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100 Articles

editor’s note

“Is that the Dragon playground? Can we go there?” my son asked as we drove past. Now standing alone in a big field of grass where old flats used to be – they were torn down for redevelopment – the iconic playground in Toa Payoh still charms young and old. Every time I see it, I’m seven years old again, running along the spine of my estate’s own version of the dragon; zipping down the cool stone slide and feeling the sand in my toes. So, this Golden Jubilee month, we pay tribute to the many wonderful neighbourhood playgrounds on this little red dot. From dinosaurs in Kim Keat Avenue to a cool battleship in Sembawang, we were surprised at the diversity of themes we found. Turn to page 106 for a…

THIS MONTH, WE ASK How do I get my child to pick up a book? The simple answer is: through modelling. Telling her to read because it is good for her will never work, especially if she never sees you reading for pleasure. Books don’t always need to be in the traditional paper format. Research shows that a majority of children actually prefer reading on a tablet to reading a traditional book. So, help her download e-books that are well-designed without distracting animation and hyperlinks. The key to nurturing enthusiastic lifelong readers is to make the experience fun and rewarding. If that means changing our outmoded ideas about books, then so be it. Brain Caswell, Mindchamps EDUCATION Brian Caswell is the dean of Research and Program Development at Mindchamps. He has 15 grandchildren. Helen Marjan is the joint…

Whether you called them sng bao (Hokkien for ice bag) or ice pops, these frozen treats are a blast from the past that’s hip(ster) again. They come in kid-friendly flavours like Ribena and Mylo Stylo, alcoholic versions for parents, and fruit-filled ones for the health-conscious. Serve them at your National Day party with Kaka snacks, White Rabbit sweets and A&W root-beer floats, and feast on nostalgia. Sng bao, $3 to $5 each, from The Sng Bao Society (tel: 8121-9667 or e-mail: theneuesociety@gmail.com) PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY ART DIRECTION & STYLING EILANE WANG PROPS THE BETTER TOY STORE…

editor’s note

“Is that the Dragon playground? Can we go there?” my son asked as we drove past. Now standing alone in a big field of grass where old flats used to be – they were torn down for redevelopment – the iconic playground in Toa Payoh still charms young and old. Every time I see it, I’m seven years old again, running along the spine of my estate’s own version of the dragon; zipping down the cool stone slide and feeling the sand in my toes. So, this Golden Jubilee month, we pay tribute to the many wonderful neighbourhood playgrounds on this little red dot. From dinosaurs in Kim Keat Avenue to a cool battleship in Sembawang, we were surprised at the diversity of themes we found. Turn to page 106…

we’re on instagram!

One of our favourite things at the recent Children’s Season Masak Masak 2015 exhibition. What fun we had at the 28th SEA Games carnival! Guess who came to our Young Parents Fiesta in June? Now we know where our baby model got his good looks from! We scoured the island for the coolest neighbourhood playgrounds. Our little ones had a ball of a time at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Benoa’s kids’ club. Follow us and find out what the Young Parents team is up to. @youngparents_sg…

we’re on instagram!

calling all cuties!

If you’ve ever wondered what your youngster would look like on the cover of our magazine, here’s your chance to find out. Pop by the H&M Orchard Building on Aug 15 and 16 from noon to 6pm. Spend at least $50 nett on kids’ items (Level 4) and enjoy a free makeover. After the photo session, you’ll receive a 4R-sized photo printout of your budding fashion model on a Young Parents magazine mock cover. Plus, the first 80 kids will also receive a free three-month digital subscription, a copy of the August issue, and an exclusive H&M pouch (pictured). So, save the date and see you there!…

calling all cuties!

THIS MONTH, WE ASK How do I get my child to pick up a book? The simple answer is: through modelling. Telling her to read because it is good for her will never work, especially if she never sees you reading for pleasure. Books don’t always need to be in the traditional paper format. Research shows that a majority of children actually prefer reading on a tablet to reading a traditional book. So, help her download e-books that are well-designed without distracting animation and hyperlinks. The key to nurturing enthusiastic lifelong readers is to make the experience fun and rewarding. If that means changing our outmoded ideas about books, then so be it. Brain Caswell, Mindchamps EDUCATION Brian Caswell is the dean of Research and Program Development at Mindchamps. He…

Just in time for the Golden Jubilee! Long-time YP columnist Neil Humphrey’s latest book documents his quest to find 50 significant places in Singapore worth preserving, from the iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh, to Upper Seletar’s “rocket” tower. Written with his signature dry wit, this is a fun walk down memory lane for parents born in the 1970s and 1980s. Saving a Sexier Island: Notes from an Old Singapore is published by Marshall Cavendish and costs $20.50, from major bookstores.…

All homework and no play? Says who? Add some fun and colour to your little one’s desk with the cheery mice from the 2015 Logitech Play Collection, which features adorable geometric animal designs, along with cute names – Ophelia Owl, Francesca Fox and Marc Monkey. They also boast a 12-month battery life and 10m-long wireless range. We only wish it wasn’t so hard to choose just one design! Logitech M238 wireless mouse, $29 each from Challenger Singapore stores and authorised Logitech distributors. Visit www.logitech g ech..com com..sg sg..…

Is Junior tripping over his spelling in school? Try this tip from Justinian Guan, winner of this year’s RHB-The Straits Times National Spelling Championship in April: “Look at word traits and language traits, and root words, as those can help a lot. Also look up word origins because there are some language tricks. For example, in French, they pronounce ‘ch’ as ‘sh’. Likewise, it may be ‘sh’ here, but in French, it’s ‘ch’. Take a look at some common misspellings and rare words, because they might not follow English conventions.”…

Whether you called them sng bao (Hokkien for ice bag) or ice pops, these frozen treats are a blast from the past that’s hip(ster) again. They come in kid-friendly flavours like Ribena and Mylo Stylo, alcoholic versions for parents, and fruit-filled ones for the health-conscious. Serve them at your National Day party with Kaka snacks, White Rabbit sweets and A&W root-beer floats, and feast on nostalgia. Sng bao, $3 to $5 each, from The Sng Bao Society (tel: 8121-9667 or e-mail: theneuesociety@gmail.com )…

my kid’s first... swimming lesson

Choose a certified coach from a reputable or recognised swim school. Shawn Chua, head swim coach at Able Aquatic School, says that coaches who teach at public pools are usually Singapore Sports Council (SPORT Singapore)-certified. Talking to other parents and reading online testimonials of the various swim instructors and schools can also help you make the right decision. The coach’s personality counts This makes a huge difference to how well your child takes to the sport. “An instructor can be highly certified, but if he does not have the ability to deliver the lesson in a fun and engaging manner, your kid is definitely not going to like the class,” says Shawn. Since every child is different, you’ll want to choose a coach who is a good “fit”. “Every coach has his…

my kid’s first... swimming lesson

Building Natural Defences

An important part of total wellbeing for a child is that he has strong natural defences so he can fight illnesses. One area that plays a critical part in this is the gut, which is the layman’s term for the gastrointestinal tract. THE GUT AND OUR NATURAL DEFENCES We’ve all heard of the body’s natural defences, or the immune system, but what is it exactly? It’s a series of complicated processes and structures, which are designed to detect and fight threats to our health. One of the most significant parts of our natural defences is the gut. It acts as our first line of defence by contributing in two ways: • 70 to 80 per cent of immune cells are located along the gut wall.1 • A good gut bacteria profile with higher proportion of…

Building Natural Defences

calling all cuties!

