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….

Your Ultimate Guide to Indoor Playgrounds in Singapore (2023 Update)

If contending with either sweltering heat or unexpected rain showers isn’t your idea of fun, this listicle is for you. Because the best indoor playgrounds in Singapore are like adventure…

Gaucher Disease: Rare, but Dangerous, especially for Infants and Children

Children often complain of fatigue, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. But these complaints could indicate something more dire — like Gaucher (pronounced go-SHAY) disease — if they are accompanied…

40 Top Maternity & Newborn Photography Studios in Singapore

From dreamy maternity photoshoots to fun family portraits, put yourself and your family in the spotlight. Your pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks. Those tiny newborn facial features? Not even 40…

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…

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….

All You Need for a Kid-friendly Halloween 2023 – From Creepy Costumes to Enchanting Events

Horror houses and scare fests are all well and good when you’re a footloose teenager or fancy-free young adult. But once you get promoted to parenthood, it’s time to replace…

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…

Hearing Loss in Babies & Children – The Silent Epidemic

Hearing loss is not just a problem for the elderly. In Singapore, about 1 in 1,000 babies born each year has profound hearing loss, and 5 in 1,000 have some…

September School Holidays 2023 Activity Guide for Kids and Families

Believe it or not, the September school holidays arrives in 11 days’ time, and will last for 11 days. Because of the Presidential Election calendar shuffle, it effectively begins on…

12 Unique Teachers’ Day Gifts under $12 that Support Local (2023 Edition)

Teachers are loving, patient, and smart people who educate, discipline, guide, and inspire our children. They often sacrifice their own time, energy, and sleep to nurture kids they aren’t even…

9 Ways to Better Manage Childhood Myopia & Prevent Its Progression

Singapore is the myopia capital of the world, with the highest rates of childhood myopia worldwide. But it doesn’t mean that it’s inevitable or that there’s nothing we can do…

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…

June 2023: Eat, Play, Shop & More for Families in Singapore this Month

Between the June school holidays and a public holiday at either end of this month, expect exciting family experiences galore. As always, we’re here to update you on everything fun…

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…

Sensory Odyssey: Into the Heart of Our Living World is a Visual Feast that Kids will Love

Is your child is a Nat Geo or Discovery Channel fan? Make like a gazelle and run, don’t walk, to Sensory Odyssey: Into the Heart of Our Living World. This…

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….

June School Holidays 2023: Fabulous Fun for Kids and Families

If you’re wondering how it’s possible that we’re almost halfway through the year, you’re not alone. In fact, the June school holidays 2023 begins on Saturday, 27 May! Are you…

Do You Know If Your Child Needs Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Does your child frequently complain about mouth ulcers? Is there a change in the way your once bubbly and always smiling child interacts with others? Are your child’s speech or…

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…

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…

Easter 2023: 30 Eggs-periential Brunches, Goodies & Egg Hunts for Every-bunny

How are you planning to spend this Easter 2023 holiday? There are so many ways to celebrate, starting with treating loved ones to an egg-ceptional Sunday brunch spread. Remember to…

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…

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…

March School Holidays 2023: Exciting Experiences for Kids and Families

The March school holidays kick off in just about 10 days’ time. Some of you may be planning a quick family getaway overseas, and we don’t blame you! But if…

A Fabulous Family Getaway at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove (Review + Giveaway)

A month with no public holidays to look forward to seems like the perfect excuse for a staycation. So when W Singapore – Sentosa Cove kindly invited us to stay…

Budget 2023: Bigger Baby Bonus + More Benefits and Subsidies for Parents

During his Singapore Budget 2023 speech two days ago, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong announced a slew of new and added measures to boost support for Singaporeans…

How Mastering Three Languages Will Help Secure Your Preschooler’s Future Success

Ever thought about why humankind is superior to all other animals? A big part of it is how our brains evolved the ability to communicate. From grunts and gestures to…

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,…

Future Skills for Your Preschooler: Why It’s Necessary and How iSTEAM Helps

Thirty years ago, our parents could never have imagined that today, we could watch movies, order groceries, and book a car — much less an overseas vacation — via our…

Where to Find Qipao, Cheongsam, and Twinning CNY Clothes for Chinese New Year 2023

Huat ah! This coming Lunar New Year – it’s on 22 January 2023 by the way – is the first non-socially distanced Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration in two years….

13 Top Kids Dance Classes in Singapore – from Ballet to Breaking

Believe it or not, breaking (or breakdance, as us oldies called it) is an Olympic sport that will feature at Paris 2024. And SportSG even launched a structured street dance…

Children’s Museum Singapore: 5 Things we Love about this brand new space for Kids

Over the weekend, a new space for children opened in Singapore. That’s Children’s Museum Singapore (CMSG), the first museum here dedicated to children aged 12 years and below. It takes…

8 Fun School Holiday Learning Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten Children

The year-end school holiday is here and there is so much to look forward to, from wonderful food to simply enjoying a break from the usual routine. To make the…

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…

19 Year-end School Holiday Activities Worth Your While

The year-end school holiday runs from 19 November to 31 December. There are loads of year-end school holiday activities to keep the kids busy, but it’s what you choose to…

Future-ready Kids: Meet Brilliant Inventors Who Are Still in Preschool!

Today’s preschoolers are tomorrow’s leaders, architects, teachers, scientists, and inventors. But there’s no reason for them to wait till they grow up before they start doing all that. After all,…

Halloween 2022: Kooky Kid-friendly Fun for Everyone

“When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween.” This quote, from the cover of a blank novelty notebook designed as a…

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…

A Closer Look at Ortho-K Lenses for Children with Myopia

Michelle Hon first heard about ortho-K lenses from a mummy blogger friend. “I remember reading about how wearing the lenses helped her daughter, but I had no idea how it…

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…

12 Unique Teachers’ Day Gifts under $12 (2022 Edition)

Teachers are loving, patient, and smart people who educate, discipline, guide, and inspire our children. They often sacrifice their own time, energy, and sleep to nurture kids they aren’t 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…

Best Kids Dentists & Family-friendly Dental Clinics in Singapore + Costs in 2022

Parents, take note. Your child’s first visit to the dentist should happen when they turn one or when their first tooth sprouts. Some think baby teeth don’t matter since they…

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…

Singapore’s Only Preschool with Habits of Mind Framework – Where Preschoolers Learn like GEP Students!

Parents living or working in the Dover area now have an exciting new option for exceptional early childhood education. Mulberry Learning, which offers award-winning infant care for tiny bubs as…

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…

June School Holidays 2022 Activity Guide for Kids & Families in Singapore

School’s out! Well, almost, so it’s time to start planning how to keep the kiddos engaged for a month. You could go adventure camping as a family, dine with dinosaurs,…

“Is It Really Okay to Let My Child Fail Spelling?”

A parent asked me this question during the last session of a four-week programme on motivational strategies. The discussion was on creating intrinsic drive instead of repeating the arduous weekly…

#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…

Paediatricians and Paediatric Clinics in Singapore that Parents Trust

The most important thing to every parent is the health and well-being of their child. When your little one falls ill, you want a doctor who not only hastens their…

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…

“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…

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…

9 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas for Kids That Mums Love Too!

Ensuring our children have a proper, nutritious, and yummy breakfast every day isn’t easy. Busy parents don’t always have the luxury of time to prep a fresh meal first thing…

Why the Huawei MatePad Pro is a Family’s Constant Companion

We’re definitely living in challenging times, with constant changes being the only, well, constant. Standard topics for small talk now range from “Have you gotten your vaccines?” to “Are you…

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…

20+ Exciting Year-end School Holiday Activities – Let’s End 2021 on a High!

After more than 11 roller-coaster months, we’re all ready to call it a year. But until 2022 actually rolls around, help your children make precious memories with these exciting year-end…

Seriously Fun Skateboarding Lessons for Kids in Singapore

When a bunch of 12- and 13-year-old girls stole the show at the Ariake Urban Sports Park in Tokyo earlier this year, it signalled the arrival of a new era….

School Transport Services in Singapore – More Options Than We Thought!

Your child is starting Primary One next year and the school bus services don’t cater to your needs. Or you only need one-way transport, but they insist on charging you…

7 First-rate Enrichment Programmes for Special Needs Children in Singapore

Most Singaporean parents think nothing of enrolling their kids in extra-curricular activities such as music, art, or sports. They hope to give their offspring a more holistic education outside of…

“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…

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…

It’s Reel Fun at These Family-friendly Fishing Spots in Singapore!

It may be hard to believe when you look at the bustling metropolis we live in today, but long before Raffles landed here, our sunny island set in the sea…

On a Roll with PAW Patrol at City Square Mall!

