Parent Times

This Blog Address Has Moved!

2009-03-01T17:09:00.002+08:00

This blog address has moved! Thanks to Ed who has been helping to give a facelift to this blog:)

You may now find my blog at http://www.parentimes.com. We are still making improvements to the new blog address.

Finally A Saturday Night's Off for Mummy

2009-02-28T11:52:00.018+08:00

For a long while, I have not enjoyed a weekend off-day from kids. Finally, decided to declare a Saturday night's off for myself.

The boys protested :"Huh.... why you don't want to eat with me?" and "Unfair! Where are you going without us?" Usually I will soften my heart and feel guilty but this time we have decided to take a short break to celebrate this special day of our lives -- Our Wedding Anniversary.

The first place that struck my mind, to have a private and peaceful moment for this special day is of course my favourite sea spot in Singapore - The East Coast! This vicinity has always been my favourite hangout..be it my ex-school, shopping mall, eating outlets, chalets, cycling, kite flying or simply just strolling along the beach. This was the area that I started my commitment to my Special One and so the memories went back a long way.......

There are a few seafood restaurants by the seaside and we picked our usual Long Beach Seafood Restaurant.

I could not resist sinking my teeth into the Chilli Crabs, the irresistable clams and prawns, our favourite hor fun, coconut juice and to complete our stomachs with black glutinous rice and ice-cream.

Seafood hor fun

Yummy prawns

Tasty clams

Coconut juice

Our all-time favourite - chilli crab

The food is good, the view is scenic and the whole atmosphere peaceful and relaxing. To help with digestion, it is healthy to take a stroll along the beach amidst the beautiful sunset and cooling breeze.

Sunset view at the East Coast Beach

I feel satisfied dining at the seafood restaurants here and is definitely recharged just smelling the fresh air surrounding the sea especially after the rain. Of course, I have not forgotten to capture some pictures to share with the boys:)

Sea Rides for Kids

2009-02-28T00:58:00.012+08:00

My family loves close encounter with the sea. One favourite activity we share is to enjoy the scenery and sea breeze while we laze and relax ourselves in water tour - be it in the boats, ferries or ships.

Besides the ferry or boat rides that we always keep a look out whenever we are travelling, we have explored different water trips in Singapore. These are some water tours that are absolutely safe for kids:

1) Star Cruises, 2) Royal Carribean Asia Cruises, 3) Duck Tour, 4) Singapore River Cruise and 5) Singapore Zoo Boat Ride. Our latest try out was on board the Imperial Cheng Ho Cruise. We experienced both the Morning Glory (morning tour) and Imperial Dinner (night tour) by Water Tours Pte Ltd. Each trip is unique on its own.

The morning tour brought us to Kusu Island, an eye opener for my kids, where they learn a little more about Singapore's history and had a good time roaming and running around the sacred Island.

The Imperial Cheng Ho Vessel. Doesn't it look oriental?

Kusu Island, Singapore

View of Sentosa, Singapore

The evening cruise offers a spectacular view of the firework display at Sentosa (Songs of the Sea) and yum yum...buffet dinner.

The boys at the dining area of the vessel. They definitely have a good time.

There is transportation pick-up from Hotels to Marina Pier. More information can be obtained at http://www.watertours.com.sg.

HFMD

2009-02-25T14:54:00.005+08:00

Darren's childcare centre has reported 5 cases of hand foot mouth disease. Unfortunately, 2 of the kids are my friend's children.

It concerns me as occurence of these cases become more regular in the Centre. I remember the last case was reported just before Chinese New Year. This time no letter was issued to parents except for a notice at the main gate. This raises my concern because the notice gets easily unnoticed and grannies/grandads and maids might not be able to comprehend the notice which was worded in English.

I have given my feeback to the Centre and expect the Centre to keep all parents informed and updated through letters as it has later promised. I strongly think this is a case that definitely cannot allow saving in effort to print letters.

It's Exam Time Again

2009-02-25T13:51:00.003+08:00

CA 1 commences next week. Like before, I started to prepare Brendan, with a series of assessment books and personal tuition and more. Found an useful site which contains free test papers http://www.oldschool.com.sg/.

I have established a schedule for Brendan to complete the assessment papers for the different subjects besides his school homework and prepare for his music theory exam which is round the corner. Of course, I have not forgotten the short afternoon nap that he needs to recharge himself.