If you’ve ever wondered what your youngster would look like on the cover of our magazine, here’s your chance to find out. Pop by the H&M Orchard Building on Aug 15 and 16 from noon to 6pm. Spend at least $50 nett on kids’ items (Level 4) and enjoy a free makeover. After the photo session, you’ll receive a 4R-sized photo printout of your budding fashion model on a Young Parents magazine mock cover. Plus, the first 80 kids will also receive a free three-month digital subscription, a copy of the August issue, and an exclusive H&M pouch (pictured). So, save the date and see you there!…

calling all cuties!

the circus is in town! Get your tot in on the action under the big top! The performing animals are ready to show off their tricks – watch the elephant turn into a ball, while the rabbit hides in the hat. This beautiful plush toy set has lots for Junior to explore and fuel his imagination. Mum’s breast friend Not all breastfeeding support pillows are designed the same. Besides providing relief to your back and arms, the new Ergobaby Natural Curve nursing pillow takes support to the next level. Its unique contour means your bub doesn’t lie flat when he latches – his head is above tummy level, which is said to aid digestion. It is made from solid foam, which maintains its shape over time. Get yours at $149, from www.pupsikstudio.com or…

Just in time for the Golden Jubilee! Long-time YP columnist Neil Humphrey’s latest book documents his quest to find 50 significant places in Singapore worth preserving, from the iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh, to Upper Seletar’s “rocket” tower. Written with his signature dry wit, this is a fun walk down memory lane for parents born in the 1970s and 1980s. Saving a Sexier Island: Notes from an Old Singapore is published by Marshall Cavendish and costs $20.50, from major bookstores.…

All homework and no play? Says who? Add some fun and colour to your little one’s desk with the cheery mice from the 2015 Logitech Play Collection, which features adorable geometric animal designs, along with cute names – Ophelia Owl, Francesca Fox and Marc Monkey. They also boast a 12-month battery life and 10m-long wireless range. We only wish it wasn’t so hard to choose just one design! Logitech M238 wireless mouse, $29 each from Challenger Singapore stores and authorised Logitech distributors. Visit www.logitech g ech..com com..sg sg ..…

Let Your Child Thrive

Learning to speak and write well in English is one of the most important assets your young one can have. Not only will this skill be beneficial to your child’s studies, but it will also help her improve her social and communication skills. According to the British Council, learning English is more than just being taught the correct spelling and grammar; it will help to boost your child’s intelligence, emotional and communication quotients. The organisation’s unique methodology is designed to spur on your kid’s love of discovery and learning, and also to help her cultivate character. The British Council has a wide variety of programmes that are suitable for children as young as four years old, right up to ‘A’ Levels, with each stage building on the last one. There will be…

Let Your Child Thrive

Is Junior tripping over his spelling in school? Try this tip from Justinian Guan, winner of this year’s RHB-The Straits Times National Spelling Championship in April: “Look at word traits and language traits, and root words, as those can help a lot. Also look up word origins because there are some language tricks. For example, in French, they pronounce ‘ch’ as ‘sh’. Likewise, it may be ‘sh’ here, but in French, it’s ‘ch’. Take a look at some common misspellings and rare words, because they might not follow English conventions.”…

It was worth it

‘‘MY PREEMIE THRIVED ON MY MILK‘‘ Gracie Chai , 27, artist Eden Yow , 2 months old While some mums struggle to produce enough milk, new mum Gracie recently threw out 12 litres of expressed milk from her overcrowded freezer. But not before passing a bottle to a curious friend for a taste test. “I told her I had taken a sip of my own breast milk. Being the gung-ho sort, she was eager to try it, too. She drank 100ml and said it was delicious,” she says, laughing. Humour aside, Gracie’s breastfeeding journey got off on a shaky start when her baby was born a month early, via an emergency caesarean section. Weighing just 1.45kg, Eden was whisked off to the neonatal intensive care unit, where he was hooked up to a breathing machine. “During my…

It was worth it

’’Breast milk gave my baby jaundice’’

“Why are you so stubborn? Just switch to formula milk, lah!” Some well-meaning relatives had bluntly suggested when they saw that my new baby’s skin was still yellow a month after her birth. At around three weeks old, my second child, Joyous, was diagnosed with not the typical physiologic jaundice, but breast-milk jaundice. As its name suggests, it affects only breastfed babies. At one point, her jaundice level was so high that the yellow tinge in her skin and whites of the eyes took on a bright radioactive hue, sending me into a panic. Self-doubt crept in; I wondered if I should stop breastfeeding as some relatives had suggested. Isn’t Mummy’s milk the best form of nutrition for Baby? So, why is my little one affected by it? Until today, doctors still do not fully…

’’Breast milk gave my baby jaundice’’

what you should know

Breast-milk jaundice This affects only breastfed babies. Up to 30 per cent of them may get it, and it is the most common reason for prolonged jaundice in infants, he adds. In some fully breastfed babies, the jaundice peaks around the second week and may go on for as long as three months. VS Physiologic jaundice Jaundice affects about three in five full-term babies, and as many as four in five preemies, in the first three to five days of their lives, shares Dr Chiou from KKH. Known as physiologic jaundice, this usually lasts only about a week. Private lactation consultant Betty explains this is because the newborn’s liver is not mature enough to get rid of excess bilirubin from the body. The jaundice can worsen if Baby is not getting enough milk during…

my kid’s first... swimming lesson

Choose a certified coach from a reputable or recognised swim school. Shawn Chua, head swim coach at Able Aquatic School, says that coaches who teach at public pools are usually Singapore Sports Council (SPORT Singapore)-certified. Talking to other parents and reading online testimonials of the various swim instructors and schools can also help you make the right decision. The coach’s personality counts This makes a huge difference to how well your child takes to the sport. “An instructor can be highly certified, but if he does not have the ability to deliver the lesson in a fun and engaging manner, your kid is definitely not going to like the class,” says Shawn. Since every child is different, you’ll want to choose a coach who is a good “fit”. “Every coach…

my kid’s first... swimming lesson

The wrong advice may do more harm than good. Here, we separate fact from fiction about infant jaundice. MYTH 1 Give Baby a sunbath. This is not recommended as she can become dehydrated which, in turn, worsens jaundice, says Dr Chiou from KKH. Placing your baby in the sun may also cause sunburns, which are painful, he adds. MYTH 2 Bathe Baby in TCM herbs. There is no medical evidence to support the use of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, in your baby’s jaundice treatment, says Dr Chiou. MYTH 3 Feed Baby some water to “flush out” the jaundice. The American Academy of Paediatrics advises against supplementing breastfed infants who are not dehydrated with water or sugar water. Instead, nurse at least eight to 12 times a day for the first few days.…

ready, set, latch

In a perfect world, breastfeeding would come naturally to both you and your bub. Your newborn would latch on beautifully, and you'd enjoy a serene moment of maternal bliss while you nursed her. However, reality isn't always picture-perfect. Like many inexperienced first-time mums, Krystal Tan struggled with breastfeeding after she delivered her daughter last year. The 31-year-old stay-at-home mum says her mistake was to leave “everything to nature” instead of being well-prepared. “The first few weeks were a disaster. I couldn't figure out how to latch Baby on properly. I didn't even know what a nursing pad was until the nurse told me to get a few because my hospital gown was soaked through after my milk came in,” Krystal recalls. she eventually hired a private lactation consultant to give her a crash…

ready, set, latch

gear up for breastfeeding

1. Breast pump You’ll need one if you plan to return to work or bottle-feed expressed breast milk. Consider investing in a double electric breast milk pump that can work on both breasts at the same time, says senior lactation consultant Yasa from Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. 2. Milk bags or bottles To collect and store your expressed breast milk. 3. Steriliser It ensures your storage bottles and breast pump are sterile before use. 4. Nipple cream You might need this to apply on sensitive nipples during the initial weeks. 5. Comfortable nursing bras Get them in the last few weeks of pregnancy and in a bigger size to accommodate larger breasts when your milk comes in. Avoid wired bras as they may cause blocked ducts, advises Yasa. 6. Breast pads To keep your bra and clothes dry when milk leaks…

Building Natural Defences

An important part of total wellbeing for a child is that he has strong natural defences so he can fight illnesses. One area that plays a critical part in this is the gut, which is the layman’s term for the gastrointestinal tract. THE GUT AND OUR NATURAL DEFENCES We’ve all heard of the body’s natural defences, or the immune system, but what is it exactly? It’s a series of complicated processes and structures, which are designed to detect and fight threats to our health. One of the most significant parts of our natural defences is the gut. It acts as our first line of defence by contributing in two ways: • 70 to 80 per cent of immune cells are located along the gut wall.1 • A good gut bacteria…

Building Natural Defences

Stop right there!

