TCM Superfoods for Children & Families – Can They Really Boost Our Immunity?

Immunity is important all year round, especially with COVID-19 variants skulking around and Singapore’s inevitably hot weather. For parents, keeping their children and families healthy is always a top priority….

Running the Extra Mile: Two Mums, One Passion

In the latest instalment of our #MothersOfSingapore series, we track the stories of two Singaporean women, their individual parenting journeys, and a shared love for running. Firstly, we take off…

Decoding Parent-Child Dynamics: Daddy Kane & Daughter Ava

Do you have a headstrong child who resists schedules and throws a tantrum when urged to hurry? Oftentimes, whether using the proverbial carrot or stick, parents try to ‘get rid…

Adolescent Angst: Is It Rebellion or Depression?

“Ling, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you were depressed.” My baby girl, now 17, tried to blink back her tears as I continued, “But you’re not alone. I was…

Losing Your Child: From Cope To Hope

From the euphoria you feel when you first learn that you’re pregnant to that life-changing moment when you finally hold that precious little miracle in your arms… there is no…

5 Ways to Protect your Child from Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Imagine a world where the bacteria and bugs that make us sick no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat, and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe…

Family Finance with Ruperto: Navigating My Kid’s Holiday Budget

School holidays are the perfect time for family vacations, and I recently travelled to Nagoya, Japan with my children. My seven-year-old has a growing understanding of money, from his Lunar…

Born Deaf, My Child is Now Breaking Barriers in Music

It may sound strange, but science has proven that deaf people can appreciate music too. They do so by sensing vibrations in the part of the brain that processes hearing….

Decoding Parent-Child Dynamics: Mummy Rachel & Daughter Oia

Ever clashed with your child and then wondered why it was so difficult to understand them? Or asked why they couldn’t just do a thing that seemed so simple to…

Unlocking Happiness for Me & My Child During the Exam Period

In the midst of the dreaded exam period, we often plunge into the world of textbooks, tuition, and mock tests. More practice equates to better preparation, right? That may be…

Family Finance with Ruperto: Kickstarting My Kid’s Financial Journey

The ages from three to eight represent a critical period for learning and development. During this stage, children consume information relentlessly and indiscriminately, much like a vacuum cleaner. Hence, we…

Counsellors and Therapists in Singapore who can Help your Child deal with Problems and Stresses from School and Life

At a parenting seminar I attended last weekend, the top answers to the question “what do you wish for your child in the future?” were mostly “be happy” and “happiness”….

Are Probiotics Good for Babies, Children, Pregnant & Breastfeeding Mums?

Probiotics is such a buzzword these days. But how much does the average person really know about these so-called good bacteria? For example, is it safe to munch on those…

“I’m a Young Mum, Smart and Savvy, but I Fell for a Scam!”

This can’t be happening! I stared in disbelief for a second. Then panicking, I frantically tapped on my phone to try to uninstall the new app, but to no avail….

What To Eat and Avoid When You’re Heaty, According to TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is common in our everyday lives as Singaporeans. Turn a corner in any neighbourhood and you will likely encounter a TCM medical hall or two. During…

Don’t Die without a Plan: How an ACP can Save your Family Time and Money

Last month, we shared how pre-planning may be the most important gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Did that convince you to do it? This month,…

Dare to Feel: When My Daughter Has a 15-cm Tumour

Bel is an easy-going, athletic 13-year-old who avoids conflicts with a smile. Of my five children, she would be the one to question why I was so curt with a…

Why Pre-Planning may be the Most Important Gift You can Give Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Death and taxes. Nothing in life is more certain than these, goes the old saying. But while taxes can be offset by reliefs and rebates, there’s not much one can…

Preparing for the Arrival of Your Domestic Helper in Singapore

Singapore’s reliance on domestic workers is undeniable. As of December 2022, the number of Migrant Domestic Workers in the country stood at 268,500. Hiring a domestic helper can be a…

10 Best Air Purifiers to Keep your Family & your Home safe from the Haze

Get your air purifiers ready: haze may be coming our way soon. This is due to a high likelihood of El Nino conditions which will bring hotter and drier weather…

12 Essential Tips to Buy the right Travel Insurance for your Family

Did you ‘revenge travel’ with your family during the recent school holidays? And if so, did you remember to buy travel insurance? Travel insurance helped ease the cost of inconvenience…

Stress and Seniors: 10 Ways to help Grandma and Grandpa Feel Better

Stock photos like the one above, and children’s stories generally paint the elderly as a wise, benevolent lot with calm, patient smiles, and a loving word for everyone. But this…

10 Effective Ways to Help your Child Cope with Stress

Stress is a normal experience in daily life, and a certain amount of stress can be helpful in getting things done or improving motivation. However, there are times when the…

Physiotherapy for Women’s Health Issues in Singapore

When we think of physiotherapy, the first thing that often comes to mind is recovery from injury. But beyond physical injury, there are a host of issues that physiotherapy can…

How to be an Eco-Conscious Parent in Singapore: Tiffany Wee, naturopath and nutritionist

The recent World Environment Day (5 June) was a reminder to #BeatPlasticPollution and help release the chokehold of plastic on our planet. But apart from foregoing plastic, there are many…

Ways to (Not) Keep Your Kids Entertained during the School Holidays

“Junia,” many mums want to know, “how do you keep your five kids entertained during the school holidays?” My secret? I don’t. Instead, I delegate the responsibility of keeping each…

6 Examples of the Latest Kid-Friendly Interior Design Trends for Family Homes in Singapore

In today’s rapidly evolving world, creating a safe and stimulating environment for our little ones is a top priority for parents. Kid-friendly interior design trends take centrestage, merging functionality, creativity,…

This made-in-Singapore book is helping Children of Divorce, one page at a time

When Kimberley Bruce was 18, her parents divorced. The experience impacted her deeply, but what was even more challenging was to see her eight-year-old brother grapple to comprehend the situation….

Unexpected Blessing: Mum of Teens Naturally Pregnant at 45!

When her dad was diagnosed with cancer, it was a rude wake-up call for entrepreneur Andrea Chow. Late nights attending social events, smoking and drinking — it was time to…

8 Fun Activities to Help Children Improve Their Mandarin Oracy at Home

According to SingStat, the use of Mandarin as the language spoken most frequently at home was 29.9 per cent in 2020, dropping from 35.6 per cent a decade prior. While…

Learn about the 5 Love Languages and Gift Mum an Experiential Mother’s Day

Dr Gary Chapman’s concept of ‘The 5 Love Languages’ provides a wonderful framework to top up our emotional bank accounts. Which of the five is your primary way of receiving?…

15 Beautiful Mother’s Day Cakes to Sweeten Her Special Day in 2023

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the amazing women who have taken on the impossible task of raising us. It is a day to honour their hard work, sacrifice,…

Teach Your Kids about Taxes – Why You Should & How to Do It

How well prepared were you to tackle #adulting matters when you started at your first job? For better or worse, most of us muddled through because we never learnt such…

12 Things to Know when you have a Child on the Autism Spectrum in Singapore

It is 4am at the emergency department of the hospital. Doctors have just managed to bring Norfadillah’s heart rate down — after four tries — from a panic-inducing 235 beats…

“Mum, Why Is That Kid So Weird?” – A Teaching Opportunity

“Mum, that boy’s making so much noise — should we tell his parents?” asked my girl. He was grunting and the echoes vibrating off the water surface rudely interrupted the…

Why Early Intervention is Important if your Child has Learning or Literacy Difficulties

As a parent, you know that your child’s early years — from birth to five years of age — are a critical period of growth and brain development. So you’re…

Parenting her Son with Down syndrome is hard but “love can change our hearts and our minds” says this Mum

Samantha Lee was in the middle of lessons one afternoon when she received the call from her gynaecologist’s clinic. “Immediately, I knew something must have been flagged,” the school teacher…

Having a Baby with Down syndrome in Singapore

“Doctor, you siao (Hokkien for “crazy”) is it,” Nancy Koh recalls saying to her obgyn (“he is Catholic and against abortion”) when he mentioned termination as an option following her…

10 Tips to Ease Your Return to the Workforce After a Career Break

Been a while since you stepped into an office? Maybe you’ve taken extended maternity leave or time off to focus on your family. Now the children are older and your…

From Infertility to Adoption & Becoming a Mum at 40

Founder and director of Relish PR, Rachel Raeburn, spent her twenties exploring the world as a flight attendant. During that time, she met her husband-to-be, who was a fellow cabin…

Why You Shouldn’t Treat All Your Children Equally – A Common Parenting Mistake

“But why not? Aren’t we supposed to love all our children equally and not show favouritism?” asked a fellow mum. Because equality and equity achieve completely different goals, I reply….

10 Ways to Use Your CPF & MediSave for Your Family’s Healthcare Needs

Are you part of the ‘sandwich’ generation? This refers to working adults who support their ageing parents while raising a family. The burden can be quite heavy, especially when it…

What’s your Child’s Ideal Career Path based on their Chinese Zodiac sign?

Since ancient times, our ancestors have used the stars to determine their destinies and life paths. This practice has continued into the modern era. The Chinese Zodiac continues to be…

5 Steps to Transform Morning Madness into Delightful Mornings

A fellow mum asked how I prepare my five kids to transit into their next phases without being a helicopter mum. “I teach them to pilot their own helicopters!” I…

Off The Air: The Parenting Journeys of Two Mediacorp DJs

If you regularly listen to local radio stations, then you may be familiar with the voices of popular radio presenters. But really, who are the personalities behind them? Well, 987…

What Makes a Child Commit Animal Abuse

When the news about the child who threw a cat from the 22nd floor broke, Tan Wei Jie, co-founder of Good School Learning Hub and father of a two-year-old boy,…

Smart Mums Prioritise Past Year Retrospections over New Year Resolutions

Everyone asks, “Junia, what are your new year resolutions?” Well, before I begin thinking about next year, I like to look back on the year that’s ending. In fact, I…

Taken Too Soon – How Lesli Berggren Honours the Beautiful Memory of Her Son, Nils

Originally from Texas, USA, Lesli Berggren moved to Singapore in 1998. A year later, she joyfully welcomed a pair of gorgeous twin children — a boy, Nils, and a girl,…

Revenge Travel: 5 Steps to Creating Independent Little Travellers

“Even my kids want to jump on the revenge travel bandwagon,” one mum remarks. “How do I explain to them that it’s more expensive to travel now compared to pre-Covid…

All New Mums Face the Same Two Problems – Taiwanese Actress Lin Chiling Has the Solution!

No two women go through the same pregnancy journey or delivery experience. But after baby comes along, there are two problems that ALL mums have in common — having irregular…

Why You Need to have Mental Health Conversations with your Children

Did you know that one in seven young people between 10 and 19 years has a mental health issue? Furthermore, that these mental health issues remain largely untreated? Adolescents are…

How Much Does Confinement in Singapore 2022/2023 Cost?

Traditionally, after giving birth, new mums spend 30 days in confinement at home. It is a time for blissful bonding with your newborn, and for first-time mums, learning how to…

“How Can I Be a Happy Mother When I’m Always Tired?”

Some time back, someone asked me, “Junia, are you happy?” I kept quiet because it would not look good to admit that I wasn’t. Yet my heart said NO. It…

Singapore to Legalise Elective Egg Freezing in 2023 – 5 Things You Need to Know

Have you heard? Starting next year, women from 21 to 35 years of age can undergo elective egg freezing in Singapore. Currently, women can only freeze their eggs for medical…

How to Create Empowering Habits That Don’t Hold You Back

“Mum, it’s been over a month since we no longer need to wear masks in public. Yet I still see more people with their masks on than off. Why?!?” my…

Navigating Emotional or Behavioural Challenges for Children with SpLDs

Specific learning differences or SpLDs are neurodevelopmental differences that are typically discovered and diagnosed in the first few years of formal schooling. Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder…

Teach your Child to Overcome the Fear of Failure

Fail. It’s the other four-letter ‘F’ word, and one that is as emotionally arousing and offensive as the swear word. Seeing the word “fail”, or the big red “F” on…

Teach Your Preschooler to be Inclusive & Embrace Diversity

As Singapore becomes an increasingly inclusive society, our children are more likely to interact with peers of different needs. If you were to ask your child “how would you play…

Would you Use Meta’s Parent Supervision Tools to track your child’s Instagram use?

Yesterday, Meta group launched The Family Center on Instagram (IG). This provides parents with tools and resources to help support their teens’ online experience. Quick aside: Teens, because the minimum…

Anxiety in Children: How to Help Your Child Keep Calm & Carry On

All children experience moments of anxiety from time to time. Even adults fear and worry about what we don’t know, what more the little ones. After all, so much of…

Single Parents in Singapore: This Single Father shares His Story

Recently, we featured the stories of two single mums in Singapore. They shared their experiences as solo parents in Singapore: the challenges they face, and how they cope. This time,…

Single Parents in Singapore: Two Mums Share their Stories

Bringing up a child is no walk in the park. But for single parents, the path is paved with additional challenges and difficulties. There are day-to-day responsibilities to manage through…

My Kid Asks: Why Does the Repeal of 377A Upset So Many People?

When our Prime Minister announced during this year’s National Day Rally that Section 377A of the Penal Code is to be repealed, the buzz that followed was inevitable. Naturally, even…

New Device to Help Mums Spot the Onset of Asthma Attacks in Children

Did you know that wheezing is one of the main signs of impending asthma attacks in children? The problem is that parents often find it challenging to recognise wheezing. This…

“Junia, Where Do You Find Space for All 5 Kids’ Things at Home?!”

Mothers I meet often ask how we maintain our house with five growing children and all their belongings. They complain that their homes feel cluttered with just two or three…

5 Family Inkmergencies and the Smart Way to Prevent Them

Have you ever found yourself in an inkmergency? You know, discovering that your printer has run out of ink just when you need something printed urgently? Your heart sinks and…

Saboteurs or Sages – Whose voices are you listening to?

“Junia, I give up,” a fellow mum lamented. “My daughter’s attitude is so bad and we argue all the time. I don’t know what to do anymore. She shouted at…

Why Childhood Vaccinations Matter – and is there a Dengue Vaccine?

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a giant spotlight on vaccines, but not all parents are quite convinced. And while we’ve been distracted by COVID-19 for over two years, the Aedes…

My Baby was the 7th TAPVR Patient in Singapore’s History

For as long as she can remember, Mabel Tan, now a 37-year-old financial services director, had always envisioned herself becoming a mother someday. She loves children and recalls always wanting…

How to Get your Children to Tidy Up by themselves – and Enjoy doing it

Are you a parent who is constantly nagging at your kids to tidy their room or study table? I was the same until it hit me that my kids, aged…

This Mum is Learning to Live her Best Life with a Stoma – after battling Colon Cancer twice

Azizah Azman skips rope, plays badminton, and has even started inline skating – all while living with a stoma. (This, by the way, is an opening on the abdomen that…

9 Best Air Purifier options for Better Air in every Singaporean Home (2023)

Even before those reports (in May 2021) about the COVID-19 virus being airborne, air purifiers had already been seeing a steady uptick in sales. In addition earlier studies show that…

#SupportLocal 10 Up-and-coming Family-forward Brands (plus Giveaways!)

Parenting can be hard work. It begins from fretting about poor breastmilk supply to choosing the right kind of clothing for our tots. As the kids get older, we run…

ible Airvida: the smallest, sleekest, wearable Air Purifier that Removes 99.7% of Coronavirus

As COVID-19 swept the globe over the past two years, we began to become more aware of airborne threats that could affect our lives, as well as the lives of…

From Juvenile Delinquent in Girls’ Home to Brave Single Mum

Single mum Fiona Pang works as a scalp therapist in a hair salon. Work is busiest on weekends, so the 28-year-old spends more time with her darling daughter, Jaelyn, who’s…

House call Services in Singapore that Every Mum should know

There are many reasons why a mother may not want to leave the house. Perhaps there’s no one to watch the baby or the kids and she doesn’t want to…

Are You a Caregiver for Your Child? – Please Read This (+ True Life Stories)

The case of 11-year-old twin boys found dead at Greenridge Crescent Playground earlier this year struck a nationwide nerve. The shock waves intensified when we learnt that the boys had…

3 Life Skills Parenting Experts say your Children should know, but don’t learn about in school

Oh life, as Michael Stipe from that seminal 90s band R.E.M. would mumble (with all of us howling along with him) is bigger. “It’s bigger than you, and you are…

Celebrating IWD 2022 in Singapore – Eat, Shop, Support!

Imagine a gender equal world. It’s a world that’s free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that values difference and celebrates diversity. This International Women’s Day, take the lead…

“Working Mum or Stay-home Mum: Which Should I Choose?”

“Of course you should be a working mum! Do you know how expensive it is to bring up a child in Singapore? Staying home would be a waste of your…

Hiring a Domestic Helper? Be Aware of these Hidden Costs

With more dual-income families on the rise, hiring a domestic helper for the household is sometimes necessary. Common reasons include household chores, looking after your children when you’re at work,…

“Will You Let Your Child 5-11 Years Get the Pfizer Vaccine?”

“No way!” declared my husband. “Do you know Pfizer is not even a vaccine by medical and legal definition? They do not prevent you from getting the infection. They’re experimental…

She Birthed 3 Babies, 2 Tuition Centres, & 1 Master’s Degree… in 5 Years!