Unlike myself in the my younger days, I find that the children are somehow lost on what to do before exam. Since P1, I have been identifying what, when and how to prepare for Brendan's exams......as though I am sitting for exams myself:) I guess Brendan must be feeling that mummy is hardly giving him room to breathe with endless papers and and tight schedule each day. However, as a working mother, I feel that this is the best solution to ensure that he is making the best use of his time. Luckily, Brendan has been very cooperative in this aspect so far.

Not only Brendan gets busy catching up with revisions and exam after exam, mummy is feeling the stress too. While tending to Brendan's preparation and homework, I have to ensure that Darren is not being neglected. Sigh....Darren gets regular comments from teachers on his slowness in picking up recognition of words. I am struggling between teaching both boys each day after work, considering that I only spend at most 3 hours per day with my kids.

I wish I could reduce the stress level felt by the kids. However, if I stop and leave them alone to fend for themselves, I feel that I am not doing enough...

"Beauty Sleep" seems like a luxury activity for me at least for this period. There are just endless tasks besides tending to kids and work each day. The lack of sleep must have taken a toil on my body as I fall sick again today. It is time I learn how not to load my plate with excessive things, at least not more than I can manage.

Day Out At the Singapore Zoo

2009-02-21T01:16:00.020+08:00

Though we are frequent patrons of the Singapore Zoo, the children hardly get sick of the place especially now with the addition of the Rainforest Kidzworld. We decided to skip the normal routine of walking and instead enjoy the boat ride to our destination, the "Rainforest Kidzworld". The 20-minute ride along the Seletar Reservoir was a pleasant and breezy one.

"Brendan, do you need help to cross the water?"

"Hey! See who has the slimmest waist!"

"Go! Darren Go! You have our greatest support."

"Up Down Up Down...Let's continue!"

"Can you see the banana trees, pandan plants and guava trees?"

"Mummy, it is so interesting that tyres can be used as pots."

"Excuse me...give way please. Here I come!"

The boys at the Water Play area...."Cheer up boys. We will bring your swimming costumes the next time we are here."

Darren on his first pony ride

The boys have an enjoyable afternoon at the Rainforest Kidzworld. Still lazy to walk, we took a tram ride back to the main entrance.

The Food Coach

2009-02-19T19:31:00.003+08:00

Darren seems to be uninterested in food recently. His eyes light up only when he sees potato chips, french fries, biscuits and of course his favourite apples.

While sourcing for interesting food recipes, hopefully to find something to improve his appetite, I visited http://www.thefoodcoach.com.au.

Must say that it is a very informative site and found many interesting recipes, and tips and tricks of food selection there. It features videos on how to choose a fresh apple, avacado and many others. This knowledge is definitely very useful to me especially when I have to do my weekly marketing.

Will remember the tips learned and try some of the recipes there.

Yummy Yummy....A Food and Science Fair at Singapore Science Centre

2009-02-19T01:14:00.015+08:00

This poster, publicising a "Food and Science Fair " at the Singapore Science Centre, caught my attention while dining near the Kallang Old Stadium. I went through the website for further details and extracted this information.

Date: 28 Feb to 1 Mar 2009
Time: 11.30am to 7pm
Public Rate: $16 per adult, $10 per child (3-12 years old)

This is a 2-in-1 event where food and science are happening together. To make your money and trip more worthwhile, there will be an all day unlimited buffet spread of over 60 dishes prepared by Sakura International Buffet Restaurant. The event offers cooking demonstrations, healthy recipes, interactive food exhibits and candy-making for children. Check it out! Why not? if parents and children can walk away from the event feeling fulfilled...you eat and get educated at the same time.

The Wonders of Honey

2009-02-17T00:54:00.007+08:00

Since 2 years ago, we started the habit of drinking honey. Besides the good taste, I read that honey can do wonders in many ways like being a great immuncity system builder, does magic for skincare and natural remedy for some health conditions (eg. cough, hair loss, heatiness, bad breath). We mainly use it in making drinks, whipping up delicious dishes and even with plain bread.

Much more interesting facts about honey can be found at http://www.benefits-of-honey.com

I extracted some easy DIY honey face masks for Anti-aging skincare (for different skin types).

1) Dry Skin

Avocado & Honey Face Mask
Get ready:

2 tablespoons of avocado flesh
2 tablespoons honey
1 egg yolk

Mixtures:

Blend all the ingredients in a blender, or mash by hand in a bowl.