Home should be the safest place for your little one, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is for her to get into trouble, as well. “For younger children, especially, home is the most dangerous place,” Dr Tham Lai Peng would go as far as to say. As the senior consultant at the department of emergency medicine from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, she is sharing from experience. She and her colleagues attend to about 470 young patients for their injuries every day – with about one out of fve of them under the age of two. Most accidents occurred at home and could have been prevented. “An injury can occur in just a few seconds,” reminds Dr Tham, “so it is important that caregivers do not become complacent and get distracted when…

Stop right there!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR on an infant or a small child. It’s still best to take a class and get certified in first aid, however. 1 Tap Baby gently on the shoulders to check whether she responds. Call for help and get someone to call 995. 2 Tilt her head upwards and lift her chin to open up her airways. 3 Open her mouth and check if there are any foreign objects lodged in her throat. If you see anything, remove it by sweeping it out with your little finger. 4 Bend close to the infant’s mouth and nose to detect signs of breathing. 5 If she is not breathing, deliver two breaths over her mouth and nose. Observe her chest for movement. 6 If the infant appears lifeless, begin cardiac…

MORE THAN A DUMMY Our baby drinks milk only when she is asleep. While rocking her to sleep with a pacifier on, we would have to risk waking her up to switch it with the milk bottle. A pacifier that dispenses milk would be perfect as she can start drinking whenever she falls asleep! Clara He, mum to Rylee Tang, seven months SPEAK AND TELL It would be good to have a mind-reading device to read babies’ thoughts since they can’t express themselves. It would certainly cut down on the stress faced by new parents! A baby’s cry can be really scary at times. Pearline Lim, mum to Abigail Soh, four months THE PERFECT PUMP As a full-time nursing mum, I’m forced to wake up in the night and express milk due to engorgement and leaky breasts.…

good buys newborns

Now you’re talking Want to raise a blingual baby? Then sign up for the Ministry of Education’s annual Mother Tongue Languages (MLT) Symposium, which focuses on “Our Mother Tongues as Living Languages” this year. Learn from experts, educators and other organisations through sharing sessions, workshops, and exhibits. Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre, from 11am to 8pm on Aug 29. Admission is free, but you must register in advance for sharing sessions and workshops. Visit www.mtls.com.sg. Happy bottoms Little ones love to explore, and who knows what sort of funny positions they can get themselves into? That’s why you need a diaper that can stand up any adventure your bub decides to go on. Available in tape and pants diapers, Drypers is designed for newborns, babies and toddlers up to 25kg. Find them…

good buys newborns

FULL MOON FLAVOURS

Having a baby is one of the most fulfilling events in any parent’s life. So it’s no wonder that parents often go to great lengths to plan a full moon (man yue) party to celebrate their baby’s first month of birth. And it’s important to start planning early, not only to enjoy the process, but also to make the full-month party fun and enjoyable for everyone. Traditionally, parents give red eggs, cakes and other goodies to close friends and relatives during the celebration. Now, Choz Confectionery is here to make your baby’s full-month party even more memorable with its cute and creative Baby Full Month Cake Packages. With over 17 years of history, this leading confectionery – whose motto is “Baking Sweet Memories” – is committed to creating fond memories of important…

FULL MOON FLAVOURS

ASK THE EXPERT These questions were answered by Dr Goh Shen Li, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in S L Goh Women’s Clinic at Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D. Got a question? E-mail us at magyoungparents@sph.com.sg. Q I’m nervous about my impending C-section. What can I expect? A Every year, 25 to 35 per cent of babies in Singapore are delivered by caesarean section. It is a major operation, which can be performed under general anaesthesia (where you are completely unconscious during the whole procedure) or regional anaesthesia (where only the lower half of your body is numb). With regional anaesthesia, you’ll be awake during the surgery and won’t feel pain; you can probably hold your baby right away, too. Compared to mums who’ve had vaginal births, your hospital stay will usually last a day…

the circus is in town! Get your tot in on the action under the big top! The performing animals are ready to show off their tricks – watch the elephant turn into a ball, while the rabbit hides in the hat. This beautiful plush toy set has lots for Junior to explore and fuel his imagination. Mum’s breast friend Not all breastfeeding support pillows are designed the same. Besides providing relief to your back and arms, the new Ergobaby Natural Curve nursing pillow takes support to the next level. Its unique contour means your bub doesn’t lie flat when he latches – his head is above tummy level, which is said to aid digestion. It is made from solid foam, which maintains its shape over time. Get yours at $149,…

SEND US YOUR CHILD’S BEST PHOTO & WIN! Each child featured on this page wins gifts from Sebamed worth over $30 – a bottle of Baby Bubble Bath (200ml) and a tube of Care Cream (100ml). The latter contains a water-in-oil emulsion that has been clinically proven to o promote the development of the skin’s acid mantle. This helps prevent and nd relieve rashes in the folds of Baby’s skin, while panthenol (provitamin B5) stimulates the healing process. Dermatologically tested and free of parabens ens,, Sebamed Care Cream absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Use it to treat dry or chafed skin in older children and adults, too. Visit www.eltean.com. To take part, e-mail a clear JPEG photo of your child (at least 300dpi) to magyoungparents@sph.com.sg with the subject “What a…

STIR-FRIED MANGO THREADFIN Serves 1 Ingredients 1 slice threadfin, about 300g 4 tbsp vegetable oil, for stir-frying 1 clove garlic, minced 2 slices ginger, shredded ¼ red pepper, diced ½ red onion, diced 500g green mango, diced Sprig of coriander, for garnishing Marinade 1 tbsp rice wine or white wine 1 tsp sesame oil 1 egg white Salt and pepper, to taste 1 to 2 tsp cornstarch Sauce ½ cup fish stock, chicken broth or water 1 tbsp oyster sauce ¼ tsp soya sauce 1 tsp cornstarch 1 tbsp water 1 Add marinade to fsh, one ingredient at a time, and the cornstarch last. Mix well and marinate for 10 minutes. 2 To prepare the sauce, combine fsh stock with oyster sauce and soya sauce in a small bowl. Set aside. In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and water. 3 Set a wok over medium heat and add 2 tbsp oil. Add fsh and sear…

Baby’s first casserole

RICE & TUNA CASSEROLE Makes about 6 servings 1 cup rice (preferably brown), rinsed 1½ cup water ¾ cup milk (breast milk or formula) 1 cup tuna canned in water, drained 1 cup green peas 1 cup baby biscuits, crushed 1 cup shredded cheese 1 Preheat oven at 180 deg C. 2 Add rice and water to rice cooker. Press the start button. 3 When it’s about ¾ into the usual cooking cycle, remove rice from heat. 4 Add milk, tuna and peas to rice. Mix well and transfer to a 9cm-wide casserole dish. 5 Bake in oven for 25 minutes. 6 Sprinkle biscuits and cheese evenly over dish. Continue to bake for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. This recipe is suitable for babies from nine months old. Serve one and freeze the rest after Step 5. Nadia Lambrechts, baby planner and founder of 40…

Baby’s first casserole

FEED BABY’S SENSES

children learn about the world around them by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing and hearing. Each time a child uses his senses, connections are made in the brain. Stimulation of the senses lays the foundation for the way a child thinks, feels, behaves and learns now and in the future. “PLAY” WITH YOUR FOOD Sensory play using food is a fun method to make all your child’s senses come alive. You can almost certainly see the curiosity and excitement as he explores the food with his hands and mouth, and discovers a variety of taste, colour, texture and smell. He may even fill his tummy in the process! Here are some ideas to stimulate your child’s senses through food: • Cut fruits such as honeydew, mango, pears, apples and bananas into squares and balls so…

