Busy with exam preparation

These ten days i was tied down with my exam preparation. Felt the strain and the tension when i need to bring Tian for his usual enrichment classes. It really took alot of efforts in making all these happened. I just hope it will all be worth it.

Everyday when Tian is back home, he would want me to do some revision with him. I was contented he had the interest in learning. Either he will do his coloring, or writing alphabets, or reading storybook to him. He is doing simple additional and subtraction now. I tried to make calculation an enjoyable subject:)

Tian communicate more frequent in mandarin. Though in the past, he could only understand, but seldom speak. After he attended Tien Xia @ Jurong Point, he showed vast improvement. He could recognised as many as 50 over Chinese characters now. He could write 1 to 10, but not very nice, i will video it down when there's a chance. He kept asking me how to write his Chinese name. I told him to practise on the basic stroke first. He requested to go for drawing classes today.... hmm..... i told him his schedule is quite packed, let me see how it goes. 

These few days really very busy.. but still, i spent quality time with the lil Ps. Though tomorrow we will be staying at home... Monday will be my second paper. The toughest of all. Today my paper wasn't smooth, haiz!!! But i wasn't in a bad mood at all. Because P&P were very well behaved today! Very playful as usual, but at least cheered me up and their silly play brightened up my disappointment.

Once exam period is over, i have so many programs waiting to enjoy with them! Hang on!!

A Child's Mind has no limit

Nowadays children are so stress over homework, uninterested music lesson, bored tuition, silly enrichment programs and nagging mothers. So, does that mean we shouldn't stress the child at all, and just throw them infront of computer games, ipad/iphone, and watch dvd cartoons all day long?

Allow young children to learn at their own pace. Many parents don't understand this, including myself. Some people treat this as leave it to them, don't stress them. Some will do it in a casual and non-forceful way. Different children different time table i felt.... We know our children best. We should know when is the correct and helpful stress. Make learning fun and enjoyable for them.

If your child is slow or lazy, you might think all these enrichment are stressful and useless to them. But what is your child is a fast learner?? Then you will think otherwise. So, let's not be so shallow, let us look deeper to it. Again, it's up to individual child. If they are happy, means they are learning. If the child is crying and u see his sulky face everytime the lesson ended, then you know he doesn't benefit much from the courses.

People might wondered, why must i stress my boy so much? I wanted to assure all of you, i did not, and he do not feel that as a pain too. Princeton is enjoying every bit of his enrichment:) Yesterday he asked me, 'mummy today Monday, no lesson after big school (childcare) huh?' I replied saying, today there is no lesson. We will go home and play with meimei' Mummy why no lesson? I joke and said, not enough money.... you already got many lesson. Music lesson, Chinese lesson, phonics, I Can Read, Speech and Drama. Later i got no money to buy milk. He then replied " never mind, i big boy don't need milk. You take money from daddy"

Zhenyu initially was reluctant to let him go for these enrichment programs. He said one is enough. Until he personally felt Princeton's passion and enthusiasm in his heart. Until he saw the improvement Princeton had in his own eyes. He asked me to go ahead and let him learn. Zhenyu is a very thrifty person, but he knew it's worth it.

He dislike parents who stress children over academic stuffs. He love to bring them to playground to enjoy instead. Yesterday when i was doing revision with Princeton, i got impatient and raised my voice. Hubby then reminded me to be patient, nicer tone please.

A child's mind is like a sponge. (before the age of 4) They absorb knowledge and information so quickly. If we don't feed them with the correct/sufficient amount of 'stress', after the age of 4, you will find it a headache for them to even sit still to read a book. At that time, you will know what is STRESS, when your child is at primary one, but still stuck at the knowledge of 3 years old, knowing only shapes and colours.

By then we start to get panicked, force the child to learn, stress ourself and the child. Sorry, it's too late.

Incredible Sunday @ Hokey Pokey

Sunday will always be the Lil Ps fun day. Be it a swimming day, outdoor sports, indoor playground or even at home. We promised to make it a point that Sunday will be a 'playday' for them to laugh and 'be wild'.