Application:

Use your fingers to spread the mask over your face and neck and leave it on for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer, before removing.

Honey and Egg Mask
Get ready:
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon almond oil
1 tablespoon yogurt

Mixtures:
Mix all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until it becomes sticky and thick.

Aplication:

Apply the mask to your face for 5 minutes and wash face thoroughly with a mild facial soap. Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil penetrate and moisturize, and yogurt refines and tightens pores.

2) Tired Skin

Almond Yoghurt Honey Mask
Get Ready:

6oz plain yoghurt
¼oz finely-crushed almonds
2tsp honey
2tsp wheatgerm oil

Mixtures:

Mix all the ingredients into a smooth paste.

Application:

Apply and massage the mixture into skin. Keep the mask on for 20 minutes.

3) Normal Skin

Apple Honey Mask
Get Ready:
1 Apple, cored & quartered
2 Tablespoons Honey

Mixtures:

Put the apple pieces into a food processor and chop. Add honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Application:

Pat the mixture onto your face with a light tapping motion, tapping until the honey feels tacky. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse.

4) Oily Skin

Honey-Papaya Mask
Get Ready:
1/3-cup cocoa
three teaspoons of heavy cream
1/3-cup ripe papaya
1/4-cup honey and three teaspoons of oatmeal powder

Mixtures:
Mix and apply on your face.

Application:

After 10 minutes, wash your face with warm water.

Carrot Face Mask
Get Ready:
2-3 carrots
4 1/2 table spoons of honey

Mixtures:
Cook the carrots and then mash them up. Mix the carrots with honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Application:

Apply gently to the skin and wait for ten minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Carrots are known to be rich in vitamin A and C. They are also rich in potassium. Vitamin A and C are antioxidants. Honey contains sugar, enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids.

5) Sensitive Skin

Banana and Honey Mask
Get Ready:
1/2 mashed banana
1/4 cup oatmeal, cooked with milk
1 egg
1/2 tablespoon honey

Mixtures:
Mix ingredients together.

Application:

Massage onto face in a slow, circular motion and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water.

6) All Skin Types

Honey and Lavender Facial Mask
Get Ready:
1 tablespoon raw honey
3 drops lavender essential oil

Mixtures:

Mix the ingredients, dampen your face with warm water, and smooth on the honey and lavender mixture.

Application:

Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.

I Hate Nightmares

2009-02-16T22:10:00.003+08:00

I had a nightmare early this morning and woke up crying. The feelings were so unpleasant that it left me feeling upset for the whole morning and affected my mood badly. I must be feeling stressful again....

There will be moments when our children cry badly during their sleep, struggling with the fear, unhappy moments and loneliness that they feel in their nightmares. I extracted tips on methods to comfort a child after a nightmare from eHow.com:

Step 1:Comfort the child by holding him. Reassure him that it is okay to feel scared and everyone has dreams and nightmares that are upsetting. Your calm presence will help strengthen the child's sense of security.
Step 2:Ensure that nightmares are not real. Soothe him by saying that it is over and the nightmares cannot hurt him. Children can pick up stress from parents' voices. Use a calm tone to console the child.
Step 3:Familiarize him with his favorite objects in his room. This will help him differentiate between reality and dreams.
Step 4:Offer the child a security object to hold which will help a smooth transition back to sleep. It could be a blanket, pillow, a stuffed toy or soft music.
Step 5:Turn on a dim light and leave the door open for him to overcome his fear.

Brendan's Master Pieces

2009-02-15T21:50:00.010+08:00

Brendan spent his free time in the holidays and at night piecing jigsaws. His "master pieces" are displayed in all the rooms of the house and he parted with some of them as gifts for friends.

We spent about $10 in Mini Toons to purchase each jigsaw and its frame. This hobby helps with his organisation skill, patience, perseverance and the lesson that hardwork yields result. It also touched my heart that my son had put in alot of effort and loving thoughts when he presented a completed jigsaw to me as my previous birthday gift.

Brendan's Favourite Books Are Launched

2009-02-15T21:10:00.008+08:00

Brendan has started the interest of reading James Lee's Mr Midnight and Mr Mystery since he was 7 years old. He will always be on the lookout for the launch of the new series and never fail to remind me to purchase the books as soon as possible.