FEED BABY’S SENSES

THE RIGHT FORMULA TO GOOD NUTRITION

As your child explores the world around him through his senses, remember to keep him well-nourished. Good nutrition fuels brain development, and a healthy child is also more likely to interact with his caregiver and environment in a way that provides the experiences necessary for optimal brain development. Milk is an integral part of the diet for children. However, not all milk products are the same - milk formulas offer more nutrients than regular milk, such as lutein. The right formula would ensure your child gets the most benefits for a head start in life.…

Let Your Child Thrive

Learning to speak and write well in English is one of the most important assets your young one can have. Not only will this skill be beneficial to your child’s studies, but it will also help her improve her social and communication skills. According to the British Council, learning English is more than just being taught the correct spelling and grammar; it will help to boost your child’s intelligence, emotional and communication quotients. The organisation’s unique methodology is designed to spur on your kid’s love of discovery and learning, and also to help her cultivate character. The British Council has a wide variety of programmes that are suitable for children as young as four years old, right up to ‘A’ Levels, with each stage building on the last one. There…

Let Your Child Thrive

It was worth it

‘‘MY PREEMIE THRIVED ON MY MILK‘‘ Gracie Chai , 27, artist Eden Yow , 2 months old While some mums struggle to produce enough milk, new mum Gracie recently threw out 12 litres of expressed milk from her overcrowded freezer. But not before passing a bottle to a curious friend for a taste test. “I told her I had taken a sip of my own breast milk. Being the gung-ho sort, she was eager to try it, too. She drank 100ml and said it was delicious,” she says, laughing. Humour aside, Gracie’s breastfeeding journey got off on a shaky start when her baby was born a month early, via an emergency caesarean section. Weighing just 1.45kg, Eden was whisked off to the neonatal intensive care unit, where he was hooked…

It was worth it

so, who’s right?

As you’ve already discovered, everyone around you is a parenting “expert”. It’s hard to sift out truth and myth, because they seem so certain about what they tell you. Here, we’re taking a bold step to suggest the fve pieces of advice you can safely ignore. They say “You must do it this way.” Ignore it There are universal principles that apply to all children, regardless of age. For example, a kid needs to feel safe, loved and valued. But how you bring up your child is often a matter of personal judgement, individual preference and trial-and-error. Rarely is parenting a case of one-size-fts-all. So if your aunt tells you that her way is the only right way, it’s not true. The chances are that there are many other ways to solve the same problem.…

so, who’s right?

that can’t be my son!

Your little darling is such a loving and happy kid; the last thing you’d expect to hear is that he’s a bully at the infant-care centre. His teachers have highlighted to you that he bites and hits his friends. He pushes others around whenever he can’t get his own way and also snatches toys from other children. Your frst reaction might be anger, disappointment, or even embarrassment, at his behaviour. Hold on – take a deep breath and follow this action plan. Check the facts Make an appointment to speak with his teacher. Ask how often your tot behaves this way. Is it in response to other children who are aggressive towards him? In other words, get a clear picture of where, when and how he bullies other children in the centre. Identify the reasons There are…

that can’t be my son!

look, mummy’s back!

You and your husband work long hours, so your little one spends a great deal of time with his grandparents. Sometimes, he doesn’t even see you for days because you’re on a business trip. You might worry about the possible implications of him growing up without you 24/7. But here’s why you can rest easy. Your worry “He’ll be closer to his grandparents than he will be to us.” The reality A child is capable of building a bond with more than one person. So, having a close and loving relationship with his grandparents doesn’t mean he is less likely to be attached to you. Each bond adds something special to your toddler’s life. Instead of worrying about this, be happy that he has so many adoring adults in his life, all of…

look, mummy’s back!

Most nights, your four-year-old goes to bed and nods off to sleep without any problems, and she wakes up refreshed the next day. But things don’t always go according to plan – bedtime problems are not unusual in this age group. Here are some common diffculties and solutions for you to consider: She’s too excited when bedtime approaches. As a rule, try to have a calming, regular routine that starts at least half an hour before she should be asleep. However, if she remains overly excited, remove all distractions (TV, tech gadgets, music), and talk to her in a calm, soothing voice. Encourage her to get ready for bed slowly, without rushing around or shouting. Stay with your child, all the time doing your best to calm her while she prepares for bed.…

’’Breast milk gave my baby jaundice’’

“Why are you so stubborn? Just switch to formula milk, lah!” Some well-meaning relatives had bluntly suggested when they saw that my new baby’s skin was still yellow a month after her birth. At around three weeks old, my second child, Joyous, was diagnosed with not the typical physiologic jaundice, but breast-milk jaundice. As its name suggests, it affects only breastfed babies. At one point, her jaundice level was so high that the yellow tinge in her skin and whites of the eyes took on a bright radioactive hue, sending me into a panic. Self-doubt crept in; I wondered if I should stop breastfeeding as some relatives had suggested. Isn’t Mummy’s milk the best form of nutrition for Baby? So, why is my little one affected by it? Until today,…

’’Breast milk gave my baby jaundice’’

what you should know

Breast-milk jaundice This affects only breastfed babies. Up to 30 per cent of them may get it, and it is the most common reason for prolonged jaundice in infants, he adds. In some fully breastfed babies, the jaundice peaks around the second week and may go on for as long as three months. VS Physiologic jaundice Jaundice affects about three in five full-term babies, and as many as four in five preemies, in the first three to five days of their lives, shares Dr Chiou from KKH. Known as physiologic jaundice, this usually lasts only about a week. Private lactation consultant Betty explains this is because the newborn’s liver is not mature enough to get rid of excess bilirubin from the body. The jaundice can worsen if Baby is not…

you win, she loses

If you’ve been having huge arguments with your spouse recently, you’ll both feel terrible – parental fghts are unpleasant. But spare a thought for your six-year-old if she caught you in the middle of a blazing row because she almost certainly feels more miserable than you do. The sight of her parents at odds with each other flls her with unhappiness because: Loyalty Your child loves both of you, all the time. Her love is not conditional on who is right and who is wrong. This means she wants both of you to be happy. Her loyalties are strained when she catches you shouting at each other. Stability She needs a stable family home in which she feels safe. A calm family atmosphere enables her to thrive emotionally, because it provides a secure haven. Walking…

you win, she loses

The wrong advice may do more harm than good. Here, we separate fact from fiction about infant jaundice. MYTH 1 Give Baby a sunbath. This is not recommended as she can become dehydrated which, in turn, worsens jaundice, says Dr Chiou from KKH. Placing your baby in the sun may also cause sunburns, which are painful, he adds. MYTH 2 Bathe Baby in TCM herbs. There is no medical evidence to support the use of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine, in your baby’s jaundice treatment, says Dr Chiou. MYTH 3 Feed Baby some water to “flush out” the jaundice. The American Academy of Paediatrics advises against supplementing breastfed infants who are not dehydrated with water or sugar water. Instead, nurse at least eight to 12 times a day for…

the “air-con” kid

He’s got such an easy childhood, hasn’t he, compared to yours. Yet he doesn’t even realise it. For instance, your nine-year-old complains when you take the bus instead of the car (because the trip takes longer, is too hot and is less comfortable); when you eat at the food court instead of a nice cafe (because it is noisier and rushed). You’ve also noticed that he leaves the air-conditioner on all the time (because he doesn’t even think about the cost) and he goes crazy if his gadgets don’t work properly (because he can’t imagine life without them). You want to teach him not to take his lifestyle for granted so that he’s grateful for all he has – and, at times, you are so frustrated with his easy life that you feel…