Are your little ones fans of Ryder, Chase, Skye, and the rest of the PAW Patrol team? Then get ready to report for duty at City Square Mall during the…

“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…

September School Holidays 2021: Outdoor & #StayHome Fun for Every Child

Is it just me or has this year literally zoomed past? The September school holidays will be here (4-12 September) in two weeks! While it may be tempting to lock…

Help Your Kids Prepare for PSLE Chinese Exams in 2021 – Not 1991!

When 45-year-old stay-home mum Gina Siow tried to teach her 11-year-old daughter Jade “using methods my long-suffering Chinese tutor used to help me during my time”, nothing seemed to work….

10 Teachers’ Day Gifts under $10 that #SupportLocal and #GiveBack

Each year, we show our appreciation for teachers on the first Friday of September. Many educators say that the best gifts are those that don’t cost a lot — it’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…

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…

“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…

13 Places to Tackle Bouldering and Rock Climbing for Kids (+ Elliott Goes Upwall Climbing!)

The next time your kids are driving you up the proverbial wall, tell them to go — literally — climb the walls instead! They’ll not only get to work off…

Digital vs. Natural Worlds: What Preschoolers Really Need

Parents, are you doing enough to equip your preschoolers with the tools they need to pursue their happiness and success? With the increasingly digital world they are growing up in,…

White Lodge International Preschool & Childcare: where Child-centred Learning comes First

Living in Singapore offers us parents the best of all worlds when it comes to giving our children the right start in early education. But with the myriad of preschool…

“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…

Our Pick of Ukulele Lessons for Kids in Singapore

The ukulele is easily one of the most melodious instruments around. And with just four strings, it’s also one of the easiest to learn. In fact, many ukulele instructors swear…

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…

Top 6 Cycling Schools Where Kids Can Learn to Cycle in Singapore

Is your kid chomping at the bit to pedal away on his own two wheels? Bet you’re not ready to let go! Most children can learn to ride a bicycle…

Let British Council Holiday Study Camps Future-proof Your Child

‘Woke’ parents understand that acing exams isn’t everything, and that having a good dose of fun is essential to their children’s happiness. That’s why many parents indulge the kids in…

Urban Gardening with Kids: How to Grow Fruits and Veggies at Home

Have you ever asked your kids where their food comes from and got the answer “the supermarket”? Well, perhaps it’s time to bring them back down to earth — literally!…

“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…

“There is no norm to follow” says this mum about the GEP (Gifted Education Programme)

Eight to nine-year-olds in Singapore undergo their first education milestone when they wear a sorting hat called the GEP screening in Primary 3. The letters stand for the Gifted Education…

48 Top Maternity, Newborn, Children & Family Photography Studios in Singapore

Your pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks. Those tiny newborn facial features? Not even 40 days. And as your children grow, every milestone along the way is yet another experience to…

Children’s Day Long Weekend 2020: A Uniquely Different Celebration of Fun!

It has been a year of alternative celebrations, and this Children’s Day long weekend is gearing up to be uniquely different as well. Firstly, instead of happening on the first…

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…

PSLE Revision: 9 Easy Ways to Help Your Child with Last-Minute Mugging

P-S-L-E. These four letters strike panic in the hearts of parents while their kids stay sanguine, enviably relaxed and oblivious (or is it just mine?). The biggest national exam for…

September School Holidays 2020: Home and Away Fun for Everyone (+ a Giveaway!)

With the MOE school calendar all topsy-turvy this year, you would be forgiven for losing track of the dates. But the kids surely haven’t forgotten that the September school hols…

13 Smart Teachers’ Day Gifts under $10

Ever tear your hair out trying to manage just one rascal at home? Now imagine how one teacher handles a classroom of 30 at a time! Teachers are superheroes who…

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….

PSLE English Oral: A Practical Guide for Students and Parents

This year’s PSLE English oral examinations take place on 13 and 14 August 2020. Is your Primary Six-er prepared? This component may carry only 15 per cent weightage out of…

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…

The Power of Probiotics for Kids (+ a Giveaway)

Since the start of this year, and throughout the circuit breaker in Singapore, nine-year-old Aly has been in the pink of health. Her mother, artist and Lula J Jewelry founder,…

Does your Child have Good Poop?

You know you’re a parent when you find yourself taking photos of your child’s poop, and having no qualms about talking to other parents about your child’s faecal matter. Don’t…

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…

When your Child has a Headache

When my child first said his head hurt, I didn’t think he had a headache. I figured the active kid had bumped his noggin on something, and that the pain…

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…

10 Signs your Preschooler may have Dyslexia

A six-year-old child I taught could use polysyllabic words (very long words) to describe a very enjoyable school holiday vacation. However, when asked to spell these same words, the child…

4 Ways to Help your Kids Manage Childhood Myopia

Did you know that Singapore has one of the highest rates of childhood myopia among seven to nine-year-olds in the world (source)? At age five, almost a fifth of children…

May School Holidays 2020: Cool stay-at-home Activities your Kids can do

The mid-year school holidays in May? Who’d have thought this would happen? But unprecedented circumstances thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic means unprecedented school holiday dates, and the need for unprecedented…

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…

Earth Day 2020: Upcycled Craft Ideas for #stayhome Fun

It is Earth Day today, Wednesday 22 April, and while you and the kids are in #stayhome mode, there’s lots you can do to celebrate this planet we call home….

Speaking off the Cuff: 10 Tips to Help Your Child Improv like a Pro

Speaking off the cuff can be a daunting experience, even for some of the bravest little superstars out there. Show-and-tell and presentations are part and parcel of school life now,…

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…

What do Chefs and Foodie Parents put in their Child’s Lunchbox?

The school bag is packed, the uniform is ready. Now what to put in the lunchbox? You may even be thinking of packing two — one lunchbox for recess, and…

2020 Kids Running Events – It’s Formula Run Time!

Many adults participate in running events as a way to escape from the stress of daily life. Children, too, can benefit from running, so why not make it a family-bonding…

Best FREE Book Apps for Kids

Reading and fostering a love of books has been an integral part of parenting for years. However, starting young ones on reading can be challenging, especially with so many other…

Is your Child Drinking Too Much Sugar?

Did you know that around 13 per cent of children in Singapore aged six to 18 are overweight?1 While those chubby ‘apple’ cheeks and that rounded belly may look adorable,…

CNY Cheongsam 2020: Because Matching Traditional Outfits for the Whole Family is a Thing

Chinese New Year always brings about a flurry of excitement. And it begins with donning your brand-new CNY outfit before making rounds to visit family and friends. The traditional cheongsam…

5 Key Areas in Your Child’s Development that Need a Crucial Boost

Mums, do your kids seem to fall prey to every virus that comes along? Do you often struggle to get them to finish their meals? Let’s all take a collective…

Posture Perfect: 3 Ways to Help your Child Stop Hunching and Slouching

How many times have you heard parents telling their children to “sit up straight”? In fact, your parents probably said the same thing to you when you were young. Then,…

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…

Choose the Right Growing Up Milk to give your Child’s Growth and Development a Boost

From the ages of one to three years, your child is hurtling from infancy through toddlerhood to their preschool years. At this stage, they are developing at the speed of…

30 Awesome Annual Family Passes Worth Spending on (2019 Update!)

Let’s face it. As amazing as some of Singapore’s best family-friendly attractions or children’s playgrounds might be, entry doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, more of them are offering annual family passes…

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…

Help your Child Grow Tall (or taller) with Tian Qi and these Traditional Recipes

Please let my child be short, said no mum ever. Indeed, the quest for height is an age-old one, forged by the belief that tall equals success in all aspects…

21 Eerie-sistable Kid-friendly Halloween Events 2019 (Plus TWO Giveaways!)

It’s that time of year again when we dress (the kids) up in ghoulishly cute costumes and go trick-or-treating. Of course, parents with young kids would prefer lots of “Boos”…

10 Mum-Tested Ways to Keep Calm and Help your Kids Prepare for Exams

Term 4 of the school year is here and with it, exams. While MOE (Ministry of Education) has removed assessments for Primary 1 and 2 pupils and (by 2021) mid-year…

Children’s Day 2019: Events and Activities to Surprise the Kids on Their Special Weekend

Adults generally don’t think much about Children’s Day. It’s just a one-day school holiday for the younger ones and a regular work day for everyone else. Well, why not take…

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…

HortPark Nature Playgarden – A Magical Garden for Little Ones

I believe it’s important for kids—and even adults—to get out into the great outdoors now and again. Climb a tree, roll in the mud, get dirty and simply get creative…

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…

September School Holidays 2019: 26 Fun Events and Activities to Keep your Little Ones Busy

It’s the September school holidays again. If your children are attending local schools in Singapore this is the second, and last week-long holiday of the year for them. It’s also…

Teachers’ Day 2019: 10 Thoughtful Gifts your Child’s ‘Cher will Cherish Forever

Teachers’ Day is approaching (6 September 2019) and appreciating your teachers has never been easier. These no-fuss, no-frills gift ideas that kids can create at home or together with friends…

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…

Kiztopia Singapore Indoor Playground: 18,000 sq ft of Fun for Kids at Marina Square (Review)

Having spent the entire week counting down to the media preview of Kiztopia on Friday, little Elliott was bursting at the seams to get in. But first, we had to…

June School Holidays 2019: 43 Super-fun Things for Kids to do

The four-week long June school holidays break is almost here! Have you got your jet-set plans all mapped out? Not to worry if not, for there are TONS of things…

Gallery Children’s Biennale 2019: Play by a river, explore a kampung, go underwater, and more!

