Here’s to every parent who has young children, particularly from babies to preteens. You know who you are: those of us whose only rare ‘me’ time is to indulge in a book that you have forgotten where you last stopped reading or an issue of your favourite magazine you bought which now surprisingly bears last year’s date or listening to some good music which replace the relentless cries of demands at home and the voices of command at work. Whichever your situations, you know who you are. If … [Read more...]
Archives for 2015
Write a Newspaper Blackout Poetry!
As part of the year-long Singapore Writer's Festival 2015, Words Go Round (a platform which brings Singapore and international writers into schools to meet and interact with students and teachers) is launching a whole new host of exciting talks and workshops for schools and the public from 2 to 14 March 2015. This year, something of interest is the first ever Newspaper Blackout Poetry writing contest. Inspired by poet and cartoonist Austin Kleon, this contest challenges students to be creative … [Read more...]
Club Med Bali – Never a Dull Moment
In all our travels, we have never had a vacation that kept us talking months after we've returned. In 2012, when we had our first Club Med experience, the sight of the Resort’s Chief of Village, Mr. Michael Clarke and his team waving us farewell as the facade of Club Med Bintan faded into the Bintan Island shrubbery is something I will always remember. So, when we were invited to experience Club Med again last month, this time on an island we love and know so well (Bali), we instantly put … [Read more...]
Fox Wishes You a Happy Chinese New Year!
We spent a most enjoyable morning at Fox Fashion's Media Preview last Saturday where kids were treated to a session of Chinese cultural immersion. Led by the capable instructors from Confucius Institute, they were given a brief introduction to the art of writing Chinese poetic couplets (对联). After being taught the basics of Chinese Calligraphy, the kids were eager to start writing their own names. They then each wrote an auspicious couplet for their home to usher in the Chinese New Year. It was … [Read more...]
Oldie but always a Goldie: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo
Parents know the benefits reading brings to a child. Not only does it improve literacy, it cultivates a healthy sense of curiosity and stretches imagination. What if these books can come alive? How much more intriguing, exciting and impactful can that be! That’s where the good folks at KidsFest value-add to a child's learning experiences. KidsFest has a penchant for bringing books to life and we love it. This time, they outdid themselves by resurrecting a group of prehistoric friends for a … [Read more...]
In sickness and in health…living out your marriage vows
My grandma suffered a stroke on Sunday morning. What ensued were manic visits to the hospital, agonizing waits for battery of tests, scans and probes to the tiny frame that is my 88 year-old Teochew-speaking Ah Ma. A steady stream of family members rallied round her, hoping that our moral support and physical presence would do miracles to her recovery. In the 6 bedder ward where my Grandma was confined, there lie a Chinese lady (in her late 40s or early 50s), head half-shaven, being hooked up … [Read more...]
‘How to help your kids love Chinese’ – Reflections from a ‘Banana’ Dad
*Banana – a colloquial term to describe a Chinese who only appreciates Western customs thereby making him Yellow on the outside, white on the inside. “You don’t know Chinese? Why don’t you know Chinese? Aren’t you Chinese?” Ever have one of those statements haunt you for a long time? Well, mine is the question above which was hurled at my friends and I more than two decades ago when I was an undergraduate in Australia. You see, we were walking along one of the many beautifully tree-lined … [Read more...]
Peony Jade’s Eight Rhapsodies of Spring 精彩年菜迎羊年!
With our modern day hectic lifestyles, it is often difficult for extended families to meet, let alone slow down and enjoy a hearty meal together. Which is why whenever families meet and dine, particularly for a family celebrations or festivities like Chinese New Year, we want to make it extra meaningful, extra significant, extra enjoyable. Therefore the selection of food, location and service is important. Peony Jade is one of our 'go-to' restaurants when we feel like an indulgent meal … [Read more...]
Grab Tickets to KidsFest 2015 – A World-Class Theatre Festival for Children
KidsFest, a theatrical extravaganza for children 3 to 12 years old is back! Having enjoyed three successful runs in Singapore, KidsFest is prepped for yet another brilliant season with eight world-class theatre productions from Australia and London’s West-End staging right here in Singapore! Curated by ABA Productions Pte Ltd, the line-up for KidsFest 2015 promises a highly educational and immersive experience for the entire family. Set to stage at SOTA (School of the Arts Singapore), a premier … [Read more...]
The strengths in our stars – helping your children discover themselves
"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” Isaiah 40:26 (NIV) Photo Credit “ Daddy, what’s special about me? Do I have talents?” the daughter asked. Now that the daughter has started Primary 1 proper, the entire family has made significant lifestyle changes to go to bed rather early. So imagine my surprise when I was asked the above question by the inquisitive daughter at bedtime … [Read more...]