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I just recently found out that in 1954 the United Nations actually suggested that all nations observe a universal Children’s Day as a way to promote the welfare of the world’s children.

In Singapore, we celebrate Children’s Day every October 1st, and it’s a Public Holiday today as it falls on the same day as Muslims celebrate their Hari Raya!

Anyway this morning, when my kids woke up I greeted them with ‘Happy Children’s Day!’ and a big smile, AND just to get in the spirit of things, the kids wear their ‘I Love Children’ shirts and dropped by the I Love Children’s roadshow at Tiong Bahru Plaza earlier today too! Hehe.

[Btw, 'I Love Children' is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote family and children's welfare in Singapore, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to work with them closely]

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[Top Photo] That’s them at the I Love Children booth. And if you take a closer look, that’s a photo of 4-month-old Vai (with his head covered with a blue towel), and a shot of Anya and Vai washing their hands right below it (Btw, Vai still couldn’t see how it was him on the panel even after we pointed it out to him, hehe)

Anyway the kids got a goodie bag each (given out to 300 kids today) and we got a copy of ‘Scribbles’ too, their quarterly newsletter, where my earlier blog post on ‘Staying Happy, Staying Together‘ (a shorter version of it) is featured there (Click here to read the newsletter’s first two pages in larger print).

We didn’t get to stay there for too long though (to find out the winner of the ‘Romance still happens’ family photo contest!), but we did have a really nice full-day out today with the kids and Wilson’s family who’re in Singapore for a good one week.

A great way to spend our Children’s Day, I think!

Anyway, will post more photos soon!

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What did you do and where did you go on Children’s Day? Ideas on places to visit as a family please…

The October edition of Mother and Baby Indonesia magazine is out!

They have a good article on “Parents versus Grandparents’, and what we (parents) can do to minimise conflicts and encourage better relationships between our kids and their grandparents.

And this time round, a shot of Anya, Vai and my dad at Vivo City (waterplay area, 3rd level) was the chosen shot for the article.

Click HERE to read the article (in Indonesian). Enjoy!

Here’s a recent set of photo contributions to the magazine. A bit long overdue though, since the article was actually in last month’s edition. Somehow I just didn’t get around to posting it.

Anyway. The write-up is about seven good habits that should be introduced (and taught) to our children since young.

Click HERE (page 1 & 2) and HERE (page 3 & 4) to read the article (in Indonesian).

And here’s another one where Vai and his friend, Nate, were seriously fighting over a toy! Haha.

The ‘Mums know best’ page features a question by a Mom and a few recommended solutions shared by other moms. And in this edition, it’s about handling children who get ‘physical’ with other kids.

Click HERE to read the page.

Enjoy!

As a follow-up to my recent post on family photos, I’d like to let you know that there’s this photo contest going on, starting today till mid of next month, organised by I love Children - a non-profit organisation here in Singapore!

It’s about capturing those family moments.

How romance can still happen after having kids (though would you agree if I say, keeping the ‘flame’ going does need ‘extra efforts’ from both the husband and the wife!). And, how you can still have an active lifestyle with children.

Anyway, it’s a free contest and you can submit up to three family photos with captions.

And as it is an islandwide exercise, it is published too on sites like Channelnewsasia.com, Todayonline.com, family.sg, and class95.com

Click HERE for more info and their online form!

All the best!

While we’re on the topic of ‘hypersensitive’ kids, you may want to check out this month’s Mother and Baby Indonesia.

It has an article on what hypersensitivity is about and lists out a few handy tips we should know when it comes to caring for a hypersensitive child.

Anyway, if you understand the language, just click here to read the article in Indonesian.

[And oh yes, that's Vai in one of his very cranky moments *smile*]

Last march I shared an article which I wrote for the Finder magazine - it was on birthday party planning tips and ideas.

This month, as part of their school holiday theme, I share a list of local places that families can visit together!

Click here to read the article.

Anyway, the June issue is out! And with this issue, you’ll get a supplementary ‘Just 4 Kidz’ little booklet too!

Go go … and grab your free copy!

On this ‘Mother’s Day’ month edition, Mother and Baby Indonesia magazine features a nice write-up, by Becky, on tips and tricks Moms can consider when faced with challenging situations.

And err, yes that’s Vai half-asleep in my oh-so-helpful blue sling (though he sort of looked a bit ‘drowned’ in it, hehe), pouting Anya and the kids having a little playtime with each other while we’re out and about.

[Will post the scanned article pages when I get hold of the magazine copy soon]

If you can read and understand Indonesian, you may want to check out their website too. It’s got useful articles and tips on parenting, motherhood, and lots of other related topics.

Happy reading!

That’s “I’m ready for school!’ in Indonesian on Anya’s doodle board!

The article - nicely written by Becky - shares some useful tips on how parents can help in better preparing their kids for school.

You see, when it’s time for our little ones to start their formal education, where they’ll be ON THEIR OWN for a few hours, they themselves may not be that keen on the idea. Especially in the first few days!

This naturally makes it less easy for the parents.

Anyway, click HERE to check out the article.

Btw, yes, that’s what Anya does every morning from Monday to Friday.

Getting herself ready for school, leaving home together with me and Vai, and going to class (after all the kisses, hugs and good-byes) *smile*

PS: Feeling blessed too for the opportunity to contribute my photo works to the magazine!

The Finder is a magazine, distributed for free and read mostly by expats living in Singapore, full of tips and guides to eating places, goods and services and stuff to do here in Singapore.

And when one day Michelle, its Managing Editor, wrote and asked if I’d like to contribute to her magazine on kids-related topics, I thought WOW, something nice and different that I’d like to explore and do!

The write-up is featured in their March issue and it’s out!

To read the article, please click here.

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And oh, if you’re visiting this site for the very first time, here’s a big warm WELCOME to you!

Feel free to check out the links on the side bar or use the search box to find specific topics (activity ideas, life with kids, etc).

Happy reading!

A couple of months back, the friendly editor of the magazine, Becky, wrote in and asked me to be interviewed for their ‘Mum’s Diary’ feature. They’re doing a topic on Indonesian mothers who live overseas for their January 2008 issue.

[Thanks again Becky and the all-girls editorial team!]

Frankly I’ve never read the magazine’s Indonesian edition though I’ve heard lots of good stuff about it from friends. And when I finally did, I’ve got to say it does have heaps of great tips and articles nicely laid out in it! Sure is worth reading…

Anyway, if you’re one of the magazine readers and are visiting this site for the first time, here’s a big hello and warm welcome to you! Most welcome to browse around, check out past archives or drop me an email here.

PS: Click here to read the article