Till date, 2 years later, he has collected a total of 48 books. Today, a delighted Brendan bought his latest collections namely:

1) Mr Midnight #52

My Cupboard's Full of Cobras

The Girl Next To Me Is A Witch

2) Mr Midnight #53

Terril Tan's Terrible Tongue

Do Not Call This Number

3) Mr Midnight #54

Cross-Country Creeps

The Dead Are Watching

4)Mr Mystery #12

The Mystery of The Body In The Bath

I support Brendan in reading as long as the contents are healthy because it will help him in improving his English and writing skill.

Boundaries

2009-02-15T13:58:00.005+08:00

I basically do not enjoy reading books and can hardly spare time to read one. However, there are moments in my life when I feel that I need inspirational booster and self-motivation. Reading has healing and inspiring effects....

I have been reading this book on "Boundaries" by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend. I must say this is a really good book that gives me insight on how to take control of my life and when to say yes and how to say no.

Amongst others, the book touches on how parents should encourage their children to establish their own boundaries and let the children feel safe enough to say no, and also help their children respect others' boundaries. The book also covers other issues like the ten laws of boundaries and boundaries with our family, friends, children and work.

After reading, I learn that I cannot be a "Superwoman" in managing so much loads on my shoulder and learning how to establish healthy boundaries will help in my life.

My Domestic Helper - Oh My Goodness!

2009-02-14T10:35:00.003+08:00

I have always preferred not having a domestic helper/maid. I am in the 9th year of my parenthood and I have already had 9 domestic helpers and not to mention I was without a domestic helper for a while during this period. Besides 2, who were with me throughout the whole contract, the rest had only short stints ranging from 1 month to 1 year.

The domestic helpers were supposed to relieve this busy mummy of her load but somehow they never make it. Perhaps, I have high expectations, am petty, busybody or simply not having any luck with reliable domestic helper. One thing I know is that many of them did not persevere to have a good relationship with my elderly one at home...

I was conducting my random check of my fridge last night after 2 months and to my horror, I discovered these inside:
1) Liquid of prawns and squids were spilled all over my tray in the fridge
2) Lots of food with overdue expiry dates stocked up
3) Similar food eg. many packets of buns stocked up
4) Chestnut skin flakes spread across the vegetable compartment
5) Rotten vegetables
6) Stench
7) Blood from the raw meat on side handles and on tray
8) Fresh meat bought for almost 2 months and not cooked

I could not help but housekeep my fridge at 1am in the morning! My heart aches as I have to discard so much wasted food and think of how much expired food my kids have consumed without my knowledge and under the "Good Hands" of my domestic helper.

This morning, I gave my domestic helper a session of "enlightenment". Surprisingly, despite my great displeasure last night, I did not raise my voice. She was told:
1) Never to include in the grocery shopping list, items that we have already had plenty
2) Include in the shopping list, food items that are necessary for cooking the following week since I usually plan a detailed menu list for her before the following starts
3) Good Hygiene IN and OUTSIDE the fridge
4) Never waste money or food
5) Check expiry dates of food and never feed us rotten food or food that has expired
6) Cook food items that have earlier expiry dates/purchased earlier first
7) Clean the fridge IMMEDIATELY
8) Always cook leafy vegetables first instead of vegetables that are less perishable
9) Caution us to consume food if the expiry date is near

Although we have to trust our domestic helper in these health, hygiene and wastage issues, this is one instance to show me that it is often better to be safe than sorry. That is never relax but to check. Imagine I have shared with her these rules the first day she joined but still....

My heart still aches to think of how much food I have discarded and what my kids have consumed and no wonder she always complains of insufficient space in the fridge...

Valentine's Day 2009

2009-02-14T10:20:00.005+08:00

It is Valentine's Day again. Any special celebration for me and my loved ones? No, we have stopped celebrating Valentine's Day for a while. Reasons are many.....my "He" has been outstationed, the Occasion is simply too commercialised, our wedding anniversary is just round the corner and 4's a crowd to celebrate (with my two boys who always want to tag along)...

I happened to come upon 2 plush bears and I decided to present them to my boys to let them know that it is Valentine's Day today.

Here's wishing my friends out there "A Happy Valentine's Day".