At just 31 years of age, Mrs Eileen Toh has accomplished quite a bit. The ex-MOE teacher is a well-regarded mathematics tutor and founder and principal of Genius Plus Academy,…

8 Expert Strategies to Build your Child’s Self-esteem and give them Confidence in Life

Did you know that letting your kids fail can help build their self-esteem? Learning to overcome failure, working through the experience, analysing where they went off track, and learning how…

How to Prevent 3 Common Illnesses that Children often get in School

Children pick up a lot from school, from academics to social behaviours. On top of these, they also pick up some things that can keep them out of school —…

Normal or Express – PSLE Streaming Conflicts between My Boy and His Dad

“Given his PSLE results, my son has the choice of either the Normal or Express stream. He wants to go the N(A) route, but my husband wants him to choose…

What kind of Parent are you, based on your Chinese Zodiac? + your 2022 forecast

And just like that, it’s almost the end of the year, and we’re gazing head-on at the eye of the tiger (2022 is the lunar year of the water tiger,…

How to Teach your Children Respect

Aretha sang about it. Erasure asked for a little of it. Vito Corleone demanded it. And all of us want our children to have it. Respect, that’s it. We teach…

Do you have Parental Burnout?

Susan* was exhausted. She had been prioritising her children’s well-being above her own to the extent that she had become increasingly overwhelmed. To her that was normal. She had high…

How Visuals can help Nurture your Child’s Creativity and Critical Thinking

The saying that a picture paints a thousand words and has never resonated more than in this time. Growing up as part of a digital generation with screens in hand,…

Experience the Miracle of a Crowning Glory this Holiday Season

The year-end holiday season can be a stressful time, especially for busy mums. We fret over getting the perfect gifts, beautifying the home, and organising parties for loved ones. And…

“How are the Children?” (now that it’s been two years of COVID)

Alexander Lim (not his real name) has had two birthdays in lockdown. The 12-year-old has been resilient, trying to focus on the positives. He reminded herself that at least he…

“My In-laws Want Me to Raise My Child Their Outdated Way!”

“My mother-in-law keeps saying my milk is not enough and insists on giving my baby formula. I’m frustrated because my husband doesn’t seem to back me up, and I’m too…

Maximise Your Income with Smart Investments for Working Mums

Working mums come in all forms, from part-time staff to full-time employees, and even high-flying entrepreneurs. Regardless of career path or pay grade, every working mum should be maximising her…

Retirement 101 for Parents in Singapore

Raising a child can be an expensive responsibility for parents in Singapore. It starts even before the little one is born, with pregnancy and birth costs. And as your child…

“It’s HBL Season Again and My Kids Won’t Stop Fighting!”

“Junia,” one mum turns to me in exasperation, “my two kids seem to be fighting more during this HBL season. What can I do?” I winked at her knowingly, and…

Mammograms in Singapore – Subsidised Breast Cancer Screening Programmes & Costs

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Are you aware that breast cancer is the #1 women’s cancer in Singapore? That every year, over 2,000 women are diagnosed with it, and…

25 Acts of Kindness Kids can easily do any day, everyday!

In three months, it will be two years since COVID-19 reached our shores and changed our lives irrevocably. Whether for better or for worse, the pandemic has magnified our differences,…

Homeschooling in Singapore – Pros, Cons, and How It’s Done

Given our well-regarded public school systems, it’s not surprising that homeschooling in Singapore is a rare phenomenon. Why would parents take on the challenge of teaching their own children when…

13 Healthy Meal Plan Subscriptions with Doorstep Delivery

Busy working parents often turn to tingkat deliveries to keep the family fed. However, the more traditional three-dishes-one-rice format doesn’t suit everybody. Some are hopping on the trend of doing…

“How Do You Motivate Your Child? It’s PSLE Next Year and Mine Doesn’t Seem to Care!”

Parents worry. Trying to motivate your child to study and excel in exams has long become part and parcel of daily life. Understandably so. A country with no natural resources…

4 Ways you can Empower Your Daughters

As a child growing up, I suffered from low self-esteem and had very little confidence. I would constantly compare myself with my peers in every way, and feel inferior about…

First 1,000 Days of a Child’s Life – Fathers, It’s Your Time to Step Up

Among the myriad challenges that a man might potentially face throughout his life, being a father may very well be the most difficult of them all. From changing a child’s…

“I Caught My 10-year-old Watching Porn – What Do I Do?”

Intimate topics such as sex, porn, and masturbation are NOT something most Asian parents broach because we are uncomfortable about bringing them up. The impact of not having these conversations…

No Babymoon in Sight? Plan a Romantic Staycation in Singapore Instead!

Your complexion is glowing and your baby bump is growing. But you’re so done with morning sickness and stressing over which baby stroller to buy. The thought of the end…

Guide to Investment for Stay-at-home Mums (+ a Real-life SAHM Shares)

Most of us know that growing our money is necessary if we want to enjoy our retirement later on. Even more so if we would rather not depend on our…

Do You Know Your Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave Entitlements?

In Singapore, many kids grow up in dual-income families, with both parents working. Whether it is by need or by choice, what’s important is for parents to maintain a healthy…

Condemned to Be Childless After Two Ectopic Pregnancies and IVF Fails – or So She Thought!

After enduring two devastating ectopic pregnancies followed by multiple unsuccessful rounds of IVF, entrepreneur Ong Shu Hwai finally made peace with the fact that she’d never have a child of…

“I’m a Lousy SAHM and I Feel Like a Failure” – Is This Your Inner Mum Voice?

“Junia, I’m such a lousy mother. I feel like a failure. My son doesn’t listen to me, and my husband says it’s my fault. I really don’t know what to…

10 Remote Learning Hacks to help you Ace the Homebased Learning #HBL life

Whether we like it or not, remote learning or #HBL is here to stay, and we have to adapt (or in Gov-speak, “pivot”) to this hybrid school model. There may…

Survivor of Multiple Life-threatening Conditions Now Dedicated Homeschool Dad

The concept of work-life balance takes on a whole new slant when it comes to 41-year-old Aaron Tay. Work: he is currently working as a Financial Services Manager at Vineyard…

10 Household Disinfectants: Safe for Baby but not for COVID-19! (+ Giveaway!)

In our war against COVID-19, face masks and hand sanitisers have become de rigueur when we’re out and about. On the home front, our anti-COVID arsenal needs to include household…

Top 10 Immune System-boosting Foods for your Child

While you and the grandparents are probably vaccinated against COVID-19, your children may not be. Apart from taking the usual measures to stay safe, such as masking up, and staying…

Why the Alternative to Tiger Mums is not “Laissez-faire Parenting” but “Attentive Parenting”

She calls herself a “Growth-Oriented Parent”, is mum to a 12-year-old “very mature almost-teen”, and also co-founder of Yumcha Studios. That’s the home of the ‘Dim Sum Warriors’, a bilingual…

8 Common Causes of Hair Loss and How to Prevent It with This 45-minute Treatment

Stress levels are definitely rising in conjunction with the spike in COVID-19 cases in Singapore. Especially for parents, who once again had to readjust as our kids resumed full-time Home-Based…

The Best Ways to Reduce your Child’s Myopia Risk, and Manage their Screen Time

Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world. 65% of our children short-sighted by the time they are in Primary 61. Surprised? Don’t be. This is…

“Mum, Are We Rich?” – How Would You Respond?

“Mum, are we rich?” she asked. “How much do we have? Because my friend said she just found out her father has two million dollars!” How would you respond to…

Bad Parenting 101: Laissez-faire but Not Lackadaisical

Yup. That’s me. On the ground. While my five-year-old kid scales a rope climbing structure at a public playground. In a few minutes, he will be close to seven metres…

How your Teen can use their School Holiday to Build a Better Portfolio for University Admission

Singapore has some of the best education systems in the world, hence it is no surprise that many Singaporean students are academically gifted. It is no surprise too, that when…

4 Inspirational Mums (and Their Kids) Who Champion Brilliant Causes

Mums are amazing beings who live to love, protect, and care for their children and loved ones. Sometimes, their capacity for TLC is so abundant that they go out of…

5 Librarian-recommended Singapore Children’s Books that encourage Individuality & Inclusivity

Words belong to everyone. In stories, words can help you express yourself, put you in someone else’s shoes, transport you to faraway lands, and immerse you in distant cultures. In…

Crystals helped this mum heal from depression. Now she helps others with them

On the left side of the image above is the ‘Mother Reissue’ bracelet. This particular piece of jewellery holds meaning and memory for jewellery artist Shu (right, with her mother),…

10 Crucial Online Safety Tips for Kids and Parents

Children these days are exposed to technology and social media early in life. But do they know about online safety? By four years of age, many already know how to…

An Insider’s Look into The Coup in Myanmar

We’ve all heard about what’s going on with the coup in Myanmar, and as parents, our hearts broke when we heard about the little girl who was killed. But we…

Support for New Dads – Because They Need Help Too!

In a study funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development from 2016 to 2018, researchers found that new Singaporean dads had inadequate information and training by healthcare professionals…

Life Keeps Giving Her Lemons but This Single Mum Just Keeps Giving Back

At first glance, Ella Lim is your average 47-year-old Singaporean woman. She enjoys travelling, eating ice cream, watching local TV dramas, and cares deeply for her family. But life has…

IWD 2021 Singapore – Support Equality, Celebrate Success, Pamper Yourself & Win!

International Women’s Day (IWD) falls on 8 March every year. This year’s campaign theme encourages us to #ChooseToChallenge and help forge a gender equal world. Start by challenging your own…

“Will You Accept and Love Your Gay Child?”

“Can you accept it if one of our daughters is a lesbian?” I asked. “OMG! That would mean we failed as parents!” my husband bellowed. Our eldest was only seven…

Valentine’s Day 2021: Last-minute #Stayhome Date Night Ideas

Got caught up with CNY festivities and forgot that Valentine’s Day 2021 is just around the corner too? Don’t panic! These last-minute #stayhome date night ideas should help inspire a…

How to Parent your Child better based on their Chinese Zodiac Sign

Often, we wonder how our children will turn out to be when they grow up. As we watch them develop and learn, we try our best to make sense of…

“COVID-19 Sent My Family’s Screen Time Sky High. Why Aren’t Your Kids Addicted?”

When a fellow mum asked me this, I had to chuckle. It’s not that my kids wouldn’t be stuck to their screens too… if I just let them. It simply…

Spring-cleaning Tips: 5 Easy Ways to Declutter & Organise for CNY

From getting the house ready to settling new year buys for the entire family, Chinese New Year can be one of the most stressful times of the year. But it…

Craniosynostosis Shaped Her Little Girl’s Head, but Didn’t Change Her Big Heart

In December 2017, at just 19 months old, Baby Zia was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of the skull that is supposed to gradually occur throughout a child’s first…

“How Can I Raise Successful Kids during a Pandemic?”

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone, leaving marks on all our lives. I’ve had my fair share. My husband’s income got reduced by half. The kids were confined indoors during…

Finding Strength After Loss: Lisa Chong of Stillen Maternity

“I hope one day we mothers can all look back and see that we have become like the phoenix that rose from the ashes,” muses Lisa Chong. Indeed, what the…

“My Daughter Wants Me to Be More Like You!”

During a group chat session, a fellow mummy (whose daughter is classmates with one of mine) said to me: “Babe, my daughter wants me to be more like you. ‘Isabel’s…

10 Places to Volunteer with Kids in Singapore

Throughout the Covid-19 situation in Singapore, we have seen numerous heroes emerge from their own comfort zones to help fellow residents. You may have heard of two little girls, Rui…

13 Meaningful Questions to Ask Your Grandparents ahead of Grandparents Day

How much do you know about your grandparents? And how much do your kids know about theirs? Do you know how they first met, or what shenanigans they got up…

Nothing but Pride for her Two Autistic Sons

When her two sons were young, life was a guessing game for June Lim. “I had to do everything for them, like showering, feeding them their meals, changing their clothes,…

Resources for Families of Children with Special Needs in Singapore

Raising a child is not always easy. If you have one with special needs, you might find the going a little more tough. Hence, some parents may need that little…

“My Kid Failed Maths, and My Husband is Mad at Me. So What?”

Does this sound familiar to you? It actually happened to me recently, and with the primary school year-end exams looming, I decided to share. “Did you know Jean failed her…

How to Raise a Maths-loving Child

When Stanley Han was a child in school, his Maths teacher would leave a maths puzzle on the blackboard in class during lunch time. The teacher called it the ‘Daily…

6 Time-Saving Home Appliances that make Mum’s Life Easier

Getting things done. It sounds simple, but as a working mum with no domestic help, the art of time-saving and getting things done has often eluded me. More often than…

19 Work From Hotel Packages & Co-working Spaces for a Conducive #WFH Workation

Ready to climb your four walls because you’re struggling to get any work done at home? Perhaps the kids are too distracting. Or your makeshift home office (read: dining table…

“My Child Wants to Commit Suicide. What Can I Do?”

A few weeks ago, a mum asked me: “Junia, my Primary Six-year-old son says he wants to commit suicide. What can I do?” I teared up. COVID-19 has isolated us…

Depression in Children: Spot the Signs and Seek Help Now

Depression in children is on the rise, and more kids in Singapore are seeking help for mental health issues than ever before. Child Guidance Clinics at the Institute of Mental…

When Children Say “I Dunno” / “I Don’t Know”

At my enrichment centre The Collaboration Corner, when we start a class with new students, I often encounter this scenario: children who tell me “I dunno / I don’t know”…

6 Tips to Keep Your Young Gamer Safe Online

Twenty years ago, playing a game with players from the other side of the globe was just a dream. For today’s kids, this reality is only a few clicks away….

From Facing an Unwanted Pregnancy to Thriving as Mother of Five Kids! (+ a Giveaway)

She was a free-spirited, single 27-year-old who went out of her way to experience every extreme activity there was. YOLO was her personal motto and nothing could hold her back…

11 Meaningful Festivals that we Celebrate in Multiracial Singapore

Here on our little red dot, we celebrate various festivals all year round, and commemorate Racial Harmony Day on 21 July annually. On this day, parents send their little ones…

Keep COVID-19 at Bay with 7 Essential Personal and Household Items

Even as Singapore is reacquainting ourselves with pre-circuit breaker living, it’s important to keep in mind that we aren’t out of the woods yet. But by continuing to practise safe…

How to Support Your Gifted Children in Singapore

How do you identify a gifted child and what unique challenges do such bright young things typically face? We speak to experts and a mother of two gifted children for…

A Mega List of Reusable Face Masks for Kids and Adults – Twinning from Head to Toe!

Tomorrow sees the first day of Phase Two of Singapore’s post-Circuit Breaker reopening. Even as we rejoice that we can once again meet up with friends and family, albeit only…

Being a Mask-eteer for his Daughter — Keenon Lee of 1929 Mask

As COVID-19 cases in Singapore began to increase, the government put out a call to expand the country’s mask supply. One dad heard, and responded. Together with his family, Keenon…

Cutest Bentos for Kids by Amazingly Creative Instagram Mamas

Due to the Circuit Breaker measures, most of us haven’t had to pack lunchboxes for our kids for quite awhile. However, with school about to start up again, albeit in…

5 Fabulous Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut and Better Immunity

So COVID-19 case numbers are coming down, and our children are going back to school in a couple of weeks. But that’s no reason to let your guard down. In…

Super-Fun No-Screen, At-Home Play Ideas your Toddlers and Preschoolers will Love

With Covid-19 having pressed pause on most of our lives, parents suddenly find themselves with their kids at home … 24/7. That’s a lot of time! And those energetic young…

Now You Can Afford to Protect Your Family with the Highest Possible Coverage against Accidents and COVID-19

There’s no question that the global pandemic we’re in the middle of has changed our lives in many ways. And adapting to the post-COVID-19 era will likely take even more…

How EQ can Equip Your Kids for Financial Security

The Daughter has been four years in the workforce. After her second year, her salary doubled. Yet, she spends no more than $2,000 a month, half of which she gives…

A Day In a Life of a Mum in Lockdown (in England, and in Australia)

Part two of our lockdown mums around the world special (see Part 1: Canada, USA, and New Zealand) features mums from the UK and Australia. For Pramila Sandhu, 47, juggling…

A Day In a Life of a Mum in Lockdown (in Canada, the USA, and New Zealand)

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us around the world and most countries are now in some form of lockdown – or ‘circuit breaker’, as we call it in…

HBL Tips and Tools – Safeguard Your Kids Online and Enhance Their Home-based Learning

Parents, you’re doing an amazing job! Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit town, you’ve learnt about safe-distancing, mask-wearing, hand sanitisers, and more. You’ve incorporated new terms like SHN, WFH, and HBL…

What You Should Pack in Your Home First-aid Kit

Whether it is dealing with seasonal ailments or emergencies, a comprehensive first-aid kit — paired with the right methods of administering care — can help tide your family members over…

Special Education and Inclusive Preschools and Schools in Singapore

The special needs education sector in Singapore offers a range of options for children who need extra attention. Some cater specifically to children with a particular disability. Others, like Pathlight,…

Ramadan in Singapore: a Guide

Ramadan is going online this year. Yup, thanks to circuit breaker regulations due to COVID-19, there will be no Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar this year. All other events are also…

FREE post-HBL Fun for Kids and Families

The first full week of home-based learning is over and by now, most of us would be familiar with the schedule. You’ve created personal space for each person to work…

Online Fresh Food Delivery in Singapore

With #WFH and #HBL plus the Gov’s call to #stayhome during this “circuit breaker” period, many of us will probably be cooking more at home. Unsurprisingly, supplies are somewhat slim…

Income Tax Reliefs for Parents – Are You Maximising Your Tax Savings?

