Sunday 27 July 2014

Disciplining - Enough said

Being home, almost 24/7 with the kids, I'm confessing that my most dealt with battle is dealing with sibling fights, the sudden combats that would break out during peaceful activities or even in situations that you never thought an argument could break out. This annoys me totally, especially the need to abandon tasks, to play mediator. Thankful for situations that no one's hurt, but in some, things or person gets hurt. Sounds violent, but factual that parenting is no bed of roses.

As much as we constantly advocate about sharing, caring and loving your brother and sister, it always seem that our words have fallen on deaf ears or that words don't serve good reminders. One of the terrible incident was when Jazz threw Jare's toy in fit of anger, and it broke. The transformer that he hearts very much was beyond repair. Sure she got a good reprimanding from me. In midst of my chiding, I got exasperated with repeating my chants again and again. Nothing works!

This time, I made sure she paid a memorable price for the anger that was displayed wrongly. I took $20 from her piggy bank to deposit into her brother's elephanty. It's fair that little brother can now buy a new one with that money. She was already given a big discount, that toy costs more. We told Jare to save it up instead.

 photo IMG_0315_zps71d1fff4.jpg
The little banks and broken toy

Jazz was really upset about the whole episode, she cried and kept apologizing. I felt for her, and I knew she was regretful for that act. Being soft-hearted is always my worst parenting trait, I was tempted to cave in, by letting her off without any penalty, but I knew I had to sit firm. And while she took some time out at the thinking corner, I wanted her to zoom in and out of the situation to address the feelings of little brother and people around her, how they felt at that point of argument. I hope the understanding of different perspectives helps during conflicts. With that, I got her to draw what she thinks about that incident. 

 photo IMG_0319_zps7b58f67d.jpg
She said they were both heart-broken

Jazz drew many toys and described her drawing as both being broken-hearted. She lost $20 painfully, and Jare on the other hand, lost his favourite toy. Well, we can't fix what's broken, but I hope we can learn some good values out of it.

A second incident broke out just within weeks! They were squabbling and snatching over toys, and Jazz raised her hand to hit Jare. I was so mad! Again, I got her to draw. I won't know how many more times I have do this with their crayons and papers, but at least it calms us during the drawing process. Her emotions got regulated as she drew and related the feeling of the victim. While I tried to tone my pitches and avoid the physical punishments.

 photo DSC09216_zpsf7212b51.jpg
Sharing is caring!

I use this as their reminder now, saving me on words. Effectively, there was once when Jare wouldn't share his toy with Jazz, despite my coaxing. He saw this drawing and went, "You're right jie jie, I share my car with you, and you'll share you lollipop with me." Aww... he melted my heart, and surrendered his toy. "Hey kids! Mama really dislike chiding and smacking on you. We all love peaceful mediation."

I know it's extremely challenging for us. Js are spending the same 24/7 time, as mine. They write, play, eat and sleep together. The only time apart is when big sister does her drama and ballet classes. For that bulk amount of time spent together, I tried to comfort myself that it was parental decision that they are kept this way and sure, probability of conflicts is much higher. Yet I think we will learn something valuable each time, or at least an improved drawing skill.


Do you have some effective or interesting disciplinary methods to share too?

Saturday 26 July 2014

Activities for the go

Do your kids get ants in their pants whenever out, waiting for meals? Or do they get totally restless when you require patience? Mine do! Instead of turning to our last resort of techy gadgets for peace, we work with little prepared resources, in hope to get their bottoms still. Here are our easy and instant ideas:

1. We bring crayons and papers! I reused a plastic box after emptying a bunch of dental flosses, to house their crayons. Clipped some pieces of quartered cut papers and carry along, for doodles.

 photo DSC09215_zpsd994f556.jpg
Crayons and papers

2. Also for doodling and writing. Notepads and pens! Interesting to see what birthed on the first and grew to the last page.

 photo DSC09212_zps357e7a6e.jpg
Thank you little S.L for that cute little notepad

3.  Small and light weighted books! Jazz loves reading and Jare loves flipping through illustrations. Rotate the titles, so they don't get tiresome of the repeats.

 photo IMG_0444_zps1c802ba4.jpg
Different titles for rotation

4. Small little travel activities which we are much in love with and easy to carry around. We got them in the states, but I guess they can be easily purchased on Amazon, local toy or book stores.

 photo DSC09211_zpse1557e95.jpg
 From Melissa and Doug, and Brain quest

5. And if all else fail, tablets and smart phones always work perfect for mine. Positively, there are plenty of educational apps that you may download for them to point and drag. It's limited time they can engage from starting a game to the arrival of dishes. Pretty much controlled.