The first Gallery Children’s Biennale in 2017 pioneered the idea of a dedicated visual arts festival just for little ones. More than 286,000 visitors thronged the National Gallery Singapore to…

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…

Your Child has Asthma? Here are 8 ways to Help

Know the triggers, the symptoms, and how to treat your child’s asthma. And, yes, it’s okay for them to exercise too. If you have ever watched rock star Pink belting…

Growing Up Gifted and Courageous!

The 21st century can be a daunting place to be in, especially when you’re little. But to truly prepare children for a journey of growing up gifted, you have to…

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…

Can Tech be Good for Kids? Yes, says this Doctor

How can tech for kids be a positive experience? With proper rules, role modelling, self-awareness, and parental guidance, it can. There’s no escaping the fact that tech for kids surrounds…

34 Awesome Activities for the March School Holidays 2019

The March school holidays 2019 are a welcome break from school and we’re looking forward to trying out as many on this list of awesome activities as we can. Join…

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…

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…

10 Super Kid-friendly Libraries in Singapore which have more than just books

There’s much more to a good children’s library than just endless shelves of children’s books. We’ve picked out 10 of the most kid-friendly libraries in Singapore to illustrate just what…

How to Teach your Children about Fake News

What you see is not always what you should believe. Fake news can hurt your child and impact their self-esteem. So use these age-appropriate tips to guide your children away…

Is Your Child’s Schoolbag Too Heavy?

Is your child’s schoolbag providing adequate support for your child? Take the time to check, and switch to a more suitable one if necessary. It could help save your child’s…

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…

How to Iron School Uniforms Perfectly. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science!

Our Singapore school uniforms are pretty cool. But how can you iron school uniforms — with their pleats, cuffs, and what not — perfectly? Get the pro-tips here. School uniforms…

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Kids in Singapore

From Aikido and Karate to Muay Thai and Taekwondo, there are so many forms of martial arts that help our kids learn to put their best foot forward. Recently, little…

8 Tips on Choosing the Best Student Care Centre for Your Child

More before- and after-school care centres are offering added value to their services these days. Here’s what you need to consider when choosing the best student care centre for your…

10 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Teens (2018)

Believe it or not, finding the best Christmas gifts for teens is not an impossible task. And yes, while a pet may be a perfect gift for some, we’re looking at…

10 Cool Christmas Gifts for Kids aged 6-12 years (2018)

Seriously, there’s no such thing as perfect Christmas gifts for kids. Every gift is wonderful to them. Still, these, we think, will add a touch of awesomeness to every child’s…

SuperPark Singapore – The Revolutionary 40,000-sqf Indoor Playground for the Whole Family

The SingaporeMotherhood Team, with little Elliott leading the way, headed to the official launch of SuperPark Singapore on 17 November 2018 to discover the ‘Superparking’ lifestyle from Finland. While trying painstakingly…

Circumcision in Singapore: How, Why, and What Happens

All you need to know about the what, why and how of circumcision in Singapore, whether for religious or non-religious purposes.  Circumcision is a procedure which removes excess foreskin on the…

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…

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….

How to Choose the Right Spectacles for your Children

The right pair of spectacles which fit children comfortably can help maintain healthy eyes and good vision, which play critical roles in a child’s learning and development. Do your children…

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,…

Help Your Child Improve School Marks with these New Tech Tools

There’s no way to stem your child’s exposure to or interest in online experiences. Why not use them to put your child ahead in the learning game and improve school…

September School Holidays (2018): 21 Fabulously Fun Learning Experiences to enjoy before the mugging starts

The September school holidays are the final break your school-going children will get to enjoy before their year-end exams. Here’s a tip: let them have their fun. Need ideas? Read…

Male Circumcision in Singapore: When your Son needs the Cut

Male circumcision is not uncommon in Singapore . But what does it really involve and how do you know if your son needs it? Dr Joyce Chua, Specialist in Paediatric…

Childhood Fever: When to See a Paediatrician

Generally, a fever is the body’s way of fighting an infection. However, it can be scary for a parent when your child’s temperature spikes. When is it serious enough to…

5 Ways to Help Your Preschooler Learn English More Easily

Helping your preschooler to learn English at home is easier than you think. Here are five fun ideas that will help your child pick up the language quickly, and enjoy…

PSLE Exams: 9 Easy Ways to Help Your Child Do Last-Minute Revision

Is your child taking the PSLE exams this year? If he or she has not started revising yet, it’s time to buck up ‘cos they’re only a month and a…

P1 Registration 2018: Changes + Important Dates to Know

It’s that time of the year again – P1 Registration! Here’s our handy guide to all the new changes in 2018, and important dates to take note of. As parents,…

Why MindChamps PreSchools is the #1 Choice for Parents in Singapore!

MindChamps PreSchools has remained parents’ number one choice in pre-schools for their children for the past decade. Find out why at their Welcome Days at 29 participating centres! Did you…

5 Essential 21st-Century Skills every Child Needs to Learn Today

The world is constantly evolving, becoming more complex and fast-changing. In fact, the world that our children will be working in when they grow up will be vastly different from…

How Early Intervention Programme (EIP) Can Help Children with Learning Challenges Prepare for School

If your child has learning challenges, an Early Intervention Programme (EIP) can help prepare him or her for primary school or SPED life. As a parent, you may have realised…

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…

Buds by Shangri-La: The New Magical Playground in Town (Giveaway + Review)

Buds by Shangri-La is a newly launched dedicated children’s interactive play space in the heart of Orchard Road, and it’s open to the public. Elliott − and his mummy −…

Food Wars: Get Your Fussy Little Eater to Eat Better

Hands up if you think your child is a fussy eater! You too? Find out how to get our picky eaters to have more culinary adventures instead of grazing over…

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…

Fire Station Open House at Tampines Fire Station (2nd SCDF Division HQ)

A trip to a fire station open house is a dream come for fire truck-loving children, as our roving reporter Elliott and his mum discover when they visit the Tampines…

Martial Arts for Kids − Where to Groom Mini Ninja Warriors and Karate Kids in Singapore

Martial arts for kids is fast gaining popularity in Singapore. Help your child learn new skills, stay active and unleash their inner warrior! Martial arts can be a positive, healthy…

March School Holidays 2018: 26 Super-Fun Activities for Kids to Enjoy

In a blink of an eye, the first term of school is over and the March school holidays (10-18 March 2018) are here. Check out what we’ve found in and…

Think Your Child’s Snoring is Cute? Think again. It could be Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)

Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a common childhood sleep disorder that can affect your child’s brain and physical development. So if Junior’s been snoring in his sleep, get help now….

Chinese Zodiac Forecast for Kids in 2018, Year of the Earth Dog

Find out what’s in store for your little darling this coming year of the earth dog with this Chinese zodiac forecast for kids that’s specially created for SingaporeMotherhood by Dato…

CNY clothes for Kids: These 12 #MadeInSingapore brands have the Most Stylish ones for 2018!

Let your little ones can ring in the Chinese New Year in style with these made-in-Singapore collections. We’d be proud to wear them not just during CNY, but every single day of…

Elliott’s Amazing Amazonia Singapore Adventure (Review)

Amazonia Singapore has been around for some time, but it’s still one of our favourite indoor playgrounds in Singapore. SingaporeMotherhood’s intrepid explorer Elliott finds out why kids of all ages…

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…

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,…

Take to the Skies with Above and Beyond: The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition

From flying cars and supersonic planes to space elevators and mega-rockets, Above and Beyond will take you and your children faster, farther, and higher for a once in a lifetime…

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…

Admiralty Park Playground: Slides Galore for Elliott to Explore

After hearing all about the newly reopened Admiralty Park Playground, our pint-sized slide-loving fun-seeker Elliott had to check out the biggest park in northern Singapore for himself We got very…

Groom Your Future Olympian at These Top Sports Academies for Kids

Are your children naturally sporty and competitive? Then you may want to consider enrolling them in one of these well-established sports academies for kids Ever wondered if you may be…

5 Awesome Festive Experiences to Let the Kids Stay Up and Enjoy at A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore!

Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore is a bright affair with all-new experiences for everyone in the family to enjoy. From a dazzling World of Stars, to interactive Santa’s workshop, and…

50 Perfect Christmas Presents for Everyone in the Family (2017)

Before it’s time to start panicking because you haven’t gotten everyone their Christmas gifts yet, check out our massive list of 50 perfect Christmas presents. It’s the ONLY gift guide…

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…

20 Best Tech Toys to get the Kids this Christmas

With STEM-ed continuing to be the buzzwords this year, tech toys are gearing up to be THE toys to buy for kids this Christmas. Here are 20 of the best from…

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…

31 Year-End School Holiday Activities (2017) to keep Your Kids Engaged this November and December

It’s the year-end holiday in a week. What will your kids be doing? Here’s a list of activities that will keep them entertained, engaged, and even impart knowledge to their…

“My Child is 5 and He Needs 3 Tooth Extractions!”

Tooth decay is occurring at an alarming rate amongst younger children in Singapore. What can you do to help keep your child’s pearly whites safe from the drill? “We need…

10 Illuminating Reasons the Whole Family Will Love Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay 2017

This year’s Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay promises to be the biggest, brightest and most magical as yet. We bring you a first-hand peek into all the family-friendly…

Is your K2 Child ready for P1 English?

If your K2 child is still struggling with reading and writing English, these are the places — with different learning style to suit different children — he or she can…

8 Educational Indoor Playgrounds where Kids can Learn Through Play

Learning that takes place through play not only requires little effort, it is also unquestionably fun. We curate a list of educational indoor playgrounds that offer a little more than just…

Bring your Kids into the Woods with Beethoven in Nature Tales – the SSO’s upcoming Concerts for Children Production !

Wander into the woods with Beethoven, a friendly leopard, and a talking tree in Nature Tales, the SSO’s upcoming Concerts for Children production Is that a bird? A squirrel? A…

10 Kid-Friendly Activities to Enjoy During PSLE Marking Week 2017

Another holiday, you ask? Oh yes. Due to the PSLE marking week, children attending local schools in Singapore have yet another holiday to enjoy. What can you do with them?…

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…

Jamie’s Italian Kids’ Menu – Awesome New Kiddie Meals even the Adults Love!

It’s not difficult to find restaurants offering kids’ meals these days, but with Jamie’s Italian kids’ menu, children get to explore Italian cuisine designed to please both little eyes and…

Mid-Autumn at Gardens by the Bay 2017: Dazzling Kid-Friendly Highlights Not to be Missed

From larger-than-ever lantern sets to free cultural performances nightly, we give you a sneak peek at what families can look forward to this Mid-Autumn at Gardens by the Bay The…

PSLE: Common Comprehension Mistakes to Avoid in the English Exam

Help your child get a higher grade in the English exam paper by staying clear of these typical errors that students make in the open-ended comprehension section When it comes…

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…

5 ‘Cher-Recommended Ways to Study Smart on this Final Stretch to the PSLE

The PSLE written examinations begin in three weeks. How can you keep your children motivated through this final stretch? Teach them to study smart, The Learning Lab teacher Cassondra Tioh…

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…

20 Activities to Jazz up Your September School Holidays 2017

The third term of the school year is coming to an end. It’s time to start making plans for the upcoming September school holiday week School is officially out from…

Singapore Night Festival 2017: 20 Magical Highlights for Families and Kids

The Singapore Night Festival celebrates 10 magical years! We checked out the must-see highlights that families and kids should discover over the next two weekends. As the sun sets on…

7 Top Secret Tips to Write an English Composition that Scores Well

Your child is a voracious reader, has a good imagination and a creative mind. However these alone aren’t enough when it comes to doing well in English composition (“compo”) writing….

52 Weird & Wonderful Things About Singapore that’ll Make Every Singaporean Child go “Wahhhh!”

 Singapore turns 52 this year, and to celebrate, we’ve dug around and excavated these 52 amazing facts you and the kids may never have known about our little red dot….

Celebrate National Day 2017 at 12 Family-Fun Events

This year, Singapore celebrates its 52nd birthday as #OneNationTogether – yup, that’s the theme for National Day 2017. No tickets to the big event, you say? Don’t worry, we have…

Our Tampines Hub: All You Need to Know about Its Massive Rooftop Swimming Complex and Other Family-Friendly Features

Our little roving reporter, Elliott, had heard so much about the new rooftop pool complex at Our Tampines Hub, and couldn’t wait for it to open. So when it finally…

4 Valuable Tips For Your Child to Ace His PSLE English Oral!

We consult an educational expert to bring you four important tips that will help your child in primary six to score in his upcoming PSLE English oral. [banner][/banner] Come 17…

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…

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 –…

10 Stores That Carry The Best Furniture to Make Every Baby & Kids’ Room a Decor Dream Come True!

From beds to beanbags, we bring you a list of 10 stores you should be shopping at to deck out your child’s room with the best furniture designed with little…

What is Kawasaki Disease?

Have you heard of Kawasaki disease? This is a relatively common childhood illness yet not many parents know about it until it happens to their child. We break down this…

What’s The Right Age to Get My Child His First Smartphone?

We consult Nick Savvides, Security Advocate at Norton by Symantec, for his insight on when parents should get their children their first smartphone. [banner][/banner] Here’s a tricky question: at what…

10 Things to Do at ORTO – Outdoorsy Activities (and Yummy Food) for Your Kids’ Next Play Date

Our little roving reporter, Elliott, bounced his way to Yishun last week and had loads of fun at ORTO, the 24-hour multi-recreational park formally known as Bottle Tree Park Watch…

20 Water Playgrounds Your Kids Can Have a Splashing Good Time at While Beating The Heat!

We’ve combed the island to bring you this list of 20 water playgrounds you really should be taking your kids to for some much needed respite from the tropical heat….

9 Adrenaline-Pumping Obstacle Courses Where Kids Can Train to Be Modern-Day Ninjas

We bring you a list of nine child-friendly obstacle courses where your adventurous Energizer bunnies can start training to be modern-day ninjas. [banner][/banner] Have your kids ever told you that…

23 Funtastic Indoor Playgrounds to Take Your Kids to Rain or Shine (UPDATED)!

We’ve put together an updated list of 23 currently up-and-running indoor playgrounds for your kids to have a ball of a time at this June break and beyond. [banner][/banner] If…

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…

Children’s Season Singapore 2017: 21 Must-see Highlights for Kids of All Ages

National Heritage Board’s Children’s Season Singapore returns bigger and better than ever before. We have the scoop on what kids can look forward to from 27 May to 25 June…

Best Bike Trails for Kids in Singapore: Central, North-west, West, and South-west

Although the eastern half of Singapore has a more established recreational cycling network, there’s lots to explore on two wheels in the west as well. Here are five bike trails in…

41 Exciting Activities for the June School Holidays 2017

It’s that time of the year again, the mid-year break. One whole month to unwind, recharge and bond. Why not expose your child to new adventures in the upcoming June school…

The Most Kid-Friendly Hotels in Sydney

Kid-friendly hotels, camping with the animals, and glamping in the middle of Sydney Harbour? Yes it’s all happening Down Under in Sydney, our favourite city to spend winter in June…

Do Your Kids Really Need Supplements? 11 of Your Questions Answered By a Pharmacist.

Majority of Singaporean parents today seem to be feeding their children at least one dietary supplement. You have probably bought some cute gummy bear-shaped multivitamins for your little one, haven’t…

Your Guide to the Kid-Friendly Sunway Lagoon for Every Age & Stage

Does your little one fancy rubbing shoulders with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or posing for photographs with Dora the Explorer? What about having a splashing good time with SpongeBob…

The Most Kid-Friendly Hotels in Perth

From cosy cottages and beachfront chalets to fancy hotels and serviced apartments, these kid-friendly hotels in Perth make an ideal home base for loads of family vacation fun. Whenever we…

10 Best Family-friendly Airlines Flying in and out of Singapore Changi Airport

It’s always embarrassing when our kids act up during a long flight, but well, small children and tight spaces typically don’t match up well. These family-friendly airlines aim to make…

37 Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes every Parent in Singapore needs to know (updated for 2017!)

Indoor and outdoor play areas. Board games. Activity sheets. Kids’ Menus. With so many kid-friendly restaurants and cafes, there’s every reason for families to eat-and-play island-wide all day! Going out…

Is Your Child Experiencing Separation Anxiety? A Preschool Teacher Shares How Parents Can Help

When saying goodbye at the school gate leaves your little one in tears, she has separation anxiety. Find out what you can do to help make it easier for everyone…

Maddy Barber’s Daughter Alicia Had a Beebop Music Popstar 11th Birthday Party at KidZania!