the “air-con” kid

mad about montessori

Think premium preschools and a few names come to mind – among them: Montessori. Noting the term’s marketability, Audrey Choe, founder-director of Pink Tower Montessori, observes that the number of centres claiming to practise the methodology seems to have grown in the past few years. Her school’s enrolment fgures, for instance, have increased fourfold in the past fve years, she says. When Young Parents searched the Early Childhood Development Agency’s website, we found 70 childcare centres and 54 kindergartens with Montessori in their names. The actual number is probably more, as other centres that don’t carry the word “Montessori” in their names claim to offer the method, too. But what exactly makes the teaching philosophy such a draw? Mok Shoon Terk decided on a Montessori school after visiting several options, having noticed that…

mad about montessori

Ahoy, there! Block 712 Tampines Street 71 • Boats seem to be a recurring playground theme in the eastern part of singapore, and we were defnitely thrilled to fnd this pirate ship nestled among the HDB blocks in Tampines. • The ss Playworld, as it proudly states on its stern, may not look big, but it hides a ton of fun - a spiral slide, cannons that kids can thump on to make booming noises, and a treasure hunt game. It even has a plank that kids can have unruly pirates walk off! • Take note though, as it's in a HDB estate and a bit of a trek from Tampines Central, you'll need to take water bottles along. Dino might Block 27 Kim Keat Avenue • More dinosaurs in singapore! Hidden in Toa Payoh, this mama…

ready, set, latch

In a perfect world, breastfeeding would come naturally to both you and your bub. Your newborn would latch on beautifully, and you'd enjoy a serene moment of maternal bliss while you nursed her. However, reality isn't always picture-perfect. Like many inexperienced first-time mums, Krystal Tan struggled with breastfeeding after she delivered her daughter last year. The 31-year-old stay-at-home mum says her mistake was to leave “everything to nature” instead of being well-prepared. “The first few weeks were a disaster. I couldn't figure out how to latch Baby on properly. I didn't even know what a nursing pad was until the nurse told me to get a few because my hospital gown was soaked through after my milk came in,” Krystal recalls. she eventually hired a private lactation consultant to give…

ready, set, latch

motherhood, then and now

50 YEARS AGO Kok Choy Ping 78, retired hairdresser She has three children – Regina, 51, Robert, 50, and Austin, 48 – as well as four grandchildren aged 26 to 17. Working mum “I had Robert (pictured, top right) 50 years ago; it was a planned pregnancy. I was working as a hairdresser at the time, and it was common to work right up until delivery. I worked until Saturday and delivered on Sunday. I saw my doctor monthly, and delivered at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where I stayed in the pregnancy ward in a room with eight to 10 beds. And Baby was in a separate nursery.” Simple joys “During my one-month confnement, my mum came over to take care of me. She cooked pig trotters with vinegar and ginger, and chicken with Chinese…

motherhood, then and now

gear up for breastfeeding

1. Breast pump You’ll need one if you plan to return to work or bottle-feed expressed breast milk. Consider investing in a double electric breast milk pump that can work on both breasts at the same time, says senior lactation consultant Yasa from Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. 2. Milk bags or bottles To collect and store your expressed breast milk. 3. Steriliser It ensures your storage bottles and breast pump are sterile before use. 4. Nipple cream You might need this to apply on sensitive nipples during the initial weeks. 5. Comfortable nursing bras Get them in the last few weeks of pregnancy and in a bigger size to accommodate larger breasts when your milk comes in. Avoid wired bras as they may cause blocked ducts, advises Yasa. 6. Breast…

PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

Many parents can attest to the difficulty in getting their tots to eat greens and fruit. Some parents may also wonder if their little ones are getting enough essential nutrients. To take the guesswork out of meal planning, fortify your child’s diet with a multivitamin that provides the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals. After all, an adequate intake of nutrients not only fuels your young one’s growth and development, but it also helps to build a healthy foundation in him in the long run. CHOOSE A TRUSTED BRAND One great supplement is the new PNKids Complete MultiVitamin + Minerals syrup, suitable for children aged one and up. The US brand is ranked No. 1 among kids’ multivitamin brands in western pharmacy stores in Singapore, according to AC Nielsen’s 2014 report. The syrups for…

PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

Stop right there!

Home should be the safest place for your little one, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is for her to get into trouble, as well. “For younger children, especially, home is the most dangerous place,” Dr Tham Lai Peng would go as far as to say. As the senior consultant at the department of emergency medicine from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, she is sharing from experience. She and her colleagues attend to about 470 young patients for their injuries every day – with about one out of fve of them under the age of two. Most accidents occurred at home and could have been prevented. “An injury can occur in just a few seconds,” reminds Dr Tham, “so it is important that caregivers do not become complacent…

Stop right there!

flavours of home

gula melaka bundt cake Serves 6 to 8 Ingredients 125g unsalted butter, softened 150g plain ›our ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 90g sugar 80g good-quality gula melaka, ›nely grated 3 large eggs, lightly beaten ½ tsp vanilla extract 80ml sour cream Icing sugar, for dusting 1 Preheat oven to 160 deg C. Butter the bundt cake pan well, even if it is non-stick. 2 Dust the buttered pan evenly with some four in a sieve over the sink. Turn pan upside-down and tap to remove excess four. 3 Sift four, baking powder and salt, and set aside. 4 Place butter, sugar and gula melaka in a mixer bowl and beat on medium speed until pale and fuffy, about 5 minutes. 5 Add beaten eggs, in three parts, mixing well after each addition; add the vanilla extract with the last addition. Mixture might curdle in the…

flavours of home

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR on an infant or a small child. It’s still best to take a class and get certified in first aid, however. 1 Tap Baby gently on the shoulders to check whether she responds. Call for help and get someone to call 995. 2 Tilt her head upwards and lift her chin to open up her airways. 3 Open her mouth and check if there are any foreign objects lodged in her throat. If you see anything, remove it by sweeping it out with your little finger. 4 Bend close to the infant’s mouth and nose to detect signs of breathing. 5 If she is not breathing, deliver two breaths over her mouth and nose. Observe her chest for movement. 6 If…

Berries For Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – not only does it provide your children the energy they need for school, but it also helps to start the day on a positive note. This means it’s especially important for it to be balanced and nutritious. Breakfast can be fun to make and delicious, too – try adding Ribena. Here are two recipes to get you started. RIBENA BLACKCURRANT BERRIES JAM Makes about 2 cups Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 to 25 minutes Ingredients: 200g blueberries, stemmed and rinsed 40g fine sugar 1½ tbsp water chestnut flour 1½ cup Ribena Blackcurrant Fruit Cordial Drink (Glucose) Directions: 1 Prepare jars. Place blueberries in a resealable bag. Add sugar and ½ cup of Ribena Blackcurrant Fruit Cordial Drink. Refrigerate for at least eight hours. 2 Mix water chestnut flour with three tablespoons of…

Berries For Breakfast

watch Themed “Majulah Singapura” in celebration of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, the National Day Parade returns to its birthplace at the Padang on Aug 9. Watch 50 aircraft in the Aerial Display, over 160 vehicles in the Mobile Column and reminisce over the retro-inspired elements of the Vintage Parade. The show will also be streamed live at various spots around Marina Bay, and The Float@Marina Bay will also be ticketed for 25,000 viewers. The show starts at 5.30pm and will be broadcast on all Mediacorp channels. Visit www.ndp.org.sg. watch Meet Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. They’re Riley’s emotions. When her family moves to San Francisco, she struggles to adjust and things get tense in Headquarters where the emotions – each in their own way – try to help her navigate the ups and…

No Muss, No Fuss

With a growing number of dual-income families in Singapore, foreign domestic helpers are fast becoming an indispensable addition to many households, helping with chores and caring for the children or elderly. If you have a helper, it might give you greater peace of mind to invest in her wellbeing. To help, NTUC Income has introduced a personalised service that saves employers the legwork and hassle of insurance and work permit renewals. COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE NTUC Income’s Foreign Maid Insurance offers comprehensive coverage to ensure that your maid is well taken care of. It provides personal accident coverage in the event that your helper is involved in an accident that leads to her death or permanent disability. Should there be a mishap, she will also be covered for hospital and surgical expenses. ONE-STOP PERSONALISED SERVICE The best…