I love it when they engage in their own little activity in a restaurant, while I look through the menu almost uninterrupted. So yeap, no more diapers and milk bottles in my bag, but with such little gadgets almost permanently residing in. However, on good days, such stuffs get into the kids' carry out bags, with their own responsibility throughout. It's definitely some weight lifted off mine.

Here are some DIY portable ideas A Pancake Princess does for her boys. Let me know too, if you have ideas on keeping little butts down when eating out or in need of their patience. 

Monday 21 July 2014

Children's Garden - Gardens by the bay

Many new attractions have budded during the time we were away. It's exciting to be back in homeland with many new family friendly places to visit. Trying to conquer as many as we can. 

We have recently visited the Far East Organization Children's Garden at Gardens by the bay. An outdoor play area that combines both play and nature. As outdoor suggests, the best time to enjoy that tan, would be early morning or late evening, when our lovely sun isn't that blazing. 

The children's garden consists of both water playground and sandy adventure playground. It's probably wiser to sweat it out at the dry playground, before cooling off at the water ground, followed by a clean shower. Oh, so cooling! Most attractive of all is that, admission is free. 

 photo DSC00445_zps31d10c8b.jpg

Water playground
It consists of 2 areas, the smaller one for little toddlers and the other bigger one for older kids, where more craziness and running take place. The water play features aren't exactly exciting or fanciful, but good enough to ignite simple little joy. It was nothing more than water sprouting and spraying. Jare had tremendous fun though, almost like playing in the rain. Jazz, after playing awhile, came to me and said it was boring. "No slides", she said. Her perception changed totally when her bestie arrived to join her for play. Companionship makes a difference!

There were some safety personnel on duty to ensure safe play. There's also locker and shower facilities. Everyone can join in the fun!

 photo DSC00452_zps11729bd0.jpg
Floating with joy!
 photo DSC00469_zpsb9e90e6e.jpg
Jazz said the big toothbrushes were not exciting

Adventure playground
A jungle liked adventure within canopy of trees. There are tall tree house and little trails to explore. Other play features include a spider net, hill climbing ropes and spinner bowls. Lots of climbing and some strategy planning to clear their play obstacles. 

This whole area kept them entertained, and it was almost difficult to recall the kids for dinner. Definitely a good place to expel their energy, and good plan for parents to shove them to bed early.
 photo gardenbythebaycollage_zpsd737098b.jpg
My ever adventurous boy
The last part was my highlight! Food spread and wonderful company excites me. We had dinner at Satay by the bay, a very short walk from the children's garden. It's a hawker like place with a great variety of local delicacies to choose from - BBQ chicken wings, chicken rice, popiah, ngoh hiong, BBQ seafood selection, steamboat and of course, satay!

Truth to be shared, the food was only passable. Not very tasty for most, only convincingly impressed with their satay. Living up to the name of the place indeed. Our friend ordered it from the Geylang satay stall, which came really juicy and tender. The sauce to go with was great too. So delicious that the kids wolfed most of them down. Our BBQ seafood was ordered from Boon Tat seafood, which was near to being terrible. When it comes to food, my thoughts are, not only should we try to make the money paid worth, but also the calories worth. Metabolism is slowing down on me.