Did you know that you can save on paying income tax by taking advantage of various reliefs and rebates? Many parents, especially new ones, are confused by all the different…

10 things I’ve learnt from having a Child with Down Syndrome

Having a child changes your life in many ways. Among others, it teaches you things about yourself that you never knew. In addition, you discover yourself capable of things you…

COVID-19: On Transmission in Kids, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise around the world. In Singapore, we’ve seen a spike in the number of cases over the last few days as well. And Case 160…

COVID-19: On Masks for Kids, Hand Sanitisers, School Holidays, and More

Singapore has repeatedly been lauded by international health officials for its ‘gold standard’ response to COVID-19 detection. However, there is no doubt that the virus forges on undeterred, both locally…

Where Chefs Eat in Singapore with their Families and Kids

There’s no doubting the fact that chefs are foodies. So if you are hoping for the best recommendations on where to eat in Singapore with the family, who better to…

#MothersOfSingapore – A Lookback at 18 Amazing Women We Love

Four years ago, we published the very first story in our #MothersOfSingapore series. If you hadn’t guessed, the series was inspired by Humans of New York, a collection of #reallife…

Lil’ Brushes: Buy a Notebook, Help a Very Special Choir

While we were all up in arms about panic-buying and the coronavirus earlier this month, the Edwards siblings had something else on their minds. Zach, seven, and his sister Sara,…

IWD 2020 Celebrations in Singapore – Because Ladies, We Rock!

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March every year. This year’s campaign theme, #EachforEqual, celebrates our collective power as women. The individual actions we make each day will…

4 Easy Recipes to Boost your Immune System

Your immune system keeps you healthy by preventing viruses, bacteria, and disease from invading your body, and there are various ways to help it do its job well. Apart from…

Top Tips for Expats Moving to Singapore with Kids

Moving abroad is difficult enough, but relocating with children in tow can come with additional challenges. From housing to schooling, healthcare to culture, there’s a lot to think about before,…

Valentine’s Day 2020: Last-minute Ideas for that Romantic Celebration

Becoming a parent doesn’t — and shouldn’t — mean neglecting your spouse. In fact, it’s extra important to set aside time for your other half, because happy couples pave the…

Paul Immigrations Reviews: Singapore PR Applications Made Easy

It’s no surprise that permanent residency status in Singapore is highly sought after. After all, Singapore is perpetually ranked among the top places in the world to live, work and…

10 Things To Do after your Baby is Born

Congratulations! As a first-time mum, you have been looking forward eagerly to your little one’s birth. Now, Baby is born and when you finally meet her or him, it is…

10 Nosy #NoFilter Questions we’ve been asked during CNY Visits (and how to answer some of them)

The Lunar New Year is a time for feasting, family fun, and… interrogation? Well that’s what it can seem like, especially when relations whom you have not seen since the…

7 of the Best Home Remedies for Coughs and Colds

The flu season is here again. Are you prepared? If not, get ready. The last quarter of each year — October, November and December — is the most common time…

Theory of Mind – How It Helps Improve Your Child’s Friendships and Quality of Life

Children start spending a great amount of time with their friends when it is time for them to go to school. It can be a challenging transition period for many…

3 Stages in Every Woman’s Life that Call for an Extra Boost

Do you recall your mum and grandma telling you to take care during puberty because it sets the stage for healthy womanhood? Then when you got pregnant, they say that…

5 Things You Didn’t Know about Eczema That Could Change Your Child’s Life

Did you know that Singapore has one of the highest rates of eczema in the world? Eczema is the top skin condition seen at the National Skin Centre, with over…

Unorthodox Dad Gives up High-flying Career to Help Fight Poverty in Myanmar

After spending nine years in private banking managing a USD120 million portfolio, Leon Qiu decided to call it quits. He is now founder and CEO of Daung Capital, a microfinance…

Cryoablation: this new Breast Cancer treatment deep-freezes the tumour to its death — at -170°Celsius

Imagine a world where a cancerous tumour in the breast is frozen and blasted into oblivion (microscopically) within 30 minutes. It sounds like sci-fiction but this technology, called cryoablation, is…

Detox Retreats for Mums to Relax, Rejuvenate, & Prepare for another year of Motherhood

Hello, mum. You survived. Birth, breastfeeding, baby’s cries, the terrible twos and threes, another preschool year, primary school balloting, tests, exams, work, and everything above, below, and in-between. You survived…

Deliveroo Foodiepreneur Finalist Battles Cancer with Clean Eating

Having just completed her 12th chemotherapy session last month, Candice Chiew is hopeful that she’s seen the last of the cancer that has turned her life upside down. The 37-year-old…

Climate S.O.S. at the ArtScience Museum is a Free, Month-long Exhibition that Everyone Needs to See

If there is only one exhibition you bring your children to this year, make it Season of Sustainability – Climate S.O.S. This month-long showcase at level four of the ArtScience…

‘Cooling’ Soups and Drinks to Soothe that Sore Throat

The rain has come and the air is clear, but you and the kids are still experiencing one of the worst effects of the haze – a dry, itchy, sore…

Tweens: 8 Fail-proof Strategies to Better your Relationship with them

Watching your child grow up is beautiful but it can also be tough, especially if they are tweens. You have to (seemingly) sail through the changes that they go through…

I Did Not Know Studying at the Dining Table is Actually Hurting My Kids!

When people talk about investments, one would not usually associate it with a study table and chair set. But let me explain… Before I was given such a set to…

Dengue Fever in Singapore: Is your Family Safe?

Beware: it’s mozzie season! From June to October, Singapore is in peak dengue season. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), the number of dengue fever cases in Singapore has…

5 Tips to Protect Children from Eye Strain in the Digital Age – an Eye Care Monitor is a Smarter Choice!

Singapore tops many world rankings – we’re kiasu like that, right? But did you know that Singapore is also #1 in the world for the prevalence of childhood myopia in…

Autism: Beyond Awareness to Real Hope for this Doctor’s Son

“I felt utterly defeated. Autism had stolen my son from me. My perfect baby boy was slipping further away with every day, and it seemed nothing we did was helping,”…

Breathe Clean at Home with the TruSens™ Air Purifier

Picture this: Singapore is hit by yet another bout of haze, and there’s plenty of smog everywhere. You turn on your trusty air purifier to combat the pollutants in the…

SNTC offers Peace of Mind for Parents of a Special-needs Child

Having a special needs child can be a lonely experience. Even if your child has siblings, concern over his or her future beyond your lifetime could weigh on your mind….

Education Savings Plans – Why You Should Consider One

As the saying goes, education is our passport to the future. But how much does a good education cost? An estimate from the HSBC Value of Education survey in 2018…

Parental Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout: are they happening to you?

Parents now live in an age where many people and things compete for our time and attention. No matter how cool they may appear, there is bound to be some…

14 Tingkat Caterers in Singapore to Satisfy Every Foodie

What to cook? Where to eat? Despite – or perhaps because we are surrounded by so much culinary wonder, these are possibly two of the most oft-asked questions in Singapore….

Trendy Superfoods – How Super Are They for You and the Kids?

Admit it, you’ve been tempted to buy into one – or more – of those uber-healthy trendy superfoods, if you haven’t already done so. After all, the nutritional benefits sound…

Deanne Chong-Duffield, mum & founder of GUG (Growing Up Gifted), on passion, obsession, and gifted education

Deanne Chong-Duffield looks like the woman every girl wants to be when she grows up. The Founder-CEO of GUG (Growing Up Gifted), one of Singapore’s premier preschools, glows. The poised…

How to Take the Best Family and Kids Photos

With the school holidays coming up, you’re probably planning trips, excursions, and outings with the kids. If you’re like most parents, that mobile phone or that DSLR is always in…

Haemophilia & GDD don’t stop Jue Ming from being the Light of his Mother’s life

A child with Haemophilia can be hard to care for, as they can be easily hurt and bleed internally. Payroll assistant Lee May, 44, mum to Lee Jue Ming, 10,…

How to Nourish Your Body at Every Stage of Motherhood

Mothers have an amazing ability to think on their feet while running around all day. They make sure everyone in the family is cared for, often at the expense of…

Mum-tested: ONLY Aesthetics’ GLASS SKIN™ Treatment (review and giveaway)

The other day, my children cuddled up close to me and stared. I thought they were being affectionate, but it turned out they had something of urgent importance to impart…

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough for Hazleen Panayiotou, founder of the Amazing Trekkers Club (ATC)

Two weeks after tearing a muscle in her knee, Hazleen Panayiotou defied her doctor’s orders to rest and recuperate. Instead, the founder of the Amazing Trekkers Club (ATC) put on…

Baby Aiden’s Doubly Delightful Newborn Photoshoots with Fion Boon Photography & Bows and Ribbons Photography

Who doesn’t love oohing and aahing at a bonny baby discovering life in the earliest days? This adorable double bill of newborn photography will surely set your hearts a-flutter! Baby…

Opt-in HPV Vaccine for Girls in Singapore: Should My Daughter Get It?

Parents are asking if it’s really necessary for their teenage daughters to receive the HPV vaccine. We get the lowdown from a doctor. You’ve probably heard the news from the…

I’m a Millennial. Don’t ask me to have Kids… Yet

The youngest millennials are on the cusp of adulthood this year, and they’re not in a hurry to settle down and have babies.  I’m 23 years old this year. My…

How to Locate the Nearest Children’s Clinics in Singapore Open on Sundays, Public Holidays and 24 Hours

Not sure which clinic to bring your child to if they need medical attention after their regular doc has knocked off? Bookmark this quick-glance list of children’s clinics in Singapore…

How to Prepare Your Daughter for Her First Period

Not sure how to approach your daughter about her first period? Don’t worry. These tips will help you get the ball rolling. Talking to your daughter about her first period…

What Happens if My Down Syndrome Kid Grows Up Without Appropriate Treatments and Therapies?

As we observe World Down Syndrome Day 2019, we learn more about treatments and therapies for babies and children with Down syndrome in Singapore. A genetic condition due to the…

Best Baby Carriers to Hold Baby Close to your Heart Everywhere you Go

Not sure which baby carrier to get for your newborn? Or thinking of upgrading your bubbly toddler’s? Here are the best baby carriers for all age groups. Baby carriers are…

Finding Balance: How Real Mums Do It

#BalanceforBetter is the campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2019. We ask four Singaporean mothers walking four different paths how they go about finding balance in their lives. International Women’s…

Cyberbullying in Singapore: is my Child a Victim?

Cyberbullying takes place in the online world but it’s a real threat that can turn your child’s life (and consequently, yours too) upside down. Arm yourself with the know-how to…

Secondary School Streaming No More [Op-ed]

To stream or not to stream, that is the question-of-the-day. For whatever it’s worth, here are my two cents on Singapore’s secondary school streaming system. Yesterday, I read a Straits…

A Bone Marrow Donor Gave This Family a Second Chance at Life

Basking in the glow of being a first-time mum, Meghna was blissfully unaware that her world was about to be torn apart by cancer. Meghna and her husband Prashant first…

5 Singaporean Mums Who Juggle Motherhood and Their Side-Hustles

Considering the challenges that come with motherhood, it’s amazing how so many women are still able to crush their careers. Here are five Singaporean mums who inspire us as they…

Why You Need to Let Your Child Be Bored

Don’t hand your child a gadget the next time they’re bored; boredom encourages kids to develop valuable character traits. It’s okay to let your child be bored! Parents often cringe…

Top 10 Parenting Trends 2019 according to Pinterest (and how you can be part of the wave too)

With every new year comes brand new parenting trends. Not sure if you’re in the know? Here’s the complete list of top 10 parenting trends 2019 from Pinterest! Just like…

Singapore Vaccinations 101: What’s Compulsory and Optional for Your Kids

Do you know what your child is getting immunised against and what else might be recommended? We pinpoint all you need to know about compulsory and optional Singapore vaccinations for…

Will Chinese New Year Traditions End With My Generation?

Do you follow Chinese New Year traditions to the letter? Or are CNY traditions a hassle to follow in this time and age? One more day till we welcome the…

Valentine’s Day 2019 Ideas for Busy Parents

Most parents lead lives too hectic to afford the luxury of a night about town. Why not try these ideas for an equally romantic Valentine’s Day 2019? The 14th of…

Grow Your Kids’ Ang Pow Money – Here’s How!

What will your children do with the windfall from their Chinese New Year red packets? Most will spend it or save it. What about helping them to invest and grow…

Mother Daughter Dresses: 11 Winning Style Tips To Own The Twinning Look

If you’re thinking of twinning with your little one this Chinese New Year, get inspiration from these mother-daughter dress ups! One (extra) reason why mummies love their daughters is probably…

How to Wash and Clean Your Child’s School Shoes

Who knows how school shoes get filthy so fast? More importantly, how can you get them clean and white as powdered snow without losing your mind? Here’s the thing about…

Best Parent-Child Bonding Activities in Singapore

We all have fond memories from participating in activities together with our kids. Be it getting creative on an art project for school, or sweating it out together in yoga…

Best Parental Control Apps for Your Child’s Smartphone

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in our daily lives. Everyone has one. They’re great for communicating with loved ones, curing boredom, and having the entirety of the Web at our fingertips….

Fighting to Have A Baby through IVF; Fighting to Make Time for Baby

Linda Locke became a mum at 43 after five IVF attempts over one and a half years, quitting her successful advertising job along the way. And then the hard part began…

Tired of Hiding Your Blemishes? It’s Time to Let Your Skin Shine.

Four in 10 women battle adult acne beyond their teenage years. But there’s no need to do so anymore, ‘cos we’ve got the answer to clear adult skin. Free your…

10 Funniest Parents on Twitter

Social media provides us with reprieve from the daily grind. Work, kids, laundry? Here are 10 of the funniest parents on Twitter who’ll give you a good chuckle. Even if…

What is Antibiotic Resistance & How Does This Affect My Family?

As parents, it can be worrying to see your child ill and lethargic. You want to give them the best medicines that can have them well and back on their…

When should you Bring your Child to the A&E Department?

True A&E medical emergency story: a friend’s toddler shoved a foam bit from a toy up his nostril. He spent a few minutes sticking his tiny fingers up that orifice,…

The Best Online Shopping Days for every Parent to Shop for their Kids

Want to shop the smart way? Keep an eye out for these online shopping sale days that will allow you to maximise your savings. There’s one almost every month of…

Interview with an Antibiotic Pill

To many people, taking a course of antibiotics seems to be the solution to our coughs and colds. Some parents also request for antibiotics when not prescribed. Here at SingaporeMotherhood,…

Skin as Smooth as Your Baby’s? It’s Possible!

Are you envious of your little one’s perfect, smooth skin? Tired of fighting adult acne? We’ve got the solution for you. As mothers, we’re used to doing it all. Be…

Organise Your Family Time with these Fab Family Apps!

Need help staying on top of everything? We’re here to help with our pick of fab family apps to help organise family time! Running a household can get hectic. It’s…

Depression in Children: Signs, Causes and Solutions

Depression in children is on the rise, and more kids in Singapore are seeking help for mental health issues than ever before. How do you tell if your child is…

12 Types of PreSchools in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide

Not sure which preschool to send your little one to? Don’t worry, we’re here to help with our ultimate guide of the types of preschools in Singapore. As parents, we…

Coughing in Children: When Does My Child Need Antibiotics?

Do you know when children (and grown-ups too) should take antibiotics and when it could do more harm than good? Let’s find out! Due to the misuse of antibiotics, antibiotic…

Helping a Child with Dyslexia Read Better

For a child who has dyslexia, words may often appear as a jumbled mess. Hence they may not learn to read as easily as one who does not have the condition….

Would you Quit your Job and Travel with your Children around the World? This Singaporean Couple Did

Travel with children? Sure! But for nine months, over nine countries? Yes, it’s possible. Nah Wee Kee and his wife Sandy left their jobs, and did just that last year.  Avid…

Growing up in a Smart Nation: How to Balance Our Children’s Online and Offline Worlds

Today’s digital age can be confusing enough for us grown-ups. How best can we help our little ones thrive in a smart nation without depriving them of the childhood they…

Accountability: Teach your Child the Most Important Value of all

Simply put, accountability is being responsible for your own behaviour and actions. It’s a big word for what seems like human behaviour that should be normal, right? However, in reality,…

No, You Can’t Give Baby Back! But You can Stop the Fussing

Has your little one been experiencing tummy issues? Be it loads of gas or spit-ups, here are tips to help give Baby better digestion, and you, peaceful days. Being a…

Teaching Kids to be Kind: The Hows and Whys

Kindness is a virtue, and it’s so important we impart it to our children. Here’s the hows and whys of teaching kids to be kind. In an increasingly apathetic world,…

Get Better Petrol Savings to Fuel the Cost of Car Ownership in Singapore

Owning a car in Singapore is infamously expensive. Whether you need it for work or are parents who have to ferry the kids around, better fuel savings are always welcome….

11 Best Milk Bottles for All of Your Baby’s Feeding Needs

Milk bottles are a staple baby essential for every mum. However, it can often be a difficult process selecting one that won’t cause nipple confusion, gas, or bad milk flow….