Go Green Episode 2

2009-02-12T18:33:00.010+08:00

Here I continue my Go Green Episode 2. These are some ways that you may consider encouraging your family members to also do their parts in reducing the utility consumption:

1) Stick friendly stickers, posters to remind family members and domestic helper to constantly reduce utility consumption.
2) Introduce tips in the forms of quiz questions and children get to remember the tips better in the process of thinking
3) Play the “penalty” game with the children if they do do not cooperate

Make it fun!

Try some of these efforts to save utility consumption and derive benefits of savings in utility charges:

1) Reduce Electricity Consumption
- Turn on fan instead of air-conditioner
- Turn off main power switches when not in use
- Switch off lights and electronic products when not in use
- Use energy-saving lamps and equipments
- Configure PCs to energy-saving mode

2) Reduce Water Consumption
- Do not leave water flowing unnecessarily during bath and when washing utensils
- Use half flush in toilets whenever possible
- Turn the tap off after filling pails with water
- Use water use for rinsing clothes for other purposes like floor washing
- Use watering cans to water plants instead of using a hose
- Fix leaking faucets

A little effort means so much.......

What A Strong Boy!

2009-02-11T21:30:00.009+08:00

Little Darren had a fall in school today and ended up with rather bad abrasion and bruises on his knee caps. I brought him to doctor for wound cleansing and medication. I must say "Bravo Darren! Keep It Up!". Throughout the treatment and after he fell, he did not even shed a tear. In fact, he even squeezed out some laughters (while his fingers are clenched) to keep mummy at ease. Teacher and doctor gave him compliments that he is a brave boy, as most children would be wailing away by then.

I remembered earlier incidents when Brendan, elder brother, had a tooth extraction at the dentist. Brendan was very tensed. I did not realise that I had made him feel more nervous, with my worried face and repeated reminders for him not to feel scared of pain. Did not notice until doctor cautioned me that by showing the worried face and re-emphasis of the words "scared" and "pain", I am actually driving more fear into Brendan. That was again one lesson learned for a new mummy.

I believe parents, often in our anxiety and love for the children, might unconsciously display certain actions or expressions that end up not helping the children at all. In some situations, we hope to ease their pain but fail to use the right words. I have encountered parents who end up scolding their children as the children turned hysterical due to fear. Personally, I grow up in a family where my parents are not expressive with words and my mum's way of encouragement is often trhough raising her voice. Not sure whether it is due to our Asian culture where we are not so comfortable of expressing our care and affection for each other.

The lesson I learned after Brendan's incident is to always remain positive, look and sound encouraging in similar situations. I am mindful not to repeat the "Pain" word. Instead, I have learned to use encouraging statements like "You are a brave boy. Mummy is very proud of you" and "You can make it".

Go Green

2009-02-11T20:11:00.005+08:00

I support environmental protection and believe we can all do our parts by practising "Green" actions at home and at workplace. Build the environmental awareness in our kids and lead them to follow the good examples and the effort can go a long way.

Something meaningful by David Haahr (extracted from www.aforestry.com):
"We have borrowed this planet and the RIGHT TO LIVE HERE from our children and we owe it to them to take care of their planet and give it back to them better then we found it."

Would like to share some recycling and reusing efforts that are worth practising at home in this Go Green Episode 1. Thanks to my mum as some practices are passed down from her. The benefits are many like environmental protection, cost savings, setting good examples to the kids, promoting some creative ideas along the way and...... So why not?

1) Paper boxes (eg. tissue boxes, game boxes, electronic product boxes)
exercise art and craft skill here to create i) handy boxes for storage of jewelleries, stationery items, toys etc. ii) "piggy" banks iii) magazine holders iv) friendly signages at home v) bookmarks vi) cards vii) compartments in drawers and others

2) Used plastic/glass containers
i) contain salt, sugar, flour, sweets, cookies, sauces, liquid toiletry items and others ii) paint on glass containers and create self-designed vases and others

3) Old clothes
used as rag and colourful old pieces can be cut as materials for artwork

4) Tin containers (eg. mooncake boxes)
used to contain sewing kits, cards, small items like toy figurines etc. and as compartments in drawers and others.

5) Old torned blankets
cut out the beautiful cartoons and pictures on the blanket to create beautiful artwork

6) Ice cream sticks
painted and used for kids' art and craft and as base of reused boxes

7) Traditional calendars, old diaries and one-sided used copy papers
for the kids to take down notes, draw etc and to jot down my daily instructions for my domestic helper, always practise printing on both sides of paper (wherever possible)

8) Water for rinsing handwashed clothes
wash balcony and compound outside the house

The examples can go on and on and so just let your imagination go creative! Will continue in Episode 2...