It was extremely crowded on the day we visited, a Saturday evening. And so, it means some strategy and courage to get seats. Our unique hawker style. And of course, if local delicacies isn't your craving that day, there are other restaurants nearby for your tummies to explore.

 photo DSC00598_zps5794ce4b.jpg
Our spread of food
If you crave for local delicacies, I would think the best place that presents it all is East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Though also challenged by the humidity and seats, we thought the devouring of delicious food covers that multitude of challenges. Need to be back there soon! As for this bay, maybe once in a blue moon.

Children's Garden
Opening hours
Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 7pm (Last admission at 6:30pm)
Weekends and Public holidays: 9am to 9pm (Last admission at 8:30pm)
*Closed on Tuesday if a public holiday falls on the preceding Monday.
Free Admission 

Satay by the bay
Drinks stall: 24 hours
Food stalls: 8am to 10pm
Steamboat buffet stall: 5pm to 2am

Saturday 19 July 2014

Doctor for a day - Parkway East Hospital

Some weeks ago, yeap, I'm turning time back a little, Jazz and her besties, signed up to ambitiously be a "Doctor for a day!" We were glad that it came back! It ran the Orthopaedic edition at Parkway East Hospital this round. Where little participants role played as Orthopaedic doctors, did bone surgery and knee bandages.

In line with their special edition, each child's registration fee of $25 was matched with $300 by the hospital, to sponsor knee replacement surgery for the needy elderly. It was sure great fun for little ones and worthy cause for the elderly!




It was an approximately 90 minutes session with several stations to cover. Little doctors embarked on an educational journey in the different settings-like departments, Operating Theatre, Nursing room, Accident and emergency, General practitioner and Pharmacy. At each room, facilitators would share some medical knowledge and talk about the doctors' scopes. Little doctors got to role play with their fellow doctors, worked with thermometer, stethoscope and operating tools. They learned to handle cuts, wounds and bandage too! 


And Jazz's favourite was also the happiest room of all, the nursing room! Where they got to care for newborns baby dolls, changed diaper, fed and sang them a tune. I'm pretty sure doctors don't do these, it was probably more for parents to decide if they're ready to help out with a new addition.





A group photo was taken with their fellow doctors, and given to them as a lovely memento. They moved into the last room, which was the pharmacy, to collect their dose of medicine goodie bag! At the end of their educational journey, they graduated and were certified as, "Doctor for a day." They are however, now back to their young profession as adorable preschoolers.


You know the verdict when Jazz says, "I want to come back, to be a doctor again!" Que sara sara, whatever will be, will be... I hope you are aspiring to be a genuine one, my darling! 

This event was catered for children between 5 to 12 years old. Parents were not allowed in the rooms, so we were like paparazzi, snapping pictures through the opened door. Jare being 3, was in the man's custody. He had balloon twisting fun at the lobby, where some pre-event activities were held.

It was an overall good experience for the little ones, to affirm their dreams and inspire their thoughts! Not sure when they might run this event again, but seats fill up really fast. You may want to follow their Facebook - PEH for updates. 

While parents ended up doing a short survey about Parkway East hospital, which they were trying to promote itself for more awareness, I was reminded of my wonderful experience with them during my dengue infected stay. Aside from the discomfort of being unwell, my stay was almost like a vacation. Oh no, I'm not saying it was the being away from kids. I was well taken care by the angel nurses, well fed and well entertained (HBO!). I highly recommend this hospital. And nope, I wouldn't want to be back there for any unfortunate reasons. Just sharing an experience.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Interesting finds in the Zoo

We've been to the local Zoo multiple times, and I thought we knew the place pretty well. Recent trip gave us some interesting finds on the attractions and activities.

I don't think we've been away from the zoo for long. Here's what we discovered:

1. We didn't know we could feed the rhineceros! I knew about feeding giraffes, but not the rhinos. This got the kids, and myself really thrilled! I didn't think we could get so safely close to them.

 photo DSC00091_zpse9770d67.jpg
They feed on bananas!
2. The Frozen Tundra is opened! An icy cave built up for our polar bear, Inuka. Whom we found out, he's the World's first polar bear to be birthed in the tropics. How amazing our zoo is! This cave is perfect hide out from the sunny day heat. It's an arctic experience in there.

 photo DSC00066_zpsb0183c70.jpg
Little Eskimos
3. We could make learning out of excursion. Jazz brought a note pad and pen to write the names of all the animals we visited. Next trip, we could bring our drawing pad to sketch some live animals.

 photo DSC00064_zps22c19732.jpg
Practicing her writing
Did you already know about them? Let us know of any other interesting finds in our Zoo. It definitely is a place of endless fun and discoveries. Plan in your next visit!