From cake to decorations, party essentials are all taken care of when you celebrate your child’s birthday at KidZania Singapore. We chat with Kiss92 DJ Maddy Barber for the details…

What to Do If Your Child’s School Has an HFMD Outbreak

Parents, don’t let your guard down. The dreaded HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease) is poised to invade your children’s childcare centre or kindergarten once again. Trying to guess whether…

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…

Art-Zoo Has Giant Inflatables Where The Kids (and you too!) Can Have a Bouncing Good Time!

The Float @Marina Bay is home to Art-Zoo, a gargantuan animal themed inflatable playground, from now till 26 March 2017. We checked it out with our little roving reporter Elliott…

20 Fun March 2017 School Holiday Activities + Tickets to A Peter Rabbit Tale & The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice!

It’s March! If your child is in school, this means that Term 1 of the academic year is almost over. That was fast, wasn’t it? If you’re feeling like you…

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….

Best Bike Trails for Kids: North-east, East, and South-east of Singapore

Singapore may be a tiny red dot, but there’s lots of nature to explore here on bike via our excellent Park Connector Network (PCN). Here are five bike trails in the eastern…

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…

Elliott Visits Waka Waka by The Polliwogs

From a trampoline that changes colour to a volcano to scale, and even an adventure obstacle course, there’s plenty to keep the kids busy at Waka Waka by The Polliwogs….

Hearing Loss In Babies and Children: Why it Happens, What You Can Do

What can you do if your child is born without any hearing ability? Or what if he or she has hearing loss while growing up? In Singapore, up to 3.8 per 1,000…

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…

Control Your Child’s Food Allergy with This Life-Changing Treatment

Children with persistent food allergies to dairy products, eggs and tree nuts will now be able to eat such foods without adverse reactions once they complete the Food Oral Immunotherapy…

15 Super Fun Kids’ Runs to Sign Your Active Child Up For This Year

There’s no doubt that Singapore is a run-crazy nation. But which ones are suitable for your little ones to take part in? We bring you a list of 15 fun…

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…

Where to get CNY Clothes for Kids: 5 Modern-Traditional Style Mixes We Love

These gorgeous, traditional-turned-modern designs for the upcoming rooster year give fashionable style to CNY festivities without compromising on custom!  [banner][/banner] #1: For hip, edgy designs Images from Le Petit Society Facebook Le Petit…

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…

5 Ways to Help Children with Autism Read Better

I remember when my wife and I found out our son had autism. We went through what most parents who discover this disorder in their child go through: guilt (that…

11 Ways to Volunteer and Give Back as a Family this Christmas

The true spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving. Impart this value to your children with these 11 ways to help others this season or all year round, as…

Busy Tables: Where Your Child Leads the Way in Learning

Have you heard about Busy Tables, Singapore’s first play and learning centre for curious minds? We find out how it turns your child into a self-guided Busy bee with a love…

Christmas Gift Shopping for Your Kids Made Easy – 50 Awesome Ideas That Are NOT Toys!

On the prowl for Christmas gifts that aren’t toys for your kids? We bring you a handy gifting guide jam-packed with 50 fabulous non-toy gift ideas for the little ones….

6 of the Best Box Subscription Gifts for Kids

One box, many possibilities, endless knowledge. That’s what your child can enjoy with box subscription gifts, which run the gamut from books to science experiments and even cultural education!  Do…

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…

Happy Park at Waterway Point: The Best of Both Wet and Dry Worlds

Our little roving reporter, Elliott, heads to Punggol once again, this time to check out Happy Park, the new wet and dry playground that has just opened at Waterway Point….

All-You-Can-Play at Cool de Sac Singapore

Our little roving reporter Elliott checks out Cool De Sac, an indoor play centre at Suntec City designed to keep kids of all ages entertained. Here’s what he thought of it. With the…

Exam Stress in Kids: How to Recognise The Signs Plus 7 Strategies to Combat It!

How can you tell if your child is suffering from exam stress? A child psychologist tells us how to spot the warning signs. We also offer parents seven strategies to…

17 Awesome Activities for Kids to Enjoy This Children’s Day Weekend and Beyond

Not sure where to take the kids this Children’s Day? It’s only fair that you bring them somewhere they can have a ball of a time. Here are 17 activities…

16 Best Places to Find Seriously Stylish Kids Furniture & Décor in Singapore

Moving into a new home soon or renovating your current one? We tell you where to shop to spruce up your children’s rooms with super stylish kids furniture and decor….

Execute the Perfect Ending for your PSLE English Essay

Sometimes it can be hard to think of a suitable – and great – ending for your composition. Here are some which will work in almost every essay situation. Learn…

Top 20 Brain Foods for Kids to Stay Sharp for Their Exams

Did you know that six out of 10 children in Singapore are not eating any whole grains? These findings from the Singrain Study, a nationwide dietary survey of kids in Singapore…

Should Your Kids Share a Bedroom?

Most parents in Singapore face space constraints in their homes and therefore have to resort to their kids sharing a bedroom. But, given the choice, would you want your children…

10 Essential Safety Tips All Parents Need to Teach their Children

Your babies and children are your ‘precious’. How can you ensure their safety, that they remain safe from harm no matter where you are, and especially when they are not with you?…

5 Essential Story Hooks that will Help Your Child Ace PSLE Compositions

Why are story hooks important? Most readers do not have the patience to read 50 pages into a book to find out if it is interesting to them or not….

A Kiddy Day Out at The Petite Park (CLOSED)

Update (March 14, 2017): Petite Park has closed down. Together with his cousins, our little roving reporter Elliott heads to The Petite Park at City Square Mall for a fun…

PSLE English: 6 Tips to Help Your Child Revise

Is your child facing his PSLE this year? Does he struggle with the PSLE English papers? Do the revision questions befuddle even you, his parent? Here are some useful tips. Having taught several…

11 Inspired Teachers’ Day Gifts + Dabber Dot Markers Giveaway!

For Teachers’ Day, my kids and I like to feed our teachers. Last year, we gave them gem biscuits. The year before, it was fish biscuits. And the year before…

21 Fun September Holidays Activities + Kaboodle Kids Passes!

The September holidays may be short, but they are a much-needed and very welcome break from school! Here’s to interesting activities, learning, and lots of fun! Forget Pokemon GO. This…

13 Droolicious Kids’ Menus that your Little Ones will Love at Cafes & Restaurants in Singapore

We’re loving these awesome kids menus and dining options for little ones in Singapore. Even the fussiest eaters won’t be able to resist! Heading out for a family meal with your picky eaters in…

Childhood Myopia in Singapore: 9 Common Myths Busted!

Ever been told that childhood myopia will stabilise upon hitting adulthood or that LASIK surgery guarantees you perfect vision forever? Facts or just plain myths? We find out. Is your child only…

Giveaway: Tickets to The Three Little Pigs by Singapore Repertory Theatre’s The Little Company

Do you believe that children deserve to be treated to the same quality of theatre as grown-ups? Well, if you do, you’d want to bring your kids to the Singapore Repertory…

10 Amazing Themed Dessert Tables for Your Kids’ Birthday Parties!

So you’ve just spent a fortune on a gorgeous birthday cake that is sure to impress your little one as well as your guests. But how do you stand out from the…

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…

8 Reasons Why You Should Bring Your Kids to the Planet of Possibility

We’ve all dreamed of being a superhero − gliding through fluffy white clouds one moment and slaying fire-breathing dragons the next − but it takes a special kind of childlike…

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…

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…

12 Gorgeous Birthday Cakes Starring Kids’ Favourite Characters and More

There’s a new arms race among parents now, and that is the race to get the most enviable birthday cakes in the neighbourhood. We’ve come a long way from the usual…

5 Illustrated Books that Children should Read at least Once

“I don’t want to read this book, it has no pictures,” my preschooler said. Oh no, he’ll never learn to read a real book, I thought. A couple of years…

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…

Migraine In Kids – When that Headache is more than just an ache

Your kids can give you headches, but did you know that children can get them too? In fact, children can even get migraines. Migraine is “very common in children”, Dr…

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: A Sneak Peek at what’s in store!

Kidzania Singapore opens today! The indoor edutainment centre, spanning 7,600 square metres, is part of the new Palawan Kidz City at Palawan Beach on Sentosa and we’re really excited about…

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…

Helping Children with Special Needs through Dance/Movement Therapy

For children, especially those with special needs, movement is important. This is not simply a matter of health; a foundation of movement and activity in the early years paves the…

Preparing Your Child for the DSA? Here’s What You Need to Know

The Direct School Admission – Secondary (DSA-Sec) Exercise (usually known as “DSA”) is a programme in Singapore that was introduced back in 2004 in order for Primary 6 students to be guaranteed…

7 Places to Send Your Child to For DSA Preparation Courses

So you have decided to let your child try out for the Direct School Admission – Secondary (DSA-Sec) Exercise. There will be selection tests and interviews to ace. Think your child…

7 Ways to Instil a Love of Learning in Your Child

Children who grow up curious about the world around them, encouraged to pursue their interests and free to make independent choices, are more likely to enjoy the process of learning….