14 Vlogger Mums We (and Other Mums Too!) Love to Binge-Watch

YouTube has taken over every area of our lives – from humour, to reviews, and now – motherhood. Here are 14 of the most popular vlogger mums to binge watch!…

7 Easy Steps to a Zero-Waste, Eco-Friendly Household in Singapore

Sometimes, it can feel like we parents are carrying the world on our backs. We need to think about saving money, saving leftovers, saving time. I feel your pain. In…

How to Keep your Promise to Protect and Provide for your Child, no matter what happens

A parent’s promise to a child. “I’ll always be there when you need me”. Being financially ready for unexpected turns in life helps you to hold true to that pinky…

Cool and Unique Classes for Mums! (2018 Edition)

Motherhood isn’t just all about carpool and cooking. Here’s our selection of the coolest classes for mums to indulge in and unleash their creativity! We’re definitely not the first to…

Why ‘Safety First’ may not be the Best for your Kids

Your child’s safety and well-being is one of the top priorities on your parenting list. But should it really be? Sometimes, letting go and letting your child take risks could…

How to Respond to a Child who has Autism

A survey of early intervention professionals last month revealed that only 11 per cent think that Singapore is an inclusive society (source). I agree. My son has autism. When I…

TCM Herbal Soups and Tips to Help Your Child Focus and Stay Healthy and Stress-free

Whenever the exam period rolls around, we worry if our children are getting enough nutrition to support their studies. When they stay up late burning the midnight oil, we worry…

How to Bathe a Newborn – Step-by-Step Instructions for New Parents

The first few days of parenthood are always overwhelming and learning to bathe a newborn infant can be extra daunting. Here’s some guidance – or a refresher course – to…

Where To Donate Books (and more) in Singapore

Wondering what to do with your old books which you no longer need? Why not use them to make a difference and help others through the power of giving? There…

The One New Skill Every Child Needs to Learn for Success

Think that children are too young to learn mindfulness and practice meditation? Research shows otherwise, telling us that children who learn this skill can be more successful in life. Our…

6 Most Common Reasons Why Children in Singapore End up in the A&E

As many as 500 children in Singapore are seen at the A&E (Accident and Emergency) department on average every day. These are the most common reasons why. According to Dr Jade…

My Child Has Trouble Fitting in at Preschool – What Can I Do?

Some children find it tough fitting in at preschool as they find themselves in a classroom setting for the first time. Here are some practical tips on how you can…

5 Smart Things Mums Do On Sundays

Being a mum doesn’t always mean having to embrace a hectic lifestyle. Here are 5 smart things mums do on Sundays that help to take some pressure off. Most of…

20 Housecall Services in Singapore Every Mum Should Know About

Working hard is good, but knowing how to work smart while getting more done is way better! These housecall services can truly be a lifesaver for busy mums Here’s the…

Want to build an Inclusive Society in Singapore? Start with Children

For architect and author Tham Cheng-E, putting his son Amos, who has Down syndrome, into a mainstream preschool, was the right choice. It sparked an inclusive movement that started from Amos’ classroom…

My Daughter, who has Down syndrome, is a Gift to be Treasured

After giving birth to her third child, who has Down syndrome, Adeline Koh did not stop crying for a year. Now, seven years later, she sees her child as a…

12 Things Every Girl Should Know By Age 12

On 8 March every year, we celebrate the women who have made an impact on our lives. This International Women’s Day, we’re dishing out some advice to young girls so…

Singapore Budget 2018: Hopeful, but Not Stress-Free for this 20-something

Why the Singapore Budget 2018 left me hopeful, but not stress-free about the future. As I read the numerous articles on Budget 2018, the fact that I’m now in my…

Top Tips to Ensure Your Child stays Safe on the Internet

There’s no escaping technology in our hyper-connected world – here are our top tips to ensure your child is safe on the Internet. Just 20 years ago, mobile phones were…

CNY Ang Pow Giving Guide: How Much to Give to Friends’, Colleagues’ & Neighbours’ Kids

There’s a certain finesse involved in deciding how much ang pow (red packets, or hóngbāo in Mandarin) to give. We’ve worked it all out for you so you’ll always be…

“This is Not a Market. You’re Disturbing (sic).”

Should kids only be seen and not heard when they are out with you? How often have you, as a parent, received dark looks, head shakes, and grumbles because of the…

Romantic Date Ideas for a Kid-Free Valentine’s Day

If you’re a parent, it may have become increasingly difficult to find the time to commemorate and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Parents are sacrificial by nature – that’s just how much…

12 Things We Can Learn from the Most Successful Parents in the World

Some of the most successful people in the world are also great parents. We’ve picked gems from these 12 local and overseas ones who succeed in life and parenting. Which…

Spring Clean Your Home with the Kids for CNY — the Marie Kondo way

Did you know that kids can do the KonMari Method™ too? Yup, and it gives us great joy to announce that you CAN get the kids to spring clean for the…

Older, Wiser, and Fertile: Being a Mum later in life can be Oh-So-Cool

Having a later-in-life pregnancy can be a breeze even if you’re no spring chicken. Let us tell you how. Mums who conceive later in life, you’re older, wiser, and in…

How Much Pocket Money Does My Child Need for Primary School?

They may be young, but mini money matters can still be complicated. Parents of children in primary school share how much pocket money they give their children, and how they…

Flying Through Time at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) (Review)

With physical comedy, acrobatic stunts, and graceful gymastics routines, Flying Through Time offers pure, light-hearted entertainment for the family Looking for 90 minutes of pure, light-hearted, entertainment that does not…

These New Year’s Resolutions will Gear Your Family up for Success in 2018

As 2017 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year that has passed and set new resolutions. What can we improve on as a family in the…

Improve your Child’s Academic Grades with the Right Tutor. Here’s How to Find One

With the right tutor, your child’s grades can soar. Find out how to get one who will motivate your kids to achieve and boost their confidence at home, in school,…

9 New Super-fun Fitness Classes to Kickstart Your New Year Get-Fit Resolution in 2018

Why do boring workouts at the gym when there are so many exciting fitness classes to choose from? Whether you prefer to be in a VR room, in the water,…

Hygge, Lagom, Ikigai: Which Trendy Lifestyle is Best for your Family?

With trendy lifestyles popping up all over the world, which should you adopt for your family? We take a look at three of the most popular lifestyles at the moment,…

How Adele can Teach your Child Maths & other Tips that Help Children with Dyslexia Learn Better

Can Adele teach your child the multiplication tables? Yes, says Rachel Tan, founder and owner of The Alternative Education, who shares her strategies to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD…

10 Amazing Things Every Woman Needs to Know about Her Body

Overshadowed by a more conservative Asian upbringing, many women in Singapore can still be a little shy about their bodies. But stand proud, ladies, because there are so many amazing…

Super 7: Popular Tonics and Supplements for Pregnancy and Beyond

There are many tonics and supplements on the market that claim to support fertility, pregnancy, confinement and health in general. Here are seven you should know about Throughout history, mums…

Importance of Quality Childcare – because Early Experiences Matter

Given how much early experiences matter to a child’s future development, we look at how sending our littlest ones to childcare can provide them with the foundation to reach their…

An Open Letter to My Future Son

In celebration of International Men’s Day on 19 November, our writer, a young woman, writes this letter to her future son to let him know the kind of man she…

The Best Children’s Bookstores in Singapore

To help you nurture your little bookworm’s love of reading, check out this list of best children’s bookstores around Singapore. “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader,” goes a popular quote…

Car Shopping in Singapore: Tips for New Parents with Baby on Board

Now that Baby’s on the way, are you thinking of buying a car for your family? Here are the most important factors for new parents to consider when car shopping…

How 3rd-generation 545 Whampoa Prawn Noodles Hawker Mama Makes Life a Delicious Balancing Act

Spurred on by the need to carry her family’s prawn noodles recipe into a new generation, Li Ruifang juggles the tough job of being a hawker with building a young…

Raising a Baby is Expensive – Here’s Some Help

Given the high standard of living in Singapore, are you prepared for the expenses of raising a baby? We break down how much it costs to get through Baby’s first…

5 Worry-proof Remedies for Postpartum Hair Loss

You’re basking in the glow of being a new mum and things are going great. Until you suddenly notice hair loss − extra strands of hair on your pillow and…

How Dance helped my Daughter, who has Dyslexia, gain Confidence in Herself

When she found out that her daughter Deanna had dyslexia, Zalina Zakariah-Ismael did all that she could to help her develop confidence and excel in her passion for dance Four-year-old Nur Deanna…

Bonding with Your Baby through Art and Play

Did you know that art encourages all-rounded education and development for children1? David A. Sousa, an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of book “How the Brain Learns”, also…

9 Best Tingkat Delivery Services for Busy Mums to Consider

Are you a working mother who is strapped for time and unable to whip up yummy Asian meals for your family? We bring you a list of nine tingkat delivery…

Talking through Tummy Troubles – Finding Ways to Cope if Your Baby Has a Delicate Tummy

As the saying goes, mothers know best, and we wanted to get the real low-down from a busy mum who has experienced trying times with a baby who’s had a…

Why Orchid Country Club is an Ideal Venue for Your Baby Shower or Child’s Birthday Party

It may not be a place that comes to mind for your upcoming baby shower or kid’s birthday celebration, but we think that Orchid Country Club may just be the…

10 Proven Ways to Give Your Child’s Brainpower a Mega Boost

Did you know that by simply giving your kids lots of hugs, you are actually helping to develop their ability to process information more effectively? Let’s look at other brainpower…

Why Meditation is Good for Mothers (but especially for New Mums)

Operating with less sleep, learning how to breastfeed, dealing with the pain from stitches… the learning curve for new mums is a steep one indeed and anything that can help…

Tickling Your Baby’s Tastebuds − Mealtime Bonding with Your Baby

Emily Yeo, founder of The Little Things cooking school, shares how you can use meal times to bond with your child. After six months, have you noticed your baby starting to…

A Day in the Life of a Mum with a Fussy Baby – Nadia Yeo Shares Her Experience, Tips and Tricks

First-time mum Nadia Yeo shares how she found out that her nine-month-old baby had a fussy tummy and how she manages this on a daily basis. So it’s been several…

Comparing Children’s Hospitalisation Costs in Singapore – We Do the Homework for You

With both public hospitals and private healthcare options available to Singaporeans, which hospital should you choose for your child, should they – hopefully never – need to be admitted? As…

10 Things Teachers Would like All Parents to Know

Being a teacher is not an easy job, especially in this day and age. This Teacher’s Day, we give teachers voice to say what they wish parents knew about a…

Raising Your Child As a Vegan in Singapore

Are you vegan? Have you ever considered raising your child as one? Parents who are bringing their children up vegan tell us why they’re doing it Growing up, Emilie Tan, 32,…

Healthy Fine Dining in Singapore? Find it at Frunatic (Review)

If every calorie you consume benefits your body, wouldn’t every meal give you balance, wellbeing, and inner health? That’s what you can get at Frunatic, the very first restaurant in…

12 Things Parents Should Order from Amazon Prime Now

In case you haven’t heard, the American online shopping giant has launched Amazon Prime Now on our sunny shores, boasting many items sold cheaper than elsewhere and delivered within two…

Do Your Kids Know About These 11 Festivals Celebrated in Multiracial Singapore?

Here on our little red dot, we celebrate various festivals all year round, and commemorate Racial Harmony Day on 21 July annually. On this day, parents send their little ones…

New Star Tonic – Tian Yuan Xiang Chicken Essence (田原香滴鸡精) from Taiwan is finally here in Singapore!

Forget those stuffy stereotypes about Chicken Essence! Every precious drop of Tian Yuan Xiang 滴鸡精 (Chicken Essence) is extracted using traditional ancient methods, making it the best choice for taking care of you…

23 Nostalgic Movies to Watch with Your Kids

Break out the popcorn and settle the whole family in front of the goggle box. It’s time to introduce your little ones to these classic and retro nostalgic movies –…

Travelling with Baby on an overseas work trip? Angeline Phang of Raymond Phang Photography tells us how she does it

Could you imagine travelling with Baby on a work trip that involves a pre-wedding photoshoot 8,500km and a long-haul flight away from home? That’s all in a day’s work for Angeline Phang…

Fertility 101: What’s affecting your Baby-making abilities?

It’s easy to conceive a baby – if you and your partner are fertile. But how can you know if you are? Fertility is your ability to conceive and reproduce…

The Power of Bonding through Sound – Tips from Inspirational Mum and Musician Aarika Lee

Zola Mae and Ari Jon, Aarika’s children Talented musician and mother-of-two Aarika Lee shares how and why you should spend time bonding with your baby through music. Did you know…

22 Cafes That Open Before 9AM So You Can Head Down After Dropping Your Kids Off at School!

We bring you a list of 22 cafes that open their doors before 9 o’clock so that you can get your morning caffeine fix after dropping the kids off at…

12 Tips to Help Stay-at-home Mums Prepare to go back to Work

Whether it has been several months or many years, trying to return to work after being a stay-home mum comes with its share of challenges. Some mums share their experiences and…

Did You Know You Can Get FREE Health Coverage for Your Newborn?

What if, God forbid, your baby is born with a birth defect and requires intensive care, can you afford the hospital bills that come with it? Read on to discover…

Feng Shui-ing Your Kids’ Bedrooms: Forget the Myths and Follow these Tips

Designing a child’s bedroom can be tricky business, but putting the right Feng Shui touches on Junior’s room may actually set the stage for healthy growth and harmonious living. [banner][/banner]…

35 Fun and Yummy Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day with Your Super Dad!

Sunday, 18 June, is the day we celebrate the superhero in our lives. How about spending this Father’s Day bonding over some exciting activities as a family, before gathering around…

Edmund Tay, Daddy Blogger & Pastor, Tells Us About Active Fatherhood and Blogging

We catch up with daddy blogger, pastor and father of three, Edmund Tay, to find out more about his inspiration to blog and life as a hands-on dad. [banner][/banner] It’s…

8 Free Ways to Engage Kids in Arts At Home – Singapore Style!

Did you know that exposing your child to the arts also helps equip them with important tools they need to be successful in life? Here are some simple ideas with a uniquely local…

How to Choose the Best Stroller for You and Your Baby

Your baby’s first wheels are probably one of the most important hardware purchases you’ll make. We help you figure out how to choose the best baby stroller for you and your little…

Mother’s Day Giveaway: 2D1N Staycation at Amara Singapore for a Family of Three (worth $258++)!

It’s almost Mother’s Day and what better reason than this to win Mum a well-deserved break? We check in to check out what a staycation at Amara Singapore has to…

32 Places to Pamper Mum with Super Mother’s Day Feasts in Singapore

Mother’s Day falls on 14 May this year and we’ve put together a comprehensive list of Mother’s Day feasts so you can show your appreciation to the noblest lady in your…

A Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Every Special Mum

For constantly giving us her best, Mum deserves nothing less in return. While she may declare that all she wants is quality time spent with her loved ones, we’ve curated this…

12 Ways You Can Start Saving Your Family Some Money by Being Eco-Friendly in Singapore

In lieu of Earth Day tomorrow, we bring you a list of 12 doable eco-friendly practices that your wallet will be thanking you for in the long run! Ready to…

Are You Feeding your Baby Healthy Snacks between meals?

While milk and main meals are essential for baby’s physical and mental development, healthy baby snacks allow your little one to explore new tastes and textures and build fine motor skills. Did you…

Tango into History with a new Augmented Reality Tour at the National Museum of Singapore

With its new Tango-enabled tour that makes use of virtual and augmented reality, children can have fun learning about the history and architecture of the National Museum of Singapore. The kids…

Happy Monkey: Non-Toxic, Eczema-Friendly Baby Clothes for Kids in Singapore

Does your baby have eczema, sensitive skin, and allergies? Keep her skin free from rash with organic, natural, and eco-friendly baby clothes from Happy Monkey. When her second daughter Alexa was…

Aeroplane Playground, Runway Boardwalk, Hip Restaurants and more make Seletar Aerospace Park a must-go for Kids & Families in the know!

Aeroplane playground? Boardwalk? An actual, working runway where you can watch planes take off and land? It’s all at The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP), the newest must-go fun…

18 Gorgeous Baby Full Month Cakes and Packages and Where to Get Them

Your newborn is almost a month old and it’s time to officially announce her arrival to the rest of the world. Yes, we know that all you proud mummies and daddies…

From Singapore to Sydney: Audrey Chang tells us how Parents Down Under stay Cool with Kids

Welcome to our very first Singaporean Mum Abroad story. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to parent my children overseas, instead of in Singapore. Would I do anything…

When Your Child is in Hospital

Is it a just a bad cough or something more sinister that could result in hospitalisation for your child? Just two weeks before his second birthday, our roving toddler reporter Elliott…

Self-Love Gifts to Celebrate Womanhood – Editor’s Picks

International Women’s Day passed by us last week. What do you mean you didn’t get yourself anything? Go on, celebrate womanhood by taking your pick from our self-love gift guide….

Eczema: 9 Things You Can Do to Calm Baby’s Dry and Itchy Skin

Do your children suffer from very dry skin or eczema that gives them angry and itchy rashes? Don’t fret – here’s what you can do to help them. It’s the…

Portable Car Seats in GrabFamily Cars Help Kids Have a Safer Ride on Singapore Roads

Parents, do you often use taxis or ride-hailing apps when getting around with your kids? If so, it’s time to consider using GrabFamily, and here’s why. Did you know that it is illegal…

Improve Your Preschooler’s Reading Skills with These 9 Fun Activities That You Can Do at Home

The importance of picking up reading skills early is indisputable, but apart from plying our kids with lots of books, what can parents do at home? An expert from the…

6 Ways to Help Your Kids Recover Quickly From a Cold or the Flu

Your nose is stuffy, your throat is scratchy and everything feels achy. Oh no! Is it flu season again? It seems like colleagues at work are taking turns to go…

How to Recognise Signs of Peer Pressure in Your Child Plus Strategies to Handle It

Along with growing up and entering tweenhood comes dealing with peer pressure. We speak to a clinical psychologist to equip you with strategies to handle peer pressure in your children….

Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant on Parenthood, Food, and Cooking with His Daughters

He’s the founder of the Emmanuel Stroobant Group as well as a father of two. But what’s Emmanuel Stroobant like as a dad? We catch up with the celebrity chef to find out. …

12 Not-so-ordinary Arts Activities That Give Your Child an Extraordinary Talent Boost

Bored with the usual piano and ballet classes? Why not try these fun and unconventional arts programmes designed just for kids? Just about every child in Singapore has been enrolled into…

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Mums and Dads – Editor’s Picks

It’s February and the season of lurve is upon us. Need ideas on where to go, what to do, and what to get for your baby mama or papa for…

Babysitting Services in Singapore – Now You Can Finally Go on That Date!