Linking up


Monday 14 July 2014

Polaroid Kids sunglasses {Review and Giveaway}

Most parents are extremely concern about straining our kids' eyes when they get on books or TV, and not much focus is given to those little eyes when we're out in the sun. In fact, we are often expose to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, whether sunny or cloudy. Our eye structure can be damaged if too much UV ray is absorbed. It's worth some thoughts about taking care of those eyes not just indoor, but outdoor too.

Our family uses the sunglasses whenever we are out in the sun for a prolonged period or during long road trips. Even more true when we were in California, where the sun rays were much more piercing. It kind of cultivated our habit of putting on sunglasses, which was very much a necessity than just an accessory. It was a need to look cool.

We are excited that the kind people from Safilo had sent us 2 pairs of Polaroid sunglasses for little Js. Js chose their preferred design, and are very much in love with their colourful choices.

 photo DSC09204_zps93aa602b.jpg
Lovely pairs of kids' sunglasses
 photo DSC00082_zpsfc27814e.jpg
Checking out each others eyes
 photo DSC00078_zpsf6535062.jpg
Cool kids
At times, Js find sunglasses a little cumbersome for their outdoor play, and they would remove it after some time. They are however convinced, to at least put it on during our car journeys, where they are confined to their car seats with almost no room to avoid the sunny and harmful rays. This is specially true when the sun greets them almost face to face, at different timings of the day. Or depending on the direction our car is moving in, it can be sometimes be difficult to avoid the sun. Drivers get their eyes protected, so should little passengers. Those sunglasses are even more handy when Js doze off in the car. Those shades are saviour to their eyes, giving them comfortable rest from the bright.

 photo IMG_0199_zps57ec089f.jpg
Loving their sunglasses!
Getting a pair of quality sunglasses for our little ones, require some important characteristics to note. Here are some very good reasons why Polaroid sunglasses are the perfect fit for our cool kids:
  • 100% UV protection. Yes, go for 100%
  • Trendy and stylish with contrasting colours.
  • Durability. Jare loves doing spectacle splits, and it withstands his handling.
  • Polarized. Block glare and allow only useful vertical light to reach our eyes
  • Comfortable. No whine or tear, even though they're meant for a little older kids
  • Made with allergy-free materials, with top quality Polaroid polarized lenses.
  • Superior optics give clear and true vision with no shape-shifting side effects. Thereby leads to less eye fatigue. 
  • UltraSight™ lenses are made of several functional elements. The core element is the polarizing light filter. UV light absorbers are bonded to both sides of it. Shock-absorbing layers are then fused to both sides of the UV absorbers, making the lens light, flexible and impact resistant. A scratch-resistant layer on both the outer surfaces completes the lens structure. Perfect! 

Now that I write about it, I do think investing in a good and sturdy pair of sunglasses makes good economic sense in the long run. Especially when you know comfort and durability isn't compromised. Polaroid kids are available at better vision outlets, paris miki outlets and major retail eyewear stores.

A great piece of news is that Safilo is also giving away the following pair of polaroid kids' sunglasses (Retailing $60), for readers of Mum's Calling!

 photo giveawaypolaroid_zps12a2dab5.jpg
Photo credit: Polaroid eyewear

To join in the giveway for this trendy pair of shades, simply follow the steps in Rafflecopter below:
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: We were given 2 pairs of Polaroid kids sunglasses for review, no monetary compensation was given. All opinions and photos, unless credited, are solely ours. 