7 Online Stores to get Traditional Chinese New Year Outfits for your Child

Chinese New Year is coming up in two weeks. Have you shopped for the kids’ outfits yet? No need to worry if you’re not keen to join the hordes out there, we’ve…

Make your Home the Best Playground for your Kids!

We all know the benefits of outdoor play. Playing in open air, surrounded by nature, can help children develop their abilities for creativity, problem-solving, and emotional and intellectual development. And play is especially…

The Best Clothing Stores to Shop at For Tweens

A tween is defined as a child between the ages of nine and twelve. It’s that awkward age range during which your child is no longer a little kid, but…

Teach Maths and Science with Christmas-themed Activities? Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Possible!

Did you know that Maths and Science are not just school subjects, but part of your child’s daily life? Because children often learn and retain concepts better through hands-on experiences…

10 Best Stores to Shop At For Children’s Gifts

If the process of selecting gifts for adults is a tricky one, then that of selecting presents for the little ones demands twice the attention! What are some factors to…

The Best Must-have Travel Essentials for Kids!

Gone are the days when you could succumb to wanderlust, pack for a trip for which you booked a flight just a day before, and set off carefree with your…

23 School Holiday Activities for Children to enjoy this Year-End! (2015)

Can you believe it? After the flurry of graduation concerts and SA2 exams, the reality of another year coming to an end kicks in. Whether you are going overseas on…

Does your Child have Spinal Problems? Consider Chiropractic Care

If your child plays with a tablet or a phone, think about putting it away. A 14-year-old girl in Colorado in the United States was recently diagnosed with ‘text neck’,…

10 Foods & Drinks to Fight The Haze

The haze has made its annual appearance yet again. This time, however, it appears to be lingering for longer than usual. It has created an environment to which most Singaporeans…

Pororo Is Coming to Singapore!

If you have got a toddler or preschooler at home, the name Pororo is bound to ring a bell. For those of you who are not too familiar with animated…

Teaching Manners to Kids aged one to 12 Years

Every parent hopes to have the dream child who impresses everyone with his or her good manners. After all, your child’s behaviour, good or bad, reflects on your parenting skills…

Encourage a Healthy Body Image for your Child

In a world constantly bombarding us with images of “perfect bodies” and “hot bods”, it is almost inevitable that our children are exposed to body-related insecurities even at a young…

4 Educational Games to Create with your Preschooler

The preschool years are a precious window of time during which a child can explore and learn about his world in a relatively carefree environment. Mindful of the academic expectations…

Fashion Scoop: Seed Heritage Spring/Summer 2015

Our little ones are our pride and joy and yes, we love to play dress-up with them. Now that Australian fashion brand Seed Heritage is in Singapore, there’s more reason…

The Dark Knight Takes Over City Square Mall!

This September school holidays, be sure to head down to City Square Mall as it will be home to The Dark Knight himself! Bring your whole family and venture into…

The Unexpected Joy of Predictable Books

English philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon once said, “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom”. He was probably not referring to early child development. As all teachers and parents of…

18 Great Activities for the September School Holiday (2015)

The one week (10 days if you include the weekends!) September school holiday is on the horizon. As the wise mothers say, encourage your children to work hard but let…

Does Your Child Need a Self-Esteem Boost?

Some kids seem to have it all figured out, while others struggle to keep up. We know that everyone has different talents and develops at varying paces, so the more…

The A to Z of Eczema in Children

Eczema is a chronic disorder of the skin that is more common in young children. According to a study done in 2002 (the most recent one here), the prevalence of…

Catching up with Ashley Liew!

Most athletes make the headlines for setting new games records, beating their personal bests, or bagging an astounding medal haul. One man stood out from the crowd and was thrust…

Your SG50 Jubilee Weekend Activity Guide!

You would have known by now that there is a relatively long weekend coming up next month. Now, before you even think of packing your bags and escaping for a…

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…

Right-Brain Education in Singapore: Why it’s Important for your Child

As a parent, you probably want your child to be well-rounded, to excel in all areas, and to do so in a happy, self-assured, and confident manner. While there are…

How to Handle Your Child’s Usage of Mobile Apps

Does your child play with apps? An app, short for the word “application”, refers to a special type of software programme that is used on a smartphone or a mobile…

Have Fun At The Financial Literacy Fiesta!

Does the term “financial literacy” sound very much like a grown-up concept to you? Well, it most definitely isn’t anymore! You can expose your children to financial literacy early in…

Food, Games & Stories: 3 Fun Ways to Help your Kids Learn about Singapore

It’s been SG50 season for a while, something that mothers in Singapore can’t ignore. By now you’d have encountered everything from SG50 buffet lunch promotions to SG50 bottled water, SG50…

How to Build a Strong Mathematical Foundation for your Child

It is a surprise when Ms Peggy Zee, an Early Education Mathematics Specialist with 32 years of experience, reveals that she had failed Maths “practically all my life”. The educator…

Craft, Make, Do: Welcome to the Science of Play

Crafting with kids can be messy, but it’s loads of fun. It’s also a great way for your toddlers and preschoolers to hone their motor skills, coordination, and artistic flair….

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…

March School Holiday Activities for Kids in Singapore (2015)

Congratulations! You (and the kids) have made it through the first school term of the year. That’s 10 whole weeks! You’re probably looking forward to the first school holiday of…

Baking with Kids: Easy CNY Cookies

Baking with kids can be a messy affair, especially when it involves flour and raw ingredients. But it can be done. We like these two classic, no-fail, child-friendly recipes. We’ve…

When Your Child Has An Ear Infection

If your child has been pulling at his ears or complaining of pain in his ears, do not ignore him. He could be having an ear infection. Left untreated, this…

KidZania: More than just costumes and props

“If I can dream, I can act. If I can act, I can be.” This, in a nutshell, is the ideal that KidZania holds for children everywhere. And when KidZania…

Year-end Holiday Activities Planner (2014)

Don’t wait until the report cards are handed out and the teacher-parent meetings are over to start planning your child’s year-end activity calendar. There are loads of events to enjoy…

8 Ways for Kids to Ace the Show & Tell

Your preschooler may already be doing this in kindergarten. But come Primary One, it will actually be part of the markable syllabus and woe betide the child who cannot perform!…

Feed your Child the Right Way

Is your child an extremely fussy eater? Or one who takes two hours to finish a meal? He or she may have a feeding disorder. International pediatric nutrition expert Dr…

Chinese Theatre For Kids

Main image: Ric Liu, taken during a rehearsal of Nini in Changi Village “There is really a shortage of quality Chinese language programmes for children,” says Artistic Director of The…

All About Dyslexia

The Ministry of Education, Singapore, in their November 2011 publication ‘Professional Practice Guidelines for the Psycho-educational Assessment and Placement of Students with Special Educational Needs’ describes dyslexia as a type…

10 Ways your Kids can Love Chinese

Learning Chinese does not have to be dry or difficult. The literacy experts at KidStartNow, a Chinese enrichment school, share 10 ways to help your kids start loving Chinese. 1….

June School Holiday: Storytelling Comes Alive! with PLAYMOBIL

The June School Holiday is here. With four weeks of vacation, we have put together a handy list of activities for kids happening at Sentosa’s Storytelling Comes Alive! with PLAYMOBIL event….

Why Coding Can Be The Best Hobby For Your Child — And For You Too!

We all know the importance of getting our child to be passionate about something. How many of us are hopeful that they learn to play a musical instrument, or learn…

Does Your Child Need Supplements?

Walk into any pharmacy and you’ll be greeted by rows of colourful bottles promising to make your children taller, healthier, and brainier, and give them good vision and excellent digestion…

Easter Treats For Families 2014

1. Have An Easter Staycation Easter staycation anyone? If you’re a true blue Singaporean, you’ve probably booked your stay already. Any excuse for a va-cay right, even if it’s right…

Spring-clean Your Kids’ Medicine Cabinet

Lim Zong Neng, Anson, a pharmacist at Watson’s Tampines Mall, tells us what the essential medications that you should always have in the medicine cabinet for children are. Children tend…

Reading with Your Child

Parents have a key role in shaping their children’s attitudes towards the learning of Mother Tongue languages, particularly during their early years. At the 2nd Mother Tongue Languages Symposium held…

The Port of Lost Wonder (POLW) in Sentosa

Quick question: What does a pirate do when it’s hot and sweltering outside? Answer: He heads to the Port of Lost Wonder for some soaking wet fun of course! Oh…

12 School Holiday Activities (March 2014)

One week may not seem like much at first but really, it’s seven days long! Add in the weekend before and the kids can have nine whole days of fun,…

5 Ways to Develop Your Child’s Confidence

Want a cool, confident, self-assured child? Fiona Walker, the Principal of Schools / CEO of Julia Gabriel Education, shares five ways to help your child achieve these attributes. Growing up…

DIY: Red Packet Flower Ball Lantern Craft

Chinese New Year is officially over. Have you put your child’s red packet ‘collection’ into his or her bank account yet? What do you do with all the leftover red…

Coping with Your Child’s Special Needs Diagnosis

Every parent has high hopes for their child at his or her birth. But what happens when the child is diagnosed with a special need? How can parents cope with…

Medical FAQs For Travel With Kids

Travelling with children can be a daunting prospect – there are vaccinations to think about and the worry of how to respond in a medical emergency in a foreign country….

