Phase 2B: We parent volunteered

It's the phase 2B week. We have successfully registered our number two, Jare into the school system for P1 next year. It was a phase I never thought we will fall into.

Phase 2B:

(a) For a child whose parent has joined the primary school as a parent volunteer not later than 1 July 2016 and has given at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by 30 June 2017

(b) For a child whose parent is a member endorsed by the church / clan directly connected with the primary school

(c) For a child whose parent is endorsed as an active community leader

It was option (a) for us. 

We did a calculated risk and checked with the school we eyed before deciding that 40 hours will be a contained risk for us. While some schools require beyond 40 hours of volunteer service, as if parents should devote their days to being a full time school volunteer or keep their fingers constantly on alert to responding the call of hours fulfillment. It's ridiculous when friends tell me it's 80 hours or even endless hours for some extremely popular schools. That's insane! 

Once upon a time, when my kids were still far away from primary registration, I sneered and was much sure I will not join the race of being a parent volunteer, in hope of getting to a popular school. Such path should be eliminated, I thought. 

I spoke too early, the day came! Plan A of putting all kids in the same school didn't work out, plan B was getting Jazz into my alma mater which is a girl's school. So great! I've 2 boys. These hassle were all in them name of, "I don't think all school are good schools." We had a weird decision (to some) of going through such admission exercise twice, when it could be just an easy phase 1 for most.

About 18 months ago, the man and I embarked on a volunteering journey in our potential school. We took students on excursion, we did games and activities in school, we did library duties and whatever duties that would help us clock 40 hours. Happy we are, but honestly, there is greater joy in serving when your child is already in the school. You feel the connection and relationship. It was a great way though, to be more sure of your choice when you step in to witness the school's culture.

Not easy are these volunteers serving with an uncertain outcome. In the name of being kiasu, I do know of some volunteers who served 2 potential schools or did parent volunteer as back up for more school options. 

It can be a painful outcome to have spent hours and hours of time for a potential school and end up with no placement. While some families are extreme risk takers, we like ours calculated. If there are a few options on the school you eyed, run a detailed check on the volunteers intake and number of hours required. It helps much in managing expectations. If not, start being involved as a community leader early. It has more school options than just volunteering in a particular school. 

What is your game plan?

I think this phase is beaming bright for us, and it's looking prominent with no likelihood of ballot. As a Mum, it is beyond a phase of registration but the swelling of mixed emotions that my kids are growing too quickly. It's true when we say we should treasure every moment of their growing up.

 

Pet dog and Kids

There are two things that I can't keep my hands off - dogs and babies! They are too adorable to not touch and love.

Before kids came into the picture, I bought a pup. It was always a top 'must have' list, once I have a place of my own. It wasn't too long after I got married that I got a pup. Even though it of much disagreement with the man, I went ahead to buy and rear one. I must say, it was the best decision ever. I had the best dog ever and it saw me through the addition of my kids!

Our Shetland Sheepdog at 3 months

Sadly, it passed on last week. It lost its battle against cancer, and left us after a good 9 years and 5 months. Fondly missed... 

Jare was really upset

Life with kids and a dog are some exciting and memorable moments...

Decision in owning a dog is always easier before babies come into the picture. Both time and commitment can be given easily. Do however think twice about getting a dog if you have very young toddlers in the family. 

Do you get an often question from your kids about buying a pet? Or more specifically, a pet dog. It is a decision not to be taken lightly.  

1. Timing.

Are you expecting or had a newborn recently? Or is it near the months of your child's big exam? It is definitely not a wise decision to get a pup at the same time you expect to receive your newborn or when your child is nearing a major exam. It can be really exciting and distracting to have a new live in pup.

A new pup requires much training in the initial months when brought, especially toilet training. It can also be extremely barkish and chewish. Like babies with sprouting teeth, they have the tendency to chew on toys and sometimes, furniture. It can be excessively annoying at times. 

Plan on when is a good time to get one. 

2. Age of your children

Older kids are more likely to be responsible in helping with the pet routine. Some days, I sent Jazz out to walk the dog within our neighbourhood. Okay, I watched her from a distance to witness her maturity.

Teach the kid to clean up after their dog's business. Younger kids are more likely to fit the 'play' department. Access the maturity and responsibility of your child. 

3. Breed of the dog

Studying the breed and character of each dog helps a great deal. Some breeds are extremely child friendly and mild nature. While some are just not as tolerant with strangers and kids. We owned a Shetland Sheepdog and I've to say, it was the most patient dog ever! It survived and stayed calm through every 'rough handling' of our children. When his tail and paws were accidentally stepped on, he would silently get up and walk off. Even dogs know the best way in dealing with conflicts! 

And of course, other considerations include your housing type. Some breeds may shed their fur excessively too. Do bear in mind that bigger dogs may pounce forcefully or exert much energy on younger kids.

Shetland Sheepdog

4. Extra cost

Food, vaccinations, license fees, toys, treats, grooming and boarding costs too, if travelling is in your schedule. It is not just about providing a shelter. In the final few days of our dog's life, medical bill was steep. And no, can't use CPF. Heh!