Whether you need a long-term nanny for your child when maternity leave is over, a babysitter for an evening out, or a child-minder to accompany you places, we’ve got your…

5 Ways To Have a Better Mother-In-Law – Daughter-In-Law Relationship

Do you find it difficult to get along with your mother-in-law? Do you wish you could have less stress over your relationship with her? In-laws can be the cause of…

Sibling Rivalry Across Two Generations

Having experienced sibling rivalry herself while growing up, our writer, Aimee Dawis, Ph.D, learns what it’s like from the perspective of a parent, and how to sort it out. Coming…

4 Ways This Tiny Oat Ensures Healthy Skin for Everyone in the Family (and No, It’s Not Part of Breakfast!)

Learn how one tiny little oat plantlet can soothe, protect and strengthen the immunity of mums’, dads’ and even children’s delicate skin. Avena sativa, the common oat, has been used…

Selective Mutism: When Your Child Just Won’t Speak

Shy, quiet, or scared? When a child has selective mutism, it could be a combination of all three, and it’s a condition that needs to be addressed, our writer discovers…

10 Things That Made The Headlines in Singapore & Around The World in 2016: The Family Edition

We take a look back at the past year to bring you the family edition of 2016 highlights which made the headlines here at home and around the globe. [banner][/banner]…

How to Nail That Job After Being a SAHM

Are you considering rejoining the workforce after being a stay-at-home mum (SAHM) since baby was born? Here are some tips on how to land the job you want.  Perhaps being a…

Raising Olympic Champions: A Guide for Parents

Our children can learn valuable lessons from Olympians and Paralympians in order to achieve meaningful success and become champions in their own right. The story behind any Olympic win is inspiring. It…

Hair Loss? We Have Good News for You

Both men and women experience hair thinning and hair loss at some point in their lives. Now, there’s a safe solution with proven results. While male pattern baldness tends to…

10 Ways to Help Your Child Transit to Tween-hood

Not a child, not a teen. She’s a tween and along with these transitory years come a host of new challenges for your little one — and you — to…

Placenta Encapsulation: Would You Consume Your Placenta After Childbirth?

Are you thinking of consuming your placenta? Here’s one mother’s experience with placenta encapsulation. What do you do with your placenta after childbirth? Many discard it as biological waste, but…

Editor’s Picks – The Christmas Edition (Dec 2016)

Yes, it’s already December, and if you haven’t completed your Christmas shopping yet, it’s time to start panicking. Just kidding! Here are our picks of the month to help you…

Angel Gowns Singapore Helps Clothe Babies for Their Final Journey

June Lee, one of the founders of Angel Gowns Singapore, shares the stories, tears, pain and love that she and her team experience, even as they create tiny garments for…

Editor’s Picks – All the Good Stuff out there for Families and Kids (Nov 2016)

Our Editor’s Picks section is back to keep you in the know about great new products and deals for families and children in Singapore. This month, we’re looking at must-haves for all at…

Not by Blood, but by Love: 3 True-life Adoption Stories

Two sets of loving parents and one very loved child share their adoption stories – stories of blessings, life, love and hope. Children are a blessing and having children of your own…

Kitchen Not-So-Confidential: 11 Things We Learnt on a Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas Kitchen Tour

When the SingaporeMotherhood team is invited to take an excursion on the Royal Caribbean‘s Mariner of the Seas for a “What’s Cooking?” food tour and lunch, the answer is a no…

Child and Adolescent Suicides: How We Can Help Prevent It

With all the news about children and teenagers in Singapore committing suicide in recent months, parents want to help, but where to start? We speak to local social workers for…

A Post-Exam Parent’s Report Card — How did you Do?

You’ll soon be holding your child’s report book in your hands. But what would your parental report card reflect about your progress as a parent so far? The year-end exams…

Letting Go of Your Baby; Welcoming Your Tween

You have been the centre of your child’s world for years, but things are starting to change. Your tween rejects your company and shrugs off your loving touch. It surely can’t be time to…

When Looking Hot Ain’t Cool: Raising My Daughter in a Sexualised World

Sexualising young children happens everywhere, possibly at an increasing rate, no thanks to the influence of pop culture and the proliferation of social media. As parents, what can we do? Here’s…

ShopBack is Your Family’s Best Shopping Hack in Singapore!

Being a parent can be quite an expensive affair, what with all the necessities that you simply cannot do without. Diapers, milk formulas, food, and clothes all cost money and…

Glamping with Ritz Kids Night Safari Adventures at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

There’s glamping, and there’s Glamping at the Ritz. Say what you will but offered both options, I’d take the latter anytime, no contest. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore recently created a…

True Story: Baby after Cancer, Business after Miscarriages

She may only be 30, but Yvonne Lian has already lived through more than most women her age. Cancer – check. Marriage (to 34-year-old bank manager Jeremy Yap) – check….

Jean Yap, Founder of Bento Days, on Motherhood and Bento Art

She’s a mother of three who shot to fame on Instagram with her bento making skills. We caught up with the super creative Jean Yap to find out what she’s…

6 Ways to Empower Your Life and Enjoy Watching Your Children Grow

As parents, we always make our children the first priority and tend to forget to take care of ourselves. But we are no good to our kids if we are…

15 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became A Parent

Can you remember the time before you became a parent? Before Baby came into your life and changed it irrevocably, forever? What would you tell the you then, about parenting…

Pregnant & worried about Zika? Find out what these mums-to-be are doing to protect their unborn babies

Are you pregnant? Do you worry about Zika in Singapore? You are not alone. Find out what these mums-to-be are doing to protect themselves and their unborn babies from the…

16 Insanely Awesome New Mummy Gifts

It’s not always easy to think of what to get for a special lady who’s having a baby. To help you along, we asked several mothers what new mummy gifts they…

Dr. Elaine Kim on Motherhood, Work, and Entrepreneurship Balance

She’s a mother of two (with her third due in October), a doctor, an entrepreneur, a designer, a traveller, and a writer. Meet supermum Dr. Elaine Kim. [banner][/banner] We have…

10 Life Lessons I Want My Kids to Learn from Joseph Schooling

Joseph Schooling, Singapore’s newly-crowned Olympic hero, is an inspiration. Here’s what your kids can learn from his journey from pool to podium. Joseph Schooling will go down in history as…

Singapore Night Festival 2016: 28 Highlights for Families and Kids

The Singapore Night Festival is all set to light up the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct this August. Here’s our review, providing a sneak peek at what families and kids can enjoy…

7 Top Tips for Situational Writing that will Help your Child Excel in PSLE English

Situational writing is a test of applied or practical writing skills. For example, students may be asked to write an e-mail, letter, or a postcard to a particular person. This…

27 Ultimate Pokémon GO Power Tips to Impress your Kids With

Pokémon GO fever has hit Singapore. If you’re playing it with your kids, up your parental cred with these power tips that’ll have them hailing you as their Poké-Guru! Pokémon GO is currently…

What you Need to Know about Adopting a Child in Singapore

Are you considering adopting a child in Singapore? We break down the process for you and tell you what to expect. We also ask adoptive parents to share their experience. Being a…

The Blue Pouch that Ho Ching Took to the White House is Just One of Pathlight School’s Fabulous In-house Designs

Images of PM Lee and his wife, Mdm Ho Ching, on an official visit to the White House in the US have gone viral. One of the reasons for this…

Maternity Wear Guide for Mums-To-Be: How to dress for your Pregnancy

First-time pregnancy is really one of the most educational experiences a woman can have. I had initially thought that I could continue to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes (well, the stretchable ones…

Jamie Yeo tells us her Favourite Things about Motherhood!

Given her youthful looks and svelte figure, it’s hard to believe that Jamie Yeo is a mother of a five-year-old. The 38-year-old (yes, believe it or not!) television and radio…

An Open Letter from a Parent of a Child with Autism

It is every parent’s wish for their child to be healthy and normal. Being told otherwise by a teacher, doctor, or a bystander can be quite a shock. I always thought…

Sex Education for Kids: An Age-by-Stage Guide

One of the trickiest situations as a parent involves teaching your child about the birds and the bees. Sex education is necessary — and especially so in these modern times…

There’s No Escaping Mummy Guilt No Matter What Type of Mum You Are!

“Am I a bad mum?” Whether you a stay at home mum, a full time working mum, a mum who works part time, or a mum who works from home, you probably…

7 Ways to Get your Kids Interested in Science

“Get out of the way!” That’s what popular scientist and TV personality Neil deGrasse Tyson feels is the best way for parents to get their kids interested in science. Get…

New PSLE Scores Don’t Reduce ‘Kiasu’-ism: What Will?

After a teaser on how the T-scores will be removed for wider scoring bands, MOE recently announced a new PSLE scoring system which sort of follows how we count our…

Here’s Why You Should Visit BOUNCE, Singapore’s Newest Trampoline Park!

The scorching weather these days might have prompted you to cross out outdoor play on your list of activities to keep the kids occupied. Fair enough. But there’s no reason…

How to Have a 48-hour Staycation at D’Resort @ Downtown East that your Kids will Love!

If you have no plans for an overseas vacation, and limited time, how about doing a 2D1N destination staycation right here in Singapore? The kids and I were invited to…

Re-thinking the DSA (Direct School Admission) Scheme

The Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme was introduced in 2004 to fulfil two aims. One was to provide Primary 6 pupils with more routes to enter secondary school. The other was to “give…

Recognising the Signs of Grief: How to Help Your Child Cope

In the first two parts of this series, we discussed how to talk to our children about death and how best to prepare them to accept the reality of loss. In this final instalment,…

Forget Parentocracy. Here are 5 (free) things you can do to help your Child Succeed

Seriously, who needs the Olympics when you have parenting? One might say that parenting is a competitive sport, and increasingly so. More and more, parents are investing time and money…

Winston Tay, The Blogfather, Opens up About Active Fatherhood

It’s not every day that we come across a Singaporean father who has been a stay-at-home dad. 38-year-old Winston Tay, who blogs as The Blogfather, did just that a few years…

How I Got my Child to Read Independently by age 3 (plus books you can read with your kids this holiday!)

Before my first child was born, I read all sorts of pregnancy and parenting books and decided to do three things: 1. Have a natural, drug-free hypnobirth; 2. Breastfeed; and…

Are You A Helicopter Parent? You Could be Hurting Your Infant

Do you constantly shadow your little one? Do you always direct her behaviour when playing with her? Do you barely allow your child to be on his own? Most importantly,…

5 Ways to Help Breastfeeding Mums at the Workplace

When it comes to nutrition for babies, one thing is still largely agreed upon – breast is best. Breast milk contains antibodies which help protect babies against infections and diseases….

Elaine Seah, Founder of Brand Incorporated, Loves Being A Mompreneur

Anyone who has dabbled in the field of public relations is bound to know that it’s no walk in the park. Throw motherhood into the daily grind and you will…

10 Smart Tips to Help You Save Up for Your Child’s University Education Fund

You know how difficult it was shouldering a study loan. When you first started work, those monthly repayments ate up a big portion of your meager salary. It made it harder…

Why I Believe In Tuition

If any word could cause a fierce debate among parents, it is the word “tuition”. One camp thinks that tuition is a necessity in order for their child to succeed, whereas…

eXplorerkid E!hub Playground @ Downtown East: Bring the Fun Indoors!

With his ‘terrible twos’ right around the corner, Elliott’s starting to hate being cooped up indoors for too long and he’s not afraid to show it. While outdoor activities are…

Science Centre Singapore Opens Its Oceans’ Buddies Exhibit to The Public!

As part of its mission to educate young ones on marine life and how they can play a part in conserving the environment, KidsSTOP, at Science Centre Singapore has unveiled…

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden Café is now in Singapore!

My 18-month-old toddler Elliott loves cats. He lights up every time we come upon one in the neighbourhood and he’ll call out “meow meow” to them. So when I heard that a Hello…

The Best Time for Mums to Get Back to Work

Are you pregnant and wondering about the transition back to work after giving birth? Or a new mother who’s pondering the possibility of staying at home for a while before…

Does your child feel unmotivated to study? A mother did THIS and her child is now transformed!

You hear stories of children who go home after school and do their homework without being nagged at. They revise for tests and exams without being nagged at. They seek…

What Do Mums in Singapore really want on Mother’s Day? We asked 10 of them to tell us!

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and we’ve caught up with 10 mums in Singapore to find out what would make their hearts melt this Mother’s Day. You’ll be surprised to…

How Athlete Mums Stay Fit through Pregnancy and Motherhood

Motherhood can be a tough balancing act, and sometimes in the busy-ness of it all we let physical fitness fall by the wayside. Not these mums though. They were active…

6 Ways Kids can experience Nature indoors at Hideaways by Playeum, Children’s Centre for Creativity

As a child, I spent many happy afternoons under my favourite rain tree in the neighbourhood park, looking at rays of sunlight streaking through its leaves. These days, my children…

Aarika Lee, Hipster Mum, Entrepreneur & Musician, Shares her Motherhood Experience

In addition to being a mother of two, 33 year old Aarika Lee is a Marketing Director and copywriter at Elementary Co by day, and a resident artist at The…

20 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for You to Pamper Mum!

It’s that time of the year again; the days that lead up to our most favourite day on the calendar – Mother’s Day! It falls on the 8th of May…

Where to Dine This Mother’s Day: 19 Restaurants Offering Special Promotions

When has Mother’s Day ever been complete without treating mum to a hearty meal? Never! Lunch or dinner treats for the most important woman in your life on this day…

14 Life-Changing Tips to Know if You are Struggling with a Child with Autism

Have you ever felt helpless and clueless about how to manage your child? Were you shocked when you were told your child had autism and wondered whether the doctors were…

4 Ways to Organise the Kids’ Belongings at Home

You’re not a parent until you’ve felt the pain of stepping on LEGO, and wondered why, for such small people, kids have so much stuff. Seriously! How do they accumulate…

9 Singaporean Instagram Mums You Need to Follow!

They say a picture speaks a thousand words. It’s no surprise then that Instagram has taken the world by storm. If you are a mum who’s not on Instagram yet,…

When there’s a Death in the Family: Preparing Your Child to Say Goodbye

In the previous instalment of this series, we discussed how to talk to our children about death. Here, we raise the issue of how we can best prepare our children…

Scrapping the PSLE aggregate score — for better or worse?

The PSLE aggregate score will be abolished in 2021. It is hoped that this will help to reduce the emphasis on examination results, competition between students, and exam stress —…

KidZania Singapore: 7 Ways to get the Best Experience here!

If you haven’t realised it yet, KidZania Singapore opened yesterday. What’s that? It’s a place where your children can buckle down to work and earn their keep. Yes, just like…

Get your Splash-N-Surf on at Kallang Wave Mall’s Water Park

Since returning to Singapore from Chicago with my 16-month-old troublemaker, Elliott, one thing we’ve been trying to get used to is the unseasonably warm weather. With that in mind, we’ve…

Star Wars Day 2016: Master Your Force as a Family at LEGOLAND Malaysia

Free entry for kids. The world’s biggest LEGO Millennium Falcon. A Build-Your-Own starship social media competition. It’s going to be an epic May the 4th for Star Wars fans at LEGOLAND…

The Bugaboo by Diesel Rock Stroller for The Cool Mums and Dads

Dutch stroller makers Bugaboo have already left their mark on the functional stroller scene with models like the iconic Cameleon, the convertible Donkey and the all-terrain Buffalo. But what do you…

Kelvin Ang, Founder of CheekieMonkies, shares his Daddy Blogger experiences

Mummy bloggers may still be outnumbering daddy bloggers – but in recent years, dads have been making a name for themselves in the parenting community (see who our favourite daddy bloggers…

10 Time Management Tips for New Mums

Remember those idyllic days of people-watching at cafes and late-night partying? All that will change when your first child arrives. What you initially imagine to be a picturesque, Instagrammable first year…

7 Ways to Ensure Your Child’s Internet Safety

How safe is your online security? If your child uses your home computer or your device, your Internet safety has probably been compromised. A survey of 1,009 Singapore device users…

How to Talk to your Child about Death

In the first instalment of a three-part series, we discuss how we can talk to our children about death and dying. Here’s how you can start the conversation. When Will Lee, the actor…

5 Child-Friendly Digital Artworks at Future World at The ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is now home to an all new permanent exhibition, Future World: Where Art Meets Science! Expect to be bowled over by 15 digital…

Toddler Tantrum Triggers (and Strategies to Solve them!)

Toddlerhood is of the most difficult periods for new parents. A large part of it is because of the infamous and frequent tantrums that children between the ages of one and…

5 Super Mums in Singapore share their Parenting Tips this IWD!

It’s International Women’s Day today! Take a break, grab a cuppa, sit back, relax, and tap into the mummy wisdom of these five Singaporean super mums. Ding Zhen Xin, 34, is a homeschooling…

5 Financially-Savvy Super Mums in Singapore who inspire us this IWD

International Women’s Day (IWD), which falls on 8th March, honors the achievements of women from all walks of life. We believe that motherhood is one of the more meaningful journeys…

The New LEGO Movie 4D at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort!

Last Friday, I was part of a small group of members of the Singaporean media who were treated to the launch of “The LEGO Movie 4D: A New Adventure” at…

Yes, You Should Introduce Current Affairs to your Child. Here’s How.