Thursday 10 July 2014

Launch of Intercontinental Planet Trekkers Menu

Some weeks ago, we had the opportunity to attend a dinner party hosted by Intercontinental hotel, for the roll out of its Planet Trekkers menu. A very comprehensive menu, from small plates to desserts, specially designed for children. It was co-created by child food experts, Michelin-starred chef, Theo Randall, and nutritionist, Annabel Karmel. Oh yes, I read her books and love her recipes!

It was our privilege to get the first taste of its menu on its launch party. Where the kids were overwhelmingly entertained by balloonist, magician and of course, a well selected spread of dishes, from appetizers to desserts. Definitely the best children's menu we've ever seen and tasted. Delicious and nutritious, what more can parents ask for?!!

 photo DSC09050_zpse7bbd9bb.jpg
Fun menu created!

The menu has a wide selection of food choices, from Asian to western. I'm assured that all little guests will find something they love. 

 photo Interconcollage_zpsce48e047.jpg
Top, Left to right: Smiley tomato soup, Spaghetti bolognese with hide and seek veggies, Ice watermelon popsicles. Middle, left to right: Crunchy Veggies and hummus dip, Wok and roll pad Thai, Chocolate brownie ice cream sundae. Bottom, left to right: Yummy mini Burgers, Chinese fried rice with chicken, Lychee Frogrut

I don't mean to get you hungry, but they really are yummilicious as the pictures reveal. My personal favourite was, Everything! Ok, focus, the burger and pad thai were the more outstanding. I spoke to chef Randall that day. As a Mum, I was concern about processed food, so I asked about the beef patty between those burger buns. I'm glad they were made from scratch, with minced beef. We topped off our tastes with, the not to be missed, desserts! Watermelon popsicle was a hit for all big and little ones, and the Lychee frogrut is totally out of the World! I love! I would prefer giving the kids yoghurt over ice cream.

 photo DSC09053_zps8b27e61d.jpg
Enjoying her Pad Thai
 photo DSC09032_zpsac06fde4.jpg
He loves the tomato soup
 photo DSC09036_zpsf68d3e0e.jpg 
We had multiple helpings to the popsicle

This whole new menu created for the little guests, is available at InterContenetal hotels and resorts throughout south east Asia, and available globally by end of this month. Another child friendly option for our travelling accommodation. How about something from the kids' menu, for room service?

 photo DSC09062_zps3eda5f77.jpg
Some crazy fun we had at the party

It was a great, yummy party created for all the wonderful little people!


Disclaimer: We had the opportunity to attend this dinner party launch. All opinions and pictures are solely our own. 

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Good and Bad apples

We believe very much in values and character beyond academics. With a little idea about raising kids in relation to growing trees, and reaping good or bad fruits, I did a quick lesson on the good and bad apples we can reap from growing a kind and bad tree.

I drew 2 huge trees on papers, and did red apples cutouts with the following good and bad values written on it:
  • Dishonest
  • Honest
  • Respectful
  • Disrespectful
  • Kind
  • Mean
  • Patient
  • Impatient
  • Obedient
  • Disobedient
  • Humble
  • Proud
  • Courteous
  • Rude
  • Liar
  • Hitting
  • Self-control
  • Trustable
  • Unrealiable
  • Diligent
  • Lazy
 photo 8ead506d-f6f7-435c-bcad-b819adb59b73_zps33fcc80e.jpg
Growing our apple trees!
Had Js to sort and paste the apples into the respective tree. Kind tree bears juicy good fruits and bad tree bears bad fruits. As they go along, we talked about each word, and how we should or should not bring good and bad acts of out it. As well as, to always remember using kind and encouraging words. 

 photo DSC09081_zps51bfff46.jpg
Sorting in progress
After they completed their tasks, they picked the tree that they want to be! The good kind tree. Phew!

 photo DSC09085_zps8f55b604.jpg
The kind people and kind tree
And I shared that a kind tree attracts beautiful things. Just like how a kind person attracts the wonderful things and people around him, looking great on the inward and outward!

 photo DSC09086_zps51fa9cb6.jpg
Beautiful garden
They then added rainbows, birds, flowers and grass to make up the beautiful things around that good kind tree. It became a beautiful garden.

We had it up in their room as a reminder of the good values to practice and bad values to dump out.