Managing Myopia in Kids

The bad news: myopia is hereditary. “Genetics has a definite role,” said Dr Gerard Nah, an eye surgeon with W Eye Clinic and the founder of the Vision Performance Centre…

Introducing Your Child to Science

Imagine role-playing life, climbing through a nine metre tall structure to a loft that transports you into a kaleidoscopic dream world, creating experiences with art and nature, discovering STEM with…

10 Facts about Surviving Primary 1

This time last year, parents of children who were born in the year of 2006 were frantically preparing their children and themselves for the first year of the wilderness known…

Happy Tummy. Happy Baby. Find out more…

As a parent you want only the best for your child. So, you weigh every choice you make carefully. You research, you speak to your friends and you consult doctors….

7 Ways to Help your Child Learn Mandarin

Helping children from an English-speaking household to learn Mandarin can be an uphill struggle for many parents. At the Mother Tongue Languages Symposium 2013 held in September, parenting and teaching…

How Not to Lose Your Child

We were all ready to have a blast at a friend’s baby’s first birthday party. We alighted from the taxi and made our way to the condo’s function room. We…

Travelling with Allergies (& Dietary Requirements)

No, we’re not just talking fussy eating here. If you or anyone in your family has Crohne’s disease, is celiac or has an allergy to nuts, for example, watching what…

5 Great New Activities to get Kids Moving

When the Standard Chartered Marathon takes place on Sunday, you’ll see, in addition to the sculpted calves pounding the pavement, several sets of chubby legs that belong to the newly-walking….

5 Ways to Manage Childhood Myopia

Myopia – or short-sightedness – is so commonplace here in Singapore that most of us parents hardly spend sleepless nights over it. After all, we have better things to worry…

Primary 1 Survival Skills

In just a matter of weeks, six-year-olds island-wide will be making the transition from kindergarten to Primary school. In place of the hand-holding guidance which they had received in pre-school,…

How does Early Intervention Help Children with Special Needs?

More children are being diagnosed with neurological disorders. According to a recent New York Times article, up to 11 per cent of school-going children in the United States have been…

20 Year-End Holiday Activities 2013

The longest school holiday of the year is coming soon. What would an active child with an inquiring mind to do to while away all these weeks? One of these,…

Soaked & Lovin’ It: Legoland Water Park, Malaysia

Legoland Water Park has a great mix of thrills and spills for all in the family, from the littlest ones to dare-devil preteens. With over 20 water-based rides and 70…

The Best Kiddy Birthday Parties

Once they are old enough to understand what having a birthday means, children start to dream about how they are going to celebrate their next one. Some are content to…

What if I have a Child with Special Needs?

Katherine, a home-maker, did not notice anything wrong with her firstborn Michael until he was about three years old. She recalls, “He did not hold eye contact with people who…

Positive Parenting

Positive parenting. You’ve probably heard these words while in conversation with other mums and dads, or maybe read them in a magazine. But what does positive parenting really mean? In…

Who’s Writing Books For Kids in Singapore?

When we were growing up, the bookworms among us devoured Famous Five, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew stories. It was great to read about their exciting adventures, but deep inside…

Bye Bye PSLE Score

Singapore is removing the current scoring system for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to reduce competition among students and to increase non-academic development for the children. The T-score, which…

Car Seats: Don’t Leave Home Without One

Since 1 January 2012, anyone below 1.35m travelling in a motor vehicle in Singapore has been required by law to be secured by a child restraint, use a booster seat,…

When Children Lie

First things first. Lying is early childhood is not a sign of delinquency. Your child will not be thrown into the slammer just because of one lie. “Children start telling…

Potty Training: Go Slow and Steady

A few months before my daughter Caitlyn turned two, the little miss decided she didn’t want to wear diapers and would randomly take off her clothes. At first I thought…

DIY: Teachers’ Day Scented Pouches

I’ve been noticing scents more of late. The fresh smell of grass in the morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and oh, how I love the clean smell of…

Preparing Junior for Baby’s arrival

A neighbour was once asked how his pre-schooler was adjusting to his newborn sibling. “He’s jealous and wants us to return the baby to the hospital!” came the reply with…

Optimising the September 2013 School Holidays

The school year is progressing fast and we are approaching the end of term three. Make the most of the upcoming week-long break by letting your young ones broaden their…

10 Places in Asia to Visit with Your Kids

Looking for a family vacation that’s off the beaten track? Travel writer and mother of twin boys Pamela Ho gives her pick of 10 Asian destinations that kids will love….

Calmer, Happier Children, the Whole-Brain Way

“The moments you are just trying to survive are actually opportunities to help your child thrive,” say Dr Tina Bryson and Dr Dan Siegel, authors of The Whole-Brain Child. In…

Making Sense of the Primary 1 Registration Exercise

Come July, parents with children entering Primary One next year will begin the process of registering and balloting for places in the primary school of their choice. The following is…

Primary 1: How is it Different from Preschool?

“Dear Mr Pig, I am feeling excited because I am going to the zoo tomorrow!” My daughter, who started Primary 1 this year, had written. Under her words were a…

WIN! Tickets to The Balinese Princess and The Funky Monkey

When Queen Agung Dewi passes away, the lovable Little Princess Ayu and her best friend, Kren – the cheekiest monkey on the island – must save the magical kingdom of…

DIY: Father’s Day Origami Shirt Bookmark

This is a Father’s 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…

15 Fun Nature Activities for Children in Singapore

“Unstructured, natural play helps stimulate creativity and improves problem solving. The more time spent outside, the better the achievement levels inside our state’s schools and classrooms.” — Laura Bush, former…

Why Kids Need Kampong Play

Ours is a generation that has lost touch with wild and unruly nature. With our island becoming more built up on the past decades, our fields and forests have been…

10 Fun Things to do this June Holidays!

The mid-year break is just a fortnight away! This means an upcoming four weeks of fun, fun, fun for the children! In between homework (yes, there will probably be some…

First Aid for Families

You’re pregnant, you’ve bought the necessary baby items and spent a load on infant paraphernalia. You’ve read up on how to breastfeed, how to burp the baby, how to distinguish…

Is my Child Financially Literate?

As parents we spend much of our time experimenting with different ways to teach our children our values and what we consider to be the right behavior. No parent ever…

6 Ways To Grow A Loving Child

As parents, we want our children to become loving and kind individuals. This will not be possible if they do not develop empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand what…

Coughing in Children: Home Remedies

Children are prone to suffer from sore throats and coughs. There are no known statistics on how often they get this illness. Says Dr Penny Lo, a general practitioner, “It…

Windfalls – Panic vs Plan

Huat ah! Your child’s ang pow stash has given him grandiose dreams of buying his own iPhone/iPad/fill-in-the-blank here. You however, would prefer to bank and save the stash. A distant…

A Kiddy Feasting guide for the Chinese New Year

Ms Letty Shiu, a Nutritionist at the Youth Health Division of the Health Promotion Board, offers timely advice on how to rein your child back when he or she is…

My Child, A Social Being

Does your child clam up when you introduce her to someone whom she has not met before? Does your child hide behind you when your neighbour, the friendly auntie who…

Craft for Kids: CNY Lantern

‘Twas was the night before the Lunar New Year and not a child was sleeping. Instead seated around the flickering glow of their own homemade Chinese New Year lantern, they…

Craft for Kids: Snakes Alive!

Ssssssssssssssss! The lunar new year in 2013 welcomes the water snake so this month, we’re all a-slitherin’ and a-slidin’ with these silent, scaly predators. This also marks the debut of…

Get your Picky Eater to Eat!

Are you a picky eater? Then your child may be one as well, says Associate Professor Daniel Goh, Head of the Paediatric Department at the National University Hospital, as studies…

Pre-school Education and Enrichment: A Cross-cultural Experience

Mention the word “enrichment” and what springs to most parents’ mind is most likely a Saturday afternoon spent ferrying junior from Speech and Drama class to Music, Art or Abacus…

Easy Christmas Crafts to do with your Kids

Oh the weather outside may be frightfully wet these days but there’s lots of fun to be had indoors as well! So put on that Christmas CD, gather the kids,…

How To Sail Through The First Weeks of Primary 1

There are only a few weeks left before The Big Day — the first day of school. Uniforms have been bought, washed and ironed. Textbooks have been dressed in plastic…

Five ways to Nurture your Bright Spark

Precocious children often show advanced development in areas such as language, mathematical ability or reasoning skills, compared with their peers. If your child exhibits some of the traits mentioned in…

Craft with your child this year-end holiday!