So next time before you discard these items, think twice on how you could recycle and reuse them. Before you depart for your next shopping trip, you might want to bring along your reusable bags:)

Most importantly, REMEMBER, our children, their children and grandchildren and so forth will benefit from our thoughtful practices.

1 vs 2

2009-02-10T12:02:00.010+08:00

I recalled a friend telling me before that it is a different parenting experience to have 2 kids instead of 1. This is definitely the most genuine advice that I have received. "Kudos to mummy who has kids!".

It is a whole new parenting experience to manage "2 apples of mummy's eyes" vs "apple of mummy's eyes". My only boy, Brendan, used to enjoy all the attention and new stuff. Now with a little brother, Darren, he has to share mummy's love and personal stuff with bro. It has become an everyday affair for the boys to complain and fight over every little routine in life. I guess this has added much LIFE to this used-to-be quiet family.

Truth about my eldest child
1) Expected to share things with or give in to younger sibling
2) EXpected to set good examples
3) Tends to have brand new stuff
4) Tends to feel neglected and expected to be more independant (being eldest, to take care of himself/herself)
5) Tends to be bossy
6) Tends to feel insecure

Truth about my youngest child
1) Loves to complain about eldest brother
2) Tends to put blames on eldest brother
3) Possesses eldest brother's pass-on items but never stop to, in his own rights, request for new stuff or similar items that eldest brother is possessing
4) Tends to imitate eldest brother's actions and behaviour
5) Loves to make comparisons with eldest brother and to keep in par

I love both my boys. However, showing impartiality in the eyes of the children is a skill that I am still trying to master. My children compare and fight for everything under the sun. It certainly has not been easy according equal time to each boy. I recall all these moments:

** Brendan: "Mummy why do you buy Darren so many things as Christmas gifts? I only have 1 PS3!"
Oops! Mummy and papa have thought that by buying Brendan a PS3, he will value the gift and also share it with little bro, but we have neglected that children do not look at the price value but compare the quantities.

** Darren: "Why Gor Gor always bathe first and I must wait?"
Oops! Mummy now must remember to let the kids take fair turns.

** Brendan: "Why Darren always get to sit besides you in restaurants and I cannot?"
Oops! Mummy has to repeatedly explain to Brendan that Darren is young and needs help from mummy.

** Darren: "You say goodnight to Gor Gor 3 times but only say it to me 2 times."
Oops! By the time, mummy uttered 1 more time of "Goodnight" to Darren, Brendan also rattled out 1 last time of "Goodnight" and Darren ended up sobbing.

The feeling of competition and needs for fairness surfaces in the daily lives of my young ones. It is only possible through daily exposure with them for a mummy to learn how to handle each situation tactfully and not to seem unfair in either's eyes. I am not sure whether it is fortunate or unfortunate that I never have a sibling to fight with. Perhaps, fighting and vying for fairness is part and parcel of kids' growing up.

If Only There Are More Hours in A Day

2009-02-10T10:50:00.017+08:00

24 hours a day has always seems very short for me. Take away the working, sleeping, running errands and personal hours, how much time can a working mum exactly spare for her family?

I have always made it a point to interact with my 2 boys daily. It has become a MUST in my life, as best as I could, to go through my kids' homework and schools' letters and interact with them the daily happenings in their lives. Time is also set aside to prepare them for spelling, personal tuitions, enrichment courses and indulge them in outdoor fun and family home activities. Even when it is mummy's nights off, I always call home to give my young ones a goodnight kiss.

I must say it has not been easy amidst a career to run errands, spend time with kids, get the family organised and squeeze out some personal moments..It is definitely important to have spousal and family support. However, I have been reminding myself that "Hey! I can do better!". So far, nobody has ever said to me "Jiayou, Mummy, Jiayou!" I guess, one just needs a little bit of self encouragement to excel in the journey that she has chosen...Tough as it may seem, however, I am enjoying every bit of my parenting experience. "Learning to enjoy every busy moment has taught me not to look at it as a chore but yet another milestone that my kids and I can achieve in life."

I am not sure whether other mothers are sharing similar sentiments but I feel that there are so much more that I could accomplish for my kids. If only there are more hours in a day....