Hubby brought us to Suntec City today. We went for dim sum as usual, but it was our first visit to Crystal Jade Kitchen outlet. The place was crowded, but i got to say the service was very good, thumbs up! Despite being so busy, the staffs were very polite and smiley. I was indeed impressive. Food was great too:) Paris was asleep for 15mins and she woke up for lunch. The lil Ps had beef and fish porridge, while the two of us had 8 varieties of dim sum.

Went for a walk at Toyrus, bought three puzzles for them. Princeton was yearned to take on the new challenge. We happened to walk passed Hokey Pokey, as it was a few shops away from Toyrus. The place was colorful, very new and not many people. Though the price was steep, but Princeton and Paris was 'drooling' at that playground, and they were so excited. We didn't want to disappoint them, so we nodded our head and they took off their shoes immediately!!

Both of them joined as members as we would bring them here very often in future i guessed. Haha... At first glance, i thought this place was not as interesting/adventurous as Amazonia nor Kids Explorer... But on a second and thorough look, it's very clean with huge selection of toys! Pretend Role-playing toys are plenty here:) Be a doctor, a fireman, a cook, a musician, a nurse and even a housewife!! Princeton said he wanna be a fireman, " mummy i got no time, got big fire, i must go save people!"

Personally, I was amazed to see the wide range of entertaining and educational toys at Hokey Pokey. These could encourage imaginative and creative play among the children. No wonder the LiL Ps enjoyed so much! Paris's favourite was the slide of course!! She brust into laugher every time she was submerged beneath the balls, haha!!! 

Suddenly, Paris ran to the entrance. She saw my sis and Zachary! Haha.... My sis saw us coincidentally when they walk passed. Zachary joined in the fun for 40 mins, and he brought more joy to Tian&Xin. Sis and sy went to shop for things, while we babysit Zachary. I told Zhenyu, imagine we have a third one, still manageable right? hahaha!!! Princeton is independent to play and explore by himself ( the place is not 3or4 storey high). With one glance, i could see all of them. Paris was very obedient, she play with other children and could climb up the slide by herself. Zhenyu and i were busy entertaining Zachary lol.

Dunno why my lil nephew doesn't look as excited, nor does he have much expression. hee.... Perhaps he's quite stunned by the new environment. Or maybe he was too tired. Soon, zac was sleepy and sis came back and they left first.... We played for a full 2 hours, and i must say Tian&Xin had great stamina. It was 6pm, and they missed their nap. Once we left the carpark, both of them just dozed off!

We went Alexandra for dinner, while they were still sleeping, hubby and i had a quick dinner. The car was just a few steps from us. We left the air con on, and half the window wind down.. Just as we finished eating, i saw Princeton woke up. I quickly dashed over, and hubby went to dabao their beef soup rice.

Reached home at 730 and they had their dinner. They both went to bed at 10pm. Though Zhenyu and i were tired after one whole day, but to us it's a great fulfillment to see them smiling while sleeping:) Sweet dreams my darling babies!!

Terrific 2 or Terrible 2??

The terrible two’s are a phenomenon most parents could quite happily live without. However unpleasant they may be, they are a necessary and normal part of a toddler’s development.

Many parents choose to educate themselves through books, documentaries, and other parents. Other parents choose to go it alone. No matter how you prepare, one thing is for certain: the terrible two’s will most assuredly live up to their reputation. Princeton was once a terror toddler when he was between 18 to 30 months. Walking pass a toy shop, shouting for balls which are hanging on top. People playing basketball, he wanted to dash over and grab the ball etc. If you forbid, he would scream and cry badly. That moment, the only thing we can do is to remove him from that undesired situation, and keep telling him the ball don't belong to him. Cannot, it's wrong.

When he reached 2years old, things got better. He began to understand, but depends on mood. If he happened to be sleepy, then nothing will gets into his ear. By then we used punishment.. At times we will compromise, sometimes we give in. Allow him to make some decisions. By letting him win some small arguments, we'll have a better chance to win the big ones.

Tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development, as are aggressive and passive aggressive tendencies. As i always consoled myself, these are just a transition period. Paris on the other side is slightly better than her brother. She don't demand things from outside, she could follow instructions much better. She knows the danger of escalators and water, and wouldn't dash over to it. But this playful girl likes to walk and sometimes sit and lie down on the floor! Gosh.... then started rolling on the floor. She would then took off her shoes and started walking on bare foot. We tried to put her on the pram, she started acting like one cry baby. This princess of mine indeed is a challenge also.

Everyday, tian&xin will have disagreement. Fight for toys, fight for food, fight for cartoon shows. Every evening bound to hear Princeton complaining, and Paris screaming. Last night for example, Princeton watching Chipmunks, and Paris ejected out the dvd, and placed her High Five in. Princeton was so angry, went over and ejected out her high five, and placed back his Chipmunks! Then he blocked Paris from touching the dvd player. A much more smaller size Paris got no strength over her brother then started crying and throwing things.

My living room only have one TV, i was hoping they can take turn and share. Haiz.... Zhenyu then took Paris outside for a walk to distract her attention. I was angry with Tian, switched off the TV, and play puzzle with him instead. Since cannot share, both of them cannot get to enjoy the dvd show.

 Perhaps meal time & photo taking time are the moments they can sit down happily together. I certainly hope they can play in harmony and less fighting.

Shopping day @ JB KSL

Zhenyu was on duty last Saturday, and he managed to fight for an off day today:) As usual, this active man cannot bear to stay at home to rest. He wanted to bring us to eat and shop at JB. People might think, what so interesting about JB? Dangerous, high crime rate, so far etc.

Well, it wasn't as bad as we thought. I felt as long we are cautious, do not bring in too much cash, stay with the crowd, we should be safe. We only stay inside the mall, and only went in during daytime. Petrol is the main thing we are in. Foot reflexology is the next reason. haha... Well, clothes are as expensive as spore i felt...  (but i still bought alot for Tian^Xin, heehee!!)

To us, nothing is too far, because we are driving in. Really enjoyed the trip today, especially Zhenyu. This man love to shop lol.... Paris was being 'touched' by so many aunties in the shop. Touched her face and hand. Tried to carry her but failed. Sorry ah.... my girl will smile at you, but cannot be carried by others.

Sometimes life must be a little bit different, to bring out some joy and some sparks. I'm glad hubby is an interesting person, who always plan activities for the family, and a person who never bored me. But please don't agitate or flare me with 'exciting' and 'unexpected' thingy.

We left JB at 530, and went to pick Tian up in school. Tian said, mummy why u fetch me so late today? I said sorry bb, I'll come earlier next time. He could reply, never mind mummy, its OK. At times i felt like laughing out loudly when i heard what he said. Sometimes zhenyu couldn't control and burst out laughing, Princeton would fold his arm and said " daddy it's not funny OK!" HAHAHA!!!

We had a good evening spent together. Dinner together, watching cartoons, playing games. Bedtime stories, then milk time. I wish this kind of blissfulness will never end. Thank God for your constant blessing.

Good Friday!!

The celebration of Qingming Festival, or Tomb-sweeping Day, which falls on April 4 this year. (Usually 10days before and after). Chinese families gather at the graves of deceased relatives, bearing food, wine, joss sticks and paper replicas of worldly delights that their loved ones left behind. The Qingming Festival, or Tomb-sweeping Day, to my parents in law, demonstrates a long-standing commitment to tradition. Though i don't practise doing it, because my mum will go with my Uncles to pay respect for my grandpa. Mum said it's OK, the elder generation will do it. 

To me, it is nothing to do with Religion or whatsoever. It is a filial thought, a festival, an opportunity for us to remember and honour our ancestors at grave sites. My parents in law understand that i don't touch Joss sticks nor burn any paper money. They never requested to me go before. Zhenyu would accompany them every year. At least hubby can do his part of filial. This morning, he woke up at 4.30am, picked up my inlaws and went to cck and Jurong east temple.

He then came home with breakfast for all of us at 10am. Played with the lil Ps, then he quickly took a 2hours nap. While i spent the afternoon with Tian&Xin. They both took their nap at 3pm too. And i did some research and notes... My project and assignments results were out yesterday! I am so happy that i got distinction for all three modules!! Hurray! Thank God:) Let me have a smooth ride on my exams too! 