5. Time

The big indicator. It takes a few days of almost full time attention to integrate a pup to home. I remember I got our pup on Saturday morning, just so I can have weekend and the next few days of leaves to help it adjust. Life gets a little better after tiding through its toilet training and teething days. 

The daily commitment includes walking, feeding and basic healthcare. Brushing long fur dogs daily can help cope with shedding. Bathing may be done weekly.

6. Patience

Pups are extremely barkish and active. They may startle a sleeping baby or even become your daily alarm clock. I really have not much of a solution to 'silencing' dogs, but some dogs can be trained upon the command of  'Shut.' Well, not all. It's best to keep the dog as comfortable as it can be to avoid excessive barking. We are at our neighbour's mercy. So yes, patience in command training. 

Toilet training requires the bigger part of your patience. Dogs are territory markers, especially in a new environment. They mark by their pee, and most times they tend to go for corners. Hang in there and keep training!

7. Agreement

Rearing a pet requires a mega consent from all parties living in the same household. While it can bring much joy to your family, it can also cause much disputes if there's disagreement. I know, I insisted on one even though my man wasn't agreeable. I was somehow confident he will love it, and he did!

Have a deep thought and assessment to getting a pup.

We had a great and memorable time with our pet dog, Pillow. He was so fluffy and cuddly that the man named him that. He was everyone's best friend, especially Jazz. Jazz is an extreme pet lover and I've to say, Pillow inspired her greatly in wanting to be a Veterinarian. A costly education abroad, we know.

While there are these many considerations to having a pet dog, I've to say bringing a dog home was a decision I never regret. My kids love it, they grew up with it and they sleep and cuddle him like a Pillow. It lived up to its name. On days when Jazz was upset, she would 'confide' in Pillow and her mood got brightened up instantly. A true indication that, there is no better friend than a dog. 

A dog is a wonderful pet. Too wonderful to not be purchased on impulse or simply because the kids want it. A dog's life span can live up to 15 years, it is a long term consideration! It is not a pet to be  purchased with the intention of caging it up 24/7. It is not one bought for our helper to take care. It is our responsibility to see through the companionship we chose, and for that, it can be incredibly rewarding.

It's so easy to fall in love with a cute pup, but owning one is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Taking too, this opportunity to Thank the dedicated Vets at Companion Animal Surgery. In their day of a busy clinic, they gave us so much time and space to farewell Pillow before his time was up for Euthanasia. Dr. Eleanor was very assuring and comforting. It was a busy day for her, and putting a dog to sleep is probably her frequent task, but she made it all so assuring and accepting for us. Dedication is what I define her. 

"Thankful for the companionship of 9 years and 5 months, Pillow. You gave us so much joy!

Wonderland [Review]

“What! Mummy?” 

That was what the kids exclaimed when I told them to wear a pair of mis-matched socks to the show Wonderland by Andsoforth. Wonderland is a children’s play based off Lewis Carroll’s Alice Adventures in Wonderland. A play that is different from the usual stage and chair seats setting, but one that invites free floor space for little audience to sit and interact with the casts. 

Upon arriving, we were kept on suspense to wait outside for some moments before the door opened. We loved that the welcome was really secretive and surprised. We didn’t know we would be warmly welcomed by the casts when the door opened! And there, they do check on those mis-matched socks! Making sure you wore a pair. No idea why mis-matched socks, but I wasn’t on a pair. And oops, I became their target for entertainment. So yeap, parents should slip in those mis-matched socks too.

 

There's no way to escape forgetting those socks because a friendly reminder comes through your phone on the day of the show.

And from here, the adults entered through the little door, while the children through the big door to where the show will be. The stage set was beautifully drawn with arts on its walls, all round the room. It felt like we entered an enchanted world.

Wonderland not one play with much singing and dancing like the usual, but one that's extremely close up and interactive. It is one with a small and cosy audience size. For being early, we had some fun and photo taking moments with the casts. Pre-show begins 30 minutes before the actual show begins. Do arrive early! 

During the show, kids were welcomed to dance, sing and play games with the casts like Alice, the Chesire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the white rabbit and many more! We love the costumes and makeup of these casts! 

With the teaching element of promoting the importance of friendship, there were other learning points like telling the difference between a rabbit and a hare, as well as using rhyming words in a poem. In between, there were nuggets of humour exchanged between the casts which really cracked the kids up.

This 45 minutes show will be fun for little kids above 2 years old and even more fun if they love being spontaneous to the call of playing games, singing and dancing. Js were relatively shy beings, so they were less spontaneous in rising to the call of actions. Nonetheless, they enjoyed themselves. Though I will say this is a play that may be more suitable for preschoolers.

And yes, there will be photo taking session with the casts after the show. Hang around! This is a different kind of show with a different kind of experience your little ones. Our little ones felt pleasantly surprised!





Get your tickets here! 

WONDERLAND 

Ticket price: $28 
Dates: 16 to 18 June, 23 to 25 June

1 and 2, 8 and 9, 15 and 16, 22 and 23, 29 and 30 July 

Time: 11am, 2pm and 5pm 

Venue: 9 Tampines Grande, Level 2 Hitachi Square, Singapore 528735

Disclaimer: Tickets were given for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions are solely ours.