One in three children aged 10 to 14 years old is not curious about world events. 74% of Singaporean teens do not read, watch, or listen to the news. Miranda…

10 Postnatal Essentials – The Totally Unglam(orous) Edition!

As you cradle your newborn to your chest, look into her eyes and gently kiss her cheek, a wave of amazement will fill you. This tiny creature, this beautiful little…

6 Mum-Friendly Co-working Spaces in Singapore

Trehaus, Singapore’s first co-working space equipped with child-minding and learning facilities officially opened at Claymore Connect two days ago. Founded by working mothers Rachel Teo, Tjin Lee, Elaine Kim and…

The Fastest Food Delivery Services in Singapore

Warm food on the table in 30 minutes without having lift a finger? That’s a fantasy of mine that was recently realised when I discovered two new food delivery services in…

Claire Lim of HolyCrap.sg bonds with her Children through Art and Inspiration

Once upon a time there were a brother and a sister who loved art. Together with their parents, they formed a local art collective called Holycrap.sg. “We (husband Pann Lim and…

I am Not in my Child’s Class Whatsapp Group. Here’s why.

One day when my daughter was in kindergarten, she came home and very excitedly announced that she had some really awesome news to share. The only problem was that she…

Nutrition for Babies: How Important Is Iron?

Did you know that at full-term, babies have huge amounts of iron stored in their bodies to last them for the first six months of their life? Iron is a…

Surviving CNY While Coping with Infertility

Did you know that the stress and emotional turmoil that come along with being an infertile woman is equivalent to that experienced by a cancer patient? Yes, a Harvard Medical…

:: GIVEAWAY! :: KidsFest 2016 — The Snow Child

KidsFest is back this year with six world-class theatre productions adapted from well-loved children’s books. This festival by ABA Productions brings world-class theatre for young people, creating and promoting a…

Getting Started with Homemade Freezer Meals

With our fast-paced lifestyle, more and more dual-income families are eating out at hawker centres and fast food restaurants rather than cooking at home. While these dining options may be…

Pregnancy Weight Gain? Manage it with Exercise!

If I told you that varicose veins, swelling and stretch marks need not plague your pregnancy, would you believe me? What pregnant ladies often hear is that these are common…

What Happened in 2015: The Family Edition

Yet another year has gone by – we hope it was a productive and prosperous 2015 for you and your loved ones! Although we typically wish for the best at…

Diana Ser, TV personality and creator of Crazy About Chinese

We all probably know Diana Ser as a veteran television presenter and former broadcast journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry. She is best known for being…

Safe Christmas Feasting for Pregnant Ladies

Having been pregnant and watching what I eat (for the most part) for two trimesters now, I can’t lie – I’m looking forward to Christmas parties where I can sink…

Experience The Arctic at The New Snow City!

I had the opportunity to meet the “Arctic Avengers” yesterday. They comprised Oki, an Eskimo boy, and his animal friends – Nooka the polar bear, Suki the snowy owl, Ila…

Helping My Introvert Child Cope in Primary School and Beyond

When my daughter Rachel was younger, she attended ballet and piano classes — just like her older sister. She wanted to be as good in them as her jiejie (older sister in Mandarin) in these activities. But…

5 Pregnancy Must-Do’s for Mums-to-be in Singapore

Pregnancy can seem overwhelming at times. On top of having endless pregnancy guides and parenting books to browse through, the long list of do’s and don’ts can leave you feeling lost….

Male Infertility: What you need to know

When a couple is having trouble conceiving, the ‘problem’ could lie with either of them. A couple is considered as infertile if they have not conceived after 12 months of…

Buy Gifts That Give Back This Christmas!

For most Singaporeans, the impending festive season spells an additional reason to indulge in some guilt-free shopping. Most of us would probably have made mental notes of what to get…

Hospital Maternity Tours in Singapore: Thomson Medical Centre & National University Hospital

We’ve come to the last installment of 10 hospital maternity tours in Singapore! One of these is my choice. It’s also the only maternity hospital here to offer mums-to-be the…

Help Your Child Cope with Bullying

We have all probably heard of the notion that one who is a bully is indeed a coward. But is putting across this universally acknowledged truth to a child who…

Hospital Maternity Tours in Singapore: Parkway East Hospital, Raffles Hospital, & Singapore General Hospital

Some parents like to choose when their Baby makes his or her entrance into the world. But all mums-to-be like to choose WHERE Baby will make his grand entrance. After…

Hospital Maternity Tours in Singapore: Mt Alvernia, Mt Elizabeth (Orchard), & Mt E Novena

Last week our (blissfully!) pregnant writer took you on hospital maternity tours though Gleneagles Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. This week, we’re bringing you through the rest of…

Pororo Park is now in Singapore! (Review)

Pororo Park Singapore opens this Wednesday, on 11 November 2015, at #02-29 Marina Square! Here’s what you and the kids can expect to see, do, and play with there. [banner][/banner]…

Hospital Maternity Tours in Singapore: Gleneagles Hospital & KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital

If you’re a first­-time mum like me, you know how life­-changing it can all be. Not only do you have to deal with debilitating pregnancy symptoms, which creep up on…

Prenatal Yoga Classes in Singapore: Here are 5 of our Favourites!

The practice of prenatal yoga seems to be rising in popularity in Singapore, and the number of options available for mums-to-be seem to be growing at the same rate as…

Cyber Security And Your Children

Did you know that Singapore has one of the highest mobile broadband penetration rates in the region? At the heart of this are our children, who are often more tech…

Telling my Children that I have Cancer

When a parent receives a cancer diagnosis, one of the first things that comes to mind is how much to tell the children, and if they are young, whether to…

How Creative Confidence can help your Child

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently” – Henry Ford Have you ever wondered why your child seems to do badly at creative writing even…

Anger Management for Children

You have probably seen the 2003 Hollywood flick, “Anger Management”, starring Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson. The plot revolved around adults. Slightly more than a decade on, anger management is…

10 Stylish Strollers For Baby (and you!)

Baby on the way? You will need to invest in a new set of wheels then! We are referring to strollers, of course! There is no such thing as “one…

Simply Life: A Brand for Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Homegrown label Simply Life held its brand launch party at Vineyard at Hort Park, last Tuesday, 22 September 2015. The brand, founded under Creative Moms Pte Ltd, has been built…

Confessions of a Kiasu Mum

I gamble—big time. In case you’re wondering, I do not gamble with money. No, my stakes are far higher, with no room for mistakes. In a society where ‘kiasu’ parents…

Fresh & Fabulous: Open Farm Community

On the edge of Minden Road, sprawling over thirty-five thousand square feet, lies a revolutionary experiential space that is Open Farm Community. (OFC for short!) Apart from being a green…

Give your Preschooler a Head Start in Primary School Maths

Most primary school children tend to “under perform” in maths, says Ms Peggy Zee. The Early Education Mathematics Specialist with 32 years of experience says that because children in school…

Dealing with Pregnancy Weight Gain

Pregnancy is that one (or more) span of time in a woman’s life during which she is naturally expected to pack on some kilos without hosting any qualms about it….

Diaper Bags for Fashionista Mums!

It isn’t just any bag. It’s a diaper bag, and it needs to achieve the near impossible (or so we had thought) – looking totally stylish while simultaneously containing every…

What My Teacher Taught Me

Both teachers and parents are similar in the way they want the children to grow well, learn more and develop positive attitudes towards life. Both teachers and parents ride the…

Getting Crafty with Hello Kitty!

On the 25th of August 2015, members of the blogging community were treated to a hands-on crafty morning, courtesy of Brother International Singapore. The leader in home and business IT…

Get your Kid to Disconnect from that Gadget!

Every parent has experienced this at some point: you call out to your child but he or she is just too absorbed in the world of their mobile tablets and…

How to Design Your Baby’s Nursery

Are you welcoming a precious little bundle into your life and home very soon? Getting yourself emotionally and mentally prepared to bring a new life into this world are crucial…

Confinement Practices in Multiracial Singapore

As with any set of traditional beliefs, there are two camps into which new mothers faced with the daunting task of choosing whether or not to adhere to postnatal confinement…

Endometriosis: What You Need To Know

Endometriosis is a condition that affects a woman’s reproductive health. According to the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s website, it is a common condition that affects about 10% of women…

Pregnancy Insurance is Peace of Mind for Your Baby Bump

With healthcare costs rising globally as well as here in Singapore, couples who are planning for parenthood are naturally concerned. While Singaporeans and permanent residents do enjoy subsidies for the…

Introducing Hegen’s Revolutionary Baby Bottle…

“Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open” – PCTO for short, and that’s Hegen’s patented tagline which accompanied the launch of the world’s first baby bottle without a screw neck! In other words, parents can…

Work-Life Balance for New Mums!

Not all mothers have the privilege of enjoying an extended maternity leave, longer than the prescribed sixteen weeks. Financial constraints or the desire to simply want to return to the…

Kid-Spacing: When should you have your next Child?

Choosing whether to have another child or not is a big decision for parents, and so is the timing of having a second, third – or more. The decision of…

Choosing a Primary School for your Child: Consider the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect

It’s once again that time of the year that drives parents of K2s into a frenzy. Yes, it’s time for Primary 1 registration and the stakes are high. Brand name…

Singapore STories At ArtScience Museum!

As part of its 170th anniversary, The Straits Times has collaborated with the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands to unveil an exhibition, “Singapore STories: Then, Now, Tomorrow”, that chronicles…

The Joys of Being an Older Parent

Local actress Carole Lin is having her first baby this August. She is 42 years old. The mum-to-be is in good company. She joins fellow Singaporean thespian Fann Wong (who…

Beesket Juices: Fun, Healthy & Tasty!

Beesket is a trendy and nutritious Korean born juice bar that opened its doors here in Singapore in early April. Its first outlet saw its launch at Changi City Point…

Choosing a CCA for your Primary School Child

When I was young, I took up a different CCA every year. These extra after-school classes gave me with opportunities to learn things I would not have been exposed to…

Are you a Saviour Mum or Dad?

I vividly recall a day when a tropical thunderstorm was in full force. I was in the school’s General Office when I saw a frazzled lady, with hair plastered to…

The Importance of Grandparents in a Child’s Growth & Development

People the world over are living longer, with many countries experiencing increasingly ageing populations. This means that more children are growing up knowing their grandparents, and in some cases their…

Social Media Mums: Posting or Boasting?

Children are a precious gift, nobody will deny that. And as a parent, it’s natural to want to boast about your creation and what he or she has been up…

Study-Smart Tips: Balancing Studies & Play

Striking the right balance between studies and play-time can be immensely stressful for parents. That’s why we’ve come up with these study-smart tips to help parents as we navigate the…

Braces: Does your Child need them?

One of the issues some growing children face relates to their mouths. No, it is not about what big chatterboxes they become, but concerns their teeth and whether or not…

Explore The Deep At The ArtScience Museum!

Light has been shed (literally!) on organisms residing 4,000 metres below sea level in The Deep, a first-of-its-kind exhibition in Southeast Asia which brings to you more than forty rarely…

10 Tips to Exclusive Pumping

Someone asked me: “Is motherhood easier the second time around?” You would think so. But for me, it was definitely harder. Baby C has proven to me that “every baby…

Interplay: Where Art & Science Meet

Science Centre Singapore (SCS) opened the doors of its latest exhibition, Interplay, to the public last Saturday, the 30th of May 2015. I was part of a media entourage that…

Review: Singapura The Musical

We were invited to the second gala night of Singapura The Musical last Saturday. The musical boasts double firsts: it is the first of three musicals (the other two being…

Coping as a Lower-Income (& soon-to-be) Single Mother in Singapore

“Before I got this job, we depended on my children’s bursaries. With these we managed to survive for one month while my husband was not working.” Madam Ainiah wants change,…

A Roadmap to Singapore’s Primary Education System

Singapore’s education system has been consistently evaluated by its Western counterparts. From articles such as Lessons from Singapore, Lessons On Education from Singapore, and Lessons Learned from Singapore’s Proactive Education…

Coding for Kids!

In tech speak, coding, formally known as computer programming, is a process which leads from an original formulation of a computing problem to executable computer programs. Was that all Greek…

Literary Mums We Aspire to Be Like!

Mother’s Day is just a mere three days away! If you still haven’t gotten the most important woman in your life anything yet, have you considered presenting her with the…

Mummies Tell Us!

Our favourite day of the year (Mother’s Day, of course!) is just a mere five days away! We hope you have picked out those gifts for Mum, or better still,…

Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Mum

She’s the superwoman whose wings you take shelter under, the one whose arms are always open for you. As author Mitch Albom describes in his novel For One More Day,…

10 Tips for Fuss-Free Kids’ Birthday Parties!

Dreams & Confetti is a one-stop shop for party aficionados located at Great World City. This adorable treasure trove offers a curated range of stylish tableware, premium partyware, classy decorations…

Where to Dine This Mother’s Day

It’s that time of the year again – with less than two weeks to go to Mother’s Day, most of you would be scrambling to make some special arrangements for…

Miam Miam: Where Mums Can Gather Over High Tea & Desserts

We are all by now aware that the word “stressed” spelt backwards gives us the delightful word “desserts”. An uncanny coincidence? I think not. Needless to say, working mothers experience…

Childhood Tales: Now & Then

UNESCO recognises the 23rd of April 2015 as World Book & Copyright Day. It is an opportunity to recognise the power of books to transform our lives for the better,…

5 Lessons About Nature That You Can Impart to Your Child

Earth Day is an annual worldwide event celebrated on April 22nd to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year, on the 45th year that Earth Day is being celebrated, the…

DIY: 5 Craft Ideas for Mother’s Day

It’s been said that “a mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take”. With Mother’s Day round the corner,…

Donya Vogue: More Options for Fashionista Mums!

Homegrown clothing label Donya Vogue held its maiden media launch at the Grand Hyatt on 8 April 2015. Donya Vogue is a relatively fresh brand which found its roots only…

Why Your Child Should Learn Swimming

Swimming is a recreational activity that dates back to pre-historic times. It emerged as a competitive sport only in the 1830s in England, where the very first indoor swimming pool…

Help Your Child Cope With (Exam) Stress

Seeing your child stressed is one of the most difficult things for a parent to go through. And because children may not always know how to express themselves, their stress…

She Spins, she Twirls, she Writes. Meet Jasmine Han of I’m Not Perfect. I’m A Mom

Frankly, it’s shocking. “My husband has never seen me perform,” says Jasmine Han, 36, owner of Slap Dance Studio <http://www.slap.sg>, where women of all ages (as long as they’re over…

Fitness for Kids: It’s Never Too Early!

The mention of fitness might trigger mental images of sweaty men and women gruelling themselves at the gym, all in the pursuit of a svelte figure and good health. But,…

CRIB: Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

Earlier on the 26th of March, CRIB held the launch of its “CRIB Women for Women Initiative” at the Glass Hall of the Singapore Arts Museum in an effort to…

What You Need to Know About Vaccinations

In late February this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Europe called for measles vaccination campaigns to be stepped up across the region after recording 22,000 cases of the…

My Child has Autism. Now What?

When a child is first diagnosed or suspected to have autism, it can be a very challenging time for the child’s parents and the family. In this early period, many…

SM Blogmum: 6 Ways to Reconnect with your Spouse

Few, if any, could have been left untouched by how devoted and dedicated Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, was to his wife of 63 years. Madam Kwa…

5 Lessons from LKY to Pass On to my Kids

Photo: MCI If, like me, you are a middle-aged parent, you are of the generation that has truly enjoyed the fruit of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s (LKY) success. The first…

Singaporean Climate-Friendly Fashion for Kids & Babies!

As a parent, you would have often found yourself gushing over adorable and highly fashionable miniature sized outfits for children in prominent clothing stores. However, before making a rash decision…

Parents, Inspire your Child to Self-Motivate

We yearn for the day when our children display self-motivation skills, when that primary school-going child does his homework without needing to be nagged, when the preschooler puts away her…

8 Useful Lessons (for Parents) with Primary 1 Kids

It’s not just our little ones that are starting Primary 1. It’s a steep learning curve for parents too! Here’s a useful guide with eight lessons to get you off…

10 Free Online Tools for Parents & Kids

The first Youtube kids app was launched a few weeks ago. As a parent I have always been wary of giving my children access to apps. But this app was…

Take Charge of Your Body: PCOS & Fertility

If you have been trying for a baby but have yet to be successful, you may want to check if you have a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). While…

15 Singaporean Authors (& Celebs) & Their Favourite Childhood Books

As a child, you’ve probably read Catherine Lim‘s novels or studied them as Literature texts in school. But did you know that as a child, this award-winning writer, political commentator,…

Fashion Scoop: Le Petit Society Spring/Summer 2015

Just two years in the making, Le Petit Society could be considered a mere sapling in the fashion industry. But thanks to thoughtful design, quality fabrics, and winsome details, this…

Juggling Life with Two Kids

If looking after one child, maintaining a house and working from home can be described as a juggle, then the arrival of my second child has turned it into a…

5 Fun Places to Enjoy the Lunar New Year

When I was young, Chinese New Year meant visiting friends and relatives, collecting red packets, and feasting at their homes. Shops were shut. The neighbourhood was a ghost town. You…

ADHD: What You Need to Know

Alex*, a five-year-old boy, has been on his mother’s nerves. Although most three-year-olds can dress themselves, Alex is still unable to dress himself sometimes. When outdoors, he does not walk,…

KidsSTOP: Where The Learning Never Stops!

