fitted to ensure children’s optimal safety, while maximising their development and learning capabilities. • Toddler Programme (18 to 30 months) A warm, conducive and stimulating…

A baby full-moon party, also known as man yue in Mandarin, is a joyous event that marks the first of many milestones in your little one’s life. Besides commemorating her first month, it also celebrates the end of Mummy’s confinement and is a great way to introduce Baby to family and friends. As first-time parents, or if you’re easing into the routine of having an additional member in your family, planning for a full-moon party can be daunting. To help relieve the stress of party planning, Neo Garden offers a one-stop solution for busy parents. 12 NEW THEMATIC SETUPS Throw an unforgettable party with the new thematic setups that can be customised to the party’s theme. Think a Grand Prix theme for kids who love cars, or a Safari Playland…

Maths is important for your child as it will eventually be used in many academic subjects, such as biology, chemistry and physics, and applied in everyday life. With an effective curriculum, the right learning environment and committed trainers, even kids as young as four years old can enjoy learning maths, grasp basic mathematical concepts and build a solid foundation in the subject. MATHS IS FUN AT S.A.M At Seriously Addictive Maths (S.A.M), learning maths is fun and memorable, thanks to experiential learning in the classroom, including hands-on activities and games to learn new concepts and gain deep understanding. S.A.M also adopts a coaching pedagogy that encourages and empowers children to discover solutions and develop confidence in maths. HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME The S.A.M approach combines the benefits of classroom engagement…