No Muss, No Fuss

all clear Pregnancy hormones can make you break out suddenly. Keep your complexion clear with Sebamed’s facial cleanser for oily and combination skin (pictured left). This soap- and alkali-free free formula cleans pores effectively to remove excess sebum and prevent clogging, while Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) soothes and provitamin B5 supports the balance of hydration. Get a tube for $19.60 from department stores and pharmacies. gain the advantage Even though your baby is on solids, milk is still an important part of his diet. Try Similac Follow-on (for six to 12 months), which contains a higher level of lutein with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to help brain and eye development. Its palm olein-free formula also supports softer stools. Prices range from $27.45 for 400g to $96.90 for 1.6kg, available from leading supermarkets and pharmacies. full…

MORE THAN A DUMMY Our baby drinks milk only when she is asleep. While rocking her to sleep with a pacifier on, we would have to risk waking her up to switch it with the milk bottle. A pacifier that dispenses milk would be perfect as she can start drinking whenever she falls asleep! Clara He, mum to Rylee Tang, seven months SPEAK AND TELL It would be good to have a mind-reading device to read babies’ thoughts since they can’t express themselves. It would certainly cut down on the stress faced by new parents! A baby’s cry can be really scary at times. Pearline Lim, mum to Abigail Soh, four months THE PERFECT PUMP As a full-time nursing mum, I’m forced to wake up in the night and express…

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The countdown to primary school has started and it’s as much a nerve-racking experience for you now as it will be for him. The classroom structure and teaching style are different, and the homework – how will you both deal with the endless homework? Luckily, the panel of experienced teachers and speakers at our recent Young Parents Primary 1 Seminar were ready to dish out advice and tips to parents. The event was held at Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre on April 25. Nick Cheadle, business development and training manager at Lorna Whiston Schools, explained how knowing your child’s learning style can help you prepare him for Primary 1. These include visual learners, who learn by watching; auditory learners, who benefit from hearing the material read aloud; and kinesthetic learners, who understand concepts…

PRIZES Be one of 25 lucky winners to each receive a 45-minute, parent-and-child session worth $170. You may choose either guitar or ukulele group lessons. HOW TO WIN Send in your completed coupon or log on to www.youngparents.com.sg. Guitarra Play! is Singapore’s premier specialist guitar and ukulele school for children as young as five years old. Its team of friendly instructors is experienced in teaching kids, having conducted guitar programmes in childcare centres, government schools and community centres. Lessons are structured and progressive, and the centre offers students the opportunity to take internationally certified examinations and perform in its annual showcase.…

good buys newborns

Now you’re talking Want to raise a blingual baby? Then sign up for the Ministry of Education’s annual Mother Tongue Languages (MLT) Symposium, which focuses on “Our Mother Tongues as Living Languages” this year. Learn from experts, educators and other organisations through sharing sessions, workshops, and exhibits. Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre, from 11am to 8pm on Aug 29. Admission is free, but you must register in advance for sharing sessions and workshops. Visit www.mtls.com.sg. Happy bottoms Little ones love to explore, and who knows what sort of funny positions they can get themselves into? That’s why you need a diaper that can stand up any adventure your bub decides to go on. Available in tape and pants diapers, Drypers is designed for newborns, babies and toddlers up to…

good buys newborns

Environmentally friendly and free of seven major toxins, Med-LineTM products benefit all age groups and are suitable for every skin type, including sensitive ones. Its Double Effect Cream nourishes skin at a cellular level, smoothening fine lines and reducing the effects of sun damage while brightening your complexion. Its Perfect Whitening Serum is a powerhouse of multivitamins that nourishes and boosts skin health. This enriching serum has brightening effects, as well. Visit www.MOSkinCo.com or call 9691-1224. PRIZES Be one of 25 winners to each receive a Med-LineTM Double Effect Cream and Perfect Whitening Serum worth $167.90 in total. HOW TO WIN Send in your completed coupon or log on to www.youngparents.com.sg.…

learning resources

josiah montessori Check out its new Baby Sensory enrichment programme (newborn to 13 months old), which provides a stimulating environment for babies and their parents. Each lesson exposes the little ones to all five senses, establishing an abundance of connections in their brain. Josiah also provides infant care for ages two to 18 months, as well as childcare and kindergarten. Its curriculum combines the Montessori philosophy with a unique sequence of teaching that helps kids maximise their potential, while cultivating the love of learning without pressure. Suntec City Mall, Tel: 6336-6906; Changi Business Park, Tel: 6634-1780; Aperia (Kallang), Tel: 6702-2177; Tampines Mart, Tel: 6260-1312/ E-mail: info@josiah.com.sg kinderland Founded in 1978, Kinderland’s homey learning environment encourages curiosity, sensorial experiences outdoors and the promotion of cultural diversity through science, art, music, technology and lifestyles from around…

learning resources

FULL MOON FLAVOURS

Having a baby is one of the most fulfilling events in any parent’s life. So it’s no wonder that parents often go to great lengths to plan a full moon (man yue) party to celebrate their baby’s first month of birth. And it’s important to start planning early, not only to enjoy the process, but also to make the full-month party fun and enjoyable for everyone. Traditionally, parents give red eggs, cakes and other goodies to close friends and relatives during the celebration. Now, Choz Confectionery is here to make your baby’s full-month party even more memorable with its cute and creative Baby Full Month Cake Packages. With over 17 years of history, this leading confectionery – whose motto is “Baking Sweet Memories” – is committed to creating fond memories…

FULL MOON FLAVOURS

MindChamps PreSchool brings together cutting-edge research and development from the four domains of Early Childhood Education, Neuroscience, Child Psychology and Theatre. The curriculum nurtures all aspects of your child and includes world proprietary academic and enrichment programmes. The teachers at MindChamps PreSchool undergo up to 200 hours of compulsory training and accreditation, ensuring that your child’s mind is nourished by the most qualified and dedicated instructors. Choose from any of its 27 centres conveniently located islandwide, and give your child the most comprehensive foundation upon which to build all future learning development. MINDCHAMPS PRESCHOOL HEADQUARTERS 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Level 17 HDB Hub East Wing, Singapore 310480 T 6828-2688 E sg.enqpreschool@mindchamps.org For details, call 8233-4400 or visit www.mindchampspreschool.org Programmes: Toddler •Nursery •Kindergarten preschool CENTRAL MINDCHAMPS PRESCHOOL @ BUKIT TIMAH 200 Turf Club Road, #05-05 South Grandstand (formerly Turf City) T…

SG50 BABY-MAKING DAY Couples enter a private room and do what needs to be done for the country. The room could play One Nation, One Singapore. TOP 50 “CHOPE” CHOICES A retro display of different brands of tissues. SG50 TRANSPORT MEMORY PROJECT Singaporeans remember the good old days when they could get a seat on the bus. 50 WAYS TO COMPLAIN Participants get a chance to register their favourite complaints. The winner gets his own sponsored blog. NAME 50 HISTORIC EVENTS IN SINGAPORE This one may not attract many participants. NAME 50 HELLO KITTY DOLLS This one might be oversubscribed. SG50 ORCHARD ROAD MEMORY PROJECT Singaporeans recall distant memories of when they could afford to buy something in Orchard Road. LUCKY 50 TOUR An islandwide tour of the 50 most popular sites in Singapore, including the hottest 4D…