The Science Centre Singapore has been around for 37 years and is constantly foraying into fresh areas of interest in order to widen the horizons for learning as far as…

Plan your Finances as a Couple, a Family, and with a Newborn

How do you plan financially for your new family? Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Singapore, shares some pointers. Valentine’s Day is the time of year when…

DIY & Giveaway: “Goat Xi Fa Cai” Food Art Bento with 3M™ Scotch®

Frankly, kitchen domestics make me go “blaaaah”. I’m chicken about chopping. What if I accidentally slice off the tops of my fingers together with the carrots? Cooking a simple meal…

Lunar New Year Fashion for New Mums

Finding the perfect outfits to don and dazzle everyone with during the festive season can be quite a Herculean task; especially if you are pregnant or are stuck in that…

5 Family Getaways to Reclaim that Pre-Baby Spark (even with the kids in tow!)

For a parent, going on getaways with the kids is often like — not going on one at all. How many times have you returned home from holidays thinking, ‘Gosh,…

Grooming for New Mothers

Pregnancy is an arduous process which takes a toll on just about every aspect of a woman’s physical and emotional health. We reckon it qualifies as a legitimate reason to…

Juggling Motherhood & Entrepreneurship: A Chat with Tjin Lee

She started off as an Advertising & Public Relations Executive and has scaled greater heights since then. Being the founder and CEO of the award-winning Mercury Group of companies comprising…

Another Family-Friendly Dining Option For Consideration

You now have an addition to your list of family-friendly dining choices on our sunny island. If you are on the lookout for buffet-style restaurants and you live in the…

Integrating A Child with Dyslexia

Children with dyslexia often struggle when it comes to integrating with their peers. Because children with this condition may find it hard mingle and communicate with others, their social lives…

A New Centre for Fertility

The Virtus Fertility Centre, which officially opened in Scotts Medical Centre yesterday, is a new fertility centre with Singapore’s first ISO accredited ‘clean room’ embryology laboratory, and an automated radio…

She’s Back to Her Fann-tastic Figure!

World renowned slimming experts Marie France Bodyline unveiled their new celebrity spokesperson, Singaporean actress Fann Wong, to the media on 7 January 2015 at 72-13, Mohd Sultan Road. The event,…

Homeschooling As An Option

The mandatory six-year primary school education scheme was implemented in 2003 in Singapore. Apart from government, autonomous and independent schools, there are a handful of choices for alternative educational paths…

Spring Cleaning 101: Get Your Home Spiffy The Natural Way!

The Lunar New Year will be here before you know it, and that means spring cleaning will be on the to-do list for many families. (we hear your groans!) Thank…

10 Tips to Console The Inconsolables

Have you ever gazed teary-eyed at the sweet angel-like face of your baby while he or she is asleep? Don’t you just feel like the luckiest person in the world…

Interior Adjustments for An Auspicious Year Ahead!

Earlier on Tuesday, AkzoNobel, the world’s largest paints and coatings company, and Way OnNet Group, a local geomancy consultancy firm, came together to provide an informative session on designing positive…

Save $4,500 in Baby’s First Year

Did you know that thermal pots, celery and sarongs can actually help save you money? Here are 11 practical daily tips on how to help save on baby, for baby. Having a…

Diastasis Recti: Not Just A Baby Belly

That post-baby tummy fat you’ve been carrying around might just be a condition called diastasis recti. Don’t worry, this condition is usually harmless. It is a well-known fact that some…

A Look Back At 2014: Top 10 Child & Family Centred Events

Outrage, fear and surprise were some of the emotions triggered by these events which made it to our Top 10 list. Here’s a look at what made the headlines in…

Should my Child have a Mobile Phone?

Your child goes to primary school in a few days. Should you get him or her a mobile phone? As a parent who has waited for my children at the…

The Importance of Play in Early Childhood

“I want to play. I want to play…” Frank pleaded, but his mother refused as she wanted her four-year-old to go for his Chinese enrichment class. Is play important? Should…

Preparing and Supporting Your Child in Primary School

Entering primary school is a milestone for many children. It marks the beginning of their formal education and can be a huge leap from the more relaxed setting of a…

DIY: “Rolling Good Times” Train Photo Frame

2014, with all its high and low points, is drawing to a close. What were some memorable events that had taken place for you and your child this year? Perhaps…

Financial Savvy for Kids in the 21st Century

Ernest Tan, the author of Raising Financially Savvy Kids, believes that it is crucial for children to learn money management skills. In fact, says the father of three, money management…

SM Blogmum: 8 ways to Teach Thankfulness to Children

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. — Cicero In view of the relative cushiness here in Singapore, it’s hard for children to…

Editor’s Picks: 12 Gifts of Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’ve been scouting around to find good stuff in stores and out there this Christmas for mums, dads, babies, kids, and…

8 Budget Holiday Activities in Singapore for Kids

Given the plethora of activities lined up for the school holidays, sending your child for everything on his wish list would probably cost a small fortune. Why not take this…

SM X’Mas Giveaway: Win a Bosch Athlet Cordless Handstick Vacuum Cleaner worth $649

I never thought I’d put housework in the same sentence as the words ‘freedom’ and ‘liberation’. Then I met the Bosch Athlet, the German multinational’s first cordless handstick vacuum cleaner…

50 fun and free things to do in Singapore with Kids!

Singapore is the 4th most visited city in the world, according to Forbes. From food to fun, quiet activities to energetic events, there’s something for everyone. But is there a…

Get Moving, Build Brains!

“The first five years of a child’s life are the most important for brain development.” How many times have you heard this? Too many? Well that’s because it’s true. SingaporeMotherhood…

Be a Doctor For A Day (+ Giveaway!)

Get your scrubs on! We’ve been checking out the new Doctor for a Day educational app developed by Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. This is a first-of-its-kind free edutainment app designed…

Helping Mothers Return to Work

Are you a stay-at-home-mum who gave up your career to raise her child? If so, you are one of the 31.8 per cent of females aged 25 and above whom…

The Beauty of the French Education System

In France, compulsory schooling starts at the age of six. Many parents though, start sending their toddlers to “maternelle” — the French version of playgroup, nursery and kindergarten — when…

Loving your Post-Pregnancy Body

You may be surprised by how your body looks and feels after you give birth. If you worried about your size when you were younger, your uneasiness about your body…

The Hmmm Strategy: Teach your child to Learn Independently

In the course of teaching children and coaching parents, I have observed a very interesting phenomenon that I shall call “All Or Nothing.” You see, when the children are very…

Cherish Those Fleeting Childhood Years

It has been said that cutting the umbilical cord is painless, but cutting the apron string hurts. As my son passed each milestone on his journey toward independence, I felt…

Celebrating a 100-Baby Birthday Bash, thanks to SingaporeMotherhood!

A birthday bash for 100 babies? Yes, a group of intrepid mums are planning this for their precious bundles who will turn one in January 2015. And since these ladies…

SM Blogmums : Part-time Work

Part-time or not part-time, once you become a mother? That is the question. I’ve been working part-time since my number two was born, and it’s been three years since then….

Schooling With Dyslexia in Singapore

Fanny Foo’s daughter, who has dyslexia, attends mainstream school. Jennifer, 12, has difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling. “As she is unable to read fluently, she gets a reader during…

Circumcision: To Cut Or Not To Cut?

Not counting those who do it for religious reasons, circumcision is fairly common in Singapore. According to the Ministry of Health website, there were 1,870 circumcision procedures performed in hospitals…

(Cord Blood) Banking For Good Health

Pregnant? Congratulations! Having a baby sets you on a steep learning curve, upon which you’re likely to come across the concept of cord blood banking. With advanced medical knowledge in…

Becoming A Foster Parent in Singapore

Madam Choo Kheng Huay, 58, has four children and seven grandchildren. She also has 14 other ‘children’ whom she has cared for under the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s…

Dealing with the Haze

I remember last year’s June school holiday very well. My husband was overseas. Only my two young daughters and I were at home. Thanks to the haze, the view from…

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

Today marks the launch of Startwell, a campaign initiated by the Lien Foundation to help children in Singapore have a happy childhood, to support parents in bringing up their children…

Teach Your Child to Self-Motivate

As a parent, it is so rewarding when you see your child succeed at something, whether an academic subject at school, a sport, a creative hobby or as a baby…

DIY: Easy Book-based Crafts for Preschoolers

Picture books lay the foundation for early literacy and encourage young children to explore the world through colours, words and rhythms. Besides fostering parent-child bonding and developing communication skills, studies…

10 Time- (and sanity) Saving Tips for Busy Mums

Whether you’re a working mum or a stay-home mum, time seems to be one of the most scarce resources of today. Some days, my time passes by in a blur,…

The Benefits of Active Play for Kids

On Sundays, merchandising executive Ifa Sani and her family often spend an entire afternoon at the beach where her three children aged six, nine, and 12 years race on their…

The Power of Music in Child Development

Music has an excellent reputation in the world of baby and child development. It’s been touted to increase brainpower, soothe the ‘savage’ baby (and sometimes even the petrified parent). Scientists…

Dreaming Up Preschool Spaces in Singapore

Imagine bringing your child to a school in the woods, or one rising from the sands. How about a learning ‘village’ above a carpark, or over a canal, or even…

Breastfeeding: Controversy in the Media

Breastfeeding is a contentious issue in the media. Photographs of breastfeeding mothers or celebrities on social media, breastfeeding videos that go viral, and breastfeeding-related incidents that hit the news bring…

Guiding Children on their Path of Self-Discovery

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Many people would remember being asked this question as a young child. We were encouraged to dream big! Some would…

Explaining the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to the Kids

I try to explain what’s happening in the news to my children aged six and eight years. I think it’s important because we do not live in a bubble and…

Growing A Theatre Culture for Preschoolers

The earlier you expose your child to theatre, the better, says Ruby Lim-Yang. The gamine co-Founder and Artistic Director of ACT 3 International and a stalwart of local children’s theatre…

15 Ways to Enjoy the September School Holidays

Three quarters of a school year has passed by and now the September holidays are here! Unfortunately we only have seven days to squeeze in all the amazing activities available…

The Tuition Debate

When Parliament met in September last year, Senior Minister of State for Education and Law Indranee Rajah answered concerns about the on-going “phenomena” of the private tuition industry here. [banner][/banner]…

The day we took the New 7-Seater Nissan Elgrand on a Spin

If you’re in the market for a family car, may we suggest taking a look at the new seven-seated luxury variant Nissan Elgrand? We were offered the opportunity to take…

10 Craft ideas for Teachers’ Day Gifts

With Teacher’s Day round the corner, what better way for your child to show appreciation to his teachers than to present them with a handmade gift? Here are some crafty…

Grow Your Child’s Sense of Grit

Ziauddin Yousafzai, father of Malala, the teenager who survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 for speaking out in favour of girls’ education, is often asked what he…

All You Need to Know about Moving House with Young Children

Whether you are just shifting into your brand new BTO (Built-to-Order) flat after the birth of your first child, or relocating to get closer to a Primary school of your…

SM Blogmums : Baby : Sleep-training

Sleep is one of the biggest worries on a parent’s mind. Most days (and nights) we wish we had more of it. I read up on sleep training and the…

3 (+1) Must-do Exercises for Easy Labour & Delivery

Little C is born. Our horsey boy came into the world on 3 July 2014. And boy did he make a quick galloping entrance. My total labour pushing time was…

Mothering – Instinct Or Learnt Skill?

Birth, breastfeeding, and nurturing young ones – are these instinctive behaviours or learnt skills? Before you become a mother, you may wonder whether you have ‘maternal instincts’. Here are some…

Is it Worth being a Parent Volunteer?

If you do not have any affiliation to your school of choice – you are not an old boy/girl, not an active community leader, and are not a member of…

Tips on Choosing a School for your Child

When it comes to choosing a school for one’s child, what are the factors that parents should consider before making a decision? Mrs Sheba Khan, a mother of two, once…

Transiting from Kindergarten to Primary 1

“I’m really looking forward to going to Primary One, are you?” My son asked me enthusiastically towards the end of his year in Kindergarten Two. “Well… it would be interesting…

The Preschooler’s Building Blocks for Academic Success

My daughter, Bea, will be going to primary school next year. With six months to go, I wondered if she would be prepared for Primary 1? Based on feedback from…

DIY: Crafting with Tapes (plus a Giveaway!)

There was a time when crafting with children required precision planning and meticulous military-grade preparation. There’d be newspapers spread out to protect floors from stains, scratches, paint, and sticky black…

How Charles & Keith does Work-Life Balance for Mums

These days, almost everyone puts in excess hours beyond the regular eight-hour workday to keep up with our fast-paced and highly competitive working environment. The promise of recognition and career…

Review: Losing that Belly with the Metabolite Wellness Treatment

It’s half a decade since my last pregnancy but I still wear maternity clothing. That’s because I have a food baby; a protruding tummy caused by my favourite snacks –…

Best Baby Gifts Ever! – Mums Tell Us

Being a new mum is a daunting task and it’s always good to get as much help as possible. Getting the ‘tools of the trade’ in good working order is…

A Baby Gift & Ang Pow Guide

In the past, my friends and I used to lug mega-sized packs of diapers when we visited girlfriends who had just given birth. Diapers, we rationalised, were the perfect gift….

Gestational Diabetes: How I Cope

Does it happen to you, taking things for granted the second time round? In my case it’s my second pregnancy. When I was pregnant with E the first time round,…

Plan for Your Child’s Future

Baby’s here. Now what? Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Singapore, tells us how to be ready for the years to come with our children. Having children…

Editor’s Picks: June 2014

Good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, dads, and all who are young at heart! TREATS TO CHEER Did you know that seven days without laughter weakens…

SM Blogmums : Baby : Weaning

Real-life pregnancy and parenting stories set in Singapore, from mums in Singapore. Welcome to our SingaporeMotherhood blog series, where we get local bloggers to share their motherhood experiences – from…

10 Ways to Make Breastfeeding Easier

I’ll be the first to admit that breastfeeding is not easy, especially for a new mum. It was with a lot of hard work, tears and sheer determination that I…

Can I Take a Flight while Pregnant?

Now that you are pregnant, it seems like there are a 101 things you are not supposed to eat or do. No sashimi, no alcohol, reduce caffeine, no roller coaster…

Nutrition during Pregnancy – A Personal Guide

Your nutritional health before and during pregnancy can affect your baby’s future health. Dr Abdul Aziz Bin Mohd Ali Sujak from Aziz Clinic For Women Pte Ltd tells us why…

The Ultimate June School Holiday Guide 2014

The second longest holiday of the year is here again! Whether you’ve already made plans to go away on a kid-friendly vacation or are staying in, looking to bond with…

The Secret to Looking Better than the Pre-pregnancy You!

Don’t we all live in a world where we are constantly fed with visuals of perfectly airbrushed, slim, and toned bodies? Not to mention images of those lucky genetically-privileged celebrity…

Nurturing Your Child to Excel

Dorothy Tam is mum to two daughters who are both Princeton University students. The family literacy facilitator, who organised enrichment programmes in Singapore for 10 years, shares her thoughts on…

The Imagination Journal

Earlier this year, I wanted to make a gift – instead of buying something – for a friend’s daughter who was celebrating her eighth birthday. The birthday girl is a…

Teaching Values to the Modern Child

Child developmentalist Ruth Liew, 49, works on understanding typical and atypical developments in children and supporting and fostering age-appropriate and stage-appropriate learning experiences to empower parents to achieve developmental milestones in…

Staycation: The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

You wouldn’t think that luxury and children go hand in hand, would you? But at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, younger guests get to live it up with special treats and…

June Holidays Made for Families

Exams are over (or almost over). The kids have play on the mind. You need a break. Everyone loves a holiday. But where to? See our top picks here. AWAY

SM Blogmums : Baby : P is for ‘ponteng’. P is for Play.

Real-life pregnancy and parenting stories set in Singapore, from mums in Singapore. Welcome to our SingaporeMotherhood blog series, where we get local bloggers to share their motherhood experiences – from…

The Magic of Theatre for Kids

Mother, actress, host, and presenter extraordinaire Jacqueline Chow-Voo is a believer in the power of theatre and drama as a channel for children’s enrichment. She tells us why, here. A…

Solo but Strong: Single Mothers in Singapore

It’s challenging enough being a mother, and doubly so when you have the tremendous task of raising children on your own. Kelly* (*names have been changed), a 41-year-old working mum…

Meet My Mum! : Andrew Lua

This Mother’s Day, we asked local celebrities to tell us about the First Lady in their lives – their mum. They say that behind every successful man stands a woman….

Meet My Mum! : Vanessa Ann Vanderstraaten

This Mother’s Day, we asked local celebrities to tell us about the women who come first in their lives. For actress, host and model Vanessa Ann Vanderstraaten, that’s her 61-year-old…

Meet My Mum! : Munah

This Mother’s Day, local celebrities give us a sneak peek into the women who’ll always think of them as “my baby”. Maimunah Bagharib, better known as Munah, is one-half of…

Meet My Mum! : Jill Marie Thomas

This Mother’s Day, we’ve asked local celebrities to give us a sneak peek into the women who’ll always think of them as “my baby”. You may remember Jill Marie Thomas…

Smile, Baby, Smile: Reconstructive Surgery for Children

No parent wants their child to have to go under the knife but sometimes, doing so is necessary and might even benefit the young one. Plastic surgery is one such…

Give Mum Something Different this Mother’s Day: Top Up her CPF Account

Stumped for ideas on what to get the First Lady in your life this Mother’s Day? Why not top up her CPF account? The CPF Board tells us why we…

Expecting a Baby? Learn more about your Financial Priorities and Prenatal Insurance

Having a baby is exciting. But adding another person (or more) to the family means that you will have to reconsider your family budget and finances. Ms Ho Lee Yen,…

Editor’s Picks : April 2014

A selection of good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, and all who are young at heart! FOR BUBS PUT A LABEL ON IT Daphne Ling of…

Toughen Up, Kid!