Wednesday 2 July 2014

Homeschooling kids aren't weird

For the past 8 months, since our final months in the states till this day, I've been keeping the kids 24/7 with me. I withdrew them from school since November last year. So yes, I am homeschooling them! Jare should rightfully be in N1 and Jazz in K1. I get raised eyebrows and interrogated curious questions whenever I proclaim, the kids don't go to school. And it's not like they should be in the mainstream primary school, where schooling is compulsory.

The common questions or comments I get these days, from family (yes, even my parents), relatives, friends and even strangers are, "Aren't they in school?" "K1? Gotta go school!" Or when we're out playing on a weekday, strangers would chat up "No school today?" 

So hmm, I'm not much of a small chat person or when I don't feel the need to bring anyone through my personal decision, I'll just brush questions off with very simple replies. After all, a Mum knows her battles best. She knows what's best for the family, to work or not to work, to homeschool or not. We don't need to shed much light on justifying ourselves.

I don't think I'll be in a prolonged situation of homeschooling Js, sharing the load of bringing some bread and butter home is in my plan. Just that I'm caught in a situation of having little toddlers at home, childcare is our only option if I plan to work. Since I've not caught up with a job, it's only prudent that I keep them with me. While job hunt goes slow, I take my everyday opportunity to teach and guide Js.

I may not have the professional resources to teach Js, but I don't think I'm in total lack of ideas. There are tons of books and ideas in the bookstores and even online resources to aid my teaching. Along these months, I witnessed the kids' milestones, know close to heart their academic, mental and physical progresses. Academics and character building have been our very zoomed in areas. Academics fill our weekday morning schedule. We work on assessment books, readings, experiments and sometimes arty crafts. In our afternoon time, Js are free to play, with some days on board games, crafts, TV or even back to academics. Challengingly, both Js decided to give up their nap some time last year. Leaving me a more comprehensive schedule with them. I am constantly in search of ideas to keep them occupied. No home work is done on our excursion days, where we bring learning and playing out of the home settings. 

 photo IMG_9836_zps2f24dc36.jpg
Free play with their toys
 photo IMG_8535_zpsa63624c0.jpg
Free time for reading

I wouldn't know how well Js fair among their peers, but I know all about teaching and learning at their pace. I try not to get panicky when Js don't get the simple things right. It's my longest project ever to get Jare put on his clothes fuss free and almost perfectly. I understand they sometimes lack that effective learning in groups, or maybe an ineffective educator. We try our best to make learning fun and effective. After all, patient is one fine quality we can posses when it comes to successful teaching. I'm glad that I can tailor my teaching to their individual need and progress.

Social skill isn't a total neglect. Js pick up social interactions when we hang around with our friends' kids. We love doing play dates! Whenever we're out playing with other kids, we observe how they respond during play. Do they wait or push for their turn? Do they apologize for faults? Do they play nice? I confess to having that tad worry about how they respond in social situations.

Homeschool kids aren't short changed. It's lots of work hard and play hard too. Yes, lots of frustrations for us, but we make up with frequent hugs and kisses, any time of the day. The best part about being home with them and working away from home is, I can get my cuddles and kisses anytime of the day! 

A Mum plans her battles well, if she doesn't think homeschooling is her highly developed trait, she wouldn't. Preschools are readily available. In our culture today, homeschooling mums are uncommon and it isn't an easy route to ride on. Homeschooling requires huge responsibility, I feel sorry for Js if they are stuck home with me everyday, playing aimlessly and doing nothing purposeful or fruitful. It's my Motherly duty that they are taught and engaged meaningfully. It's very much about discipline and consistency, though I have lazy days too.

 photo DSC049192_zps34d70907.jpg
That's our completion! A little of a tiger mum.

Stay at home Mums and homeschool mums may encompass different elements. I can be a stay home mum, but I've school going children. Academic is outsourced. It's a different perspective being a SAHM, working in the homeschool department. Nope, we aren't weird, so are our kids. For now, I shoulder that 2 titles. Breathing in, breathing out... everyday is a surprise.