The year-end school holidays are finally round the corner! Apart from travelling overseas, enrolling your children for enrichment classes or signing up for holiday camps, the holiday season is a…

10 Year-End Activities for Children

Be a deejay. Skate like a pro. Play the ukulele like Jason Mraz. Build a bear. Learn strategy through chess. That’s right. There’s absolutely no excuse for any child to…

Is Your Child a Bright Spark?

Perhaps your child was an early developer who spoke in complete sentences by the age of 20 months and showed impressive reasoning skills by the age of three. Friends and…

Build Compassion: Encourage Your Child to Volunteer

Last month, as President Tony Tan launched the Volunteer Drive as part of the President’s Challenge, he said, “The purpose of this new initiative is to show that all of…

Teach Your Child Proper Handwashing Techniques

The UN General Assembly has designated 15 October as Global Handwashing Day and it’s a reminder to the general public (especially children and their parents) that proper hand hygiene is…

Let Children Learn How To Learn

Within 30 minutes, Nicole Chang had completed her multiplication homework and made a chart on her responsibilities at home for her upcoming show-and-tell session at school. After this she read…

Preparing For P1: Preparatory Classes

Five months before Primary 1 starts is an ideal time to start actual preparing your child for the next stage in education, educators say. As Ms Grace Yong, the Executive…

Where’s Heaven?: Explaining Death to Children

Death is perhaps one of the most difficult things to explain to young children, even more so when you are dealing with your own grief. But children have a compelling…

Rethinking Money For Your Child

It is likely that your child will inherit your style of relationship with money. Hopefully, yours will involve not just dollars and cents, but sense, as well. Since few of…

Help Your Kids Deal With Anger

Feeling angry is part of being human, as is managing the anger that we feel. As parents, we want our children to learn such skills, which they will need in…

P1 Registration for 2013 Entry: Hot Dates

If your older child is studying in a primary school that you want to enrol his or her younger sibling in, the Primary One Registration Exercise for entry in 2013…

One Baby, Two Cultures

It’s tough answering the “Who am I?” and “Where do I come from?” questions that our kids pose, and even more challenging to help them forge an identity when mum…

Primary School Acronyms

You know where you’ll be registering your child for Primary School. That’s the easy part done. Now do your homework. Yes, yours, as you will be hearing these letters very…

Precocious Puberty Explained

Reports earlier this year of a 10-year-old girl in Colombia having delivered a baby via Caesarean section made headlines the world over, and she’s not the only one. While the…

Primary Education: Brand Name Or Heartland School?

Many Singaporean parents strategise, often years in advance, to get their children into popular schools at primary one. This sense of competitiveness surrounding primary school registration is fuelled by the…

Does My Child Have A Speech Delay?

The joy that parents experience when their child utters his or her first words is immeasurable. Conversely, if those words are slow to be heard, parents are understandably concerned. The…

All You Need To Know About HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease)

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common and contagious viral infection that can affect children as well as adults. It hit epidemic levels in Singapore in early 2012,…

Take Your Kids On A Writer’s Quest

Many mothers face a common problem: their kids don’t like to write! Perhaps the little ones get bored quickly. Or they’re not confident enough to share their ideas. Or they’re…

Preparing Your Child For Primary One

The transition from kindergarten to primary school is a big one. Apart from learning subjects at a deeper level, your child has to adjust to a new environment, follow a…

Stay Ahead in Your Child’s Safety

The recent spate of rumoured near-abductions have led to worry among the parenting community here in Singapore. However, instead of giving in to blind panic and finger-pointing, take them as…

How Children can Learn about Stranger-danger

As parents, all of us want to protect our child against dangers of being kidnapped. Some of us have started teaching our child share about the perils by telling our…

How A Pet Can Help Your Child

We hear conflicting opinions on whether our pets should stay when baby comes. Well-meaning older folk relate horror stories about ferocious dogs mauling a young child, or kids with asthma…

Singapore’s Dust Mite Fight: Save Your Money, Sun Your Pillows

My son’s food allergies had taken front seat in our family for the past year, and I took comfort in the fact that my daughter, a.k.a. ‘The Bug’, was allergy-free….

Singapore’s Dust Mite Fight: Save Your Money, Sun Your Pillows

My son’s food allergies had taken front seat in our family for the past year, and I took comfort in the fact that my daughter, a.k.a. ‘The Bug’, was allergy-free….

Be Active! Get Your Child Off the Couch!

The time which our children spend running around and playing at the playground has given way to watching television, playing video and computer games. However, it is not too late…

Yes, Your Child Can Write Amazing Stories

Kids love fantasy stories! You know this, I know this, and of course those film producers in Hollywood know this. Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, The Mummy, Avatar:…

A Healthy Head-Start with the Right Nutrition

Healthy nutrition is especially important in the childhood years as these are critical periods for growth and development. Food preferences are also generally acquired during these early years, so it…

Music lessons for little ones

You may have noticed that your baby gurgles and waves excitedly when she plays with a musical toy, or perhaps your toddler bobs rhythmically to the radio. When your preschooler…

Prepare Your Child for Pre-school 

The start of pre-school is an exciting, but sometimes scary, moment for you and your child. Whether your little one attends school for a few hours a week or several…

Puff And Play: Being Active With Asthma

A lot people have this dated, 1970-s era image of ‘asthma kids’: you know, the sallow, weedy kid with Coke-bottle specs who sat on the sidelines during gym class. Scratch…

Choosing an Allergy Test : The Lowdown

While there are many allergy tests to choose from, there are only three that should be considered. The Skin Prick Test (SPT), the IgE blood test and the oral food…

Preparing For P1

Come January each year, thousands of six-year-olds in Singapore enter a brand new stage of life — the start of their primary school years. If your child has gone through…

MOE P1 Seminar: Sat, 19 November 2011

To support parents and students in making informed decisions about education pathways, the Ministry of Education (MOE) conducts seminars on primary and secondary school education for parents with children in…

How Parents Can Help Kids Prepare For Exams

Exams! If this word sends jitters down your spine, read on. This year’s exams may be over, but there’s no time like now to help your child start preparing for…

Peanut Allergy in Singaporeans

Many Singaporeans think peanut allergy is an ‘angmo’ affliction; strictly a Caucasian condition. Research done by Chiang Wen Chin, an allergy specialist at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH),…

Breastfeeding Into Toddlerhood & Beyond

Most mothers initiate breastfeeding after their baby’s births; however the number of mother-baby pairs who continue breastfeeding tapers off as the babies get older. Mothers nursing older babies often find…

Food Allergies in Children in Singapore: Why Auntie’s Advice Won’t Do

There are plenty of myths about food allergies in Singapore. Myth #1: Not many people have them. Myth #2: Allergies are not a big deal — just a rash around…

All About Allergies: free seminars on 2 Oct 2011

Allergies are an increasingly important issue for many Singaporean families: 20% of children in Singapore suffer from asthma (SingHealth), 5% of children have food allergies (National University Hospital), and 10%…

Get Your Socks On! Go to an Indoor Playground in Singapore

It’s a great time to be a kid in Singapore, especially when it rains. Yes, even when the weather is bleak, there’s megaloads of fun to be had. Caught on…

Child Care in Singapore: Child Care & Infant Care

If you are going back to work, you’ll need to find someone to take care of your bundle of joy. This can be a significant decision as you are making…

Sunscreen. Sunblock. Sunsafe.

“If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it,” wrote The Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich. Her mock graduation speech column was turned into…

10 Questions: ADHD & Attention Problems in Children

ADHD. These four letters inspire panic in the hearts of even the most seasoned parents. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is the most common childhood-onset behavioral disorder. Children with…

Dollops & Scents

Would you give up a high-flying, globetrotting corporate career and go back to school to learn about natural therapies, massage and aromatherapy? Sell your home and plough your earnings from…

Sleep Secrets

“People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one,” author Leo J Burke so accurately observed. Indeed. As Dr Kenny Pang says, there’s nothing like the sight of…

Money-Savvy Kids

Chances are, your parents told you that “money doesn’t grow on trees” and when you grew up, you heard that “money makes the world go round”. There’s truth in both….

Souled Up

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know….

Building Family Rituals

When we wake each day, the kids come over for their morning hugs, kisses, and “I love you”s. It’s a great start to the day, no matter which side of the…

TV Made Especially for Little Learners

Specially created for pre-schoolers, CBeebies is a multi-award winning channel inspired by their natural curiosity and zest for play. Lively, funny friends- like Tinky Winky, Penelope K, Charlie and Lola,…