Teaching your children to be mentally and emotionally strong so that they can take on the world around them with panache and confidence might not be as tricky as you…

DIY Craft: Earth Day Door Hangers

Earth Day falls on 22 April (that’s tomorrow!). Jasmine Koh, who blogs at Scissors Paper Stone and who is mum to two boys aged five and eight, shares beautifully creative…

DIY Craft: Earth Day Door Hangers

Earth Day falls on 22 April (that’s tomorrow!). Jasmine Koh, who blogs at Scissors Paper Stone and who is mum to two boys aged five and eight, shares beautifully creative…

Blog : Baby : 10 Ways to Play with your Baby!

Real-life pregnancy and parenting stories set in Singapore, from mums in Singapore. Welcome to our SingaporeMotherhood blog series, where we get local bloggers to share their motherhood experiences – from…

Online Maternity & Nursing Fashion for Mums-to-be in Singapore

When you’re pregnant and feeling more fatigued than usual, even the thought of shopping for maternity clothes – which you will need, really! – can bring on a migraine. That’s…

Editor’s Picks – March 2014

This month, it’s a selection for mums because March is a month for women, because mums are worth it, and mums are women too! KEEP FRUIT & VEG FRESH Did…

For Family’s Sake: Surviving the Rising Cost of Healthcare

Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Singapore, tells us how we can stretch our dollars by staying in the pink of health, and by having the right…

Dinosnores! A Sleepover with Dinos at the ArtScience Museum

“Are they real?” the Small One asked a little nervously when I told the kids that we would be spending the night with some dinosaurs at the ArtScience Museum. “Of…

Managing Challenging Behaviour in Toddlers

For many parents, the first toddler meltdown around the age of two marks the beginning of a battle of wills between parent and child. As your child grows and strives…

SM Blogmums : Baby : The Pacifier, the Breast, the Rocker, and the Ergo

Real-life pregnancy and parenting stories set in Singapore, from mums in Singapore. Welcome to our SingaporeMotherhood blog series, where we get local bloggers to share their motherhood experiences – from…

What to Expect: Post-Delivery

The first six weeks after delivery is often a challenging time for a new mother. Not only does her body undergo many changes during this recovery period, she also has…

Getting Pregnant after 35

Carrying a child when you’re over the age of 35 brings with it some additional risks to both yourself and your baby. But it’s not at all an impossible task….

Choose the Right Insurance Policy for Your Family

Purchasing insurance for your family? Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Marketing Officer at AIA Singapore, offers some points to consider. The 2011 AIA Singapore Nationwide Protection Survey revealed that although…

SM Blogmums : Baby : Surviving Confinement

Real-life pregnancy and parenting stories set in Singapore, from mums in Singapore. Welcome to our SingaporeMotherhood blog series, where we get local bloggers to share their motherhood experiences – from…

Celebrations: Damon’s First Month (‘Manyue’)

Pregnancy, birth, the passing of a new year… Because they are occasions filled with so much love and joy, those to do with parenting, babies, and children can and should…

Post-Pregnancy: Your Body & Health

After giving birth, your body looks and feels like it belongs to a stranger. You’re oozing fluids from too many places, your abdomen looks as if baby hasn’t exited the…

10 Ways to Manage and Grow Finances for your Three-Generation Family

Juggling finances for three generations can be tricky. Ms Ho Lee Yen, Chief Marketing Officer at AIA Singapore, tells us how to succeed. Your financial situation and needs change as…

Teaching My Kids about Stranger Safety

Tragic happenings out in the world have prompted me to reflect on life, family, and protecting my children. As my growing kids spend more time apart from me, there are…

Top 10 SingaporeMotherhood articles in 2013

The 12 days of Christmas are officially over and yes, 2014 has definitely arrived. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 articles that made SingaporeMotherhood necessary reading for parents and…

10 Off-The-Beaten-Track Places to Visit with Your Kids

In this day and age, when you can hop on a flight to almost every nook and cranny around the globe, your options for travel are virtually limitless, especially if…

Editor’s Picks – Dec 2013

A selection of good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, and all who are young at heart! [banner][/banner] FOR MUM-TO-BE Prenatal Pilates at Focus Pilates Your body…

DIY: Recycling Plastic Bags into Gift Toppers

This is a Christmas Day DIY for children and their mummies to make! It comes from Jasmine Koh, who blogs at Scissors Paper Stone. Jasmine, who is mum to two…

Editor’s Picks – Celebrate in Style, With Style

You know what parties are like these days. Everything is Martha Stewart-ed to a tee, from three-dimensional cakes to colour-coordinated goodie bags that carry more style than substance. [banner][/banner] That’s…

Time-saving Tips for Busy Mums

It’s 10pm and the kids are finally in bed. The living room, strewn with toys and books, looks as though a tornado has swept through, and a pile of dirty…

A New Mum’s Best Friends

When you got married, you figured out a system for your household, from the division of labour to what goes where, to finding a solution for the laundry/cooking/car wash that…

Editor’s Picks – Nov 2013

A selection of good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, and all who are young at heart! [banner][/banner] BOOTS ‘N ALL If, like the lithe and lovely…

Paradise Living for the Family at Montigo Resorts

Taking the children on a holiday can be a rather daunting task. You want to relax but you’ll need to keep the kids occupied. You can’t go away for too…

Words! Words! Words!

“Go and study,” says Mommy as she is clearing the dishes. Little X is still watching a Youtube video on the Tablet. “Go and study!” says Mommy again while clearing…

Breastfeeding & Your Fertility

Many mothers wonder about their ability to conceive while still breastfeeding their babies. How is your fertility affected by breastfeeding? How does breastfeeding help mothers space their babies naturally, and…

Reflections of a WAHM

Like an acrobat balancing multiple spinning plates on sticks, I have been trying to juggle child-raising, housekeeping and working from home for six years. Last year, I developed repetitive strain…

How Breastfeeding Mums Benefit From Mother-to-Mother Support

Connecting with another person is the cornerstone of the human experience. Yet, in the weeks after baby arrives, hormonal fluctuations, intense emotions, feelings of responsibility and differences in opinions on…

Yes, you CAN Breastfeed in Public in Singapore

Did you hear about the mother who was chided for breastfeeding her baby at the Coca Restaurant in Resorts World Sentosa? The restaurant employee even covered her baby with a…

Parents United: How Kids Build a Family

When you get married and say your vows, you promise to share life with your spouse through weakness and health, through riches and poverty. There should be one other condition…

Editor’s Picks – July 2013

It’s Singapore’s 48th birthday this year. In human terms that’s about half a life lived and loved. So in this issue of Editor’s Picks we’re taking a stroll down memory…

Bye Bye Pacifier!

Binky, paci, dummy, “nee tu”, “chi chi” – call it what you will. That artifical teat represents comfort and security to many children around the world and a miraculous off-switch…

Changing the System, One Mum at a time!

Life doesn’t always turn out the way we think it would or should. Being a mom is a real roller-coaster experience. You just have to hang on white-knuckle tight by…

Haze: Coping with Kids

What are you doing to deal with the haze? Six mums share their coping strategies… [banner][/banner] BRING OUT THE AIR PURIFIER “We turn on the air conditioner all day. We…

Up For Sail with Superstar VIrgo

Water slides. Check. Kids’ club. Check. Family entertainment. Check. Cruise liner Superstar Virgo is making waves among families with their kid-friendly facilities, programmes and shows. Watch your budding buccaneers embark…

Real Motherhood in Singapore

Mothers in Singapore – local and foreign – share their experiences of living here and being a mum in Singapore. [banner][/banner] Tan Su-Lynn, 39, ex-Senior Marketing Executive, now a SAHM….

Editor’s Picks – May

A selection of good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, and all who are young at heart! [banner][/banner] READING UP ON MUM’S LOVE On the night you…

Mother’s Day Eats 2013

Ahhhh. Mum. The first woman in your life, the one who picks you up when you fall (yes, even now), the one whom you turn to for comfort when it…

Journeys that Lead Home

“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.” – W.E.B. Du Bois My life is a living example to my children of what is possible in life….

Large Singaporean Families (Part 2)

In the second part of our feature on large families in Singapore (read part one here), we speak to a mother who is expecting her sixth baby, and a mother-of-six…

Kids & Technological Gadgets

Mobile phones, MP3 players, iPads, and numerous other technological gadgets have revolutionised the way we interact with our world. While these latest gadgets offer us adults convenience, cost savings, and…

A SPLASHING Good Time at Sea!

The mid-year school holiday is fast approaching. Made any holiday plans yet? Set sail on the spectacular SuperStar Virgo, and enjoy a fresh family getaway packed with fun and surprises….

Editor’s Picks – March

A selection of good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, and all who are young at heart! WITHER THE WEATHER? Does your child ask you how clouds…

Singaporean Mum Abroad: Not All Fun and Play

We were the perfect Singaporean family: one child, two incomes, car, condo, all that jazz. But we decided to give all that up when we were given an opportunity to…

Large Singaporean Families (Part 1)

Many couples in Singapore feel conflicted about having more than one or two children. Concerns about family expenditure, balancing work and family, and issues about the children’s education loom large….

Confessions of a Germphobe Mom

When Little Dot was a baby, we placed a bottle of hand sanitiser right next to the front door. I had deliberately chosen a huge neon green bottle so that…

Raising a Larger Family in Singapore

In the past weeks, Singaporean parents have had a lot to think about. For many of us, the biggest thing on our minds has been the kind of future we…

Singaporean Mums Abroad: Germany & the United States

If parenting is tough, doing it in a foreign land and having to adapt to a new culture makes it even more challenging. Meet four Singaporean women (two here, two…

Censorship & your Child

Do you believe in censorship for children? Frankly, I feel that censorship is not an issue. We live in a time where children can easily access information, ideas, and images…

Open House for Parents of Sick Kids at NUH

The first ‘home-away-from-home’ for families with sick children opens in Singapore. A new Ronald McDonald House (RMH) was opened last month at the National University Hospital (NUH). The is a…

What’s your Relationship with other Parents like?

I recently read an article about a father who locked his three-year-old son in his room at bedtime. The little boy had been waking very frequently every night (up to…

Motivate your Child to Succeed

All their lives, I have told my children, “We are not a highly intelligent family. Mommy isn’t a genius. Daddy isn’t either. You, being our children, cannot be very smart…

Editor’s Picks: January 2013

A selection of good things in stores and out there for mums, kids, and all who are young at heart! [banner][/banner] SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED I may be wrong, but…

Coping with Separation Anxiety

With the beginning of the school year, I have had to deal with a contentious area for me – separation issues while dropping off my preschooler at kindergarten. At the…

Singaporean Mums Abroad: Sweden & China

If parenting is tough, doing it in a foreign land and having to adapt to a new culture makes it even more challenging. We speak to four Singaporean women (two…

Notes from A Mother’s Journey

As I approach the end of another year, I reflect on my 11 years of motherhood. I am thankful for my beautiful and lively children and the lessons I have…

What We Talked About in 2012

As we vroom through the last weeks of 2012, let’s take a look back to see what the year brought us in terms of parenting. [banner][/banner] TRACKING OUR KIDS A…

Teaching my Child to Give

“Look at that bird. He has no family or friends. He has to dig rubbish to look for something to eat. Don’t you think he is pitiful? You are lucky…

When a Child is Gone

Having a child die is probably the most agonising and heartrending experience any parent could ever endure. We speak to four mothers who lost their children too soon. As they…

Stopping at One in Singapore

“It’s hard to juggle the upkeep of our household as well as the high costs of bringing up a child in Singapore versus spending sufficient quality time with our children…

Help Your Child Learn Responsibility

One of the paradoxes of being a parent is that while we love our children deeply, one of our end goals is to equip our children with the skills they…

Finding my Balance as a Mother

When my children were younger, I stayed home to care for them. As they grew older, I began to study and work on a flexible basis, mostly from home. Nowadays,…

Striving for a Normal Primary School

My daughter has a good friend, J, from her old preschool. He recently visited us on a playdate. It was a pleasant surprise to see that he was interested in…

Shake That Little Booty!

I recently attended a dance festival in which my eight-year-old daughter was performing. I watched the performances with my young sons and we had a grand time, with the little…

Babies cruise free on SuperStar Virgo!

Pack your bags and treat your kids to an unforgettable family cruise on SuperStar Virgo. All aboard the “Babies at Sea Cruise” where a whole range of fun and exciting…

Lessons From The Kids

The four-year-old is a backseat driver. Apart from advising us on speed limits and the need to turn on windscreen wipers as soon as dark clouds beckon, he orders his…

Directory: Shops for New Mothers & Mums-To-Be

Aside from department stores which carry maternity and nursing wear, you will be able to find clothing, creams, pads, and even furniture for your little one from these shops. If…

Safety First: How To Baby-Proof Your Home

In the midst of the joy of anticipating baby’s arrival, we often forget something crucial – or figure that it can be dealt with later – making your home safe…

P1 Registration: The Final Ballot

By now, Phase 2B is already old news. The letter from our dream school, ticked at the “your-child-has-been-unsuccessful” box, is lying on the shelf. It is not a pleasant souvenir…

P1 Registration: That Balloting Business

When we went to register at our primary school of choice for our daughter, we were anxious to see so many cars seeking parking lots, and couples with folders asking…

Don’t Go Nuts Working At Home, Mum!

So you’ve made the choice to be a work-at-home mum (WAHM) because you want to be there for your kids. You want to care for them, nurture them and make…

P1 Registration: Something To Look Forward To

The Primary 1 (P1) registration frenzy has started. Congratulations, if you have already managed to get your child into the school of your choice. The rest of us who are…

Anxiety Over Primary 1

Since the dates were announced by the Ministry of Education, my husband and I have been reminding each other daily how many days there are left to the Big Day….

My Tantrum-y Two-Year-Old

Two weeks ago, we had a teacher-parent meeting at the girls’ preschool. The teacher of our two-year-old girl told us good naturedly, “All children who are quiet at school, are…

Boob Camp For Breastfeeding Mums

Wendy Cho, a Master Trainer at True Fitness, recommends the following exercises exercises to help delay the downward slope of breasts after breastfeeding. Pregnancy and childbirth cause many physical changes…

Exercising While Breastfeeding? Get Support – Mammary Support, That Is

After baby is born, mums have one specific goal in mind – to lose that baby weight and postnatal bulge. Unfortunately, most have to sweat their way through workout after…

The Mums Around Us

With Mothers’ Day just around the corner, we meet four very special women and learn how each has made – and continues to make – a difference in the lives…

10 Apt Apps For Mums

Just about everyone today carries around a smartphone or tablet – or both – whether they be Android based or one of the seemingly ubiquitous family of iPhone, iPad and…

Choosing A Primary School for your Child

In less than two months, your child’s education foundation will be decided when you register him for primary education in Singapore. So how do you choose the right school for…

Being a Parent: Often Misunderstood, but Always Meaningful

This morning, I walked into a deserted fast-food restaurant for breakfast. Pretty quickly I noticed the cleaner, a young well-built male, spiffy, with decent looks, and not a trace of…

Confinement: Reconditioning Yourself After Pregnancy

The first 30 to forty days after you give birth is the period where you are confined to a certain regimen comprised of nutritious diet, to-do’s and not-to-do’s, and lots…

Pregnancy: From Tradition To Maternity

When it comes to pregnancy, we Chinese take top prize in the weird stakes. As if there’s not enough law and order – whether civilian or not – to follow,…

Moving House

Ideally, when you have young children — five years and 18 months old in my case — you just want to stay rooted to where you are. Why leave, when…

Last-Minute Online Christmas Gift Guide

Yes, it’s officially 13 days to Christmas. If you’ve been diligently shopping and stockpiling gifts throughout the year and have already wrapped, tagged, and stacked them, good girl! If not,…

Modern Motherhood Is Stressful

A friend of mine — one of those beautiful, vivacious, gregarious, seemingly perfect-lead-a-charmed-existence kind of women who always leaves me staring after her in drop-jawed wonder — recently thought aloud…

Staying Home, Staying Happy

Many expectant mothers feel much joy and anticipation as they await the arrival of their little one. Some look forward to capturing every milestone of their child’s development. Others, not…

The P1 Orientation

At the P1 orientation session in some schools, after the children are separated from their parents and brought to their classrooms, the kids are given a battery of written tests…

Ahoy there! SpongeBob onboard Star Cruises

Fun-filled entertainment with SpongeBob onboard the SuperStar Virgo! Kick off the year-end school holidays with 19 “SpongeBob At Sea”- themed cruises exclusively onboard Superstar Virgo from 18 November to 30…

Child Care In Singapore: Nannies & Babysitters

She may not be a Maria from The Sound Of Music, a Mrs Doubtfire, or even a Mary Poppins. But if your baby is still very young, having a nanny…

Breastfeeding: The Latch

Upon beginning your breastfeeding journey, you’ll start to hear the words ‘latch’ and ‘latching’ a lot. They have nothing to do with locks and bolts. However, you will soon find…

Beat the Postnatal Bulge

Supermodels pop a baby and are back on the catwalk in a couple of weeks, looking fabulous. You grunt, puff, holler and gasp a baby out, and still look like…

Despicable Me

It’s a fact: bullying happens everywhere. Bullying is prevalent throughout the world and cuts across all socio-economic, racial/ethnic and cultural lines. An estimated 20 to 30 per cent of kids…

Baby Blues: When Perinatal Depression Strikes

Perinatal depression, which refers to depression occurring during pregnancy or the first year postnatally, affects up to 15 per cent of women in Singapore. Dr Cornelia Chee, Consultant & Director…

Breastfeeding 101

The very first thing you should know about breastfeeding is that is it the absolute best thing that you can do for your baby. Breast milk is the perfect food…