This evening, Tian as usual had his Chinese enrichment at Tien Xia. We had dinner at JP food court. Tian and Xin both had Pig Tail Soup and rice. Indeed one big bowl of soup (plus free refill). After his lesson at 9pm, Princeton boy was hungry again, and we bought wanton noodles for him. His appetite was amazing....

Princeton is 107cm tall and weighs 20kg. Paris is 80cm tall and weighs 11kg. My boy was above 90percentile for both height and weight. Luckily he is tall.... if not would be considered obese. Haha. For me, I'm not worried about him being overweight at all.... First, both me and Zhenyu do not have obese genetic problem. Secondly, as a Male, he ought to be bigger in size and moreover the food that he eat are all healthy and good food. Not junks like chocolates, ice cream, biscuits, deep fried stuffs. 

Princeton don't really fancy oily food like chicken rice, fried rice or coconut rice. He preferred white rice... He was allowed to eat fries and nuggets once a week, or bi weekly. He doesn't like cold drinks as well. But love vanilla ice cream! But the last time he ate was in Feb during sister birthday treat with Uncle William family.

Paris likes noodles and bee hoon more than rice and porridge. She likes thread fin and salmon, potatoes and soup of course. (I invested $80 in expensive fishes every month!) Anyway, we don't restrict any food. As long as they had their main meal, it's fine to munch some chips or biscuits. The only food that is banned ~ INSTANT NOODLES. This is the worst kind of food in the world, with zero nutrients and highly toxic components. The manufacturing process in order to create a dessicated, long-keeping noodle that cooks in a couple of minutes, it’s deep-fried in oil. The fats and MSG in it, and the chemicals that would caused cancers.


"Toddlers fed a diet of junk food can suffer lasting damage to their brainpower, researchers warn.

Children who eat more chips, crisps, biscuits and pizza before the age of three have a lower IQ five years later, a study showed.

The difference could be as much as five IQ points compared with children given healthier diets with fruit, vegetables and home-cooked food.

But even if their diet improves, it could be too late as the ill-effects can persist for a lifetime."

Read more @ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1354683/Junk-food-diet-hits-childs-IQ-reveals-major-UK-study.html

So, start making the right choice for our children.

How many children do you want?

People said, one is enough, two is good, and three is too many! In today's parents, we need to balance work, relationship, children and of course $$$. There's a lot of extensive planning around when to have a child, how many children to have, how to work it in, how to cover it financially.

How many children do we want? Many factors will come in, and this will depends how we 'placed' it. To me, my first question is, can i afford to shower my love and attention equally to all of them. Do i have the ability to take care of them (precisely not weekend parents). To me, night time bonding is the most important. Though most of the parents neglected in this area. But i do see many powerful parents who can juggle so many things at the same time. I often chat with them, and try to find out what are their secrets.

So, how many children is ideal? First depends on our health. Second, depends on our commitment level. I seen people, becoz others have babies, they also wanna have babies. (For What?! To have these kind of mentality, really is a damn loser. Because they can't can't even take care of the current situation) Third, depends on our financial status... We can't feel the impact right now. All the enrichment programs, insurances, future University school fees etc. Fourth, depends on our caregivers. Are we ready to 'throw' all of them to the poor elderly/maid. (still acceptable if we bring them back during night time) Fifth,can i give as much love to everyone of them.

So, i had been asking myself all the above consideration. My main concern will be how much love can i spare for all of them. How much attention can i give. Right now, i thought i gave quite equal attention to Tian&Xin. Though i might spend more effort in doing revision with the brother, and more playtime with xin. But i might have neglected their dad....

Give me some time hubby. I need to build up their strong and stable foundation, a smoother path for them, in their learning skills, learning attitude as well as their positive mindset. I hope when they entered primary schools, secondary schools, they can overcome negative influence, and be firm on their decision. They will have the discipline to 'love' themselves.

So, back to the question. How many children do i want? We would love to have three. But my job salary will play a big part. So, let's hope my next job will surprise me.