ASK THE EXPERT These questions were answered by Dr Goh Shen Li, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in S L Goh Women’s Clinic at Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D. Got a question? E-mail us at magyoungparents@sph.com.sg. Q I’m nervous about my impending C-section. What can I expect? A Every year, 25 to 35 per cent of babies in Singapore are delivered by caesarean section. It is a major operation, which can be performed under general anaesthesia (where you are completely unconscious during the whole procedure) or regional anaesthesia (where only the lower half of your body is numb). With regional anaesthesia, you’ll be awake during the surgery and won’t feel pain; you can probably hold your baby right away, too. Compared to mums who’ve had vaginal births, your hospital stay…

SEND US YOUR CHILD’S BEST PHOTO & WIN! Each child featured on this page wins gifts from Sebamed worth over $30 – a bottle of Baby Bubble Bath (200ml) and a tube of Care Cream (100ml). The latter contains a water-in-oil emulsion that has been clinically proven to o promote the development of the skin’s acid mantle. This helps prevent and nd relieve rashes in the folds of Baby’s skin, while panthenol (provitamin B5) stimulates the healing process. Dermatologically tested and free of parabens ens,, Sebamed Care Cream absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Use it to treat dry or chafed skin in older children and adults, too. Visit www.eltean.com. To take part, e-mail a clear JPEG photo of your child (at least 300dpi) to magyoungparents@sph.com.sg with the subject…

STIR-FRIED MANGO THREADFIN Serves 1 Ingredients 1 slice threadfin, about 300g 4 tbsp vegetable oil, for stir-frying 1 clove garlic, minced 2 slices ginger, shredded ¼ red pepper, diced ½ red onion, diced 500g green mango, diced Sprig of coriander, for garnishing Marinade 1 tbsp rice wine or white wine 1 tsp sesame oil 1 egg white Salt and pepper, to taste 1 to 2 tsp cornstarch Sauce ½ cup fish stock, chicken broth or water 1 tbsp oyster sauce ¼ tsp soya sauce 1 tsp cornstarch 1 tbsp water 1 Add marinade to fsh, one ingredient at a time, and the cornstarch last. Mix well and marinate for 10 minutes. 2 To prepare the sauce, combine fsh stock with oyster sauce and soya sauce in a small bowl. Set…

Baby’s first casserole

RICE & TUNA CASSEROLE Makes about 6 servings 1 cup rice (preferably brown), rinsed 1½ cup water ¾ cup milk (breast milk or formula) 1 cup tuna canned in water, drained 1 cup green peas 1 cup baby biscuits, crushed 1 cup shredded cheese 1 Preheat oven at 180 deg C. 2 Add rice and water to rice cooker. Press the start button. 3 When it’s about ¾ into the usual cooking cycle, remove rice from heat. 4 Add milk, tuna and peas to rice. Mix well and transfer to a 9cm-wide casserole dish. 5 Bake in oven for 25 minutes. 6 Sprinkle biscuits and cheese evenly over dish. Continue to bake for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. This recipe is suitable for babies from nine months old. Serve…

Baby’s first casserole

FEED BABY’S SENSES

children learn about the world around them by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing and hearing. Each time a child uses his senses, connections are made in the brain. Stimulation of the senses lays the foundation for the way a child thinks, feels, behaves and learns now and in the future. “PLAY” WITH YOUR FOOD Sensory play using food is a fun method to make all your child’s senses come alive. You can almost certainly see the curiosity and excitement as he explores the food with his hands and mouth, and discovers a variety of taste, colour, texture and smell. He may even fill his tummy in the process! Here are some ideas to stimulate your child’s senses through food: • Cut fruits such as honeydew, mango, pears, apples and bananas into…

FEED BABY’S SENSES

THE RIGHT FORMULA TO GOOD NUTRITION

As your child explores the world around him through his senses, remember to keep him well-nourished. Good nutrition fuels brain development, and a healthy child is also more likely to interact with his caregiver and environment in a way that provides the experiences necessary for optimal brain development. Milk is an integral part of the diet for children. However, not all milk products are the same - milk formulas offer more nutrients than regular milk, such as lutein. The right formula would ensure your child gets the most benefits for a head start in life.…

so, who’s right?

As you’ve already discovered, everyone around you is a parenting “expert”. It’s hard to sift out truth and myth, because they seem so certain about what they tell you. Here, we’re taking a bold step to suggest the fve pieces of advice you can safely ignore. They say “You must do it this way.” Ignore it There are universal principles that apply to all children, regardless of age. For example, a kid needs to feel safe, loved and valued. But how you bring up your child is often a matter of personal judgement, individual preference and trial-and-error. Rarely is parenting a case of one-size-fts-all. So if your aunt tells you that her way is the only right way, it’s not true. The chances are that there are many other ways…

so, who’s right?

that can’t be my son!

Your little darling is such a loving and happy kid; the last thing you’d expect to hear is that he’s a bully at the infant-care centre. His teachers have highlighted to you that he bites and hits his friends. He pushes others around whenever he can’t get his own way and also snatches toys from other children. Your frst reaction might be anger, disappointment, or even embarrassment, at his behaviour. Hold on – take a deep breath and follow this action plan. Check the facts Make an appointment to speak with his teacher. Ask how often your tot behaves this way. Is it in response to other children who are aggressive towards him? In other words, get a clear picture of where, when and how he bullies other children in…

that can’t be my son!

look, mummy’s back!

You and your husband work long hours, so your little one spends a great deal of time with his grandparents. Sometimes, he doesn’t even see you for days because you’re on a business trip. You might worry about the possible implications of him growing up without you 24/7. But here’s why you can rest easy. Your worry “He’ll be closer to his grandparents than he will be to us.” The reality A child is capable of building a bond with more than one person. So, having a close and loving relationship with his grandparents doesn’t mean he is less likely to be attached to you. Each bond adds something special to your toddler’s life. Instead of worrying about this, be happy that he has so many adoring adults in his…

look, mummy’s back!

Most nights, your four-year-old goes to bed and nods off to sleep without any problems, and she wakes up refreshed the next day. But things don’t always go according to plan – bedtime problems are not unusual in this age group. Here are some common diffculties and solutions for you to consider: She’s too excited when bedtime approaches. As a rule, try to have a calming, regular routine that starts at least half an hour before she should be asleep. However, if she remains overly excited, remove all distractions (TV, tech gadgets, music), and talk to her in a calm, soothing voice. Encourage her to get ready for bed slowly, without rushing around or shouting. Stay with your child, all the time doing your best to calm her while she…

you win, she loses

If you’ve been having huge arguments with your spouse recently, you’ll both feel terrible – parental fghts are unpleasant. But spare a thought for your six-year-old if she caught you in the middle of a blazing row because she almost certainly feels more miserable than you do. The sight of her parents at odds with each other flls her with unhappiness because: Loyalty Your child loves both of you, all the time. Her love is not conditional on who is right and who is wrong. This means she wants both of you to be happy. Her loyalties are strained when she catches you shouting at each other. Stability She needs a stable family home in which she feels safe. A calm family atmosphere enables her to thrive emotionally, because it…

you win, she loses

the “air-con” kid

He’s got such an easy childhood, hasn’t he, compared to yours. Yet he doesn’t even realise it. For instance, your nine-year-old complains when you take the bus instead of the car (because the trip takes longer, is too hot and is less comfortable); when you eat at the food court instead of a nice cafe (because it is noisier and rushed). You’ve also noticed that he leaves the air-conditioner on all the time (because he doesn’t even think about the cost) and he goes crazy if his gadgets don’t work properly (because he can’t imagine life without them). You want to teach him not to take his lifestyle for granted so that he’s grateful for all he has – and, at times, you are so frustrated with his easy life…

the “air-con” kid

mad about montessori

Think premium preschools and a few names come to mind – among them: Montessori. Noting the term’s marketability, Audrey Choe, founder-director of Pink Tower Montessori, observes that the number of centres claiming to practise the methodology seems to have grown in the past few years. Her school’s enrolment fgures, for instance, have increased fourfold in the past fve years, she says. When Young Parents searched the Early Childhood Development Agency’s website, we found 70 childcare centres and 54 kindergartens with Montessori in their names. The actual number is probably more, as other centres that don’t carry the word “Montessori” in their names claim to offer the method, too. But what exactly makes the teaching philosophy such a draw? Mok Shoon Terk decided on a Montessori school after visiting several options,…

mad about montessori

Ahoy, there! Block 712 Tampines Street 71 • Boats seem to be a recurring playground theme in the eastern part of singapore, and we were defnitely thrilled to fnd this pirate ship nestled among the HDB blocks in Tampines. • The ss Playworld, as it proudly states on its stern, may not look big, but it hides a ton of fun - a spiral slide, cannons that kids can thump on to make booming noises, and a treasure hunt game. It even has a plank that kids can have unruly pirates walk off! • Take note though, as it's in a HDB estate and a bit of a trek from Tampines Central, you'll need to take water bottles along. Dino might Block 27 Kim Keat Avenue • More dinosaurs in…

motherhood, then and now

50 YEARS AGO Kok Choy Ping 78, retired hairdresser She has three children – Regina, 51, Robert, 50, and Austin, 48 – as well as four grandchildren aged 26 to 17. Working mum “I had Robert (pictured, top right) 50 years ago; it was a planned pregnancy. I was working as a hairdresser at the time, and it was common to work right up until delivery. I worked until Saturday and delivered on Sunday. I saw my doctor monthly, and delivered at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where I stayed in the pregnancy ward in a room with eight to 10 beds. And Baby was in a separate nursery.” Simple joys “During my one-month confnement, my mum came over to take care of me. She cooked pig trotters with vinegar…

motherhood, then and now

PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

Many parents can attest to the difficulty in getting their tots to eat greens and fruit. Some parents may also wonder if their little ones are getting enough essential nutrients. To take the guesswork out of meal planning, fortify your child’s diet with a multivitamin that provides the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals. After all, an adequate intake of nutrients not only fuels your young one’s growth and development, but it also helps to build a healthy foundation in him in the long run. CHOOSE A TRUSTED BRAND One great supplement is the new PNKids Complete MultiVitamin + Minerals syrup, suitable for children aged one and up. The US brand is ranked No. 1 among kids’ multivitamin brands in western pharmacy stores in Singapore, according to AC Nielsen’s…

PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

flavours of home

gula melaka bundt cake Serves 6 to 8 Ingredients 125g unsalted butter, softened 150g plain ›our ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 90g sugar 80g good-quality gula melaka, ›nely grated 3 large eggs, lightly beaten ½ tsp vanilla extract 80ml sour cream Icing sugar, for dusting 1 Preheat oven to 160 deg C. Butter the bundt cake pan well, even if it is non-stick. 2 Dust the buttered pan evenly with some four in a sieve over the sink. Turn pan upside-down and tap to remove excess four. 3 Sift four, baking powder and salt, and set aside. 4 Place butter, sugar and gula melaka in a mixer bowl and beat on medium speed until pale and fuffy, about 5 minutes. 5 Add beaten eggs, in three parts, mixing…

flavours of home

Berries For Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – not only does it provide your children the energy they need for school, but it also helps to start the day on a positive note. This means it’s especially important for it to be balanced and nutritious. Breakfast can be fun to make and delicious, too – try adding Ribena. Here are two recipes to get you started. RIBENA BLACKCURRANT BERRIES JAM Makes about 2 cups Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 to 25 minutes Ingredients: 200g blueberries, stemmed and rinsed 40g fine sugar 1½ tbsp water chestnut flour 1½ cup Ribena Blackcurrant Fruit Cordial Drink (Glucose) Directions: 1 Prepare jars. Place blueberries in a resealable bag. Add sugar and ½ cup of Ribena Blackcurrant Fruit Cordial Drink. Refrigerate…

Berries For Breakfast

watch Themed “Majulah Singapura” in celebration of Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, the National Day Parade returns to its birthplace at the Padang on Aug 9. Watch 50 aircraft in the Aerial Display, over 160 vehicles in the Mobile Column and reminisce over the retro-inspired elements of the Vintage Parade. The show will also be streamed live at various spots around Marina Bay, and The Float@Marina Bay will also be ticketed for 25,000 viewers. The show starts at 5.30pm and will be broadcast on all Mediacorp channels. Visit www.ndp.org.sg. watch Meet Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. They’re Riley’s emotions. When her family moves to San Francisco, she struggles to adjust and things get tense in Headquarters where the emotions – each in their own way – try to help her navigate…

No Muss, No Fuss

With a growing number of dual-income families in Singapore, foreign domestic helpers are fast becoming an indispensable addition to many households, helping with chores and caring for the children or elderly. If you have a helper, it might give you greater peace of mind to invest in her wellbeing. To help, NTUC Income has introduced a personalised service that saves employers the legwork and hassle of insurance and work permit renewals. COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE NTUC Income’s Foreign Maid Insurance offers comprehensive coverage to ensure that your maid is well taken care of. It provides personal accident coverage in the event that your helper is involved in an accident that leads to her death or permanent disability. Should there be a mishap, she will also be covered for hospital and surgical expenses.…

No Muss, No Fuss

all clear Pregnancy hormones can make you break out suddenly. Keep your complexion clear with Sebamed’s facial cleanser for oily and combination skin (pictured left). This soap- and alkali-free free formula cleans pores effectively to remove excess sebum and prevent clogging, while Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) soothes and provitamin B5 supports the balance of hydration. Get a tube for $19.60 from department stores and pharmacies. gain the advantage Even though your baby is on solids, milk is still an important part of his diet. Try Similac Follow-on (for six to 12 months), which contains a higher level of lutein with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to help brain and eye development. Its palm olein-free formula also supports softer stools. Prices range from $27.45 for 400g to $96.90 for 1.6kg, available from leading…

Baby Style Icon http://babystyleicon.com Banana Republic www.bananarepublic.sg Converse www.converse.com.sg Cotton On Kids http://asia.cottonon.com/stores Dr Martens www.fb.com/DrMartens.SG Early Learning Centre www.fb.com/EarlyLearningCentreSG Geox www.geox.com Gingersnaps www.fb.com/GingersnapsSG Gnome & Post www.gnomeandpost.com H&M www.hm.com/sg Kiddy Palace www.kiddypalace.com.sg Kidsport #05-34/34A Paragon Tel: 6235-1297 L’Occitane www.loccitane.com.sg Love SG www.lovesg.sg Miniature Asian Chef www.fb.com/MiniatureAsianChef Mondays Off www.mondays-off.com Mothercare www.mothercare.com.sg Motherswork www.motherswork.com.sg Museum Label www.nationalmuseum.sg/ NMSPortal/Visitors’Info/Shop Naiise http://naiise.com Now & Then http://nowandthen.sg Ocean Paradise www.oceanparadise.com.sg Petit Bateau www.petit-bateau.sg Privikids www.privi-kids.com Robinsons www.robinsons.com.sg Seed Heritage www.fb.com/SeedHeritageAsia Supermama Store http://supermamastore.com Takashimaya D.S. www.takashimaya-sin.com thepigbakesclay www.thepigbakesclay.com The Better Toy Store www.thebettertoystore.com The Farm Store www.farmstore.sg The Little Drom Store www.thelittledromstore.com…

The countdown to primary school has started and it’s as much a nerve-racking experience for you now as it will be for him. The classroom structure and teaching style are different, and the homework – how will you both deal with the endless homework? Luckily, the panel of experienced teachers and speakers at our recent Young Parents Primary 1 Seminar were ready to dish out advice and tips to parents. The event was held at Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre on April 25. Nick Cheadle, business development and training manager at Lorna Whiston Schools, explained how knowing your child’s learning style can help you prepare him for Primary 1. These include visual learners, who learn by watching; auditory learners, who benefit from hearing the material read aloud; and kinesthetic learners,…

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